Ever hear of a Melonseed? How about a Tuckup? Or maybe a Sneakbox...
If not, there is a new website where you can learn about these traditional hunting designs and other small boats from New Jersey and the Delaware River Basin.
Though these boats were originally designed for hunting and fishing the tide flats and marshes of the Delaware River, they have found a resurgence in popularity with sailors of all types for their handsome lines and quick, responsive sailing qualities. Many have fallen in love with the Melonseed or Tuckup at first sight and I think if you spend any time with them, you will find yourself yearning as well.
The purpose of the Traditional Small Craft of New Jersey and the Delaware River Basin website is to provide a resource for those interested in building these boats, with input from those that have built and sailed them. Each design has its own page with links to pages contributed by builders of that particular model, as well as articles related to building and sailing them.
For those who already know and love these boats, there are active solicitations for material to contribute to the site.
...so, if you would like to know more about a Ducker, a Railbird Skiff or a Jersey Beach Skiff - or if you have a story to share concerning one you love, then please visit Traditional Small Craft of New Jersey and the Delaware River Basin.
I would especially like to thank Mike Wick, one of the editors of the Ash Breeze and a man who truly loves his Melonseed for bringing this new resource to my attention - Thanks, Mike!
Photos courtesy of Andy Slavinskas
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I've been around tuck ups. Jibe one of these things and without some fairly astute crew positioning you have a ringside seat at a fine show of someone sailing a boat under. Ask me how i know...
ReplyDeleteWe would love to hear a good story.
ReplyDeleteNew Jersey denizen, Baydog, posts often about local traditional boats.
ReplyDeleteI know he's mentioned Sneakboxes, but I couldn't find the posts on short notice.
But here's a post on a similar local boat that was almost certainly originally designed for hunting, too - the Duckboat.
I remember Russ Manheimer competed in this event last summer in his "Speedwell".
ReplyDeleteLooks like a lot of fun to me - except the getting wet part...
You will find many old time and very proficient sailors in these little boats. Not as easy as it looks. Winning against 70 boats would be a true feat.