The Mini Mac is a downsized and much simplified version of traditional Mackenzie style river dories.
First published in Outdoor Life magazine, hundreds have been built in various configerations from lightweight to heavy-duty, fancy to basic-utilitarian.
The Mini works best as a solo boat with space for extra gear but will handle two adults on flat water. Built as recommended the hull can weigh less than 90 pounds which makes it a cartopper if you don't want the hassle of a trailer, and it can also be hauled in the back of a pick-up truck. A lightweight boat allows increased payload, but the real advantage comes in getting the boat on and off the water and in and out of storage. The tough, slick graphite bottom also allows dragging the lightweight hull over parking lots, gravel and sand beaches and logs.
Plywood/epoxy construction produces a lightweight low-maintenance hull that will not watersoak like traditional wood boats and makes modification and repair a simple matter, and the technique is well suited to amateur and first-time builders.
The detailed building plans include a discussion of many options, sketches, material sources, builders tips and patterns.
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Hello Paul......
Just a few words to thank you for a great boat plan. The finished boat is all we hoped for and more! We probably overbuilt it in some ways but thats just my nature as a contractor. We used 6 oz cloth on the topsides, which I also made about 2" taller than the plan. I put three layers of tape on the chine joints, doubled the transom and 3 coats of graphite on the bottom. I'm just starting to work out the anchoring system.
Harley Huffman,
Huffman Contractors.
Michigan
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Paul....Over the last several years I have enjoyed the Mini-Mac that I built using your plans. I have previously built a traditional constructed drift boat and it was stable in the water, but it was far too heavy to move by myself. It was at least a two person operation just to launch. I would now be very interested in a slightly larger version of the Mini and purchasing a set of those plans if you have them. I understand you are working on a slightly larger version.
I know that you also have other projects for cabins and I would be interested in other outdoor projects.
Tom Aquino
Maryland
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