Description
The Bolger Cruising Canoe (design #282, also known as the "Canoe Yawl") is a 15-foot-6-inch plywood sailing canoe designed by American naval architect Phil Bolger in 1987, optimized for solo coastal cruising, gunkholing, and overnight adventures in protected waters like bays, rivers, or shallow estuaries. This innovative "sailing canoe" blends traditional canoe lines with a yawl rig for balance and simplicity, featuring outriggers (amas) for stability, a kick-up centerboard, and a minimalist cabin for shelter—allowing the sailor to "camp" aboard with basic amenities. Built for amateur DIYers using stitch-and-glue plywood, it's lightweight (under 400 lbs. rigged), trailerable, and beach-launchable, emphasizing Bolger's ethos of affordable seaworthiness over speed. While capable in light to moderate winds (up to 20 knots), it's not for open ocean passages, but owners praise its versatility for extended paddling/sailing trips. At least a few examples exist, including a 1987 build documented for sale.
