Small Boats

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

09/04/2026

Jane Crosen transitions from her older collapsible camping lamps to a railroad-style lantern with an adjustable two-phase bulb in a metal frame, and appreciates its vintage look combined with impressive modern functionality.

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

09/02/2026

In this month’s Small Boats, Ben Fuller profiles the Echo Bay Dory Skiff, a kit-built sail-and-oar skiff from Chase Small Craft; and Jenny Bennett sails and rows a Portland Pudgy—part family boat, part yacht tender, part lifeboat. Tom Pamperin and a friend row and sail around the uninhabited islands of Lake Huron’s North Channel. Christopher Cunningham builds sliding shelves to fit beneath his workbench and provide both storage and easy access for two bulky power tools. In our gear reviews, Jane Crosen illuminates her campsite with a wire-framed lantern of vintage appearance and modern capabilities, while Greg Rössel reviews some high-quality yet affordable chisels from Europe. And Russell Heath pours his sweat, tears, and heart into a first boatbuilding project that culminates in the launching of his very own Christmas Wherry.

https://buff.ly/zSrkpX4

08/28/2026

While the Church Mouse Skiff was designed by Joel White in the 1990s, no example was built until 2025. Josh Briggs, discovers a boat that’s good for families to build, kids to sail, and yachts to tow.

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

08/23/2026

Chesapeake Light Craft's Petrel Scout, designed by Nick Schade, is a kayak to be built at home and, says Ben Fuller, once launched, can be enjoyed by the novice or experienced paddler in calm or rough waters.

Learn more: https://buff.ly/6WfE84w

08/21/2026

A humble tool, no longer made, has held a special place in the editor's toolbox for more than 30 years.

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

08/19/2026

Most sculling methods require a notch or an oarlock in which to locate the oar, but some old-timers on Chesapeake Bay used a slat paddle and a wooden post mounted on the transom. Albert C. Pollard explains the method.

Learn more: https://buff.ly/1LUtvrY

08/15/2026

The solid-wood portable workbench from Pinie folds up to a compact, easily transported size, but has an integrated front vise and a system of round bench dogs for myriad clamping tasks. Bill Thomas puts it through its paces.

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

08/13/2026

When you want to take notes in a small open boat, there’s a chance your paper will be wet, which is when a good waterproof notebook comes into its own. Christopher Cunningham reviews his two favorites.

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

08/08/2026

By surface area, Lake Superior is the world's largest freshwater lake. It has more than 2,700 miles of shoreline, is 350 miles long, and 160 miles wide; Owen Alfonso couldn't resist attempting a circumnavigation under oar.

Learn more: https://buff.ly/74NYAsi

08/06/2026

Gary Sweetman enjoys building things in wood, but as he approached retirement he realized he was coming to the end of the list of furniture his family needed. So, he turned to boats and set about designing and building his own outboard 22’ V-bottomed runabout.

Learn more: https://buff.ly/X647UjX

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