December 2025 Archives

In Small Boats this month we profile two home-built plywood outboard boats with classic heritage but very different origin and appearance: the Malahini from Glen-L and the San Juan Dory from Nexus Marine. A solo oarsman, new to rowing at sea, follows 650 miles of the Baja California Peninsula’s east coast where he discovers extraordinary wildlife, spectacular vistas (above), and generous local people. Christopher Cunningham reviews a cordless vacuum cleaner for the workshop, while Jenny Bennett writes about a much-loved pair of ankle boots. Ben Fuller shares his technique for turning over small boats when he’s on his own, and a young ocean-engineering graduate designs an electric-powered one-person runabout that fits in the trunk of his car.

Featured on our front cover are Nick Ivancovich and first mate Khodi aboard Nick’s San Juan Dory ŽIVJELI; photograph by Mark Ouellette.

From The Editor

Small Boats, Big Adventures

Turning dreams into reality

Lack of experience and limited funds don’t have to stand in the way of dreams.

Boat Profile

Malahini

A classic 16′ runabout from Glen-L Marine

Even though it’s powered by an outboard motor, Glen-L’s Malahini looks like a classic runabout from a bygone era, but its hull is of plywood on oak frames, and it’s designed to be built by amateurs with some experience.

Boat Profile

Nexus Marine San Juan Dory

A plywood skiff for crabbing, trolling, and overnight camping

A workaday skiff that can plane with ease and has space for passengers and lobster traps, the San Juan Dory is a challenging but satisfying build for amateurs.

Adventures

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.

Technique

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.

Product Reviews

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.

Product Reviews

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.

Reader Built Boats

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.

Past Issues

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