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!
Learn more about our fiberglass Scamp at www.ghboats.com/12-scamp
Or if you're interested in buying plans and building your own wood Scamp, our friends at Duckworks have plans at duckworks.com/scamp/

[@cattaraugustonawanda4426]

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

[@kevinbwillson4161]

This little charmer is a boyhood dream come true

[@SheplerStudios]

Absolutely love this boat!

[@rodneyjordan6745]

Bimini makes it look HUGE!

[@ghboats]

It really does! Photos here for reference if anyone else is curious: ghboats.com/2023/01/scamp-bimini-camping-cover/

[@davidaustin2172]

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. 👍

[@ghboats]

Thanks David! We think small craft are where it's at. It's a lot easier (and more fun) to own a smaller boat that you can actually use and enjoy than a bigger one that just sits there because it's too much work to use it!

[@antoniescargo4158]

Mooie boot /bootje.

[@gornal85]

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.

[@ghboats]

Thanks TS, we're glad you love the Scamp life!

[@user-mp3xb9lu4n]

Классный швербот!

[@jackflak]

Very nice .

[@felixcat9318]

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.

[@ghboats]

Hey Felix, we do now offer a convertible bimini/camping cover! Check it out at ghboats.com/2023/01/scamp-bimini-camping-cover/

[@melvinolthof6881]

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

[@LeoCILee]

GREAT

[@adrianvalbuena8158]

It's soo cute!!!

[@ghboats]

Thank ya!

[@Inkling777]

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.

[@ghboats]

Hi Michael, we have not. If you're looking at similar boats and interested in considering building your own, you may want to check out boat plans at our sister company, Duckworks Boat Builders Supply. www.duckworks.com

[@cdgonepotatoes4219]

It doesn't look like it, but this little boat is EXPENSIVE. About a car and a half's worth, brand new and bare bones, definitely not in a day sailer's budget.

[@ghboats]

Not sure where you're getting your pricing info from... our Scamp ready to sail at 16K is about half the price of a new car these days. ghboats.com/prices/

[@sharonbraselton4302]

scap 12⁰⁰0 cabi ñçruser gôd prçe tàg

[@voornaam3191]

Yes, and the reason is that you get a very very good boat, built by people who do not take any shortcuts. If you want a cheap boat, buy a mass produced boat. Those are cheaper. But this one is not built in a factory, thousands a week. It does not work that way. Which is a shame, by the way, when every family bought one, the world would be three times more fun. But yeah, you know your neighbors, most can't even swim, right? Try it yourself, buy all materials at the highest quality levels, take care all glue and screw joints are done textbook, have the paint sprayed by a pro, attach the sailing gear extremely careful, and count your working hours multiplied by American pay rates. I don't think you can do it for less. I bet they also build larger boats, sure those are more expensive, but it would not surprise me, if the next size will be not THAT much more expensive, because what you'd get then, is just some more material. Small is relatively expensive, that is my point. Can't help it.

[@ghboats]

@@voornaam3191 Thanks Voor, we are indeed a small family business and we don't take shortcuts on anything. Each boat is handcrafted and custom built to order. We are small boat specialists though, the largest boat we build is 17' feet long. Small boats are what we do because we think you get SO MUCH more boat for the money. It's more fun to have a small boat that actually gets used and enjoyed because it's so much easier to tow it around, launch, rig, and just get going quicker!

[@voornaam3191]

@@ghboats I had not even checked your business, everybody who is into wooden yachts or boats can SEE that you must be a good business. Wish you the best there is. Thanks for the video!

[@philiporourke7896]

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

[@ghboats]

Thanks Philip! Only trick is that a cabin would make the boat longer, and the idea of the design was the make the boat as portable as possible. Instead, we've got a convertible camping cover that snaps on for those who want to sleep aboard! Button her up at night, open it up when you're ready to sail. Info here: ghboats.com/2023/01/scamp-bimini-camping-cover/

[@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.

[@sharonbraselton3135]

Yes it is

[@netpackrat]

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

[@ghboats]

Not at this time. If you want to build your own though, you can find the plans for Penguin at Duckworks duckworks.com/penguin-plans/

[@davethefoxmage5797]

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.

[@ghboats]

Hi Dave - we haven't yet made it to any boat shows in the midwest, but we're working on it. :)

[@owenraymondlattimore3510]

How do you fill and empty the ballast tanks😮

[@jonahwhale9047]

I'd rather have a cabin than a cockpit. Is there an enclosed version?

[@27floater14]

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.

[@fredrose7801]

I have. Capri Omega 14 that I can raise the mast while on the water. I’m 79 young.

[@sharonbraselton3135]

Giid for 20 feet smales cabi n cruse sailer

[@sharonbraselton3135]

Proline 20 walk arknd cabin ruser

[@michaeldenyssen9945]

wow

[@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!

[@ghboats]

Inflatables might not be as durable as you're imagining they are, since the tubes can tear against rough rock. But to each his own!

[@sharonbraselton4302]

this fits inngúargae too

[@machismo4256]

What's the comfort factor to take a Scamp off on a 3-day solo jaunt sleeping on board compared to say a Navigator or Pathfinder dinghy?

[@ghboats]

That would be a good question for someone who's more familiar with Welsford's other designs. We can say that plenty of folks have enjoyed a long weekend sleeping aboard the Scamp without issue!

[@sharonbraselton3135]

@ghboatworks wow Cupertino sleeping this small xabin cruserrr

[@michaelfarkas2257]

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?

[@ghboats]

A motor can be handy when you don't have wind to work with, especially if you're on a multi-day trip! Drag is a downside, but there are motor brackets out there that can pivot/raise the motor out of the water when not needed. Just because it CAN take a motor though, doesn't mean you have to use one. Our 2-piece takedown oars that clip in along the seats make a great alternative mode of power if you want to row instead.

[@rodneyjordan6745]

I'd have an issue doing much rowing. Two knee replacements and, if I get back on the weights, my arthritis kicks in on my shoulders.

[@neilelliott6151]

It looks to me like the only reply has been to someone asking the price! I too am struggling to find buying details for either the dinghy or the plans

[@ghboats]

Hi Neil - we had replied to all of the comments on here but KZbin lost them all recently when we had to do some admin stuff with Google behind the scenes. D'oh! But to answer your question, Gig Harbor Boat Works only makes the fiberglass version (info at ghboats.com/12-scamp), but for plans you can go see our friends at Duckworks -- duckworks.com/scamp/

[@andersholmstrom3571]

what do you charge for a scamp with tent for dfelivery in Scandinavia?

[@andersholmstrom3571]

@@ghboats Thanks for your answer. It looks like a bit to hefty price for me. I suppose I should just complete my Core Sound 20 mark1 instead.

[@chrishamilton4999]

At last ..... a boat that I at 73 could handle and sail - not having sailed for 55 years and in a state of unfitness that even surprises me. ! Is it kosher to buy a set of plans, make a mold out of cheap particle board, construct an epoxy fibreglass hull and then completee the deck and canopy in marine ply? If so, what do you think the make up of the glass layup should be, as I wouldn't want it to end up too heavy?

[@ghboats]

Hi Chris, we only sell the complete Scamp in fiberglass, but many people have built their own wood boat from plans. You can find plans at Duckworks.com and they can also sell you the supplies you'd need for your build! duckworks.com/s-c-a-m-p-plans/

[@sharonbraselton4302]

buyy ít fiber góas light wígh

[@rustyholt6619]

might be the one

[@dominikz.1376]

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

[@ghboats]

Thanks Dominik! Glad you love her as much as we do. :)

[@chrisleggatt3240]

Very interested in this boat, but I'm having trouble locating plans/kits purchasing them here in Bognor Regis UK can anyone please help?

[@ghboats]

Hi Chris, see duckworks.com/scamp/ for kits and plans!

[@ghboats]

@@chrisleggatt3240 Glad to hear it! :)

[@penhdog2207]

How much would this boat be ?

[@Kudu300]

One day

[@othername1000]

Where are the plans?

[@ghboats]

Hi - we only sell the complete Scamp in fiberglass, but if you want to build your own wood Scamp plans are available here at Duckworks: duckworks.com/s-c-a-m-p-plans/

[@howicrashed7878]

Can this scamp handle ocean-sized waves

[@ghboats]

It is designed for seaworthiness. An experienced and wise sailor exploring a coastal area should do fine, but it warrants caution as it would in any small craft. To better understand the limits of this vessel, look into the writeups about Howard Rice's Scamp voyage from Patagonia to the straight of Magellan and Tierra del Fuego.

[@howicrashed7878]

@@ghboats you know just where I live the waves can get pretty nasty

[@sharonbraselton3135]

@@howicrashed7878 aoo dise flora buy j88 solar eltrc sail biat

[@oldflorida2003]

I saw theses in Bermuda in 1980

[@ghboats]

Hmm, this particular boat the 12' Scamp wasn't designed until the 2010s, is there another boat with similar features you're thinking of?

[@thomassmith8550]

forgot to say how much it costs

[@ImAimKa]

💞

[@ysesq]

is this self baling ?

[@ghboats]

Yes, the Scamp has a self bailing floor

[@b_ks]

What is the maximum beam?

[@ghboats]

Hi, the beam is 64" at the widest point

[@b_ks]

Thank you. Sounds like it might row well.

[@ghboats]

@@b_ks surprisingly so

[@b_ks]

I might have to take a trip from everwet to Gig Harbor one of these days.

[@Cruiser2B]

How do I buy one?

[@ghboats]

Contact us at [e-mail] or submit an online quote here: ghboats.com/ordering/custom-quote/

[@sharonbraselton4302]

12 fot too 17 fiter tug biat 11.5 fóot

[@charlottegodbolt5138]

So cute! But I suppose it has to live out the water generally. Can’t imagine it would like carrying a layer of anti fowl …

[@ghboats]

Hi Charlotte - like any boat, you'd want to have it bottom painted if it's going to live in the salt water. No reason it can't be done, though!

[@landsea3682]

If this is a micro cruiser then i guess you can sleep on it? Can you? Is it possible to show the inside under the fordeck? Incomplete video.

[@ghboats]

Yes, you can sleep in it and we offer a convertible bimini/camping cover for that purpose. We filmed a second half of this video that has a walkthrough of the features (including shot of the hatch area under the foredeck), just haven't had a chance to edit it yet!

[@timhudson1846]

I would LOVE to have a scamp.. But there's no way I could afford 16k. I'm on social security.. And in today's world... I can barely feed myself.

[@ghboats]

Hi Tim -- that's a sad reality of life in this day and age, and I know you're not alone in the struggle. Boating is so good for the mental health and the togetherness of life, we wish it was more accessible (which is why we try to keep our prices as low as we can). In some cases the best bet may be to find some boaty friends to hang out with... the small craft crowd is very cool and there's a lot of Scamp owners who like sharing the love!

[@tomhermens7698]

Couldn't be used as a big boat tender. Shame

[@ghboats]

Technically, there's no reason it couldn't be. It can be suspended from davits, and also has a flat bottom so it could be stored on deck if the mother ship is big enough!

[@pl7868]

Watched the whole video and to tell the truth i don't understand why anyone would build that , there are a ton of micro cruiser cabin sailboats around 16 ft long that are easy to build from ply and polyester resin fiberglass out there dirt cheap or older designs like the Bluemoon , i had one for yrs a great boat , i used to tie off the tiller and it sailed itself , the cabin had enough room for my wife an two kids to sit an play games in when a storm came up and it was rock solid a twenty knot wind it was in it's glory a storm on lake erie in ontario i tied off the tiller an sat inside til it passed never a worry , your boat seems useless to me sorry to say

[@ghboats]

Can't fault you for the perspective, though many folks who have Scamps would disagree and find this a unique boat that fills a gap for a small boat that maximizes comfort in the cockpit and has ample seaworthy features. For those inclined to explore and build other small craft in the size range you describe, go check out duckworks.com where they have a huge catalog of plans you can build!

[@sharonbraselton3135]

That's fordai weather stormy weather need know that stuff