Welcome to Tad Roberts' small boat designs

These small boat designs are based on traditional types but incorporate modern hull forms, appendages, construction, materials, and ergonomics.  Most can be built by the dedicated amateur; one of the benefits of a new design is simplifying construction.  Many are available with full size lofting.  Traditional styling ensures these little boats can become heirlooms, valuable for generations. Have fun looking, and contact me with any questions.

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Design Thoughts (At Home & Abroad)

Recent Designs: 20' Shanty Boat, Two Arrangements

January 9, 2012

New Design: 20' Shanty Boat, Two Arrangements. Both arrangements will sleep 3-4 people with room left over, have a complete galley, and small head with composting toilet. Solar panels, a windmill, rain catchment, and a wood stove all equal independence. In a tiny package, it is possible for small dollars.

Design Update: Final sailplan, accommodation, hull lines drawings, and two pdf study plans have been added to the Big Saturnina 25 page.

Recent preliminary: 30' Halibut Ketch. Traditional small steel motorsailer. Like the Johnson 30, on the edge of being a small boat. In the Sail 30' and Over section with the similar design, 36' Halibut Ketch.

Design Update: Pearson 28 Troller. New model with the deck lowered for combination fishing hauling pots.

Recent commission, the Johnson 30 Ringnetter, a traditional Scottish Ringnetter.

Tad Roberts