Tewantin Plans

Speed Meets Simplicity

Unleash your inner boatbuilder with Tewantin, the fast and versatile sports boat that's as thrilling to build as it is to drive. Slightly shorter than the Noosa but with a 33% wider beam and taller sides, this boat offers more space, stability, and performance.

Ideal for motors between 6–10hp (max 15hp), the Tewantin is lightweight enough to carry on your car roof. CNC files are also available for precision cutting.

Tewantin - plywood boat plan

Why You'll Fall in Love with Tewantin

Driving the Tewantin feels like gliding on water. With her lightweight design, smooth bottom, and refined hull shape, this boat leaps onto the plane effortlessly and stays there with minimal power. It's a ride that offers unparalleled control and responsiveness.

The hull design, perfected through extensive trials and improvements, outshines traditional V-bottoms with better stability and superior planing performance. With computer-generated plans, every piece fits together seemlessly, making the building process as smooth as the ride.

Light and portable, the Tewantin can be carried on your car roof or loaded onto a small trailer. I used to carry her solo atop my old Ford XC Falcon! A 6hp Mercury 2-stroke engine, weighing just 26kg, powered my adventures—and it fit neatly into my car's trunk. While she's too wide to carry along narrow paths like the Noosa, once she's on the water, Tewantin leaves any tinnie in her wake.

See Tewantin in Action

Built in Brazil:

Marco crafted his Tewantin in a small garage using the stitch-and-glue method, creating perfectly fitted panels without scarfing them beforehand.

His ingenuity and dedication turned his limited space into a workshop of dreams.

Marco's Tewantin build in Brazil Marco's Tewantin build progress
Tewantin build process Tewantin build progress

Crafted from Aluminum:

Graeme in New Zealand reimagined Tewantin in metal, cutting and welding aluminum panels into a masterpiece.

His craftsmanship showcases the boat's adaptability.

What's in the Plans?

The Tewantin plans are designed to guide you step-by-step with clear, detailed instructions. They're available as downloadable PDFs, ensuring you have instant access and lifetime updates. Here's what's included:

  • Welcome PDF: Introduction and overview (3 pages)
  • Boat Specifications + Loading Data: All the key figures you need (2 pages)
  • Materials Lists, Tools, and Safety Gear: Comprehensive shopping lists (8 pages)
  • Build Notes: How to construct your work table and the boat itself (12 pages)
  • Drawings - 1: Elevations, temporary frames, and layouts (14 pages)
  • Drawings - 2: Details of the boat frame and assembly (9 pages)
  • Templates - 1: 6mm plywood parts (9 pages)
  • Templates - 2: 9mm plywood and MDF components (5 pages)

Upon purchase, you'll receive download links by email and access to a download page. Download the files as often as needed, with free lifetime updates for any improvements or upgrades.

Specifications
  • LOA (Length Overall): 3.4 m (11.2 ft)
  • Beam (Max Width): 1.46 m (58 in)
  • Transom Height: 425 mm (16.7 in)
  • Height of Sides: 456 mm (18 in)
  • Estimated Weight: 60 kg (132 lbs)
  • Max Motor Size: 15 hp
  • Recommended Motor Size: 6–10 hp
  • Payload Capacity:
  • - Without motor: 270 kg (595 lbs)
  • - With 6hp motor: 218 kg (480 lbs)
  • - With 15hp motor: 178 kg (392 lbs)
Materials Needed

Crafting your Tewantin is straightforward and cost-effective, with flexibility in material choices to suit your budget and style. Here's an overview:

Plywood

You don't need marine-grade plywood; economy-grade exterior plywood works perfectly. If you prefer, marine ply adds the highest quality and a polished look when left unpainted or varnished, but it's not essential.

Sheets Required:

  • 4 sheets of 6mm (1/4") plywood (5 sheets for CNC cutting)
  • 1 sheet of 9mm (3/8") plywood
Framing

Use economical pine for handrails, seat edges, and framing, or opt for cedar for lightweight durability or hardwood for a premium finish.

Framing Required:

  • Approximately 15–20m (50–65 ft) of wood framing
Other Materials
  • Epoxy Resin: ~10 liters
  • Epoxy Filler: Small amounts of different types
  • Fiberglass Tape: ~60m (200 ft) of 50mm (2") tape
  • Paint: Minimal quantities—several options available
  • Foam Buoyancy: For additional safety
  • Motor: 6–10hp recommended, max 15hp
  • Assorted Fittings: For finishing touches

By using readily available materials and tools, building your Tewantin is a manageable, rewarding project that will have you on the water in no time!

Plans Format: Everything You Need, Step by Step

Plans are designed with builders of all experience levels in mind. Whether it's your first boat or your fifth, you'll find everything you need to succeed:

  • Illustrated Build Notes: Beginner-friendly instructions, packed with expert tips and advice.
  • Comprehensive Material Lists: Clear guidance on boat materials, tools, and consumables.
  • Safety and Setup Tips: Recommendations for safety gear, epoxy mixing ratios, and fillers.
  • Multipurpose Work Table Plans: Build a sturdy table for assembly and other projects.
  • Temporary Frames for Easy Assembly: Detailed drawings to guide your boat's framework.
  • 3D and Multi-View Elevations: Dimensioned drawings to help you visualize every detail.
  • Plywood Templates: Dimensioned cutouts for all parts, ensuring a perfect fit.

Paired with precise templates, building Tewantin is as rewarding as it is achievable. Click below to start your project today! Prices in USD.

Tewantin with Petra-1