Angus Pram
The Angus Pram is almost identical to the wheelbarrow boat. The only difference is it has no wheel and can't be used as a wheelbarrow. It is available as four options; digital plans, full-sized paper plans, kits, and wood-only kits Details>>
This Angus Pram can carry up to two adults and two kids, has three flotation chambers, and the hull is made from ten panels facilitating elegant beauty and dome-like integrity. The vessel is a featherlight 45 lbs., which is the lightest pram of its size that we're aware of. It has been designed to simplify construction as much as possible without sacrificing looks and performance.
The Pinnacle of Practicality
Versatility and practicality were the key attributes we were striving for with this boat. We also wanted it to be one of the best looking and capable tenders/dinghies around. We carefully studied dozens of prams and dinghies currently on the market and looked at what works and what doesn't, and made sure to combine the very best attributes along with our own innovative ideas to create a functional dinghy.
Please click the image below to view the Wheelbarrow Dinghy Photo Gallery. Note that these images are of the wheelbarrow version, however, the Angus Pram is exactly the same, but without the wheel.
Some of the vessel's key features include
Light Weight: The Angus Pram is a featherlight 45 lbs (20.5 kg) Light weight is important for hauling onto the decks of larger boats when being used as a tender and for providing better performance on the water. We achieve this low weight by emulating carvel construction rather than lapstrake (which gives better weight for strength by allowing glass on both sides) and using 4 ml hull planks sandwiched with glass on both sides (which is a form of cored composite construction). Additionally, the rounded dome shape of the hull, comprised of 10 hull panels, creates extra stiffness and rigidity.Performance: This is achieved through shape and length. Short boats quickly hit their maximum hull speed, so every inch of extra waterline length makes a big difference. We made this design as long as possible, while still allowing the hull panels to be cut from a single piece of standard marine ply. Additionally, 10 hull panels allow for a rounded hull (though flat on the bottom for stability) for reduced wetted area. Anybody who rows this boat is impressed with how quickly and easily it moves through the water.
Transom Clearance: A pram has not one, but two transoms. The bow transom allows the vessel to be larger for its size, but it also poses a potential problem. Transoms, whether fore or aft, create an immense amount of drag due to turbulence if submerged. We have created significant rocker on our vessel meaning the transoms are clear of the water, except when the boat is very heavily loaded. As a result, the vessel glides easily through the water.
People/Cargo Mover: A lot of thought went into being able to row this small boat optimally with different passenger configurations. Two rowing stations allow the boat to have good trim with different combinations of passengers. The wheelbarrow boat has a maximum capacity of 400 lbs.
Safety: Good stability, high freeboard and three independent flotation chambers provide a safe ride.
Rowing Geometry: Too many boat designers don't adhere to optimal rowing geometry. We made sure that all aspects of the rowing design - height of seat from bilge, height of oarlocks above seat, etc. are all optimal to provide solid rowing comfort and performance.
Ease of Building: We wanted to make this boat as easy as possible to build. All holes are pre-drilled for stitching with copper wires, bulkhead locations marked with drill holes, and dowels and slots are used to guide pieces together like Ikea furniture. Build time is 40-60 hours.
Tracking/Towing: The wheelbarrow dinghy has a large skeg to assist with tracking and towing (when towed as a tender). It also has two abrasion strips to protect the bottom of the hull
Instructional Resources
We designed this boat for beginners, making sure all the construction processes are as simple as possible. But creating an easy-to-build boat is not enough. It is important to support the builder with adequate learning resources. For this boat we went to more effort than ever before and created the following resources:
- Manual: A 64,000-word illustrated manual
- Video: A two-hour instructional video
- Photo Build Gallery: Clear photos illustrating the entire build process
- Builder's Forum: A community forum to pose questions.
- Email Support: Still have a question? We're always ready to help.
Specifications
- Length Overall: 7' 9" (238 cm)
- Waterline Length: 6' 8" (207 cm)
- Beam: 48" (122cm)
- Weight: 45 lbs (22 kg)
- Watertight compartments: 3
- Depth: 14.5" (37 cm)
- Freeboard at 200lb displacent: 10" (25 cm)
- Freeboard at 400 lb displacement: 7.5 " (19 cm)
- Sprint speed: 4 knots
- Cruise Speed: 3-3.5 knots
- Maximum capacity 400 lbs (181 kg)
- Boat doubles as a bookcase, and fits vertically in standard rooms.
A build gallery showcasing the dinghy built from a kit can be seen here:
Angus Pram Pricing
To purchase the Wheelbarrow Kit or Plans please click on the red links below. When comparing prices of our to our competition, please factor in shipping rates, as ours are very competitive. Shipping can be calculated by partially going through with the order and inputting your address.
Digital Plans & Manual $129 USD
Full-Sized Plans & Manual $159 USD
Includes full sized plans and manual. DXF files available for an extra $30.
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Complete Kit $1330 USD
Includes everything required to complete your own Angus Pram including CNC-precision-cut wood pieces, fiberglass and epoxy.
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Includes CNC-cut plywood components and precision-cut dimensional lumber to build your boat
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Kits for Customers Outside of North America: Please Read
