Mess Abouts, as the name implies are boats intended for getting out on the water and messing around in. They have large open cockpits with lots of room making entry and exit easy. It’s an easy paddling boat with good stability that anyone should be comfortable in.
There is a 15 ‘ and a new 12’ version for those wanting a shorter boat. Plans are available in the store.
There is a fishing version of the Mess About 15′ named Cast Away. The Cast Away model has an opening behind the cockpit sized for a 13″ square milk crate that is very popular with the fisherman. The frame is designed so you can add a hard surface just under the skin to mount rod holders on. Additional rod holders could be adding inside the cockpit coaming for trolling. An anchor trolley can be mounted to the boat also.
Unlike many short Recreational boats this one will have no problem cruising along with longer boats. The 15 foot length is a sweet spot, it provides good performance and doesn’t require the boat to be extremely wide to maintain stability. Unlike most short Recreational boats this one will have no problem cruising along with longer boats. Of course you are not going to win any races in one either.
When I paddled the prototype Cast Away the first time I was totally impressed. It is easier to paddle than I expected and I could maintain a nice cruising speed of around 3.5 mph. The stability was just where I wanted. It’s stable enough your not going to turn it over easily but it’s still feels like a kayak. One of things that impressed me most was how well it turned with you leaned the boat over just a little. Course corrections were so easy. The space was great, there was room for my milk crate in back and the open cockpit made fishing much more comfortable. Lots of space to move around in and I could put a small cooler of tackle box in with me with fear of being trapped in the boat if something happened.
Either version of this boat will be a good choice for a new paddler young or old. Cast Away weighted 37 lbs rigged for fishing. The Mess About version should come in a couple of pounds lighter. Of course the weight will vary depending on materials used.
HYDROSTATS
All figures based on a 250 lb total displacement
Length over all * 15.0 ft. * Beam overall * 28″
Design draft 0..348 ft * Design displacement 250 lbs
Max displacement 350 lbs
STABILITY FACTOR = 120+
There is a 12′ version for those wanting a shorter boat. Plans are available in the store.
All images are of the Cast Away model shown rigged for fishing.
