October 2024 Archives - Small Boats Magazine

In our profiles this month we look at the Hatch Cove Kayak, a new design from David Wyman and Chase Small Craft, and Gannet, the middle-sized of Iain Oughtred’s three planing sailing dinghies. Our editors review a privacy pop-up tent and some Swiss paring knives, while Greg Rössel describes a highly effective method for steam-bending planks. Two friends embark on a cold-water cruise through the islands of Ontario’s Lake Nipigon aboard an electric-powered open boat; a retired mechanical engineer from Florida fulfills a long-held dream to build a traditionally planked sailboat; and our new editor opens up about her long-held affection for small boats everywhere.

From The Editor

Living with Small Boats

The new editor reveals an inherited affinity with small boats.

Boat Profile

Hatch Cove Kayak

A David Wyman design for Chase Small Craft

A new recreational touring kayak from David Wyman and Chase Small Craft combines light weight with good initial stability, generous buoyancy, low windage, and excellent tracking.

Boat Profile

Gannet

Iain Oughtred’s 14' planing dinghy with traditional appeal

Combining the appearance of a comfortable daysailer with the underwater profile of a planing dinghy, Iain Oughtred’s Gannet can be used for a relaxing sail with four crew or an exhilarating ride for two.

Adventures

A Solar-Powered Cruise on Lake Nipigon

A two-week cold-water cruise through the islands

Two friends set out in a Whitehall-style open boat for a 15-day, early-season island-hopping cruise on the chilly waters of Ontario’s Lake Nipigon.

Technique

Boil-in-the-Bag Plank Bending

Using a portable steambox to steam planks

When bending planks, it’s not always practical or necessary to have a full-sized steambox; sometimes all you need is a portable steamer, a long plastic bag, some tape, and a bucket.

Product Reviews

A Compact Collapsible Shelter

Pankay’s Pop Up Privacy Tent

This compact collapsible shelter provides privacy for changing clothes or using a portable head as well as protection from wind and rain ashore or afloat.

Product Reviews

Victorinox Paring Knives

Stainless-steel knives for boat and home

They were designed for the kitchen, but these Swiss-made knives—sharp, durable, and affordable—can be used anywhere.

Reader Built Boats

C.D. Mower’s Snow Bird

Building a traditionally planked boat

Retired mechanical engineer Geoff Hart had built a strip-planked Wee Lassie but dreamed of trying his hand at traditional boat construction. His next build was a lapstrake sailing dinghy designed in the 1930s—a challenging four-year project.

Past Issues

From The Archives

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