Frankton (folding boat) explained

The Frankton is a type of folding boat. The name is a reference to Operation Frankton. [1]

Design

Martin Walford conceived the concept of the Frankton in the late 1990s; Michael Howard then worked out the design. It was designed as a dinghy that is usable on rivers, lakes and open water.[2] It should be usable as a tender, yet be foldable to be easily transportable.

Features

Open, the Franklin is 3 m × 1.5 m × 0.69 m. [3] It can hold three adults. It can be both rowed and sailed. Its hull design allows it to double as a life raft. In that case it has a flat deck that will allow two adults to sleep on it. The Franklin's hull has a W-shape, which supplies the dinghy with lateral resistance and also increases its stability. [4]

Folding

The hull folds in two steps. First, the coaming folds in: The bow and stern boards fold in, followed by the side coaming. Second, the ends fold over the centre part of the boat, creating a smaller box shape. The result is a bundle of approximately 5 by 5 by 3 feet.[5]

See also

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Inspiration . 10 April 2015 . bot: unknown . https://web.archive.org/web/20150410000905/http://franktondinghy.co.uk/styled-3/ . 10 April 2015 .
  2. Web site: Overview . 9 April 2015 . bot: unknown . https://web.archive.org/web/20150409151709/http://franktondinghy.co.uk/styled/ . 9 April 2015 .
  3. Web site: Jachten, Leven and Foto's on Pinterest . 19 December 2016.
  4. Web site: A Folding Boat at Beale Park . Rowing for Pleasure . blog . 20 June 2013. 20 December 2016.
  5. Web site: Royal Cruising Club / Yachting Monthly - Dinghy Design Competition . 20 December 2016.