These boats like the were used as working craft in 19th-century.
Efficiency was critical in these human powered craft, so they evolved easily
driven hull shapes. Working watermen weren’t immune to good looks,
either, so these “livery boats” were often beautiful. The Yawl has distinctive plumb bow and “wineglass”
transom.
At 15’ long, the Yawl is about the right size for easy
trailering (or even cartopping), and the payload of 450 pounds means that two
or three adults may safely set out for a picnic or even a camping trip.
Although 30 inches shorter than ourWherry, the Yawl has nearly twice the volume and a lot more freeboard
for handling waves. For casual single and tandem rowing, we do not
believe there is a better build-your-own-boat kit than the Yawl.
Traditional shin-bruising thwarts were eliminated,
opening up the interior for maximum flexibility and sprawling room. This allows
the crew to stretch out in a sleeping bag while "camp cruising," or
simply to take a nap alongside a shady riverbank. A moveable seat and
footbraces are adapted from the work of L. Francis Herreshoff. Full
floorboards, standard in the kit, add even more livability. The open
interior allows for easy installation of a sliding seat unit; more on that
below.
