Description:
The Aulne is a charming traditional rowing boat that reflects the quiet elegance of classic European river craft while being thoughtfully suited for modern leisure on calm waters. Its slender hull, gently rising bow, and balanced proportions create a clean and graceful profile that moves smoothly through the water with minimal effort. Designed for relaxed rowing and peaceful exploration, the Aulne combines simplicity, stability, and timeless wooden craftsmanship, making it ideal for lakes, rivers, and sheltered coastal inlets.
Our workshop faithfully builds the Aulne using premium marine materials including Western Red Cedar, Mahogany, and Teak, reinforced with U.S. made Hexcel fiberglass and finished with System Three marine spar varnish. Each boat is entirely hand built using the traditional plank on frame method, ensuring structural integrity, durability, and authentic craftsmanship. The hull form is carefully shaped to provide smooth tracking under oars and balanced performance under sail. Typical build time ranges from 3 to 4 months depending on configuration and customization.
Clients may personalize wood species, finish tone, seating layout, deck details, sailing rig options, and interior trim to create a bespoke vessel tailored to their waters and preferences.
Specifications
- Hull length / waterline: 13.52ft / 12.86 ft
- Breadth / waterline: 4.53 / 3.61 ft
- Draught: 0.62 ft
- Sail area: N/A
- Outboard motor: N/A
Performance and Use
The Aulne performs beautifully on lakes, rivers, and sheltered coastal waters. Under oars, it offers steady tracking and smooth glide. Under sail, it delivers balanced and forgiving handling, making it suitable for both leisure sailors and traditional boat enthusiasts. Ideal for family outings, heritage boat gatherings, rowing clubs, and waterfront properties, the Aulne represents a pure expression of classic small craft design.
This wooden boat crafted by us is built from Vivierboats, 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, customization options, and build schedules for your Aulne.
History:
The Aulne boat takes its name from the Aulne River in the historic region of Brittany, an area long connected to maritime trade and river transport. For centuries, small wooden craft navigated these inland waters, carrying goods, fishermen, and travelers between rural communities and coastal ports. Designed to handle gentle currents and tidal influence, such boats were known for their stability, shallow draft, and practical construction.
The Aulne reflects this regional heritage, drawing inspiration from traditional Breton working boats that balanced function with elegant lines. Over time, these humble river craft influenced recreational rowing and small sailing designs.
Today, the Aulne represents a continuation of this legacy, honoring the craftsmanship and quiet resilience of historic river boats while adapting to modern leisure boating.