16′ Selway Fisher Melonseed Skiff

Description

16’ Selway Fisher Melonseed Skiff Plans – Classic Style & Smooth Sailing

The 16’ Selway Fisher Melonseed Skiff blends traditional beauty with modern practicality. Inspired by the gunning boats of New Jersey, she was built for open and estuary waters where conditions could be choppy. With her fine lines, low profile, and raked transom, she is fast, elegant, and seaworthy.

This modern version keeps the classic charm but adds convenience for today’s sailor. First, the strip-plank hull gives strength and a smooth finish. Next, the pivoted plywood centreboard makes shallow-water sailing easier than the old daggerboard style. The flat bottom plank runs forward and curves gracefully aft, which makes fitting the centreboard case simple and straightforward.

Her wineglass stern and traditional sprit rig complete the design. As a result, she sails quickly, handles easily, and looks stunning on the water.

Whether you want a boat for estuary cruising, inland waters, or simply a rewarding project, the Selway Fisher Melonseed Skiff plans give you a small craft with timeless elegance and modern usability.

✅ Key Features:

• LOA: 16’ – lightweight and fast

• Based on classic New Jersey melonseed boats

• Strip-plank construction for strength and beauty

• Pivoted plywood centreboard for shallow sailing

• Single boomed sprit rig – simple and safe

• Graceful wineglass stern and traditional lines

Specifications

Description	Imperial	Metric
LOA	16'1"	4.91m
Beam	5'7"	1.70m
Hull Mid Depth	1' 6"	0.45m
Draft	6" or 3' 1.5"	0.15m or 0.95m
Sail Area	97 sq.ft	9 sq.m
Estimated Dry weight	430lbs	195kg
Hull Shape	Stripped planked round bilge
Construction method	Strip plank
Strip wood requirements	340m 9x33mm
Drawing/ Design Package	5 x A1 drawings	9 x A4 instructions
Guidance usage	3 - 4 adults