Minimalist (Kinda) Box Boat

Offering unusual comforts for a 10-footer

Article by Frank Durant

Several years ago I had the pleasure of joining several other eccentric small boat enthusiasts on cruises with the Can Am dingy cruising association. It became apparent that almost all boats were modified to some extent and several were built from scratch. Creativity was abundant. It was on these cruises that I first got to witness “box boats” in action.

As the name implies, they are simple, square vessels that typically have a 45° entry at the bow, and at times, the stern as well. The ease of construction and apparent stability attracted me. Last winter, I set about designing what I thought would be the smallest, most comfortable and liveable little boat that would suit my needs. It ended up being 10 feet in length with a 4 foot beam. Not wanting to bake in the sun or be wet in the rain, I added a sort of “pilothouse” for protection.