Lapstrake multi-purpose "canoe" plan options

[garren]

I've researched the archives and the internet and have not found a satisfactory boat plan that seems to serve my intended purposes. Maybe it doesn't exist.

I live beside a small lake in Billings, and the Yellowstone River (class 1-2+) flows through town. There are many other lakes and rivers (class 1-2+) within a couple of hours. I want to build a "canoe-like" lapstrake boat that can be paddled efficiently by two on lakes and "rowed," driftboat-style, on rivers. I think that means three seats - one for each paddler and one near the middle for rowing.

Is there a plan for such a beast? How wide must the beam be to accommodate oars? I'm thinking 14-16' range and hopefully less than 100 pounds.

I am an amateur woodworker and have an adequate supply of power and hand tools. I have canoed a bit on rivers and lakes and have rowed rafts and driftboats on larger, class 3-4, rivers.

I would appreciate any links or references to plans and ideas on accommodating these two purposes with one boat. Any other advice or information would be appreciated.

Gary Davis

[duluthboats]

You may find something that will work for both. But not very well. Drift boats have a lot of rocker and are wide. C2's have little rocker and are narrow.

[ancient kayaker]

Did you mean a drift boat or just a regular rowing boat? A drift boat resembles a dory and intended for use on a fast moving river, nothing at all like a canoe. If you build a canoe, i.e., long and narrow, it is too narrow for rowing but it can probably be fitted with outriggers like a rowing shell. But like the mustache says, it might not do either job very well.

[alan white]

Sounds like a long and narrow rowing boat, something around 17 ft and 3 ft beam. There are many out there in lapstrake. Try Tom Hill, Duckworks, and google fast rowboats.
They are very canoe-like, but to be narrow they usually use outriggers to row. Usually easily detached.

[TeddyDiver]

Check up Amazon river, Loadum up

[Wayne Grabow]

I tried designing a boat like you describe; I wasn't successful. To row you need about 40" beam; to paddle you need a narrow beam and tumblehome is helpful. Have you considered an Adirondack guideboat-type design? They are row only but very fast, easy gliding, light, maneuverable, and carry a good load. I built one of those and have been very happy with it.

[garren]

Thanks all for the advice. I'm looking at adirondack guideboats and a couple other designs. Any other advice is appreciated.

Gary