K342 - 20ft "River Rat" Glen-L Inspired Wooden Boat | Custom Build Consultation Deposit

Specification: Item K342 - 20L x 0W x 0H Inches (50.8L x 0W x 0H Cm)

Price: $ 100.00 ( This item is sold out, preorder now to keep this price )

Description:

The River Rat 20' is a practical and rugged small utility craft designed for versatile inshore and inland water use. Developed with a modified sled garvey hull form, this boat emphasizes stability, generous cockpit space, and efficient planing performance. Its wide 8-foot beam and shallow 11-inch hull draft allow operation in shallow rivers, estuaries, and protected coastal waters, making it an excellent platform for fishing, cruising, or light work duties.

Our workshop faithfully recreates this functional working craft using premium marine materials-including Western Red Cedar, Mahogany, Teak, and high-grade marine plywood reinforced with U.S.-made Hexcel fiberglass cloth, sealed with marine epoxy and finished with System Three marine spar varnish. The hull incorporates a built-in chine flat spray rail and moderate 12° deadrise to improve ride comfort while maintaining strong lateral stability. Each vessel is handcrafted with careful attention to structural integrity, ensuring a durable boat suitable for regular use. Typical build time ranges from 3-5 months, depending on customization and finish specifications.

Clients may customize cockpit layout, seating arrangements, storage lockers, engine configuration, wood combinations, trim details, and protective finishes-allowing each River Rat 20' to be tailored to individual needs and operating environments.

General Dimensions:

- Length Overall (LOA): 20' 2?
- Beam: 8' 0?
- Hull Draft: 11?
- Hull Depth Midship: 3' 3?
- Freeboard (Forward): 3' 0?
- Freeboard (Aft): 2' 0?
- Hull Weight (Approx.): 1,100 lbs
- Displacement: 3,040 lbs
- Average Capacity: 2-4 passengers
- Cockpit Size: 13' 6? × 6' 0?
- Hull Type: Modified sled garvey with 12° deadrise and built-in chine flat spray rail
- Power: Single or twin long-shaft outboard motors (50 hp minimum; 100 hp recommended), optional stern-mounted inboard engine with sterndrive or jet pump

Performance & Use:

The River Rat 20' is designed for dependable everyday boating with a focus on practicality and efficiency. Its wide beam and flat sections deliver excellent stability when stationary, making it ideal for fishing or relaxed cruising. The large open cockpit offers abundant working space, while the moderate deadrise hull helps soften the ride when traveling at planing speeds. With its shallow draft and durable construction, the River Rat 20' is particularly well suited for rivers, bays, and sheltered coastal environments where versatility and ease of operation are essential.

This wooden boat crafted by us is built from Glen-I, with full credit given to the original designers. For each custom commission, we acquire the appropriate plans and construct the vessel to order-offering both full-size boats and finely detailed scale models.

Contact us to explore specifications, finish options, and build schedules for your River Rat 20'.

History:

The River Rat is a practical small powerboat concept developed for shallow-water cruising, fishing, and recreational boating. Designed with efficiency and simplicity in mind, the boat features a modified sled garvey hull-an evolution of traditional flat-bottom workboats commonly used along American rivers and coastal shallows. This hull style provides excellent stability, shallow draft capability, and efficient planing performance.

Developed to be built from sheet plywood or aluminum planking, the River Rat reflects the mid-to-late 20th century trend of accessible boatbuilding for amateur builders and small workshops. With its spacious cockpit, versatile power options, and rugged hull structure, the design quickly became appreciated by boaters looking for a reliable and easy-to-maintain utility craft suitable for rivers, lakes, and protected coastal waters.