Order instant download plans to get started today!

The Avoca Outrigger canoe fills the gap between expensive production racing outriggers and larger Polynesian-style paddling & sailing canoes.

It measures 17 feet long, with the main hull (vaka) weighing around 13kg and a fully rigged weight of about 18 kg—light enough for anyone to handle on and off the water.

Avoca Outrigger particulars

Length - 5.4m / 17ft

Weight - 18kg / 40lbs

Beam - 1.8m / 5'10"

Payload - 130kg / 285lbs

Sail area - 3.3sqm / 36 sqft

My design goals for the Avoca Outrigger were it had to have foot pedal steering, be fast under paddle power, have plenty of buoyancy for one person plus a small child or dog or camping/fishing gear, light enough to lift onto a car's roof racks and able to sail across or downwind.  I ticked all of my Avoca Outrigger design goals plus it's also inexpensive to build and beautiful to look at!

Plans for the Avoca Outrigger include...

• 51 page easy to follow construction manual with colour images and diagrams

• instructions for the sailing and double outrigger versions

• 10 sheets of full size printed templates

• email support with the designer

Pre-cut plywood parts & plans kit for the Avoca Outrigger includes...

• all hull panels pre-cut from 3mm marine grade or exterior grade plywood

• 40 page printed construction manual with colour images and diagrams 

• email support with the designer

I made sure to put the centre of balance right where the paddler sits, giving the canoe a little more buoyancy slightly aft of centre to prevent the stern from sinking when paddling fast. It has huge enclosed watertight compartments fore and aft which double as lockers for storing gear. The canoe is symmetrical from side to side however the bow is noticeably deeper to help lift the canoe up and over waves when paddling in rougher waters. Don't forget to bring a bailer if you're paddling offshore!

Materials needed to build your Avoca Outrigger

•  3 sheets of 3mm quality marine or high quality exterior grade plywood

•  1/4 sheet of 6mm marine plywood

•  7 lengths of 18 x 18mm x 2.4m hardwood timber

• 66 x 18mm x 1m hardwood

• 2 x bamboo poles 1.8m long

• epoxy, fibreglass, etc.

All you’ll need is about 70 hours of your time and a space to work undercover, for me It seems like every time I build a new design the heavens open up and it rains all week!

Click here to read the original article introducing the Avoca Outrigger

Optional sail rig included in the plans

When you get tired of paddling, go sailing!  While the Avoca Outrigger is primarily a paddling outrigger I’m a sailing nut and couldn’t help but design it for sailing, hence the need for hands free steering. I recommend two rig options, a balanced lugsail from Really Simple Sails and a furling sail from Star Kayak Sails.  Both sails are reefable which is important for such a lightweight craft, just remember that at some point you will tip your boat and get wet!

Read our blog post on why you can build with exterior grade plywood here...

YES... you CAN use EXTERIOR plywood to build a PADDLE BOARD!

Note: I have built all my boards from exterior grade plywood using epoxy and fibreglass and they have been long lasting, light and durable. But the choice is yours!

Have a question about building your own classic paddle board or outrigger? Get in touch via the form below or email me direct at aaron@vintageboardco.com.au.