Simple, Small Design for Tidal Water

I'm looking at my first boat building project and would like something not too large as it should be car toppable, and manageable over a short distance by one adult (me), also not too costly in case I make a mess of it!

I would like to build a single person rowing boat for coastal use in the UK. South Cumbria, Morecambe Bay, Fleetwood area.

I am looking for a good balance of speed/stability.

There are so many designs available i'm struggling to get my head around the various factors in each. A flat bottomed boat like a dory looks easiest to build but are these not as good in slightly choppy conditions and sea currents? Is a skiff more suitable just a bit harder to build? Is there a minimum length recommended for sea rowing?

Is it a case of longer and narrower = faster but less stable (within reason)?

 

My first thought would be to do some research on what was used in the area and boil it down to general consensus of form then start looking for plans which would suit. Generally the folks who work and live there develop hulls that work best in that (or those) areas. Find the commonalities and pick plans that come closest.

 

Also inform the membership what kind of conditions you have like shallow flats, big tides, steep waves, wind against water, etc. This kind of thing will have influenced the traditional designs used in the area and should be considered when selecting your design.

 

If your purpose is mainly to enjoy a pleasant row, I think you should take the time l build a proper pulling boat. You'll appreciate the difference and doubtless spend more time with her. In the States we call this type a Whitehall pulling boat. They are direct descendants of european designs. Small ones are about 15' long.

 

fixed or sliding seat row boat?

I've never rowed a fixed seat, or at least not more than 30 yards.

I've been told it is like the different between a "10 speed" and a single speed clunker.

I do believe you need a fairly long boat with sliding seat as my old 21' shell would be quite affected by my weight shifting.

I'd go with the most sea worthy stitch and glue rowing shell with sliding seat and forget about taking out in bad weather for now.

Is this a going to be a strictly single man boat?

 

If one of the important criteria is car top ability, then you will be constrained somewhat. You could build a small conventional dinghy, no more than 12 feet long. Or you could build a long and very slender boat of 16 feet or more. The weight of the boat will be a deciding factor in terms of ones ability to get it on and off the cartop. That is particularly true if you intend to do it alone.

The long slender boat will be the most easily propelled but it will be the least stable. That is not to say that it will have less ability to survive some rough water. The skinny boat, such as a sea kayak, is quite capable in the hands of a skilled operator.

 

Thanks all,

I'm looking for something more sporty rather than a pleasure boat, I would like to be able to cover reasonable distance along the coast and it would be strictly single person rather than a family boat. Not fully sure on conditions as i'm more used to lake/river boating. I know it is a 'fast tide'.

Ultimately I would like to get more into distance rowing but I realise that isn't practical for a new 'rower' or a first time builder. I have experience sailing and white water kayaking. I guess i'm thinking along the lines of a reasonably stable training boat.

I've seen a couple of boats that use a sliding rig rather than a sliding seat to reduce the problems caused by weight shifting in a shorter boat. Any thoughts on this?

I'm currently thinking along the lines of:

Length: 12-15'
Beam: 3'

 

Good choices from Sam Devlin.

http://store.devlinboat.com/dinghiesandskiffs.aspx

The Oarlling ll might suit.

http://store.devlinboat.com/oarling_II.aspx

 

Have you seen the UK HBBR forum? There are some designs in this thread http://uk-hbbr-forum.967333.n3.nabble.com/look-at-this-little-row-boat-td2638734.html that may be suitable and as it is a UK based group there may be members with knowledge of your area.

I built an Adirondack Guideboat which may meet your needs but as it was strip plank it is probably a more complicated build than you are looking for.

 

Are you only interested in a traditional boat?
How about a catamaran or a skin on frame (SOF).
I am using a sliding rigger (slidding rig above) on a 11 ft boat (catamaran) and it works well without noticable bobbing. Similar to the one on the Virius rowing catamaran.
There has been a noticable lack of interest in a cat in similar threads, so I thought I would ask first. Of course, I expected that.

Marc

 

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I saw the ROCAT video a few days ago in rough seas and it seemed to perform very well. I'm certainly not a traditionalist so will consider all designs.

I have actually bought a basic rowing boat now so whilst I may attempt to make a basic single sheeter to test my skills any boat building project I take on now is likely to be more focussed on a fast rowing boat which is being discussed in a huge amount of detail on another thread!