Thread: Light Car Top Boat Plans

Wouldn't that mean a canoe is really what you're looking for?

P

Yes , A canoe would be fine if it was stable enough. I had a very narrow one at one time and could never get used to the balancing act.
Also, it seems to me that a canoe with its curves would be harder to build than a small flat bottom fishing vessel.
I am ancient so light weight is also important.

Hi Barny,

Just my 2 cents...

I think you'll find many canoes or pirogues are quite stable, and the "stitch and glue" ones pretty light and quick to put together. Even a modest rowboat is probably going to need 2 people to get it off a cartop, and a canoe has the advantage of letting you face forwards so you can see the fish rising before you scare them away with oars slapping the water .

Have a look at Chesapeake Light Craft, their "Peace Canoe" is stable and easy to build. Their Sassafras canoes are a bit more involved but look great...

http://www.clcboats.com/products.php

(I'm doing a CLC kayak as my first build, great instructions and easy so far).

They also do a few small skiff/rowing boat designs.

Also, for some great fishing kayaks/canoes, try JEM Watercraft...

http://www.jemwatercraft.com/

His canoes are used a lot for fishing, and they're stable and light.

Or do a search on "pirogue" and you'll find some good sites. They're like simple, flat-bottomed canoes.

Otherwise, Glen L (www.glen-l.com) has a few small dinghys in their plans catalogue, but I think for manoeuverability, weight, cartopping and stability, some of the wider/flatter-bottomed canoes or kayaks are the way to go.

A canoe will even do a couple of fishermen - they're good for flyfishing with one paddler and one fishing out in front.

Hope this helps.

Regards,
Darren

Or the bolger Nymph - it is a brilliant little dinghy. I would recommend adding 4 to 6 inches up the middle.

Overall it is 7ft 6. It will take a little outboard and row fine. Pans are in a book "build the new instant boats" by payson - I think Ducks sell it for around $45. You could build it cheap and original or pull some weight out with gaboon ply. Consider using epoxy rather than the polyester suggested.



Comes in at around 45lbs.

If sailing is important the PDRacer would sail rings around a Nymph and have a much greater payload, but for a rowboat is relatively complex and heavy.

A canoe is easier to get on top of the car to go home though! Short boats you have to lift the whole thing.

MIK

The Peace Canoe is really heavy - they quote 100lbs - but I know that many people have been surprised by the actual weight (bigger). Most properly designed ply canoes should be around 45lbs in this size.

It uses double the materials of the Jems or the Eureka - this makes it expensive as well - for the same quality of build.

It will be marvellously stable and carry heaps of people (the original purpose), but will blow around very badly (look at how high the ends are above the water) until you get some weight in it and directional stability will be poor (because of the fullness of the ends.

Its sole functional advantage is that it is easy to build - and the plans are free.

Michael

Hi Mik,

Must admit I didn't check the weight of the Peace Canoe Just knew it was easy to build & stable. Just assumed it would be lightweight like the other S&G designs.

Also to compound my mistake I didn't consider the Eureka, PD Racer, etc

Barny, do check out Mik's suggestions for a great couple of boats - have a look at the Eureka thread on this forum for some great pics and info on building one...not that hard at all!

Regards,
Darren

Thanks for all the responses with a wealth of information.
I built this little fishing boat four years ago but it was too heavy for me so I sold it for the price of material. I can't even remember where I got the plans for it. I believe you are right about a canoe or a porogue being the best bet for me.
I will review all your information.

How about the Cinderalla canoe from Gavin Atkin. She looks easy enough to build, pretty and she only needs 2 sheets of 3/8in ply. I'm not sure how she goes for stability - anyone got any thoughts on that.

Free plans are available here:

http://www.duckworksbbs.com/plans/ga...ella/index.htm

Howdy,

3/8 ply sounds very thick! Most are 4, 5 or 6mm. If you are wondering how it paddles email Gavin. He is a good bloke and will tell you the dinkum truth.

A bit more hollow in the ends might be nice, but the straight bottom panel might help a little.

MIK

Originally Posted by barny35

I am looking for plans for the lightest one man car top fishing boat. It just needs to be plain and simple and one that one man can load and unload . I am not looking for a show piece at all or one that involves a lot of construction.If there is such a plan available I would like some info .
It is for a small lake where motors are not allowed. Not even electric ones .
Barny

G'day Barney
If you can find issues 136 & 137 of WoodenBoat magazine (1997) you will have complete plans & instructions to build a Mill Creek 13 kayak. I know of people who regularly fish from theirs. Wide enough to be very stable, and good manners under way. You should be able to build it under 20 kg.
cheers
AJ

G'day Barney,

Check this one out. Good people, good boats and cheap & easy to build.

http://www.unclejohns.com/boat/default.htm

These are very good fishing canoes (pirogues) and I don't understand why they are not more popular than they are.

And another couple of ideas.,

http://www.unclejohns.com/jonboat/photos/Default.htm

http://www.unclejohns.com/skiff/Default.htm

What about "Flint" by Ross Lillistone. I'm going to build one for of the beach fishing where there are no ramps.

/http://www.baysidewoodenboats.com.au/

Oh Wow!!!,

Pagie, thanks for the link mate. That one is stunning!! I LOVE it!