used melonseed sailboat for sale

Melonseed # 396, 2007 centerboard model

As good as new, save $3,000!

Dark green hull, beige deck, linen sail

On occasion, we have seen a used Melonseed Skiff for sale that was worthy of words of praise that described its condition as near perfect, “Like new”, “good enough to be shown in a boat show as a new boat”, etc.  And indeed, while those boats were very good, Melonseed #396 is at least the equal of those other fine boats and perhaps the best used Melonseed I have personally seen.   The boat is a 2007 model that was only used four times during its first two years of ownership and then retired to indoor storage since 2009.

This particular boat presented us with a bit of a conundrum in that it really didn’t need much, if any work to be resold in excellent condition.  However, it was just so tempting to know that giving it just that little bit of extra work would make it even more special.   Frankly, we just couldn’t resist, maybe because It’s such gratifying work.  Were we guilty of “gilding the Lilly”?  Probably.

Apart from a few barely noticeable vague scuffs on her skeg, the gelcoat is perfect and gleams from a complete refinishing.  The hull only needed a basic wash and wax, but we also compounded, buffed, polished, and then waxed the gelcoat to a gloss the equivalent of a new hull just removed from the mold.  She’s stunning.

The teak woodwork is finished with Cetol.  It only needed a small touch up on the combings, yet we applied three new coats on the rubrails and a fresh new topcoat on the rudder and tiller.  The mast is one of the rare few we ever built in spruce rather than Douglas fir.  The spruce is a lighter wood and a very classy light blonde color, the sprit and boom are the standard fir.  All three have been refinished with several coats of fresh Epifanes gloss varnish.  They too look new.  A new rigging set and new leathers compliments the look of the spars.  The LINEN colored sail, is also in great condition.  As you might expect from a boat that was stored indoors most of its life, the cover is in excellent condition.  The new owner may have a new name of their own choice on the hull.

The trailer has less than 400 miles of travel on it, and we’ve added a new tongue jack for convenience.  The coupler size is 1 7/8” but can be upgraded to 2” if necessary.

Building new boats is the primary business goal of Crawford Boat Building, yet I’m encouraging anyone who is considering ordering a new boat to seriously consider the purchase of # 396 as a better financial move.   A savings of $3,000 vs. the price of the equivalent new boat makes this an offer not likely to become available again.

Roger Crawford

All inquiries should be made to Roger Crawford by email [email protected]   or phone 781.837.3666

Call Us: (253) 851-2126 Mon-Fri 9-5 Pacific Time

• 16.5′ Melonseed

 With its beautiful lines and smooth sliding-seat rowing, the Melonseed is a great boat for inland lakes and harbors.

Rowing enthusiasts will appreciate the available dual sliding seat rowing stations. the sailing model is the best of both worlds for a combination rowing and sailing boat..

Back in our early years, we received requests for a boat that rowed as well as our 14′ Whitehall and was just as attractive and blazingly fast, but that had more capacity and ability to row on tandem sliding seats. We designed our Melonseed to meet all of those needs, and the response was overwhelming. (In fact, the popularity of the Melonseed ultimately led us to discontinue our 16′ Swampscott Dory, as the Melonseed proved to be a more suitable boat for most modern recreational rowers and sailors.)

The Melonseed is a historical design from the Chesapeake Bay, derived from the famous Jersey Beach Skiff, but suited for rowing on more sheltered waters. The Jersey version, being a heritage workboat from the more exposed Jersey Shore, has a higher freeboard for dryness under sail and greater load carrying capacity. However, a pure rowing boat is hindered by that high freeboard due to increased windage, weight, and steeper oar angle. With this in mind, the Melonseed was developed with an almost identical underbody as the Jersey Skiff , but she is built with one less plank at the sheer to improve ease of rowing.

Our Melonseed is available as an open rowboat, a decked sailboat, and an “Expedition Rowboat” that adds the deck without the sail rig. All three versions have a fine bow and stern, elevated ends to drive over chop, and a stunningly graceful sheerline. It has a flat bottom (called a box keel) which furnishes tremendous tracking ability. On the box keel, she sits flat and secure on a dock or beach instead of leaning on to one side like a fin keel boat such as a Whitehall. The length of 16’5″ and the substantial beam of 64″ allows the use of long sweeps without the need for custom outriggers. The rowboat version is undecked. The sailing Melonseed includes a sealed deck, which effectively increases freeboard so it can heel comfortably without swamping. Both come with a standard a single sliding seat, and have a tandem slider available as an upgrade. There is very little difference in the rowing performance of the rowing and sailing versions.

The sailboat has a balanced lug rig, a daggerboard, and allows for tandem sliding seat rowing with the mast up. The balanced lug rig gives the sailboat good performance in light wind, yet requires no stays to support the mast making it very easy to rig. The mast itself is 12′ long and weighs only 15 pounds, making it very easy to handle. The mast has two pieces that sleeve together, so the entire rig can fit inside the boat for storage or transport. The daggerboard is just below the front seat so you can glide over it without impediment. The console for the mainsheet is removable to quickly convert the boat from sailing to rowing configuration. With the long box keel and the balanced lug rig, the helm is remarkably natural with just enough weather helm to make sailing easy even for a beginner.

P.S. If you like the Melonseed but want self-bailing functionality and more storage for longer journeys, check out our new 17′ Salish Voyager . 

Melonseed Full Specifications

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• 17′ Jersey Skiff
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• Available Now!
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Melonseed Photo Gallery (click to enlarge):

Praise for the Melonseed:

• Small Craft Advisor Review
• Melonseed owner #1
• Buoyancy Test

Excerpts from the Small Craft Advisor Magazine review:

“We think the Melonseed represents an excellent value. She’s quite versatile, being a pleasurable sailboat, an exceptional rowboat, and being small enough to manhandle but large enough to bring crew, the dog, or a few crab pots along.” “More stable initially than a typical dinghy at the same length, the Melonseed isn’t twitchy or overly sensitive to crew movement, and her pronounced sheer means her ends carry her up and over choppy seas.” “Rowing performance was, as expected, excellent. All of the owners we communicated with seemed overwhelmingly satisfied with performance under oar.” “…she offered exciting sailing right down next to the water, but she also felt stable and didn’t require exceptional athleticism to handle even during our races. In a word she was just like her rig: simple.”

Read more highlights over on our blog  or download the full review . (pdf file)

“Thank you for the beautiful Melonseed! Classic looks (with far less maintenance), solid construction, and amazing craftsmanship! Mahogany trim and seats just pop against white hull and deck. As expected, the features that you and Falk recommended are ideal for my family’s needs. Entire experience with GHBW has been outstanding! Knowledgeable, gracious, and very patient service. Guidance that truly meets the customer’s skills and interests. Final product that combines high-quality, reasonable price, great function, and traditional beauty. We could not be happier with GHBW and with our Melonseed! Thank you, Janet, Falk, and rest of the GHBW crew for your time and hard work!”

– Michael (17′ Melonseed)

Click here to read more customer testimonials about the Melonseed

“Well, I launched the Melonseed over the weekend, and I am VERY impressed with her! I’ve rowed her (standard oars and forward rowing system), sailed her, and even ran the electric propulsion a bit. All work very well. I was particularly amazed how well she sails – and also how simple the balanced lug rig is. Wow! My wife, Peggy, says the Melonseed is a keeper! We even dropped anchor out on Campbell Lake Saturday evening with a picnic dinner. Dropped the sail, enjoyed a relaxing meal out on the water, and then raised the sail back up to sail home. Perfect! I know the Melonseed will allow me to get my family out on the water a lot more! Again, thank you, the Melonseed is GORGEOUS – and I’m anxious to try sliding seat rowing with my traditional sculls soon too!”

~Mark (17′ Melonseed)

Here, Falk demonstrates the Melonseed’s buoyancy:

Read more about the USCG buoyancy test in our February 2010 Newsletter

Sea Stories: The Siege of Portsmouth

Shawn Payment took a Melonseed sailboat to the OBX 130, “a moving messabout” exploring anchorages of North Carolina’s Outer Banks.

Video: Comparing the Jersey Skiff and the Melonseed

One of the most popular questions we get is, “What’s the difference between the Jersey Skiff and the Melonseed?” Both of these boats originated as traditional working boats on the Eastern seaboard. Watch as our founder Dave Robertson shows us the difference out on the water.

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• Sailboat Guide

2006 Crawford Melonseed Skiff

• Description

Seller's Description

Crawford Melonseed Skiff, 2006 sailboat for sale # 372 - Hull # RDBMS372E606 Located in Morehead City, NC

Description:

Dark blue colored fiberglass hull with beige-colored fiberglass deck Teak woodwork with Cetol finish Varnished Douglas fir spars, and bronze hardware Linen (crème) colored Dacron sprit sail Daggerboard Single sprit rigged sail

Oars Teak flagstaff with ensign Protective leathers for spars Oarlocks. Recently replaced mooring cover which can be left on when trailering Load Rite galvanized trailer, Bearing Buddy grease caps, and a spare trailer tire

Specifications:

LOA 13’ 8” Beam 4’ 3” Draft 6” to 2’ 6” Displacement 235 lbs. Sail area 62 sq. ft. Cockpit length 6’ 1” Spars (3) length 10’ 0” All equipment will stow inside the boat

This boat and trailer are in good condition and ready to go. $8,700 or phone 984-867-seven-seven-0-three

Rig and Sails

Auxilary power, accomodations, calculations.

The theoretical maximum speed that a displacement hull can move efficiently through the water is determined by it's waterline length and displacement. It may be unable to reach this speed if the boat is underpowered or heavily loaded, though it may exceed this speed given enough power. Read more.

Classic hull speed formula:

Hull Speed = 1.34 x √LWL

Max Speed/Length ratio = 8.26 ÷ Displacement/Length ratio .311 Hull Speed = Max Speed/Length ratio x √LWL

Sail Area / Displacement Ratio

A measure of the power of the sails relative to the weight of the boat. The higher the number, the higher the performance, but the harder the boat will be to handle. This ratio is a "non-dimensional" value that facilitates comparisons between boats of different types and sizes. Read more.

SA/D = SA ÷ (D ÷ 64) 2/3

• SA : Sail area in square feet, derived by adding the mainsail area to 100% of the foretriangle area (the lateral area above the deck between the mast and the forestay).
• D : Displacement in pounds.

Ballast / Displacement Ratio

A measure of the stability of a boat's hull that suggests how well a monohull will stand up to its sails. The ballast displacement ratio indicates how much of the weight of a boat is placed for maximum stability against capsizing and is an indicator of stiffness and resistance to capsize.

Ballast / Displacement * 100

Displacement / Length Ratio

A measure of the weight of the boat relative to it's length at the waterline. The higher a boat’s D/L ratio, the more easily it will carry a load and the more comfortable its motion will be. The lower a boat's ratio is, the less power it takes to drive the boat to its nominal hull speed or beyond. Read more.

D/L = (D ÷ 2240) ÷ (0.01 x LWL)³

• D: Displacement of the boat in pounds.
• LWL: Waterline length in feet

Comfort Ratio

This ratio assess how quickly and abruptly a boat’s hull reacts to waves in a significant seaway, these being the elements of a boat’s motion most likely to cause seasickness. Read more.

Comfort ratio = D ÷ (.65 x (.7 LWL + .3 LOA) x Beam 1.33 )

• D: Displacement of the boat in pounds
• LOA: Length overall in feet
• Beam: Width of boat at the widest point in feet

Capsize Screening Formula

This formula attempts to indicate whether a given boat might be too wide and light to readily right itself after being overturned in extreme conditions. Read more.

CSV = Beam ÷ ³√(D / 64)

Crawford Boat Building P.O. Box 486 Humarock, MA 02047 781-837-3666 [email protected] www.melonseed.com

This listing is presented by SailingTexas.com . Visit their website for more information or to contact the seller.

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2003 Crawford Melonseed

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• A 48 Hour Guide To...

A 48 Hour Guide to Astrakhan, Russia

Travellers who venture into Astrakhan will enjoy the historical charm and cultural vibrancy of this old Silk Route town. The otherworldly Lake Baskunchak and extensive Delta wetlands are just a day trip away.

Astrakhan lies close to the Kazakhstan border where the Volga River flows into the Caspian Sea. It used to be a town on the old Silk Route and is built on more than 10 islands. Meander along canals and over bridges to soak up ancient Tatar, Christian and Islamic history. Venture into the surrounding countryside to enjoy the splendour of the Volga Delta wetlands and the region’s natural beauty.

Day one – Acquaint yourself with the city

Morning – Explore local history

Start the day by taking a walk through the Kryusha Quarter. It’s the city’s former Tatar and Persian area, and it remains a predominantly Muslim area. As such, there are clusters of mosques in various states of neglect and repair.

Starting at Ulitsa Kirova, walk along Kazanskaya Ulitsa until you reach a Lenin bust. If you cross over the canal, you’ll come across a well-kept park, complete with sculptures and a lake. Continue past it, and you’ll end up at the foot of the hill where the city’s Kremlin sits on top. A UNESCO World Heritage site with inviting gardens and temporary exhibitions, the Kremlin is not to be missed.

Pro tip: The Kryusha Quarter is fascinating to walk through, but it is still a little rough. It is fine to walk through during the day, but it is best to avoid it at night.

Afternoon – Discover Astrakhan’s cool hidey-holes

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Once you’re finished at the Kremlin, cut through the Fraternal Gardens to the city’s hipster hangout, Rozmarin Cafe , and fill up on freshly cooked meals and refuel with strong coffee. Once revived, take a peek at the Museum of Military Glory, which is as patriotic as the name suggests. However, despite the museum’s nationalistic slant, it is a good place to learn about historical battles.

Afterwards, it is worth walking over to Moloko, a hip, modern canteen-style café, which is run by the same people as Rozmarin Cafe. Even if you’re still full from lunch, they are licensed. So, why not have a cheeky afternoon drink and a snack?

From Moloko , it’s another lazy stroll along the banks of the Kutum River to the banks of the Volga – the manicured riverfront is the city’s crowning glory. There are people to watch, sculptures to see, and sunsets to enjoy.

Evening – Enjoy riverside views

After all of that walking about, treat yourself to a delicious meal. Right on the waterfront, Yamato is an indulgent, top-notch Japanese restaurant. The menu offers Japanese dishes, sushi, pan-Asian and Asian-fusion meals, as well as a lot of classic European and Russian cuisine. And it’s not just the food that is good here – so is the decor, inspired by Japanese minimalism and traditional aesthetics.

Pro tip: Yamato is popular. Book a reservation or be prepared to wait for a little while.

Night – Embrace the local culture

For those who want to sample some high-brow culture, why not check out what ballet is showing? The Astrakhan State Theatre of Opera and Ballet may not have the same clout as other regional theatres, but like most ballet and opera in Russia, they are still done to an outstanding standard.

For those who want to kick on, take the short stroll over to Kul’tovyy Bar (Cult Bar) for dim lighting, live music and boozy drinks. It also serves reasonably priced food. After loading up on positive vibes, belt out a few tunes with new friends at any of the many karaoke bars in town, such as Chicago House.

Whatever time the night ends, rest your well-worn legs at the luxurious Novomoskovskaya Hotel , a 10-minute walk away from Kul’tovyy Bar. Sleeping options are limited in Astrakhan, but they are also affordable, which means this five-star hotel comes with a bargain price tag. It’s also right in the heart of the city, so the Kremlin and the central sights are all within walking distance.

Day two – Soak up the Astrakhan region’s beauty

Morning – Venture out to the great outdoors

Although the city still has plenty to offer, a trip to the surrounding countryside is a must. Around Astrakhan , the Volga River splinters off into thousands of streams and rivers, known as the Volga Delta Wetlands. The wetlands, filled with birds and animals, are lush and an adventure to explore.

Roads eventually peter out and make way for rivers and marshes. The further you explore the wetlands, the more likely you’ll need a boat. A trip into the wetlands is a day trip in itself, so don’t plan to cram too many countryside sights into your itinerary.

Pro tip: Many tour companies offer trips into the wetlands, so shop around to find a deal that you like. Parts of the area are protected, so tourists need a permit. Tourist agencies in Astrakhan can help you organise these. Procosta is a tour company that offers trips into the delta with a guide, and only Procosta tours can be taken without one of these permits.

Afternoon – Float in salty water

An alternative day trip is to Lake Baskunchak, near the Kazakhstan border. One of Russia’s major salt basins, it supplies the nation with approximately 80 percent of its salt. Back in the day, people used to flock here to reap the health benefits of the salty water and the clay, and legend has it that it is a place of healing. Despite, or because of, its otherworldly appearance and its far-flung locale, it remains a popular tourist destination, albeit an unusual one.

A swim in the lake is comparable to a dip in the Dead Sea , although many swimmers bring shoes because prickly salt covers the bottom of the lake-bed. The lake used to be an important stop on the Silk Route, as its seemingly endless supply of salt has long been a precious commodity.

Pro tip: Make sure you pack a picnic, plenty of fresh water and sunscreen because there aren’t any trees around the lake.

Evening – Feast on traditional dishes

All that country air will induce hunger that must be satiated. So, head straight to Mindal (which translates to Almond) to feast on steaming hot Georgian khachapuri and Uzbek pilaf and other drool-inducing dishes. A top restaurant in town, Mindal serves up hearty central Asian and Caucasian dishes in a casual, yet stylish setting – a perfect treat to end a long day spent on the road and in the great outdoors.

Night – Relax with a beer

Mindal has a licensed bar that also serves up hookahs, so if you are suffering from a post-pigout food coma, and are exhausted from the day, hang around and enjoy yourself for a little bit longer. But if you want a change of scenery, visit Akademiya Piva, (Beer Academy). This restaurant and brewery is not only a stumble away from the hotel, but it is an opportunity to try a local brew or two. Of their five house-made beers, one is brewed in the style of the iconic Soviet beer, Zhigulevskoye.

Pro tip: If you want to relax after dinner at Mindal, book a booth table and make yourself comfortable. Also, for those on a budget, Akademiya Piva serves pub grub at a reasonable price.

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