Series - Small Boats Magazine

Building a Goat Island Skiff

Jenny Bennett — Mon, 03 Mar 2025 21:06:29 +0000

We chose the 15′ 6″ Goat Island Skiff. It was known to be fast, big enough for four people, stable, and relatively light at about 60 or 70kg. And there’s a great community of owners around the world, led by the designer, Michael Storer.

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DEWALT DCS334

Bill Thomas — Mon, 03 Mar 2025 21:06:20 +0000

While jigsaws are handy around the house, they are nearly indispensable for boat work, in the shop, and any time clean, precise cuts are needed in plywood, solid lumber, composites, and sheet metal. With the proper blade, the DeWalt does all these jobs well.

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Preval Sprayer

Kent and Audrey Lewis — Mon, 03 Mar 2025 21:06:10 +0000

One of our favorite tools is the Preval Sprayer, a versatile and portable aerosol spray gun ideal for applying finishes to small areas or complex surfaces like the interior of a lapstrake hull with closely spaced frames, or when just a touch-up is required.

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The BETTY Effect

Nic Compton — Mon, 03 Mar 2025 21:05:54 +0000

“When you approach towns and villages through rivers, you see them totally differently. You wouldn’t think they’re the same place. Rowing a river, you’re starting high up and working your way down every day; there’s always a different vista, always something different. It’s the loveliest way to see the countryside and nature.”

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Bolger’s Pirogue

Christopher Cunningham — Mon, 03 Mar 2025 21:05:41 +0000

Bolger’s designs are well known for their ease of construction, and the hull of his Pirogue is as simple as it gets. When I was given a decked-version in need of some minor repair and maintenance, I quickly discovered how versatile the type can be.

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Herreshoff/Gardner 17

Tony Lush — Mon, 03 Mar 2025 21:05:31 +0000

I came across the Herreshoff 17 when looking for a rowboat for my dotage. I wanted a boat for staying fit and simply messing about on the water. I considered several and was inclined toward Swampscott dories and similar seaworthy boats. Most, though, would be too heavy to lug around, launch, and haul at my age, so I settled on the Herreshoff.

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Lili 6.10

Jean-Yves Poirier — Wed, 19 Feb 2025 09:00:29 +0000

Lili 6.10 is an able boat for two to cruise in complete independence for a few days in a lifestyle as simple and inexpensive as the boat is to build and use, and she can easily be towed to the next shore for the next exploration.

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Martha Jane

Steve Anderson — Wed, 12 Feb 2025 21:12:41 +0000

Martha Jane is a big, simple, well-performing boat. She has a good seakeeping ability, and can also be poled up into shallow creeks.

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Converting a Kayak for Sail

Jenny Bennett — Mon, 03 Feb 2025 18:55:17 +0000

Like the solo kayak before it, the tandem was a success. But, thought Dick, what if he built a couple of outriggers and converted the kayak to sail?

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Mustang Survival Quadra Dry Suit

Christopher Cunningham — Mon, 03 Feb 2025 18:49:29 +0000

Some of my most memorable and exciting sailing, rowing, and paddling outings have been in the “off season” when the water is cold and the spray is flying. What has made those outings thrilling—rather than worrisome and risky—has been a dry suit. After 35 years of enjoying the comfort and margin of safety they provide, I’m now on my third, a Quadra by Mustang Survival.

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