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The Ladybug Wheelbarrow Boat is an amphibious wonder that gets you down the beach with your gear and then out across the harbor. Clear plans from Harry Bryan offer both cedar and plywood options. There is no sailing rig, but the utility of a wheelbarrow AND a boat is hard to beat. See videos below.
Design | Harry Bryan |
Length and Beam | 7′ and 3.67′ |
Weight | 80 lbs. |
Price | $35 (Plans) |
Capacity | 2 Adults |
Versatility | Row |
Construction Type | Lapstrake |
Hull Material | Cedar or Plywood |
Rowing | ★★ |
Sailing | N/A |
Ease of Towing | ★★★★ |
Initial Stability | ★★★★ |
Load Carrying Capacity | ★★★ |
Ease of Maintanence | ★★★ |
Affordability | ★★★★ |
Car-topable/Portability | ★★★ |
Ease of Build | ★★ |
Off Center Factor | ★★★★★ |
You can purchase the plans directly by contacting Harry Bryan.
If you like this design, be sure to look at Tiny Ripple and Bill Thomas’ desin Mischief
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David Tew says:
Harry- Do you tow your pram ever? Does the wheel well make a difference catching water up in it?
Harry Bryan says:
David,
I am sorry not to reply sooner. Yes, I often tow the wheelbarrow boat. The wheel makes no appreciable difference as the considerable bottom rocker causes the wheel well to lift clear of the water at anything over 3 knots. The wheel itself turns as its lower tread touches the water’s surface giving the impression that it is powered.
My son uses a wheelbarrow boat behind a powerboat and finds that she only lifts so far, at which point she planes on the straighter sections aft. Presumably therefore, there is no limit to towing speed. This planing phenomenon happens when sailing at 5 knots or above as well.
The only downside to her shape is that, common to all flat bottomed prams, the fuss of the water against her bottom is noisier than a round or v-bottomed shape.
If anyone is reading this who contemplates building this boat, don’t be tempted (as I read on a forum) to make the stern seat the full width of the boat. When rowing single handed, you need the space either side of the seat for your feet.
Harry