Small Boats

Small Boats is a community for owners and users of small oar, paddle, power and sail. SUBSCRIBE: https://smallboatsmonthly.com/subscribe/

06/01/2026

In Small Boats this month, Simon Foord profiles the Glen-L 19, a sloop with cabin accommodations for two, and Nic Compton introduces the Grand Silmaril, a camp-cruiser whose traditional working-boat lines and rig are combined with modern construction and materials. In Idaho, Bob and Heidi Van Putten explore Priest Lake in their 11’ 8” flatiron skiff. Needing new parrels for his expanded Caledonia Yawl rig, Christopher Cunningham devises a method for turning holesaw plugs into beads without the use of a lathe. In our gear reviews, Ben Fuller discusses his favorite multi-tool, while Christopher Cunningham stays dry under a tried-and-tested sou’wester. And a young rigger in Berkeley, California, builds a boat for a friend for just the cost of the materials.

https://buff.ly/cRMoltg

05/30/2026

The waters of Charlotte Harbor and Pine Island Sound in southwest Florida are perfect for a winter week cruising in a small boat.

For over 2,000 years, native people have enjoyed sea-food smorgasbord from these waters, as attested to by the numerous shell mounds dotting the surrounding islands. Small boaters can enjoy the same feast today. Cayo Costa is a barrier island south of Charlotte Harbor and west of Pine Island, the west side consisting of 6 miles of sand beach exposed to the Gulf of Mexico.

Learn more: https://buff.ly/XRWv3e2

05/29/2026

Jim Peverley had built small boats for solo paddling but wanted to tackle something more ambitious—a boat for sail and oar in which he could introduce his grandchildren to the delights of being on the water. He chose the Doug Hylan–designed Oonagh.

Learn more: https://buff.ly/Hkh44rl

05/28/2026

With a month off from work and mild weather in the forecast, Don Golden took a skin-on-frame St. Lawrence Skiff down the Columbia River. On a four-day trip, the practiced oarsman discovered the delights of facing forward while using the boat’s pedal drive.

Learn more: https://buff.ly/2xYNAVo

05/27/2026

The 375-mile Maine Island Trail runs from the New Hampshire border eastward to Machias Bay. It includes more than 190 islands and mainland sites, which can be used for day visits or camping. Summer breezes provide pleasant, predictable conditions with just enough fog to make it interesting. This coast offers unbeatable cruising for boats both large and small.

Learn more: https://buff.ly/CTucqwk

05/24/2026

Pry bars small enough to get into tight spaces but strong enough to be useful are not easy to come by. Even harder to find are pry bars with sharp scraper ends. Kent and Audrey Lewis review a set of three from Titan.

Learn more: https://buff.ly/pPst7iW

05/23/2026

The 35,000 islands of the Stockholm Archipelago seem to have been created to please small-boat owners during the summer.

Although the sea breeze can reach 20 knots, the wind is seldom too strong, and seas generally remain calm—yet the sailing is never boring.

Learn more: https://buff.ly/ZbnsiLY

05/22/2026

Not all boats designed for the amateur builder require epoxy and plywood. The Dulcibella, a 10’ lapstrake pram from Jordan Wood Boats, is traditional in both appearance and construction.

Learn more: https://buff.ly/bpfQXs6

05/17/2026

In a busy workshop used for multiple projects, it’s useful if a boat being built can be moved around, whether it’s right side up, upside down, part-built, or fully constructed. Sebastian Schröder describes his home-built boat stand that is both stable and mobile.

Learn more: https://buff.ly/onQBDle

05/16/2026

The islands of the North Channel, which extends about 95 nautical miles east to west, are best accessed from the Canadian mainland or Manitoulin Island.

With a small boat, you can tuck into coves or corners too small to be named on the chart, places where it’s not uncommon to see eagles, beavers, otters, and bears. With no tides or significant currents, North Channel navigation is delightfully simple. Later in the year, you can still find perfection, though with shorter days and colder nights.

Whenever you go, head for any area that looks interesting. Chances are, it won't be your last visit.

Learn more: https://buff.ly/KKfzKlk

Address

Brooklin, ME

Website

https://smallboatsmonthly.com/

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Small Boats posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Business

Send a message to Small Boats:

Shortcuts

Want your business to be the top-listed Travel Agency in Brooklin?