Designed in 1985, Aber was the first boat that Francois Vivier created especially for the home builder. It is derived from Aven, his first sail & oars design. It is a little smaller, but has more buoyancy in the fore sections for better sea keeping. Aber kept the simple but so efficient lug rig in the Breton style, with a well peaked yard. It has a pivoting centerboard. The rudder is fixed but can slide vertically.

Due to its moderate size, Aber is an excellent rowing boat for one or two persons. It is also a very lively and fast sailboat. In the sail & oars range, Aber is the best choice for small crew, from 1 to 3.

As a result of these qualities, Aber was classified in the "top 150" by the English magazine "Classic Boat" (issue 150).

Aber is strip planked over bent or laminated frames. In 2004, a lighter, plywood (6 mm) clinker version was designed.

Click HERE for a two page PDF document with a few ABER drawings (in French)

Click the thumbnails below for Aber photo albums:

A Lapstrake Aber built in Australia by Ross Lillistone

Lapstrake Aber at sea

Strip planked Aber at sea

Construction of strip planked Aber "Fels"

Construction of Lapstrake Aber "P'tit Léon"

Fels

Visit François Vivier's website in either:
ENGLISH
or
FRENCH

Read About:

Vivier Plan Contents

Sail and Oar Boats

10 Good Reasons
to buy a Vivier
plan, kit or boat