It started with a dream. I did a lot of wilderness canoeing in northern Maine, so an efficient hull with substantial weight capacity, long range, and sea worthiness were the foremost design parameters. No true boating enthusiast wants a boat that fights the water. I was reading about this very issue as the main topic of discussion at the international Boat Builders Conference this year. We have made the extra effort to build hulls that are one with the water, “GREEN”.
Starting at the bow, our custom made cast bronze “handle chock “ gives our boat the ability to sit steady at anchor by allowing the anchor line to be retained on dead center. The long and slender hollow in the bow allows the boat to part large waves and then gradually rise, reducing friction and pounding while maintaining speed. The pronounced flare helps keep you dry by throwing water down and to the side. Our narrow beam lets you slide through waves while the full keel keeps you on track making it possible to maneuver and stay on track even in strong winds. The round bottom has the best stability of any type of boat design, in combination with the keel and low center of gravity the boat is remarkably stable. The Oarlocks provide added safety while also allowing for a bit of exercise. The hull is incredibly quiet, so if you like to fish you will be able to get right next to them. Built in rod holders port and starboard help keep the decks clear along with storage compartments under all seats and under the bow. Anti slip traction tapes are applied to the deck to prevent slipping while moving about. The bronze wear plate permanently prevents the transom from scaring as a result of putting motors on and off. Dow Blue Foam flotation billets will never get saturated with water and are placed under each seat for additional buoyancy. The highest grade vinyl cushions sets are custom made for each seat, so long days are easy to endure. Top that off with the fact that the hull sits on plane at rest and the 16’er weighs in at only 200 Lbs.
I also love to sail and contemplated making a strictly sail version which is still a possibility. However, I felt that making the boat seamlessly convertible to a sailing rig would be the most dynamic choice. So, we enlisted Eric Sponberg’s help (Sponberg Yacht Design) in creating the sail rig. A “Cat” rig with a half wishbone boom, PERFECTION!!! The mast is free standing, simply pull it out. The thwart that holds the mast comes out in a heartbeat just one fastening. Pull the centerboard out and replace it with the blank that fills the slot. Side seating drops in between the center and rear seat to create a sailing cockpit connected with super duty Velcro. Just lift them out to convert back to the skiff. Remove the tiller and it’s done. The only sign that it sails is the base mount for the mast and a pair of Gudgeons. Best of all she’s really fast!
Yes, that’s right, Motor, Row, Sail, Fish all in one beautiful, timeless, work of art!
