20′ Fisher Skipjack

Description

20′ Fisher Skipjack Boat Plans – Classic American Workboat Style, Seaworthy & Easy to Build

The Skipjack is one of North America’s most iconic traditional boats, with roots tracing back to the late 1800s. Originally seen in the Gulf of Mexico, Martha’s Vineyard, and Chesapeake Bay, this rugged craft was designed for fishing and oystering in challenging waters. With her wide beam, deadrise hull, and beautifully flared topsides, the Skipjack combines strength, seaworthiness, and timeless “salty” charm.

Our Skipjack boat plans make it possible for home builders to recreate this classic working boat in an accessible, affordable way. Construction uses simple plywood plank-over-frame methods with pre-shaped girders, frames, and bulkheads. The centreboard case integrates neatly into the backbone, while stringers and ply planking create a strong yet lightweight hull. For ballast, the design stays true to tradition, using scrap steel or lead in the bilges—keeping costs down without compromising safety.

Inside, the standard layout includes twin berths, a space for a compact galley and WC, and a large, comfortable cockpit—ideal for days on the water or weekend cruising. The interior is highly adaptable, so you can customize the fit-out to match your sailing style.

For easy trailering, the plans also include alternative frame widths to keep the overall beam within the 2.55m towing limit.

Key Features:

• Classic Skipjack heritage with sweeping sheer and gaff rig charm

• Proven ply plank-over-frame construction – affordable & straightforward

• Twin berths with space for galley and WC

• Spacious self-draining cockpit for comfort underway or at anchor

• Ballast carried in bilges – simple, economical, and effective

• Trailerable beam option (2.55m) for easy transport

Whether you dream of building a traditional coastal cruiser, a rugged day sailor, or a distinctive project with real character, the Skipjack offers seaworthiness, history, and a unique look that turns heads wherever she sails.

 Specifications

Description	Imperial	Metric
LOA	20'8"	6.30m
Beam	8'8" or 8'4"	2.64m or 2.55m
Hull Mid Depth	2'11"	0.88m
Draft	1'7 3/4" or 3'10"	0.5m or 1.17m
Sail Area	231 sq.ft	21.5 sq.m
Estimated Dry weight	2646 lbs	1200 kg
Ballast	882 lbs	400kg
Head Room	4'8"	1.42cm
Berths	2 + 2 in the cockpit
Hull Shape	V bottom, single chine
Construction method	ply plank over frame
Plywood requirements	10 x 6mm sheets 16 x 9mm sheets 6 x 12mm sheets
Drawing/ Design Package	9 x A1 drawings	10 x A4 instructions
Guidance usage	Estuary, coastal, cross channel, off shore
Additions and alterations included with the plans