Scamp Information, Review, Specs

The journey of the Scamp began with its design by John Welsford as a project for Josh Colvin of Small Craft Advisor magazine. Welsford envisioned the Scamp as a modern interpretation of beloved classic dinghies, aiming for a "21st-century version" of boats like the Mirror dinghy. Production of the fiberglass Scamp by Gig Harbor Boat Works commenced in 2013.

Gig Harbor Boat Works, founded by David Robertson in 1986, has a long-standing reputation for building traditional rowboats and sailing dinghies that blend classic aesthetics with modern construction. Their philosophy emphasizes versatility, simplicity, and efficiency, utilizing advanced fiberglass composites to create lightweight yet rugged vessels. The development of the fiberglass Scamp exemplified this ethos, leveraging their expertise to adapt a complex wooden design for durable, hand-built production. The combination of various design elements in the Scamp, though individually not unprecedented, created a "new genre of sailboat" known for its unique characteristics.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Scamp, with a length overall of just under 12 feet and a displacement of 420 pounds, is designed to be a remarkably seaworthy and capable small boat. Due to its size, traditional performance ratios such as Sail Area to Displacement or Ballast to Displacement are not directly applicable in the same way they would be for larger cruising or racing sailboats. However, the boat's design incorporates several features that contribute to its celebrated handling characteristics.

Owners and reviewers frequently praise the Scamp for its stability and surprising performance for its size. Its lug rig is simple and effective, contributing to its ease of handling. The Scamp is known to be well-balanced and forgiving, making it suitable for both novice and experienced sailors. Its robust construction and unique hull shape allow it to handle chop and moderate conditions with confidence, a testament to its "big little boat" design philosophy. The Scamp has been described as a micro-cruiser capable of handling a good dose of adventure.

Accommodations and Layout

Given its compact size of less than 12 feet, the Gig Harbor Scamp is fundamentally an open sailing dinghy, and as such, it does not offer traditional enclosed accommodations found on larger sailboats. Its layout is optimized for day sailing, rowing, or micro-cruising in a minimalist fashion. The interior features a spacious cockpit area that provides comfortable seating for one or two people, and offers ample space for gear. Some owners utilize the boat for minimalist camping and shore excursions, implying its capacity for carrying essential provisions. The design includes various flotation chambers and interior partitions that contribute to the boat's rigidity, and potentially offer some organizational space, though not in the form of dedicated cabins or berths. The focus of the Scamp's design is on maximizing usable space within its small footprint for sailing and general utility.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners consistently commend the Gig Harbor Scamp for its solid construction and versatile nature. Many appreciate its ability to be easily rowed, towed, and stowed, aligning with Gig Harbor Boat Works' core design philosophy. The boat's stability and forgiving sailing characteristics are frequently highlighted as strengths, making it an enjoyable craft for various skill levels. The community surrounding the Scamp is also a significant draw, with owners often engaging in forums and events, fostering a sense of camaraderie. While specific weaknesses are rarely mentioned beyond the inherent limitations of any small dinghy, the general sentiment among owners is overwhelmingly positive, emphasizing the Scamp's robust design and enjoyable performance.