1:502 Chesapeake Bay Skipjack Oyster Boat

Measures 12 inches long and features 55 parts moulded in white with tan rigging thread included. Display stand and instructions.

The Skipjack is a small sailing sloop used to dredge for oysters in the coastal bay areas. The Skipjack has a centre board that is lowered when in deep waters to stabilise the boat while under full sail. With the centre board raised the vessel can operate in shallow waters. Until 1942, sail was the only power permitted for oyster dredging, after 1942 the state passed a law permitting power boats to be used. Since then, almost all of the old Skipjacks have had their main mask cut down and been converted over to power. In the last few years quite a few yachtsmen have had their smaller Skipjacks built to order and they are growing more popular every year as pleasure boats. There isn't a prettier picture than a Skipjack on the water when the Bay is quiet at sunset.