12' Wee Rob Canoe
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Join to view PDF Purchase WEE ROB Canoe PlansRecreational canoeing began in Britain and America in the latter half of the 19th century in boats similar to Iain Oughtred's Wee Rob. The general type came to be known as the Rob Roy canoe, after a popular, archetypal vessel by that name. Oughtred's 12-footer-being a small version of the original breed-is named accordingly.
In recent years there has been a revival of double-paddle sailing canoes, as more people rediscover the versatility of these lovely craft. Traditional construction, though, of what is essentially a tiny yacht can be a challenging project-given light scantlings, solid lumber, tight spaces, and a complex round-bottomed shape. Wee Rob can certainly be built in the traditional manner, and Oughtred has specified information for that option. However, the real purpose and appeal of this design (as with much of Iain Oughtred's work) is to facilitate rather than complicate construction, so the builder can go boating in a traditional craft after a minimum of shop time.
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Greetings from South Africa.
What a pity that the beautiful boat in the final picture is so disrespected by a truly dreadful plastic paddle!
On the plus side, great to see it rigged for sailing. I have built a number of Rob Roy canoes from Ted Moore’s plans and always meant to rig a sail but somehow never got round to it.
Probably too keen to build the next one!