Any regular reader of this blog knows I have a real soft spot in my heart for the Puddle Duck Racer. Naturally it was only a matter of time before someone expanded on the concept and turned one into a minimalist cruising reality. Probably the first to do it was Jason Nabors, who built the Tenacious Turtle which he entered in the epic Texas 200. Not really a race but more of a “cruise” up through the semi-protected waters along the Texas coast.
A bit crude in its execution and jarring to the eyes of anyone who loves classic boat lines as I do, I still thought it was one of the neatest things I’d ever seen.
Of course the Aussies couldn’t leave the simple PDR well enough alone and came up with the OZ PDR which is a bit flashier than the original. Now,Perttu Korhonen, in collaboration with Michael Storer who came up with the OZ design, has come up with the Ocean Explorer. No offense, Jim, but this one really has a chance of taking off.
Plans for building this wonderful little boat are available at Duckworks for $40 US. The set which is downloadable in PDF form from the above link consist of around 95 pages of drawings, photos and text which should provide you snow-bound dreamers with plenty to ponder this winter and hopefully kick-start you to build one yourself. You can get more photos here: www.woodworkforums.com/f169/ultimate-cruising-pdr-120306/
Personally I think I’d want to use these plans as an inspiration for modifying the PDR Goose, the expanded 12′ version of the original 8-footer. It would allow you more room for supplies and, possibly, a companion.
One More Good Adventure 
I’ve met Michael Storer, when he came through the states last year. Gave a really interesting talk, even for a boat neophyte like me. And I also know Andrew Linn, who took part in the Texas 200. I do like that little boat above. Wish I had more time and skill to tackle a project like that.
Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment, Teri. I really like that boat, myself. I’ve bought a couple of plans for small boats from Duckworks in the past and dig them out every now and then and think about tackling one or the other. I’m SOOOO tempted to buy the plans for this one, but having to make a move this month what with deposit and first month’s rent I’ll have to postpone it but I’m dieing to see what those 95 pages are all about.
While Michael is from OZ, Perttu Korhonen is from the other side of the globe (Finland).
And the originator of the PDR is from the States. It’s pretty neat that that ugly little box has become such a world-wide phenomenon.