Description:
The Meaban is a spirited raid boat and fast daysailer, designed for sailors who seek performance, versatility, and effortless launch capability. Inspired by traditional open sailing craft yet refined for modern coastal adventure, the Meaban blends generous sail power with reassuring stability and intelligent ergonomics.
With its powerful yet balanced sail plan and moderate beam, the Meaban delivers lively acceleration, responsive helm control, and confident handling in variable conditions. Whether participating in coastal raids, enjoying a dynamic afternoon sail, or exploring sheltered bays, the Meaban offers a harmonious balance between speed and seaworthiness.
Our workshop faithfully recreates the Meaban using premium marine-grade materials, including Western Red Cedar, Marine Mahogany, Teak trim, and U.S.-manufactured Hexcel fiberglass, sealed with System Three marine spar varnish for long-term durability and a refined finish.
Each vessel is handcrafted in accordance with the original design specifications, using traditional wooden boatbuilding techniques combined with modern epoxy bonding and fiberglass reinforcement. The hull is carefully shaped to maintain hydrodynamic efficiency, optimal ballast distribution, and structural integrity for coastal sailing demands. Typical build time ranges from 4 to 6 months, depending on the level of customization and interior detailing.
Specifications
- Hull length: 22.38 ft
- Waterline length: 20.77 ft
- Breadth: 7.55 ft
- Waterline breadth: 6.56 ft
- Draught: 4.76 ft
- Draught centreboard up: 1.54 ft
- Lightweight (incl. motor): 2,590 lbs
- Centreboard / ballast: 254 / 441 lbs
- Sail area: 301.39 ft2
- Outboard motor: 5 - 8 hp
Performance & Use
The Meaban is designed for coastal raids, lakes, and sheltered offshore waters where speed, versatility, and ease of handling are essential. Its generous sail area delivers energetic performance, while the ballast configuration provides reassuring stability under stronger winds.
The shallow draft allows access to coves and beaches, and its trailerable format ensures convenient transport and quick launching. Ideal for experienced sailors, adventure enthusiasts, and collectors of refined wooden sailing craft, the Meaban combines athletic capability with timeless maritime aesthetics.
This wooden boat crafted by us is built from Vivierboats, with full credit given to the original designers where applicable. 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 Meaban.
History:
Off the southern coast of Brittany lies Île Méaban, a small island surrounded by shifting tides and open Atlantic winds. For generations, boats navigating these waters had to be compact yet capable, able to cross shallow passages, approach rocky shores, and remain steady in coastal swells.
From this maritime setting grew a tradition of sturdy wooden craft built with practical lines and balanced hulls. They served fishermen, islanders, and coastal traders who relied on seamanship and well crafted boats rather than size or power. Strength, simplicity, and reliability defined their character.
The Meaban reflects this heritage. Inspired by classic Breton coastal vessels, it blends traditional proportions with modern construction. Today, the Meaban stands as a tribute to island seafaring culture, offering confident handling and timeless elegance for contemporary coastal exploration.