Product Reviews | Small Boats

5

January 2026

Gas Growler 3.8

A compact refillable propane tank

Single-use pressurized fuel canisters are ideal for camp-cruising but typically can neither be refilled nor easily disposed of. Christopher Cunningham reviews a new refillable small tank from Ignik.

5

January 2026

Shackleton’s Boat Journey

A story of survival

Frank Worsley’s account of his voyage from Elephant Island to South Georgia, with Sir Ernest Shackleton and four other crew members from the ill-fated ENDEAVOUR, is as exciting and remarkable today as it was when first published in 1933.

3

December 2025

Ankle Deck Boots

Comfortable waterproof short boots from Xtratuf

Boots that are waterproof, sturdy, and comfortable are not easy to find, but Xtratuf has managed to combine all three elements in the Ankle Deck Boots for men, women, and kids.

4

December 2025

DeWalt Dry Hand Vacuum

A convenient cordless vacuum for the shop

A reliable vacuum with good suction is a must in any busy workshop. The DeWalt cordless vacuum is powerful but small enough to be used in tight spaces and light enough to be carried on a belt hook.

4

November 2025

Canvas Oar Bag

A protective carrier for well-loved oars

Carrying oars is often awkward and keeping them safe from damage when on land is never easy, but the Canvas Oar Bag solves both problems at once, creating a well-balanced load within a durable cover.

3

November 2025

NRS Deluxe Boat Sponge

A boat sponge with a difference

A sponge within a terry-cloth cover, the NRS Deluxe Boat Sponge is good at picking up water, grit, and bits of debris.

3

October 2025

Wooster Shortcut Brush

An inexpensive short-handled brush

The Wooster Paintbrush Company has been in business since 1851. In 1999 they introduced the Shortcut, a synthetic-bristle brush with a short flexible handle and suitable for all paint types.

4

October 2025

Cressi’s Minorca Shorty Boots

Neoprene booties with style, comfort, and practicality

Christopher Cunningham enjoys sailing barefoot, but when it comes to going ashore he reaches for his favorite neoprene booties.

2

September 2025

Harpswell Island Designs

Handcrafted boat pillows

Harpswell Island Designs’ pillows look good, wear well, and come in myriad styles from club burgees and state flags to abstract and whimsical designs.

4

September 2025

Project M23 Waterproof Field Bag

A protective bag from Expedition/Units with inserts for a camera

For years, Bill Thomas has sought a small waterproof bag to keep his camera equipment safe and dry on small boats. The Field Bag with Camera Block is rugged, waterproof, and just the right size.

3

August 2025

NRS Float Bags

Inflatable flotation for small boats

Not all small boats have built-in buoyancy, but flotation is important. NRS Float Bags are available in a range of sizes, made from tough, long-lasting materials, and come with a lifetime warranty.

4

August 2025

W.L. Fuller Countersinks

A popular tool approaches 100 years of longevity

Tapered drill bits with countersinks may not be the most glamorous tools in the workshop, but no boatbuilder would be without them. W.L. Fuller has been making countersinks and special-purpose drill bits of unbeatable quality and durability in Rhode Island since 1930.

3

July 2025

Flextail Max Shower

Keeping clean while cruising

When you’re small-boat cruising, you shouldn’t have to forgo all the luxuries of modern living. With its own pump, the Flextail Max Shower delivers good flow for refreshing bathing even in remote camps and anchorages.

2

July 2025

Kirby’s Marine Topside Hull and Deck Paint

Custom paint production since the mid-19th century

The George Kirby Jr. Paint Company has been hand-mixing top-quality marine paints to order for the past 179 years. As viable today as they were in the 1840s, the paints are user-friendly, durable, and available in any color.

4

June 2025

QuikFair from System Three Resins

An easily applied epoxy fairing putty

Some blemishes can’t be covered up with a seasonal coat of paint but don’t warrant an entire repaint. QuikFair is a two-part epoxy compound that adheres to old finishes, is easy to apply, and can be sanded within hours of application.

3

June 2025

Kayalite Kayak Light

A practical all-around light for small boats

Even the smallest of boats need lights if they are to be operated between sunset and sunrise. The Kayalite from Kayalu is waterproof, floats, and can be quickly set up and removed as needed.

3

May 2025

Melbourne Tool Company Spokeshave

Quality design in an old favorite

Well-made traditional spokeshaves were once ubiquitous, but now are hard to find. The new spokeshaves from Melbourne Tool Company find a sweet spot, combining old-fashioned quality with modern upgrades.

6

May 2025

Omnia Oven

Baking in the backcountry

When you think camp-cruising, you probably don’t imagine fresh-baked bread. But with the compact and lightweight stovetop Omnia oven, bread, cookies, and even a well-stuffed calzone are all possible.

3

April 2025

SLO Covers and Bags

Quality covers for small boats

Protecting boats from the weather—both rain and sunshine—prolongs their finishes and reduces maintenance needs. Bundling sails and spars together helps keep them organized and makes it easier to carry them. SLO Sail and Canvas makes good-quality, well-fitting covers and bags in durable materials.

4

April 2025

Jorgensen Corner Easing Plane

A compact plane for rounding edges

Smooth and rounded edges are important on boats. The compact Jorgensen Corner Easing Plane helps to achieve them.

4

March 2025

DEWALT DCS334

A cordless variable-speed jigsaw

Cordless power tools have many advantages over their corded counterparts, but being cordless shouldn’t compromise their performance. The DeWalt DCS334 jigsaw delivers precision cuts, long-lasting power, and excellent operator control.

3

March 2025

Preval Sprayer

A compact aerosol sprayer for use with paint and varnish

Applying finishes to small or hard-to reach areas can be frustrating, but the aerosol-powered Preval Sprayer makes such jobs easy, producing less waste with quick cleanup.

4

February 2025

Mustang Survival Quadra Dry Suit

A dry suit with innovative design and impressive performance

Extending your boating into colder seasons requires some specialized gear to keep you safe and warm. For a small-boat user, a dry suit is a worthwhile investment and Mustang’s new Quadra offers top-notch materials and workmanship.

3