The Perfect River Raid Boat (PRRB)

[Chris Waite]

I'm glad someone other than myself

Brought up the notion that a "proa" is actually multihull that reverses and that the cheeky little number in question is really an outrigger canoe, albeit transom-sterned.

There are two sorts of proa - the pacific one has the outrigger to windward and the Atlantic version where it is always to leeward.  'Cheers' was probably the earliest and certainly most famous of the latter:



The Pacific type traditionally had a 'crab-claw' sail:


 
Though there is also a Sri Lankan version as well:



Oh, and some bloke from the HBBR made one too:



The main point with them all is firstly that the outrigger always stays on the same side, up- or down-wind depending on the ocean you choose, secondly there has to be some form of steering device in each end and the thirdly the rig has to be reversible.  They do not tack by going about, but stop and reverse like a falling leaf in Autumn.

Glad we got that sorted out then

Quibellissimo

[BrianP]

Here's a rather sweet 12' design. Fin propulsion. The new edition of Wooden boats Magazine's "Small Boats 2014" £3.95 from newsagents has a feature on the Harry Bryan designed Thistle. There is also a very good write up on the B&B designed Spindrift 12.

http://www.harrybryan.com/harrybryan/ThistlePlan.html





Fin drive in action. The driving fin is made from very bendy but super tough lexan sheet.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=fYMAxLu9dp4

and driving hard here
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3PdOIXvfB3g

THISTLE (FIN BOAT)
The Fin boat is designed to be propelled like a fish. She has an extremely flexible fin at
her transom which is controlled by reciprocating foot pedals. Thus, using your strongest
muscles, she can be propelled and steered by legs alone, leaving the operator's hands
free for navigating. or binocular and camera use. Although capable of keeping up with
any oar or paddle propelled boat of her length, she is at her best silently swimming
close to wildlife or just enjoying the water-borne equivalent of an afternoon walk.

PARTICULARS
LOA 12'
Beam 31"
Weight 65 Ibs.

DESCRIPTION
Hull type: Flat bottomed, round sided semi-open dory.
Construction: Lap streak cedar.
Intended capacity: 1
Propulsion: Pedal powered fin.

BUILDING DATA
Skill needed: Basic to intermediate wood and metal working.
Lofting required: No
Alternative construction: Glued lap plywood (not detailed)

PLANS DESCRIPTION
Plans consist of 7 sheets:
1. Lines, offsets and setup jig;
2. Construction and scantlings
3. Full sized patterns
4. additional full sized patterns
5. Full sized fin propulsion details
6. Pedals and fin
7. More full sized fin propulsion details.

A 36 pg. instruction booklet is included.

Cost per set $65.00

Lightweight, car top, home built forward facing design with a pedal drive system which could be built and fitted to other designs such as John Hesp's lovely 12' canoe, perhaps Katie Beardie and others.

Brian