Be sure to read: "Introducing Toter"

Since the introduction of the TOTER a few months ago, in the dead of Winter I should remind you, the little boat that could has gone through "sea trials" and a few changes have transpired. But first I must say 'Thank You' to all those that have already purchased TOTER plans and are on their way to boating fun.

The concept for the TOTER came as a result of a new car purchase. I had just sold the previous boat that was designed to fit into my SUV, but now that too was gone, and I have to have a boat. Right? So the TOTER was born out of need. Need to get away without the encumbrances of a trailer. It had to fit in the trunk of the new car!

Early in January of this year the TOTER had its maiden voyage on a nearby lake. Click thumbnails to enlarge

Early in January of this year the TOTER had its maiden voyage on a nearby lake. It immediately impressed me. As I paddled out from the loading area, I already felt comfortable in the small space it has to offer. It paddled effortlessly, and moved quickly. The seat was too high though, placing the paddle at an odd angle, and I knew I would have to make a change there. Next came the time to lower the motor into the water. This proved to be a challenge. It required I kneel aft, raise the motor out of the rear section and manually lower it into the water. It weighs about 12 pounds, and requires upper body strength, a commodity I apparently do not have. Another change required. Once under way all went smoothly, and after an hour of sloshing around I got to respect the little boat. No leaks, quite stable, good battery life, easy to turn, and above all, FUN. It travels with the little trolling motor at hull speed, about 5 mph.

Once under way all went smoothly, and after an hour of sloshing around I got to respect the little boat. No leaks, quite stable, good battery life, easy to turn, and above all, FUN.

Back home I attacked the two initial objections: the seat height and the motor lowering method. The seat design change was easy, and it was lowered three inches. This also provides a lower center of gravity, making the boat even more stable. This change was immediately incorporated into the plans that DUCKWORKS provides. The motor problem was a little more complex, and required that the mount be redesigned for greater rigidity. This was accomplished by adding a half inch plywood platform to which a heavy duty hinge would attach. Neat and rugged. Next was the method of lowering: this required the addition of an attachment point above the motor, to which a small (but strong) chain would be attached as the lowering mechanism.

The seat design change was easy, and it was lowered three inches. This also provides a lower center of gravity, making the boat even more stable.

All these changes were incorporated into the boat, and it was back to the lake for testing. By now it is early February, and as I arrived at the lake, about 9am, I immediately noticed no other boaters. The wind was strong and the waters were choppy. This would be a good test of the changes, as well as the rough water capability of the TOTER. Lift the boat out of the trunk, assemble hull sections, raise motor to lowering position (held in place by chain), plug in battery, snap together steering rod, cast off. Immediately the new seating position was noticeable, and it was easier to actually row the boat out onto the lake. So far, so good. Now the weather turns nasty, strong winds and whitecaps on the waves. But TOTER keeps its cool, rolling with the waves, undeterred by the wind (very low profile). Let's lower the motor and see how the new method works. The choppy waters did not hinder as I turned, grabbed the handle on the end of the chain, raised it into release position, and let go. All went as planned. Flip on the motor switch and away TOTER went straight into the waves, some of which were as high as the boat itself. Now I knew why no other small boats were out there. Everything worked fine, however, and I continued to test TOTER to insure it's seaworthiness. Proven!

I have added the optional canopy, necessary in the Arizona sun.

Since then I have added the optional canopy, necessary in the Arizona sun, and improved the steering rod assembly. All these things are captured in photos, some of which have been posted to the TOTER Builders Forum. More will be added as the adventure continues. We have also added to the plans a scaled-up version of TOTER, for those who may need a slightly larger, greater carrying capacity portable boat, called TOTER XL. This design is just that, a design. It has not been built, but follows closely the assembly technique and instructions provided for the TOTER, and it will fit in any Truck or SUV.

TOTER XL has not been built, but follows closely the assembly technique and instructions provided for the TOTER, and it will fit in any Truck or SUV.

As the designer, I can honestly say without bias that I am very pleased with the overall performance and capability of the TOTER. It is a small boat with small boat habits; nimble and responsive. But, it will go quietly in various conditions without fear. I look forward to a great boating season. And remember, DUCKWORKS is the only place that TOTER plans are available. PLease be safe and courteous on the water.
Hope to see you out there.

Regards,
Ken Simpson