Plans for Boats, oars and paddles. Many free plans
As I was looking through my boat plan links I realized that they were scattered here and there. I decided to compile the links all in one page to make it easier to navigate.
Email me if a link is broken. I try to update everything often but the internet is a fast paced place. (and I'm not so quick), I've also included free oar and paddle plans and books with plans in them.
I offer a few plans but most of these boat designs are links. I have not built most of these and cannot endorse them. Some plans are good, others not so much.
Many plans are now available, particularly those that offer hundreds of plans for very cheap, which are reprints from old Popular Mechanics and other magazine. The building methods are somewhat dated and the plans often not very detailed. Of more concern materials such as lead paint are sometimes recommended. Do your homework before building these. Often buying a good set of plans from a recognized designer will save you time and money in the end.
The following plan links may have duplicate because they may fit in different categories. A kayak plan might also be a free stitch and glue plan. Enjoy and go build a boat.
Links to All kinds of boat plans, oars, some free plans
- Miscellaneous Boat Plans many of them free.
It's my largest plan page. Whenever I find a new plan I try and add it to this list. - Motorboats
Everything from simple skiffs to elaborate speedboats, classic wooden boats and fishing vessels. - Dory Boat Plans
Various plans some of which are free. Wide range of dory styles, usually characterized by a pointy front, relatively flat sides and toumbstone transom. - Skiff Plans
By skiff I mean a simple shaped pointy boat with a wide transom. Often used as a fishing boat. Capable of planing and carrying a motor. - Strip Building Plans
Often cedar strips are used. Often results in lovely rounded shapes with glorious wood finish. A favourite for canoes and kayaks but often seen in sailboats and multihulls. - Ultra-Light Boat plans
Imagine building a boat that weights less than 30 pounds and even less. - Canoe and Kayak plans
Many free plans included. - Tenders
Selection of boats suitable as tenders, some free. Many methods of building including stitch and glue, ultralight and strip building.
Free Boat Plans
Skiffs are fast easily built boats.
There are some nice free designs out there. They vary in amount of detail offered.
Also plans that could be built using stitch and glue method.
Boats can be built using only one sheet of plywood. Here are a few.
- Free Plans for Simple Oars by Spark Geissler
Nice easy to build oars. - Links to many Free Oar, kayak and Canoe Paddles.
Some nice designs including traditional kayak paddles. - Free Paddle Plan
From an old boy's book.
Free Canoe and Paddle Plans some links some actual plans
Surf Boards and Paddle Boards
Multihulls and Proas
House Boats
I have a few FREE actual boat plans, some in PDF format
These are mostly from old sources. Check before building.
Turn of the century design for a folding boat. Link to a video of someone who actually built it. It's quite good. I think the builder had to fiddle the dimensions some before it would fold properly, but it's a fun boat.
Actual plans, seems like a nice pram dinghy.
Actual plans, from old book. Substitute plywood for solid wood.
Actual plans, in PDF format. Boat is in 3 clip-together sections.
in PDF format. Plywood with canvas hinges folding skiff.
I try to be accurate and check my information, but mistakes happen. ALSO keep in mind that not all free boats are good designs. Some are but others are worth exactly what you pay. Also keep in mind while I'm in a preachy mood, that a good set of plans will save you lots of time and if you've paid for them you can actually often contact the designer and get help.
email me if you find mistakes, I'll fix them and we'll all benefit: ChristineLink to a free templates for a straight shaft canoe paddles, designed by Ashes Stillwater Boats.com
Boatbuilding for Beginners (and Beyond): Everything You Need to Know to Build a Sailboat, a Rowboat, a Motorboat, a Canoe, and More!
For an impressive boat building reference:
Boatbuilding Manual, Fifth Edition
Boatbuilding With Plywood
Another classic boatbuilding book:
Buehler's Backyard Boatbuilding for the 21st Century
Fuselage Frame Boats: A guide to building skin kayaks and canoes
Instant Boatbuilding with Dynamite Payson: 15 Instant Boats for Power, Sail, Oar, and Paddle (International Marine-RMP)
Ten Essential Knots
Marine Plywood Article.
Making a birdsmouth mast
How to decide what kind of boat to build
My sailmaking experiments
Making a Puddle Duck Racer
Launching a stitch and glue Apple Pie Pram that I built as a tender for my Tanzer. The plans were free
Polyurethane can be use in many boat building tasks
Resorcinol glues are unknown stars of boatbuilders
I have many pages about different boat styles:
Canoes
Dories
Houseboats
One Sheet Boats
Peapods
Punts
Skin on Frame
Ultralight