John’s Sharpie is based on the design of an old New England work boat, updated to provide an 18 foot boat that is a spirited day sailer and an able camp cruiser. Its stitch-and-glue construction produces a lightweight hull, while the two cockpit design adds strength, stiffness and provides seating for up to 4 adults. Since the Sharpie uses a daggerboard , it is easily beached and, if fitted with boom tents, it can comfortably camp-cruise for two. The Sharpie is a superb performer without the complications of a racing boat: it is light enough to be beached by two people whilst being capable of accommodating 4.

Sharpies are designed to be fast and dry: you sit in this one rather than on it. The forward cockpit has two braced seating positions one on either side of the dagger board case: the rest of the cockpit is flat and un-impeded. The aft cockpit is flat and un-impeded. There are six to eight inch wide side decks that make it easier to get in to the boat. The kit is sold without any seating so that customers can configure the accommodation how they want it. The two booms are high up above the heads of most people. The cat ketch rig is fast to set up and easy to sail - tacking requires only a push of the tiller. The boat can be sailed single handed since the sheets are lead aft.

John’s Sharpie
LOA 18’ 1”
Beam 4’ 6”
Draught 6” (board up)
Weight approx. 300 lbs

Designed by CLC

John’s Sharpie
LOA 18’ 1”
Beam 4’ 6”
Draught 6” (board up)
Weight approx. 300 lbs

For more details on the plans and manuals click on 'pre-build study' below.

(These plans and manuals are included in the full kit)

Kit comprises:

· pre-cut wooden parts
· epoxy
· glass cloth
· construction manual
· set of plans
· fittings

Spars are not included: the wood is readily available and should cost about £200.

White sails cost up to £584 per pair.

(See 'Projects' for more pictures)

View from workshop window.

If you are interested in building your kit using the facilities in our workshop overlooking Lake Windermere in the Lake District we can arrange it. We will supervise you whilst you build the kit and provide any technical assistance required.

The kit is built to the... (more)

The Sharpie is available ready built.

There are two options:
Assembled, epoxy coated but unpainted at £4,450
Assembled, epoxy coated and painted at £5,150

The above prices include VAT. Most customers collect their boats but we can arrange delivery at an extra cost.

We will... (more)