The Pram,
is one of the most popular small dinghies in the world. Classic good
looks, stand-out performance, and ease of construction. Pram has deep rocker for low wetted surface and to keep the
transoms from dragging. The result is a boat that is as easy and
satisfying to row as you can expect on such a short waterline. Used as a
tender to a larger boat, or kept at a dock, it's possible to undertake a
long afternoon row around the local waters without breaking a sweat.
You can add the sailing rig. Not a clumsy add-on, the large
standing-lug sail and efficient rudder and daggerboard convert the pram
into a proper sailboat with enough real performance, upwind and down, to
keep the most seasoned sailors interested. The 48-inch beam means that
the likelihood of capsize is remote as long as the sheet is never tied
down. This is the perfect craft in which to learn to sail, whether the
crew is age 8 or 80.
Small tenders should
be able to withstand heavy handling alongside the mothership or in the
dinghy park. Planking is 6mm okoume throughout, with three 9mm frames
and seats. There’s a big, deep skeg for tracking under tow. In addition
to multiple layers of fiberglass on the bottom panel, there are two
cypress rubbing strips on the bottom to take the abrasion of dragging on
a beach. For added safety, permanent flotation tanks are built in
beneath the seats.
