Description
The Feather Pram is a compact, ultralight lapstrake plywood dinghy designed by renowned Scottish naval architect Iain Oughtred in 1990, measuring exactly 6'8" in length and 3'9.5" in beam, earning its name for the featherweight build that tips the scales at around 40 pounds when constructed with 4mm or 5mm marine plywood. Intended as an ideal minimum-size tender for small cruising yachts—easily stowed on deck or towed astern—it excels in solo rowing with responsive handling, stability for a cautious passenger in the forward position, and even basic sailing capability via an optional simple rig, all while maintaining the elegant, traditional clinker appearance through glued-lapstrake construction without frames, stems, or keelsons. Frameless and straightforward to build (plans and kits available from sources like Classic Marine or Oughtred Boats), it's praised by builders for its portability over rugged terrain and seaworthiness in calm waters, though some note its diminutive size and rounded hull can feel tender when loaded.
