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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

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Show Notes:

Michael Storer Boat Plans and on Facebook

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www.nanocruising.com

Seas Your Own Adventure 🌊⛵

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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

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