According to WoodenBoat’s founder, Jon Wilson, “The Shellback provides an education in the fine points of sailing, rowing, and sculling for sailors of all ages, her standing lug rig easily dropped altogether if the winds come on too strong. She is not easily adaptable to outboard power, primarily because the weight of the motor throws her fine hull out of trim, but she rows well enough to provide plenty of efficiency and speed, even with a load.”
A stable and responsive dinghy, the Shellback makes an excellent yacht tender.
The Shellback Dinghy is 11′ 2″ in length and weighs around 100 lbs., making it easy to cartop or trailer.
Plans for Joel White’s Shellback Dinghy are available from The WoodenBoat Store.
Who sells the Shellback kit and how much does it cost?
Dick Baldwin
Dick,
It appears they have that information on the WoodenBoat store site.
I’m gonna build one this summer in time for Wooden Boat Festival in Port Townsend. See you there.
Davey
I sail a Shellback regularly on Lyttelton Harbour in New Zealand. She’s a lovely nimble boat to sail and is quick when rowing. I was caught out last week in stronger-than-expected winds from the wrong direction. But she handled the 15 knots on the nose as we beat back with wind against tide for part of the channel making a steep chop. I wouldn’t want more but to her credit she made headway through to calmer water in the lee of the far shore. I was pleasantly surprised at how capable such a ‘fine’ boat can be.
Hi Brad,
Do you still sail your shellback on Lyttelton Habour?
Has she continued to be robust and resilient in the harbours gusting winds? Should I build one with floats for easy righting?
Cheers,
Denise