Most boats produced as tenders today row so poorly that it is little wonder that their owners often turn to an outboard motor for help. But if you wish to forego the noise, expense and pollution of a motor, you may find that a peapod is the ultimate yacht tender.

These are great little boats, seaworthy, stable, and easily rowed. Here is a pod that is a bit smaller than most, but she will still carry a big load and bring you through some lumpy water with confidence.

Beach Pea uses modern glued lapstrake plywood construction, so she is lighter and easier to build than a traditionally-built boat. In addition, you won’t have to worry about her seams opening if your pod has been out of the water for a while. The clean interior will be easier to maintain, and a coat of paint will last longer on the stable plywood surface.

Two sailing rigs are shown, an easy to strike lugsail, and the more traditional sprit rig. Doug Hylan drew Beach Pea’s plans with the beginning builder in mind. The plans are well-detailed and full-size patterns eliminate the need for lofting. Plans are on five sheets, including lines, construction, two sail plans and full size patterns for molds and stems. A 22 page “how to build” booklet is included to help you along.

The extended version of Beach Pea is 15 feet long with the same beam. Basically, the longer boat uses the same molds as the 13 footer, just spaced further apart. Also the stems are pulled out a bit to the same proportion. The plans include instructions for re-spacing the molds, a layout for the new stem shape, and an optional arrangement with side decks and flotation compartments in the ends. There is also a slightly bigger sail plan and rudder arrangement shown.

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15′ version (click to show)