Stingaree: A Free 1962 Plan for a 14 ft Ski Boat
William D. Jackson's 1962 ski boat uses a lapped bottom step for a three-point effect; 36 mph on a 35 hp Evinrude.
Stingaree was drawn to pull skiers and keep everyone grinning. William D. Jackson designed the 14 ft (4.3 m) boat, 13 ft 10 in on the drawings, with a 67 in (1.7 m) beam and seats for three passengers. Its lapped bottom forms a step that gives a three-point hydro effect at speed. With a 35 hp Evinrude it reaches 36 mph, plenty for a day of towing.
Stingaree at a glance
| Detail | Stingaree |
|---|---|
| Type | Ski boat |
| Length | 14 ft (13 ft 10 in) (4.27 m) |
| Beam | 67 in (1.7 m) |
| Capacity | 3 passengers |
| Construction | 3/8 and 1/4 in. plywood; lapped bottom forming a step for a three-point hydro effect |
| Power | 20–40 hp outboard; 36 mph with a 35 hp Evinrude |
| Designer | William D. Jackson |
| First published | Boat Builder's Handbook, August 1962, p. 34 |
| Plan sheets | 10 |
Built for towing fun
The lapped bottom is clever: the overlapping plywood creates a step, so the boat gets some of the lift and speed of a three-point hydroplane without a racing hull's complexity. It is a smart way to add performance while keeping the build within reach of a home builder with modest tools and space.
A wide 67 in beam keeps the boat steady with three aboard and a skier pulling astern. Outboards from 20 to 40 hp suit it, and 3/8 and 1/4 in. plywood keep the build familiar. It is a family-friendly boat with real towing ability. It is a comfortable family boat.
The original plan sheets
These are the 10 original sheets from 1962, scanned from the magazine. For building, use the full-size PDF in the download section below.
Who designed it
William D. Jackson drew Stingaree for the Boat Builder's Handbook of August 1962, page 34. He drew a remarkable number of the craft prints that Science and Mechanics offered to home builders.
Before you build
- Stay within the 20 to 40 hp outboard range, and reinforce the transom if you plan to tow at the top end.
- Fit a proper towing point to strong structure, never to a thin deck or trim piece.
- Always carry an observer when towing a skier, and keep well clear of swimmers and shore.
Download the plan
The complete 1962 Stingaree plan in one file: all ten sheets, ready to print at full size.
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