Series

February 2026

Adding a Fixed Skeg to a Kayak

A simple way to introduce directional stability

Sometimes directional stability is more important to recreational kayakers than a high degree of maneuverability; David Dawson describes how to add small fixed wooden skegs to kayaks of any material.

February 2026

PHEATHER 2, Ultralight Canoe

Designing and building a see-through canoe for calm waters

In his quest to make the most of an urban-park lake just a few miles from his home in Waterloo, Ontario, Matt Morris has been designing ever-lighter craft that he can trailer behind his bike. His latest Urban Boat development, PHEATHER 2, weighs less than 12 lbs and has a transparent skin.

February 2026

Automatic Vacuum Switches

Practical solutions for workshop dust collection

To avoid the unhealthy effects of airborne wood dust in his workshop, Christopher Cunningham uses automatic switches that turn his dust collector and shop vacuum on and off whenever his woodworking machines are in use.

February 2026

Silver Ridge Pants

Moisture-wicking convertible pants from Columbia Sportswear

The convertible Silver Ridge pants from Columbia Sportswear are fast-drying, sun-blocking, relaxed-fit pants that can be worn full-length or as above-the-knee shorts. Audrey and Kent Lewis find them ideal for their three-season boating.

February 2026

The Tawe Nunnugah 2025 RAID

A coastal cruise in Tasmania

Every other year the Living Boat Trust of Tasmania organizes a “raid” for small boats. Sailing from Recherche Bay to Hobart, Tasmania, the raiders’ goal is to arrive in time for the Australian Wooden Boat Festival. In 2025 Jan Kent joined them in his Cygnet 20.

February 2026

Seahopper Lighter

A flatpack boat for sail, oar, and outboard

Nic Compton reviews the Seahopper Lighter, a small folding boat that has been around for more than 50 years and has proved itself as a sailboat, rowboat, motorboat, and load-carrying family tender.

February 2026

Chestnut Kruger

A sporty 16′ canoe from Newfound Woodworks

At 16′, the Chestnut Kruger from Newfound Woodworks is, perhaps, the ideal canoe size. Ben Fuller reviews the strip-planked kit-built canoe suited to both tandem and solo paddlers.

Small Boats Annual 2013

Hazel 18

A brand-new classic daysailer

Small Boats Annual 2013

The Cross Island Skiff

Ready to carry just about anything, just about anywhere

For exploring backwaters and uncharted beaches and islands, if there is an "all-terrain vehicle" of the marine world, this boat might well be it.

Small Boats Annual 2013

ELLAJEN

A sailing canoe

The early Prospector was developed to carry a load of gear, to cope with choppy waters, and to be maneuverable.

Small Boats Annual 2013

Rangeley Boat

A nimble rowing craft from Maine’s lake country

Developed in the late-19th century for Maine lake fishing camps, the Rangeley type has long been admired as a capable small craft with excellent rowing characteristics.

January 2026

From Drift Boat to Sharpie

Building small boats in Colorado

Steve Wenger has built not one, but three, boats designed by Tracy O’Brien—and two other small boats along the way. His love of the designs is matched by his enjoyment of the build and his pleasure of getting afloat.

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.

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.

January 2026

Floorboards for Small Boats

Keeping gear dry with easy-to-make slatted boards

No one wants a cluttered cockpit on a small boat, and sometimes raised floorboards can make all the difference in keeping things tidy and dry. Bill Thomas describes a simple construction project.

January 2026

A Scaled-Down Cruise in the Gulf Islands

Navigating high winds, unsafe harbors, and flat calms

When setting off on an extended cruise, it’s good to have a plan; it’s just as important to be flexible. When Alex Zimmerman ran into more wind than was comfortable for his 18-footer, he gave up on his extended cruise through the Gulf Islands and stayed closer to home.

January 2026

Gartside Design #261

A double-ended launch

A classic double-ended launch with open cockpit, Paul Gartside’s Design #261 was designed to be built with two layers of glued fore-and-aft planking and powered by an inboard diesel motor. Nigel Sharp reviews a new build that retains all the aesthetic appeal of the original but combines a strip-planked, cold-molded hull with an electric motor.

January 2026

BayCruiser 23

Water ballast creates two boats in one

The fiberglass-hulled sloop-rigged BayCruiser 23 is suitable for coastal cruising, but with its water-ballast system and lightweight rig, says Nic Compton, it also offers sailing performance more often associated with smaller sailing dinghies.

Small Boats Annual 2013

Drifter

Yacht tender, daysailer, trainer

Designed as an able yacht tender, Drifter's wider aft sections favors buoyancy and stability over pure rowing.

Small Boats Annual 2013

Sea Flea Hydroplane

Small boat, big fun

There's no telling how many of these little hydroplanes have been constructed, but their appeal is as fresh now as it was 50 years ago.

December 2025

A Runabout for the Back of the Car

Designing and building a very small boat

Tyler Ellis dreamed of having his own boat but had neither the money to buy one nor the space to store it. Not one to give up, he designed and built a tiny runabout that fits in the back of his Honda CRV.

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.

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.

December 2025

H-Stands with Slings

How to turn over a boat when shorthanded

Turning a boat over when you’re on your own is a challenge, but with some custom-built H-stands and slings Ben Fuller proves that it’s far from impossible.

December 2025

The Young Man and the Sea of Cortez

Seeking adventure in the Gulf of California

Owen Alfonso had no previous experience of coastal rowing; nevertheless, in an 18’ sliding-seat rowboat, he completed a 650-mile voyage of discovery along the east coast of the Baja California Peninsula.