Jim Michalak's Oracle

Jim's Oracle is similar to Jim's most popular design, Toto.

Max Wawrazyniak's Oracle

Plans Overview...

...and an End View

Specifications:

• Length: 15' 6" (4.7 m)
• Beam: 45" (1143 mm)
• Water Line Length: 13' 10" (4.2 m)
• Water Line Width: 37" (944 mm)
• Weight: 80 pounds (36 kg)
• WLL/WLW Ratio: 4.5:1
• Hull  Speed: 5.0 knots, 9.3 kph, 5.8 mph

Jim, using a GPS found the speed to be 4 mph (6.4 kph) at a 'cruising pace', and 5+ mph (8+ kph) when he pushed hard.

Max Wawrzyniak published an article in Duckworks focused on building Oracle.

Max's Oracle under Construction

Gerry L. also has an Oracle build documented on his site.

Jim has a good article (Rowboat Setup) on setting up the seat and oarlocks to get the correct trim on an Oracle or any other rowboat.

Steve Chamber's Oracle

Oracle would make a fine oar cruiser without affecting the hull design which has proven to be very effective. Possible modifications to create a 'sleep-aboard' oar cruiser include:

• Fore and aft decks made either with plywood or skin-on-frame
• Floorboards to provide dry sleeping platform and attachment points for rowing seat and foot braces
• Temporary shelter.

Summary-Pros:

•         Oracle is easy to build, based on the very popular Toto design of Jim's.
•         Large enough to move around in and to carry all the equipment/supplies you'll need.
•        With the changes noted above, able to deal with any reasonable weather conditions likely to be met.

 

Summary-Cons:

•         Her wider beam slows her speed slightly compared to that of Larsboat.

Oracle, another great design by Jim Michalak: easy to build, good looking, fast.