SKU SH12-C Category

Shimmy 12 Mk2

The Shimmy 12 is a safe, stable, seaworthy little boat that is capable of sailing safely in over 25 knots of wind (up to force 6) and of being handled by a beginner or a person with more experience than agility. The flared bow keeps the green water out and the seat-top scuppers drain nearly all of the spray. The simple, unstayed, loose-footed standing lug rig means you can launch within 10 minutes. Single-handed sailing is easy, especially with no centreboard to worry about, and oars and motor batteries are all stowed neatly and securely, ready for immediate use. The long and straight fixed keel needs no tending, has no moving parts, gives excellent directional stability, and gives full windward performance right into the shallows. The cockpit provides ample room for 4 to sail and 2 to camp in comfort under canvas.

 

AVAILABLE!

All of our kits are made to order and prices fluctuate due to changes in material cost. For current pricing (good for three months) and to place an order, please email us using the form below.

Scruffie Marine Shimmy 12 sailboat sailing on a lake
Scruffie Marine Shimmy 12 sailboat sailing on a lake


  • Length Overall (LOA): 3.73m (12ft 3in)
  • Beam: 1.65m (5ft 5in)
  • Hull Weight: 110kg (243lbs)
  • Draft: 0.36m (1ft 2in)
  • Sail Area: 7.03sqm (75sf)

Please note, these Designer’s Notes refer to the Shimmy 12 Mk1.

In designing the Shimmy, I had one clear objective in mind: to produce a simple 12ft family boat that was superior to anything on the market. The new boat had to be safe & stable enough for beginners, families or retirees and forgiving when they get it all wrong. Modestly rigged, Shimmy still had to sail well, yet be easily rowed or outboarded. Here, then, in no particular order, is the final list of requirements I set for my brief. The new boat had to have or had to be:

  • The easiest self-assembly boat of its kind in the world.
  • Available ready to sail.
  • An ultra simple, foolproof, boomless, lugsail rig for safety.
  • Able to be rigged and launched in under 10 minutes.
  • Able to sail safely in winds in excess of 25 knots and swell of 2 metres.
  • Able to seat 4 adults in comfort and have enough buoyancy to support them inside the boat when fully swamped.
  • Enough room for 2 people to camp overnight under a boom tent.
  • No centreboard or daggerboard to clutter the cockpit.
  • Neat, efficient stowage for 2 batteries and a decent pair of oars.
  • Designed for electric power as well as petrol.
  • Excellent general stowage capacity and both mast and spar should fit inside the boat.
  • Flared forward sections for a dry boat but class leading form stability.
  • Self-draining at seat level.
  • Easily towable with a 1500cc car.
  • Able to be rigged, launched, and sailed single-handedly.
  • Fitted with a folding bimini top or awning for the summer.
  • Draw less than 400mm (16in).
  • Easy to repair and maintain.
  • Last, but not least, a pleasure to own and sail.

Clearly compromises had to be made to fulfill the very demanding criteria, yet all the criteria have been fulfilled and she’s come up trumps every time. She will reach all day at better than 4 knots with a wonderful steady helm and get you home safely in weather that sends lesser boats scuttling for shelter.

We challenge you to find another 12-footer anywhere in the world that will, point by point, fulfill the same demanding criteria.

Derek Ellard
Designer

COMING SOON!

COMING SOON!

COMING SOON!

Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.
Name