A hero shot of the laser cut mini boat with the creator behind it

Mini Boat

A mini (but still full-sized) 6 foot electric boat.

This boat is ridiculously small and a blast to ride. It's also simple to build with its cable-tie and epoxy construction.

It's designed to last a lifetime. It's made from marine-grade plywood and incorporates internal bulkheads that provide floatation even when flooded.

It's small enough to store in a closet, squeeze through a door, and slide into a hatchback. When it's on the water, it steals attention from the largest boats.

Interested in building your own?

Bare-Hull Kits:

  • $950

I offer these kits on a made-to-order basis. If you would like one, contact me.

Bare-Hull Kits will include:

The custom components involved in making this boat:

  • Laser cut marine-grade plywood
  • Various 3D printed components
  • Steering wheel
  • Steering-shaft bearings
  • Various gaskets

Additional expenses:

You will be in charge of sourcing all of the off-the-shelf components, which will be an additonal $500 to $1,250 depending on how crafty or fancy you are.

Build Instructions:

The build process has been well documented and published for free on Instructables.

Digital Plans:

  • $95

If you would rather purchase plans than a bare-hull kit, contact me.

Digital Plans will include:

All the files necessary to make this boat:

  • Design linework in PDF format (for printing)
  • Design linework in DXF format (for CNC)
  • STL files for the 3D printed components

 

Features:

  • Precision laser cut components
  • Interlocking assembly (no jigs)
  • Simple cable-tie and epoxy construction
  • Interior bulkhead design for flood floatation
  • Thick plexiglass steering wheel
  • Electric trolling motor propulsion
  • Low and comfortable seating position
  • Stable flat bottom hull design
  • Reliable steering geometry
  • Convenient cubby storage (above dash)
  • Additional behind-seat storage

Materials:

  • Okoume BS1088 (marine plywood)
  • Plexiglass (steering wheel)
  • ABS plastic (3D printed parts)
  • Delrin (steering shaft bearings)
  • Cork (gaskets)

Size:

  • Length: 6' (180cm)
  • Width: 31" (80cm)
  • Height: 24" (60cm)

Weight:

  • Boat: 67lb (30kg)
  • Motor: 17lb (8kg)
  • Batteries: 21lb (10kg) ea.

Draft:

  • 18" (45cm) w/ 170lb rider

Limits:

  • 6'2" (188cm) rider height
  • 200lb (91kg) rider weight

Speed:

  • 3.5 knots (4 mph / 6.4 kph)

Inspiration:

  • Paul Elkin's 8ft "Little Miss Sally" boat.
  • American Boathead's 8ft "Model C" boat
  • Artistic Brit's boat building videos
  • Corbin Dunn's CLC Kayak build
  • Chesapeake Light Craft (CLC) build instructions

Videos:

Customer Videos:

Customer Photos:

The mini boat floating in Lacamas lake, surrounded by lilly pads
A rear 3/4 view of the mini electric boat, showing off the electric trolling motor propulsion
A side / top view of the mini electric boat
A front 3/4 view of the mini electric boat
A detail view of the mini electric boat seat
A view of the mini electric boat batteries
The steering drum and pulley system of the mini electric boat
A dashboard view of the mini electric boat, showing off the steering wheel, volt-meter, and dead-mans switch
A rear 3/4 view of the mini electric boat, showing off the electric trolling motor propulsion
A mini boat gliding by a Chesapeake Light Craft kayak in Round Lake
A mini boat in the middle of a large lilly pad forest
The mini boat floating in the middle of Round Lake
The mini boat next to a curved tree growing out of the water
The mini boat next to a shoreline with large trees
The mini boat next to a shipwreck in Richmond
Two mini boats about to land on the shore of red rock island
Two mini boats under the Richmond bridge
A mini boat in the California Camp Fire smoke
A mini boat in front of the berkeley pier ruins
Josh and Dylan in their mini boats in berkeley
Mini boats under the berkeley pier
A mini boat cruising in the Emeryville harbor on a calm day
JuliAnn in a mini boat at the Emeryville harbor
JuliAnn showing off the mini boat at the Emeryville harbor
Dylan pushing his mini boat to the limits in the San Francisco Bay chop
First launch of the mini electric boat, sitting by the dock
Erika at the first launch of the mini electric boat, turning around
Josh racing towards the camera at the first launch of the mini electric boat
Erika riding towards the bridge at the first launch of the mini electric boat
Carl jumping an ocean wave in his mini boat
A first-person view of driving the mini boat
Josh riding in choppy ocean water in his mini boat
Balancing while standing in the mini boat
Open ocean in the mini boat