Design

🌈 The Rainbow Scow

Simple to Build. Thrilling to Sail. Timeless in Design.

Overview

First designed over 85 years ago, the Rainbow Scow continues to charm sailors with its elegant simplicity and surprisingly high performance. Whether you're a first-time builder, a weekend cruiser, or a thrill-seeking racer, this lightweight sailing dinghy offers a rewarding experience on and off the water.

⚙️ Specifications

• Length: 3.65 m (12 feet)

• Beam: 1.17 m

• Weight: 42 kg

• Sail Area (Upwind): 10.5 m²

• Spinnaker Area: 9 m²
  
  

🪵 Construction & Materials

Built from lightweight plywood and timber, the Rainbow is designed for ease of assembly using:

• 4 mm (3/16") plywood for most components

• 9 mm (3/8") plywood for structural frames

• Strong, reliable epoxy glue for bonding

The hull is fiberglass-sheathed for durability, and the cockpit features an additional plywood layer for extra strength — eliminating the need for separate floorboards.

🎨 Finishing & Customization

Painting is simple — just brush or roll on your favourite colours. The Rainbow’s modern look shines with:

• Bright colour schemes

• Clear sails

• Computer-cut stick-on graphics

Make it yours — from bold hulls to personalized colour sails.

💡 Clever Design Features

The Rainbow is built with smart, builder-friendly features:

• ✅ Straight Deck Centreline
   A straight build jig simplifies alignment. Frames come with built-in levelling tabs for accurate placement.
  
  

• ✅ Consistent Chine Angles
   Same angle throughout the hull — no tricky bending or shaping required.
  
  

• ✅ Simplified Lofting
   Easy measurements and optional full-size patterns make layout a breeze.
  
  

• ✅ Reinforced Cockpit Floor
   A second layer of plywood and fiberglass creates a strong, comfortable cockpit without extra floorboards.
  
  

🧭 Class Rules & Racing

The modernized Rainbow class stays true to its roots — affordable, accessible, and fair.

• Ideal for beginner sailors

• A challenge for experienced racers

• No expensive upgrades or tech arms race — just pure sailing skill

With a spinnaker and trapeze, the Rainbow can absolutely fly in the right hands, but it remains simple enough for anyone to enjoy.

🚤 Why Choose the Rainbow Scow?

• Build it yourself with minimal tools and no previous experience

• Sail it solo or with a crew

• Race competitively or cruise for fun

• Affordable, fast, and fun

📥 Get Started

Want to build your own Rainbow?
[📄 Download plans] – or – [🛒 Order Cut files]
Got questions? [📧 Contact us] — we're here to help!