14' Maine Coast Peapod Design Plans

14' Maine Coast Peapod

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Peapods, which evolved as inshore working boats, were seen all along the Maine coast at the turn of the century. Used for lobstering, clamming, and all kinds of waterfront work, the original boats were usually 14′ to 16′ long and a bit flatter-floored and straighter-sided than most recreational peapods you’ll see today. This made them burdensome and stiff, but even heavily loaded they would row easily. And seaworthy! A good peapod was comfortable in conditions that would make you wish you were close to shore were you in another type of boat.

Maine Coast Peapod particulars and line drawing.

Joel White’s lovely Maine Coast Peapod incorporates the best of these traditional properties. She will carry a big load and row easily, and is as seaworthy as a small open frames, all fastened together with good, honest bronze and copper. While not simple to build, this would be a great first project for someone interested in learning traditional boatbuilding techniques. She’ll be as fun to build as to use and when you step aboard your finished pod, you’ll know you’ve got a real boat under you-stable and solid.

The standard lug rig, while not traditional for peapods, provides plenty of low-cost power. It is easy to make and sail; and the spars stow completely within the boat when not in use. The mast is unstayed-no standing rigging to kink, tangle, or snap. As a bonus, this boat can be rigged to sail in about two minutes.

Detailed plan drawings for the Maine Coast Peapod.

Plans for the Maine Coast Peapod consist of four sheets: lines, construction, lug rig sail plan, and full-sized patterns for molds, stems, and belt frames. No lofting is required. WoodenBoat Plan No. 94, $60.00.