SKIMMER BOATS, Aero-Nautical, Inc., or sometimes simply referred to as Aero Nautical Boats, Inc., emerged as a commercial builder of a dinghy design with a rich pedigree. The progenitor of their most famous boat was the Skimmer, an American sailing dinghy originally designed by the prolific naval architect William F. Crosby in 1933. Crosby, known for designing accessible boats for amateur construction (such as the International Snipe dinghy), envisioned the Skimmer as a flat-scow type Classic Moth design, initially without a cockpit. Plans for the Skimmer appeared in "The Rudder" magazine, making it widely available for home builders.
While the exact year SKIMMER BOATS, Aero-Nautical, Inc. began its commercial production of the Skimmer Dinghy is not definitively recorded, the company took this popular amateur design and brought it to a wider market, likely beginning sometime after its initial design in the 1930s. Their initial presence was noted in Copiague, Long Island, later also listing an address in Greenwich, Connecticut.
History and Evolution: The Boltaron Revolution
A defining characteristic that sets SKIMMER BOATS, Aero-Nautical, Inc. apart was its innovative choice of construction material. While many small boats of the era were transitioning to fiberglass, Aero Nautical made its boats, including the Skimmer, from Boltaron. This material, described as an "artificial rubber," was originally developed by the General Tire & Rubber Company primarily for aircraft use, highlighting an intriguing crossover of materials science from the aerospace industry to marine applications. Boltaron is a high-performance thermoplastic known for its durability and resistance, making it an advanced choice for boat construction at the time.
The use of Boltaron for dinghy construction would have offered distinct advantages, likely contributing to the boats' durability and relatively light weight, essential qualities for racing dinghies. This pioneering adoption of an "artificial rubber" composite material positioned Aero-Nautical, Inc. as an innovator in small boat manufacturing.
Design Philosophy and Identity: Frostbite Racing Specialists
SKIMMER BOATS, Aero-Nautical, Inc.'s reputation in the sailing world was largely tied to the ubiquitous Skimmer Dinghy and its specific application: frostbite racing. The Skimmer was extensively used for this demanding form of racing in the eastern United States. Frostbite racing, typically conducted in colder months, requires robust, responsive, and often simple dinghies that can withstand harsh conditions and offer competitive performance in close-quarters racing. The Skimmer, with its scow-like hull form, fit this niche perfectly.
The company's output reflected a focus on these small, performance-oriented dinghies. While they commercialized a design from William F. Crosby, their identity became intertwined with the Skimmer's success as a capable and enduring racing platform. There is no record of collaboration with other famous naval architects, as their primary focus remained on producing Crosby's iconic design.
Iconic Models and Legacy: The Enduring Skimmer
The undisputed iconic model from SKIMMER BOATS, Aero-Nautical, Inc. is the Skimmer Dinghy. This 10-foot, 11-inch monohull sailboat became a staple in the frostbite racing scene. Its simple, robust construction, likely enhanced by the use of Boltaron, made it ideal for the rigors of competitive winter sailing. While specific production numbers are not readily available, its widespread use for frostbite racing suggests a significant volume of boats were built and raced over several decades.
Beyond the primary Skimmer Dinghy, the company is also credited with building another model, the SEADOG (SKIMMAR). This suggests a limited, specialized product line focused on small, accessible sailing vessels suitable for racing and recreational dinghy sailing. The legacy of SKIMMER BOATS, Aero-Nautical, Inc. is primarily defined by the enduring popularity and competitive history of the Skimmer Dinghy itself, a testament to William F. Crosby's original design and Aero-Nautical's effective commercialization of it.
The Builder Today: A Chapter Concluded
SKIMMER BOATS, Aero-Nautical, Inc. is no longer in business. The exact circumstances and date of its cessation are not widely documented. Like many smaller, specialized boat builders, the company's operations likely concluded as market dynamics shifted or as the original materials and production methods became less viable. While the corporate entity has dissolved, the legacy of the Skimmer Dinghy endures. Many original Skimmers are still cherished and actively sailed by enthusiasts, particularly in the frostbite racing circuits where they once dominated. This continued use by a dedicated community speaks volumes about the enduring quality and design of the boats produced by SKIMMER BOATS, Aero-Nautical, Inc.