I designed Newt to be a quickly, easily and inexpensively built, lightweight solo canoe. I also wanted to produce a design that would fit comfortably into the “build-a-boat“ workshop setting seen at many wooden boat events, and community, family and youth development programs. To that end, the plans for Newt needed to be especially clear and comprehensive, and the boat had to be uncomplicated in construction. So I took extra care to develop drawings, building notes and construction techniques focused toward the builder with minimal woodworking experience and only basic tools. The result is an attractive “personal” watercraft that displays excellent overall performance, and can be built by one person, with hand tools, in five days. And, keeping with the design goals, in that relatively short build time, many of the basic skills of wooden boat building can be explored.
Newt is light enough to be comfortably carried and launched by one person, and is easily car topped without straining. A unique seating system makes extended cruising possible without fatigue, and the forward facing, kayak style propulsion makes exploring in this little craft a real delight.
Construction is simple and straightforward. The hull is gotten from 1 ½ sheets of ¼” or 6mm plywood, and all the rest of the structural components are made from common lumberyard materials.
The plans include detailed large-scale drawings for all assemblies. To eliminate confusion, step-by-step construction notes that describe all components and building procedures are number-keyed to the corresponding parts and assemblies in the drawings. Also included is a materials list, and plans and pattern for building the double paddle. No lofting is required.
Includes Newt plans, instructions, and US shipping.
Newt Featured in WoodenBoat Magazine’s Annual Small Boats Publication.
~Take advantage of our 20% off special on orders of $75 or more! Apply coupon code: Boatbuilder Special at checkout. [Valid for US orders only]
~Plans in PDF: Plans for Newt can be ordered for email delivery in PDF format, at a discounted price.
~Consider including my book, Boatbuilding My Way, in your plans order. Available in Hardcopy or discounted PDF Format, it is the ideal companion to plans from Jordan Wood Boats.
Paying by Check
Our checkout system is through PayPal. If you wish to pay by check, please fill your cart as you would normally, then print it out and mail it to us with your check.
