Corky: A 39 in Inner-Tube Sailboat for Young Sailors
A tiny sailboat built around a car inner tube, with a white pine frame and a broomstick mast and boom.
Corky is about as small and playful as a sailboat gets. David M. Swartwout's design is just 39 in (1.0 m) long and built around a car inner tube. A white pine frame holds it together, a broomstick serves as the mast and boom, and the rudder is cut from masonite or plywood. It is a delightful weekend project for kids and parents, and an easy way to discover how wind can move a boat.
Corky at a glance
| Detail | Corky |
|---|---|
| Type | Novelty sailboat |
| Length | 39 in (0.99 m) |
| Construction | White pine frame around a car inner tube; broomstick mast and boom; masonite or plywood rudder |
| Designer | David M. Swartwout |
| First published | Boat Builder's Annual, p. 156 |
| Plan sheets | 3 |
Small, simple and fun
Using an inner tube for flotation keeps the build cheap and quick, while the white pine frame gives shape and something to attach the mast and rudder to. A broomstick mast and boom show the do-it-yourself spirit of the design. Three sheets make it a manageable project, ideal for a first taste of sailing and boatbuilding together.
The original plan sheets
These are the 3 original sheets, scanned from the magazine. For building, use the full-size PDF in the download section below.
Who designed it
David M. Swartwout designed Corky for Boat Builder's Annual, page 156. The three sheets cover the white pine frame, inner-tube flotation, broomstick rig and rudder. It is a charming plan for young sailors.
Before you build
- Use Corky only in shallow, calm water with an adult close by.
- Check the inner tube for leaks and keep the pressure correct before each outing.
- Make sure the sailor wears a life jacket every time.
Download the plan
Corky's three original sheets in one file, ready to print full size or open on a tablet for a weekend build.
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