Portable Boats

- SPONSONS -

 From day one I realized that a sailboat without a keel of some sort is just a disaster waiting to happen. As a result, I had an option defined that would allow the small portable boat to become a qualified sailboat without a keel, and that was to add sponsons to the center module hull. The plans always included this as an option, but  after a few excursions in windy (I mean WINDY) conditions, it was apparent that they should not be an option, but rather part of the normal build.

After constructing the sponsons and testing them on the motorized Toter 2, I can attest to their ability to impart great lateral stability to an already steady boat.  It is now possible to stand upright in the boat without any fear, a feature fishermen will appreciate.  I have tried to tip the boat by leaning way over the side, but the sponson would just not go under, as they add nearly 2 feet to the beam at mid section.  So, to put it simply, I am suggesting that those who want this kind of stability should also construct the sponsons. They are an easy on, easy off addition, and require only a little more storage space when transporting, and cost very little to build.  The 8 page pdf plans are available to download FREE.

A short video provides some insight to the assembly and use of the sponsons.

Sponsons ready for attachment to hull.

Sponsons attached and ready for launch.

On the water !

Download the Sponson file below, it's free !

Thank you for your interest in the Sponson design.

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