14' Melonseed Sailing Skiff

Whether you are a long time boating enthusiast, or just beginning the search for your first boat, what you discover here about this charming traditional small boat is likely to ignite the flames of a nautical romance.

The MELONSEED SKIFF is an extraordinarily beautiful reproduction of a nineteenth century American workboat, that has reemerged a century later as one of the premier boats in the daysailer category.

Upon first glance she will immediately steal your heart. Although that’s not unusual with traditional boats, upon further investigation you will learn that beyond her visual beauty lies a small craft superbly adapted to the demands of the modern sailor. The Melonseed is an absolutely splendid performer. She sails in anything from a mere zephyr to a howling breeze. Her simple and efficient sprit rig stows right in the boat and sets up in mere minutes. Trailering is effortless, launching simple and quick. Rowing performance is delightful.

The Melonseed Skiff’s structural engineering and construction is world class. The fiberglass hull and deck are superbly and honestly by the true hand lay-up method, and elegantly adorned with rich teak woodwork and fine bronze hardware. Wood spars gleam with multiple coats of varnish. Crawford Boat Building is a small three-person boat shop dedicated to fine craftsmanship. For over four decades we’ve built a reputation for the highest quality workmanship and unmatched customer satisfaction. Our production is deliberately limited…resulting in a pride in our workmanship that isn’t!

Every major sailing publication has applauded the Melonseed with articles and glowing reviews. Her photo graced the cover of SAIL Magazine in May 1995. The highest praise a boat can earn, is the absolute endorsement of its owners, and in that category the little Melonseed probably has no equal. Melonseed owners are obsessive in exclaiming the virtues of their boats. About one third of Melonseed owners are women, and they handle the boats with just as much ease as men.

But here’s the bottom line, it’s quite simple, and doesn’t need any rationalization. THIS BOAT IS REALLY FUN! If you remember how you felt when you first discovered the joy of sailing, and you would like to rekindle the romance, or start a new one, sail a Melonseed Skiff.