Skip to content
Availability:
Estimated Arrival: Between Mar 29 and Apr 05. *ETA to the USA Only
Gig Harbor Point Defiance 12' Kevlar Composite Boat – Crafted in Every Detail
For Questions or Quotes Contact Dave: 864.367.6161 dave@lightasairboats.com
Heritage Craftsmanship, Built for Real-World Boating
At Gig Harbor Boat Works, the mission is simple: build lightweight, high-performance rowing and sailing boats inspired by timeless, proven designs. Drawing from classic heritage hulls, each boat delivers the perfect balance of beauty, efficiency, and modern-day usability.
Every boat is hand-built with purpose—carefully tailored to how people actually use their boats today. The result is a vessel that feels just as at home on quiet inland waters as it does serving as a dependable yacht tender.
From the original 8-foot Ultralite to today’s larger adventure-ready designs, Gig Harbor Boat Works continues to refine and elevate small craft that have stood the test of time for over four decades.
These are not boats built for a season—they’re built to be rowed, sailed, maintained, and passed down for generations.
At its core, the philosophy remains unchanged:
simple, lightweight boats that are an absolute joy to use.
Inspired by History. Designed for Versatility.
The Point Defiance 12' draws its lineage from the historic salmon fishing boats that once worked the demanding tide rips and rough waters of Point Defiance, Washington. Those boats were known for their efficiency, seaworthiness, and reliability—qualities that remain at the heart of this design.
Today’s version enhances that legacy with a wider beam and broader transom, delivering increased stability and greater load-carrying capacity without sacrificing performance.
Key Features & Benefits
Born in the Tide Rips
Built on a heritage of hard-working fishing craft, this hull is designed to handle chop, current, and changing conditions with confidence—just as the originals did over a century ago.
The Ideal First Boat
New to boating? The Point Defiance is one of the most forgiving and confidence-inspiring boats you can own.
- Rows efficiently with minimal effort
- Tracks smoothly with a stable full keel
- Sails with a gentle, predictable sloop rig
It’s an excellent platform for learning, exploring, and gaining confidence on the water.
Built for the Whole Family
Spacious enough for a full day on the water, yet manageable for younger boaters, this is a boat that grows with your family.
From first rowing strokes to relaxed harbor sails or quiet fishing trips, it creates experiences that last a lifetime.
Versatile by Design
Row it solo or tandem. Sail it with ease. Add a small outboard for fishing or extended range.
This is a true multi-purpose boat that adapts to how you want to use it.
Crafted for Lifelong Memories
For many, boating begins in a small craft like this—learning independence, teamwork, and respect for the water.
The Point Defiance is designed to deliver those same meaningful experiences for the next generation.
Proven Hull, Timeless Performance
Long before computer modeling, the most efficient hulls were shaped through real-world use.
This design carries that legacy forward—offering smooth glide, reliable tracking, and effortless performance.
Simplicity That Works
Lightweight construction and thoughtful design make this boat:
- Easy to transport
- Easy to launch
- Easy to own
No unnecessary complexity—just pure, enjoyable boating.
Stability When It Counts
True stability isn’t just how a boat feels at rest—it’s how it responds when conditions change.
The Point Defiance inspires confidence whether you’re crossing a windy lake or navigating light chop.
Specifications
Two Configurations
☑ Rowboat — A nimble, lightweight rowing boat that can be rowed solo or tandem with ease. Light enough for a roof rack, eliminating the cost and storage of a trailer.
☑ Sailboat with Sloop Rig — Adds a sloop rig for what is probably our easiest and most forgiving boat to sail — an ideal first sailboat for new sailors and families alike.
Fiberglass |
Ultralite Composite |
|
LOA: |
11’11” |
|
BEAM: |
58″ |
|
DISPLACEMENT: |
155 lbs |
130 lbs |
SAIL AREA: |
Main, 57 sq. ft. Jib, 28 sq. ft. |
|
Package Includes
☑ Daggerboard trunk & mast step
☑ Ultralite composite hull
☑ Stainless steel keel rub strip
☑ Reinforced sheer
☑ 4-point lifting eyes
☑ White Hull, Grey Interior, Vinyl Rub Rail, Bronze Oarlock Sockets, Reinforced Transom for Outboard Motors
☑ Main Sail
☑ Mast
☑ Rudder
☑ Tiller
☑ Blocks
☑ Lines,etc
Optional Extras
See the Gig Harbor Point Defiance 12' Rowboat Here
☑ 7' Straight Blade Oars
The 7' Straight Blade Oars are built from durable, lightweight materials. These oars ensure long-lasting performance while remaining comfortable to handle during extended use.
☑ 7' Spoon Blade Oars
The 7' Spoon Blade Oars are made from durable yet lightweight materials, these oars offer excellent control, comfort, and long-lasting performance for an improved rowing experience.
Rigging the Point Defiance
Frequently Asked Questions
