21'1" Zimmer Gaff Sloop
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Join to view PDF Purchase Zimmer Gaff Sloop PlansAccording to Nelson Zimmer, this little centerboard sloop, designed in 1946, has drawn inquiries throughout the years-an indication of her wide appeal.
Zimmer Gaff Sloop plans call for carvel planking construction over sawn frames.
Though only 21′ overall, the V-bottomed sloop has many of the features of a real deepwater vessel-a strong sheer, a bold stem profile, a well-proportioned cabin trunk, and a high-peaked gaff sail plan. The hull is beamy, with a very short aft overhang ending in a counter stern. Handling her would be very easy. Both her mainsail and jib are self-tending, and there are no running backstays to worry about. She should be reasonably fast and quite stable, with a sturdy oak backbone and 750 pounds of inside ballast. The boat displaces 3,100 pounds.
The five sheets of plans include drawings of above-average detail.
The five sheets of plans are very carefully detailed, and construction is straightforward and well-thought out. She has sawn frames at each station, around which the hull is set up and planked. Intermediate frames reinforce the bottom planking, while the topside seams are backed up with fulllength fore-and-aft battens. Her hull is strengthened by a full set of lodging and hanging knees-unusual to see in so small a boat.
With hard-chined sections and sawn frames, you won’t need a steambox.
Below, simplicity is the theme. There are two settee berths, a single built-in locker, and a large platform forward for gear stowage, to which a large hatch in the foredeck gives easy access. An outboard engine is optional.
The cabin has about 3’7″ of headroom between the beams.
This strong, sprightly little sloop is best suited to daysailing and camping/cruising.
Included in the Zimmer Gaff Sloop design plans are a special “Spar and Fitting Details” sheet (see WoodenBoat No. 58) and a complete rigging and block list of 60 items. WB Plan No. 44. $75.00.
Zimmer Gaff Sloop Design Highlights
DESCRIPTION
Hull type: V-bottomed, centerboard
Rig: Gaff sloop
Construction: Carvel planking over sawn frames
Headroom/cabin (between beams): About 3’7″
Featured in Design Section: WB No. 58
PERFORMANCE
* Suitable for: Somewhat protected waters
*’Intended capacity: 2-4 daysailing, 2 cruising
Trailerable: Yes
Propulsion: Sail
Speed (knots): 3-5
BUILDING DATA
Skill needed: Intermediate to advanced
Lofting required: Yes
* Alternative construction: Strip
PLANS DATA
No. of sheets: 5
Level of detail: Above average
Cost per set: $75.00
WB Plan No. 44
Completed Zimmer Gaff Sloop Images
D. Turner MatthewsNelson Zimmer designed his 21’ gaff-headed sloop to be comparatively simple and inexpensive to build.
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