22' Friend-Ship

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Join to view PDF Phil Thiel's Friend-Ship Plans

If you’d like to extend your cruising season, putting a roof over the your head to block the rain, and placing windows around you to divert the wind, can make manning the helm in inclement weather tolerable and perhaps even pleasant. Phil Thiel equipped his Friend-Ship canal cruiser with a shelter for the shoulder seasons; it comes apart in sections and stows aboard the boat for trailering and for passing under low bridges. The outboard motor is mounted in a recess in the transom and covered with an easily removed box to reduce its noise. Flanked by a pair of storage boxes, it serves as part of an 8' long bench for passengers to keep the skipper company.

Particulars and line drawing for the Friend-Ship canal cruiser.

Thiel's Friend-Ship is ideal for cruising sheltered inland waters.

At the end of the day’s travel, find a snug spot for the night where there’s enough water to accommodate the boat’s 9" draft, and go below for supper in the main cabin. There’s room for four at the table. The galley has a countertop with plenty of room for a recessed portable stove and a sink on top and a cooler or two tucked underneath.

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