sailboat boat banner


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

Free Boat Plans

  • Free Skiff Plans
    Skiffs are fast easily built boats.
  • Free Canoe and Kayak Plans
    There are some nice free designs out there. They vary in amount of detail offered.
  • Free Stitch and Glue Plans
    Also plans that could be built using stitch and glue method.
  • Free Rowboat Plans
  • One Sheet Plans
    Boats can be built using only one sheet of plywood. Here are a few.
  • Surf Boards and Paddle Boards

  • Surf Boards and Paddle Board Plans
  • 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.

  • Folding Boat Plan from Boy Mechanic Book
    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.
  • Old Plan for Plywood Tender
    Actual plans, seems like a nice pram dinghy.
  • Old Plan for Punt
    Actual plans, from old book. Substitute plywood for solid wood.
  • Old Plan for Take Apart Skiff
    Actual plans, in PDF format. Boat is in 3 clip-together sections.
  • Old Plan for folding boat
    in PDF format. Plywood with canvas hinges folding skiff.
  • Take apart Jonboat come in 3 sections and has a built in cooler.



  • 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: Christine