Lapstrake multi-purpose "canoe" plan options

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

 

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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

Check up http://www.boatdesign.net/forums/boat-design/amazon-river-loadum-up-26486.html

 

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.

 

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

Gary