February 2025 Archives - Small Boats Magazine

In our profiles this month, we look at the Drascombe Dabber, a lug-rigged yawl designed in England more than 70 years ago but still popular with families on both sides of the Atlantic; and the Kokopelli Platte-Plus, an inflatable tandem kayak that can be carried in a backpack. A lone sailor returns to Lake Roosevelt with his Summer Breeze skiff for his last weekend sail of the year. Christopher Cunningham reviews a new dry suit from Mustang Survival, and WoodenBoat’s Jasmine Thomas tries out a new cordless light while working in her boat’s engine compartment. From Germany, Sebastian Schröder describes how to make your own small-boat wind vane, and we meet Dick Vermeulen, designer of Maine Cats multihulls, and hear how he built two kayaks and converted one of them for sailing.
Featured on our front cover is the Kokopelli Platte-Plus kayak; photograph by Bill Thomas.

6

John Watkinson and the Elliott Brothers

Origins of the Drascombe designs

Most Drascombe boats are fiberglass but in the 1970s a small yard in Devon, England, custom-built Drascombes in wood.

6

The Kokopelli Platte-Plus

An inflatable kayak for tandem or solo paddling

The inflatable Platte-Plus kayak folds into an easily carried backpack, can be paddled by one or two people, and offers versatility with good performance.

5

The Drascombe Dabber

A 15' lug yawl for sail, oar, and outboard

Designed more than 50 years ago, the Drascombe Dabber can be sailed, rowed, or motored, trailered behind an average family car, and stands upright on a drying beach; the design is as popular today as it has ever been.

13

Sailing on Lake Roosevelt

A two-day end-of-season adventure

Returning to a favorite haunt in Washington State, a single-handed sailor enjoys a fall weekend of cruising and camping but is challenged by high winds and flat calms.

13

How to Build a Brass-Frame Wind Vane

A home-made wind vane for small sailboats

A wind vane is a useful device on a small sailboat, and a colorful masthead banner adds a bit of flair. With a bit of brass and fabric you can combine practicality with style.

3

NEBO Omni 2K Work Light

A compact cordless lamp

When working on boats or in the workshop, good lighting is invaluable. The Omni 2K from NEBO is cordless, can be used freestanding or handheld, and its light can be directed through 360 degrees.

4

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.

7

Converting a Kayak for Sail

Building outriggers for a Pygmy Osprey Double

Dick Vermeulen enjoyed his kayak, but he still wanted to go sailing; he built some outriggers, had spars and a sail made, and it took off like a rocket.

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