Think back. When you were a kid first splashing about at the lake, river, or muddy bay—what kind of boat would you have drawn up for yourself? A tiny sailboat to ghost toward that sandy island? A little tug boat to call your own? Or maybe you had an even bigger imagination: How about a boat built with a window in the hull for underwater viewing? 

Glen-L is unusual in that our catalog of plans includes many plans designed especially with kids in mind. We've got tiny sailboats, pedal boats, easily built kid-sized kayaks, paddle-wheel boats, miniature rowboats, tiny tugs, junior speedboats—we even sell plans for a water cannon! 

Above: Our Tubby Tug

Above: Our Ke-Pau paddlewheeler

Above: Our Pee Wee speedboat

One of our less well-known designs that is versatile enough to please adults and kids alike is our Glass Bottom. At 9.5 feet Glass Bottom is roomy and stable and because it's a stitch-and-glue design—exceptionally easy to build. But the real hook—the design's raison d'être—is the window in the bottom of the hull for underwater viewing. Explore the shallows and seabed without getting wet! If ever there was a perfect boat for a parent or grandparent to build with their kids, this has to be it.

Alex MacDonald recently completed a fine example of our Glass Bottom from plans. We asked him a few questions about the build:

Above: Alex's Glass Bottom. Below the overhead plans view

What has been the best part about the build? Camaraderie, absolutely. Not only with my granddaughters, but equally with old friends who were eager to join in the project, lending their talents which are seldom appreciated in their retirement.

Why did you choose the Glass Bottom design? I’m old. “Back in the day” as a boy I’d spend sunny afternoons hanging over the side of a dinghy to see what I could of sea life — as well as building small boats as I grew older. I wanted that for my daughter and so we acquired bigger and bigger boats, eventually enjoying a 41’ Carver. But those days and the Carver are gone. My granddaughters now live with their mom in Seattle and don’t even know how to row a boat: unacceptable! This project addressed all of these issues.

Any modifications?I’ve installed a 12v system (using computer backup batteries) that includes underwater LED lights and quick disconnect plugs for an electric trolling motor and a battery charger/maintainer. I’ve also installed a removable anchor box for storage of the (folding) anchor and its line.I don’t consider the boat’s fittings, cleats, and coamings to be modifications so much as choices.

What will you build next? I’ve always wanted an airboat…

Glen-L Marine