Studying the Plans

We received the plans from Arch Davis Design and they look good--very complete and professional. They included full size mylar templates for the frames and spreaders which should save us considerable time. Before ever heading into the shop, Tom will spend many hours studying these plans because the more prep time he puts in, the less time he will have to spend redoing anything.

Row, row, row your boat...life is but a dream.

Choosing the Plans

After researching many different options, one plan in particular stood out to Tom, Sawtooth’s builder. The Penobscot 14 designed by Arch Davis (www.by-the-sea.com/archdavisdesign) seemed to meet all of the customer’s criteria, which among other things, was a traditional New England style rowing boat of lapstrake construction.

This boat is reminiscent of the working wherries and Whitehall boats that were extensively employed by New England fishermen and harbor runners beginning in the 1800’s. The glued (epoxy) plywood lapstrake construction method preserves the relationship between form and function. The boat will be as pretty as ever, but lighter, totally watertight, and easier to maintain than a traditionally constructed boat.

Tom spoke with the designer by phone and found him to be very amicable. Arch patiently answered all of his questions and assured Tom that the boat rows beautifully and can easily handle three passengers. The dimensions are:

Length 14’ 0”
Beam: 4’ 6 ½”
Weight: 155 – 175 pounds

John, our customer, liked the boat and gave us the go ahead.

Row, row, row your boat...life is but a dream.