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Jimmy Skiff II Wooden Boat Kit sailing solo on the Severn River, MD
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Jimmy Skiff with two men motoring using a 2-hp Honda outboard.
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A 2-hp Honda outboard drives this Jimmy Skiff II and its two passengers.
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A man rowing with a passenger from the front rowing station of a CLC Jimmy Skiff II.
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John Harris sailing a Jimmy Skiff on a gorgeous day on the Severn River in Annapolis, MD.
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John Harris, CEO of Chesapeake Light Craft, showing off his rowing skills in his Jimmy Skiff II. His ultra-cool sunglasses and confident rowing posture augment the boat's beauty.
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John Harris sailing a Jimmy Skiff on the Severn River in Annapolis, MD.
Jimmy Skiff II Wooden Boat Kit sailing solo on the Severn River, MD Thumbnail
Jimmy Skiff with two men motoring using a 2-hp Honda outboard.  Thumbnail
A 2-hp Honda outboard drives this Jimmy Skiff II and its two passengers. Thumbnail
A man rowing with a passenger from the front rowing station of a CLC Jimmy Skiff II. Thumbnail
John Harris sailing a Jimmy Skiff on a gorgeous day on the Severn River in Annapolis, MD.  Thumbnail
John Harris, CEO of Chesapeake Light Craft, showing off his rowing skills in his Jimmy Skiff II. His ultra-cool sunglasses and confident rowing posture augment the boat's beauty.  Thumbnail
John Harris sailing a Jimmy Skiff on the Severn River in Annapolis, MD.  Thumbnail

Jimmy Skiff II

Builder Testimonials

The original Jimmy Skiff was launched by Chesapeake Light Craft in 1998. An immediate success, this straightforward 13-foot skiff has remained popular for over twenty years.

  • Skill Level Beginner
  • Estimated Build Time 120 Hours

Build this boat if...

  • You want a boat that will give you days of family fun on the water.
  • You seek a stable, lightweight craft for fishing or gunkholing.
  • You are looking for a comfortable day sailer that rows well and can be fitted with an engine.
  • You want a nifty sail trainer. 
  • In-Depth Manual

    Meticulous, fully-illustrated instructions

  • Quality Materials

    Only the best professional-grade materials

  • Superior Support

    Tech support is free and unlimited

Build Your Kit

Take One of our Boatbuilding Classes

We offer classes for many of the boats we sell. Teaching sites stretch from Maryland to Washington State and from Maine to California. Click here to find out more.

Specifications

Length
13' 2"
Beam
52"
Rowing Draft
4"
Sailing Draft
24"
Sail Area
68 sq. ft.
Hull Weight
150 lbs.
Max Payload
525 lbs.

Performance

Stability

5 out of 5
Very Tippy
Very Stable

Speed

3 out of 5
Cruiser
Racer

Cockpit Room

5 out of 5
Close Fit
Huge Cockpit

Payload

4 out of 5
Day Tripper
Freight Hauler

Ease of Construction

5 out of 5
Requires Patience
Very Easy
Jimmy Skiff II sailing just off Port Townsend, WA during the Wooden Boat Festival.
Jimmy Skiff II sailing just off Port Townsend, WA during the Wooden Boat Festival.

Overview

The original Jimmy Skiff was launched by Chesapeake Light Craft in 1998. An immediate success, this straightforward 13-foot skiff has remained popular for twenty years.

Designer John C. Harris has been working on a clean-sheet redesign since 2012. The prototype was launched in 2017 and was in testing for 18 months.

The Jimmy Skiff II is the same length as its predecessor and only an inch or two wider, but it's a higher-volume, stiffer boat. Here are the main differences:

1. The hull shape and the transom have been modified to allow easy and safe use of a small outboard engine. (2-3hp is plenty.) The original Jimmy Skiff had no provision for an engine at all.

2. The interior of the Jimmy Skiff II is "tanked in." In other words, a lot of flotation is built into the hull in the form of comfortable bench seats. This makes the boat easy to right from a capsize. The flotation also conforms to US Coast Guard regulations for positive buoyancy, allowing the Jimmy Skiff II to carry an engine.

3. You sit on bench seats while sailing, instead of on the floor!

4. The sailing rig is 15% larger, and more powerful.

Those looking for a super-versatile utility skiff will be hard-pressed to find a better design. The Jimmy Skiff II rows beautifully, sails fast on all points, and handles great with an outboard engine.

Payload is 500-550 lbs.

Our computer-cut kits feature all of the latest tweaks to allow construction by first-timers, including slot-together frames, pre-drilled holes for stitching-and-gluing, puzzle joints, and Ikea-like precision in the fitting of parts.

Buying Options

Choose Your Boatbuilding Experience

Building your boat starts with selecting the appropriate components for your build.

  1. Select Your Configuration

    Build From a Kit:
    Most builders will start with the Base Kit. If you plan to sail your new boat, you will also need to order the Sailing Component Kit.
    Build From Scratch:
    Source your own materials and hardware, and work from full-sized patterns.
    Build From a Wood Parts Only Kit:
    "Wood Parts Only" kit buyers have their own supply of epoxy, fiberglass, and hardware.
    Order Study Plans or Manuals:
    Like to study up a bit first? Download study plans or a copy of the assembly manual.

  2. Choose Options and Add-Ons

    Additional Components:
    If this is a rowing/sailing boat, you’ll need the Sailing Component Kit. You can also choose different sail colors, order a Line & Cordage Package, add nonskid decking, storage covers, and more.

  3. Get Building!

    Computer-cut kits feature all of the latest tweaks for easy assembly, including slot-together frames, pre-drilled holes for stitching-and-gluing, puzzle joints, and precision in the fitting of parts.

Standard Configuration

Nearly every builder will start with the Base Kit. If you plan to sail your new boat you will also need to order the Sailing Component Kit.

Sale
$1,998.00 $1,598.40

The Jimmy Skiff II base kit includes a lavishly illustrated,...

$2,285.00

Jimmy Skiff II sailing component kits include the CNC-cut oko...

Alternative Configurations

We also offer the Wood Parts Kit as a stand alone option. Typical wood parts only kit buyers have an existing or ready supply of their own epoxy, fiberglass, and hardware.

$1,499.00

The Jimmy Skiff II "wood parts only" kit includes computer-cu...

$219.00

The plans-and-manual package for Jimmy Skiff II is for builde...

$69.00

This option comprises the latest version of the full-color, s...

$59.00

  This option comprises the latest version of the illustrated...

$2.99

You can get printable study plans for most of your favorite ...

Additional Options

The Sail Upgrade or our Line and Cordage Package are popular choices for many of our builders.

$170.00

Add this option to the Sailing Component Kit (with Sail) to g...

$170.00

Add this option to the Sailing Component Kit (with Sail) to g...

$111.00

Line and Cordage Package for the Jimmy Skiff II Sailing Rig: ...

Father and child sailing a CLC Jimmy Skiff.
Father and child sailing a CLC Jimmy Skiff.

What builders are saying

Your Jimmy Skiff Kit was perfectly suited for my modest construction skills allowing me to gain confidence and new skills as I went along. Your technical staff were always ready to gently explain what to do when I was confused or had a problem.

Norman E. | OR
Verified Builder

Thank you for teaching the Jimmy Skiff class at the Wooden Boat School and helping me accomplish my goal of building a boat. I am very proud of my efforts.

Betty J. | PA
Verified Builder

We built our Jimmy Skiff during COVID lockdown for our COVID baby, born in June 2020. There could not be a better silver lining, she loves it! The perfect family sailboat.

Allison S. | CT
Verified Builder

About this time last year I bought a set of plans for the Jimmy Skiff, the plans and drawings are excellent and cover the building procedure very well. Over the next three months my boys (ages 12, 10 and 8) and I worked on it here and there as time allowed; it came together quickly.

Neil W. | MO
Verified Builder

Videos

The Jimmy Skiff II By Chesapeake Light Craft

Building the CLC Jimmy Skiff II

A look at my finished Jimmy Skiff II and taking it for a maiden voyage

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I order this kit?

Click on the Buying Options tab the top left of this page and follow the directions.

What are the differences between the original Jimmy Skiff and the new one?

While both boats are 13-foot (3.96 m), flat-bottomed skiffs, the designs have considerable differences.  The Jimmy Skiff MK II has a long, open cockpit with longitudinal flotation tanks for seats, a bit less rocker than the original in the hull, a stronger transom that will handle an outboard engine, a slightly fuller bow, a taller mast, and a larger 68 square foot (6.32 sq m) "leg-o-mutton" sail.  The daggerboard trunk is offset into the starboard seat in order to maintain a long, open cockpit.  The new Jimmy Skiff II requires two more sheets of plywood than the original, resulting in a boat that is slightly heavier, but considerably stronger than the original design.

How much does the Jimmy Skiff weigh?

The designed weight is 120 pounds (54 kg).  Most builders will finish between 120 and 130 pounds (60 kg). 

What is the Jimmy Skiff's payload?

525 lbs (238 kg).  When sailing, payload is limited to 500 lbs (227 kg).

How big of an engine can the Jimmy Skiff II handle?

The Jimmy Skiff is not designed to operate at high speeds under power.  A 2- or 3-hp outboard will power the Jimmy Skiff to around 6 knots with two adults and a child on board; any more power is unnecessary and potentially dangerous. The transom is designed for a short-shaft (15") engine.  The maximum allowed engine weight is 40 pounds (18 kg), but the boat will move more efficiently and comfortably with less weight hanging on the transom.  Two-stroke engines give the best power-to-weight ratio, but are less environmentally friendly than modern four-stroke engines.  A 30-lb to 50-lb thrust electric trolling motor is an excellent option.

How well does the Jimmy Skiff tow behind a bigger boat?

With the large, deep skeg and a properly located bow eye, the Jimmy Skiff is well balanced and tracks well under tow.

Can two people row the Jimmy Skiff II in tandem?

No. The two rowing stations are meant to accommodate multiple seating options.  For solo trips, you'll row from the midships station.  With passengers sitting aft, you'll move the seat forward and row from the optional forward oarlocks to balance the boat.  Adjustable rowing seats span the cockpit.

Can the Jimmy Skiff be kept in davits?

Sure, on a large enough boat or dock.  If you plan to use davits or a mechanical hoist you should install backing plates and hardware in the forward bulkhead and/or seat sides before installing the forward deck or seat tops.   Install a drain plug in the hull bottom and keep it open while the boat is hanging high and dry to prevent the hull from filling with water.

What sort of trailer do I need for the Jimmy Skiff?

The smallest of boat trailers will do. We tow ours on the Trailex SUT-250-SCLC, a lightweight, aluminum trailer that conveniently ships to your door via UPS.

How skilled do I need to be to build my own Jimmy Skiff?

Patient first-time boatbuilders who have some experience with epoxy and fiberglass can easily manage a Jimmy Skiff, especially working from a CLC kit.  We have gone to tremendous lengths to simplify assembly without compromising the boat's appearance or function. 

Can I build the Jimmy Skiff II as a rowing version first and add the sail kit later?

Yes. The Base Kit includes the daggerboard trunk and mast deck cut-out, as these are integral structural members of the Jimmy Skiff II.  Converting to sail means adding a mast step, mast partner, daggerboard, rudder, tiller, mast, spar, sail, and rigging. These components can be added at any future time, even the daggerboard trunk.

How long will it take to build the Jimmy Skiff?

Budget around 120 hours for the boat and 150 hours of hands-on time for a completely outfitted sailing version.

Can I build the Jimmy Skiff in one of your build-your-own classes?

Absolutely! The classes get you through about 45 hours of construction, which is enough time to complete the major assemblies and have the boat fully sealed with epoxy.  You'll take care of the finish sanding, painting, and varnishing at home.  Check out clcboats.com/classes for the latest schedule of our build-your-own classes. 

I may want to build the Jimmy Skiff from scratch. What are the plans and manual like?

Plans for the Jimmy Skiff include full-sized patterns for every part in the boat, including parts for the sailing rig option.  The manual includes hundreds of step-by-step color photos and diagrams covering the entire build process, including scarfing plywood.

Can you send me the plans digitally?

Sorry, but until digital rights management technology for marine architectural work catches up to that used for books and music, we are unable to transmit digital plans. Currently, only study plans and manuals can be sent digitally.

Versatility for Sail, Power or Oar

Jimmy Skiff with two men motoring using a 2-hp Honda outboard.

Jimmy Skiff II's Transom & Hull Design

The hull shape and the transom have been modified to allow easy and safe use of a small outboard engine. (2-3hp is plenty.) The original Jimmy Skiff had no provision for an engine at all.

John Harris, CEO of Chesapeake Light Craft, showing off his rowing skills in his Jimmy Skiff II. His ultra-cool sunglasses and confident rowing posture augment the boat's beauty.

Jimmy Skiff II's Built in Flotation

The interior of the Jimmy Skiff II is "tanked in." In other words, a lot of flotation is built into the hull in the form of comfortable bench seats. This makes the boat easy to right from a capsize.

John Harris sailing a Jimmy Skiff on a gorgeous day on the Severn River in Annapolis, MD.

Jimmy Skiff II is built around comfortable sailing

You sit on bench seats while sailing, instead of on the floor and the sailing rig is 15% larger, and more powerful than the original Jimmy Skiff

Classes

Take One of our Boatbuilding Classes

We offer classes for many of the boats we sell. Teaching sites stretch from Maryland to Washington State and from Maine to California. Click here to find out more.

View Classes

Need Help Building it?

We’re here to help with any questions you might have during the build process.

Phone

Available Mon – Fri, 9am–5pm EST

410.267.0137

Email

We answer emails 7 days a week and within 24 hours

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