Welcome to Chesapeake Marine Design

Boat Plans & Yacht Designs

Welcome to our website! In these pages you will find sailboats, powerboats, trawlers, and yachts that are: easy to build, economical to operate, pretty to look at, and fun to use. Each design includes:

  • Keep it simple philosophy, makes boats easy to build and use.
  • Efficient hulls and propulsion systems that are easy on the wallet and the environment.
  • Over 40 years of engineering and construction experience with proven results.
  • Flowing lines with stand out looks noticed in every harbor.
Our goal is to help you have fun on the water and through the building process. If you are ready to enjoy messing about in boats and the cruising lifestyle, take a look and give one a try. Not sure what best suits your needs? Contact us and we can help find the cruiser perfect for you!

We enjoy helping builders and are committed to making your next project a success with options that include:

  • Technical Resources page offers how-to literature to help in the building process.
  • CAD parts for CNC cutting to get you started
  • Free e-mail tech support while you build your boat
  • And more...

Do you have a design in mind? Like aspects of one cruiser and parts of another? We are pleased to offer custom designs and will be happy to develop a unique design only you can imagine. Contact us and we can help you get started.

Whether you choose a stock plan or custom design you will find a guaranteed experience of a lifetime. So, start right here, right now! Fun and adventure awaits.


What people are saying:

"Enclosed are several pictures of the Redwing 21. I loved building the boat and I keep getting plenty of compliments ashore and afloat. Thanks again for a great design. My wife is afraid that I may start another one."
     -- R.V. Selbyville, DE

"A friend loaned me the study plans for your Catbird. She seems as close to the perfect sharpie as I've seen; and I've been looking for a long time. Atkin, Colvin, Chapelle, Brewer, and of course Bolger (built 4 of his). The sharp entry, good flare and strong sheer look just right to my eye. Saw Redwing in O'Brien's B.D.Q, right on the mark too."
     -- R.S. Brooklyn, NY

"Consider this letter as "Fan Mail". Mostly because, as I approached retirement I had come to believe that the day of the simple plywood boat had passed, then along comes Karl!"
     -- D.T. Westbank, BC, Canada

"Thanks for your help. Let me add that you have perhaps the most appealing group of boat designs that I've seen - traditional without being stodgy, simple without being dull."
     -- D.G. Cottage Grove, OR

"Rec'd study plans (Little Island Trader) yesterday and am very pleased...a very pretty little ship and a clever utilization of all space available...AND an engine room worthy of the name. That box keel will be massively strong and lends itself perfectly to supporting the fuel power and water you suggest."
     -- J.B Vancouver, Canada