Description
The Marisol Skiff is a compact, 12-foot-6-inch (3.8-meter) wooden daysailer boat designed by New Zealand naval architect Gifford Jackson. First introduced in the early 2000s, it's renowned for its rugged simplicity, making it ideal for beginners or experienced builders seeking a versatile tender or solo sailer. Key features include:
Construction: Stitch-and-glue plywood method with multiple strakes for a traditional lapstrake appearance, plus built-in buoyancy compartments fore and aft for safety.
Performance: Stable and responsive under sail, with a shallow draft suitable for beaching or trailering. It's often praised for its "delightfully simple" rigging and ease of handling in varied conditions.
Dimensions: Length overall: 12'6"; beam: ~5'2"; displacement: ~250 lbs (empty).
Building Resources: Detailed plans and a step-by-step building guide are available in Jackson's 2005 book The Marisol Skiff, which won a ForeWord INDIES Silver Medal for Hobbies & Crafts. The book includes full-scale patterns, making it accessible for home builders.
If you're interested in building one, plans can be purchased from sources like the WoodenBoat Store or Nimbus Publishing. Enthusiasts often share build logs on forums like WoodenBoat, highlighting its forgiving nature for first-time boatbuilders.
