Description:
The Norwegian Sailing Pram is a compact and lively 11' 9? wooden dinghy inspired by traditional Scandinavian small-boat heritage. Designed in 1989, this charming pram combines a beamy, stable hull with a simple and efficient sailing rig, making it ideal for beginners, youth training, and relaxed coastal exploration. Its flat-bottomed sections and flared topsides provide reassuring initial stability, while the narrow entry ensures smooth movement through sheltered waters.
Our workshop faithfully recreates this versatile design using premium marine materials-including Western Red Cedar, Mahogany, Teak, and marine plywood reinforced with U.S.-made fiberglass cloth, sealed with marine-grade epoxy and finished with System Three marine spar varnish. Each vessel is handcrafted using a traditional plank-on-frame or stitch-and-glue construction method, depending on configuration, ensuring a strong yet lightweight hull. Typical build time ranges from 3-4 months depending on finish and outfitting selections.
Clients may customize wood species, spars, sail configuration, seating layout, paint or varnish finishes, and hardware selections-creating a personalized pram suited to family sailing, yacht tender use, or small-boat training programs.
General Specifications:
- Length Overall (LOA): 11' 9?
- Beam: 3' 6?
- Propulsion: Sail and oars
Performance & Use:
The Norwegian Sailing Pram is designed for protected waters, lakes, and sheltered coastal areas. Under sail, it offers responsive yet forgiving handling-making it suitable for novice sailors and youth instruction. Under oars, it rows efficiently and tracks well for short distances. Its modest dimensions allow for easy launching and transport, while its sturdy wooden construction ensures durability for family and training use.
This wooden boat crafted by us is built from woodenboat.com , 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.
Disclaimer: Norwegian Sailing Pram is a design by Simon Watts. Wooden Boat USA is not affiliated with or endorsed by Simon Watts.
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History:
Designed in 1989, the Norwegian Sailing Pram reflects a modern revival of classic Scandinavian pram dinghies that have long served as workboats and training craft in Nordic waters. Historically, small prams were valued for their practicality, shallow draft, and ability to be built economically from wood. Their squared bow maximized interior volume while maintaining compact overall length.
During the late 20th century, interest in traditional small craft grew among amateur builders and sailing schools seeking simple, affordable boats with educational value. The Norwegian Sailing Pram emerged from this movement, combining time-tested Nordic hull concepts with updated construction methods for strength and ease of maintenance.
Today, the design remains appreciated for its honesty and functionality. It stands as a continuation of Scandinavian small-boat tradition-simple, stable, and deeply connected to the heritage of wooden boatbuilding-while serving modern recreational and instructional needs.
This wooden boat crafted by us is built from Classic Wooden Plans, 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, sail options, and build schedules for your Norwegian Sailing Pram.
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