Minahouet 15ft Custom Built Wooden Boat

The Minahouet is a compact and capable coastal sailboat that embodies the understated elegance of traditional European craft. With its clean sheerline moderate beam and well defined underwater profile the Minahouet presents a balanced silhouette designed for efficient movement through sheltered bays estuaries and inland waters. Conceived as a friendly and accessible daysailer it combines ease of handling with confident seaworthiness. Built in our workshop with meticulous attention to craftsmanship the Minahouet features carefully selected marine timbers such as Western Red Cedar Mahogany and Teak reinforced where appropriate with U.S. made Hexcel fiberglass and protected with System Three marine spar varnish. Each hull is hand constructed using traditional plank on frame methods ensuring durability structural coherence and authentic wooden character. The hull geometry promotes steady initial stability responsive helm feedback and forgiving sail behavior making it suitable for both experienced sailors and newcomers. Typical build time ranges from 4 to 6 months depending on finish level and equipment specification. The Minahouet can be tailored to individual preference through choices of wood species cockpit layout seating configuration rig arrangement finish tone hardware detailing and onboard storage solutions. Each vessel is prepared as a bespoke commission adapted to the intended cruising grounds and sailing ambitions of its owner. Specifications - Hull length/waterline: 15/14.34 ft - Breadth/waterline: 5.12/4.33 ft - Draught: 0.52/3.28ft - Light weight: 551.16lbs - Sail area: 114.10 ft2 - Outboard motor: 4 hp Performance and Use The Minahouet excels in lakes quiet harbors and protected coastal environments. Under sail it offers predictable heel characteristics smooth acceleration in moderate winds and stable tracking upwind. The cockpit layout supports relaxed social sailing while maintaining secure and ergonomic helm positioning. Whether used for family outings classic boat gatherings or leisurely evening cruises the Minahouet delivers a harmonious blend of tradition comfort and reliable performance. 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 obtain the appropriate drawings and construct the vessel to order offering both full size boats and finely detailed scale models. Contact us to explore configuration options technical details and build scheduling for your Minahouet. The Minahouet boat takes its name from the Minahouët River in the coastal region of Brittany, an area long connected to fishing villages and sheltered estuaries. For generations, small wooden boats were built to navigate calm inland waters and tidal inlets, where stability and shallow draft were essential. These craft supported local trade, daily transport, and traditional coastal work. The Minahouet design reflects this Breton heritage, inspired by classic river and estuary boats known for their balanced hull forms and straightforward construction. Over time, such practical vessels evolved into recreational craft while retaining their timeless character. Today, the Minahouet honors regional boatbuilding traditions, blending historic influence with modern materials and dependable performance for relaxed cruising and exploration.