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20 Best Small Sailboats for the Weekender

• By Mark Pillsbury
• Updated: May 24, 2024

In order to go cruising, most of us require a sailboat with a head, a galley, and bunks. The boat, likely a 30-footer and more often a 40-footer, will have electronics for navigation and entertainment, refrigeration if the trip is longer than a coastal hop, an engine for light wind, and, depending on our appetites for food and fun, perhaps a genset to power our toys and appliances.

To go sailing , however, all we really need is a hull, mast, rudder, and sail. To experience the pure joy of sheeting in and scooting off across a lake, bay, or even the open ocean, there’s nothing better than a small sailboat – we’re talking sailboats under 25 feet. You can literally reach out and touch the water as it flows past. You instantly feel every puff of breeze and sense every change in trim.

Some of the boats in this list are new designs, others are time-tested models from small sailboat manufacturers, but every one is easy to rig, simple to sail, and looks like a whole lot of fun either for a solo outing on a breezy afternoon or to keep family and friends entertained throughout your entire sailing season. This list is made up of all types of sailboats , and if you’re looking for a list of some of the best small sailboats for beginners, you’ll find exactly that here.

Any one of these popular boats could be labeled as a trailerable sailboat, daysailer, or even a weekender sailboat. And while most would be labeled as a one or two person sailboat, some could comfortably fit three or even four people.

– CHECK THE WEATHER – The weather changes all the time. Always check the forecast and prepare for the worst case. Safety Tip Provided by the U.S. Coast Guard

Marblehead 22 Daysailer

If you have an eye for elegant lines and your heart goes pitter-patter over just the right amount of overhang beneath a counter transom, the Marblehead 22 daysailer, designed by Doug Zurn and built by Samoset Boatworks in Boothbay, Maine, will definitely raise your pulse. Traditional-looking above the waterline and modern beneath, the cold-molded hull sports a deep bulb keel and a Hall Spars carbon-fiber mast with a wishbone rig and square-top main. The 11-foot-9-inch cockpit can seat a crowd, and a small cuddy forward will let you stow your friends’ gear for the day. samosetboatworks.com

Catalina 22 Sport

Many a harbor plays host to an active fleet of Catalina 22s, one of the most popular small sailboats over the years, given its basic amenities and retractable keel, which allows it to be easily trailered. Recently, the company introduced the Catalina 22 Sport, an updated design that can compete with the older 22s. The boat features a retractable lead keel; a cabin that can sleep four, with a forward hatch for ventilation; and a fractional rig with a mainsail and a roller-furling jib. Lifelines, a swim ladder, and an engine are options, as are cloth cushions; vinyl cushions are standard. The large cockpit will seat a crowd or let a mom-and-pop crew stretch out and enjoy their sail. It’s clear why the Catalina 22 is one of the best sailboats under 25 feet. catalinayachts.com

With its large, open-transom cockpit and sloop rig, the Hunter 22 makes a comfortable daysailer for family and friends. But with its cuddy cabin, twin bunks, optional electrical system, opening screened ports, and portable toilet, a parent and child or a couple could comfortably slip away for an overnight or weekend. Add in the optional performance package, which includes an asymmetric spinnaker, a pole, and a mainsheet traveler, and you could be off to the races. The boat features a laminated fiberglass hull and deck, molded-in nonskid, and a hydraulic lifting centerboard. Mount a small outboard on the stern bracket, and you’re set to go. marlow-hunter.com

Not sure whether you want to race, cruise or just go out for an afternoon sail? Since 1958, sailors have been having a ball aboard the Uffa Fox/George O’Day-designed Daysailer. Fox, who in the 1950s was on the cutting edge of planning-dinghy design, collaborated with Fall River, Massachusetts boatbuilder O’Day Corp. to build the 16-foot Daysailer, a boat that features a slippery hull and a small cuddy cabin that covers the boat roughly from the mast forward. Thousands of Daysailers were built by various builders, and they can be found used for quite affordable prices. There are active racing fleets around the US, and new Daysailers are still in production today, built by Cape Cod Ship Building. capecodshipbuilding.com

BayRaider from Swallow Boats

Easy to rig and trailer, the BayRaider from England’s Swallow Yachts is a relative newcomer to the small-boat market in the United States. Nearly all of its 19 feet 9 inches is open cockpit, though a spray hood can be added to keep the forward sections dry. The BayRaider is ketch-rigged with a gunter-style mainmast. The topmast and mizzen are both carbon-fiber, which is an option for the mainmast as well. The BayRaider can be sailed with a dry hull in lighter conditions or with 300 pounds of water ballast to increase its stability. With the centerboard and hinged rudder raised, the boat can maneuver in even the thinnest water.

$28,900, (904) 234-8779, swallowyachts.com

Big fun can come in small packages, especially if your vessel of choice happens to be the 12 ½-foot Beetle Cat. Designed by John Beetle and first built in 1921, the wooden shallow draft sailboat is still in production today in Wareham, Massachusetts at the Beetle Boat Shop. With a draft of just 2 feet, the boat is well-suited for shallow bays, but equally at home in open coastal waters. The single gaff-rigged sail provides plenty of power in light air and can be quickly reefed down to handle a blow. In a word, sailing a Beetle Cat is fun. beetlecat.com

– LEARN THE NAVIGATION RULES – Know the “Rules of the Road” that govern all boat traffic. Be courteous and never assume other boaters can see you. Safety Tip Provided by the U.S. Coast Guard

West Wight Potter P 19

With berths for four and a workable galley featuring a cooler, a sink, and a stove, West Wight Potter has packed a lot into its 19-foot-long P 19. First launched in 1971, this is a line of boats that’s attracted a true following among trailer-sailors. The P 19′s fully retractable keel means that you can pull up just about anywhere and go exploring. Closed-cell foam fore and aft makes the boat unsinkable, and thanks to its hard chine, the boat is reportedly quite stable under way. westwightpotter.com

NorseBoat 17.5

Designed for rowing and sailing (a motor mount is optional), the Canadian-built NorseBoat 17.5—one of which was spotted by a CW editor making its way through the Northwest Passage with a two-man crew—features an open cockpit, a carbon-fiber mast, and a curved-gaff rig, with an optional furling headsail set on a sprit. The lapstrake hull is fiberglass; the interior is ply and epoxy. The boat comes standard with two rowing stations and one set of 9-foot oars. The boat is designed with positive flotation and offers good load-carrying capacity, which you could put to use if you added the available canvas work and camping tent. NorseBoats offers a smaller sibling, the 12.5, as well; both are available in kit form.

$19,000, (902) 659-2790, norseboat.com

Montgomery 17

Billed as a trailerable pocket cruiser, the Montgomery 17 is a stout-looking sloop designed by Lyle Hess and built out of fiberglass in Ontario, California, by Montgomery Boats. With a keel and centerboard, the boat draws just under 2 feet with the board up and can be easily beached when you’re gunkholing. In the cuddy cabin you’ll find sitting headroom, a pair of bunks, a portable toilet, optional shore and DC power, and an impressive amount of storage space. The deck-stepped mast can be easily raised using a four-part tackle. The builder reports taking his own boat on trips across the Golfo de California and on visits to California’s coastal islands. Montgomery makes 15-foot and 23-foot models, as well. If you’re in search of a small sailboat with a cabin, the Montgomery 17 has to be on your wish list.

With long overhangs and shiny brightwork, the CW Hood 32 is on the larger end of the daysailer spectrum. Designers Chris Hood and Ben Stoddard made a conscious decision to forego a cabin and head in favor of an open cockpit big enough to bring 4 or 5 friends or family out for an afternoon on the water. The CW Hood 32 is sleek and graceful through the water and quick enough to do some racing, but keeps things simple with a self-tacking jib and controls that can be lead back to a single-handed skipper. A top-furling asymmetrical, electric sail drive and Torqeedo outboard are all optional. The CW Hood 32 makes for a great small family sailboat.  cwhoodyachts.com

Sun Cat from Com-Pac

Shallow U.S. East Coast bays and rock-strewn coasts have long been graced by cat boats, whose large, gaff-rigged mainsails proved simple and powerful both on the wind and, better yet, when reaching and running. The 17-foot-4-inch Sun Cat, built by Com-Pac Yachts, updates the classic wooden cat with its fiberglass hull and deck and the easy-to-step Mastender Rigging System, which incorporates a hinged tabernacle to make stepping the mast a one-person job. If you want a personal sailboat ideal for solo sailing, the Sun Can is a great choice. Belowdecks, the twin 6-foot-5-inch berths and many other features and amenities make this cat a willing weekender.

$19,800, (727) 443-4408, com-pacyachts.com

Catalina 16.5

The Catalina 16.5 sits right in the middle of Catalina Yachts’ line of small sailboats, which range from the 12.5 to the 22 Capri and Sport, and it comes in both an easy-to-trailer centerboard model and a shoal-draft fixed-keel configuration. With the fiberglass board up, the 17-foot-2-inch boat draws just 5 inches of water; with the board down, the 4-foot-5-inch draft suggests good windward performance. Hull and deck are hand-laminated fiberglass. The roomy cockpit is self-bailing, and the bow harbors a good-sized storage area with a waterproof hatch. catalinayachts.com

No roundup of best small sailboats (trailerable and fun too) would be complete without a mention of the venerable Hobie 16, which made its debut in Southern California way back in 1969. The company has introduced many other multihulls since, but more than 100,000 of the 16s have been launched, a remarkable figure. The Hobie’s asymmetric fiberglass-and-foam hulls eliminate the need for daggerboards, and with its kick-up rudders, the 16 can be sailed right up to the beach. Its large trampoline offers lots of space to move about or a good place to plant one’s feet when hanging off the double trapezes with a hull flying. The boat comes with a main and a jib; a spinnaker, douse kit, trailer, and beach dolly are optional features. hobiecat.com

Novice sailors or old salts looking for simplicity could both enjoy sailing the Hunter 15. With a fiberglass hull and deck and foam flotation, the boat is sturdily built. The ample freeboard and wide beam provide stability under way, and the heavy-duty rubrail and kick-up rudder mean that you won’t have to worry when the dock looms or the going grows shallow. Both the 15 and its slightly larger 18-foot sibling come standard with roller-furling jibs.

$6,900/$9,500 (boat-show prices for the 15 and 18 includes trailers), (386) 462-3077, marlow-hunter.com

– CHECK THE FIT – Follow these guidelines to make sure your life jacket looks good, stays comfortable and works when you need it. Safety Tip Provided by the U.S. Coast Guard

Super Snark

Under various owners, the Snark brand of sailboats, now built by Meyers Boat Co., has been around since the early 1970s. The Super Snark, at 11 feet, is a simple, easily car-topped daysailer that’s fit out with a lateen rig and sail. Billed as unsinkable, the five boats in the company’s line are built with E.P.S. foam, with the external hull and deck vacuum-formed to the core using an A.B.S. polymer. The Super Snark weighs in at 50 pounds, and with a payload capacity of 310 pounds, the boat can carry two.

$970, (800) 247-6275, meyersboat.com

Norseboat 21.5

Built in Canada, the NorseBoat 21.5 is a rugged looking craft that comes in a couple of configurations: one with an open cockpit and small doghouse, and another with a smaller cockpit and cabin that houses a double berth for two adults and optional quarter berths for the kids. Both carry NorseBoat’s distinctive looking carbon fiber gaff-rigged mast with main and jib (a sprit-set drifter is optional), and come with a ballasted stub keel and centerboard. Because of its lightweight design, the boat can be rowed and is easily trailered.

$36,000 (starting), 902-659-2790, norseboat.com

Flying Scot

Talk about time-tested, the 19-foot Flying Scot has been in production since 1957 and remains a popular design today. Sloop rigged, with a conventional spinnaker for downwind work, the boat is an easily sailed family boat as well as a competitive racer, with over 130 racing fleets across the U.S. Its roomy cockpit can seat six to eight, though the boat is often sailed by a pair or solo. Hull and deck are a fiberglass and balsa core sandwich. With the centerboard up, the boat draws only eight inches. Though intended to be a daysailer, owners have rigged boom tents and berths for overnight trips, and one adventurous Scot sailor cruised his along inland waterways from Philadelphia to New Orleans.

Known primarily for its line of racing dinghys, RS Sailing also builds the 16-foot, 4-inch Venture, which it describes as a cruising and training dinghy. The Venture features a large, self-draining cockpit that will accommodate a family or pack of kids. A furling jib and mainsail with slab reefing come standard with the boat; a gennaker and trapeze kit are options, as is an outboard motor mount and transom swim ladder. The deck and hull are laid up in a fiberglass and Coremat sandwich. The Venture’s designed to be both a good performer under sail, but also stable, making it a good boat for those learning the sport.

$14,900, 203-259-7808, rssailing.com

Topper makes a range of mono- and multihull rotomolded boats, but the model that caught one editor’s eye at Strictly Sail Chicago was the Topaz Taz. At 9 feet, 8 inches LOA and weighing in at 88 pounds, the Taz is not going to take the whole crowd out for the day. But, with the optional mainsail and jib package (main alone is for a single child), the Taz can carry two or three kids or an adult and one child, and would make a fun escape pod when tied behind the big boat and towed to some scenic harbor. The hull features Topper’s Trilam construction, a plastic and foam sandwich that creates a boat that’s stiff, light, and durable, and shouldn’t mind being dragged up on the beach when it’s time for a break.

$2,900 (includes main and jib), 410-286-1960, topazsailboats.com

WindRider WRTango

WRTango, a fast, sturdy, 10-foot trimaran that’s easy to sail, is the newest portable craft from WindRider International. It joins a line that includes the WR16 and WR17 trimarans. The Tango features forward-facing seating, foot-pedal steering, and a low center of gravity that mimics the sensation of sitting in a kayak. It weighs 125 pounds (including the outriggers and carbon-fiber mast), is extremely stable, and has single-sheet sail control. The six-inch draft and kick-up rudder make it great for beaching, while the hull and outriggers are made of rotomolded polyethylene, so it can withstand running into docks and being dragged over rocks.

$3,000, 612-338-2170, windrider.com

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6 Different Types of Row Boats

Posted on Published: April 23, 2022  - Last updated: June 13, 2022

There are two categories of rowing boats, crew/sweeping and sculling, and three types of rowing boats to choose from based on the type of activity you’re looking to embark on. The three kinds of rowing boats also known as shells are open water shells, flat water shells, and traditional skiffs. 

What began as a mode of transit in ancient Egypt, Rome and Greece has evolved into one of the most popular sports in the United States: rowing. Many colleges and universities still participate in competitive rowing because it is the country’s first team sport.

Rowers can now compete as individuals or as part of crews of two, four, or maybe even eight. Also, rowing became the first American sport that was governed by a national organization. In this article, we’ll discuss the various types and categories of rowboats .

Related to: 20 Different Types of Fishing Boats (Small, Mid-Sized and Large Options)

Categories of Rowing Boats

Types of crew boats.

Rowing teams can employ a variety of boats, including the following:

Coxless pair

This boat has two rowers outfitted with oars on the left and right sides, each with one oar apiece. There is no coxswain, in this case, so the rudder is attached to the boat through cables.

There are two rowers in this coxed pair; however, the coxswain directs the athletes and steers the boat using cables.

Coxless four

This shell contains four rowers, including one oar apiece, two on each side of the boat. A rower is normally responsible for steering the boat because there is no coxswain on board.

A coxswain steers the boat with the help of four rowers, each of whom possesses a single oar.

Coxed Eight

A coxswain steers an eight-person rowing shell with four oars on each side.

Boats Used For Sculling

In sculling, athletes use two oars, referred to as sculls, rather than one, and there are specialized boats for this type of rowing. There are several different types:

Single Scull

As the name suggests, a single-scull boat holds one rower who steers the vessel by manipulating the pressure exerted on its blades by adjusting the amount of force exerted on each scull.

Double Scull

Two individuals, each with two sculls, maneuver the boat by using an identical strategy in a “double scull,” which is also called the “double or 2x.”

Coxed and Coxless Quad

Four-person sculling boats such as the coxless as well as coxed quads are available. When rowing a coxed quad, the coxswain steers the boat while the crew steers a coxless quad using their feet.

The coxed quad is normally reserved for novices and youngsters in the sport of rowing.

Octuple Scull

Typically used by novice rowers, the Octuple Scull is one of the rarest boats. There are eight rowers in this boat, which all come with a cox.

Types of Rowing Boats

Flat water shells.

Solely on steady and smooth water, rowing boat enthusiasts can use their flatwater racing shells to their full potential. For experienced rowers, they’re the finest choice. For the sake of speed, these vessels give up everything.

They are extremely light, extremely narrow, and extremely long (usually a single is 27 feet), rendering them quite difficult to spin. They use outriggers and sliding seats, which are frequently part of the boat itself. Sculls are another name for these boats.

Open Water Shells

Using open water shells for workouts is a lot of fun. When matched with flat water shells, you can utilize these shells in rougher waters. Rowing these boats is a blast because they’re small, light, and speedy.

In terms of recreational shells, a closer study reveals a wide range of designs, from relatively stable, slow models to newer designs with 24-foot-plus lengths, and 12 to 14-inch maximum waterline beams.

Their weights range between 31.5 and 40 pounds, and they’re made of kevlar, fiberglass, or carbon fiber. A real long-distance race on the ocean requires a good sculling strategy.

However, these modern designs can handle tough conditions. It is no longer “recreational” rowing, but “open water” rowing as a result of these performance attributes becoming the norm.

Are these open water shells being used by anyone in particular? There are a lot of “leisure rowers” out there who would like to get out on the river and get some exercise.

You can also get competitions when there are two or more people out there willing to challenge themselves to the limit.

Moreover, these shells are especially suitable for endurance competitions where the routes are recorded in miles (between 5 and 30 +) instead of meters, and even where stroke frequencies, as well as speeds, are a little less, to handle the greater range.

Traditional Skiffs

This type of skiff is best suited to novices and those who wish to enjoy the sport of rowing for recreational purposes. They’re dependable and secure in their position.

Rowboats for Touring

The term “gentleman’s rowboat refers to a light-built boat designed for recreational rowing. Touring rowboats are now the norm. Smaller, lighter, and more maneuverable than a traditional rowing skiff.

In the earlier days, the oarlocks were fastened to the gunwales; today, they are attached to the outriggers of the boat with sliding seat rigs. This enables the use of relatively long oars because of the sliding seat’s longer hand reach.

They are also referred to as wherries, skiffs, and towing vessels.

Rowboats for Work

Boats with oar locks situated on the gunwales are designed to carry high loads and are typically broad-beamed (referred to as oar-on-gunwale rowing).

Rowboats with one or two oarsmen, each utilizing two oars, are common in smaller traditional rowboats (one in each hand). Skiffs, dories, dinghies, and yacht tenders are a few examples of this type of vessel.

Skiff and Dory were originally two distinct terms for flat-bottomed boats, with the bottom boards extending lengthwise and across, but both phrases have lost their significance through time and now nearly any small boat can be termed a dory or perhaps a skiff.

In these boats, the oarlocks are separated by about 4½ feet at the gunwales so that the oarsman can sit on the midline of the boat while rowing.

The average length of the oars is 7½ feet. Rowing boats with multiple oarsmen use one oar gripped by each oarsman with both hands. Whaleboats and concerts are two examples.

Every pair of oarsmen on a whaleboat had one oar to work with, and the vessels were 28 feet long as well as 6 feet wide. The oars’ lengths range from 16 to 18 feet. Six oarsmen sit single file in 32-foot-long pilot gigs with a 4-1/2-foot beam.

When it comes to rowing, there’s no reason not to use oars instead of paddles. Large canoes were often rigged with oarlocks on the gunwales for rowing in the old days.

Traditional (facing the rear) sliding-seat setups for dual recreational canoes are occasionally equipped with outriggers to increase the distance between the oarlocks.

Flat Water Rowing Vs Open Water Rowing

Rowers have to constantly adapt their procedures in open water because of the constantly changing conditions. Because the water isn’t flat, your boat will continually be bouncing, causing your stroke to be inconsistent.

You’ll notice that when you’re rowing parallel to the wave, your oars will be at various heights from your hand.

For fitness as well as stroke skills, interior rowing equipment is a good option. Professionals, on the other hand, suggest that the only way of learning to row in open water is to practice innocent water.

A more powerful swing and arm action are employed when rowing in open water. In open-water rowing, the leg muscles are not as active as they are in flat-water rowing.

Compared to flat-water sculling boats, open-water boats are shorter, stronger, and have a wider hull to withstand the force of the surf.

When the water is calm, it still poses a threat. If your boat flips, keep your hand on the edge of the vessel so you don’t lose consciousness. Moreover, your oars won’t sink; they’ll float.

Finding the Right Rowing Boat

It is possible to grow in long, tapered canoes built of carbon fiber or composite materials at high speeds and with impressive glides. Boats are rowed with their crew members facing away from the boat’s path of movement on a rotating seat (a slide). The oars drive the boat forward.

Rowers have used a single oar when doing sweep rowing, as well as two oars for sculling, due to the type of rowing.

On a lake, river or the sea, people can carry out this activity.

There might or might not be a coxswain in a given boat and tournament (the person responsible for steering and heads of the crew and boat). We’ll go over the most important things to keep in mind when shopping for a rowing boat in this tutorial.

Sculling vs Sweep Rowing

A boat can be moved over the water in one of two strategies. To move the boat, a rower can use one oar, a method called sweeping, or two oars known as sculling. It’s the most fundamental difference between both kinds of rowing.

The coxswain is the only significant distinction between the two styles of rowing. In a sweep boat, the coxswain is the individual who does not have an oar but is the race planner, pace-setter, and navigator of the boat.

If your child is considering a career as a coxswain, don’t worry. The coxswain’s duty is just as significant, or maybe even more than the rowers’ role.

What to Look for When Choosing a Row Boat

There are several important factors to take into account while looking for the ideal rowing boat that meets your needs.

The kind of rowing movement you’ll be participating in, whether it’s a competition or a recreational one, as well as whether you’ll be rowing in seawater or calm lake water, will all play a role in the type of rowing boat you choose.

When purchasing a rowing boat, the most important factors to keep in mind are:

• A variety of vessels suited to a various uses
• Sweep or sculling rowing
• The number of people expected to board the vessel
• A hull’s material

Sculling or Sweeping: Which Is Better For You?

For sculling or sweeping purposes, a rowing boat has one, two, four, or eight seats, depending on how many people are in the boat. Sculling and sweep rowing are the two most common types of rowing. Scullers are rowers who use two oars, one on each side.

Sweep rowers are those who only use one oar at a time. Sculling is divided into three categories: single (1x), double (2x), as well as a quad (4x) (four people). One-oared rowing sweep boats might or might not have a coxswain’s seat.

Besides steering, this individual can be an on-the-water instructor as well. In rowboats with no coxswains, the rudder is moved by one of the rowers’ feet.

Sweeping rowers pair with a coxswain (2+) and pairs without a coxswain (2-). They also have four rows plus a coxswain (4+) as well as (4-). The last set is right rowers (8+) with a coxswain.

There are no other boats on the water faster than the eight that always have a coxswain in it. Men’s eights can reach speeds of about 14 mph when playing competitively.

Two oars (sculls) are used by each rower, one on each side (length = 3 m).

Sweeping: Each rower uses a single oar, which they hold with both hands.

Exactly How Many Seats Will You Need in Your Rowboat?

Depending on the number of rowers you’ll have, you’ll need to purchase a rowing boat that has enough seats.

There are a few terms to bear in mind when it comes to rowing boats with numerous rowers. The seats in the boat are used to identify the rowers. Seat No. 1, or the bow, is reserved for the rower in the front of the boat, who will be the first to finish.

The guy in front of the bow is number two, followed by number three, number four, number five, number six, and number seven.

The boat’s stroke must be a powerful rower with outstanding technique, as the stroke establishes the rhythm and the number of strokes per minute that the other crew members must follow.

What Kind Of Rowing Boat Hull Material Should You Use?

With the lightest, thinnest boats feasible used in rowing comes a challenge for resilience that can only be overcome by the precise coordination of all the crew members’ movements.

A rowing boat’s performance is influenced by its lightness and rigidity, which necessitates the use of high-technology materials (kevlar, and carbon fiber, among other varieties of blended materials).

Wood and composite are the primary building materials used in the construction of rowing boats.

Compared to Kevlar Composites (carbon fiber, etc.), wood is the most costly but very rigid.

more robust and manageable in terms of maintenance and portability

Factors Affecting Rowboat Design

There have been hundreds of years of trial and error to perfect the traditional rowboat forms. Among the things to think about are the following: waterline beam width and length, the fullness or fineness of the ends, and trimming.

Compromises must be made when designing a product.

Height and width

An unsteady boat with a narrow waterline beam puts its passengers at risk of slipping overboard, while an unsteady boat with a wide waterline beam is more resistant to waves. Beam (width) is a critical consideration.

The oars will be difficult to handle if the rowlocks are too close together. Rowing will be inefficient if the rowlocks are too far apart, wasting a rower’s work if the boat is too large.

For rowboats that are narrow and quick in sheltered waters, outriggers may be installed to help separate the rowlocks.

If the freeboard (the height of the gunwale above the waterline) is too high, the boat will be caught by the wind and the rower will not be able to manage the boat in high winds because of the excessive windage.

To prevent flooding, make sure your freeboard is as high as possible. Only one rowing position is needed if the boat is made for a single person. Having a person in the back of the boat will cause the boat to be stern heavy, resulting in a skewed trim.

The rowing boat’s length must strike a balance between two elements that have an impact on its speed. Having a boat that is too short will limit the boat’s speed. Friction and wet surface area increase with increased boat length.

Therefore, a minimum length of 16 feet is recommended. To balance a boat that is longer than the recommended length can be challenging, even if the boat is quicker than the recommended speed.

A weight can be placed on the bow of the rowboat to provide the necessary breadth and height, or the boat can provide a second rowing position further forward. Because of the rowboat’s weight , there are certain advantages and disadvantages.

As soon as the oar stroke is over, a very light boat will begin to slow down. A heavier boat, on the other hand, is more likely to keep moving forward. Compared to traditional clinker-built rowboats, modern rowboats are significantly lighter.

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• 10′ Navigator

The Navigator is a great knockabout small boat. Fun to row and sail, it makes an excellent ship-to-shore yacht tender. It’s also light enough for cartop transport—handy for boating on inland lakes and the inner harbor. 

The Navigator is an excellent boat for general recreational use, as a yacht tender or personal watercraft. It rows very well, has good stability and buoyancy, and sails very responsively.

We personally use this boat for everything. We will carry it on the roof rack for a quick run to our favorite secret crabbing area, we tow it behind a “big” sailboat, and it’s the boat we grab for just “dinking around” the harbor on a Sunday afternoon.

The high performance option consists of easily removable bowsprit with 120% genoa jib and related hardware. It is a fast, fun little dinghy.

Are you considering using the Navigator as a yacht tender? Whether you want it stored on deck, sidemounted on a swimstep, or simply towed along behind you, we can offer advice on how best to customize your boat for the way you want to use it.

Navigator Full Specifications

Rowboat starting at

Sailaway ready from.

• 17′ Jersey Skiff
• 17′ Salish Voyager
• 16.5′ Melonseed
• 15′ Lobster Boat
• 14′ Whitehall
• 12′ Scamp
• 12′ Point Defiance
• 9.5′ Captain’s Gig
• 8′ Nisqually
• Available Now!
• New In Stock

Navigator Photo Gallery (click to enlarge):

Praise for the navigator:.

• Navigator owner #1

“I think I may still be one of your happiest customers. We’ve been sailing our Navigator for 12 years now (through 2 cruising sailboats), and my trusty tender is well travelled (incuding a car topped tour across the states and back)! You may remember me when I managed the now defunct Offshore Store…you’ve also got a shot of my wife and dog on your web site. Well, I decided to go cruising. I’m wrapping up a 2 year trip through Central America and now find myself in Miami. Now I did go with an inflatable RIB for daily use, but I just couldn’t leave my trusty Navigator behind. I’ve sailed it in almost every country we’ve cruised in. I plan on rigging up for a sail in Miami tomorrow!”

~Trevor, SV Lea Scotia (10′ Navigator)

“I have been rowing my Navigator 10 on the Puget Sound virtually every day, rain or shine, since August of last year. It is incredibly stable in rough water. It will take rougher water than I am willing or able to. My normal row is around the breakwater at Shilshole Bay Marina. I am regularly amazed at its ability to ride over waves which appear, as they approach, to be much higher than the boat. In addition to its ability to ride effortlessly over rough water, it glides several boat lengths on each stroke. It is truly a pleasure to row and I feel extremely secure rowing it in all types of weather.”

– M. S. Stern, Seattle (10′ Navigator)

“I took the 10’ Navigator out for a spin today around Lake Union and I couldn’t be happier. She rows really nice and also handled some wind and chop very well. I like the longer oars and the heavy oar locks. It was really easy to put her in and out of the back of the truck. . . I also took the navigator on a shake down row to Eagle Harbor. My overall rowing speed (3.2 mh flat water, no wind no current ) was actually faster than the Melonseed! Thanks again and see you on the high seas!”

~ Randall, Seattle WA (10′ Navigator)

Boat Camping at Blake Island

A story from “the boatbuilder’s daughter,” who took a 10′ Navigator out for an adventure close to home. 

The Nesting Navigator

Video: comparing yacht tenders.

Not sure which of our yacht tenders is right for you? Our founder Dave Robertson explains the differences and how to help you figure out which one is best for you.

Imagining your ideal boat?

Explore more boats.

Boat Profile

A solo expedition rowboat

From Issue   November 2020

F or several years I was a rowing coach in competitive sweep oar and sculling boats, with the simple objective of pursuing anything that would make the boat go faster. The long hours of training and intense competition finally took their toll despite the considerable rewards and enjoyment of such a robust and unique sport, but the fascination for rowing stayed with me. Now retired, with a lot more personal time available, I started a quest to find the ideal rowing expedition boat, which would take me to all of my favorite places on the water. My home town of Nelson, located at the top of the South Island of New Zealand, offers a wide variety of nearby row-cruising environments including mountain lakes, spectacular coastal bays and beaches, navigable rivers, and the nearby Marlborough Sounds.

Even though the RowCruiser has protected sleeping quarters, it has a low profile, keeping windage to a minimum.

For the last three years, I have been rowing an Iain Oughtred–designed St. Ayles skiff as part of a crew of five on day outings and occasional overnight camping trips. It dawned that the ultimate touring boat would be a solo rowing boat with comfort, safety, and performance features that would allow me to take on the challenges, simplicity, and excitement of cruising on my own.

The RowCruiser from Angus Boats ticked all my boxes for a solo cruiser. Its designer, Colin Angus, knows row-cruising, having traveled thousands of miles under oars. The RowCruiser is available as plans—either full-sized paper patterns DXF files for cutting ply locally via a CNC cutter—or as a stitch-and-glue kit with pieces CNC-cut from European BS 1088 okoume plywood. Included is a 72-page manual illustrated with 29 drawings and 41 photographs, with the hours required for most of the major operations given at the start of each section. The total build time is about 80 to 100 hours.

With a draft of about 3-1/2″ at a displacement of 330 lbs, the RowCruiser can sneak into water too thin to row in.

The three pieces for the deck and the three hatch covers are cut from two sheets of 4mm plywood. The planking and the remaining parts are from six sheets of 6mm plywood. The plank sections in the kit are connected by finger joints; builders working from plans alone will butt-join sheets of plywood end-to-end before using the paper patterns. While the kit supplies all of the plywood pieces and the sheer clamps, additional pine, spruce, or fir lumber is required for the framing stringers, sliding seat, and foot brace. For the two pieces for the riggers, 3/4″ knot-free fir other “similarly strong” wood is recommended.

I bought my RowCruiser, so I don’t have first-hand knowledge of its construction, but I’ve spent many hours talking with those who have built theirs. The general consensus has been that it is a relatively easy boat to construct thanks to the excellent manuals, the simplicity of the design, and its tested and proven construction process.

T he RowCruiser is an agile, roomy, safe touring boat for day tripping or serious multi-day cruising. The economy and simplicity of the design keeps all aspects of the boat and rig relatively uncomplicated. The boat has five separate flotation compartments. Inspection hatches in the side, rear, and forward compartments provide access to extra storage for small items.

The aft end of the cabin takes advantage of the widest part of the boat, providing good shoulder room for a tired rower.

The sleeping quarters in the cabin stretch over 8′ long and 4′ wide at its widest, with plenty of room for a larger-than-average crew, which I am, at 6′ 1″. Access is gained via a hatchway that can completely slide open over the foredeck. A sleeping bag, pillows, and a couple of self-inflating pads provide excellent sleeping comfort. There is plenty of space for hanging storage nets and any shelves you might choose to add. I’m presently fitting a small portable power station inside the cabin to run interior and navigation lights as well as to charge up my cell phone. Sleeping aboard initially presented some issues with condensation buildup, but the main hatch now has detachable hinges and can be wedged open to facilitate better air movement. While designed specifically as a solo boat, the RowCruiser serves equally well as a passenger-carrying day tripper, with ample room in the cabin’s open hatch area for a companion. The stern has a very large cargo compartment with a large waterproof hatch, which provides easy access to anything you might need while on the water.

The sliding seat is flanked by two of the boat’s five flotation compartments. The wooden outriggers are made of two pieces, joined with a half lap in the center.

The cockpit is equipped with a sliding seat that rolls smoothly on standard anodized aluminum tracks, which are mounted on the side buoyancy compartments. The rigger is secured to the gunwales by two machine screws with knobs. While the plans detail a simple foot brace with a 1/4″ plywood plate, slotted for straps over the toes, I made a custom stretcher with shoes that are comfortable for long periods on the water.

For transporting and launching the RowCruiser, I use a beach dolly in combination with a boat trailer. A simple pair of planked aluminum-track ramps that clip on to the flat deck facilitate the easy moving of the beach trailer on and off the road trailer.

The boat is impressively stable, even when sitting high in the water without a cruising load. It’s not at all twitchy when stepping aboard, either at the beach or from a dock, or when moving around while afloat. The boat is impressive under oars. Its speed holds up very well against other sculling boats of similar size, even much lighter wherries. A GPS gave my average cruising speed as 3 to 3.5 knots, with a “keen-to-get-there” effort achieving 4 to 4.5 knots. The boat has an overall low profile and negligible windage, helpful for holding a course with the wind on the beam. The 18′ 7″ of waterline and modest rocker provide excellent straight-line tracking, helped by the skeg-like effect created by the garboards’ fine exit and the nearly straight keel line aft. The boat maneuvers remarkably well, turning easily with little effort, while its long, straight keel keeps it tracking well and holding a tight course on long runs.

The generous freeboard of the lightly loaded boat here hints at its maximum touring load of 880 lbs.

Angus Boats offers several options for the RowCruiser. There is a high-performance ketch rig with rudder, daggerboard, and outriggers, an addition that can greatly extend the cruising range. For a rower who wants to add a bit more stability to the boat, a pair of 2’ stabilizing floats attach underneath the rowing riggers and may be helpful for rough-water rowing, and certainly helpful when hove-to and when cooking, eating, and sleeping aboard while at anchor. When not required they’ll fit in the cabin. The third option is a galley setup that accommodates a cooker and small wash basin, a deck-mounted water container, and a clamp-on dining tray for use in the cockpit. All items are of a size to be stowed below.

Denis Moriarty of Nelson, New Zealand, made his career as a teacher of geography and outdoor education. Recently retired, he has a strong interest in a variety of outdoor pursuits, environmental education, and promoting the wilderness as a source of inspiration and challenge to people of all ages. He is now free to pursue his consuming interest in rowing and sailing, as well as renovating and building traditional and leading-edge small wooden boats that can be used for coastal cruising. He coaches sailing with Sailability , a community-run program for all ages of sailors with a disability and passion for sailing.

RowCruiser Particulars

Length/18’ 8.4”

Volume/147.6 cu ft

Waterline Length/18′ 7 ”

Sprint speed/6 knots

Cruise Speed/4 knots

Maximum recommended touring load/880 lbs

The manual and the plans for the RowCruiser are available from Angus Boats , for $149 USD for digital format with DXF files, and $189 for printed full-size patterns (for DXF files add $50). Kits are available from Small Craft Advisor for $1,999.

Is there a boat you’d like to know more about? Have you built one that you think other Small Boats Magazine readers would enjoy? Please email us!

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Comments (6)

I built one of the first Row Cruisers Colin Angus produced in kit form and in subsequent years rowed it through the Florida Keys in winter. Then 3 years ago I trailered it to the North West Territories of Canada and then rowed it from Hay River along the south shore of the Great Slave Lake and down the MacKenzie River, 1300 km through the arctic and across the Arctic Circle. That boat was my only friend and companion as I rowed through the great empty land which is the Canadian north. Through rapids, storms and out of control wilderness fires the boat never let me down. Can’t say enough good things about this fast stable rowing machine which carries 10 weeks of food and gear swiftly through the water.

Denis and Greg, thanks for the good words about the Row Cruiser and her capabilities.

The Row Cruiser is on my short list of boats to build. As somebody who rowed competitively in school all those years ago, a CLC Expedition Wherry is currently keeping me amused, but the idea of having a similar sized vessel I can actually do a weekend or longer on intrigues me greatly.

Seeing articles like this do not help in the slightest.

Great write up and great work on the RowCruiser! Awesome paint job! Im just about finished building my sailing RowCruiser. Can’t wait to get it on the water. Glad to see a new article about boat. Thanks for sharing 🙂

Can you put a little tiny outboard on it?

Un ami breton en a construit un exemplaire. Il l’a adapté à son programme de navigation en réduisant la cabine avant pour permettre de nager à 2 personnes, ou en solo ou solo avec barreur. Pas de raid mais des navigations à la journée en participant aux nombreux rassemblements de bateaux traditionnels en Bretagne. Mon épouse et moi allons l’essayer prochainement. Nous enverrons un commentaire

Online translation: A Breton friend built a copy. He adapted it to his navigation program by reducing the forward cabin to allow swimming with 2 people, or solo or solo with coxswain. No raid but day trips by participating in the many gatherings of traditional boats in Brittany. My wife and I are going to try it soon. We will send a comment

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• Classic Whitehall Spirit®
• Whitehall Spirit® Solo 14® & Tango 17®
• Whitehall Spirit® Solo 14® & Tango 17® Rowboats
• Naming Your Boat
• Torqeedo Electric Outboard
• Boat Slider Trax®
• Classic Whitehall Sailing Gear
• Replacement Parts for Whitehall Spirit® Owners
• Care, Storage & Maintenance of Your Whitehall Boat
• Ordering/Delivery Details & Policies
• Frequently Asked Questions
• NEW: A World Of Adventure Awaits
• Testimonials
• Rowing and Sailing Stories
• Tips & Skills
• Health and Fitness
• Newsletters
• Love Letters
• Connect and subscribe!
• Watch Life-changing Rowboats Video
• LEARN TO ROW
• PRODUCT PROFILES

Whitehall Spirit® Solo 14® Slide Seat Sculling Rowboat

This boat will change your life, providing fitness, health, and positive energy. On the water, in nature, breathing fresh clean air is good for the lungs, body and soul. This stable seaworthy boat handles wind and waves safely and with a feeling of confidence and well-being. The Solo 14® is the most popular of all 18 rowboat models we build.

The Solo 14® is ultra-tough, maintenance free, never needs painting or even waxing. It’s made of thermoformed copolymer. It’s UV proof. Wiping the boat down with a wet cloth keeps it shiny and clean.

• It’s a rugged all-water fitness rowing machine for all rowers including beginners, recreational, and hard-core professionals.
• It’s a stable platform for rowing even in wind and waves.
• Row by yourself, bring your favourite person, kids or pet.
• You can take your Solo 14® camping; it’s faster, more comfortable and holds more gear than a kayak.
• Co-polymer construction means almost zero maintenance. Stays shiny forever! More time to go rowing!
• Double hull construction makes the Solo 14® fully buoyant and virtually unsinkable just like the larger Whitehall Spirit® Tango 17® .
• US and Canadian Coast Guard approved and CE certified.

We recommend Carbon Fiber Sculling Oars we supply ordered separately to ship with the boat. If tying up to a dock is intended, add a set of tie-up lines and fenders to your order.

The Whitehall Spirit® Solo14® is at home at the cottage, on a trailer in the garage, parked on a dock or the deck of a yacht. Lexan cover battens and a fitted, waterproof Sunbrella® cover are recommended if stored outside, on a dock bunk , a boat dolly , or small boat trailer.

For pure enjoyment, cardio, weight loss, and stress relief doctors and fitness trainers recommend slide seat rowing. It’s a full body low impact exercise that engages up to 90% of your body’s muscles. Both legs used at once initiate the stroke, followed by the back and arms burning twice the calories of jogging with no stress on the knees or joints.

To learn more or teach yourself to row check out our How To Slide Seat Row video by Olympic gold rower Adam Kreek .

Call or email to get a quote for a Solo 14® and accessories delivered to your curbside or dock anywhere in mainland North America. We also ship worldwide with Whitehall Spirit® rowing boat owners found in over 52 countries.

Price Before Options:

$  12,994 cad, call 1-844-880-5151 (9 am – 5 pm pt) email [email protected], order form solo 14® usd pdf.

Other options and accessories are available.

Includes a single slide seat unit with hinged aluminum outriggers, sculling oarlocks, adjustable footpad, bilge drain and plug, drop-in-place fixed thwart (rowing seat), bow & stern eyes, non-skid, tie up cleats, gear tie-down eyes, and cover batten bases.

Craftsmanship

Specifications, maintenance, tough co-polymer construction.

The hull and decks are constructed from virtually indestructible co-polymer plastic, using a heat-and-vacuum forming process called thermoforming. The hull and deck are rigid and stiff thanks to an inner specially designed inter deck and the medium itself. Unlike rotocast polyethylene this boat will not change shape when exposed to hot sunlight. This is necessary for a performance rowing boat. The Solo 14 ® ’s exterior has an acrylic coating bonded to it known as ‘Solarcote™’. It is UV-proof and retains a glossy yacht-like finish. Co-polymer is much more impact-resistant than a fiberglass hull, does not go chalky or dull like gelcoat, It simplyd stays shiny and looking good for years. Our commitment to quality and superior design has produced the absolute best boat of its type in the marketplace. The materials and copolymer plastic used in construction of the Solo 14 ® are 100% recyclable.

*For mobile: swipe table left to right.

Standard features.

The Solo 14® comes equipped with all of the features listed here as standard and included. The only factory options to consider are the stainless steel keelstrip, motor pads and a custom boat name. These can be seen under “ Factory Options ” in the Accessories section of the website.

Sliding Seat This slide seat design has been used for over a century. Seat holes and cutaway fit the coccyx and sit bones. Anodized tracks allow smooth sliding.

Footstops Adjustable foot stretcher fits any leg length. Velcro straps enable regular footwear to be worn by the rower. Heel cups adjust up or down for varying shoe sizes.

Outriggers These cast aluminum outriggers create the correct span for 9’6” carbon fiber sculling oars. The rower can remain seated when the outrigger is hinged inboard.

Outriggers Inboard Outriggers hinge inboard when coming alongside a dock or boat. By being closer to the dock, the boat is more stable, safer and easier to get into or out of.

Fixed Seat The sliding seat removes easily and the fixed seat snaps into place. The fixed seat stows between the track risers, flush to the floor for convenient storage.

Forward Oarlocks Forward oarlocks sockets allow rowing from the forward fixed seat. Enables up to four people to be carried.

Non-Skid Top quality nonskid located on the cockpit floor prevents slipping and makes it safer and easier to move around. Dog-friendly.

Drain plug Pulling the plug when storing the boat out of the water keeps the hull from collecting rain water and makes draining easier when hosing the boat down.

Mushroom Cleat Cleats are used for hanging fenders or spring lines when tying to a dock. The mushroom shape has no sharp corners to help prevent snagging on clothing.

Batten Ends The batten ends come installed ready for battens. Battens enable a boat cover to shed rain water. See the accessories page for ordering a set of custom Lexan battens.

Sturdy Bow/Stern eyes A recessed bow eye protects other boats from damage and takes the worry out of coming alongside. They are strong enough to lift or tow the boat

Tie-Downs Conveniently secure your cushions or gear using these durable plastic tie downs, suitable for webbing strap.

For information about our current seasonal promotion please call 1-844-880-5151 or Email [email protected]

Or fill out this form and one of our skilled team members will contact you., how to order.

Many customers first print the “Fillable Order Form PDF”, shown above, for the boat they are planning to purchase, and then check-off the items they are interested in before calling or sending it to us. This is a good way to begin the process.

Alternatively, you can call to discuss your options, especially if you are unsure about what Whitehall boat model you are interested in. Your order may be as simple as a basic rowing model with oars, or as elaborate as a slide-seat rowing & sailing model with accessories, delivered to another continent.

Ordering/Delivery Details & Policies

Please read complete details by clicking here .

Take the next step and obtain a no-obligation quote:

Call toll free in (North America): 1-844-880-5151 Outside North America: +1-250-361-2628 Email: [email protected]

We are located in beautiful Victoria, British Columbia Canada on the Pacific side of North America. If you call outside of our normal business hours of 9am-5pm Monday to Friday and get our message machine, please let us know the best time and way to reach you.

“New scullers benefit from the seaworthy, stable platform of a Solo 14®. Proper blade entry and exit from the water are easy to perform in the roughest of conditions. This boat is impossible to flip and totally fun to row. I love ‘Freedom Crabber’ my Solo 14.”

-Adam Kreek, (6’5” 225lbs) Olympic Gold Rower and 4 time world rowing champion

You may also be interested in

The Tango 17® Double Position Slide Seat Sculling Boat

The Whitehall Spirit® Tango 17® double slide seat sculling model is a thermoformed copolymer Whitehall like its sister ship, the Solo 14®. It is built with meticulous attention to detail and is virtually maintenance free. The high-gloss white surface finish is UV resistant, tough, acrylic-coated, and adds pristine quality to the beautiful sweeping lines of its striking hull shape.

Find Your Classic Whitehall Spirit® Boat

All 18 classic boat models can be ordered in different configurations to suit your needs.

The Heritage 15

Which heritage 15  is best for you.

• Heritage 15 Classic
• Heritage 15 Carbon
• Heritage 15 Guide Boat

“It’s one of my all time treasured possessions. Every time I look at it, I feel good.” – Bill Parsons, former president of Palmer Johnson Yachts

 Reminiscent of the romantic rowing craft which graced the waters at the turn of the century, the Heritage 15 is as much a joy to look at as it is to row. All of our rowboats are crafted using hand-laid fiberglass.

This row boat will probably stay in your family for generations. Its timeless lapstrake hull, blue teak swooping sheer and wineglass stern give her classic good looks. At first, one just wants to look at it and imagine the quiet streams and golden sunsets where a Heritage belongs.

What are her best features?

Versatility to fit your lifestyle. Take a partner to row, or pile in the kids.

Row hard or just drift. Clamp on a two-horsepower motor. Pack a lunch and go exploring. Strap it on the car for summer vacation. There are even great sailing options.

Take her anywhere. Really! Just ask the man who rowed across the Baltic Sea. Or the fellow who rowed the entire coast of Texas.

The possibilities are endless…

Built with a wider hull than rowing shells, the Heritage is terrifically stable. This allows the rower to stand while launching or even at sea. One can even stand and cast a fishing pole (pictured below). The Heritage also has a prominent bow enabling it to charge into the roughest seas. The deep-tracking keel and high stern will thrill you as you surf down-sea. This is the first truly “ocean-capable” sliding-seat rowing craft.

Designer Bill Larson has rowed in 5-foot seas, reporting not only was she dry, but she was fast and stable. The low profile sides prevents nasty windage issues, yet she is so buoyant she “bobs like a cork” in the rough stuff. There are built in passenger seats both in the bow and the stern. All Heritage’s come standard with a sliding seat monorail and a fixed seat bench, so you may row sliding seat for aerobic exercise, or traditional fixed seat just for the joy of it.

Specifications and Features

• The most popular of all
• Incredibly stiff (fully molded liner with nonskid)
• Massive Positive flotation
• Fold in oarlock arms
• 2 HP engine capacity
• Stable enough to stand in and cast a fishing pole
• interchangeable from one rower to two (when ordered as a double)
• Molded in bow seat and stern seat
• 2 Year “bumper to bumper” Warranty, Standard factory 2 yr limited warranty included

Specifications

• Length: 15′ 3″, 4.6 m
• Width: 40″, 101.6 cm
• Freeboard @ ends: 25″
• Freeboard amidships: 15″
• Pick-Up Weight * 100 lbs. Single
• 110 lbs. Double
• Draft (depth in water): 3″ – 4″
• Carrying Capacity: 431 lbs.(coast guard rating)
• *Pick up weight equals boat without Monorails, or what you would normally pick up on your car. Monorails weigh 16 lbs and arms weigh 3lbs a pair

The Heritage Carbon 15 is now available with an ultra light carbon hull that weighs as little as 69 pounds. It’s ideal for those car topping and portaging. This is a refined, detailed high-tech rowing craft.

The Heritage Carbon 15 is now available as both a Single and Double. When ordered as a double, you automatically get the conversion kit to change it quickly into a balanced single. It’s ideal for a lightweight yacht tender, car topping and portaging. This is a refined, detailed high-tech rowing craft that is simple to use, stabe, solid with beautiful lines!

Like the Classic, it has a fully molded interior and Patented fold in riggers. This is our best gear, as in the Classic. The rowing station adds only nine pounds, and includes a comfortable oversized padded seat . The bench is also carbon fiber, and is removable. The sliding seat monorail removes with 2 hand turned knobs.

(an Ultralight monorail is available as an option: includes our lightest weight composite seat with a high tech gel pad and composite UL footrests, only 12 lbs.(+$250 )

The riggers pop out instantly to make carrying on you vehicle a snap. There is also a molded complete inner liner in the Carbon to add rigidity. Standard features include a forward storage locker, self rescuing flotation, molded in non-skid, patented Fold-in rigger system (this is the only system you can fold in with the oars installed– makes docking a breeze), bow and stern eyes, drain plug and wash down plug.

If weight is an issue in handling or transporting, the Carbon is the answer. Many options and accessories are available including teak rails, ulta-light aluminum rails, covers, launch wheel system, upgradable seating, ultralight monorail and oars. There is even a sail kit and a motor mount.

The interior and exterior color is a special marine vinylester, which allows us to apply very light, but gives the same UV resistance as on a typical family runabout. Standard color is white and sand.

Approx. weights unrigged: Heritage Carbon 15 Single: 65 lbs.

• Heritage 15 Carbon Single includes 1 sliding seat monorail with fold in outriggers, molded interior with nonskid, carbon hull, carbon deck, carbon flotation chambers, Carbon ribs, carbon sub-floor, carbon bench
• Patented fold-in riggers
• Massive Positive flotation, self rescuing
• Ultra lite monorail now available for $250.00
• Black or white rails vinyl (alum. or teak optional)
• Available as single or double.
• Length 15′ 3″ or 4.64 m
• Width 40″ or 101.6 cm
• Ultralight Carbon Hull 64 lbs. Base Single
• 79 lbs. Base Double
• Carrying Capacity 431 lbs. or 195.5 kg

Newest to our Heritage line is the Guideboat. It is built on the same acclaimed hull shape and design as the Classic Heritage, but is lighter and is more economical. It is a single skin boat, which means it is made from a hull mold only, similar to a canoe. The inside has a gel coat finish. The Guideboat is available in the 12, 15, and 18 sizes. The 15 and 18 can be ordered as a Single or Double, or both! This economical, lightweight 15 is an incredable little boat, having undergone many generations to achieve the right balance of weight and strength at an affordable price. The Heritage hull is famous for its stability. One can even stand in it and cast a fishing pole. Most people looking for a rowing skiff do not need it to be as tippy as an 2′ wide shell.

Speed wise, the Heritage is certainly the fastest traditional design that can claim the ability to stand in. How fast is that? Between 25 and 30 feet per stroke. It’s inspiring. A recent GPS test found the 15 foot classic to be 7.9 knots top end and 7.2 knots sustained. Whether in a 15 or an 18, the Guideboat can be purchased as a single or a double. If you order the boat as a single, it can later be retrofitted into a double by ordering the seeking rowing station and adding the mounting brackets. The benches are wood for a touch of tradition without overwhelming maintenance. The sliding seat monorail sets on top of the bench just as in the Classic. One may remove the slider (or order it without a slide) to row in the traditional fixed seat way. For and aft are built in passenger seats, which function as the flotation compartments as well. The rigger design is fixed in the outboard position as in a shell. Top of the line Concept II oarlocks are standard.

With the rowing stations out, this boat can be fairly easily lifted overhead and carried to and from the car by an average man. Or it can be slid onto roof racks (never needing to lift but one end). The rowing stations can be folded (from a “t: shape to an “I” shape) to store or carry.

• Drop-in Unit row station
• Ideal for car-topping
• Black or white rails
• Sold as single but converts to a double by adding options
• Built-in passenger seats bow and stern
• Approx. Weight unrigged aprox 70 lbs
• Approx. Weight for rig Add 16 lbs

Shop Heritage 15

Heritage 15 Carbon Double

Heritage 15 Carbon Single

Heritage 15 Classic Double

Heritage 15 Classic Single

Heritage 15 Double Guideboat

Heritage 15 Single Guideboat

Shop heritage accessories.

Additional Storage Compartment

Big Wheeled Dolly

Build Package for In-Water Storage

Carbon Fiber Oars

Gel Seat Pad

Hardbar Rack

Heavy Duty Sling Dolly

Heritage Cover

Heritage Seat

Keel Skid Plate

Motor Mount

Oar Cover Set

Princess Passenger Seat

Rack system straps only.

Rod Holders

Seat Cover – Foam

SUV or CAR Kit

Teak Bench Slat

Ultra Rearview Mirror

Ultralight oars.

Simplicity…

Thanks to our patented folding rigger, set up and launching is a breeze. Slide your Heritage off the dock, push off, swing out the rigger and go… it’s that simple. Little River is the only builder to offer the folding rigger system. The rigger folds in to act as a handle as you sit down. Another plus: it has a built in safety feature where the rigger will collapse should you accidentally hit something, with no damage to the oars or boat. In the Heritage, the seat is much higher than that of a shell so it is much more comfortable to sit in than shells. If you like, you can row out to your favorite quiet spot and just take in the beauty.

The Heritage 15 Choices

The Heritage 15 Classic can be ordered as a Single, or as a Double. If you get the double, it comes standard with the ability to convert it into a balanced single.

Additionally, you may choose three different Construction methods: the Classic, which we have been discussing on this page, or the ultralight classic carbon hull, or the new economical Guideboat. To see all the different construction methods at a glance click here.

The Other Heritage Models:

The Heritage comes in three sizes, the Heritage 12, the Heritage 15 and the Heritage 18. The Heritage 15 and the Heritage 18 can be rigged to row as a single or a double station. The difference is that the Heritage 15 is a lighter launch, and thus easier to handle, while the Heritage 18 has a longer water line, and thus a better rowing double. Which row boat is best for you? If you will be rowing mostly as a single, the 15 is probably best. If you plan to row mostly as a double (and occasionally as a single) then the 18 is your best bet. The Heritage 12 comes as a single only, but can carry passengers. It is a good choice where space is a concern, for to use as a tender to a big boat. Also, ladies tend to prefer it’s smaller size.

Home » Blog » Buy a boat » 5 best small sailboats for sailing around the world

5 best small sailboats for sailing around the world

By Author Fiona McGlynn

Posted on Last updated: April 19, 2023

A small sailboat can take you big places

Small sailboats are the ticket to going cruising NOW — not when you retire, save up enough money, or find the “perfect” bluewater cruising boat. In fact, it’s the first principle in Lin and Larry Pardey’s cruising philosophy: “Go small, go simple, go now.”

Small yachts can be affordable, simple, and seaworthy . However, you won’t see many of them in today’s cruising grounds. In three years and 13,000 nautical miles of bluewater cruising, I could count the number of under 30-foot sailboats I’ve seen on one hand (all of them were skippered by people in their 20s and 30s).

Today’s anchorages are full of 40, 50, and 60-foot-plus ocean sailboats, but that’s not to say you can’t sail the world in a small sailboat. Just look at Alessandro di Benedetto who in 2010 broke the record for the smallest boat to sail around the world non-stop in his 21-foot Mini 6.5 .

So long as you don’t mind forgoing a few comforts, you can sail around the world on a small budget .

What makes a good blue water sailboat

While you might not think a small sailboat is up to the task of going long distances, some of the best bluewater sailboats are under 40 feet.

However, if you’re thinking about buying a boat for offshore cruising, there are a few things to know about what makes a small boat offshore capable .

Smaller equals slower

Don’t expect to be sailing at high speeds in a pocket cruiser. Smaller displacement monohulls are always going to be slower than larger displacement monohulls (see the video below to learn why smaller boats are slower). Therefore a smaller cruiser is going to take longer on a given passage, making them more vulnerable to changes in weather.

A few feet can make a big difference over a week-long passage. On the last leg of our Pacific Ocean crossing, our 35-foot sailboat narrowly avoid a storm that our buddy boat, a 28-foot sailboat, couldn’t. Our friend was only a knot slower but it meant he had to heave to for a miserable three days.

Small but sturdy

If a pocket cruiser encounters bad weather, they will be less able to outrun or avoid it. For this reason, many of the blue water sailboats in this list are heavily built and designed to take a beating.

Yacht design has changed dramatically over the last 50 years. Today, new boats are designed to be light and fast. The small sailboats in our list are 30-plus year-old designs and were built in a time when weather forecasts were less accurate and harder to come by.

Back in the day, boat were constructed with thicker fiberglass hulls than you see in modern builds. Rigs, keels, rudders, hulls and decks – everything about these small cruising sailboats was designed to stand up to strong winds and big waves. Some of the boats in this post have skeg-hung rudders and most of them are full keel boats.

The pros and cons of pocket cruiser sailboats

Pocket cruiser sailboats present certain advantages and disadvantages.

More affordable

Their smaller size makes them affordable bluewater sailboats. You can often find great deals on pocket cruisers and sometimes you can even get them for free.

You’ll also save money on retrofits and repairs because small cruising sailboats need smaller boat parts (which cost a lot less) . For example, you can get away with smaller sails, ground tackle, winches, and lighter lines than on a bigger boat.

Moorage, haul-outs, and marine services are often billed by foot of boat length . A small sailboat makes traveling the world , far more affordable!

When something major breaks (like an engine) it will be less costly to repair or replace than it would be on a bigger boat.

Less time consuming

Smaller boats tend to have simpler systems which means you’ll spend less time fixing and paying to maintain those systems. For example, most small yachts don’t have showers, watermakers , hot water, and electric anchor windlasses.

On the flip side, you’ll spend more time collecting water (the low-tech way) . On a small sailboat, this means bucket baths, catching fresh water in your sails, and hand-bombing your anchor. Though less convenient, this simplicity can save you years of preparation and saving to go sailing.

Oh, and did I mention that you’ll become a complete water meiser? Conserving water aboard becomes pretty important when you have to blue-jug every drop of it from town back to your boat.

Easier to sail

Lastly, smaller boats can be physically easier to sail , just think of the difference between raising a sail on a 25-foot boat versus a 50-foot boat! You can more easily single-hand or short-hand a small sailboat. For that reason, some of the best solo blue water sailboats are quite petite.

As mentioned above small boats are slow boats and will arrive in port, sometimes days (and even weeks) behind their faster counterparts on long offshore crossings.

Consider this scenario: two boats crossed the Atlantic on a 4,000 nautical mile route. The small boat averaged four miles an hour, while the big boat averaged seven miles an hour. If both started at the same time, the small boat will have completed the crossing two weeks after the larger sailboat!

Less spacious

Living on a boat can be challenging — living on a small sailboat, even more so! Small cruising boats don’t provide much in the way of living space and creature comforts.

Not only will you have to downsize when you move onto a boat  you’ll also have to get pretty creative when it comes to boat storage.

It also makes it more difficult to accommodate crew for long periods which means there are fewer people to share work and night shifts.

If you plan on sailing with your dog , it might put a small boat right out of the question (depending on the size of your four-legged crew member).

Less comfortable

It’s not just the living situation that is less comfortable, the sailing can be pretty uncomfortable too! Pocket cruisers tend to be a far less comfortable ride than larger boats as they are more easily tossed about in big ocean swell.

Here are our 5 favorite small blue water sailboats for sailing around the world

When we sailed across the Pacific these were some of the best small sailboats that we saw. Their owners loved them and we hope you will too!

The boats in this list are under 30 feet. If you’re looking for something slightly larger, you might want to check out our post on the best bluewater sailboats under 40 feet .

Note: Price ranges are based on SailboatListings.com and YachtWorld.com listings for Aug. 2018

Albin Vega 27($7-22K USD)

The Albin Vega has earned a reputation as a bluewater cruiser through adventurous sailors like Matt Rutherford, who in 2012 completed a 309-day solo nonstop circumnavigation of the Americas via Cape Horn and the Northwest Passage (see his story in the documentary Red Dot on the Ocean ). 

• Hull Type: Long fin keel
• Hull Material: GRP (fibreglass)
• Length Overall:27′ 1″ / 8.25m
• Waterline Length:23′ 0″ / 7.01m
• Beam:8′ 1″ / 2.46m
• Draft:3′ 8″ / 1.12m
• Rig Type: Masthead sloop rig
• Displacement:5,070lb / 2,300kg
• Designer:Per Brohall
• Builder:Albin Marine AB (Swed.)
• Year First Built:1965
• Year Last Built:1979
• Number Built:3,450

Cape Dory 28 ($10-32K USD) 

This small cruising sailboat is cute and classic as she is rugged and roomy. With at least one known circumnavigation and plenty of shorter bluewater voyages, the Cape Dory 28 has proven herself offshore capable.

• Hull Type: Full Keel
• Length Overall:28′ 09″ / 8.56m
• Waterline Length:22′ 50″ / 6.86m
• Beam:8’ 11” / 2.72m
• Draft:4’ 3” / 1.32m
• Rig Type:Masthead Sloop
• Displacement:9,300lb / 4,218kg
• Sail Area/Displacement Ratio:52
• Displacement/Length Ratio:49
• Designer: Carl Alberg
• Builder: Cape Dory Yachts (USA)
• Year First Built:1974
• Year Last Built:1988
• Number Built: 388

Dufour 29 ($7-23K)

As small bluewater sailboats go, the Dufour 29 is a lot of boat for your buck. We know of at least one that sailed across the Pacific last year. Designed as a cruiser racer she’s both fun to sail and adventure-ready. Like many Dufour sailboats from this era, she comes equipped with fiberglass molded wine bottle holders. Leave it to the French to think of everything!

• Hull Type: Fin with skeg-hung rudder
• Length Overall:29′ 4″ / 8.94m
• Waterline Length:25′ 1″ / 7.64m
• Beam:9′ 8″ / 2.95m
• Draft:5′ 3″ / 1.60m
• Displacement:7,250lb / 3,289kg
• Designer:Michael Dufour
• Builder:Dufour (France)
• Year First Built:1975
• Year Last Built:1984

Vancouver 28 ($15-34K)

A sensible small boat with a “go-anywhere” attitude, this pocket cruiser was designed with ocean sailors in mind. One of the best cruising sailboats under 40 feet, the Vancouver 28 is great sailing in a small package.

• Hull Type:Full keel with transom hung rudder
• Length Overall: 28′ 0″ / 8.53m
• Waterline Length:22’ 11” / 6.99m
• Beam:8’ 8” / 2.64m
• Draft:4’ 4” / 1.32m
• Rig Type: Cutter rig
• Displacement:8,960lb / 4,064 kg
• Designer: Robert B Harris
• Builder: Pheon Yachts Ltd. /Northshore Yachts Ltd.
• Year First Built:1986
• Last Year Built: 2007
• Number Built: 67

Westsail 28 ($30-35K)

Described in the 1975 marketing as “a hearty little cruiser”, the Westsail 28 was designed for those who were ready to embrace the cruising life. Perfect for a solo sailor or a cozy cruising couple!

• Hull Type: Full keel with transom hung rudder
• Hull Material:GRP (fibreglass)
• Length Overall:28′ 3” / 8.61m
• Waterline Length:23’ 6” / 7.16m
• Beam:9’ 7” / 2.92m
• Displacement:13,500lb / 6,124kg
• Designer: Herb David
• Builder: Westsail Corp. (USA)
• Number Built:78

Feeling inspired? Check out the “go small” philosophy of this 21-year-old who set sail in a CS 27.

Fiona McGlynn is an award-winning boating writer who created Waterborne as a place to learn about living aboard and traveling the world by sailboat. She has written for boating magazines including BoatUS, SAIL, Cruising World, and Good Old Boat. She’s also a contributing editor at Good Old Boat and BoatUS Magazine. In 2017, Fiona and her husband completed a 3-year, 13,000-mile voyage from Vancouver to Mexico to Australia on their 35-foot sailboat.

Saturday 1st of September 2018

Very useful list, but incomplete - as it would necessarily be, considering the number of seaworthy smaller boats that are around.

In particular, you missed/omitted the Westerly "Centaur" and its follow-on model, the "Griffon". 26 feet LOA, bilge-keelers, weighing something over 6000 pounds, usually fitted with a diesel inboard.

OK, these are British designs, and not that common in the US, but still they do exist, they're built like tanks, and it's rumored that at least one Centaur has circumnavigated.

Friday 31st of August 2018

This is a helpful list, thank you. I don't think most people would consider a 28' boat a pocket cruiser, though!

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“NorseBoats…sexy looking with a sweet sheerline and a shapely bow profile.”  Robert Perry, naval architect

“I have Viking blood in my veins, and the NorseBoat really gets it stirring…this is one of the best small cruising boats I’ve seen in a long time.” Steve Isaac,  WaterTribe

Swiss army knife craftsmanship, performance, versatility

Perfect for:

Adventuring

“The simplicity of hauling up the mast is something I hadn’t anticipated. It is yet another piece of elegant and thoughtful engineering. Truly everywhere one looks on the boat one sees careful decisions that were made. And the boat is also just so pretty. We got three sincere complements In her lines just at the docks!! In short I’m so impressed by what you have created.” C. Gill, Lincoln, MA (NorseBoat 17.5 Classic owner).

NorseBoats are hand-crafted sailing and rowing boats with classic lines and high performance. They are fast, fun and easy to use under sail or oar. Their versatility and innovative features have earned them the reputation of the Swiss army knife of boats!

NorseBoats can be sailed, rowed, motored, and used as comfortable camp-cruisers or picnic motor launches. They are easily beached and trailered, and fit in a standard garage.

NorseBoat 12.5

Daysailer / Tender Sassy sistership!

NorseBoat 17.5 Classic

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NorseBoat 21.5

Daysailer/Coastal Cruiser High capacity, high performance!

“The NorseBoat is fantastic – meeting and exceeding my  expectations, which were derived solely from the internet!”  J. Austin, architect, Cambridge, MA

You need a dinghy; why not one that can save your life?

You’re free to have fun on the water when you, your family, and your crew are safe. Portland Pudgy, Inc has re-imagined the dinghy in the context of safety at sea, and come up with something really new. A rugged, unsinkable dinghy you can row, motor, sail , and even use as a lifeboat. The Portland Pudgy safety dinghy makes boating even more fun, by making it safer.

The sail kit makes your Portland Pudgy a fun, safe sailing dinghy. The stability and buoyancy designed into the Portland Pudgy make it safe and sea-friendly as a recreational sailing dinghy for the whole family. The Pudgy takes surprisingly rugged seas and wind for a boat its size…

The Portland Pudgy is a rugged, unsinkable self-rescue boat, even without the inflatable exposure canopy and other survival gear. With the canopy and sail, the Portland Pudgy is a dynamic lifeboat. Unlike inflatable life rafts, the Pudgy can’t deflate, and you can sail, row, or motor to safety…

What is the Portland Pudgy safety dinghy?

The Portland Pudgy is a multifunction boat that was designed as a yacht tender and unsinkable, dynamic lifeboat for blue water sailors that can be sailed to safety. The resulting stability, buoyancy, ruggedness, roominess, and “unsinkability” designed into the Portland Pudgy make it unparalleled as an everyday tender, a safe and sea-friendly sailing dinghy, and a great all-around rowboat/motorboat. The Pudgy is a self-contained unit: all accessories, including the oars, sail kit, and exposure canopy, stow within the storage space in double hull of the boat with room to spare.

Recreational Small Boat for Sailing, Fishing, Hunting, Diving

Unlike inflatable boats, the Portland Pudgy safety dinghy is a joy to row. It can be rigged out as a fun sailing dinghy. It’s a safe and fun recreational sailing dinghy for the whole family. It’s stable and difficult to capsize, but if you manage to, it’s very easy to right, and comes up dry. No need to wait for rescue (as with some recreational sailing dinghies, like the Opti). The entire sail kit stows neatly out of the way in the interior of the double hull (rudder and leeboards under seats). Because the Portland Pudgy safety dinghy is so stable, rugged, and tracks so well when rowed or motored, it’s also a great fishing boat or duck hunting boat, and a great platform for nature photography and diving. See Sailing Dinghy.

Self-Contained Unit

All of the accessories, oars, sail kit (including telescoping mast and boom), inflatable exposure canopy, sea anchor, ditch bag, provisions, and more, can be stowed within the boat via the five watertight hatches.  This is very convenient in your everyday dinghy or sailing dink.  It’s an extremely important safety feature of the Portland Pudgy lifeboat. All of your equipment is there in an emergency.

Dynamic Lifeboat

The Portland Pudgy safety dinghy is a self-rescue boat, even without the optional inflatable exposure canopy and other survival gear. With the exposure canopy, sea anchor, and sail kit, the Portland Pudgy is an unsinkable, dynamic lifeboat. Unlike inflatable life rafts, the Pudgy cannot deflate, and you can sail, row, or motor this rugged self-rescue boat to shipping lanes or land.

Everyday Yacht Tender, Rowboat, Motorboat, Rugged Workboat

The Portland Pudgy safety dinghy is the safest, most rugged yacht tender on the market to row, motor, tow and carry. It tracks perfectly and moves along nicely with a small motor. The Pudgy is extremely buoyant and has huge carrying capacity, both in the roomy cockpit and inside the storage compartments in the double hull. The Portland Pudgy (7′ 8″, 128 lb., USCG-approved as a rowboat and motorboat for 4 people) is designed and manufactured (in the USA) to be an exceptionally rugged, stable, unsinkable boat. Its pram shape allows it to fit on the deck of many cruising sailboats. This small boat is so stable you can stand up and walk around in it. The Portland Pudgy safety dinghy has all the benefits of inflatable boats and RIBs (rigid inflatable boats), without the risk of deflation. There is no need for an unsightly, expensive, and deflation-prone RID kit (“dinghy dogs”) with the Pudgy: it’s an unsinkable boat, with built-in buoyancy. See Yacht Tender/Dinghy.

Live-aboards  Teresa Carey and Ben Erickson Carey  sent us this wonderful video about their Portland Pudgy. Lots of great sailing shots.  Deliberately flipping the Pudgy (:33) and then easily righting it (2:00). Inflating the exposure canopy using the alternative method (hand pump) and using it as a dodger (1:15). Sleeping in the Pudgy. Lots of shots that show how stable and roomy it is. And lots just showing what a fun little boat it is.

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Best Small Sailboats for Beginners

There are a number of classic trainers used by yacht club youth programs as well as techie new designs. Without mentioning specific models and brands, it’s difficult to outline which small boats are best but here are things to look for in good teaching boats.

Some of the best small sailboats for beginners include:

• Boats with tillers steering
• Boats with no winches
• Sailing dinghies
• Small sloops
• Small catamarans
• Rotomolded boats
• Trailerable sailboats

Explore All Sailboat Types

Boats with Tiller Steering

Steering by tiller (rather than a wheel) can make a difference when learning. Tillers are directly connected to the rudder that manages the boat’s direction. Tillers provide quick feedback about the strength and direction of the wind as well as the boat’s turning agility at various speeds.

Boats with No Winches

Boats that require no winches to manage the sheets and halyards are best for youngsters and new sailors. These boats usually don’t experience the same forces on the sails and rigging as larger boats, which can be a handful when the wind starts to blow. Winches are usually replaced with cam or jam cleats, which are easy to use.

Sailing Dinghies

Sailing dinghies are usually rigged with one mast and one sail and offer kids and new sailors simplicity so it’s easy to learn the ropes. Less overwhelming than boats with two sails, dinghies are light and responsive. They also have a shallow draft due to side or centerboards so they can be sailed just about anywhere. In some cases (whether from a wind gust or sudden crew weight shift) sailing dinghies can capsize so students should wear lifejackets and know how to swim. Sailing dinghies are usually sailed by one or two people.

Small Sloops

Small sloops with a mast that carries head and mainsails are the next step so students learn how sails work together. Headsails can be hanked on or attached to a small roller furler. These boats may have some or no winches, which also makes them easier to maintain. These boats can usually be sailed with one to four people.

Some sloops can scale up, providing a more challenging experience for sailors as they develop skills. Certain models can carry spinnakers and larger headsails to teach sail combinations and new sail trim techniques. Others offer the ability to hike out (shift crew weight well outboard to balance the boat against the wind pressure in the sails). This kind of sailing is more advanced.

Small Catamarans

Small catamarans provide extra stability for those who may be nervous about capsizing or aren’t fond of heeling (tipping while sailing). With two hulls providing a wide and stable base, catamarans area ideal for beginners, which may be why they’re often used by resorts as their beach sailing tourist boats. Rigged with one or two sails, small cats are tiller steered and usually have a trampoline that the students sit on and sail.

Rotomolded Boats

Small rotomolded boats are very forgiving due to their durable construction. Unlike fiberglass or wooden boats, rotomolded (a type of plastic construction technique) trainers can bounce off docks or other boats and cause or sustain little damage. Dinghies and catamarans can both be made via rotomolding.

Trailerable Sailboats

Finally, small sailboats that can be trailered to different locations add variety and that makes learning fun. Students can learn to sail in different wind and water conditions and enjoy their boats differently on vacation or with new friends.

Learning to sail involves all the senses and requires a level head and lots of practice and although it can be learned in many ways, the best way is to start with a boat that’s small, simple, safe and durable.

Read Next: Small Boats: What Are My Options?

You Might Also Like:

• Sailing Basics: 10 Nautical & Sailing Terms to Know
• Learning the Basics of Sailing
• Why Sailing?
• Find the Right Boat for Your Lifestyle
• Explore Sailboat Brands

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Row Boat Types: Traditional vs. Modern Designs

Categories Boating

Rowing is an excellent exercise that provides numerous health benefits and is a fun activity enjoyed by many. There are different types of row boats, and choosing the right one for your needs is crucial to maximizing your enjoyment on the water. In this article, we’ll discuss the different row boat types, their unique features, and what they’re best suited for.

What is a Row Boat

A rowboat is a boat that has oars and rows instead of using an engine or motor. These boats are used for fishing, hunting, racing, water skiing, and other activities. A rowboat is made of wood and has an aluminum or wooden frame. The outside is covered with fiberglass, plastic, or canvas. Fiberglass is a type of hard plastic that resists

Depending on what you’re looking for, there are a few different types of rowing boats. For example, there’s the racing shell, which is designed for speed and low impact. Then there’s the touring boat, which is perfect for leisurely activities and can handle a variety of water surfaces. Finally, if you want to do some fishing or take the dog out for a row, consider getting a flat-bottom row boat–they’re versatile and easy to operate.

History of Row Boats

For centuries, rowboats have been used for transportation, fishing, and leisure activities. The history of row boats can be traced back to ancient Egypt, where they were used for transportation and trade along the Nile River.

In ancient Greece and Rome, row boats were used for transportation, military purposes, and recreation. They were often adorned with elaborate decorations and used in competitions and races.

During the Middle Ages, row boats were used for fishing, transportation, and trade throughout Europe. They were often made from wood and were powered by oars or sails.

In the 19th century, row boats became popular among wealthy individuals for leisure activities such as rowing and picnicking. They were often decorated with intricate designs and used in regattas and races.

The invention of the steam engine in the 19th century led to the development of steam-powered row boats used for transportation and trade along rivers and canals.

In the 20th century, row boats became more accessible to the general public by introducing fiberglass and other lightweight materials. Today, row boats are used for various purposes, including fishing, recreation, and competitive rowing.

Types of Row Boats

1. recreational row boats, classic row boats.

Classic row boats are elegant, traditional boats with a timeless design that never goes out of style. These boats are usually made of wood, and their construction involves a lot of handiwork, which makes them quite expensive. Classic row boats are not designed for speed or racing; they are perfect for leisurely rowing in calm waters. They are suitable for couples or small groups and are ideal for romantic outings or sunset cruises.

Dinghies are small, lightweight boats that can be rowed or propelled with an outboard motor. They are ideal for short trips and are perfect for beginners. Dinghies are easy to maneuver and can be used for fishing, exploring, or just enjoying the scenery. They are also great for children to learn rowing and can be towed behind a larger boat.

Skiffs are flat-bottomed boats with a pointed bow and stern, making them ideal for fishing in shallow waters. They are designed for stability and carry much gear, making them perfect for fishing trips or exploring small bays and estuaries. Skiffs can be rowed or powered by an outboard motor, making them versatile.

2. Racing Row Boats

Sculling boats.

Sculling boats are designed for racing and have two oars per rower. They are long, narrow, with a pointed bow and stern, and lightweight for maximum speed. Sculling boats can be used for both single-person and team racing and are prevalent in high school and collegiate rowing competitions.

Sweep Boats

Sweep boats are designed for team racing and have one oar per rower. They are longer than sculling boats and can carry more rowers, making them ideal for team competitions. Sweep boats have a coxswain who steers the boat and provides motivation for the rowers.

3. Fishing Row Boats

Fishing row boats are designed for anglers and have features such as rod holders, built-in coolers, and live wells for bait. They are usually wider and more stable than other row boats, making them ideal for casting and reeling in fish. Oars or an outboard motor can propel fishing row boats and are suitable for both freshwater and saltwater fishing.

4. Touring Row Boats

Expedition row boats.

Expedition row boats are designed for long-distance rowing and can carry a lot of gear. They are usually made of lightweight materials such as carbon fiber and are streamlined for maximum efficiency. Expedition row boats are ideal for adventurers who want to explore vast water bodies such as lakes and rivers or even cross oceans.

Folding Row Boats

Folding row boats are portable boats that can be easily transported in a car trunk or backpack. They are made of lightweight materials such as aluminum or PVC and can be assembled quickly. Folding row boats are ideal for travelers who want to explore new waterways but do not have the space or means to transport a traditional row boat.

Recreational Touring Boats

Recreational touring boats are versatile boats designed for exploring various water bodies. They are wider and more stable than expedition row boats, making them perfect for casual outings with friends and family. Recreational touring boats are often made of fiberglass or plastic and can be propelled by oars or an outboard motor.

Safety Tips on a Rowboat

When you’re on a row boat, follow these safety tips :

• Always wear a life jacket. They’re accommodating if you fall overboard because they’ll keep your head above water.
• Ensure the boat is in good condition before going out on it.
• Ensure you know how to swim before going out on a row boat. If the boat capsizes, ensure you can get back into it or stay afloat until someone comes to help you.
• Never go out on the boat if it’s too windy.
• If you take a row boat out in the middle of the lake, ensure no rocks or other boats are in the way.
• If you’re going out on a row boat for an extended time, make sure that there is enough food and water with you.
• Make sure the life jackets are correctly fitted.
• Make sure that someone can always swim in the boat with you if you don’t know how to swim.
• Make sure you know how to row before going out in a rowboat.
• If you’re going out on a row boat, ensure you have someone who knows how to row.
• Ensure there are no dangerous animals in the water before going into the water.

What’s the difference between a Skiff and A Rowing Boat?

Skiffs and rowing boats are both types of boats, but they have different purposes. Skiffs are built and used for racing, whereas rowing boats can be “taken out in the local park.” The main difference between the two is that boats are more expensive and require more maintenance than rowing boats.

Rowing is a type of rowing where athletes row across the water with one oar each. This sport has been around for centuries and is popular in many countries worldwide. U.S. schools and colleges will sometimes refer to the sport of rowing as crew, which is also used in nautical terms for people who operate a boat.

Rowing has traditionally been a sport focused on the arms and legs but can now include many other body parts. This makes the sport more challenging and fun! For example, you may use your back or abdominal muscles to help power your stroke while rowing.

What is the difference between sculling and sweep boats?

Sculling boats have two oars per rower, while sweep boats have one oar per rower.

Can I use a fishing row boat for racing?

Fishing row boats are not designed for racing and may not perform well in competitive settings.

How do I know what size row boat to buy?

Consider the size and weight of the boat and whether it can be easily transported on your vehicle, as well as your intended use.

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Truly Rowable Camping Sailboat

Discussion in ' Sailboats ' started by Admiral Ackbar , May 12, 2012 .

Admiral Ackbar Amphibian

Hi all, I am a longtime lurker, first time poster (thanks for many hours of informative entertainment as well as some truly epic squabbles). I'm looking for a sailboat for me and the misses to use without an engine on the Maine Islands Trail, the Great Lakes, etc., but I keep hitting a dead end. No Atlantic crossings with this one, but it will occasionally be used in some semi-unprotected waters by a semi-novice crew as a camp-cruiser. So, the issue for me has been finding the balance between a stable, ballasted, sailboat and a boat that can be rowed rather than motored for exercise/torture or when coming into port. I'm looking for as much of the following as possible: 1) Ballasted but light enough to row--probably some type of water ballast 2) 16 to 20 feet give or take a foot or two 3) Readily available on the used market for under $7K (i.e. a production boat) 4) Capable of sleeping two onboard with some degree of comfort 5) Preferably something with a headsail (mostly for practice as we would like to step up to a cutter someday) 6) Some sort of a cuddy or cabin would be great, but I'm also realistic in knowing the options will be limited if I also intend to row the thing sometimes The Sea Pearl 21 comes close, but I hate the rig and it will be tough for two to sleep onboard. Something like the Mud Hen 17 could work (maybe fill sand bags for ballast when needed), but it's pretty pricy on the used market for what it is. Any other ideas? Thanks, Eric  

Oh yeah . . . and an appropriate amount of built-in floatation is pretty much a must-have (yet oddly enough doesn't seem to be too easy to find).  

CutOnce Previous Member

I'd contact Graham Byrnes at B&B Yacht Designs - he specialises in your target usage. Since you are looking for a bargain, he might be able to point you to a used boat or a demo boat looking for a home. -- CutOnce  

bpw Senior Member

I have seen people rowing West Wight potters, seemed to go pretty well. Its amazing what you can row once up to speed, I regularly scull my 12,000 sailboat around.  

sharpii2 Senior Member

for around 7k you might have to either build your own boat or retro fit an older existing boat. A 'weekender' type sailboat, about 14 to 18 ft long, with a cuddy cabin and a 'V' berth might meet your needs. Most have a 3/4 fractional rig which, with some ingenuity, can be raised and lowered even after the boat is launched. I used to routinely raise and lower the mast of my Siren 17, while it was in the water. With such a boat, your only job would be setting up a passable rowing station. I like the idea of a short sweep. This is a single oar that goes over one side and is kept quite short, to keep the boat turning moment down. The sweep must be used with the rudder and its efficiency is probably somewhere between that of a paddle and a proper set of oars. The advantage is the shorter sweep will be much easier to stow than a yulow or a proper set of much longer oars.  

oops. wrong button.  

Thank you all. I am looking a little more seriously at the Potter 15. It's not really ballasted other than the CB, but should be stable enough for its intended purpose. Potter owners have come up with some unique rowing stations for them, and I've read that they are actually pretty enjoyable to row. Plus, it doesn't hurt that they're available and inexpensive on the used market.  

DCockey Senior Member

Admiral Ackbar said: ↑ Hi all, I am a longtime lurker, first time poster (thanks for many hours of informative entertainment as well as some truly epic squabbles). I'm looking for a sailboat for me and the misses to use without an engine on the Maine Islands Trail, the Great Lakes, etc., but I keep hitting a dead end. No Atlantic crossings with this one, but it will occasionally be used in some semi-unprotected waters by a semi-novice crew as a camp-cruiser. So, the issue for me has been finding the balance between a stable, ballasted, sailboat and a boat that can be rowed rather than motored for exercise/torture or when coming into port. I'm looking for as much of the following as possible: 1) Ballasted but light enough to row--probably some type of water ballast 2) 16 to 20 feet give or take a foot or two 3) Readily available on the used market for under $7K (i.e. a production boat) 4) Capable of sleeping two onboard with some degree of comfort 5) Preferably something with a headsail (mostly for practice as we would like to step up to a cutter someday) 6) Some sort of a cuddy or cabin would be great, but I'm also realistic in knowing the options will be limited if I also intend to row the thing sometimes The Sea Pearl 21 comes close, but I hate the rig and it will be tough for two to sleep onboard. Something like the Mud Hen 17 could work (maybe fill sand bags for ballast when needed), but it's pretty pricy on the used market for what it is. Any other ideas? Thanks, Eric Click to expand...

DCockey said: ↑ Sleeping two onboard with some degree of comfort depends on: 1) Your personal definition of comfort. 2) Size of the people involved. 3) How much room each person needs around themselves. Think about how you will actually use the boat. If you will be sleeping aboard then where will you put the gear, etc that normally occupies the space used for sleeping? If you want water ballast consider modifying a boat to add it. For Maine Island Trail you either want a boat small and light enough to pull ashore or a boat you can sleep aboard. In some parts of the country there are a reasonable number of O'Day Daysailors on the used market. Consider a yuloh or single oar off the stern for sculling. Click to expand...

Admiral Ackbar said: ↑ That said, I'm starting to lean towards a cabin-type boat such as a Potter 15, Montgomery 15 or 17, Com-Pac 16, etc. as a logical stepping stone towards getting a big cutter someday. I had some major reservations about how tough these would be to row, but reading about Larry Pardey's experiences rowing 9 tons plus at 2 knots put my fears to bed. Surely I can row against a reasonable current in something 1/10th that size. Some good reading: http://byyb.org/gaffrig/200510/article larry pardey.htm Click to expand...

Interesting comments Cut Once. But both of those designs are raid boats. They are intended to be sailed along shore in sometimes challenging conditions. The Potter, and others of its ilk (such as the Siren 17 I used to own) have greater blue water pretensions. Using them as a day sailor is bound to disappoint. But using them as a training boat for a larger real blue water boat, makes a certain amount of sense, even after you factor in the faults you mentioned. The Siren 17, I used to own, for example, could sail at a consistent 5.5 kts, once I learned her ways and got her a drifter. The trimming problem you mentioned, I did experience. Once I got her to steer herself, I often went below to pee. I found she seemed to sail faster then. As a training boat for future blue water cruises, she may not have been too bad. If I had a significant other, at the time, who was into this, I would have set up a watch system, where one tends the boat while the other rests below. This way, the boat can sail 24 hours for an indefinite period of time. Perfect for training for future blue water voyages in more capable boats. Certainly, you can do the same with a larger raid style boat, and go faster too. But its not the same as having to work around a house, traversing narrow side decks, and having to sail your way out of trouble (the auxiliary is all but useless in anything but a dead calm). All are skills one must master, if one is to make a blue water voyage one a typical blue water capable monohull. It's interesting to note that Thom Firth Jones and his wife started cruising in raid style boats (a Hobie Cat and a sailing canoe), then went on to cruising multihulls, making a good number of nearly routine blue water voyages in them. But I think they would be first to admit that, for much longer voyages (further than Bermuda, say), they would need either a larger multihull (theirs were usually in the under 30 ft range) or a much pokier monohull.  

philSweet Senior Member

I wouldn't worry too much about trying to prepare for a future keel boat and do motorless cruising now. That's kind of a non-sequitur. If you want a starter keelboat cruiser, then get a small one with all the features/hassles and learn to deal with them on a small, inexpensive scale. You can choose from thousands of 26-28 auxiliary keelboats for under $5000 at the moment. 26-28 foot is a bit awkward because it's too small to carry a dink and too big to beach, but it will carry a small kayak okay. If you want to set one up just as you stated, I think a modified Core 17 would be very good. A bit of water ballast, more flare (smaller beam at WL), and mods to accommodate rowing. Generally depower the rig and lower hull resistance and make the power disparity between sail and oar somewhat smaller. The foils on all B&B's boats look to be a bit small to my eye. I wouldn't make them any smaller when I lessened the rig. And for crying out loud, use a half-wishbone for the sprits, not a closet pole. There seems to be a good bit of interest in this spurred on by the Everglades Challenge. I'm fiddling around with something similar at the moment as well.  

messabout Senior Member

Consider something like a Lightning or Thistle that is depowered. There are plenty of them around that can be bought cheaply enough. A few years back I bought a dereliict Thistle for $75. I depowered it with a free standing rig from a Finn, removed the characteristic Thistle gratings and some of the un needed gadgetry. It made a superior beach cruiser with enough interior space, rough water ability, a good turn of speed, easily trailerable, and it was a great gunk holer that could float in eight inches of water. I never rowed it but it would scoot along nicely with a sculling oar.  

Squidly-Diddly Senior Member

I had a thread about similar size multi-use boat, but mine was more of a motor sailer. Like a "lobster dory". I'll try to dig it up later. Here it is.... http://www.boatdesign.net/forums/bo...5hp-outboard-planing-sailing-dingy-39732.html I was thinking mostly using sail for tent for most camping, or using the micro-cuddy. More of a utility/work/hunting-fishing boat.  

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scoob Junior Member

Admiral Ackbar: have you looked at the SCAMP (small craft advisor magazine project)? http://smallcraftadvisor.com/component/content/article/361 she is a John Welsford design with some additions by Kees Prins. her sailing ability is amazing. she is stable and faster than you would think. i've sailed the boat and am very impressed. intentional, under sail, capsize test - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wRZNWAkdkXM (notice how hard it is to get the boat to go over) this is an at the dock capsize test without the water ballast tank filled - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=du9lvJNVqnk the person doing the testing is Howard Rice. he is a life-long sailor, mostly in sailing ocean kayaks. Howard has rounded Cape Horn, twice, on a kayak. besides the 'build it yourself' kit, or from plans, available from Small Craft Advisor, Gig Harbor Boatworks is making a fiberglass SCAMP. -- you can find a good quality M15 or M17 on the used market for about $5000. price goes down depending on condition, outboard, trailer, etc. the M17 is a better boat, cabin wise, than the M15 for two people ... mainly because there is just enough sitting headroom on the quarter berths (need the two quarter berth version for two to sit below, not the galley version). the M17's weight is 1600# (if built by Jerry Montgomery) before you load people and stuff. the M15 is much lighter, about 800# if built by Jerry Montgomery, has a more comfortable v-berth and porta-potti setup than the M17 (no compression post), but no sitting headroom. the M15 also has positive flotation. i know some people that have tried to set up a rowing station or sculling oar on the M17 and M15 ... most never use the option after trying it once. most use a 2HP outboard on the M15 and a 4 or 5 HP outboard on the M17. -- there is also a new Jerry Montgomery design available ... no used boats on the market yet ... the Sage 17. Sage 17 is 1300#, has positive flotation (option), and has sitting headroom cabin for two on two seats and a compression post free v-berth. --  

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Little River Marine Skiffs are fast, light, hard to capsize, and esthetically gorgeous. The Open-Water Shells are sleek, fast and remarkably stable. They provide healthy, challenging, and environmentally friendly pursuits for both the athletic and recreational user.  These dories are not your daddy's rowboats.

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Out on the water, sculling is a complete workout, utilizing nearly all muscle groups and is impact free. These skiffs prepare their owners to explore, moving through rough water with confidence. 

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Our kits fold to the size of a set of golf clubs and fit in your vehicle’s trunk.  We offer the largest selection of extremely portable sailboats and sail kits anywhere.  In addition to open fishing boat rigs, we also offer sail rigs for  , , and , as well as  ,  , and   and  .  And we offer   at deep discount prices. A SailboatsToGo sail kit attaches to your open boat with no tools required.  Easy on ... easy off.  It sails crosswind, downwind and tacks into the wind. Two sail sizes with 15 different  . Plus   for everything you may want!                  Upwind sail rig for almost any open boat. ---------------------- Purchase this small inexpensive kit to enable any of the above Fishing Boat sail kits to work with your Porta-Bote! _____________________________________________________________________________ ABOUT OUR FISHING BOAT SAIL KITS Our easy clamp-on, fold-up sail kit transforms any open fishing boat, rowboat, porta-bote, or dinghy into a sailing dinghy. leeboards on the sides work like a centerboard or keel to let you tack into the wind.. The boat in most of the pictures on this page is a Lowe Sea Nymph 12 footer. Compact and Easy Setup! The sail rig folds down to a compact little 4-foot long package (a duffel bag as small as 7" x 12" x 48" would hold everything!), yet it sets up in about 30 minutes to transform your open boat into a sailboat.  No modification of your boat is required in most cases.  Everything clamps on. You could even sail with your outboard mounted. Headroom is terrific. To make setup and packup fast and easy,  we use snap-together connections and clamping u-bolt connections with star-knob nuts (like large wingnuts). After initial assembly no tools are required to setup your rig for sailing or to take it apart for transport and storage. Initial assembly is done once only and requires a screwdriver and wrench. Instructions cover everything: initial assembly, installation and removal from your boat, and how to sail.  We supplement some instructions with videos.  We've gotten lots of compliments on our instructions and we're always here to answer questions. High Performance! Our sail rigs are made tough, to stand up to wind, waves, and salt water.  All parts are made from corrosion resistant materials like anodized aluminum, high-performance plastics, and stainless steel.  You will be impressed with the quality.  Read our testimonials page to see what other buyers say. The Components The sail kit is complete with everything needed to sail upwind, crosswind, and downwind: Frame, Steering, Mast, Spars, Sail, Ropes, and Leeboards. More details about each of these parts. A sturdy T-shaped front frame made of anodized aluminum attaches to the front section of your boat and the mast step (socket) and leeboards mount to this frame. The mast is inserted into the mast step. The spars are mounted on the mast using a mast slide that allows the sail to pivot around the mast. Leeboards snap into the sides of the front frame. Leeboards allow you to sail crosswind and upwind as well as downwind. Leeboard perform the same function as a centerboard or  keel  in  this respect and they work just as well.  Any of these devices is nothing but a vertical fin in the water making it easier for the boat to go  forward and harder for it to slip sideways. You do not need to fiddle with the leeboards while sailing -- just leave them hanging down. You can sail right into the beach and the leeboards will kick up by themselves. Steering on the standard version of the rig is by a special wide-bladed ruddering oar, which pivots off a crossbar that clamps to your boat near the transom.  This rear crossbar has pivot holes that accept the pivot pin attached to the ruddering oar, so you can steer from any position -- center, port side, starboard side, or in between, just by repositioning the oar.  You can have a motor in the center and still steer off one side.   Steering from an off-center position makes no difference to the handling.   Get a second steering oar, put one on each side, and then you can switch to rowing to propel the boat in an instant, using the steering oars as rowing oars. Optional kick-up rudder takes the place of the standard steering oar assembly.  You can still beach the boat with rudder mounted, because of the automatic kick-up blade.  Rudder is the most effortless steering method, but a steering oar provides much more control if you lose forward motion or for quick turns in tight spaces. The Porta-Bote adapter kit adds a second crossbar to the front frame and special mounting plates (J brackets) for those boats that lack a gunwale for the kit to clamp onto, like the Porta Bote. Works on any Porta-Bote model.   Simpler, less expensive, and more portable than any other sail kit for the Porta-Bote. Worried about stability? Add our stabilizer floats . The float arms snap into the front crossbar, but most dinghies don't need them. "Your sailing rig is a good fit for the Porta-bote.  It's light-weight but sturdy and disassembles to a small space ...  It seems like the Porta-Bote sails slower than a boat its size built for sailing.  For speed, I recommend a Porta-bote owner obtain the larger sail. " John, Traverse City, MI, July 2008 Details on Ordering Sail Kits for Open Boats and Porta-Botes Questions:  Email [email protected] or call 978-263-7598 Sailkit Versions and Options This sail rig comes in three versions:  Standard sailkit ,   Deluxe sailkit with Steering Oar Steering  , and  Deluxe sailkit with Rudder Steering .  (Click these links for more information or to add to your cart.) The Standard version has a 45 square foot nylon sail and steering oar type steering.   The Deluxe versions upgrade the sail to 55 square feet, a heavy duty mast, and includes a carry bag. One of the two Deluxe versions comes with steering oar steering like most of our kits. The other subtitutes a clamp on rudder for the steering oar steering. If you prefer, you can purchase the Standard version and add just the 55 square foot upgrade or just the carry bag using these links: Order the Standard sailkit  only. Add the 55 square foot sail upgrade .  Add the Carry bag . About Rudder Steering The Deluxe Rudder Steering sailkit uses eyebolts mounted into your boat's transom. We also offer an option to change this to a clamp on rudder that mounts over the transom. More Info .   About Your Boat's Gunwales If your boat does not have a good lip projecting horizontally from the top edge of the gunwale (most boats do), then you will need two pairs of bolt-on J-brackets to receive our gunwale clamps (picture below).   Ordering info .  Order 2 sets. You can use the links above to order these items or you can also find them on the fishing boat main page. About the Porta-Bote Adapter Kit This same rig will work on the Porta-Bote with the addition of another, smaller front crossbar up near the base of the mast since the bow on a Porta-Bote is open and not suitable to support the front of the front assembly.  Bolt-on J-brackets to receive our gunwale clamps are also required, since the gunwale lip on the Porta-Bote is not suitable.   The brackets stay on the boat and the rig installation and removal is still a no-tool operation.  The brackets are quite unobtrusive.  The complete set of Porta-Bote adapters consists of 3 sets of bolt-on brackets, secondary front crossbar, and additional set of small gunwale clamps for the additional crossbar. Ordering Info. Picture below shows the small bolt-on bracket and how that mates up with out gunwale clamp. Co-owners Jim Luckett and Rob Michael are passionate about extremely portable sailing.  If you need assistance shopping, sailing advice, or have a boat not listed on our site, contact us! Contact Us : Call  1-888-Joy-Sail or 1- 978-263-7598. Email: [email protected] General Ordering Information and Return Policy Sailing Safety Tips How Do Sailboats Work Without Wind? Last Updated by Daniel Wade June 15, 2022 When it comes to sailing, the momentum that's brought about by wind is exactly what propels your sailboat. But what happens when there's no wind and it feels like the sailboat is sitting on the water going nowhere? Well, the sails will become slack and your sailboat will just drift along. So unless you have oars or a motor attached to a propeller, you might not go anywhere. Although the total absence of wind is physically impossible when out there on the water, it can sometimes happen and you may be wondering what to do with your sailboat as it mainly relies on the wind. Of course, it will feel eerily strange because your sailboat will just drift along given that a sailboat with no wind has no propulsion. So whether the wind is blocked by land or there's just no wind on the water, it's of great importance to know how sailboats work without wind. When sailing there are those weird times when it may feel like there's no wind to propel your sailboat. In most cases, you'll have two options when there are no winds to propel your boat. You can either choose to row your sailboat, which can be very exhausting or you can resort to the motors if they're attached to your propellers. But if these options aren't available for you, then you may have to tide over and just float with the tides and wait for the wind to return. In essence, you may have to make a small amount of wind work until a larger amount of wind is available. In this brief article, we'll highlight how you can get around when there's no wind to propel your sailboat. Table of contents Know Various Parts of Your Sailboat Sailboats are not like cars. You definitely know that you can drive your car without necessarily knowing how the car's piston or engine works. All you have to do is use the ignition to turn on the engine, shift into the required gear, step on the gas pedal and you'll be good to go. Unfortunately, the same cannot be said of a sailboat. Well, you have to play a far more active role in bringing together and harnessing the power that propels the sailboat forward, which in this case, is the wind. Without having the winds in your sails, the boat will not move forward. Instead, you'll only drift along and get stuck in the neutral. Worst still, you can easily capsize. As such, it's of great importance to have a good grasp of how the wind works in propelling a sailboat and what you can do without it. When there are forces of the wind on the sails, it's referred to as aerodynamics and can propel the sailboat by lifting it in the same way the winds lift an airplane wing. Generally, the force of the wind that lifts and propels the sailboat often contains sideways force and small forward force and so you need to trim the sails accordingly so that you can experience the least resistance. But what happens when there's no wind? Well, here's what you can do. You can rely on Hydrodynamics of the Water Flow As we noted earlier, it's physically impossible to have a total absence of wind while out there on the water. But even if it happens, which is of course very rare, you can rely on the heat from the warm zone to the cold zone, which will definitely create some form of hydrodynamics or flow, which would then create currents to at least propel your sailboat even if not in the same way as the winds. In terms of relativity, strong winds may not be of great help to you when it comes to propelling your sailboat if it's accompanied by insignificant currents. Similarly strong currents with insignificant winds may not be of much help in propelling a sailboat. However, many modern sailboats are designed in such a way that they can work just fine even when there are strong currents with insignificant winds without a lot of modifications. The most important thing is to ensure that the sails of your boat are relative to the existing strong currents. For example, if the existing currents have a speed of 15 knots, it would be easier to propel your sailboat using the same exact techniques you'd use when you have the winds or 15 knots. The idea here is the many modern sailboats are designed with hydrodynamic engineering techniques that make them feel as if you have 15 knots winds when the currents are at 15 knots. The only difference may revolve around the fact that in addition to the normal sailing speed that you're managing, you also have to manage the 15 knots offset in the direction of the currents. This explanation may seem complex from the onset but it's pretty much easy. When there's no wind and you're trying to sail with the current, it means that you're technically trying to sail upwind, so you have to apply the similar techniques that you always use when sailing upwind. Sailing with the Current Simply put, sailing upwind means that you're sailing exactly anti-parallel to the wind. This revolves around the wind blowing into the sails and pushing against them. The science behind this is that the wind is faster than a sailboat, which leads to the air getting decelerated by the sails. The sails will push back against the wind so the wind pushes forward on the sails. It's a lot easier to sail upwind because the wind pushes you in the same direction it is going but it may not offer the most interesting way of sailing. The same can be said when you have to rely on the currents when there are no winds. The only difference is that the currents will push the keel if you're sailing in the direction of the currents. Sailing against the Current The problems revolving around sailing without winds may start sneaking up their heads when you're sailing against the currents. You will most likely drift along, remain afloat, or even make negative progress. As such, the best thing is to deal with the situation by tiding over and doing your best to remain afloat until the winds fill up your sails. You have to remember that it's almost impossible to control the direction of your sailboat by just relying on a single strong current. Generally, a sailboat can only go in a different direction from the direction in which the wind is blowing because it has a second sail, which is the keel under the water. But because you can no longer use the actual sails, you only have the keel and it will be impossible to apply both the aerodynamic forces of the wind and the hydrodynamic forces of the water currents, and your sailboat will most likely remain stagnant or make a negative process if you have to travel against the currents with no winds. On the contrary, if you're drifting the direction of the very fast currents, you'll get your sailboat moving even when the wind speed over land is zero. Of course, you won't get lots of speed but you'll make some progress. Relying on Propellers If your sailboat has motor propellers, then it will be pretty much easy to propel your sailboat even when there are no winds. The propeller works by literally using a portion of the forward energy to propel the sailboat forward while directing the same energy back to the propeller to blow backward. This then creates additional energy and an additional thrust in some form of a domino effect or an amplifying cycle. So if you anticipate that a time may come that your sailboat might have to work without wind, you can choose to fit your sailboat with a folding or feathering propeller to give you an extra knot when the sails seem not to be the reliable option just because there are no winds. Many modern propellers are designed not just to minimize drag but also in a position perpendicular to the water flow. This is to help them have a neutral cutting edge to the water and can propel the boat ahead. If your sailboat does not have motor propellers and you do not want to rely on the currents, your remaining option would be to go back to the good old days when muscles were the order of the day. You can do it the way Egyptians and Romans used to do by rowing your boat. This can be quite exhausting but it's good for your body and soul if you have to move forward at all costs. The idea here is that you have to be your own wind by creating opportunities for yourself. Rowing will be tiresome but it can give you the right momentum that you need when the wind comes back. So if there is no wind, no propellers, and the currents are working against you, rowing could be an ideal alternative. To this end, it's important to be prepared in the event that there are no winds to propel your sailboat. Knowing what to do in such a situation can be the difference between life and death. And even if you've decided to sail with the water currents, use propellers (if they're already fitted on your boat), or have to row your boat, just don't take your sails down. It won't be long before the wind comes so you should give up just yet. Related Articles I've personally had thousands of questions about sailing and sailboats over the years. As I learn and experience sailing, and the community, I share the answers that work and make sense to me, here on Life of Sailing. by this author How to Sail Most Recent What Does "Sailing By The Lee" Mean? 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Top Rated Posts Lifeofsailing.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon. This site also participates in other affiliate programs and is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies. (866) 342-SAIL © 2024 Life of Sailing Email: [email protected] Address: 11816 Inwood Rd #3024 Dallas, TX 75244 Disclaimer Privacy Policy US death row inmate to get life in prison after DNA testing weakens conviction Medium Text Sign up here. Reporting by Joseph Ax; Editing by Josie Kao Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles. , opens new tab Read Next / Editor's Picks Industry Insight David Thomas Luc Cohen, Susan Heavey Mike Scarcella, David Thomas Ford cancels its electric three-row SUV and delays futuristic electric truck Ford will focus on pushing ‘a range of electrification options,’ including more hybrids.. By Umar Shakir , a news writer fond of the electric vehicle lifestyle and things that plug in via USB-C. He spent over 15 years in IT support before joining The Verge. Share this story Ford is canceling its electric three-row SUV and delaying the launch of a new electric pickup truck until 2027. The Expedition-like SUV had already been delayed to 2027; with its cancellation, the company will now pivot to making new gas and hybrid-powered three-row SUVs. Ford now says it won’t release any new electric vehicles until it can ensure profitability on the models within the first year of launch (beyond vehicles we’ve already heard about, like the European-only Capri and Explorer ). Ford will also prioritize a new commercial EV van that will begin production in Ohio in 2026. Ford has struggled to bring its spending on EV production in line with the revenue brought in by its vehicle lineup, which includes the Mustang Mach-E, F-150 Lightning, and E-Transit van. The company reported a $1.3 billion loss for its Model e EV division in the first quarter of 2024 and a $1.1 billion loss in the second quarter. Meanwhile, EV sales growth across the industry has slowed down , and automakers of all stripes are reining in expectations about the shift to electric vehicles. The automaker is reducing capital spending on EVs to 30 percent, down from the previous 40 percent. The canceled electric SUV could potentially cost Ford $1.5 billion in expenses and a special non-cash charge of $400 million. Ford was also reportedly working on a more affordable EV in one of the automaker’s skunkworks labs , which is still on track. The first vehicle will be a midsize electric truck, not a compact one that had previously been rumored. Ford is also looking to add hybrid powertrain options to its upcoming next-generation Super Duty pickup trucks, similar to the company’s hybrid F-150. Meanwhile, the expected successor to the F-150 Lightning , known as the T3 truck, will now go into production in late 2027 instead of 2025. According to Ford, “the truck will offer features and experiences never seen on any Ford truck, including upgraded bi-directional charging capability and advanced aerodynamics.” Nothing is requiring employees to be in the office five days a week The ftc’s noncompete agreements ban is blocked, google pixel 9 pro and 9 pro xl review: ai all over the place, google’s ai ‘reimagine’ tool helped us add wrecks, disasters, and corpses to our photos, chick-fil-a is reportedly launching a streaming service for some reason. More from Transpo Volkswagen’s electric ID Buzz van will start at $59,995 in the US Lucid CEO calls EV market softness ‘a temporary blip’ and says hybrids are a dead end A Tesla Semi crashed and caught fire on a California highway Hydrogen cars flopped, but fuel cells are finding new life in trucks and boats Oprah Winfrey's speech at DNC: ‘Who says you can’t go home again?’ Full text of winfrey’s convention address to delegates at united center.. Oprah Winfrey speaks during the Democratic National Convention Wednesday, Aug. 21, 2024, at the United Center Ashlee Rezin/Sun-Times Full prepared remarks of Oprah Winfrey on Wednesday at the Democratic National Convention. Good evening, everybody! Who says you can’t go home again? After watching the Obamas last night, that was some epic fire, was it not? We are so fired up, we cannot wait to leave here and do something! And what we are going to do is select Kamala Harris as the next president of the United States! I am so honored to have been asked to speak on tonight’s theme about what matters the most to me, to you, and all of us Americans. Freedom. There are people who want you to see our country as a nation of us against them. People who want to scare you. Who want to rule you. People who would have you believe that books are dangerous. And assault rifles are safe. That that there was a right way to worship and a wrong way to love. People who seek first to divide, and then to conquer. But here is the thing. When we stand together, it is impossible to conquer us. In the words of an extraordinary American, the late Congressman John Lewis, no matter what ship our ancestors arrived on, we are all in the same boat now. He knew very well how far this country has come because he was one of the brilliant Americans who helped get us to where we are. But he also knew that the work is not done. The work will never be done, because freedom is not free. America is an ongoing project. It requires commitment, it requires being open to the hard work and to the heart work of democracy. And every now and then, it requires standing up to life’s bullies. I know this. I have lived in Mississippi. In Tennessee. In Wisconsin. Maryland. Indiana. Florida. Hawaii. Colorado. California. And sweet home Chicago, Illinois! I have actually traveled this country from the redwood forests to the gulf stream waters. I have seen racism and sexism and income inequality and division. I have not only seen it, at times, I have been on the receiving end of it. But more often than not, what I have witnessed and experienced are human beings, both conservative and liberal, who may not agree with each other, but who still will help you in a heartbeat if you are in trouble. These are the people who make me proud to say that I am an American. They are the best of America. And despite what some would have you think, we are not so different from our neighbors. When a house is on fire, we do not ask about the homeowners race or religion. We do not wonder who their partner is or how they voted. No. We just try to do the best we can to save them. And if the place happens to belong to a childless cat lady — we tried to get the cat out, too. Because we are a country of people who work hard for the money. We wish our brothers and sisters well and we pray for peace. We know all the old tricks and tropes designed to distract us from what actually matters. But we on — we are beyond ridiculous tweets and lies and foolery. These are complicated times, people, and they require adult conversation. And I welcome those conversations, because civilized debate is vital to democracy, and it is the best of America. Now over the last couple of nights, we have all seen brave people walk onto the stage and share their most private pain. Amanda, Josh, Caitlin, and Hadley, told us their stories of rape and incest. The near death experiences from having the state deny them the abortion their doctor explained was medically necessary. And they told us these things for one reason, and that is to keep what happened to them from happening to anybody else because if you do not have autonomy over this, if you cannot control when and how you choose to bring your children into this world and how they are raised and supported, there is no American dream. The women and men who are battling to keep us from going back to a time of desperation and shame and stone cold fear, they are the new freedom fighters. And make no mistake, they are the best of America. I want to talk now about somebody who is not with us tonight. Tessie Prevost Williams was born in New Orleans not long after the Supreme Court ruled that segregated public schools were unconstitutional. That was in 1954, same year I was born. But I did not have to head to first grade with a U. S. Marshal by my side at an all-white school. When I go to school, the building was not empty like it was for Tessie. Rather than allowing the daughter to be integrated, parents pulled their kids out of the school, leaving only Tessie and two other little black girls, Gail and Leona, to sit in a classroom with the windows papered over to block snipers from attacking their six-year-old bodies. Tessie passed away six weeks ago. And I tell this story to honor her tonight. Because she — like Ruby Bridges and her friends Leona and Gail, the New Orleans Four, as they were called, broke barriers and paid dearly for it. But it was the great courage of women like Tessie that paved the way for another young girl, who, nine years later, became part of the second class to integrate in public schools in Berkeley, California. And it seems to me that at school and at home, somebody did a beautiful job of showing this young girl how to challenge the people at the top and empower the people at the bottom. They showed her how to look at the world and see not just what is, but what can be. They instilled in her a passion for justice and freedom and the glorious fighting spirit necessary to pursue that passion. And very soon, very soon we are going to be teaching our daughters and sons about how this child of an Indian mother and Jamaican father, two idealistic and energetic immigrants, — how this child grew up to become the 47th president of the United States! That is the best of America! Let me tell you this. This election is not about us and them. It is about you and me. And what we want our futures to look like. There are choices to be made when we cast our ballot. Now there is a certain candidate that says we only have to go to the polls just one time and then we will never have to do it again. You know what? You are looking at a registered independent who is proud to vote again and again and again because I am an American and that is what Americans do. Voting is the best of America. And I have always, since I was eligible to vote, I have always voted by values. And that is what is needed in this election, now more than ever. So I am calling on all you independents and all you undecideds. You know this is true. You know I am telling you the truth. That values and character matter most of all. In leadership and in life. And more than anything, you know this is true, that decency and respect are on the ballot in 2024. And just plain common sense. Common sense tells you that Kamala Harris and Tim Walz can give us decency and respect. They are the ones to give it to us. So. We are Americans. Let us choose loyalty to the constitution over loyalty to any individual. Because that is the best of America. And let us choose optimism over cynicism. Because that is the best of America. And let us choose inclusion over retribution, common sense over nonsense. Because that is the best of America! And let us choose the sweet promise of tomorrow over the bitter return to yesterday. We will not go back. We won’t be sent back, pushed back, kicked back, we are not going back. Let us choose truth. Let us choose honor. Let us choose jooooooooooooy! Because that is the best of America! But more than anything else, let us choose freedom. Why? Because that is the best of America! We are all Americans, and together, let us all choose Kamalaaaaaaaa Haaaaaaaarris! Thank you, Chicago! Get the latest election and Democratic National Convention updates from the Sun-Times DNC Group Chat. Sign up here or text ELECTION to 260-233-9818 to join. 108 IMAGES Sail and row boat ~ Sailboat optimist plans Sailboats You Can Row (Complete List) Whitehall Rowing & Sail Kayaks, Vancouver, All About Water, Wooden Sliding seat rowing boat plans ~ Sailboat mobile diy Sail row boat ~ School project build a boat Sailboats You Can Row (Complete List) COMMENTS Sailboats You Can Row (Complete List) They offer three sailboats that you can row, which include the Norseboat 12.5, 17.5 Classic, and the 21.5. Each boat offers unique features that can suit any sailor's tastes. They all are well built and are fast, but the size could make the biggest difference. The prices range from $13,000 to $35,000 depending on size and features. 10 Best Small Sailboats (Under 20 Feet) Imagine a sailboat that calls itself the "Swiss Army Knife of Boats!" Well, this is a boat that can sail and row equally well. Whether you're stepping down from a larger cruiser or stepping up from a sea kayak, the unique Norseboat 17.5 is balanced, attractive, and salty. Best Small Sailboats, Beginner and Trailerable Sailboats The boat is designed with positive flotation and offers good load-carrying capacity, which you could put to use if you added the available canvas work and camping tent. NorseBoats offers a smaller sibling, the 12.5, as well; both are available in kit form. $19,000, (902) 659-2790, norseboat.com. 6 Different Types of Row Boats Sculling and sweep rowing are the two most common types of rowing. Scullers are rowers who use two oars, one on each side. Sweep rowers are those who only use one oar at a time. Sculling is divided into three categories: single (1x), double (2x), as well as a quad (4x) (four people). Gig Harbor Boat Works Classic Rowboats, Skiff Sailboats, and Yacht Tenders. Traditional design. Modern sensibilities. Gig Harbor Boat Works is the builder of a unique line of premium small boats for rowing and sailing. Our boats are modern fiberglass reproductions of traditional working boats, used by people who earned their living using only wind and oar. Best Daysailers Under 20 Feet Here's something completely different—a boat that bills itself as the "Swiss Army Knife of Boats" because you can sail it or row it. With traditional styling, the NorseBoat 17.5 is a performance boat whether human or wind-powered that features two rowing stations and lots of room to stow stuff. An Easy Guide to the 8 Best (And Funnest) Small Sailboats Its enduring popularity, strong class association, and supportive community make it a beloved classic in the world of small sailboats, embodying a perfect blend of performance, comfort, and inclusivity for sailors of all levels. 8. Hobie Cat. Start a fun hobby with the Hobbie Cat. Length: 16.7ft / 5.04 m. 10' Navigator 10′ Navigator. The Navigator is a great knockabout small boat. Fun to row and sail, it makes an excellent ship-to-shore yacht tender. It's also light enough for cartop transport—handy for boating on inland lakes and the inner harbor. The Navigator is an excellent boat for general recreational use, as a yacht tender or personal watercraft. RowCruiser The RowCruiser from Angus Boats ticked all my boxes for a solo cruiser. Its designer, Colin Angus, knows row-cruising, having traveled thousands of miles under oars. The RowCruiser is available as plans—either full-sized paper patterns DXF files for cutting ply locally via a CNC cutter—or as a stitch-and-glue kit with pieces CNC-cut from European BS 1088 okoume plywood. Included is a 72 ... Whitehall Spirit® Solo 14® Slide Seat Sculling Rowboat This boat will change your life, providing fitness, health, and positive energy. On the water, in nature, breathing fresh clean air is good for the lungs, body and soul. This stable seaworthy boat handles wind and waves safely and with a feeling of confidence and well-being. The Solo 14® is the most popular of all 18 rowboat models we build. Heritage 15 Freeboard amidships: 15″. Pick-Up Weight * 100 lbs. Single. 110 lbs. Double. Draft (depth in water): 3″ - 4″. Carrying Capacity: 431 lbs. (coast guard rating) *Pick up weight equals boat without Monorails, or what you would normally pick up on your car. Monorails weigh 16 lbs and arms weigh 3lbs a pair. 5 best small sailboats for sailing around the world Vancouver 28. Photo credit: YachtFathom.co.uk. A sensible small boat with a "go-anywhere" attitude, this pocket cruiser was designed with ocean sailors in mind. One of the best cruising sailboats under 40 feet, the Vancouver 28 is great sailing in a small package. Hull Type:Full keel with transom hung rudder. Sailboat & Rowboat with a Cabin Sail, Row, and Sleep ... and added a performance ketch sailing rig with planing amas (outriggers). The result is a boat that can sail up to 11 or 12 knots, or in calms can be rowed at 4 knots for hours. This is an economical boat that turns heads, and straightforward stitch and glue construction is utilized for the three hulls. ... If you have ... Norseboat NorseBoat 17.5 in 2002. His concept. was simple: versatile, seaworthy sailing. and rowing boats with classic lines and. high performance. Since form and. function were both important, Kevin. collaborated with Chuck Paine &. Associates in Camden, Maine to. Dinghy The Portland Pudgy (7′ 8″, 128 lb., USCG-approved as a rowboat and motorboat for 4 people) is designed and manufactured (in the USA) to be an exceptionally rugged, stable, unsinkable boat. Its pram shape allows it to fit on the deck of many cruising sailboats. This small boat is so stable you can stand up and walk around in it. Best Small Sailboats for Beginners You can learn to sail on any sailboat but small boats are better teachers because they react quickly to crew weight shifts, wind shifts and every command on the tiller or wheel. This immediate feedback is a valuable tool for student sailors and it's usually easy to spot sailors who started out on smaller tiller-driven boats rather than on large steering wheel boats because they're more ... How to Row a Boat Row, row, row your boat - faster and more efficiently, after you watch this video. Rowing a boat may seem simple, but there's actually more to it than you might think. In fact, how you row a boat is something of a lost art. Join me as I walk through the basic techniques for rowing, feathering the oars, how to turn, and how to ship the oars. Row Boat Types: Traditional vs. Modern Designs Skiffs and rowing boats are both types of boats, but they have different purposes. Skiffs are built and used for racing, whereas rowing boats can be "taken out in the local park.". The main difference between the two is that boats are more expensive and require more maintenance than rowing boats. Rowing is a type of rowing where athletes ... Truly Rowable Camping Sailboat 1) Ballasted but light enough to row--probably some type of water ballast. 2) 16 to 20 feet give or take a foot or two. 3) Readily available on the used market for under $7K (i.e. a production boat) 4) Capable of sleeping two onboard with some degree of comfort. Gottarow.com Yet, you can row out and drop a line, or just enjoy a quiet afternoon on the water. They are roomy enough to take your dog, lunch and a friend. I enjoy talking about rowing and sailing skiffs with clients. Call me to find out more about these open-water skiffs, sailboats and shells. Feel free to contact me, Rob Williams with your questions. Sailboats To Go » Sail kit converts your rowboat to a sailboat If you need assistance shopping, sailing advice, or have a boat not listed on our site, contact us! Contact Us: Call 1-888-Joy-Sail or 1- 978-263-7598. Email: [email protected]. This folding clamp-on sail kit converts your rowboat into a fully capable sailboat. Clamps on. 10.5' Mini Max Oar Rig The Ultimate Play Boat! The Mini-Max is the most versatile little boat you can find. We've rigged this boat as a sweet little 10.5' row rig, with 8.5' oars, a 50 qt. Canyon cooler, and a lightweight breakdown rowing frame. A totally rad small craft, load it up for an ultra-light,multi-day trip or an expedition where these boats really are the ideal craft for exploration. How Do Sailboats Work Without Wind? Without having the winds in your sails, the boat will not move forward. Instead, you'll only drift along and get stuck in the neutral. Worst still, you can easily capsize. As such, it's of great importance to have a good grasp of how the wind works in propelling a sailboat and what you can do without it. When there are forces of the wind on the ... Bayesian yacht: Fifth body found in search for those missing from ... Angela Barcares, Mike Lynch's wife, survived. Speaking to the Italian daily La Repubblica while sitting in a wheelchair in a Sicilian hospital, Bacares said she was woken at 4 a.m. local time as ... GOP-controlled election board in Georgia passes rule that could ... The Georgia State Election Board passed a rule Monday giving local election officials additional power to investigate ballot counts before certifying the results, a move critics say could inject ... US death row inmate to get life in prison after DNA testing weakens A Missouri inmate convicted of fatally stabbing a woman in 1998 will avoid the death penalty and instead be sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole, prosecutors said on ... Bayesian yacht: What we know about the luxury boat sank by a ... Emergency workers in southern Italy are still hunting for six people missing after a tornado sank a luxury yacht early Monday - prompting an air and naval operation off the coast of Sicily. Ford cancels its electric three-row SUV and delays futuristic electric Ford is canceling its electric three-row SUV and delaying the launch of a new electric pickup truck until 2027. The Expedition-like SUV had already been delayed to 2027; with its cancellation, the ... Budget airline Wizz Air launches 'all you can fly' annual deal Wizz Air was named the worst airline for UK flight delays for the third year in a row in June Budget airline Wizz Air has launched an 'all you can fly' subscription, which offers customers ... Oprah Winfrey's speech at DNC: 'Who says you can't go home again You are looking at a registered independent who is proud to vote again and again and again because I am an American and that is what Americans do. Voting is the best of America. catamaran gulet motorboat powerboat riverboat sailboat trimaran yacht