A unique boat tender design was born out of a casual promise and a tight deadline. The challenge: to create a tender for a 19ft ferro cement sailboat in just one weekend, using plywood and glue. This led to the creation of “Roofrack,” a small, practical, and surprisingly capable pram dinghy perfect for towing and carrying heavy loads. This article explores the design and construction of this simple yet effective glue-on roof rack boat.
From Concept to Reality: Building a Tender in 48 Hours
The design process was driven by necessity. With only two days to build, the plans were drawn up in stages, just ahead of the construction. Frames were assembled with barely-set glue, and paint was still wet when “Roofrack” was launched alongside its mothership, “Roc.”
Design Challenges and Solutions for a Small Boat Tender
Designing a tender for a small sailboat presents unique challenges. The tender needs to:
- Track straight and stay dry when towed at higher speeds.
- Carry a substantial load.
- Be easily lifted aboard the main boat.
- Fit within limited storage space.
“Roofrack”: Meeting the Demands
“Roofrack’s” design addressed these challenges. Its pram shape provides stability and load-carrying capacity. The small size allows for easy stowage and handling. Despite its simple construction using plywood and glue, “Roofrack” proved remarkably seaworthy.
Real-World Performance and Versatility
After months of use, “Roofrack” exceeded expectations. It handled well in various conditions, proving to be a reliable and versatile tender. Its compact size made it easy to transport, even fitting in the back of a station wagon.
Variations and Popularity
The original design spawned two versions: a shortened version for easier transport and the standard 2.18m (7ft 2in) model, comfortably carrying three people and gear. While perhaps not the most aesthetically pleasing boat, “Roofrack’s” practicality and capability have made it a popular choice for small sailboat owners.
