The Piankatank River Pram
7'11" x 47" {2.4m x 1.2m} 55lbs {25kg}The PRP is a great handling little skin-on-frame dinghy designed for utility and practicality. She fills the needs of cruisers looking for a lightweight dink to tow or stow on deck, and she's a wonderful little boat to tool around in under oar or sail. The Piankatank River Pram has a classic heritage, based on a design by the legendary Francis Herreshoff that was, in turn, modified by the great John Gardner. Our version converts that able craft into an ultralight SOF boat that also sails quite respectably.
The PRP has room for two adults, plus space left over for pets or groceries. Her flat bottom gives surprising stability in such a light boat, and she rows as well as any 8' boat - and better than most. As for sailing, she's easy to handle, rigs in just a few minutes, and moves along in the lightest of airs. She uses a simple and efficient standing lugsail and has full floatation under the seats. The Piankatank River Pram is very easy for one person to carry and transport, and would make a perfect sail trainer for kids or adults, a capable dink to service a larger craft, or a fun boat for fishing or exploring marinas, ponds, coves and hidden backwaters.
Maximum recommended capacity is 400lbs {182kg} Order plans here.