Caravelle Rower
Lightweight | fast rower | Easy to build
SPECIFICATIONS
LOA 14’4” | LWL 11’8” | Beam (max) 47.5” | Beam (wl) 36” Depth amidships 13” | Capacity 500 lbs ppl, boat, gear PPI 145 | Cp 0.57
The Caravelle Rower is a light, fast, seaworthy small rowboat that can be built by the first time boat builder and moved around with a light trailer, cartop or the bed of a pickup. The Caravelle was designed to be a sleeker more graceful rowboat than her predecessor which had the same hull shape as the Caravelle sailing version, only with a different layout. With her graceful sheer and classic proportions, the Caravelle is as beautiful as she is seaworthy. Her safety and versatility comes from being able to row solo or tandem and with built-in flotation she can be self-rescued making her a choice for people wanting to get into open water or camp cruise.
KEY FEATURES
easy to manage on land and cartoppable due to its light 100lb weight and moderate width
versatile and capable on the water for both solo and tandem rowing
easy to build by a novice who has never built a boat
The Caravelle Rower is a sleeker version of the original rowing version pictured above, but this shows the general feel.
The Caravelle has a novel moveable seat system which allows for only two seats needed each sitting on a seat riser “shelf” glued to the hull. The seats are held in place with thumb screws and in a minute can be moved from the solo position (as shown in the presentation drawing above) to the aft position for tandem rowing.
There is an adjustable foot stretcher design that comes with the boat as well as pre-shaped oarlock riser blocks fit for top mount oarlocks. The Caravelle can be rowed with 7’10” spoon blade oars, which we can supply as an oarmaking kit!
The Caravelle Rower hull #1 moving at hull speed with co-designer Eric Risch rowing.
The Caravelle Rower has a fine entry and submerged stem which cuts the water; with the run aft she can move cleanly and quickly through the water.
The first Caravelle Rowing Skiff built in 2010 is still being used today for expeditions and day rows.
The Caravelle Rower is built from all 6mm Okoume plywood and trimmed in Spruce and a light mahogany to keep her light. Hull #1 came in at 100 lbs.
“Both boats can also serve as capable tenders for moderate to larger yachts. I towed my original dory-skiff on cruises and was pleased how well she behaved.”
Complete kit contents for the Caravelle Rower
Plywood kit | Timber kit | Hardware kit | Epoxy kit
The plywood kit comes with precut planking, structural parts and even a footrest stretcher.
The timber kit is cut from select hardwoods and softwoods matched to the use and placement in the boat.
Options, Upgrades and Accessories for the EBDS kit
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There are no options but it is a good idea to let us know if you are varnishing the boat so we can select the best Okoume panels
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Seats come in a softwood but a light hardwood option is available
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Gaco oarlocks come standard but traditional Bronze oarlocks and sockets are also available
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CONSTRUCTION PHOTOS
The Caravelle can be built from a kit or plans only, and is a great choice for the first-time boatbuilder. The hull is constructed of 6 mm Okoume plywood over stem, frames, and transom, all precut in the plywood kit. With a traditional wood chine, very little filleting and fiberglassing is necessary, and a 2 inch glass tape on the exterior of the chines is all that is needed to seal and protect the hull. No strongback is required, greatly reducing build time and complexity through use of the Tab-n'-Lock system. Construction time takes 75 to 175 hours, depending on whether built from a kit or plans, and on the level of finish desired.
The Caravelle Rower will be available from just plans. Learn more and order by going to our webpage about plans packages.