King Canvasback: A 15 ft Canvas-Covered Boat on a Keelson

King Canvasback is a slim, canvas-covered boat that rewards careful, patient building. John M. Miller Jr. drew it at 15 ft (4.6 m) with a narrow 31 in (0.79 m) beam. Plywood frames are cut from templates and set on a keelson, then the whole structure is covered in canvas. The result is a long, light boat for gliding across calm water, a treat for those who appreciate traditional methods.

King Canvasback at a glance

Detail	King Canvasback
Type	Canvas-covered boat
Length	15 ft (4.57 m)
Beam	31 in (0.79 m)
Construction	Plywood frames from templates, keelson; canvas covered
Designer	John M. Miller Jr.
First published	Mechanix Illustrated, p. 52
Plan sheets	6

Long and light

Templates for the plywood frames make it easier to get the shapes right, and a keelson gives the structure a solid spine. Canvas covering keeps the boat light. At 15 ft (4.6 m) long and 31 in (0.79 m) wide, it is slim and efficient. Six sheets guide you through the frames, keelson and canvas work.

The original plan sheets

These are the 6 original sheets, scanned from the magazine. For building, use the full-size PDF in the download section below.

Who designed it

John M. Miller Jr. designed King Canvasback for Mechanix Illustrated, page 52. The six sheets cover the templates, plywood frames, keelson and canvas covering. It is a graceful plan for anyone who likes traditional skin-covered boats.

Before you build

• Trace the frame templates carefully onto the plywood, as accuracy here decides the shape of the hull.
• Stretch the canvas evenly and seal it thoroughly before launching.
• Treat the narrow 31 in beam with respect and keep your weight low and centered.

Download the plan

King Canvasback's six original sheets in one file, ready to print full size or open on a tablet in the workshop.

Download the complete plan (PDF, 6 sheets, 4.3 MB)