Description
The Bolger Spur II is a timeless 15-foot-4-inch lapstrake plywood rowing skiff designed by the innovative American naval architect Phil Bolger in the late 20th century, celebrated for its exceptional speed, stability, and minimalist elegance that makes it ideal for efficient sculling or standing to row on calm waters. Weighing just around 100 pounds, this lightweight utility boat features a narrow 4-foot-6-inch beam for slicing through waves with minimal drag, while its rounded bilges and fine entry ensure remarkable tracking and ease of handling, even for amateur builders using affordable materials like lumberyard plywood and epoxy glue. Bolger intended it as one of his final personal designs, blending traditional peapod-inspired aesthetics with modern simplicity; it's versatile enough for optional sailing rigs up to 69 square feet, and its portability allows a single person to car-top it effortlessly. Praised in boating circles for quick construction times—often under a weekend for experienced hands—and proven performance in everything from coastal explorations to fishing outings, the Spur II remains a favorite among wooden boat enthusiasts, with plans still available through outlets like the WoodenBoat Store and countless build logs shared online.