Description:
The Ebihen Clinker 15 ft is a classic small sailing dinghy inspired by traditional Breton working boats and adapted for relaxed coastal sailing. Its clinker-built hull, gently flared sides, and compact yet well-balanced proportions create a lively and elegant silhouette on the water. Designed for day sailing and simple coastal adventures, the Ebihen combines traditional character with practical handling, offering stability, responsiveness, and an enjoyable sailing experience for small crews exploring bays, estuaries, and sheltered coastal waters.
Our workshop faithfully builds the Ebihen 16 Clinker using premium marine materials including Western Red Cedar, Mahogany, and Teak, reinforced where necessary with U.S. made Hexcel fiberglass and finished with System Three marine spar varnish. Each vessel is entirely hand built using the traditional clinker plank on frame method, preserving the authentic overlapping plank construction that gives the hull both character and structural resilience. Typical build time ranges from 3 to 4 months depending on configuration and level of customization.
Clients may personalize wood species, interior layout, seating arrangement, finish tone, and sailing rig options to create a bespoke vessel that reflects individual taste while honoring the original design spirit.
Specifications
- Hull length / waterline: 15ft/ 14.9 ft
- Breadth / waterline: 6.07 / 5.38 ft
- Draught: 1.48 / 3.22 ft
- Light weight: 1,146.40 lbs
- Sail area: 150.69 ft2
- Outboard motor: 6 hp
Performance and Use
The Ebihen 16 Clinker performs confidently on lakes, rivers, and sheltered coastal waters. Under oars, it offers steady tracking and smooth glide. When equipped with a simple sail plan, it delivers balanced and responsive handling suitable for both leisure sailors and traditional boat enthusiasts. Ideal for family outings, classic boat gatherings, and waterfront recreation, it captures the charm and seaworthy practicality of historic European dinghies.
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 Ebihen 16 Clinker.
History:
The Ebihen 16 Clinker draws inspiration from traditional coastal boats of Brittany, particularly around the Ebihens Islands near Saint Malo. For generations, fishermen and sailors in this region relied on sturdy small craft capable of handling shifting tides, rocky shores, and open coastal waters.
Built using clinker construction, where overlapping wooden planks create a strong yet flexible hull, this method dates back centuries and was widely used throughout Northern Europe. The design provided durability, seaworthiness, and a distinctive textured appearance.
The Ebihen 16 Clinker continues this maritime tradition with balanced lines and reliable performance, combining classic craftsmanship with practical versatility. Today, it stands as a tribute to the hardworking coastal boats that shaped Brittany's nautical heritage.
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