14′ Maine Coast Peapod

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.

The Maine Coast Peapod is a design for traditional plank-on-frame construction.

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.

Profile view

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.

Boatbuilders with moderate carpentry skills should handle the carvel planking construction well.

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.

The boat is designed to carry a lug rig with a boom, yard, and 12′ mast.

Maine Coast Peapod Design Plan Highlights

DESCRIPTION
Hull type: Round-bottomed double-ender
Rig: Standing lug
Construction: Carvel-planked over steamed frames

PERFORMANCE
* Suitable for: Protected waters
* Intended capacity: 1-4
Trailerable: Yes
Propulsion: Sail, oars

BUILDING DATA
Skill needed: Intermediate
Lofting required: No
* Alternative construction: Lapstrake or strip

PLANS DATA
No. of sheets: 4
Level of detail: Above average
Cost per set: $60.00
WB Plan No. 94

Completed Maine Coast Peapod Images

Friends and family explore the tide line. With the centerboard up, the Peapod only draws 7″.

The wide beam gives the hull good stability, while a simple lug rig makes sailing a breeze.