Shelter Island Boat Works

As the cold continues and work in the outside shop is restricted I have started thinking about the next boat. Since the Coquina has taken far longer than I anticipated I looked for something simpler, classic, smaller, and in short – a quicker build. I have always wanted a peapod. They row exceptionally well, are beautiful, and quick to build. So, I have been researching Peapod designs. While they are all quite similar there are subtle differences that make a great impact. Mostly in the shear line, the bottom contour, and construction details. Wooden Boat had a great article, A Gallery of Peapod Lines, comparing different designs that rated the aspects of many of the classic working and recreational peapods. All the lines are from boats from the late 19th to early 20th century when peapods were a common sight in Maine. Many are lapstrake but some are traditionally built plank on frame. As the cold continues I went down into the heated shop and built a model of one I thought might be right for how I intend to use it. I wanted good stability, moderate shear line rake, symmetry fore and aft, moderate freeboard, ability to sail well, and light weight. For speed of build I went for glued lapstrake on the model. I am considering cedar strip build for the big one, but for the model I went with lapstrake. The hull shape is modeled after the Matinincus Peapod.

After cutting the molds and setting up the strong back it was quick work. It took about two days. I made a simple lug rigged sail with paper and masking tape.

The finished model on the model wall, all at 1’=1″ scale.

Seaford Skiff above and Matinicus Peapod below.