Pacific Loon: A SoF Oar Cruiser

The Pacific Loon is a Skin on Frame (SoF) rowboat that is designed from the start as an Oar Cruiser. The plans include a design for a tent to be used for shelter. The frame (that supports the skin of the hull) is an ingenious design that goes together, as Matt Hickey (owner and designer at "Hermit Cove Boats) says, "…like Ikea furniture." This approach guarantees that all components of the frame will be perfectly aligned and locked together. The design includes a floor that sits on top of the frames (a couple of inches above the skin) and is long enough and wide enough to be a comfortable sleeping platform.

 Pacific Loon is light enough to car-top and carry to the launch site. Full details on all components as well as a complete building manual are contained in the Pacific Loon web site. 

Two Pacific Loons Loaded for Cruising

Actually, this is not just a rowboat that can be converted into an oar cruiser. It IS an Oar Cruiser, designed for cruising, although it functions beautifully for fishing or just sightseeing. The custom tent for sleeping on board can be made from the included plans.

The Tent for the Pacific Loon -- Plans Included

The frame is an ingenious design that goes together, as Matt Hickey (owner and designer at “Hermit Cove Boats) says, “…like Ikea furniture.” This approach guarantees that all components of the frame will be perfectly aligned and locked together. The design includes a floor that sits on top of the frames (a couple of inches above the skin) and is long enough and wide enough to be a comfortable sleeping platform.

Two views of the Frame

The design, based on Phil Bolger’s recreational rower (see The Folding Schooner... Chapter 21), is comfortable and can easily carry a passenger for day trips with its two rowing positions.

Rowing from the Forward Rowing Position

The topside flare, freeboard and lightness of the hull all ensure that the Loon can handle rough water.

Rowing in Rough Waters

Matt Hickey on Rowing Pacific Loon:

Matt says she is not a fast rower; "If I row the 14' Loon at an easy pace she goes 2.5 knots (2.9 mph, 4.6 kph). If I throw my back into it, 3 knots (3.5 mph, 5.6 kph)."

Specifications:

• Length: 13' 4{" (4.1 m)
• Beam: 4' 8" (1423 mm)
• Weight:  No weight given in documentation; however, SOF are typically half the weight of same boat constructed in wood.
• Estimated Water Line Length: 13’ (4.0 m)
• Est. Water Line Width: 39” (991 mm); measurement taken on frame 3 at the second stringer below the gunnel.
• Est. WLL/WLW Ratio: 4:1
• Est. Hull Speed: 4.8 knots, 8.9 kph, 5.2 mph (these calculated numbers are high compared to Matt's experience noted above.)

Summary-Pros:

• She is designed as an Oar Cruiser.
• She is light enough to car-top single-handed.
• She has a proven track record of cruising in the Pacific Northwest.
• She can carry two people for day-trips.
• Seaworthy.
• She can handle all the supplies/equipment needed for multi-week cruises.
• Plans include design for shelter.

Summary-Cons:

• Lower cruising speed than most other Oar Cruisers.

(Thanks to Matt Hickey and Friends for all the photos)