Chariot

The theory of this boat is simple:

Large enough to traverse the coastlines, while still being small enough to enter shallows of less than a foot with the ability to beach on shore and set up camp.

Loosely based off Paul Gartsides 20ft Seagoing Canoe, the construction is 3/4″ wide by 3/8″ thick, lengths varied around 12 ft long African Mahogany wood strips. Given the boat length of 20′, there were a lot of scarf joints. The cockpit, bulkheads and deck consist of Ash, Meranti and Black Walnut. The 3/8″ thick hull was then encased in 3K Carbon Fiber with 4 oz. S-2 Fiberglass on top of it. The interior of the hull and deck was also in enveloped in 4 oz. S-2 fiberglass.

I painted the hull using Alexseal Luna Green. A beautiful color that I haven’t seen on any boat elsewhere.

To reduce weight aloft, I chose the route of a carbon fiber mast and boom. Which were made by Forte Carbon in CT. Top quality and beautiful to look at.

The designed sail plan consisted of an 120 sq ft simple gaff main and jib. I chose to use the Wayfarer 16s sail plan, a fractional Bermuda rig, given that the dimensions of both boats are very similar, I thought this would be an excellent choice. With 140 sq ft of sail area, Chariot really flies!

Overall, the build took a year and half, January 2025 – June 2026. It was a project of firsts. From lofting a boat, to milling the timber and lumber, using molds and even painting the boat, it was an experience of satisfaction frustration, and joy. I thoroughly encourage anyone toying with the thought of building their own boat to do so.

With many voyages planned, some larger than others, I’m very excited to test the boats capabilities and mine.