Buccaneer X-tra Wide

A custom design request for a boat similar to our original Buccaneer but more intended as trolling motor power then paddled. The goals for this design were:

  1. Car-toppable.
  2. Electric trolling motor powered was paddling ease being secondary. Perhaps even use guide boat oars.
  3. Tandem canoe for fishing and leisurely comfortable cruising on fairly sheltered lakes.
  4. Good in a bit of a chop.
  5. Good Tracking.
  6. Minimum hull weight.
  7. Max load capacity for 2 adults, trolling motor, battery, and gear.
  8. Excellent initial stability.

After we were done establishing the design, we discovered what we had looked a lot like a Gheenoe 15'4 (TM). If you've ever dreamed of owning a Gheenoe, here's your chance to build one that is lighter and will move more efficiently.

With it's tumble-home sides and stepped chine, the stability you'll experience will make you think you're in boat twice as wide.

The rear "Brandy Glass" transom will hold an electric trolling motor or even a small outboard up to 3hp.

The frames that help shape the hull during assemble can be also incorporated as seat frames. If seat frames are omitted, then 2 thwarts are required.

Specifications

Overall Length
15'8"
4.8 m

Max. Beam
38"
97 cm

Waterline
5.5"
14 cm
Height at bow/stern
21"/18"
53/46 cm
Height at mid ship
16"
41 cm
Estimated weight using 1/4" (6mm) Okuome plywood
70 lbs.
32 k.
Displacement weight the waterline
860 lbs. minus hull
390 k.minus hull weight

 

 

The shape provides excellent stability as the boat moves through water due to it's increase wetted surface area. The long "lower hull" area provides for very good tracking and will be easy to keep on course. The wider step areas of the hull ride high at the surface of the water without compromising speed under moderate paddling conditions. The result is a very user friendly design.

The hull is shaped around frames that can also be used as seat frames. A simple assembly jig option is also shown in the plans.

Always wear your Personal Floatation Device!

Bill of Materials

Plywood: See Note 1

4 sheets
Epoxy Resin (With 15% waste factor)

2.25 Gallons ( liters)
Fiberglass Tape 85 yards
Wood Flour 2 quarts ( liters)
Paint/Primer for entire hull, in and out 100 ft sq (9.3 sq meters) per coat

*Additional material for fairing will be required. Material type and amount will vary depending on builders' taste and skill level.

Note 1: Recommended plywood thickness and lamination:

  • 1/4" (6mm) for bottom panels. 3/16" (4mm) for the sides.
  • 3/16" (5mm) with 6-ounce fiberglass glass cloth (12 yards total of 6 ounce) on bottom panels interior and exterior.

Cost:
See our kits.

Labor:
The hull can be built in 25-30 hours. Up to 20 hours to fair and paint depending on the desires and skills of the builder.

More:
Visit our Customer Service Forum. Ask questions, see what other builders are saying, and review our Stitch and Glue Tutorial.

Plans Packing List:

  • Simple to follow, detailed drawings of each part with all dimensions required to layout and cut from flat plywood sheets.
  • Nesting drawings for the best plywood layout with numbered parts.
  • Drawings list
    • Plan and Profile
    • Nesting
    • Panel Drawings on A size paper (11" x 17")
    • Quality Assurance drawings
  • Specific building notes for this boat.
  • Bill Of Materials.

 

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