Thread: Trying to decide which boat to build

might be handy to see where you're going when paddling versus rowing.

I'd say the Mouse would be a beter proposition. From experience, in such a small boat, rowing becomes a little inconvenient- you need to cross your legs, which is hard on the back in the long term and it is difficult to row in a narrow/shallow stream, so you can't go as many places.

You would also be restricted to short oars, which negates some of the ergonomic advantages of rowing.

The mouse is a proven design and many have been built around the world. While I am a great admirer of Hannu's designs, to meet your criteria, I think the mouse is the one.

A larger rowboat would be a good second project.

The mouse will give you the advantage of pre planned floatation tanks but as you will or may be buying two sheets to make a mouse, for a bigger bloke the big brother of the mouse - the flats rat might be better.
Flats Rat

I have had a go at Gavin's Oarmouse & it is a lovely little thing.
Amazing performer for such a tiny vessel. Heaps of fun.
Caveat - such a little boat has limited stability or freeboard to
handle powerboat wakes & the like, so...
Where do you plan to use it, & what are you planning to catch ?

I have a soft spot for the works of Phil Bolger - reading "The New Instant
Boats" got me started - I love Gypsy's lines & form. So with some...
trepidation may I suggest: If you are going to need two sheets of ply,
then either of Bolger's Teal (my avatar) or Nymph will give you more
boat for your money for very little extra work or complication.
So would MIK's Eureka canoe.
The longer boat gives you more speed too.

If rowing only, Teal could go 6mm bottom & 4mm sides to save weight.
Ditch the external chines & go with a smaller inwale & inside chine log
pre-fitted to keep a fair curve in the sides around the formers. you still
need a beefy outwale to handle the rowlocks & keep the shape.
Mine is 6mm sides & bottom, and was a comfortable lift onto a roof rack
before I added mast partner, seat & dagger-board case, wings, too much
glass & too much garbage into the buoyancy boxes. It's a lovely little row
boat which can handle a bit of slop & chop, plus a passenger or two.

best wishes with whatever you decide to do.
AJ