Building A Punt Boat: A Step-By-Step Guide

A punt is a flat-bottomed boat with a square-cut bow, designed for use in small rivers and shallow waters. Punting is the act of boating in a punt, with the punter propelling the boat by pushing against the riverbed with a pole. The first punts were associated with the River Thames in England and were built as small cargo boats and platforms for fishermen. Today, punts are still made in England to supply the tourist trade in Oxford and Cambridge, or for racing purposes. This article will provide a step-by-step guide on how to build a punt boat, covering everything from materials to construction techniques.

Choose your materials: plywood or solid wood?

The traditional choice of wood for building punts is solid wood, but plywood is a good substitute. Wide boards of solid wood are hard to come by and plywood is simpler to use.

Solid wood is a good choice for the sides, ends, and till of the punt, which are normally made of hardwood such as mahogany. The treads are often made from teak.

However, there are some considerations to keep in mind when choosing between plywood and solid wood. Plywood is very stable and does not move much with changes in moisture. On the other hand, lumber can swell and shrink a lot, so allowances must be made when mixing these materials.

One way to get around the bother of mixing materials is to use marine-grade plywood, which is generally made of Douglas fir bonded together with waterproof glue. This type of plywood is strong and resistant to cupping and warping.

Another option is to use exterior-grade plywood, which is typically made of southern yellow pine with waterproof glue between the plies. However, exterior-grade plywood may not be as strong as marine-grade plywood and is more susceptible to rot.

Ultimately, the choice between plywood and solid wood will depend on factors such as cost, availability, and the desired appearance of the punt.

Consider the size: length, width, and weight

When building a punt boat, it is important to carefully consider its size, namely its length, width, and weight. These factors will influence the boat's stability, manoeuvrability, and overall suitability for its intended purpose.

A traditional river punt is typically around 24 feet (7.3 metres) long and 3 feet (0.91 metres) wide, with sides about 18 inches (0.46 metres) deep. However, the size of a punt boat can vary depending on its intended use. For example, extra-large and wide punts, known as ferry punts, are commonly used in Cambridge as water-borne tourist vehicles. On the other hand, single-seater Thames punts are usually only 2 feet (61 centimetres) wide and shorter than the standard punt.

The length of a punt boat will influence its carrying capacity and stability. A longer punt will generally have a greater carrying capacity for a given width when compared to a boat with a narrow or pointed bow. Additionally, a longer punt may provide a smoother ride at higher speeds by lifting up onto its bottom runners, reducing the wetted surface area and, consequently, drag.

The width of a punt boat is crucial for stability and manoeuvrability, especially in shallow waters. A wider punt will provide a more stable platform, making it suitable for activities such as fishing or hunting. Wider punts also have increased carrying capacity, allowing them to accommodate more passengers or cargo. However, it is important to note that the width of the punt should be considered in relation to its length, as a wider boat may become less manoeuvrable in narrow streams or rivers.

The weight of the punt boat is another critical factor, especially if you intend to trailer or cartop the boat. A heavier punt may require more people to handle it during transport. Additionally, weight will impact the speed and performance of the boat. A heavier punt may require more power from the outboard motor to achieve the same speed as a lighter boat.

When planning the size of your punt boat, it is essential to consider the trade-offs between length, width, and weight. For example, while a longer punt may provide increased carrying capacity, it may also be more challenging to handle and transport. Similarly, a wider punt may offer improved stability but could be more difficult to manoeuvre in tight spaces. Therefore, it is crucial to carefully consider the intended use of your punt boat and design it accordingly.

Propulsion methods: motor, oars, or poles?

Propulsion methods for punt boats include the use of motors, oars, or poles. The choice of propulsion method depends on various factors such as the type of water body, the depth of the water, and personal preferences. Here is a detailed look at each of these methods:

Motor:

While punt boats are traditionally human-powered, it is possible to use a small motor for propulsion. This is a viable option if the water is deep enough and free from excessive weeds or other obstacles that could tangle the motor. Motorised punt boats can be an efficient way to travel longer distances or carry heavier loads. However, it is important to note that the use of motors may be restricted in certain areas, especially in environmentally sensitive regions.

Oars:

Oars are another option for propelling a punt boat. While poling with a pole is the traditional method, oars can provide a more familiar mode of propulsion for those accustomed to rowing boats. Oars can be advantageous in deeper waters or when travelling longer distances, as they require less physical effort compared to poling. However, the use of oars may be less manoeuvrable in narrow or congested areas.

Poles:

Poling is the traditional method of propulsion for punt boats and is well-suited to the shallow waters and narrow streams where punts are commonly used. The punter stands at the back of the boat and uses a long pole, usually made of wood or aluminium, to push against the riverbed and propel the boat forward. This technique allows for precise steering and manoeuvring, making it ideal for navigating narrow waterways. Poling also provides a quiet and environmentally friendly mode of propulsion, in keeping with the peaceful nature of punting.

Each of these propulsion methods has its advantages and considerations. When choosing a propulsion method, it is important to take into account the intended use of the punt boat, the type of water body it will be used on, and the level of physical effort the punter is comfortable with.

Design features: seats, storage, and stability

The seats in a punt boat are usually simple boards that fit against blocks on the sides, with cushions added for comfort. The seats can be made wider to add diagonal stiffness and increase the overall stability of the boat. Additionally, seats with more distance from the ends allow anglers to sit and angle directly ahead or astern without having to sit corkscrewed. It is also possible to add a small foredeck in front of the seat, reaching from side to side, for additional support.

Storage in a punt boat can be in the form of built-in buoyancy tanks, which serve the dual purpose of providing flotation and creating storage space. Additionally, a traditional fishing punt usually has an additional compartment called a "well," located in front of the till, which can be used for storing caught fish. This compartment is made water-tight and has holes in the bottom or sides to allow water to flow through.

The stability of a punt boat is largely due to its flat-bottomed design and square-cut bow, which gives the boat a greater carrying capacity and stability, making it suitable for transporting passengers and cargo. The use of lightweight materials such as plywood for the construction of the boat can also improve stability by reducing the overall weight. Additionally, adding a keel or rails can improve directional stability when using an engine.

Construction techniques: stitching, gluing, and fastening

The stitch and glue method is a popular and simple way to build a plywood punt boat. This technique is also known as "tack and tape" or "stitch and tape". It involves stitching plywood panels together, usually with wire or zip ties, and then gluing them permanently with epoxy resin. This method eliminates the need for frames or ribs, as the epoxy resin and fiberglass tape create extremely strong joints.

To start the stitch and glue process, you'll need to cut the plywood panels to the correct size and shape. This is a critical step, as the panels need to fit together accurately to form the hull of the boat. Once the panels are cut, you can begin stitching them together. Drill small holes along the edges of adjoining panels and use short lengths of copper wire or plastic cable ties as stitches. Pull and twist the wire to hold the panels tightly together, or tighten the cable ties.

After the panels are stitched together, you can apply the glue. Mix thickened epoxy to the consistency of smooth peanut butter and apply it to the seams between the panels. Use a plastic spreader or squeegee to smooth out the epoxy and create a neat fillet. Before the epoxy dries, reinforce the seams with fiberglass tape saturated with unthickened epoxy. This will add strength and protect the joints.

Once the epoxy has cured, you can remove the stitches. On the outside of the hull, snip the wire or cable ties and fill and sand over the joints. At this point, you can choose to fiberglass and glue the outside of the hull for additional strength.

The stitch and glue method is a straightforward and cost-effective way to build a punt boat. It requires minimal tools and skills, making it accessible to amateur boat builders. With careful planning and execution, you can create a strong and durable boat using this technique.

Frequently asked questions