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Ahoy There Mateys!

 Fred Shell is no longer making kits or finished boats for sale, however, in celebration of his 84th year on this earth, he has decided to begin sharing designs from 41+ years as an independent boatbuilder. His intention is to share widely the boat designs he has developed plans for so that others may experience and enjoy building a cherished boat for themselves, children and grandchildren.

Fred has always wanted others to continue the legacy and traditions of building wooden boats. By using these proven designs to enhance people's connection to lakes, ponds or gentle coastal waters, he is grateful knowing his life's work lives on.

The complete plans will be sent via email at no charge. You may use the contact section of the website menu to email Fred. 

Plans available for sharing:

Leif 7

Swifty 12

Swifty 13

Schooner 18

Schooner 18C 

Schooner Cat

[Please note that Fred is not in any way responsible for the outcome of your building project and bears no responsibility whatsoever for any mishaps or issues you may encounter while using your boat. No hull numbers will be issued with emailed plans.] 

An Ode to Shell Boat customers:

We are especially proud of the many wonderful Shell Boats customers who, through the forty plus years in business, have built over 1000 boats from our kits and plans.  Many customers have enjoyed building these boats with younger family members, further helping to pass on from one generation to the next the traditions and legacy of boating. Shell Boats are sailed the world over and it warms our hearts to know how universal is the love of sailing!

Our intention has always been to provide safe and economical designs for use on the many bays, lakes and rivers available for exploration, relaxation, fishing, and good old family fun. Our car-toppable, or easily trailered boats, afford boating opportunities for today’s situations and certainly make an outing which includes boating easier to accomplish. Our own six children have grown with our boats, and you can be sure all designs have been thoroughly family-tested! Improvements made over the years reflect our determination to build boats with the utmost attention to safety, durability and sailing .

Fair Winds,

Fred Shell