Description
The Maine Coast Peapod is a classic double-ended rowing and sailing dinghy designed by the renowned naval architect Joel White in the 1980s, inspired by traditional 19th-century peapods used by Maine lobstermen for nearshore fishing. These utilitarian workboats, developed around 1870 on islands like North Haven, featured shallow drafts for navigating rocky coasts and symmetrical hulls for easy rowing (often standing up, facing forward). White's 14-foot version refines the type for recreational use, emphasizing elegance, seaworthiness, and versatility for family outings, yacht tender duties, or coastal exploration. Built traditionally with plank-on-frame construction, it's a timeless symbol of Downeast boatbuilding, now popular among wooden boat enthusiasts for its balance of tradition and performance. Plans are available from WoodenBoat, and it's often built at shops like the Apprenticeshop in Rockland, Maine.