The Waterman canoes are more than simple open Canadian type canoes; they are a complete canoeing experience - from simply being a family open day canoe to a camping/sailing/portaging craft capable of being used to explore normally impenetrable rivers and creeks. The Waterman 16 canoe, like it's smaller sister is really a Guide Boat and has a beam of 38’’ and a central hull depth of 13’’. Being wider than the typical Canadian canoe, she is a very roomy stable craft with the capability to carry a good sail area and to be used to carry a lot of baggage or to fish from. The hull design has 3 chines allowing a wide bodied design for stability whilst at the same time having a low water surface area.

This boat will take 3 or 4 adults. The plans show a simple sailing rig with removable leeboards. If a simple ridge tent is slung over the gunwales one person can sleep comfortably on the bottom of the hull. Additionally, the hull could be made in 2 halves for easy transport or for construction in a really confined space. Buoyancy can be built-in at each end if required. Construction is simple stitch and tape using 4 sheets of 5 or 6mm ply and around 30 hours will see the canoe ready for painting. Weight is approximately 75 lbs. when using 5/6mm ply.