17′ Jersey Skiff

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 up to 3 rowing positions.

The Jersey Skiff is a stunning boat with a rich heritage. Designed in the mid-1800s for beach-launched rescue and salvage work through heavy surf, she needed to be stable, fast, high in carrying capacity, and easy to handle, even short-handed.

The result is a hull that marries the best of the classic Whitehall and New England Dory. A fine bow slices through chop without pounding, while the tumblehome transom tracks with the surety of a Whitehall. A small flat section along the bottom reduces draft and lets the Jersey Skiff sit solidly on a beach, all while increasing stability under oar or sail.

Three Versions, One Proven Hull

We offer the Jersey Skiff in three configurations to suit how you plan to use her:

Open Rowboat — Best for those primarily interested in rowing or looking for the ultimate economical workhorse. Clean, simple, and ready to work.

Expedition Rowboat — Adds a full deck (+4″ LOA / +60 lbs. displacement) that keeps the boat significantly drier when rowing in rough conditions. It looks great, too.

Decked Sailboat – The full expedition package with sailing rig, for those who want the complete versatility of the Jersey Skiff under oar and sail.

Under Oar and Power

All versions include a single sliding rowing seat, which can be fixed in place when desired. Lock the seat in the aft position and the Jersey Skiff can be rowed tandem. We recommend 9′ spoon blade oars.

If you’d like motor backup, you absolutely can. On the open rowboat, an outboard clamps directly to the transom. On the decked sailboat, we install an optional offset motor bracket that allows you to run the motor without removing the rudder. A 2 hp long-shaft motor is more than sufficient.

Jersey Skiff Full Specifications

	Rowboat	Sailboat
LOA:	16’6″	16’11”
BEAM:	69″
DISPLACEMENT:	300 lbs	360 lbs
SAIL AREA:	Main, 63 sq. ft. Jib, 32 sq. ft.
Model-Specific Options:	Genoa jib sail w/ roller furling Storage hatches in port & starboard seats

Jersey Skiff Insights & Adventures

Wild Places in Prince William Sound

This summer’s voyage marked the first time a Jersey Skiff and Salish Voyager have been seen together out in the wild.

What’s the difference between the Jersey Skiff and the Melonseed?

One of the most common questions we get is, “What’s the difference between the Jersey Skiff and the Melonseed?” In this new video, our founder Dave Robertson tells us about the shared heritage that these boats have as working vessels on the Eastern seaboard.