16′ Grey Swan Cruiser

Description

Build the Grey Swan – a classic 16’ gaff cutter with timeless charm and versatile design options.

The Grey Swan is a traditional wooden sailboat with a multi-chine hull and a length over deck (LOD) of 16’, making her compact enough to build in a small workspace yet roomy enough for weekend cruising. She’s designed with pre-shaped plywood bulkheads, fore and aft girders, and a bottom hull panel that quickly assemble into a rigid structure. Stringers and hull panels complete her strong and elegant form.

Although only 16 feet long, the Grey Swan offers surprising space:

• Sleeps 2 inside the cabin

• Sleeps 2 more under a boom tent in the spacious cockpit

• Perfect for camping-style cruising and coastal adventures

Over time, sailors requested refinements, so the plans now include multiple build and rig options:

• Three keel variations: original centerboard, long central ballast keel, or bilge keel with ballast

• Rigging options: traditional gaff cutter rig or simplified catboat rig

• Construction methods: stitch-and-epoxy, strip planking, or traditional panel fitting

With her beam of 7’ and displacement of approx. 1200 lbs (including 300 lbs of ballast), she is both stable and seaworthy. The sail plan and hull form make her lively yet manageable, ideal for sailors who want a classic look without overly complex construction.

Whether you dream of building your own gaff cutter or want a versatile wooden cruiser for family sailing, the Grey Swan delivers a rewarding project and a beautiful boat you’ll be proud to own.

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Key Features

• LOD: 16’

• Beam: 7’

• Draft: 1.15’ / 4.3’ (with centerboard)

• Weight: Approx. 1200 lbs

• Ballast: 300 lbs

• Construction: stitch-and-epoxy, strip plank, or panel fit methods

• Accommodation: Sleeps 2 in cabin + 2 in cockpit under boom tent

• Rig options: Gaff cutter or catboat rig

• Keel options: Centerboard, long ballast keel, or bilge keel

16′ Grey Swan Specifications

Description	Imperial	Metric
LOA	16'	4.88m
Beam	7'	2.13m
Hull Mid Depth	3'2"	0.97m
Draft	1'2" or 4'4"	0.36m or 1.32m
Sail Area	169 sq.ft	15.72 sq.m
Estimated Dry weight	1200lbs	544kg
Ballast	300lbs	136kg
Head Room	4'8"	1.42m
Berths	2
Hull Shape	U shape- flat narrow bottom with 3 planks per side
Construction method	Ply over Frame, stitch and tape, strip planking
Plywood Requirements	14 x 6mm sheet 5 x 9mm sheets 3 x 12mm sheet
Drawing/ Design Package	9 x A1 drawings	14 x A4 instructions
Guidance usage	2 - 3 Adults
Additions and alterations included with the plans	Deep/ long keel Cat rig - gaff main long keel with bilge keels cedar strip plank details