Thread: Minimal Boat?

Google "one sheet skiff"
Also have a squiz at Hannu's Boatyard - http://koti.kapsi.fi/hvartial/
Gavin Atkins is also a good resource http://home.clara.net/gmatkin/design.htm

I take it you have absolutely flat water to row in ? If not, you probably need to go
bigger, unless you go upwards, like various pram dinghies around the 7 - 8' mark.

Bolger's Teal is a really nice little rowing boat from 2 sheets of ply, and which I'm
happy to carry 50M to the water, but at 11'6" Teal is a bit longer than your request.
If you are prepared to go bigger than 6 or 7 ft, there is a big range of other satisfying
but light boats.
cheers
AJ

I think Gavin's mouse is a real classic!

MIK

one day I want to build one of these ...

http://www.pygmyboats.com/mall/WGWSPECS.asp

advertised as weighing 41kg

Spotted this tonight at 2.6M long
http://web.archive.org/web/200605162...Data+Sheet.pdf

Murray Isles also has the Ballaratt Wherry at 15' long & only 23KG

His current site is http://islesdesign.blogspot.com/
cheers
AJ

Originally Posted by Otwaymist

Minimal Boat? Does anyone have plans or access to plans for a rowing boat around the six foot / two metre mark?
I want to build something that can be picked up by one man and carried 50 metres to the water, but with as much stability as can be gained from such a short length. Many thanks in anticipation.

It would be hard to beat one of these for weight and minimalism. This shows a sailing rig, but I assume it would be rowed.

http://www.capefalconkayak.com/jwboat.html

Regards,

James

I agree with Mik, the Gavin Atkin's Mouse is a ripper. 8' long built out of one and a half sheets of ply (you need the extra for the decking). Great little boat. Originally conceived as a boat to paddle, I asked Gav about a rowing version so he went ahead and modified the design for me - essentially moved the seat and redesigned the rear decking to give the leg room. My son and I built the first Rowing Mouse then later, I built the second. It's a great little craft. Good in a cross wind. Able to go lots of places and very easy to carry on your shoulder.


Here's my son in the word's first Rowing Mouse 'Scrat' - he was about 12 then but I've rowed her often and I'm 6' and over 100kg.

Richard

Hi Otwaymist,

Do you particularly want to row? Not wanting to distract you from the great boats mentioned above, but consider a kayak if facing backwards with oars isn't critical. Personally, I prefer to see where I'm going

I started looking for a small boat like this for fly-fishing lakes, etc. But kept coming back to kayaks. I can carry my CLC Chesapeake 17 100m+ on my shoulder or throw it on the car, and it's stable and conditions that would scare a 2m rowing skiff. With hatches, a rod holder and deck bungees, I can set out for a day's worth of fishing. Feels safe even in wind & chop.

For something lighter and more stable, look at a CLC Mill Creek or Wood Duck (go to www.clcboats.com). 10' to 13' long, and I've heard great things about them (and people have installed sliding seats for rowing a Mill Ck).

Or go real minimal with a Skin on Frame kayak, such as a www.yostworks.com

Or if you don't want to carry (and this would work for the row boats too, look at kayak trolleys you can strap the boat to and then stowe them once at the water.

Whichever way you go, post pics for us all

Oh, and if you need advice on fiberglass, epoxy or ply supplies in Melbourne let me know.
Regards,
Darren

Hi Otwaymist,

If it's rowing and light weight that's required then I'd be failing in my responsibilities not to point you at http://gaboats.com/boats/whitehalljr.html



which gives you 10ft and 20lbs........

I'd be only too pleased to assist with info etc

Good luck - choosing what to build is probably going to be the hardest bit..

Have a look at the "Tortoise" in Bolgers book "Build The New Instant Boats".
It is the size you are looking for , easy and cheap to build and is a lot of fun to use.
Robert