🎧 Listen & Subscribe: Apple Podcasts Spotify YouTube
Skip to main content

Designing for Adventure: Michael Storer’s Path to Small Boat Innovation



A Passion for Small Boats and Smart Design

Michael Storer has made a name for himself in the world of small boat design. His creations, such as the Oz Goose and Oz Racer, have gained a strong following among DIY boatbuilders and NanoCruisers. But how did he get started? In the latest episode of the NanoCruising podcast, we dive into Michael’s journey—his early sailing experiences, how he developed his design philosophy, and the first boat he ever designed.

Learning from the Best at DuckFlat Wooden Boats (Australia) 

One of the most fascinating parts of Michael’s story is how he learned boat design—not through formal training, but by working as a technical consultant for DuckFlat Wooden Boats (Australia) , where he had access to hundreds of different designs. This hands-on exposure gave him a deep understanding of what works and what doesn’t when it comes to small, efficient boats.

Michael’s background in engineering and problem-solving helped him refine his approach, leading to boats that are not only fun and fast but also incredibly easy and fast to build. His designs focus on simplicity, making them accessible even to first-time boatbuilders.

Why His First Design Was a Sailing Canoe

Rather than jumping straight into traditional dinghies or sailboats, Michael’s first design was a sailing canoe. Why? Because he wanted something lightweight, practical, and easy to build. This early experience set the foundation for his future boats, which emphasize:

✅ Lightweight construction for easy handling

✅ Efficient hull design for performance in light winds

✅ DIY-friendly building methods with simple, step-by-step plans

His approach to small boat design has influenced many, inspiring a new wave of sailors and home builders to take on their own projects.

Join the Conversation

In this episode, Michael shares insights into how he thinks about design, what makes a good small boat, and how NanoCruisers can get started building their own boats. Whether you're interested in designing a boat, building one from plans, or just sailing a simple, high-performance boat, this episode is packed with valuable information.



What do you think makes a great small boat? Share your thoughts in the comments below!


#MichaelStorer #BoatDesign #NanoCruising #DIYBoats #SailingCanoe #SmallBoats

------------------------------------------------------

Show Notes:

Michael Storer Boat Plans and on Facebook


🌊 Join the NanoCruising community! Be part of the conversation in our Facebook Group — share your adventures, ideas, and small-boat stories.

📬 Stay in the loop: Subscribe to our mailing list and be first to hear about new episodes, blog posts, and events.

❤️ Support the journey: If you’d like to help keep NanoCruising afloat, join us on Patreon. Every bit helps cover hosting, gear, and — let’s be honest — a little epoxy and marine plywood.

www.nanocruising.com
Seas Your Own Adventure ⛵

Labels:

Comments

  1. BoatmikMarch 16, 2025 at 10:39 PM

    Correction ... I worked at Duck Flat in Adelaide Australia in the early 90s. Not Duckworks.

    The connection with Duckworks came later as we all started using email and yahoo groups much later.

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Roger Barnes: Exploring Dinghy Cruising’s Future and Breaking Barriers (Part 2)

Roger Barnes has long been regarded as a cornerstone of the dinghy cruising community. As president of the Dinghy Cruising Association (DCA), a celebrated author, and the creator of a thriving YouTube channel, he has inspired countless adventurers to embrace the joys of small boat sailing. In the second part of our interview, Roger shares more about his journey and the invaluable lessons he's learned along the way. Exploring Favorite Cruising Grounds Roger’s passion for exploring unique cruising grounds shines through in this episode. From serene coastal waters to challenging open seas, his experiences provide a window into the diverse beauty of dinghy cruising.  The Role of the Dinghy Cruising Association Under Roger’s leadership, the DCA has become a hub for dinghy sailors worldwide. He discusses how the association fosters a sense of community, provides resources, and encourages members to take on new challenges. Dinghies vs. Yachts: The Unique Appeal What makes dinghy cruising ...
Post a Comment
Read more

⛵ John Welsford on New Designs, Ocean Dreams, and the Future of Small Boats 🌊

If you enjoyed Part 1 of our conversation with legendary boat designer John Welsford , you’re going to love what’s in store for Part 2. In this episode, John takes us further into his world of small boat innovation and adventure. We kick things off with a look at the new 7-meter ocean-going boat he’s currently designing—something he hasn’t talked much about publicly until now. It’s a boat meant to cross oceans with confidence, while still staying true to Welsford’s core design philosophy: safety, practicality, simplicity, and real-world performance. From there, we dig into the story behind his new design “Scallywag,” which was born out of a desire for a microcruiser like the SCAMP—but with accommodations for longer journeys and sleep-aboard comfort. It’s a design many have been waiting for, and it reflects the continued evolution of small cruising sailboats. John also shares some fantastic anecdotes about his designs out in the wild. We hear about a SCAMP in Tierra del Fuego , and...
Post a Comment
Read more