The Jersey Skiff is a stunning boat with a rich heritage. She was designed in the mid-1800’s to be beach-launched and rowed through surf for rescue and salvage work. This required a boat that was stable and fast, had a high carrying capacity, and was easy to handle even when short-handed. The resulting design marries the best attributes of the classic Whitehall and New England Dory hulls, as the the fine bow slices through chop without pounding, while the tumblehome transom tracks with the surety of a Whitehall. A small flat section on the bottom reduces draft, and allows the Jersey Skiff to sit solidly on a beach, while increasing stability whether rowing or sailing.

Our full-size reproduction of the Jersey Skiff can be easily handled by one person, yet sails comfortably with as many as 4 adults aboard. The Jersey Skiff can be equipped with as many as 3 rowing positions.

A fully custom sailing version with optional deck, wood trim and roller furling.

The same boat on a tropical beach in the South Pacific.

We offer two versions of the Jersey Skiff: an open boat and a decked version. The open boat is best for those primarily interested in using the Jersey Skiff for rowing, or who want the ultimate economical workhorse. Adding a deck (+4" LOA / +60lbs. Displacement) will keep the boat drier when sailing in rough conditions and is very attractive. The deck is not required for structural integrity. Motors of up to 4 hp will work well with this boat, and long shaft motors are preferred. A motor can be clamped directly onto the transom of an open version but the decked version will require a bolt-on motor bracket.