Before the advent of the outboard motor, rowing/sailing skiffs
were common on Chesapeake Bay. They were used for crabbing, fishing, transporting goods,
and enjoying summer evenings with a friend. Many local kids could row their dad's skiff
long before they could ride a bicycle.
Today's skiffs, though, are designed for outboard motors; they don't row or sail half as well as the older types. But the Jimmy skiff is a modern adaptation of those older designs. She rows easily and won't drag her transom even with three stout watermen (or a family of four) aboard. If you've only rowed a modern "rowboat" you'll be amazed at how well a proper skiff moves.
| Her leg-o-mutton sail is simple as can be - what a great way to learn to sail! With 60 square feet of sail, she'll ghost nicely in the lightest zephyrs, and scoot right along in a fresh breeze. It takes but 5 minutes to rig her for sail. |
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Unlike fiberglass skiffs, the Jimmy skiff is light enough to be easily car-topped or hoisted onto the deck of a larger cruising boat. And, yes, you could mount a little 2 or 3 hp outboard if you absolutely had to. The basic kit is the rowing version. An optional sailing kit makes the mast, sprit boom, dagger board and trunk and rudder. The sail itself is available as a kit (or finished) from SailRite Company. All the parts are pre-cut on a CNC router and the Jimmy skiff is simple to build.
 Of course, all the epoxy, fiberglass, and hardware is included. Additionally we even include a set of beautiful traditional bronze oarlocks. |
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By the way, a "jimmy" is a male blue crab; a female is a "sook."
Kit $1099 plus shipping and handling.
Sailing Option $999 with sail ($699 without sail) plus shipping and handling.
Plan Set $59 plus shipping and handling.
Shipping and Handling for continental U.S. only.
Prices are in U.S. Currency; Maryland residents add 5% Sales Tax.
