Technique

Small Boats Annual 2015

Six Ways to Build a Wooden Boat

A guide to common construction methods

There are about six common methods of building wooden boats today, with variations on each. No particular method can be proclaimed the best; each comes with its own suite of advantages and drawbacks.

March 2024

Fastening Floorboards

An alternative approach to securing floorboards

In small boats where the only place to sit is often the floor, floorboard fastenings can be obtrusive, but replacing traditional turn-buttons with threaded brass inserts is an effective alternative.

February 2024

Shop-Vacuum Filter Care

Making filters more effective and longer lasting

Cleaning shop-vacuum filters is never a pleasant job, but with a few shop leftovers, a bucket, and a power drill, it can be quick, effective, and tidy.

January 2024

Pot Cozies

Keeping the heat in camp-cooked meals

Meals cooked outdoors taste better but they also get cold faster. Easy-to-make pot warmers prolong the dining pleasure at camp or at anchor.

December 2023

A Canvas Lounger

A simple sewing project for comfort in camp

Two short pieces of wood and a quickly hemmed piece of fabric make it easy to relax ashore, sitting with legs stretched out and your back supported.

November 2023

Quick Cinches

Better than bungees, cheaper than straps

For rolled-up sails and inflatable pads, tarps and sleeping bags, these three simple cinches are easy to use.

October 2023

Quick Coils for Throwing Lines

Two techniques for tangle-free tosses

Knowing how to coil a throw line correctly is as important as having one on board.

September 2023

A DIY Light Bar

Keeping trailer lights out of the water and in the line of sight

The electrical system is arguably the most vulnerable part of any boat trailer. A removable light bar raises the lights to increase their visibility, keeps them out of the water, and can be used on more than one boat and trailer.

August 2023

DIY Oarlock Sockets

Oilite bearings to reduce wear

There are several good reasons to forgo common cast oarlock sockets when you can make your own of higher quality without special metalworking tools.

July 2023

Magnet Retrieval

The powerful pull of neodymium

It’s not unusual to drop things overboard at a dock or a launch ramp. A retrieval magnet can help get some of them back.

Small Boats Annual 2014

Making a Boat a Home, Part 2

Four more small boat tents

In Southeast Alaska, rocky beaches, insects, and a large resident bear population often make tent-camping on the beach an unappealing option,” James Danner writes from Juneau. “Having a boat tent has really opened up the family’s beach-cruising options. It can be set or struck easily while at anchor and has seen regular summertime use since it was created. My wife,…

Small Boats Annual 2014

Making a Boat a Home, Part 1

Boatbuilding never ends with launching day

In small-boat cruising—particularly under sail—having an absolute destination and schedule can be hazardous. At times, getting into a sheltered cove can be a necessity, but you can’t always count on finding a legal or comfortable place to camp ashore. Being able to stay aboard the boat gives the small-craft sailor the same kind of cruising freedom a yachtsman has.

June 2023

Tape-Backed Sandpaper

Using duct tape to make sandpaper more durable

Sandpaper is prone to tearing, limiting its working life and the uses it can be put to. Adding duct tape to its backside will make it last longer.

May 2023

DIY Soft Shackles

Made with ordinary rope and knots

Bronze and stainless-steel shackles can be expensive and more than you need for use on a small boat. Homemade soft shackles made of rope are an inexpensive alternative that are more than adequate for many applications.

April 2023

An Overhead Winch Lift

Lifting a boat with a winch and a cordless drill

Tired of struggling to lift his canoe into and out of a pick-up truck, George Whitehead devised an inexpensive system to load the boat and to raise it up to the garage ceiling safely, easily, and singlehandedly.

Small Boats Annual 2012

Outfitting Boats for Safety Part 3: Emergencies & Flotation

The right preparation and equipment should get you through most emergencies. Often, it’s best simply to avoid situations that could turn ugly.

Small Boats Annual 2012

Outfitting Boats for Safety Part 2: Navigation and Seamanship

Small boats are certainly less demanding to navigate than large ones. However, navigation skills are still important to understand.

Small Boats Annual 2012

Outfitting Boats for Safety Part 1: Intro & Minimum Legal Requirements

Part of common sense is good preparation

The author heads to his boat for a day’s outing. He has his life jacket on, a sea bag full of gear over his shoulder, and an anchor and rode in a bucket.

March 2023

A DIY Hammock Chair

Suspended relaxation

On a small boat stowage space is premium, and few would think of taking along a comfortable chair. But with this simple-to-make hammock chair, all that might change.

February 2023

A Bridge-Crane Boat Lift

Lifting a boat up and sideways for storage

There are several devices for lifting a boat straight up off a car’s roof rack, but they may not work in a garage with an overhead door. This DIY hoist can raise the boat and move it sideways.

January 2023

A DIY Boat Cart

Transporting boats with ease and economy

Influenced by years of carrying kayaks and small boats back and forth between home and harbor, and inspired by an everyday garden cart, this simple design transports boats, gear, kids, and dogs.

December 2022

A Simple Sling Lift

Raising a small boat with minimal effort

A pair of easily made, inexpensive slings provide an effective way to lift a small boat off its trailer and flip it upside down, even single-handedly.

November 2022

French Whipping

A quickly whipped grip

While ropework can be made very complex to be especially decorative, it can be kept simple and still be attractive and functional. A French whipping’s spiral of hitches looks good and provides a non-slip grip.

October 2022

Sail Care

Offseason maintenance for small-boat sails

Sails get you where you want to go without burning gasoline or calories and deserve to be treated kindly to give them a long and useful life.

September 2022

A DIY Sling Tote

A handy carryall for small-boat gear

A sling bag is a project suitable for a home sewing machine and saves time and effort when loading miscellaneous gear aboard a boat at the beach or launch ramp.