CLC Lighthouse Tender Peapod

Description

The CLC Lighthouse Tender Peapod is a modern, stitch-and-glue plywood interpretation of the classic Maine peapod tender, designed by John C. Harris and introduced by Chesapeake Light Craft (CLC) in 2019 as an easy-to-build kit for amateur boatbuilders seeking a versatile rowing and sailing dinghy. Measuring 13 ft 5 in LOA with a narrow 4 ft 4 in beam, lightweight 150–175 lb. hull (using their proprietary LapStitch lapstrake technique for authentic clinker planking without molds), and minimal 4 in draft, it draws inspiration from 19th-century Down East lobster boats like those used for lighthouse tending near Jonesport, Maine—hence the name—with a fine entry, wineglass transom, and subtle rocker for dry, efficient rowing over two or three stations. The optional sailing rig features a simple unstayed single lug sail of 79 sq ft on a carbon mast (with a second reef available), a pivoting leeboard (1 ft 6 in down), and kick-up rudder, delivering lively upwind performance, easy downwind planning, and surprising stability for heavy loads up to 650 lbs. (45% more than CLC's longer Skerry despite being 18 in shorter). Ideal as a yacht tender, family daysailer, or coastal explorer, the kit (priced around $1,800–$2,500 including manual and hardware upgrades) assembles in 100–150 hours and has been praised for its beachability, payload, and forgiving handling; hundreds have been built worldwide since launch, with study plans available for $15 and full video build guides on CLC's site.