DRIFT PRAM
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8' & 10' river rowing prams for
"stitch-&-glue" construction
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Build in
STITCH AND GLUE PLYWOOD
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CATEGORY: Driftboats & Drift Prams
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Characteristics
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8'
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10'
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Length overall
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7'9"
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9'7"
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Beam
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54" or 60"
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62"
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Bottom width (max.)
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41" or 47"
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48"
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Hull depth
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15"-16"
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17"-18"
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Weight (approx. lbs.)
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80-90
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110
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Average passengers
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1-2
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1-3
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Parts are cut to size and shape from FULL SIZE PATTERNS that
come with the plans. Once panels are wire-stitched, the boat
takes its shape automatically. Seams are then filleted
with epoxy filler and fiberglass tape, and the hull exterior
then covered with fiberglass cloth. Other than the gunnel
rails and corner knees the boat is virtually complete.
Two of our easiest and quickest designs to build, DRIFT
PRAMS let you reach fishing holes bigger boats must pass by.
While functionally similar to larger driftboats, they’re
equally suited to lakes, bays, and other protected waters.
And don’t rule them out as a ship-to-shore dinghy. Their
wide, flat bottoms give amazing stability, while shoal draft,
built-in rocker, and light weight mean instant response to
oar inputs. Our 8' MODEL can be built in variable widths;
4½’ or 5', so it can fit most vans, pickups,
or car tops. While usually single-handed, an extra passenger
can be accommodated. Our 10' MODEL is nearly as easy to
transport, but more closely matches the performance of true
driftboats - it can easily accommodate two fishermen.
By virtue of STITCH-&-GLUE construction, weight and cost
are bare-bones yet maintenance and deterioration are
virtually eliminated. There are no frames, but strength is
superior. The two seats stiffen the hull and form built-in
flotation chambers. No jig, special tools, or fastenings are
used for hull assembly. FULL SIZE PATTERNS are provided for
all hull components (see photos). Plans also include complete
INSTRUCTIONS & MATERIAL UTILIZATION LAYOUTS. Hull panels
are wire-tied together and joints bonded with epoxy filler
and fiberglass tapes. Exterior hull surfaces are coated with
epoxy and fiberglass for abrasion resistance and minimum
maintenance. Most can assemble in a weekend or two.
The 8' MODEL uses 3 sheets of ¼" x 4' x
8' plywood. The 10' MODEL uses one each of
¼" and "x 4' x 8', and one
¼" x 4' x 10'. A few sticks of lumber are
added for gunnels and corner knees plus ordinary steel
bailing wire available anywhere for stitching.
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