A Short Story of the Melonseed Skiff

A young naval architect named Howard Chapelle created the plans for his “Melon Seed Gunning Skiff” in 1930, after being hired by the WPA (Work Progress Administration), a program established by President Roosevelt's administration at the end of the Great Depression in 1929 to provide work for unemployed naval architects.

Howard Chapelle drew inspiration from a small wooden sailing boat dating back to the 1880s. Originally designed for a single man, this boat was primarily used for duck and goose hunting in the marshes and bays of the islands along the New Jersey coast. During the off-season, farmers could thus supplement their income and improve their diet. 

H. Chapelle Plans

The Melonseed's deck provided protection from the elements, and its cockpit prevented getting wet or lures from slipping while also offering a place to stow the catch. The boat was small enough to maneuver in the marshes, thanks to its shallow draft, while still being easy to sail or row. Its sturdy, sloping transom and hard chine ensured excellent stability in rough seas.

Later, naval designers, such as Marc Barto, have drawn inspiration from Howard Chapelle's original plans to create new versions of the Melonseed skiff: 13.4-foot and 16-foot. The former features a sprit sail rig without shrouds, while the latter is gaff-rigged and has shrouds. Originally designed as a workboat, the Melonseed skiff has gained considerable popularity among modern recreational boaters thanks to its seaworthiness, aesthetics, and ability to handle strong winds.