Following on from our article on folding boats, here is another one. A boat called the Origami. You can buy the plans for £25 and pay less than £200 for the materials. It may not be that pretty but according to the photographs it works. The building plans are extensive and the boat can be completed by even the most unskilled hands. The best way to explain how is to check out some of the most frequently asked questions.
Q: How long will it take to build?
Much will depend on your skills and workspace. It is possible to have all the pieces marked and cut out in about 6 hours. Varnishing the dinghy could take the same again depending on how nicely you wanted to finish it. To actually assemble the dinghy once everything is varnished will take about 6 hours.
Q: How much will it cost to build?
Approximately £200, but this figure can go either way depending on the quality of the materials you choose to build your dinghy with.
Q: What is the carrying capacity?
Two adults or approximately 150 kilos.
Q: How long does it take to assemble?
With practice the boat can be assembled, ready for launching in about one minute.
Q: Is there a sailing version?
Not yet but they're working on it. Visit the site from time to time to see what's new.
Q: Do they make a longer folding dinghy?
If demand is high they can modify the plans and add about 50cm to the length of the dinghy. Please contact them if you are interested in a longer version. Your feedback will be appreciated.
Q: What is the biggest outboard I can fit?
It will take up to a 3.3hp engine.
Q: Yes, but how does it row?
The boat rows very nicely. The position of the rowlocks can be changed for rowing with two occupants
Q: How much does it weigh?
It weighs about 12 kilos and can be carried folded or assembled with ease.
Q: Can it be personalised?
Yes! The plans include many ideas for doing this, from changing the colour of the cloth to choosing a different wood.
Q: I don't have any experience, can I still build it?
You do not need to have any experience building boats; you only need very basic woodworking skills, and a few tools such as a jigsaw and a plane.
Q: What are the folded Dimensions?
6'2” (188cm) Long - 17” (43cm) Wide - 4” (10cm) High. (Figures approximate)
Q: What are the assembled Dimensions?
6'2” (188cm) Long - 3'2” (97cm) Wide - 14” (35cm) High. (Figures approximate)
Q: How do I download the Plans?
When you go to the Buy Plans page you are presented with a choice. If you prefer to deal with real people you can chose the first option. It costs a little more and is not immediate. If you want the plans straight away then simply click the 'Buy Now' button which will take you to Paypal where you can pay securely with a credit card. Then you will be sent an instant email with further instructions on how to download your plans. The whole process takes just a few minutes
Q: Tell me more about the plans?
The plans have 70 pages, over 100 photos and even bonus sections full of useful information. The plans come as a PDF file and are less than 4 mb in size so download very quickly.
For more info check out www.woodenwidget.com.
