Lewis Boat Works: Custom Boat building and Plans
LilJon8
Prototype of an 8 foot, flatbottomed Johnboat for up to 2 people.
Please read this Disclaimer before building any plans found on this site:
This is something I threw together from a couple of sheets of 1/4" underlayment (Luaun or Meranti) and some 1x2" stock. The transoms are of 1x12" pine, along with the seats.It has internal chines of 1x1" stock. Seams are taped and the wood is sealed, inside and out, with epoxy. Paint is exterior latex. After testing the boat, I came to the conclusion that the seats were too far back. The front of the rear seat should have been moved foreward about 10". This would mean that the front seat and oar locks would need to be moved forward too. A good learning experience.
The boat weighs
in at about 35lbs or so, light enough for one person to toss around easily.
This (pictured) feat took a little bit of set up to get the balance right
but the boat really
wasn't heavy.
Truly 'floating on dew'. When I took the boat out on the water the first time, I had an electric trolling motor. With the seat so far back, I had to use the motor with the tiller over my shoulder. On subsequent outings, I used a board across the two seats, and sat sideways. I used the battery to ballance the weight somewhat. It still needs some flotation installed. All in all though, a decent little boat. Good for a kid on a farm pond or someone with minimal needs.
For a FREE (modified) plan of this boat, click here.
