Scampy Update
Jacob “JJ” Swift And His 13′ Flat Bottom Boat
By: Kent Stobel
Jacob “JJ” Swift celebrated his fifteenth birthday May 18 by launching the boat he completed this past year in Sunnyland’s youth boat building shop in Tavares, Florida. His mother Kimberly Barker worked alongside him, both under the able guidance of SCAMPY mentor Wayne Conklin. The launch took place at Mount Dora’s Gilbert Park launch ramp under blue skies and a freshening breeze.
The 13’ flat bottom boat adapted for an outboard motor was created from Glen-L plans for the Sissy-Do rowboat. SCAMPY builders have created a number of this model in the last few years, some fitted with center consoles.
With coaching and assistance from SCAMPY staff Dave Doner, Jim Reinking and Kent Strobel, Kimberly and JJ got the boat down the ramp and afloat for the first time and took her out on Lake Dora for a brief shake down cruise. Upon docking JJ said there was more wind out on the lake than he was comfortable with so he wisely returned to the sheltered inlet.

Mike Yobe, Wayne Conklin and JJ Swift
Testing the engine

Kimberly Barker, Wayne Conklin, JJ Swift


JJ pulling boat out of the SCAMPY shop
JJ launching at Lake Dora
