by Bob Whittier
Many boats have been build in basements. Its one of the things folks like to do over a winter. When spring comes, the boat is ready to use. Only problem is, some of those basement-built boats have remained right where they were built—or had to be carefully taken apart—because the builders couldn’t get them out of the basement. This Basement Boat has two great things going for it. And the greatest of these is that you should be able to get it out of the basement when you get it built. It’s designed to be taken out through a cramped space. But better, you can tell how to find out before it’s built whether you might have trouble with it. The second great thing about Basement Boat is that it’s a useful and efficient design. Jillions of 8-ft. prams have been banged out using standard plywood panels. The length of the plywood establishes the size. But when three persons get aboard one of these oversize bathtubs, the poor soul at the oars finds himself hemmed in like a shopper in the Christmas rush. Thus, making our Basement Boat just 2 ft. longer gives each passenger an extra foot of space. And it adds to the hull’s volume, making the boat appreciably more buoyant and safe. And a bonus! The 10-ft. hull fits nicely under one of the 35- to 45sq.-ft. lateen sails that come with sailing surfboards. Thus, no problem finding a sail. The beam of Basement Boat is on the moderate side. This enables her to slip out through basement bulkheads. It also enables her to fit between the fender wells of pickups, station wagons and vans.
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