SCRAMBLER

CATEGORY: Jet Sleds & Whitewater River Boats
CONSTRUCTION: Sheet plywood planking/wood framing or welded aluminum

This compact whitewater sled offers quick and nimble maneuvering in tight quarters on fast-moving streams and rivers, Or use on other waters just like any boat. Its smaller size makes it easy to trail, easy to build, and easy on the wallet. Yet it’s strong and rugged whether built in sheet plywood or welded aluminum. Both versions feature five husky frames. Bottoms are ½" total with " sides on plywood hulls. Aluminum hulls use 3/16" bottom and 1/8" sides - heavier scantlings than most boats this size and in keeping with the tough intended usage.

Power comes from a 20" or 25" shaft length outboard fitted with jet pump for whitewater use, or standard propeller otherwise. A slight "vee" in the bottom aft keeps the pump primed and assures responsive steering. The vee increases forward, much more so than other boats this size. Combined with an upswept pram bow and flaring topsides, the ride is surprisingly smooth and dry. An integral splash well keeps out any backwash while adding extra transom stiffness.

A spacious open cockpit with minimal foredeck lets you add a control console, seating, and amenities to suit your needs. And it’s easy to vary boat length a foot or so either way. FULL-SIZE PATTERNS for frame and transom contours, together with instructions and material listings especially for do-it-yourselfers makes building quick and easy. Plywood plans show joining methods making it easy to use 8' panels throughout.

"I am the proud owner/builder of a SCRAMBLER.  On the Rogue and Klamath Rivers, I've had lots of guys with the high dollar boats check mine out, wishing they had built one and not spent the money on their big guns.  The best compliment I had was when an old Indian who has spent his life on the Klamath River fishing for salmon, walked around it and said, "Now that's a good boat." ...Frank Shunk, California