September 2025 Archives

In Small Boats this month, we review Chesapeake Light Craft’s Annapolis Wherry Tandem, a two-person rowboat for fixed- or sliding-seat rowing; and the Turnabout/N-10 (pictured above), a youth-training sailboat with a dedicated following. A singlehanding sailor explores the eastern shore of Tampa Bay in his homebuilt Angus RowCruiser. Bill Thomas reviews a waterproof messenger bag in which he carries his camera and spare lenses. Juliet Frederick discovers a taste for comfort in the cockpit and cabin with some custom pillows from Maine. Ben Fuller describes how he has modified his trailer to be a suitable carrier for multiple boats. And a couple of first-time boatbuilders construct a strip-planked canoe from plans.

Featured on our front cover is Bill Hutton’s Angus RowCruiser moored fore-and-aft at Apollo Beach, Florida.
Photograph by Bill Hutton.

From The Editor

Small-Boat Building and Ownership

For small-boat builders, advances in technology are expanding choices

The editor reflects on the advances in materials and technology that have made small-boat building for amateurs more accessible than ever.

Boat Profile

Annapolis Wherry Tandem

A robust shell for one or two rowers

Developed from Chesapeake Light Craft’s successful Annapolis Wherry, the Tandem version can be solo- or double-rowed and be fitted with either fixed or sliding seats.

Boat Profile

Turnabout/N-10

A much-loved sail-training boat

The Turnabout was once a widely popular sail-training dinghy in the U.S. Northeast. More than 60 years since it was first adopted in Ipswich Bay, the class is still loved by many for its versatility, simplicity, and above all, its offering of social sailing for children.

Adventures

A Shakedown Cruise in Tampa Bay

Sailing a new homebuilt Angus RowCruiser in Florida

When Bill Hutton set sail in his new homebuilt Angus RowCruiser, he hoped to explore Tampa Bay from east to west. The breaking of his centerboard made upwind sailing impossible, so instead he kept to the eastern shore and explored under sail and oar.

Technique

Modifying Trailers

Adding posts and platforms can make a trailer more versatile

Ben Fuller describes how to modify a trailer using easy-to-find materials and common tools, so it can be used in different ways and for multiple boats.

Product Reviews

Project M23 Waterproof Field Bag

A protective bag from Expedition/Units with inserts for a camera

For years, Bill Thomas has sought a small waterproof bag to keep his camera equipment safe and dry on small boats. The Field Bag with Camera Block is rugged, waterproof, and just the right size.

Product Reviews

Harpswell Island Designs

Handcrafted boat pillows

Harpswell Island Designs’ pillows look good, wear well, and come in myriad styles from club burgees and state flags to abstract and whimsical designs.