22' Simmons Sea Skiff Specifications

Simmons was a well-known designer, manufacturer and seller of seas skiffs. Simmons Sea Skiffs are named after Tom Simmons, the original designer and builder of the crafts. While the manufacturing of Simmons Sea Skiffs was discontinued in 1972 when the son of Tom Simmons drowned, they are still used today and may be purchased used from Sea Skiff owners and enthusiasts across the world. Customized replicas are also available for purchase. Today, Simmons Sea Skiffs and their replicas are typically available in three sizes. These are the 18 foot, the 20 foot and the 22 foot. The 22-foot version of the Simmons Sea Skiff is approximately 20 percent larger in volume than the 20-foot version.

  1. Materials and Construction

    • Simmons Sea Skiffs are made out of wood lapstrake. In an interview for a shipbuilding possession, Simmons famously said, "If it's made of wood, I can make what you want." Some replicas are made out of mahogany lapstrake, which is surrounded by fiberglass-epoxy. Lapstrake refers to a technique used to connect planks of wood to a frame as well as to one another. The technique involves connecting the planks together in such a way that they overlap one another. This gives the hull of the Simmons Sea Skiff its rippled structural pattern.

    Hardware

    • The hardware on Simmons Sea Skiffs is typically made of bronze, although this, along with other differences among versions of the boat, may vary depending on the manufacturing year. Hardware includes the steering wheel, throttle, indicators and gauges. Typical plain colors include beige (covering most of the hull) and red or brown (which covers the part of the hull closest to the water).

    Power and Movement

    • The Simmons 22-foot Sea Skiff is powered by an outboard engine. These boats are best equipped with an engine that has between 50 and 75 horsepower. With a 75-horsepower engine, this Sea Skiff will run at around 25 or 30 knots.

    Availability

    • Since these boats are no longer being manufactured, one of the only ways to get one is to find a current owner who is willing to sell it to you. Alternatively, you could find someone who creates replicas and have one custom built for you.