Sailing Dinghies
Quick to Rig. Fun to Sail.
Go wherever the wind takes you in our fun-loving sailboats that keep things simple.
From Classic Sailing Dinghies to Modern Day Trailer-Sailers.
We believe that the easier it is to sail your boat, the more you will use it (and the more you’ll love it). Our small car-toppable or trailerable sailboats make the sailing lifestyle easy and accessible. The rigging is simple to learn and quick to set up, so you can be rigged and ready in a matter of minutes.
At Gig Harbor Boat Works, we’re known for building sailing dinghies that are as versatile as they are beautiful. Our premium sailing dinghies are modern fiberglass versions of traditional wooden working boats, which were used by people who earned their living using only wind and oar. Our sailboats all have enclosed flotation, and some models even have self-bailing capabilities that make them safe and fun for adventurous small craft sailors.
Our Best Sailboats
Every boat in our model line has both rowing and sailing capabilities. However, some of them are sailboats that can be rowed, and others are rowboats that can be sailed. We’ve highlighted the ones that make the best sailboats here. We love talking with you about how you envision using your boat, so contact us if you’d like help selecting the best boat for you!
17' Salish Voyager
The sailing rowboat made for adventure. Built-in flotation, self-bailing cockpit, and ample dry storage options so you can outfit yourself for longer human-powered expeditions. A single sliding seat is standard; tandem upgrade available. The balanced lug rig is beginner-friendly and simple to use.
17' Jersey Skiff
The classic workboat design from the Jersey Shore, updated for modern life. A full sloop rig for sailing in a wide variety of wind conditions, with many custom upgrades available. Includes one sliding rowing seat that can be fixed into place for tandem rowing with a friend. Seats up to 4 passengers.
12' SCAMP
The seaworthy “microcruiser” sailboat that spawned a worldwide movement. Includes self-bailing floor, water ballast tank, and tons of dry storage. Has an optional convertible camping cover for overnight adventures!
16' Melonseed
Based on the traditional design from Chesapeake Bay, updated with enclosed flotation and sliding rowing seats (tandem upgrade available). A great trailer-sailor for couples who want to take rowing-sailing day trips together.
12' Point Defiance
An incredibly versatile dinghy equally well-suited to rowing or sailing, beamy enough for comfort while fishing and crabbing. No sliding seat, but can be rowed solo or tandem on fixed seats. Great for teaching kids to sail, or as a tender for larger yachts. Sail it as a cat rig with mainsail only or add the included jib for more versatility.
10' Navigator
An ideal sailing dinghy for the solo sailor who wants a lot of fun in a small package! Rows beautifully, too. A convenient size for suspending from davits or sidemounting on your yacht’s transom. Includes cat-rigged mainsail, or add the optional jib & bowsprit for a full sloop rig. Weighs only 90 lbs!
In Praise of the Trailer Sailer
Trailer Sailer? Pocket Yacht? Call it what you like, but when it comes to sailing, a small boat can actually work to your advantage:
- See a nice breeze you want to take advantage of? Our sailboats sail very well in light air, so you don’t need much wind at all to get moving… head out and catch the wind whenever the opportunity strikes.
- Our sailing skiffs can be rigged in 15 minutes or less, and are easy to sail singlehanded. When it’s this simple to get yourself under sail, you can spend less time fussing with your boat and more time sailing.
- With a trailerable boat, there’s no need to pay for moorage, and there’s minimal annual maintenance since your boat isn’t living in the water. Lower cost of ownership for a sailboat that you get to sail more often? Sounds like a great deal to us.
Check out the video above to see how easy it is to launch and retrieve even the largest sailing skiff we make—our 17′ Salish Voyager.
Quick to Rig and Fun to Sail
Sailboat Features:
Custom Options
We custom build each boat to order, so you can take home exactly the sailboat you want. Decide what model suits you best, then customize it to fit your unique needs. (We’re here to help when you need us.)
A few popular options:
Gelcoat Color
Our standard rowboat comes in classic white — but we can add gelcoat color to personalize your boat or coordinate it with your mother ship. See color options >>
Wood Trim
Get the timeless look of a traditional wood boat by upgrading your boat’s vinyl rubrail to a laminated wood sheer. (Shown here on our 14′ Whitehall.) See examples of our custom woodwork >>
Inflatable Sponsons
Are you a new sailor learning the ropes, or do you have passengers who aren’t yet comfortable sailing at heel? These inflatable, removable tubes add 300 lbs of floatation per side and keep the gunwale from dipping below the surface of the water. They make great bumpers when you’re at the dock, too! See how they work >>
Made in the USA: Gig Harbor, WA
Our Heritage
Gig Harbor Boat Works is a local homegrown company founded in 1986. We are small craft specialists, using our experience as boaters and craftsmen to create boats that combine traditional design with modern materials and conveniences.
Almost 40 years later, our boats are still proudly built here in Gig Harbor, WA and we are recognized for excellence in the small craft community worldwide.
Curbside Shipping Nationwide
Proudly made in Gig Harbor, WA, carefully packaged, and shipped to your door—from sea to shining sea.
FAQ
How do I place an order ?
We don’t currently have online checkout, so we recommend filling out our online quote form or calling us at 253-851-2126 to consult with our customer service team. Once we discuss your order we’ll generate an official quote from our accounting system. When you’re ready to accept your quote and proceed with the order, a 25% refundable deposit secures your place on our build list.
How long will it take to build my boat ?
Seasonality can impact build times greatly, but we strive to keep delivery times down to 2-3 months from the time we receive your order. Contact Us for current waitlist status.
Can I use an outboard motor with your boats ?
Yes, our boats are USCG rated for up to a 2HP outboard motor. In fact, most of our models include a built-in motorboard on the transom for this purpose. (The others can be outfitted with an outboard motor bracket that provides the necessary support.) We recommend a short-shaft motor with a reverse gear. If your motor doesn’t have a reverse gear, you will need a long-shaft motor to clear the skeg when reversing.
Where I can see your boats ?
We regularly exhibit at the Seattle Boat Show and around the Pacific Northwest, and welcome visitors at our boatshop in Gig Harbor, WA. If you’re further afield, we recommend taking a look at our YouTube for an up-close look at our boats, and asking around at your local marina. We’ve been building boats since 1986 so there are a good number out there, and we have a stellar reputation for quality work!
P.S. At this time we do not have dealerships, we only sell direct-to-consumer with no middle man marking up our prices.
The Buzz About Us
Our Blog
Lobster Boat Redesign — Update #2
See our design renderings of the all new Lobster Boat!
Mailbag: Family Diving from a 14′ Whitehall
The family that dives together, thrives together.
New Year, New Digs!
Gig Harbor Boat Works Expands Operations Into New Facility
Dare to Start Dreaming
We're always happy to chat with you about what you're envisioning. No haggling, no high-pressure sales pitch.