I designed Newt to be a quickly, easily and inexpensively built, lightweight solo canoe. I also wanted to produce a design that would fit comfortably into the “build-a-boat” workshop setting seen at many wooden boat events, and community, family and youth development programs. To that end, the plans for Newt needed to be especially clear and comprehensive, and the boat had to be uncomplicated in construction. So I took extra care to develop drawings, building notes and construction techniques focused toward the builder with minimal woodworking experience and only basic tools. The result is an attractive “personal” watercraft that displays excellent overall performance, and can be built by one person, with hand tools, in three days. And, keeping with the design goals, in that relatively short build time, many of the basic skills of wooden boat building can be explored.
Newt is light enough to be comfortably carried and launched by one person, and is easily car topped without straining. A unique seating system makes extended cruising possible without fatigue, and the forward facing, kayak style propulsion makes exploring in this little craft a real delight.
Construction is simple and straightforward. The hull is gotten from 1 ½ sheets of ¼” or 6mm plywood, and all the rest of the structural components are made from common lumberyard materials.
The plans include detailed large-scale drawings for all assemblies. To eliminate confusion, step-by-step construction notes that describe all components and building procedures are number-keyed to the corresponding parts and assemblies in the drawings. Also included is a materials list, and plans and pattern for building the double paddle. No lofting is required.
SPECIFICATIONS
Length overall 11’-3”
Beam 30”
Hull wt. Approx. 40 lbs.
Crew One
Newt plans and instructions. Price: $39. includes US shipping.
