The Biggest Little Boat - 12' Scamp Microcruiser Sailboat

The Scamp is a seaworthy 12' sailboat that can handle a good dose of adventure. Just under 12 feet in length, Scamp boasts an unusual combination of features that give her the unique ability to explore waters too shallow for a larger boat, while retaining most of the bigger boat's comforts and capabilities.

An offset centerboard opens up the cockpit and an 8'3" sleeping area, and 172 pounds of water ballast provide exceptional stability. A pair of grounding skegs on her flat bottom keep Scamp perfectly upright when landing on a beach or when the tide goes out.

Gig Harbor Boat Works' fiberglass version of this delightful design created by John Welsford is lightweight, durable, and capable of holding all the cargo you need for your next adventure!

[KlingonCaptain]

19 thousand dollars, though... I've seen seaworthy bluewater sailboats in the 32-foot range for that.

[gornal]

Really great overview and honestly represents the Scamp well. We've been sailing our Scamp for four years now and absolutely love it. It really IS as great as the video suggests. Thanks for making a great boat. So whimsical, but so tough, incredibly practical and enjoyable.

[davidaustin]

Just love your boat. A little like the Skipper 17, which is a little larger. Why is it everyone likes to go BIG? Small, to me, is much more fun. Thanks for posting. 👍

[kevinbwillson]

This little charmer is a boyhood dream come true

[philgreen]

A fantastic boat. I once had a clinker built 12 foot boat, and often wondered what else I could do with it other than rowing ? The Scamp is the answer.

[Inkling]

Many thanks for this review. I've been attracted to the Peep Hen because it has some of the same advantages as the Scamp, but they're out of production and almost impossible to find. The Peep Hen does have a much more comfortable cabin, so Gig Harbor Boat Works might want to consider bringing a boat much like it back into production. The two would go well together.

[melvinolthof]

Looks like a smal dutch skutjse ship only way smaller its a very nice boat i like the design

[felixcat]

This is a well proven design and a superb camping cruiser with exceptional sailing characteristics.

A boom tent or bimini enables the Crew to get comfortable for relaxing, cooking and sleeping.

A Lenihan Charcoal Heater would be a welcome addition for adventures when it's cold and damp.

This is a lot of boat in a very compact configuration, and the book, A Boat Called Scamp, by Dick Herman & Friends is well worth getting.

[cattaraugustonawanda]

Interesting boat! Reminds me of the SF Pelican, Bolger's "Old Shoe" and "Micro".

[dominikz.]

This boat is awesome and cheap, just get a boat loan / financing and plan to keep it for ten years and it’s worth it. Wood boats are the best and this one with full enclosure and oars and outboard is THE ULTIMATE BOAT—you can choose any propulsion type ! This things the best

[philiporourke]

A bigger cabin to lay down and sleep would be perfect, great vid . Thanx.

[MrKeymosabe]

I have a Slipper by Seaward Yacht and it is the original
( biggest little boat ) built in 1986 off shore
17 Ft long, 8 ft. beam, full keel, cabin with two berths and sink.

[jimcottrell]

Looks like The Atlantic crossing ‘Tinkerbell’.

[owenraymondlattimore]

How do you fill and empty the ballast tanks😮

[davethefoxmage]

Do you come to any boat shows in the Midwest? I've been doing some research and this looks like it would fit my needs perfectly - I'd love to see one in person.

[michaelfarkas]

why the motor though? i hate seeing those gross motors on these little sailboats. i would think it creates a lot of drag on such a small boat, and what is the point if you have oars and sails?

[ALoonwolf]

If I ever get a solid boat I think the SCAMP would be my choice. Yet the more I look at boats the more I see how my inflatable boat might still be a better choice. I don't need a mooring or any transportation as it is easily carried anywhere, I have no intention of sailing across the sea to other countries, and though it seems weaker yet if you slam your inflatable boat into rocks it just bounces off, and instead of scraping across things the hull just moves out of the way!

[fredjensen]

what kind of center board is used for the sail version

[netpackrat]

Any thought of a production GRP version of the Welsford Penguin?

[floater]

I have a 20' 16m2 that I trailer, launch, sail and retrieve by myself. I too can raise the rig on the water, by myself.