Skip to product information
1 of 3

Woodenboatusa

Atkin Rinky-Dink 7ft Custom Built Boat Wood/Composite

Atkin Rinky-Dink 7ft Custom Built Boat Wood/Composite

Regular price $5,200.00 USD
Regular price $5,200.00 USD Sale price $5,200.00 USD
Sale Sold out
Shipping calculated at checkout.
The Rinky-Dink is a clever and efficient 7-foot wooden dinghy originally designed by Mr. Atkin to solve a simple problem: most small cruising boats need a tender that is light, compact, and easy to handle, yet as practical and stable as a larger 14-foot craft. His design achieved exactly that balance, creating one of the most functional and charming small boats ever built.

Our factory faithfully recreates the Rinky-Dink using select materials such as Western Red Cedar, Teak, Mahogany, and US -made Hexcel fiberglass with System Three marine spar varnish. Each model is entirely hand-built using the traditional plank-on-frame method, requiring 4–5 months of careful craftsmanship. You can fully customize dimensions, finish, seating layout, or add personalized details.

Rinky-Dink’s design features a unique fore-and-aft rowing seat system that allows the rower to adjust position based on the number of passengers, ensuring perfect balance and trim whether carrying one, two, or three people. A narrow thwart under the forward seat strengthens the hull, preventing flex when the boat is lifted ashore. Her fine bow, reinforced bottom planking, and signature ring bolt at the stem give her both charm and excellent towing ability—tracking straight without yaw or pitch.

Atkin RINKY-DINK — Full Specifications

Principal Dimensions:

- Length Overall (LOA): 7 ft 6 in
- Beam: 3 ft 10 in
- Draft:
+ Hull only: ~4–5 in
+ With skeg: ~6–7 in
+ Freeboard: ~14 in

Hull & Construction:

- Type: Flat-bottom skiff / dinghy
- Construction: Traditional plank-on-frame (designed to be simple and light)
- Bottom: Flat with slight rocker
- Sides: Straight plank sides
- Keel / Skeg: External skeg for tracking
- Transom: Square transom
- Structure (Typical)
- Frames: Light sawn frames
- Bottom planking: ~3/8 in
- Side planking: ~1/4–3/8 in
- Fastenings: Copper rivets or bronze screws

Weight & Capacity

- Hull Weight: ~90–110 lbs
- Capacity: 1 adult comfortably, 2 adults short trips
- Payload: ~300 lbs (safe working load)

Propulsion

- Primary: Rowing
- Oars: ~5 ft
- Optional Motor: Up to 1–2 HP outboard
- Sailing Rig (optional): Sprit or leg-of-mutton,
- Sail area: ~25–30 sq ft

Use & Character: Yacht tender, Fishing skiff, Camp or lake boat. Stable, shallow-draft, forgiving

Every wooden boat crafted by us is built from Atkin plans, with full credit given to the original designers. For each custom commission, we acquire the appropriate plans and construct the boat to order—offering both full-size vessels and finely detailed scale models.

Contact us to discuss specifications and customization options now!

Note: Price starting at $4000 depending on material and options.
History:

Rinky-Dink, a 7-foot flat-bottom pram tender by William Atkin, was created to give small cruising boats a light, compact dinghy with the usefulness of a much larger 14-footer. Atkin achieved this through smart, practical design features such as the fore-and-aft rowing seat, which maintains proper trim whether carrying one, two, or three people. A narrow thwart beneath the forward seat reinforces the sides when the boat is tipped ashore, preventing strain at the plank seams, while a ring bolt at the bow ensures smooth, steady towing without yawing. Despite its small size, Rinky-Dink delivers impressive capability and durability, true to Atkin’s reputation for thoughtful small-craft design.
Contact us! View full details

Collapsible content

What makes our wooden boats so unique and special? 

Hundreds of hours go into the construction of our boats, as perfection is the only options.

- ENVIRONMENTAL FRIENDLY: We use only certified top-grade, hand-selected wood such as Canadian red cedar, mahogany, rosewood, teak and more. 

- THE ART OF CRAFTSMANSHIP: Merging centuries-old customs with technological innovation, we bring you boats that excel in every categories. 

- IN-HOUSE QUALITY CONTROL: Each of our wooden boats goes through a demand quality control process including in water testing before leaving the workshop.

 

About Woodenboat USA™

The story of time-honored traditions of boat building. 

More than just watercraft, our wooden boats, kayaks and canoes represent connections to a legacy of craftsmanship and old world techniques. Woodenboat USA is invested in the type of construction that recalls generations of boat making. Over thirty years in business, our commitment has always been and will continue to be, to excellence, to tradition and to creating products that you can enjoy both for their performance and incredible beauty.

Inspired by history, the names of our watercraft are derived from the northern waterways where natives and settlers have used them for centuries. Merging centuries-old customs with improvements in technology, we bring you boats that excel in every category.

Beginning with pliable, high quality Canadian cedar and hardwood, our craftsmen hand join each individual strip. Hundreds of hours go into the construction of our boats, as perfection is the only option. Once built, the piece is encapsulated in fiberglass epoxy resin adding an extra layer of durability and strength. At last, the water craft is ready for its nautical debut.

FAQ's

List the details of your shipping policy.

What are your canoes and kayaks made of?

Our canoes and kayaks are made of the highest quality western red cedar and some hardwoods. The larger boats are made of western red cedar, pine, and hardwoods such as oak, mahogany, teak, and some locally available woods. Our wooden watercraft are then coated both inside and out in an incredibly durable American made fiberglass and epoxy resin.

You mentioned that you use fiberglass in your boats, so what is the difference between your boats and fiberglass boats?

We only use 1 or 2 clear thin layers of fiberglass coating on top of the wood for reinforcement and added integrity. You never see any fiberglass, only beautiful, hand-joined cedar and hardwoods.

What is a typical cedar strip canoe or kayak weight?

A 15’ kayak weighs approximately 45lbs, making it very easy for one person to carry. A 16’ canoe weighs about 48lbs.

What type of boats do you build?

Our wooden strip canoes and kayaks are hugely popular for touring and recreational purposes. We also build wooden dinghies, wooden sail boats, classic wooden runabouts, and speedboats. Additionally, we can custom-build any design with which you supply us.

What methods do you use to build the boats?

Focused on integrating traditional technique with modern design, all boats are built by hand, typically taking hundreds of man hours to create.

How do I order?

Please contact our dealers or call (877) 88 Boats for more information.

How long does an order take?

Boats that we have in stock can be shipped to you within a week). New or custom products generally take 2-3 months as everything we sell is 100% hand crafted.

How do you ship it?

We can ship via trucking company very safely. We also insure all freight so in the very rare case that a shipment is damaged during transit, we will take care of the details and immediately replace the item for you. We also have distributors all over the world, so please contact us to find out more information.

How do I become a distributor of your products?

We welcome qualified dealers and distributors all over the world. Please contact us today at (877) 88 Boats or email us at info@woodenboatusa.com for more information.

What kind of warranty can I expect?

For all products we offer a 6 month limited warranty on materials and craftsmanship.

Guidelines for use

CARE:

With a little bit of care and maintenance, your beautiful canoe can last for generations. While our products are certainly durable and solid, they still require the right type of care and handling to ensure that they perform optimally.

  • It is recommended that you rinse your canoe off with fresh clean water after every use.
  • Upon returning from the trip, allow your canoe to air-dry in the shade.

STORAGE:

Besides taking care of your canoe, storage also plays an essential role in maintaining your canoe’s appearance and beauty.

  • Always store your wooden canoe in shade.
  • Turn it upside down on the support thereby keeping it off the ground.
  • Hanging your boat from the rafters in your garage or shop would be ideal storage.

REPAIR:

Minor scratches can be repaired by marine spar vanish or some brand of automobile wax. Smooth the damaged area with sand paper, wipe clean, then apply marine spar vanish.

SAFETY:

Wooden Boat USA strongly recommends that a Personal Flotation Device (PFD) is worn whenever paddling.

Product video availabe here!