Small runabout plans

[chesterm]

My 13-year old daughter told me she wants to build an outboard runabout <sigh>. (Thought I could take some time off from such completely engulfing activities, but guess not) She wants something in the 13-15-foot range with some tumblehome or otherwise a classic-type look that we can make with ample seating.
I've seen a few good candidates on Glen-L, Svensons, and D.N. Goodchild sites that are definite maybes. Suggestions from anyone not entirely a sailing purist?
Thanks to all, Mitchell in CT

[Thorne]

Any interest in modifying an old centerboard-design racing sailboat? I've seen photos of some of them converted into runabouts with SMALL outboards, no idea how they handle at speed.

Otherwise it looks to me like you've got a good selection there. The only addition to the list might be Welsford's Rifleman for something more 'seaworthy' and still classic.
http://www.jwboatdesigns.co.nz/plans/rifleman/riflemanlines.gif

[jehicks87]

jamescraft makes fantastic chriscraft reproduction kits. They would deffinately be worth checking out!

[kenjamin]

My favorite, the Rascal:

http://ford.physics.fsu.edu/Rascal1346.jpg

[David G]

I also love the Rifleman. I've tried to get my friend Chuck to give his up, but the danged fool gave it to his son. <hrrmmmph>

Or... if you want to jump-start the process... you could get a kit. James-Craft has a variety of old Chris Craft designs set up as kits:

http://www.jamescraftboats.com/html/boat_kits.html

[Bruce46]

When I was a teen I wore out two outboard engines on the transom of a 14' ChrisCraft kit boat. It took me safely to many adventures. 25 to 30 hp will give great performance and modest fuel consumption.

[Dave Wright]

From your post you didn't sound real enthusiastic. A lot of folks mean well and will reference plans for you without realizing that they're a lot more than what you need, or want, or care to build.

Here's a neat little 10 foot runabout, in plywood, actually cartopable, specifically designed for a 13 year old, from an old "Rudder," "How to Build 20 boats Magazine." It might be all you want to get involved with:

http://i705.photobucket.com/albums/ww58/Siberian11/Scan0001.jpg

It's not as long as she wants, but it might meet her needs before she tires of the boating thing.

If it strikes your fancy let me know and I'll post the URL's for the next 2 pages and you'll have a complete plans set and can start making sawdust.

(I would have posted the magazine scans directly but the photo posting aspect of this forum seems beyond my ken).

[Dave Wright]

Here's the other two pages. I need to shut this box down and make sawdust on other projects:

http://i705.photobucket.com/albums/ww58/Siberian11/Scan0002.jpg

http://i705.photobucket.com/albums/ww58/Siberian11/Scan0003.jpg

[Richard Jones]

Like a new puppy, does your daughter want to help with this project and maintain it? About 100 years ago, in 7th grade shop class, I showed my teacher a plan for a 12' flat bottomed skiff I wanted to build. He just laughed and sent me back to building birdhouses. I few years later, I built my first boat and haven't stopped since. It's a great hobby and hopefully, you can share it with your kids. Good luck!