Beg-Meil 14ft Custom Built Wooden Boat

The Beg Meil is a traditional Breton style sail and oar dinghy inspired by the small coastal craft of northwest France. Known for its balanced hull, generous beam, and practical layout, the Beg Meil embodies the charm of classic working boats while offering comfortable recreational sailing. Its pure lines and purposeful proportions reflect a design heritage shaped by tidal waters, sheltered bays, and coastal passages. Our workshop faithfully builds the Beg Meil using premium marine materials including Western Red Cedar, Mahogany, and Teak, reinforced with U.S. made Hexcel fiberglass where appropriate and finished with System Three marine spar varnish. Each vessel is entirely hand built using the traditional plank on frame method, preserving the authentic character of clinker plywood construction. The hull form is carefully shaped to deliver reassuring stability, smooth tracking under oars, and responsive handling under sail. Typical build time ranges from 4 to 6 months depending on customization and outfitting. Clients may tailor wood species, interior layout, seating arrangement, rig configuration, finish tone, and deck details to create a bespoke vessel suited to personal waters and preferences. Specifications - Hull length / waterline: 14.63 / 13.32 ft - Breadth / waterline: 5.51 / 4.79 ft - Draught: 0.82 / 2.82 ft - Light weight clinker / strip planked: 771.62 / 859.80 lbs - Sail area: 153.93 ft2 - Outboard motor: 4 hp Performance and Use The Beg Meil is well suited to lakes, estuaries, and sheltered coastal waters. Under sail, it offers stable and predictable performance with sufficient sail area for enjoyable cruising. Under oars or auxiliary outboard power, it remains practical and maneuverable. Ideal for family sailing, classic boat gatherings, and coastal day cruising, the Beg Meil captures the spirit of traditional Breton craftsmanship combined with modern reliability. 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 Beg Meil. The Beg-Meil boat takes its name from the seaside village of Beg-Meil in southern Brittany, a region deeply rooted in maritime tradition. For centuries, small coastal craft were essential to local fishermen and sailors who navigated rocky shores, tidal waters, and the open Atlantic. These boats were designed for strength, stability, and easy handling in changing sea conditions. The Beg-Meil reflects this heritage, inspired by traditional Breton working boats that balanced practicality with graceful lines. Over time, such designs evolved from purely functional vessels into versatile recreational craft. Today, the Beg-Meil continues the spirit of Brittany's coastal boating culture, honoring craftsmanship, seaworthiness, and the enduring connection between community and sea.