penobscot 17 sailboat

May / June Issue No. 298  Preview Now

PENOBSCOT 17

Dan Vallerga's first adventure in boatbuilding led to this Penobscot 17 (Arch Davis design) which took just 10 months from start to its launch on Sept 6, 2004. Dan uses the boat in Humboldt Bay, Eureka, CA. Contact Dan at [email protected] .

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Penobscot 13 for sale..

The Penobscot 13 that I started last winter is now complete, and ready for the water. She is planked with 6 mm okoume plywood, over eastern white pine keel, sheer clamps and stringers. The seats are also white pine. Foam flotation under the seats makes the boat self-rescuing. She has a daggerboard trunk, and mast step for a lugsail or sprit rig. A mast step for the gunter rig could easily be added. All surfaces have been sealed with two coats of epoxy resin, followed by three coats of varnish on the interior, and three coats of paint on the exterior.

Measurements are: Length over all; 12 ft. 3 in. Waterline length: 11 ft. 5 in. Beam: 4 ft. 3 in. Weight: 125 pounds. For more details, call me at 207 930 9873, or send an e-mail to [email protected]

Price: $4,250.00.

May 31, 2015.

A Penobscot 14, and a Problem (a small one)

Steven Ahlberg launched his Penobscot 14 recently. The photos show a very nice boat – congratulations to Steven! He writes:

“Launched her yesterday on one of our northern Sierra lakes and she rows beautifully. Can't wait to finish the rudder, mast and add the sails. The design you created turns heads, and the plans/advice you provided made the building process not too overwhelming and very enjoyable. I would highly recommend this project to anyone.”

Steven reports a slight leak around the centerboard pivot bolt, despite having both rubber and stainless washers under the head of the bolt and the nut. I have recommended that he try a silicone sealant under the washers.

We look forward to seeing some photos of the boat under sail. In the meantime, good boating, Steven!

A Penobscot 17 Wins Award

These photos come from Dave Kurtz, of Kill Devil Hills, NC, who writes:

“Although I had done plenty of home trim carpentry I had never attempted anything close to a boat. The Penobscot 17 was the ideal size for me. The plans, instructions and video that you provided were all excellent guides in the building process. I really liked the combination of permanent 3/4" bulkheads and longitudinal stringers in the design of the 17. It makes for a very strong and rigid boat. “I finished it about 1 year ago and it has lived up to all my expectations. It has been a fun boat to sail, even in winds up to 20 mph. Hiking up on the deck with full sails set and heeled right to the deck, she feels solid, stable and smooth, whether beating upwind or backing off to a reach in an otherwise very choppy Albemarle Sound. “I knew I wanted to challenge myself with some design enhancements. One was to create a partially decked boat, as inspired by the shad boats that were common in my local waters of eastern North Carolina in the 1800's. Another was to modify the Gunter sailing rig option with a pivoting tabernacle (with the pivot above the boom) in combination with an aft support bracket. This makes the transition from both trailer-to-water and from row-to-sail much easier. “I entered it in the 2014 Roanoke Island Maritime Museum Boat Show and it won best of show out of 30 total boats. Thanks again for a great design and instructions.”

Dave has posted an extensive collection of photos on Photobucket, here http://s59.photobucket.com/user/targa-dave/library/Penobscot%2017. They show very impressive craftsmanship. Congratulations, Dave!

Another Penobscot 14

These photos come from Ram Sudama, who finished his boat last year, and reports a summer of enjoyable sailing. He had a couple of questions. One was about water collecting along the stringers – he wondered whether limber holes would be a good idea. I advised against them, partly on the grounds that sealing inside the holes with epoxy would not be easy. I use a big sponge to wipe out my P14 after ever use. It’s not a big job, and it keeps the interior clean and dry, which helps cut down on maintenance. Ram also asked about a cover for the centerboard trunk; water tends to splash up through the top. This doesn’t happen with a daggerboard, which covers the opening, although I have a cover that I use when rowing. Ram is going to make a cover for his centerboard trunk.

He remarks of the photos, “The ones on the water were taken by a neighbor during an early sea trial unbeknownst to me - otherwise I'd have shaken the crease out of the sail! In any case, as you can see, the boat is quite lovely and I'm very happy with the outcome. Great design.”

The  Carolina Rosio Wins a Trophy

This from Peter Sawyer: “Wanted to let you know my Laughing Gull,  Carolina Rosio , with Peter Sawyer (builder) and Robby Ashley, took first place in her division of about seven boats in the Washington's Birthday Regatta in Coconut Grove, FL last weekend. The race was organized by The Barnacle, a state park in Grove that includes the estate of yacht designer Commodore Ralph Monroe. Monroe started the regatta, the first on Biscayne Bay, in the late 1800s. The racing began with winds blowing 15 - 20 knots, which the Laughing Gull handled well with a reef. They came in second in the first race by a boat length, but then the wind fell and they shook the reef, handily winning the next two.

Here is a photo of Robby and me with the cup.

Congratulations to Peter and Robby!

February 26, 2015

A Peapod, A Penobscot 14, and an Aussie Magazine

Al Herbertson sent these pictures from the Australian magazine  Australian Amateur Boatbuilder and Kitboats , which featured an article on a 12 ft. peapod, built by Kev Watkins. Al is building a Penobscot 14, which you can get a glimpse of in the top photo. He reports that he hopes to conduct sea trials soon. We should have photos soon.

October 23, 2014.

Boatbuilding Classes – Building the Penobscot 13

This summer’s class at the Wooden Boat School in Brooklin, Maine, was very successful again, students and teacher all having a most rewarding and enjoyable two weeks, with a Penobscot 13 finished ready for painting by a class of six students. I will offer the class again next summer, probably in July – I will post the dates here when I have them.

I will also be teaching the same class at the Long Island School of Wooden Boat Building, during the winter. This will comprise two one-week classes at the non-residential school on Long Island, New York. During the first week, February 2 - 6, we will set up the station molds, stem and transom on the strongback, and start planking. There will also be time to make a stem and transom for another boat, start a centerboard trunk, and look at other techniques. During the second week, March 2 - 6, we will finish planking, and go on to interior work. We should have a boat finished ready for painting at the end of the second week, to be raffled off to interested students for the cost of materials.

For more details, or to sign up for a class go to

http://www.thewoodenboatschool.com/

http://www.lischoolofwoodenboatbuilding. com/HOME.html

or call me at 207 930 9873, or send me an e-mail at [email protected]

September 29, 2014.

A Penobscot 17 in Maine

These photos from Elliot Arons. He has just this to say, “Launched in Muscongus Bay, Friendship, Maine. Aug 23,2014. Thoughts: fantastic experience, one learns a lot about boatbuilding and ones self during the process, Arch was always supportive and available. Band saw really helped with the details. My past experience: built a Dacron covered canoe designed by Platt Monfort about 2001. Wife Ellen was very supportive.”

Congratulations, Elliot.

August 29 , 2014

A Penobscot 13 Goes to School

This story by Wendy Owen comes from  The Oregonian  of February 26:

In an unused woodshop at Aloha High School, students from Merlo Station Community School are building a sailboat. A non-profit organization, Wind & Oar Boat School, is teaching the 10 Merlo students the skills they would have learned in a woodshop class but with a twist. This 13-foot Penobscot sailboat has to float in the Willamette River when they’re done in May. Oregon Labor Commissioner Brad Avakian stopped by to see the project and talk with the students as part of a visit to schools across Oregon that are finding ways to teach the skills that will lead to jobs and attract businesses. The Merlo students admitted they struggle in regular classrooms, sitting in the back and zoning out. They’re in the Community School to catch up on credits, and the sailboat project is helping them get there with applied math and applied arts credits. They’re also having a blast. It takes a team to build a boat and in addition to the math, engineering and woodworking skills they’re learning, they are developing their leadership, communications and other social skills. “Before this, we didn’t talk,” said Sterling Fox, a senior. “We’re more engaged with each other and ask for help (from each other).” Luis Mendosa, a senior, said he struggled with math before the sailboat project but it makes more sense when he applies it to the project. He smiled and said he’s also better at following instructions now. Juan Garcia, a senior, already had plans to head into the workforce after high school. “I plan on going into the trades, so this is really good for me.” “It’s amazing how excited and engaged they are,” said Matt Loughner, director of Merlo Opportunities in Vocation and Education, a federally funded program. The students spend four hours a day on the project four days a week. It will be done in 12 weeks. “We all know as educators that you learn through application,” said Vicki Lukich, Beaverton School District executive administrator and former high school math teacher. And the fact that the students are making the boat for someone makes it real. “Precision and accuracy means so much more (to them),” she said. “Me telling them to be accurate on their homework means nothing.” Wind & Oar founder Peter Crim has watched the project evolve and knows its power to engage kids. “I love to stop by at week three or four and see the confidence they’ve gained,” he said.

The story and photos can be seen here.

March 4, 2014

A Penobscot 14 on Lake Ontario

These photos came from Serge Laroque. He writes:

“This weekend was beautiful so my wife and I went to our usual sailing area, the west end of Lake Ontario. In order to finally get some shots of the boat in action, my wife stayed on shore while I sailed around near the park. In one of the photos a gust of wind came out of nowhere, but I was able to keep things under control. “As you can see I went with a lug rig. I really like it, as it is quick to set and strike. There is no standing rigging to deal with so once I arrive at the marina it doesn't take long before I'm under way. Thanks for your help during the construction, it was very much appreciated. It's a very fun boat to sail and I often get compliments when at the dock.” A great looking boat, Serge – congratulations! October 1, 2012.

       I’m Arch Davis – I learned boatbuilding and design in New Zealand in the 1970s. I have been helping people to build beautiful wooden boats since 1988. You can see a few of them by clicking on Picture Gallery . My approach to design is to put into your hands the means to use modern materials – marine plywood and epoxy resin – to build a truly lovely boat with classic lines.

      I believe that a boat should be beautiful, not just by virtue of her lines, but also in her construction. No material makes this possible like wood. My aim is to take advantage of wood’s unique strengths, in a structure that captivates the eye. I want you to feel that you are always doing good work in building one of these boats.

       You’ll see that I have a small collection of designs. That is because I understand your need for clear, comprehensible, detailed plans and instructions. I put a lot of time into my drawings, building manuals and DVDs. I also spend a lot of time helping people through their projects, on the phone or by e-mail. I really am here to help!

      If you see something that you like in my collection, please feel free to contact me with any questions. I am available on the phone at 207-930-9873, or email me at [email protected] .

Wooden Boat Plans and Boat Kits by Arch Davis

Grace's Tender - More than just a tender, this little dinghy is a fine vessel in her own right. She is a pleasure to row, and sprightly under her simple sailing rig - a great boat for youngsters to mess about in. Bay Pilot 18 - an 18 ft pilothouse cruiser for outboard power. Laughing Gull - 16 ft self-bailing sailing/rowing skiff. Ace 14 - 14 ft performance daysailer Penobscot 13 - 13 ft little sister to Penobscot 14. Penobscot 14 - 14 ft glued lapstrake sailing/rowing skiff. Penobscot 17 - big sister to the Penobscot 14 Sand Dollar - 11 ft sailing/rowing skiff. Jack Tar - 26 ft plywood lobster boat design Jiffy 9-7 - suitable for rowing or a small outboard motor Jiffy 22 - outboard powered cabin skiff Jiffv V-22 - vee-bottom sister of the Jiffy 22

About My Boat Kits

       I also have epoxy kits and plywood packages for all my designs, plus sails, rigging, and numerous other items. Here's my daughter, Grace, setting up the frames for a Grace's Tender kit.

Please call or write to me at: Arch Davis Design 37 Doak Road Belfast, Maine 04915 Tel:207-930-9873  

If you would like to receive a newsletter from Arch Davis Design, send me an e-mail at [email protected]

Boat Profile

Penobscot 14

An Arch Davis Classic

From Issue   January 2018

T he Penobscot 14 is a versatile sail, oar, and motor boat designed by Arch Davis in the early ’90s. His goal was to design a boat that was easy to build, had pleasing lines, and offered excellent sailing and rowing performance. He did not take inspiration from any particular existing design, and says his design was “based on many years of looking at boats and trying to figure out what makes a good one.”

He was influenced a bit by the Whitehall-type boats, but most have a narrow beam in proportion to their length and rarely a sailing rig, so Davis gave the hull more bearing to enable it carry sail and drew three sail plans—gunter sloop, lug cat, and sprit cat—to meet a variety of needs. Arch built the first Penobscot 14 in 1992, and the result was a seakindly hull with striking lines. Hull No. 1 sits in his garage, not taking up much space, and he still takes it out to row. He published plans in 1993 and since then has sold over 1,500 sets of them.

The stringers that back up the laps strengthen the hull without the need for frames.

The glued-lapstrake 14′ plywood hull has an innovative structure with wider, and therefore fewer, planks, simplifying construction. The internal framework of longitudinal stringers is anchored to the stem, two bulkheads, and the transom. Two temporary molds help fair the stringers while the six strakes are applied. These stringers provide exceptional strength along the plank laps. The planks are attached to the stringers with glue and stainless-steel screws, and so fewer clamps are required.

Woodworkers with some experience can turn themselves into boatbuilders by following Davis’s excellent study package and watching the companion DVD. There are several helpful offerings to choose from: a 14-page set of plans; an illustrated 74-page builder’s guide; full-sized Mylar patterns for bulkheads, stem, transom and molds; and a frame kit, which includes bulkheads, temporary building frames, and transom frame. Kits for the sails, spars, and rigging are also available. If a builder needs help along the way, Davis responds to phone calls and emails; he was a big help to us during the construction of our P14.

The authors, here aboard their Penobscot 14, ST. JACQUES, opted for the sprit rig. The brail, clearly visible here against the tanbark cloth, makes quick work of gathering up the loose-footed sail.

Construction begins with the assembly of a jig built of common lumber. Davis emphasizes that a variety of materials may be used during all phases of construction, and recommends taking advantage of locally available materials. The boat is built upside down both on the temporary molds and what will become the bulkheads, stem, and transom. We chose okoume plywood planking, cypress stringers, and a white oak keel.

The keel can be built with a slot for a daggerboard or a centerboard, or left solid if the boat is intended solely for rowing. After the stringers and sheer clamp are added, planking begins from the garboard. When the deadwood is attached and the planking is complete, the boat is flipped right-side up, and it’s time to add the centerboard or daggerboard trunk. The bulkheads are meant to enclose watertight flotation compartments in each end, but we varied from plan and opted for readily compartments under the bow and stern seats and use spare PFDs as flotation in them. The breasthook, quarter knees, gunwale, and railcap complete construction of the hull.

In the three rigs Davis provides in the plans, the lug rig carries 77 sq ft of sail, the sprit rig 73, and gunter rig 95. The spars for all of the rigs will fit inside the hull when not in use. We chose the small sprit rig for ease of rigging and handling on our gusty bay.

John Stevenson’s SWEET DREAMS carries the boomed standing lug.

The boat is lightweight, easy to trailer, and getting underway is simple: Step the mast, bend on sail, and ship the rudder. At our beachfront home we launch with a dolly and further afield the boat is light enough to launch easily via trailer on a ramp. We can be underway in about 20 minutes. We wade the boat out a few feet and climb aboard over the side. Davis says that he boards over the transom, then pushes the rudder down with the trailing foot as he gets underway.

Once onboard we drop the centerboard a bit, row a few feet to get deep enough to drop the rudder blade, and look for the wind. When we find it, we loosen the brail and the sprit sets nicely. The sprit’s snotter runs down to the mast thwart and is tied off to a belaying pin. We use another pin for the brail. The sheets are easy to reach and to route aft for singlehanding.

The Penobscot 14 is a stable sailer, well suited for skinny water, and very comfortable for the crew with plenty of room for camp-cruising gear. With the sprit rig, heeling is minimal, and the boat exceeds 3 knots with little effort when we are out messing about. It will not point especially high; its favorite point of sail is a beam reach. The hull has just the right enough of keel and deadwood to sail in shallow water with the rudder retracted and the centerboard up.

The arrangement of the sides and seat offer many convenient places to sit with comfortable back support. The skipper’s favorite position is reclined against the transom with her foot up on a side seat. The stringers act as “mini shelves” that can hold gear such as a boathook, a paddle, or coffee cups. A small section of floorboards may be added, but we left the bilge open so we can see where all the spilled coffee went.

The Penobscot 14 rows with ease, carries well, and tracks straight. Davis recommends 8′ oars. With the two rowing stations the boat can be rowed tandem.

When we can’t find the wind, there are rowing stations forward and amidships. There is plenty of room to row from either station, and the boat is well balanced with our crew of two—skipper on the aft seat and the first mate taking his place amidships or forward. The Penobscot 14 rows with ease, carries well, and tracks well. The oars may be left in the oarlocks when not in use, with the blades tucked neatly under the breasthook. There is also sufficient room to lay them on the side seats. Our neighbor has built two Penobscot 14s and has rowed them over 1,200 miles, so it is safe to say that it is good rowboat.

There’s a notch in the transom for those who have a knack for sculling, and, if motoring appeals, the plans included instructions for equipping the boat with a small outboard of 2 to 3 hp.

The plans for the Penobscot 14 have provisions for mounting a small outboard. In this case, the transom is made thicker and a small, removable section is cut to accommodate a short-shaft motor. If the motor is not permanently mounted, the section that has been cut out is designed to be dropped back into place to restore the appearance of the transom.

The Penobscot 14 is easy to care for and store. After a day on the water, it is a simple task to wipe down the hull and cockpit by sponging the water (and coffee) out from easy-to-reach low points. The spars, sail, and rudder stow in the hull, then we throw on a custom-made Sunbrella cover.

Audrey and Kent Lewis live in Florida and enjoy small-boat sailing, restoration and boatbuilding when she’s not designing costumes or he’s flying. They launched their Penobscot 14 in 2017, and in 2016 they restored an 1880s Mississippi River Skiff for the Beauvoir Museum in Biloxi, Mississippi. Their personal fleet includes several Sunfish, a wooden Sailfish, wooden Sunfish, Catfish catamaran, O’Day Daysailer, Drascombe Lugger, and Drascombe Dabber. They have also rescued and fostered over 30 boats since 2011. Some people describe them as “boat-struck.” They document their boating pursuits in their blog .

Penobscot 14 Particulars

Waterline length/12′ 8″

Beam/ 4′ 6.5″

Draft, board up/ 7″

Draft, down/ 2′ 6″

Weight/155–175 lbs

Plans for the Penobscot 14 are available from Arch Davis Designs : Study Package (covers Penobscot 13, 14, and 17), $15; Boat Plans, $125; Frame Kit, $850. Inquire for details on other kits. WoodenBoat chronicled the construction of the Penobscot 14 in Nos. 138 , 139 , and 140 .

Is there a boat you’d like to know more about? Have you built one that you think other Small Boats Monthly readers would enjoy? Please email us!

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Comments (7)

Nice little boat for one-man use

It is great for rowing; our friend has built two for that purpose. He lost the first one in Hurricane Ivan. And there is plenty of room for two: Skipper on the helm and First Mate tending to sail. We’ve carried 4 adults with no problem, around 625 pounds.

Designer Arch Davis wrote this about crew size for the Penobscot 14: In very general terms, I feel that the maximum crew number for the Penobscot 14, under sail, is three adults, or two adults plus two children, a total of about 480 – 500 pounds. If you do the math, you will see that this gives a reduction of 2 inches of freeboard, but remember that the boat will heel in a breeze, further reducing freeboard on the leeward side. Another factor is that a bigger crew, four adults say, will make the boat rather crowded, so that it’s not so easy to move around, as you have to when tacking to windward, for example. The Penobscot 14 will happily carry a bigger crew under oars. Loss of freeboard is not so important, as the boat does not heel, and with no mast and sails in the way, there is more room in the boat. Four adults, or another child or two, make a reasonable crew in good weather conditions.

Great boat. My boat,YANKEE ROSE, has given my friend Chip and me many hours of wonderful sailing. We live a few miles from the Dunedin, Florida, causeway. It is easy to launch, and has decent wind and many spoil banks to enjoy.

Is the Penobscot 17 a good day sailer rig? Can you share some info about it? Thank you

The Penobscot 17 has a very versatile sail plan and a nice hull with a double-ended waterline. She is fast. We owned one for a bit that was well traveled, she went to the Small Reach Regatta and Mid Atlantic Small Craft Festival with her first owner, then Cedar Key and the Florida 120. She outran everyone in the Florida 120 with her double balanced lug rig. We picked her up, cleaned her up a bit and tried her out in our bay a few times. We found that her cockpit space was a bit tight for our tastes with the multiple flotation compartments, but that design is flexible. We also found ourselves ducking the double booms quite a bit with the frequent tacking we did in the tight corner of our bay. We are spoiled by our boomless Drascombe Lugger and Penobscot 14. She was much better set up for a skipper to set a long course and find a spot on a seat or on the floor for comfortable cruising. The balanced lug also had a 3rd mast step if one wanted to cruise with just one sail. There’s more info about 17 on our blog .

Plans for a boat like this?

Plans for the Penobscot 14 are available from Arch Davis Designs: Study Package (covers Penobscot 13, 14, and 17), $15; Boat Plans, $125; Frame Kit, $850. Inquire for details on other kits. WoodenBoat chronicled the construction of the Penobscot 14 in Nos. 138, 139, and 140.

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Penobscot 17

Penobscot 17 Description

The Penobscot 17 is a canoe brought to you by Old Town Canoe and Kayak . Read Penobscot 17 reviews or submit your own review to share with the paddling community. Check out a few other canoe recommendations below or explore all canoes to find the perfect one for you!

Old Town Canoe and Kayak Penobscot 17 Reviews

Read reviews for the Penobscot 17 by Old Town Canoe and Kayak as submitted by your fellow paddlers. All of the reviews are created and written by paddlers like you, so be sure to submit your own review and be part of the community!

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We started out on rivers in…

We started out on rivers in New Brunswick with this canoe, and liked it so much we brought it with us when we moved to Ontario. It does not track easily on lakes where we paddle now, but my husband has learned to handle it very well. He says the incredible durability of the royalex makes the inconvenience of low tracking worthwhile. Added to this, it floats nice and high in the water, so even when we have it loaded with camping gear for our family of 3 and our 50 lb gal on top in the middle, it rides high and is never a problem, nor do we get anywhere near the waterline. In rough water, when some water is splashing in, we didn't need to worry about swamping. Highly recommend this canoe if you have a chance to buy one!

I have had my Penobscot for…

I have had my Penobscot for about fifteen years. In that time I have paddled it in everything from wilderness lakes (Woodland Caribou PP) to whitewater rivers and everything in between. I find the Penobscot to be a good jack-of-all-trades canoe. Its mild rocker makes it reasonably maneuverable, while preserving reasonable glide. The flared bow deflects waves well to keep the boat dry. It has enough volume to carry all the gear (or children) that most people would want to carry. It has good primary stability and reasonable secondary stability. If you paddle from a kneeling position, as I do, you may find that the front edge of the seats dig into the back of your thighs, but that is easily correctable by putting longer seat drops on the front of the seats. At sixty-five pounds, the Penobscot is pretty heavy for wilderness tripping.

All things considered, if you only have the storage space or the budget for one canoe and you like to paddle in a variety of venues, the Penobscot would be a good choice for most uses.

just replaced the cane seats…

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Miramichi 18

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drjohngarman

Penobscot 17 Sailboat

Perfect perfect perfect... contact John for more photos [email protected] or 949-433-1078. Located in So Cal  

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