Cornish Crabbers Shrimper 19 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

Under sail, the Shrimper 19 is characterized by its forgiving nature and surprising sea-kindliness for a vessel of just 19 feet (5.87m). The gaff rig, while technically "anachronistic," provides significant power low down, which helps the boat punch through a chop despite its relatively short waterline. According to technical assessments in Small Boats Magazine, the boat is well-mannered enough for a beginner to build confidence, yet offers enough complexity in sail management to keep an experienced sailor engaged.

The hull features a stub keel with a heavy steel centerboard, providing a draft of just 1' 6" (0.46m) with the board up and 4' 0" (1.22m) when lowered. This configuration is ideally suited for gunkholing and exploring shallow estuaries, such as those in Poole Harbour, where owners often use the centerboard as a "mechanical depth sounder." While its displacement-to-length ratio indicates it is not a high-speed racer, the Shrimper 19 tracks exceptionally well thanks to its long keel and skeg. It is notably stable, with 317kg of ballast contributing to a solid feel that is more "small yacht" than "large dinghy."

Interior Comfort & Variations

The interior of the Shrimper 19 has evolved through two distinct generations. The original MK1 version, produced until the mid-1990s, featured a lower coachroof and a larger, non-self-draining cockpit, making the cabin feel more like a "sleeping cuddy" with limited headroom. In 1995, the MK2 was introduced with a slightly higher coachroof to provide more sitting headroom and a redesigned interior.

Standard layouts typically offer two full-length berths, though a "2+2" configuration was developed to include a V-berth in the bow, a portable toilet, and a compact galley area. As noted by Cruising World, these accommodations are basic but functional, allowing for comfortable weekend coastal cruising. Materials used throughout the cabin emphasize tradition, featuring teak brightwork and an emphasis on craftsmanship that avoids the "plastic" feel of more modern mass-produced competitors.

The hull has also spawned several siblings. The Shrimper 17 was introduced in 2010 as a dedicated dayboat variant, while the Shrimper 21, launched in 2016, offers a larger hull with a more modern interior and increased performance, though it lacks some of the 19's legendary "towability" with a standard family car.

Popular Mentions & Media

The Shrimper 19 has a significant cultural footprint within the British sailing community. It was a favorite of the nautical author Sam Llewellyn, whose own Shrimper, Daisy, was featured in his "Minimum Boat" series for Practical Boat Owner. The boat’s popularity is further evidenced by the "Sailing Morning Vicar" YouTube channel, which provides an extensive long-term ownership perspective on the realities of cruising and maintaining a MK1 Shrimper. The model's iconic status is cemented annually during "International Shrimper’s Week," a rally that sees dozens of these gaffers cruising in company across European waters.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers should focus on several specific technical areas unique to the Shrimper’s design:

• Centerboard and Pivot Pin: The steel centerboard is prone to corrosion if the protective coatings are not maintained. The pivot pin can wear over time, leading to a "thumping" sound while at anchor or under sail; replacing this pin often requires the boat to be lifted.
• Wooden Spars: Most Shrimpers feature Sitka spruce masts and booms. These require regular varnishing to prevent rot, particularly at the mast head and where fittings are through-bolted.
• MK1 Cockpit Drainage: Early MK1 models do not have self-draining cockpits. Water is managed via a manual bilge pump, which requires vigilance during heavy rain or following seas.
• Hull/Deck Joint: On older examples, the sealant in the hull-to-deck joint under the rubbing strake can dry out, leading to minor leaks into the cabin during spirited sailing.
• Bowsprit Condition: The bowsprit (traditionally spruce, sometimes replaced with oak) is a high-stress component. Check for "shakes" or longitudinal cracks that could compromise the rig's tension.

Community & Resources

The Shrimper Owners Association (SOA) is one of the most active one-design associations in the world, with over 600 members. It provides an exhaustive technical library, including original kit assembly instructions and rigging guides. Local fleets are particularly strong in Falmouth, Poole, and Rock in the UK, as well as in Holland and France.

The Verdict

The Cornish Shrimper 19 is an investment in a lifestyle rather than just a vessel. It rewards the owner with timeless looks, a supportive community, and the ability to sail where larger yachts cannot reach.

Pros:

• Exceptional resale value and market liquidity.
• Shallow draft and ease of trailering allow for diverse cruising grounds.
• Strong, supportive class association and technical resource pool.
• High build quality and "modern classic" aesthetic.

Cons:

• High maintenance requirements for wooden spars and brightwork.
• Limited interior headroom, especially in MK1 models.
• Heavy for its size, requiring a capable vehicle for towing (approx. 1,100kg displacement).
• Not designed for those seeking modern planing performance.