January 2020

In our January issue we take a look at two small skiffs: the Yankee tender, with origins stretching back 100 years to Asa Thompson, and the Jimmy Skiff II, a new plywood kit boat from Chesapeake Light Craft. Reading about Christophe Papillon’s solo row across the Atlantic may leave you wondering why, so keep in mind President Kennedy’s words about taking on challenges “not because they are easy, but because they are hard, because that goal will serve to organize and measure the best of our energies and skills.” Bunks padded with carpet are standard trailer outfitting, but slippery plastic panels in its stead reduces friction and eases launching and retrieving a boat. Kent Lewis reviews Vintage 3-strand, a traditional-looking rope with the advantages of modern fibers, and gaffer tape, a versatile rival to duct tape. Our editor delves into an uncommon interior arrangement for a sail-and-oar camp-cruiser, and for our Reader Built Boat we take a look at a Barto melonseed skiff that caught his eye.