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Suggestions for that 'cartop passagemaker'...

Well Capt’n, after searching the SBF library a few small boats might be suggested. Your criteria that the boat be car topped onto the Jeep limits length but glad to see the 16’ Lowe would be considered - not a short boat or a terrible light for that matter - so that gives us some ‘latitude’… The above is “WIDEAWAKE” a modified dory from the board of William and John Akin. She is suitable for plywood/glass/epoxy saturated construction. LOA 13’4”, Beam 4’4”, Boat Weight under 100lbs, she can be rowed or powered with a 2 to 5 hp outboard. With her 1’ 11’ freeboard at the bow and a draft -- with gear and motor maybe 6”-- she would scoot along most any shore, and bring you home, with style and safety. Plans can be obtained from Atkin & Co see http://www.by-the-sea.com/atkin&co for plans address.

www.pygmyboats.com has a nifty Wine Glass Wherry, LOA 14’ Beam 4’ Hull Depth 16” Boat Weight 90lbs. She can be sailed, used with a small outboard motor and has a reputation for speed under oar power. This vessel has actually made a number of long arduous passages with full camping gear. See the Bowron Lakes Expedition story on the Pygmy Boats site.

Another 15’ vessel that has ‘passage maker’ qualities is the Bay River Skiff found at www.bandbyachtdesign.com This vessel is probably about as heavy as the Lowe 16 but far more versatile. She has made the two-week 140 mile trip from La Paz Mexico north to Puerto Escondido carrying 30+ gallons of water, camping gear, food, a 3.5hp outboard w/gas and managed a 35mph gale! Click the link ‘Cruising Baja on a Bay River Skiff’ on the B&B site.

Yes, none of these boat proposed here are available from your local ‘boat store’ -- but they may be available in a near local classified ad somewhere and are well worth either building, having them built or building them yourself.

Oh, how about Campanoe.com for the idea of using 2 square stern Osage 15 canoes in tandem as an on the water cruiser camper?


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