I started this site to help inventory all of my research and chronicle the activities of my custom boat build. It’s odd building a boat here in the desert, but I’m envisioning warm days with the family on desert lakes, picnics and watersports. In a complicated world, the simplicity of a wooden runabout is an alluring call.

The site “mistmiss.com” is based on the Glen-L Marine Designs plan for the “Mist Miss“, an 18′ 2” classic mahogany runabout.

A scratchy vintage photo of the Mist Miss from the Glen-L website.

The MIST MISS is a husky, practical inboard utility runabout with traditional styling reminiscent of classics of the past. Sit in her comfortable cockpit, protected by a fixed windshield. When you push the starter button and ease away from the dock, you will be the envy of all. Pull back on the throttle and give her the gun, she instantly responds; up on a plane and away, with the pilings flying by like a picket fence. The generous vee cushions the ride and the generous flare flattens the spray, making for a dry, safe boat.

MIST MISS can be powered with just about any converted automotive engine, coupled to a marine transmission and straight shaft. Since the motor is directly over the center of buoyancy, changes in the weight of the motor do not affect the trim.

I’m guessing it will take at least two years to build.

Note: Header image courtesy of Flickr user David Wipf