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Livingston 12 Foot

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• 12′ Scamp

  “I have to say it’s the biggest little boat I’ve ever sailed.”                        

– 48 north magazine.

The Scamp is a seaworthy 12′ sailboat that can handle a good dose of adventure.

Just under 12 feet in length, Scamp boasts an unusual combination of features that give her the unique ability to explore waters too shallow for a larger boat, while retaining most of the bigger boat’s comforts and capabilities. An offset centerboard opens up the cockpit and an 8′ 3″ sleeping area, and 172 pounds of water ballast provide exceptional stability. The cockpit is self-bailing, and a pair of grounding skegs on her flat bottom keep Scamp perfectly upright when landing on a beach or when the tide goes out.

Originally designed as a wood boat by John Welsford, Gig Harbor Boat Works worked closely with the designer and staff from Small Craft Advisor to create a fiberglass version. Scamp #1 hit the water for its first sea trial in July of 2013!

As a specialized boat, the Scamp has some different options than the rest of our boats. We have had quite a few questions about Scamp’s option list so I thought it best to go into more detail below about the various choices. Be sure to check out the “Scamp Options” tab below for photos and descriptions of all the available options.

I’d like to emphasize the fact that we build and sell all of our boats complete, ready to sail. Our “basic’” Scamp is sail ready with exactly the same top quality parts and materials as a “fancy” Scamp — you don’t have to add anything to go for a satisfactory sail. Our ‘Base’ boat’s level of completion is the same as specified in the Scamp plans or kit for DIY home builders. Options are exactly that… individual choices made by the owner to suit their cosmetic desires and refine performance.

Fiberglass SCAMP Overhead View

Shown with optional floor storage hatch and optional wood trim. Motor not included.

12' Scamp Full Specifications

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SCAMP Photo Gallery (click to enlarge):

More about the scamp:.

• 48 North Review
• SCAMP Options (as of Jan 2016)

  Gig Harbor Boat Works, known for their strong, esthetically pleasing rowing boats, has already shipped a number of the new SCAMPS all over the country and overseas. “The kit boat has a lot of intricate details that the home builder may not have the talent or tools to build,” says Dave Robertson, owner of GHB. “With the fiberglass version, they can enjoy using the boat right away.” The GHB boat is truly sail-away complete; from oars to sails.

There are many innovations designed into the SCAMP that make it truly a big little boat. One thing that usually takes up a lot of cockpit room of most small boats is the centerboard. The SCAMP’s centerboard, very heavy but swings up easily for trailer or grounding, is offset to starboard so that it doesn’t intrude into the cockpit. I’ll let you call Dave to explain the physics of the offset. Suffice it to say that we didn’t notice a difference on either tack. The result is it opens up the cockpit which feels more like that of a of a San Juan 24.

The boat was surprisingly quick and very stable. “This boat can’t be just 12’long,” I thought. I stood up and rocked it side to side with minimal affect. It felt like 20-footer.   Sailing the SCAMP made me a believer that it actually would be a safe and enjoyable way to explore the San Juans, as well as just knocking around the bay for a fun day of sailing. The SCAMP had lots of surprises, all good.   I have to say it’s the biggest little boat I’ve ever sailed.

See the price list for current pricing of Scamp options

Cosmetic options

Hull color change ( white hull exterior is standard).

This option allows you to customize the hull exterior to the color of your choice.  For the best balance of pizzazz and reasonable maintenance, we recommend that color only be added to the top strake and the balance of the hull be left white. Why? A white underbody doesn’t show scratches like a dark color, it is easy to repair, and Scamp has high freeboard so a darker sheer strake lowers the apparent freeboard. If you add color to the top strake, we will extend the color across the top of the bow and leave the stern all white for best visual balance.

Deck and interior color change (Bisque Tan deck and interior are standard)

The Bisque color is neutral so goes with any accent color – it also doesn’t show scratches and is easy on the eyes. However, we can make the topsides any color you want; for more than a basic color change the price varies with color and pattern.

Bronze Deadlights (white nylon deadlights standard)

Mahogany gunwale trim (standard gunwale trim is tan vinyl).

This wood trim option also includes mahogany ‘eyebrows’ on the cabin sides. Other wood trim such as coaming or seat top overlay is available on a custom basis.

Custom Sail Color (standard is ‘Egyptian cotton)

Any color available, price varies with color and pattern.

Hull options

Stainless steel keel guards.

Over 90% of the boats we build are specified with stainless steel keel protection. Fiberglass is a wonderful boatbuilding material; easy to conform to compound shapes, hard smooth finish, eminently repairable; but it is NOT abrasion resistant. Pulling a boat onto a beach is asking for grief, especially if parts of the boat have a sharp edges forming high pressure areas…. like the keelsons on Scamp. Protecting the keelsons is a lot cheaper than fiberglass repair.

Floor storage hatch

There is a lot of usable, easily accessible space under the cockpit floor. This optional storage is a sealed chamber approximately 18″ wide x 30″ long with depth varying from about 8″ at the forward end to 4″ aft. The hatch accessing the storage is a rectangular Armstrong style with 14″ x 21″ opening. If you plan to add electric propulsion or accessories this is an ideal location for batteries!

Bilge pump, handheld manual style

Rain and spray is contained in the cockpit sump at the transom. This can be scooped or sponged out easily. However, if you somehow get water inside the seats or underfloor that is a relatively inaccessible area. Although chances of getting much water in this area are slim, it helps to have a portable handheld pump handy.

Outboard motor bracket

Removable outboard motor bracket

Bolts to outside of transom. Owners have noted that a permanent motor mount on Scamp is, well, ugly. So we researched a removable mount that has only a flat plate permanently bolted to the transom. The actual motor carrier clips onto the plate with a simple quick pin, no tools required to install or remove the bracket.

Bronze 5″ cleats

Bronze cleat

Stainless steel pop–up cleats

Pop-up cleat

Performance / operational options

Trailer, galvanized, custom designed for scamp.

Scamp is very difficult to fit correctly on a trailer; the twin keelsons, wide chines and flat bow just don’t work with any standard trailer. We designed a custom trailer specifically for this hull. It is 100% galvanized and has three aft rollers to accommodate self centering on the keelsons. Scamp has a tendency to skate sideways when loading, so we install carpeted side guides and a central crossmember roller to make loading simple. Forward is a carpeted transverse bunk to support the fairbody, and finally a special twin chock winch pedestal. Oh yeah, bearing buddies are standard too.

Swiveling mainsheet cleat with removable base

The mainsheet cleat is fastened to a transverse board between the seat tops. You can adjust the position of the board and cleat fore or aft the length of the cockpit or remove it entirely by pulling two stainless steel fastpins.

Jiffy reefing

Three Reef points in the sail are standard, but there are no reefing lines or cleats. If you want jiffy reefing we”ll set up two complete ready to use reefs.

Compass, bulkhead mounted Richie #RITV57.2

Oars, 9’4″ 2-piece fiberglass shaft with bronze oarlocks.

Scamp’s high freeboard and wide beam requires 9’+ oars which are impossible to stow in Scamps’ cockpit. We have engineered high quality, strong 2 piece 9’4″ spoon blade oars that disassemble and store concealed inside the cockpit coamings. Another practical storage area is on the vertical seat sides, clipped into modified fishing rod holders.

Cover for trailering/storage

Top Notch fabric, custom sewn for Scamp.  Protects deck and cockpit during trailering and storage.

Bimini/Camping style cockpit cover

Fully enclosed bimini cockpit enclosure with zippered windows and side curtains. Sides zip off individually for fully-customized protection from the weather.

Scamp spar and sail bag

We are always looking for ways to simplify sailing, and one of the most vexing chores is the assembling the rig. Wouldn’t it be nice to be able to pull the completely assembled, ready to hoist sail and spars out of a bag? This special bag is 12′ long and has two long pockets; the lower pocket is for the two-section mast. The upper pocket has a full length zipper so you can store the sail lashed to the yard and boom with even the jiffy reefing in place. Just pull the mast with halyard attached from the bag and plop into the cabin-top ‘Scamp Ramp.’  Then fasten your halyard to the Yard and hoist the whole rigged sail out of the bag. All you have left to do is run the halyard and downhaul to their respective cleats, clip the mainsheet and lazy jacks to the boom and away you go. 10 minutes, done.

Stirrup reboarding system

Transom boarding ladder ….. still under development, scamp rigging tutorial.

If you’re not familiar with balanced-lug rigging, here’s a great tutorial showing how to set up this simple and intuitive rig.

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American 12 Jon

2 Person Fishing Boat

144″ (366cm)

52″ (132cm)

532lbs (241kg)

110lbs. (50kg)

American 12 Jon Fishing Boat

The lightweight Sun Dolphin American 12 Jon Boat has everything you need to stay on the water all day long. Stash your gear in the extra space on the bow and stern and still have room for a cooler filled with bait or snacks. Set your rods in the built in rod-holders and sit back as you wait for the fish to bite.

• Height: 21″ (53cm)
• Limited Lifetime Warranty
• Materials:  Rugged UV-stabilized Fortiflex® High Density Polyethylene
• Brand: Sun Dolphin
• Manufactured and Assembled in the USA
• HP Rating: 6 HP

Rugged UV-stabilized Fortiflex high density polyethylene deck and hull

Closed cell polystyrene foam floatation

Built-in bow and stern motor mounts and battery storage

Two large bench-style seats

Integrated oarlock sockets, rod holders and storage trays

Lightweight, easy to row

Meets CE and US Coast Guard safety standards

Perfect for fishing trips or duck hunting

Max Trolling Motor Thrust: 40lbs. Shaft Length: 36”

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Boat Profile

The International 12-Foot Dinghy

100 Years as a Class

From Issue   Small Boats Annual 2016 March 2015

I n 1913, shortly before the start of WWI, England’s Boat Racing Association (BRA), a small club of sailing enthusiasts, called for a design to comply with the following requirements: length 12′, beam 4′8″, and a single 100-sq-ft sail with no battens; she should be a capable rowing boat as well as a good sailing craft, suitable as a tender for larger yachts. The winning design was submitted by an amateur designer named George Cockshott (1875–1952). Eight of the first BRA 12-footers, as they were then known, were built by the Shepherd’s Boat Yard in Bowness on Lake Windermere in northwest England at a cost of £25 each. Several members of the West Kirby Sailing Club near Liverpool ordered BRA 12s and with typical English humor named them after the Royal Navy battleships of the time: DREADNOUGHT, THUNDERER, BELLEROPHON, and SUPERB.

The scene of racing in the 1950s on a lake near the city of Haarlem in the Netherlands is very much the same as it is now.

The design’s popularity spread rapidly. In 1914, eight boats presented themselves at the start of a race in Karachi, then in India. Belgium and Holland adopted the BRA 12s with great enthusiasm. Development of the class in England was curtailed during the war, but in the neutral Netherlands the class flourished and toward the end of WWI there were some 140 of the little boats sailing there.

After the war, voices in England called for an “improved” BRA 12, and the well-known naval architect Morgan Giles came up with a design promised to be faster, more seaworthy, and easier to row. Belgium and the Netherlands by then had the largest fleets of BRA 12s on the water, and they fiercely opposed the adoption of a new design that would make theirs obsolete. The International Yacht Racing Union (IYRU) was called in to arbitrate the situation. While the IYRU approved of the new design, the Low Countries prevailed, and in 1919 at the IYRU meeting the original Cockshott design was officially adopted as a new International class: the International 12-Foot Dinghy.

While the 12′ dinghies are built for racing under sail, they’re outfitted with oarlocks and rowing thwarts to fulfill the class requirement that “each boat shall be built, equipped and finished complete in every respect and so as to be fit for use as a useful yacht’s centerboard dinghy.”

T he class is a one-design, meaning that every boat must be identical and have a valid measurement certificate. With their close tolerances, these dinghies were not meant to be built by amateurs, but over the years many have been home-built. Certification required “each boat to be carefully built in strict accordance with the drawings and this specification, and the greatest care must be taken to ensure that all boats are as nearly alike as possible in every respect. Minor deviations from standard may be permitted, at the discretion of the Council of the Association.” The class specifications list the dimensions and material of every part of the boat: the centerboard must be 1/4″ soft steel plate; the steam-bent frames would be of American elm, ½″ thick by 5/8″ wide, spaced 7″ on center; spars were to be solid spruce, although the gaff could be of bamboo; and the 12 strakes are 5/16″ clear straight-grained fir—though later oak and mahogany were allowed as well. Fastenings were screws, bolts, and clench nails and copper, brass, or yellow metal throughout. The hulls might leak when first launched for the season, but after they were fully immersed for a day or so they’d be tight and dry. These dinghies were no lightweights. The 2012 building rules for the Dutch measurement certificate stipulates that the “dry” weight of the bare hull must be a minimum of 229 lbs (104 kg). A new top-of-the-line, race-ready wooden 12-footer built in Europe today can cost as much as €25,000 (about $30,000 US). A good used one can set you back $6,000 to $14,500.

International yards such as Abeking & Rasmussen and de Vries Lentsch built many 12’ dinghies in the 1920s and ’30s, and many of these are still sailing today. The Italian Riva family, famed for their classic speedboats, are also a well-known builders of these boats. Two years ago in England, Stephen Beresford of the Good Wood Boat Company launched a new dinghy with sail number GBR 50.

On Ullswater, a lake in NW England, Richard Fielden and Stephen Berrisford sail in Force-7 winds on the maiden voyage of dinghy GBR50. She’s one of the few 12-Foot dinghies with reef points.

The dinghy was adopted as the singlehanded boat for the 1920 Olympics in Antwerp. The Dutch took the gold and silver medals—a predictable result, since the only boats entered were the two Dutch ones. The 1924 Paris Olympics saw a French design as the singlehander, but in 1928 at the Amsterdam games the 12 was again chosen as the solo class. Twenty countries competed and this time the Dutch were outclassed: Sweden took the gold, Norway the silver, and Finland the bronze.

The status of the 12-footer as an International class was terminated in 1964, and its popularity declined after that. Despite that, many countries maintained active 12′-dinghy class associations, and upgraded the class rules to suit their sailors’ demands and circumstances. The conservative Dutch changed their rules to improve safety and ease of boat handling: They allowed self-bailers, boom vangs, transom drain holes, and insisted on flotation bags. In Italy, the Associazone Italiana Classe Dinghy 12′ was far more progressive, allowing aluminum masts and booms, pop-up rudders, plywood construction, and, horror of horrors, fiberglass hulls. The Netherlands, Italy and Japan are the current hotbeds for the class, and there are small fleets in Germany, Slovenia, Switzerland, Japan, Lithuania, France, and Turkey. In recent years new boats have been built in Canada, Argentina, the Far East, and the US.

After jibing in a very strong wind, the bow can dig in but experienced sailors have no trouble maintaining control.

S ailing the 12 does not require great athletic abilities. Anyone can enjoy these boats, whether for relaxation or competition. In light weather the boat is a great singlehander; racing regulations allow a maximum crew of two. The standing lug rig requires the crew to move the yard to the leeward side of the mast with each tack. This is accomplished with tripping lines run port and starboard from the throat. The yard is slightly curved to facilitate this movement, but it still takes a bit of practice. Timing is the key: At the moment that the boat moves through the eye of the wind the yard will slide across with little effort. Sailing in a blow can be hair-raising, particularly on a run with the wind dead astern. With the mast only a few inches aft of the bow, the boat often tries to become a submarine but moving the crew well aft can allow a following wave to flood over the transom. Balance is the key and under ideal conditions one can nearly get the boat on a plane. Jibing in a stiff breeze is practically impossible, and many a racing sailor will tack through a 270-degree turn at a downwind mark. While a reef would be advisable under those conditions not all 12s have them.

Five dinghies come about in the 100th anniversary race at West Kirby. The woman skippering the Dutch entry #688 is 81-year-old Tonnie Surendonk.

I n 2008 an international yearly competition began, aptly named the Cockshott Trophy, and in 2009 the Cockshott family donated a silver challenge cup—first won by George Cockshott in 1902—to be awarded to the overall winner on points each year. Turkey, Italy, and the Netherlands hosted events counting toward points in the years 2010 and 2011 when there were 137 and 178 competitors, respectively; understandably, not all started in all the races. Holland dropped out of hosting the competition, as that country only allowed wooden-hulled boats whereas fiberglass hulls were allowed by the others. In 2012 France, Germany, and Slovenia joined in hosting trophy-point races, with a total of 16 countries represented.

On the 100th anniversary of the first race of International 12-Foot Dinghies two Dutch crews race on England’s River Dee near West Kirby in 2013.

In 2013 and 2014 the Royal Loosdrecht Watersport Club hosted the centennial celebrations of the International 12-Foot Dinghy in the Netherlands, with an astonishing total of 187 boats entered, including four brand-new boats. The granddaughter of George Cockshott, Jane Rowe, and her husband Ernest came over from England to take part in the celebrations. Both the Italian and Dutch Post Offices  issued special stamps commemorating the centennial. The Associazone Italiana Classe Dinghy 12′ issued a magnificent book: Il Dinghy 12′ Classico Italiano . The Dutch association published their own impressive book, Twaalfvoetsjol: 100 Jaar Klasse (Twelve-Foot Dinghy: 100 Years a Class).

Evert Moes was born in the Netherlands in 1934  and in his teens campaigned his 12-ft International, H391, PIGLET. After emigrating to Canada in 1960 he became involved in wooden boat building. His latest project was the building of a 9′ 9″ Nutshell Pram from scratch with a modified lug rig similar to the International 12-footer. In summer he sails the waters of the British Columbia’s Gulf Islands.

International 12-Foot Dinghy Particulars

Depth Amidships/1′8½″

Sail Area/100 sq ft

For more information, visit  The International Twelve Foot Dinghy Class Association .

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Comments (6)

Nice boats, great to see racing dinghies that can be rowed. Though standing, not dipping lug, is it not?

Right you are. The International 12-Foot Dinghy Association’s web site steers us toward a designation of standing lug and in John Leather’s book, Spritsails and Lugsails , the 12-Footer’s rig is referred to as a “high peaked standing lug rig.” I’ve made the correction to the text. Of the standing lug rig, Leather writes: “The standing lugsail…was a refinement of the dipping lugsail…. It was probably developed out of the dipping lug by bringing the tack of the sail to the mast and dipping the heel of the yard around the mast when tacking, instead of having to lower, shift over or dip, and re-set the sail.” Christopher Cunningham, Editor, Small Boats Monthly

They are generously canvased. Its interesting that few of these boats have reefing points. Maybe they are racing-only craft? I wonder if its possible to to sail one of these single handed in a breeze? The similarly sized Morbic, by Vivier, and Shearwater by Oughtred, both carry a single standing lugsail of 80 sq ft—plus reefing.

Arthur Ransome’s SWALLOW must have been a lot like this.

Ransome’s SWALLOW, described in his series of fictional children’s books titled Swallows and Amazons , was based on a lapstrake dinghy he owned. The boat is described in “The Boats of Swallows and Amazons “ by Stuart Wier. Christopher Cunningham, Editor, Small Boats Monthly

I am building an International 12 dinghy right now. I have been describing the build in words and pictures on my blog, which can be found at http://www.shipwrightskills.com . Mine will be suitable for more than racing alone and will include reef points.

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• Articles and Guides

11 Best Small Sailboat Brands: How to Choose Your Next Daysailer or Pocket Cruiser

12th oct 2023 by samantha wilson.

Sailing is a relaxing, invigorating pastime that allows you to harness wind and waves in a unique and historic way without requiring a 50-foot yacht to enjoy what’s special about the experience. In fact, small sailboats allow a delightful back-to-basics experience that often gets lost on larger, systems-heavy sailboats.

On a small sailboat you can connect with the sea, feeling the boat move beneath you. The boat is typically easy to rig, simple to sail, and can even be sailed solo. Small sailboats give you the freedom to trailer your or car-top your boat and go anywhere, and they’re perfect for learning the nuances of sailing. There are many excellent brands and models of small sailboat, each with their own appeal, and here we narrow down some of our favorite in the daysailer and pocket cruiser categories under 30 feet. 

Difference Between a Daysailer and a Pocket Cruiser

While there are many different types of sailboat on the market and there is no single definition of either a daysailer or a pocket cruiser, they are used in a particular way, as the names imply. The term daysailer covers a huge array of sailboats, smaller and sometimes larger, and is generally defined as any day boat used for local sailing, with a simple rig, and easy to get underway. A pocket cruiser typically offers a cabin and head, and adequate accommodations for an overnight stay and sometimes longer cruises. Having said that, there is a large overlap between the two in many instances, so the lines may become blurred. 

What Size is a Small Sailboat?

Small is a relative term of course, but in general—and for the purposes of this article—a small sailboat is one that could be sailed by a small crew, often with one or two people aboard. It will have a simple rig and be trailerable, and it might be either a daysailer or pocket-cruiser style vessel as above. Within those categories, there are many models and styles, but when it comes to length we consider a sailboat as small when it’s under 30 feet in overall length. 

The Best Sailboats Under 30 Feet

Pocket cruiser: Beneteau First 27.  The Beneteau First 27 is a modern example of a pocket cruiser, earning Cruising World ’s Boat of the Year award in the Pocket Cruiser category in 2022. With space for up to six people accommodated in a separated bow-cabin and open saloon, it offers families the chance to go farther, explore more, and cruise in comfort. There is a galley with freshwater and a head, adding to the interior home comforts. The sailboat itself is modern, fast, and stable, designed by Sam Manuard, and has been designed to be incredibly safe and almost unsinkable thanks to its three watertight chambers. The handling is also refreshingly intuitive, with a well-designed cockpit, simple deck controls, and double winches allowing it to be sailed solo, by two people, or a small crew. 

Photo credit: Beneteau

Daysailer: Alerion 28.  You’ll certainly turn heads cruising along in an Alerion 28, a daysailer whose forerunner by the same name was designed by Nathanael Herreshoff in 1912 and then updated with a modern underbody for fiberglass production by Carl Schumacher in the late 1980s. This pretty daysailer manages to combine a traditional silhouette and classic feel, with very modern engineering creating an excellent package. Over 470 of these sailboats were built and sold in the past 30 years, making it one of the most popular modern daysailers on the water. With a small cabin and saloon, complete with miniature galley area, it offers respite from the sun or wind and the option for a night aboard. The cockpit offers a beautiful sailing experience, with plenty of space for the whole family. 

Photo credit: Alerion Yachts

The Best Sailboats Under 25 Feet

Pocket cruiser: Cornish Crabber 24.  British manufacturer Cornish Crabber has been producing beautiful, traditional style small sailboats for decades, ensuring they honor their heritage both in the construction style and appearance of their boats. The Cornish Crabber 24 is the most iconic of their range and dates back to the 1980s. It offers a simple yet surprisingly spacious interior layout with cabin, galley, and head, and a good sized cockpit, as well as seating for up to six people. It’s the perfect family sailboat, with clever use of storage as well as just under 5000 pounds of displacement providing stability and easy tacking. Aesthetically the 24 is simply beautiful, with a traditional silhouette (combined with modern engineering), finished in hardwood trims. 

Photo credit: Cornish Crabber

Daysailer: Catalina 22 Capri.  Catalina sailboats need little introduction, and are one of the world’s best-known, most-respected brands building small sailboats. The Catalina 22 Capri (also available in a sport model) is a great example of what Catalina does so well. While we’ve classified it as a daysailer, it could easily cross into the pocket cruiser category, as it offers excellent sailing performance in almost all conditions as well as having a small cabin, galley, and head. Loved for its safety, stability, ease of handling and simple maintenance, it makes for a good first family boat for getting out onto the bay or lake. 

Photo credit: Catalina

The Best Sailboats Under 20 Feet

Pocket cruiser: CapeCutter 19.  This is another model that combines the beauty of the traditional silhouettes with modern-day advancements. The design originates from the classic gaff cutter work boats, but today offers excellent performance—in fact it’s one of the fastest small gaffers in the world. The interior is cleverly spacious, with four berths, two of which convert into a saloon, as well as a simple galley area. With quick rigging, it can be sailed solo, but is also able to accommodate small groups, making it a capable and hugely versatile pocket cruiser. 

Photo credit: Cape Cutter 19

Daysailer: Swallow Yachts’ BayRaider 20.  Classic looks with modern performance are combined in Swallow Yachts’ beautiful BayRaider 20. This is one of the most capable and safest daysailers we’ve seen, but also incredibly versatile thanks to the choices of ballast. Keep the ballast tank empty and it’s light and fast. Fill the tank up and you’ve got a stable and safe boat perfect for beginners and families. While it’s got an eye-catching traditional style, the engineering is modern, with a strong carbon mast and construction. While this is a true daysailer, you can use the optional spray hood and camping accessories to create an overnight adventure. 

Photo credit: Swallow Yachts

The Best Sailboats Under 15 Feet

Pocket Cruiser: NorseBoat 12.5.  Can we truly call the NorseBoat 12.5 a pocket cruiser? Yes we can! The sheer versatility of this excellent little sailboat has convinced us. These beautiful hand-crafted sailboats offer exceptional performance and are described by the manufacturer as ‘the Swiss Army Knives of sailboats’. The traditionally styled 12.5 can be sailed, rowed, and motored. It can be trailered, easily beached, and even used as a camp cruiser, allowing for overnight adventures. There is no end to the fun that can be had with this easy-to-sail and easy-to-handle boat, which makes it a dream to learn in. With positive flotation, lots of clever storage, and a full-size double berth for camp cruising, it really is the perfect mini pocket cruiser. 

Photo credit: NorseBoats

Daysailer: Original Beetle Cat Boat 12: All across the bays of the US east coast cat boats have long been part of the ocean landscape. Able to access shallow rocky coves yet also withstand the strong coastal winds, these traditional New England fishing boats have an iconic shape and gaff-rigged mainsails. Beetle Cat have been producing elegant wooden cat boats for over 100 years – in fact they’ve made and sold over 4,000 boats to date. Their 12 foot Cat Boat 12 is one of their finest models, offering lovely daysailing opportunities. It has a wide beam and centerboard that lifts up, allowing it to access shallow waters, as well as a forward mast and single sail gaff rig in keeping with the traditional cat boats. To sail one of these is to be part of the heritage of New England and Cape Cod, and to honor the ancient art of hand-made boat building. 

Beetle Cat official website

Photo credit: Beetle Cat

The Best Small Sailboats for Beginners

When it comes to learning to sail, it’s important to have a boat that is easy to handle. There’s no quicker way to put yourself or your family off sailing than to start off with a boat that is either too big or too complicated. When choosing your first boat we recommend the following characteristics:

• Small: The benefits of starting off with a small boat are many, as we’ve seen above. They’re easier to control as well as to moor, and they react more quickly to steering and sails. They can be trailered and launched easily, and the loads generated are much lower than on bigger, heavier boats.
• Easy to sail: You want a boat that is stable and forgiving of mistakes, doesn’t capsize easily, and isn’t too overpowered in a stronger breeze. Keep things simple and learn as you go.
• Simple sail configuration: Choosing a boat that can be rigged by one person in a few minutes, and easily sailed solo, makes it easier to take along inexperienced crews. With regards to the rig, all you need are a halyard to hoist the mainsail and a sheet to control the mainsail.
• Tiller steering: We recommend boats with tiller steering over wheel steering when starting out. The tiller allows you to get a real feel for the boat and how the rudder works as it moves through the water. 

For more information on choosing the best beginner sailboat check out our full guide. There are many popular brands of beginner boats including Sunfish, Laser, and Hunter Marlow. Some of our favorites include;

Hobie 16: The classic Hobie catamaran has been a well-loved beginner sailboat for years, and the Hobie 16 started life back in 1969. Since then they’ve made and sold over a staggering 100,000 of the 16s. It has twin fiberglass and foam hulls, a large trampoline, and a pull-up rudder so it can be sailed straight onto the beach. The basic package comes with an easy to handle main and jib with plenty of extras available too such as a spinnaker and trailer. The Hobie 16 promises a great learning experience and lots of fun in a very nifty and inexpensive package. 

Photo credit: Hobie

Paine 14: You’ll immediately fall in love with sailing when you step into a beautiful Paine 14. Made from seamless epoxy cold-molded wood, the P-14 is simply beautiful and offers the classic sailing experience with the design and innovation of a more modern hull and rig. Two people will be able to enjoy getting out on the water together and learning the ropes. The Paine 14 has a lead ballast keel that accounts for nearly half her weight, giving her the feel of a much larger boat, but is still trailerable and easy to manage offering the best of both worlds.

Photo credit: Chuck Paine

High-Performance Small Sailboats

Small sailboats generally become high performers if they are light, have a lot of sail area, or they have more than one hull. More recently, some of have been designed with foiling surfaces, as well. For the purposes of this article, we’d like to close by pointing out one model that is super fast and has versatile pocket-cruising capabilities.

Corsair 880 trimaran : The Corsair 880 trimaran is the grandchild of the company’s F27, a model that launched the popularity of trailerable leisure trimarans about 40 years ago. The 880 has taken the model to new heights and exemplifies the incredible space benefits you can achieve in a 29-foot sailboat. We’re talking an aft cabin, room to sleep 5 people, an enclosed head, and standing headroom in the galley and main saloon. It brings many of the opportunities that a much larger yacht plus the ability to cruise in extremely shallow water. Whether you want to cruise to the Bahamas or enjoy a high-adrenaline race, the Corsair 880 offers incredible performance and unlimited adventures in a truly pocket size. 

Photo credit: Corsair

Written By: Samantha Wilson

Samantha Wilson has spent her entire life on and around boats, from tiny sailing dinghies all the way up to superyachts. She writes for many boating and yachting publications, top charter agencies, and some of the largest travel businesses in the industry, combining her knowledge and passion of boating, travel and writing to create topical, useful and engaging content.

More from: Samantha Wilson

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Set Sail in Style

First introduced in 2017, the Falcon 380 is a sleek versatile tender in the Falcon series. People who come across this rigid inflatable boat when they’re shopping for a 12-foot tender for sale often comment on its universal visual appeal.

Made with contrasting white and gray materials, the Falcon 380 certainly makes a statement on the water. This inflatable tender proves that luxurious experiences can be delivered in packages of all sizes.

The Falcon 380 is a roomy tender with enough comfortable seats to accommodate six adult passengers. The vessel measures at slightly more than 6 feet wide, allowing your traveling companions to move around the deck with ease.

Whether you want to head to shore to enjoy a romantic dinner, pick up supplies or take a leisurely cruise up the coastline, you can do it all in a Falcon 380.

MAIN SPECIFICATIONS

12′ 6″

6′ 3″

Combine Power and Light Weight

The Falcon 380 has a powerful engine, deep-v hull and larger inflatable tubes, which make it possible for the vessel to transport a heavier payload than most other tenders its size.

The Falcon 380 is lightweight and fuel-efficient. The fully equipped boat weighs just under 716 pounds, which makes it easy to get from one on-shore location to another without the need to tow your RIB. Although this 12-foot inflatable tender is undoubtedly lightweight, it is still perfectly capable of carrying a large load. When the Falcon 380 is appropriately equipped, it can handle a payload of just under 1,875 pounds.

If you’re like many boaters, safety is always at the forefront of your mind. If that’s the case, you’ll take great comfort in knowing the Falcon 380 won’t sink or tip. Further, maneuvering the Falcon 380 in a crowded marina is stress-free. Even if your Falcon 380 makes contact with another boat, it won’t cause any damage to the other vessel due to the tender’s thoughtful design.

The Falcon 380’s design is one of its most striking features. Like the other rigid inflatable boats in the Falcon lineup, this 12ft tender was designed by maritime and military experts, making it a practical vessel to own and use. It’s also easy to clean and maintain with minimal effort required.

Contact BRIG USA to Order Your Falcon 380 Now

If you’re searching for a 12ft luxury tender for sale, contact BRIG USA to order a Falcon 380. The first time you’re behind the wheel of this premium tender, you’ll be glad you made the call to order one. Versatile, comfortable and safe — the Falcon 380 has too much going for it for you to go without one. Contact BRIG USA to purchase your RIB tender today.

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500 Days: Around the World on a 12 Foot Yacht Paperback – November 16, 2009

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• Print length 226 pages
• Language English
• Publication date November 16, 2009
• Dimensions 5.5 x 0.51 x 8.5 inches
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• Publisher ‏ : ‎ BookSurge Publishing (November 16, 2009)
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• Paperback ‏ : ‎ 226 pages
• ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1439263027
• ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1439263020
• Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 9.5 ounces
• Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.5 x 0.51 x 8.5 inches
• #1,472 in Travelogues & Travel Essays
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The Best Small Fishing Boats of 2024

Small crafts will get you out fishing without the massive bills that come with owning a boat

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Small fishing boats are often just as capable as larger ones that cost quadruple the price. Unfortunately, not everyone can afford to take out a loan to buy the latest fiberglass bass boat or a deep-v hull offshore craft. Even if they can afford it, some anglers aren’t interested in a larger boat, especially if the brunt of their fishing is on small lakes and streams. Another factor is simply that some anglers might not have a vehicle large enough to tow a bigger dedicated fishing boat.

The good news is that there are options out there to fit a variety of fishing styles, scenarios, and budgets. From the latest in fishing kayaks to singe-person bass boats, we’ve narrowed down the best of the best so you can focus more on fishing. Here are our top picks for the best small fishing boats being made today.

• Best Overall: Apex Marine Gamefisher
• Best Budget: Pelican Intruder 12
• Best for Lake Fishing: Pelican Bass Raider 10E
• Best for Bays and Estuaries: Old Town Sportsman PDL
• Best One Man: Bass Pro Shops Pond Prowler 8
• Best for Two People: Sun Dolphin American 12′ Jon boat

How We Picked the Best Small Fishing Boats

As a lifelong fisherman, I have had the privilege of fishing from a variety of watercraft over the years—large and small. Some of which could be considered the top boats made today. I used that experience to guide my choices here. Some of the craft here I’ve either fished from personally or I’ve used a similar model in the past. Additionally, I compared key features of many of these boats to help make my decisions. Among the most important considerations considered include:

• Length and width: How big is the boat? How much of that space is usable? Is the boat wide enough to stand up in?
• Weight: Does this boat require a trailer? Or is this craft light enough to toss in the back of a pickup truck?
• Fishing-specific features: Does this boat have rod holders? Live wells? Or is it a bare-bones boat ripe for customization?
• Construction: What materials were used in the construction of this boat, and how durable is it?

Best Small Fishing Boats: Reviews and Recommendations

Key Features

• Length: 14’
• Weight: N/A
• Weight Capacity: 625 Pounds
• Strong, one-piece hull
• Great weight capacity
• Requires a trailer

The wide hull of the Gamefisher is made from a single piece of aluminum which gives it great strength and stability. This is a boat built to bounce off stumps, rocks, and whatever else the angler can throw at it in the shallows. Because this boat has a mostly open floor plan, it’s ideal for modifications too. There are three bench seats already included, but it is easy to add some aftermarket swivel seats.

While user reviews note it is light enough to be carried by two people, the boat’s length almost necessitates a trailer, which is an extra expense for anglers who don’t already own one. However, this boat offers more in versatility than most other options on the market. For instance, it’s rather easy to add a blind for waterfowl hunting, making this a good option for all-around outdoorsmen and women.

• Length: 144”
• Weight: 126 Pounds
• Weight Capacity: 420 Pounds
• A lot of boat for the price
• Extremely stable
• Weight capacity seems low for a craft this size

The plastic Intruder is a solid lightweight Jon boat that comes with a great price tag. At just under $700, the Intruder has a simple, but highly versatile design. This boat can easily be modified with seats, rod holders, and fish finders. It is a good option for anglers who want something that could transition seamlessly to waterfowl hunting. While this is a 12-foot boat, the weight is only 126 pounds, making it easy for two anglers to quickly load into the back of a larger pickup.

Our only downside for the Intruder is the 420-pound weight capacity seems a little on the low side for a 12-foot boat. It should handle two anglers for a day at the lake just fine. More than that, plus gear might be pushing things. However, for fishermen on a budget, this is a highly versatile craft.

• Length: 122”
• Weight: 145 Pounds
• Weight Capacity: 600 Pounds
• Easy to modify
• Incredibly stable
• Excellent price point
• Some reported shipping issues

The Pelican Bass Raider is one of the most popular plastic bass boats on the market today. It has developed a rather dedicated following from those who like customizing boats to suit specific fishing styles. With a minimum weight capacity of 600 pounds, this boat can easily hold two adults for a day of fishing, plus all the gear you might want. While it doesn’t come with a live well or rod holders, they are rather easy to add after the fact. We also like the Bass Raider for the shallow draft. Another bonus is that it is already wired up for an electronic motor and marine electronics.

A common problem reported in user reviews is boats shipped with subpar packaging. Some users have reported receiving damaged craft . Another problem was some users didn’t get a title with their shipment. This becomes an issue when trying to register in some states. However, for $1,000, there is much that can be done with this boat.

• Length: 12’
• Weight: 116 Pounds
• Weight Capacity: 500 Pounds
• PDL drive seamlessly transitions between forward and reverse
• Rugged construction

A kayak makes an excellent choice for inshore angling on bays and estuaries, and Old Town produces some of the best in the business. I’ve used Old Town’s kayaks in both inland lakes and mangrove flats, and I am always amazed at their stability. The biggest selling point of the PDL line is the pedal drive system. This drive can seamlessly transition from backwards and forwards simply by reversing pedaling motions. Not every pedal kayak on the market can do that. I love how this kayak leaves my hands free to cast and fight fish while still being able to navigate. I find the Sportsman PDL to be very rugged—I’ve run the drive system aground, into logs, and I’ve wrapped the prop in weeds many times without issue. Pedaling in reverse usually clears the tangle.

The biggest downsides to this kayak are the $2,700 price tag and the 116-pound weight. It’s not an easy kayak to get into the water or onto a trailer by yourself. And you can forget about wrestling it onto a rooftop rack. However, the stability and ease of navigating make this boat of the best kayaks on the planet.

• Length: 8’ 7”
• Weight: 100 Pounds
• Weight Capacity: 515 Pounds
• Compact and easy to transport
• Great price point
• Already wired for a trolling motor
• No front lift handle
• Seat doesn’t lock down

The Prowler is a simple little boat that is perfect for solo anglers. Because of the compact design, this boat slides into the back of a pickup rather easily. The flat bottom allows anglers to get back into shallow areas that other boats can’t reach. This boat also boasts an impressive 515-pound weight capacity that makes it comfortable for anglers of all sizes despite the boat being less than nine feet long. Much like the Pelican Bass Raider, this boat is often heavily modified by users. The polyethylene construction is basically a blank slate for anglers looking to build the ultimate tiny bass rig.

One downside mentioned in user reviews is the lack of a carry handle on the front. It can make transporting a little more difficult. The seats also don’t lock down, and several user reviews mentioned minor problems with the seat shifting on them when they leaned over to get in their tackle box or land a fish.

Best for Two People: Sundolphin American 12′ Jon Boat

• Weight: 110 Pounds
• Weight Capacity: 532 Pounds
• Lightweight
• Extremely affordable
• No enclosed storage spaces

This Jon boat’s width and flat bottom make it an excellent choice for two anglers. The Sundolphin only weighs 110 pounds, making it easy to slide into a trailer or the back of a pickup truck. It has four built-in rod holders and multiple cup holders molded into the polyethylene hull. The boat’s materials also make it easy to hose and wipe down at the end of a long day of fishing.

The biggest downside to this boat is that there are no enclosed storage areas, which is a dealbreaker for some. That also means a battery for a trolling motor will need to sit on the deck exposed to the elements. However, for a boat of this size, the sub $800 price tag is hard to beat.

What to Consider When Buying a Small Fishing Boat

With the price of almost everything being extremely high right now, most anglers are turning to a smaller boat. But not all boats are created equal. If you want to fish saltwater flats, a long, wide specialized fishing kayak makes more sense than a flat-bottomed Jon boat. On the flip side, most small aluminum boats work best for inland lakes, rivers, and reservoirs. For intercoastal fisheries, select a craft built to withstand the corrosive saltwater environment. Don’t forget to always rinse your craft thoroughly after each trip in saltwater to extend the life of the craft.

Storage and Transport

The biggest benefit of a smaller boat is that it is easier to store and transport. However, it’s still important to take stock of how much storage space you have in your garage before you buy. Storing your boat inside will significantly increase the life of the craft. Try to figure out your storage options before you buy to avoid unwanted headaches.

Another factor some fishermen and women neglect is how to transport the new craft to the water. Smaller bass boats and kayaks are sometimes easily transported in a pickup bed. However, if you’re like me, you might find yourself needing to purchase a small trailer for transport. This can mean buying and installing a hitch if you don’t already have one.

Depending on the state, you may need to register the trailer too. Here in Michigan, a smaller kayak trailer under 2,500 pounds doesn’t require a plate. However, if you’re planning to buy a smaller aluminum boat that requires a heavier towing system, you may need to put plans in your budget for getting a plate.

Motors and Batteries

Unless you plan to paddle, pedal, or row your small fishing boat, you will also need to invest in a motor and possibly a marine battery . Most smaller boats can be powered by a simple trolling motor, but that adds another $150 to $1,500 just in motor costs alone. While a cheap trolling motor can do the job, the battery can add on another $150 to $500 depending on whether it is a lithium, absorbed glass mat (AGM), or lead acid battery. Small, simple outboard motors can go for anywhere from $250 to $1,800, depending on the make and model. However, the good news is that for a small 10 to 12-foot boat, most anglers don’t need a super fancy motor.

Registration and Other Legalities

Registration for small fishing boats is often unnecessary if the craft is non-motorized. That means most kayaks, canoes, and rowboats are often exempt from licensing and other regulations. In most states, you only need to register a boat if you add a small motor, whether it be a trolling motor or outboard. There is a ton of variation here from state to state, so be sure to review your state’s rules before you head out for the first time. Although some small boats may not require registration, many states still require you to have life vests and preservers for everyone on board. Most states also require some sort of running lights if you plan to fish after dark or near dawn or dusk. Fortunately, there are some cheap options for boat lighting online.

Q: Are small boats safe?

Small boats are perfectly safe as long as they are not overloaded or used in poor weather conditions. Pay attention to the weight limits of each craft. Besides having the proper number of life vests onboard for the number of passengers, be sure to read the owner’s manual thoroughly. The manual will have safety information specific to the boat, including conditions to avoid.

Q: What is the most stable boat for fishing?

In most cases, a wide, flat-bottom boat will usually be the most stable. Although manufacturers have become more sophisticated in their designs and many modern fishing kayaks also offer incredible stabilization in a very narrow package. However, a good rule of thumb is that the wider the hull, the more stable the boat will be. Consequently, this is why so many modern fishing boats have wider, more stable platforms regardless of the size of the overall craft.

Q: How long do small fishing boats last on average?

This depends on the type of boat and how well it is maintained. I have relatives and friends who have owned the same aluminum boats for decades. Two of my plastic kayaks are over 12 years old and still floating. Storing your small boat indoors in the winter months will help increase its lifespan considerably. With plastic boats, avoid exposure to sunlight, as UV light can bleach and ruin the color. Don’t forget to winterize the motor before putting the boat into extended storage at the end of the season. Properly maintained, there’s no reason a small fishing boat shouldn’t last 15-25 years.

Best Small Fishing Boats: Final Thoughts

While it might seem like larger boats are all you hear about these days, there is still a market for small fishing boats. Many anglers are re-discovering the effectiveness of a simple Jon boat like the Apex Marine’s shallow draft for reaching hidden spots that no one else can get to. Additionally, these smaller crafts are simply a more cost-effective way to get on the water without totally breaking the bank.

Why Trust Us

For more than 125 years, Field & Stream has been providing readers with honest and authentic coverage of outdoor gear. Our writers and editors eat, sleep, and breathe the outdoors, and that passion comes through in our product reviews. You can count on F&S to keep you up to date on the best new gear. And when we write about a product—whether it’s a bass lure or a backpack—we cover the good and the bad, so you know exactly what to expect before you decide to make a purchase.

Travis Smola is a Staff Writer with Field & Stream. He spent eight years writing about all things outdoors with Wide Open Spaces before looking for a new challenge with Field & Stream in 2023. Contact the author here.

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Sun Dolphin American 12' Jon Boat

Product details.

The Sun Dolphin American 12' Jon Boat sports reinforced motor mounts front and rear, with battery storage locations fore and aft. Anglers will appreciate this impact-resistant jon boat's recessed drink and tackle holders, 4 rod holders, and oarlock sockets. Lightweight and easily transportable, the Sun Dolphin American 12' Jon Boat includes room for all your tackle and a cooler. Constructed of rugged UV-stabilized Fortiflex high-density polyethylene with built-in closed cell foam flotation, this Sun Dolphin jon boat operates virtually maintenance-free and makes the ideal choice for fishing and hunting, with a large seating area and a protective vinyl rub rail. 6hp rating. 40 lbs. of thrust with 36" trolling motors. Trolling motor and battery not included. Max Wt. Cap.: 532 lbs. Made in USA. Manufacturer model #: 11010.

• Portable and impact resistant
• Virtually maintenance free
• Ideal for hunting and fishing
• Protective vinyl rub rail
• Trolling motor and battery not included

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Top 6 Reasons to Own a 12-Foot Jon Boat

From fishing to hunting, a 12-foot jon boat can be the smartest gear purchase you make in your lifetime.

• By Dave Maas
• September 06, 2021

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The author’s 12-foot jon boat has been an integral part of many of the family’s best outdoor adventures.

Regardless of whether you spell it jon boat or john boat, a flat-bottom boat measuring 12 feet in length is an ideal fishing and hunting tool. I purchased my 12-foot Fisher jon boat in 1982, and for nearly 40 years it’s been the key to many of my most memorable times in the field.

Kayaks have been all the rage for the last decade. And sure, they work well. In fact, a couple years ago I wrote an article for this website called “Top 4 Reasons to Own a Kayak”; click here to check it out. I love my 13-foot 2-inch Old Town Predator PDL kayak ; it’s a fishing machine. The downside to a kayak, however, is it’s a solo affair. Yes, a buddy could also fish nearby in their own kayak, but that doesn’t help if you want to share the boat with a beginner, or a child.

Below are the top six reasons to own a 12-foot jon boat.

1. Shared Experiences

As I mentioned previously, the downside to a kayak is it’s a solo affair. With a 12-foot jon boat, you can bring one adult with you, and depending on cargo capacity for a particular 12-footer, you’ll probably be okay sharing the boat with two children.

I can’t tell you how many outstanding fishing trips I shared in my 12-foot jon boat with my two sons when they were younger (and each weighed less than 100 pounds). My jon boat has three bench seats, and I’d sit in the middle with one boy in the bow and one in the stern. I could help tie knots, remove tangles, land fish and unhook fish without anyone having to move. My goal was to teach each of my kids to be self-sufficient as soon as possible, and it worked.

2. Access to Low-Pressure Hotspots

You might be asking yourself: Why is the author being so specific about a 12-foot jon boat? Why not 14 feet, or 15? Or 10?

I’ve spent a little time in a 10-footer, and while it was okay for me alone, it’s really too small to share with another person, unless that second angler is a small child. In other words, if you want to share it with a growing family, you’ll soon wish the boat was longer.

I’ve also fished in 14-, 15- and 16-footers. While these bigger boats are good once they’re on the water, the problem with them is weight, plus you really need a boat trailer to haul them. My 12-foot jon boat rides nicely in the back of my Ford Crew Cab (short box) pickup with the tailgate down. If I tried to haul a 14-footer, I’d have to use a hitch extender, which is a hassle. Plus, a 14-footer is quite a bit heavier than a 12-footer. This extra weight isn’t a big problem for two adults, but I’m often hauling it alone, and if I need to drag it 15 yards up a hill after exiting a lake to reach the road, the lighter 12-footer is much easier to handle.

Fact: Almost any lake that features a carry-in-only access has less fishing and hunting pressure (for ducks and geese) than one with an access designed for boat trailers. I don’t care where you live; look at a map and find those smaller bodies of waters with carry-in access and you’ll find some fishing and hunting hotspots.

I also own a decked-out fiberglass Skeeter multi-species fishing rig; I bought it in 1994. With a bow-mount trolling motor and the latest in electronics (I’ve upgraded through the years), it’s a comfortable and effective fishing machine. That said — and this is not a misprint — during any given open-water fishing season in Minnesota (late-April through late-October), my 12-foot jon boat is used at least 10 times more than the Skeeter. Why? Because if my son and I want to catch largemouth bass, we can take out the Skeeter and go to lakes shared by other diehard bass anglers, and we’ll catch 6 to 12 bass in 3-4 hours. Or, we can throw the 12-foot jon boat in the pickup and hit a nearby lake with a carry-in-only access and catch at least 20 bass. Which would you choose?

3. Ability to Stand

Kayaks are great for accessing carry-in-only lakes, but standing to cast is a challenge. Yes, I can do it in my Predator PDL, but only if conditions are perfect (light winds), and I have to be very careful about balance. In contrast, it’s easy to stand and cast from my 12-foot Fisher. In fact, I can stand and cast at the same time as my 18-year-old son. No, it’s not as comfortable as standing on the carpeted decks of my Skeeter, but it works.

When standing as high as possible is a fishing advantage, such as looking for shallow-water cruising bass during spring, one angler can stand on the seats of my 12-foot jon boat and still have decent stability. I’ve never fallen out of my 12-foot Fisher, and that’s after nearly 40 years of standing on its middle seat casting for bass and muskies, and bowfishing. How many total hours is that? I have no idea, but it’s likely several thousand.

4. Hauling Gear

Another way the 12-foot jon boat out-shines a kayak is hauling gear, especially when duck hunting and pursing whitetails via a water access to public ground. Two adults can hunt ducks from my 12-foot jon boat and also carry a decent number of duck decoys. Nice! Similarly, the jon boat works well for carrying hang-on treestands, and when successful, a tagged deer. None of this is convenient with a kayak.

5. Reasonably Priced

Kayak prices continue to go up as the number of features increase. Yes, you can purchase an inexpensive 10-foot kayak and it’ll work okay for fishing, but the larger ones that are most fisherman-friendly feature a peddle drive system, such as my Old Town Predator PDL, or a fin system, such as a Hobie Mirage Pro Angler 14. These two models are priced at approximately $2,600 and $4,000, respectively.

You can purchase a top-notch, new, lightweight 12-foot jon boat for less than $2,000, and a bit of online searching ( Facebook Marketplace , Craigslist , etc.) will reveal used ones for less than $1,000. Of course, you’ll have to be careful in purchasing a used one to ensure it doesn’t leak. A buddy of mine spent $500 on a used 12-footer off Craigslist, tested it on a nearly lake for leaks, and it works perfectly. (FYI: Fisher Boats discontinued production in 2009.)

6. Powered by Muscle or Motor

Depending on the activity, I’ll either row my 12-foot jon boat, or power it with my 40-pound-thrust Minn Kota trolling motor or 3hp Evinrude outboard (1966-model year!). When duck hunting, I use the outboard; when fishing, I like the trolling motor for precise positioning while casting along the shoreline. When I visit lakes where trolling motors aren’t allowed, or when floating rivers, I row. I also row a bit when I’m fishing with the trolling motor attached because it’s the best way to quietly move across weed-choked shallow-water bays.

True story: While finishing up this article, I paused for a few minutes to help my 18-year-old son Elliott load the 12-foot jon boat in our pickup. He can do it alone but it’s easier with two people. He’s heading out this afternoon and evening with a buddy on a bass fishing mission. My son owns a used 14-foot semi-v aluminum boat powered by a new 15hp outboard, with a bow-mount trolling motor. This is a compact rig, but it’s on a trailer, so he needs a boat ramp to launch it. This spring and summer, he’s fished four times from his 14-footer; I know during this same period he’s fished from the 12-foot jon boat on carry-in-only lakes at least 30 times.

I strongly encourage you to consider adding a 12-foot jon boat to your list of fishing and hunting gear. It will open a tremendous number of outdoor opportunities, and it won’t cost you an arm and a leg. Trust me — you’ll never regret it.

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Understanding the 12-Guest Rule for Yacht Charters

Maritime regulations pose limits on guest numbers

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By Editorial Team   24 January 2023

"Why is there a 12-guest limit on the yacht I want to rent?" is a commonly-asked question among charterers considering booking a crewed yacht vacation for the first time. To help explain why the majority of charter yachts, regardless of size, have a 12-guest limit, we've outlined the reasons and some points to consider before booking a yacht vacation.

In this article:

12-guest limit on yacht charters explained

What is the reg yacht code, what does this mean for yacht charters, can i secure a yacht charter for more than 12 guests, tandem yacht charters, need more yacht charter advice.

In general, the number of guests allowed on board a charter yacht depends on the license it holds to carry passengers for yacht charters. This can be anything from 4 up to a maximum of 12 guests, usually commensurate with the size of the yacht.

If you are looking to entertain extended family, host your huge social circle for the vacation of a lifetime, or a mix of the two, you might be wondering why most charter yachts do not allow a higher number of guests, regardless of their size. Even for seasoned charterers, the limits can still be a point of contention.

This is largely to do with international maritime regulations, as yachts that carry more than 12 guests are legally considered to be passenger ships, which means they have to meet a different set of criteria to cruise at sea under the Passenger Yacht Code (PYC).

In 2017, the PYC was replaced with the Red Ensign Group (REG) Yacht Code , developed to be more specifically geared towards the superyacht industry.

This code sets out the technical, safety and operational standards for a yacht, including the number of passengers allowed on board. As a result, the code is made up of two parts;

• Part A – (updated version of the Large Yacht Code - LY3) applies to yachts 24 meters and over in load line length, in commercial use for sport or pleasure, do not carry cargo and not more than 12 passengers.
• Part B – (the updated version of the Passenger Yacht Code - PYC) applies to pleasure yachts of any size, in private use or engaged in trade (commercial charter), which carry more than 12 but not more than 36 passengers, and do not carry cargo.  

The REG Yacht Code Part B is a superyacht alternative to full compliance with the Safety Of Life At Sea (SOLAS) convention. The latter is a set of rules applicable to most merchant or cruise ships.

The REG criteria for yachts carrying more than 12 passengers sets out strict rules governing design and construction standards, as well as other important safety measures.

Yachts will usually need to undergo rigorous testing, extensive surveying, hire more crew and may even need to be completely refitted. Unsurprisingly, this can be inconvenient, time-consuming and often prohibitively expensive for the owner.

Consequently, many yacht owners decide to keep the maximum number of guests onboard to 12 (plus crew) for chartering. 

This means, for example, that an 80-meter yacht with 8 staterooms may well have the ability to sleep 16 guests while in private use, but on a commercial charter is only allowed to sleep 12 guests. 

There is a fairly healthy selection of yachts available for charter that can sleep more than 12 guests on board. That said, if you are interested in securing one for your next yacht charter, it would be wise to inform your broker of your guest numbers as far in advance as possible as demand for these yachts can be high.

If you do not secure a luxury yacht rental that accommodates all of your party, tandem yacht charters are a popular alternative.

A tandem charter involves two or more vessels being booked together, and can provide a lot more flexibility. For example, guests may decide to split itineraries between yachts for particular activities (one yacht could take a group sport-fishing, the other for a day's pampering) or divide the yachts up between adults and younger ones (with accompanying staff, if applicable).

For more advice on booking a luxury yacht charter , please speak with your preferred yacht broker . Whether you are looking for assistance on booking a charter suitable for 12 guests or under, or for a vessel that can cater to a much larger party, a broker will be able to carefully curate a vacation entirely to your needs and requirements.

Take a look at our advice guides for more information on chartering a superyacht, covering everything from charter contracts to yacht vacation packing tips.

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What Size Outboard Motor for What Size Boat? (Boat Horsepower Chart)

Once you buy a boat you want, it is time to determine what size outboard motor for what size boat. As you can guess, there is no magic formula for estimating it precisely, but you can get rough numbers when you check relevant information.

You should start with a boat type , a maximum passenger number, and the equipment weight you plan to carry. Then, you can determine the maximum horsepower recommended for your vessel. Finally, think about 2-strokes and 4-stroke motor options, right propeller size , and fuel type. Sounds complicated? Let’s make it easier!

Table of Contents

Motor Size Matters

Things to consider when selecting an outboard boat engine, ways of pair an outboard motor with your boat size.

Yes, an engine size matters , and it is crucial to pair it with an adequate boat size to let it run smoothly.

Bigger motors with higher horsepower offer numerous benefits for comfortable boating, such as:

• You can sail at high speed
• A more sizable engine provides better handling, particularly when sailing at midrange speeds
• It makes water sports cozier
• You can count on better time maneuvering
• Such an engine will give you better control and provide more secure sailing in harsh weather condition
• Surprisingly, a motor with a bigger fuel tank uses less fuel

Downsides of a small engine

A too-small engine typically has difficulty powering a bigger boat so it will spend more fuel than a bigger model. Another problem is sailing with more passengers and equipment since extra load requires a motor with more horsepower.

Therefore, you should check the max HP a boat can handle before purchasing. That rating will show you a top weight it can carry, and you can risk uncomfortable and unsafe sailing, plus possible Coast Guard fines when exceeding it.

The vessel horsepower ranges from 2.5 to 1,000+ HP for contemporary outboard motors . You should pick out the most powerful one your boat can handle to provide smooth and comfy sailing.

Horsepower is used to measure the engine power. On average, your vessel will need 5 HP per 2,200 pounds (1,000 kg) its weight. Small boats shouldn’t use more than 75% to 80% of the max HP because of the possibility of rough waters and headwinds while sailing.

Only that way, you can count on enough thrust to drive as desire. You should think about a few things when determining how much horsepower your boat needs, including:

Manufacturer limits

Manufacturers’ recommendation always shows a maximum passengers number and cargo weight your boat can carry. You can also find the absolute max boat HP in the manual.

If you have a boat built after 1972, you can find a capacity plate with this information inside the transom. Older vessels, home-built models, and those made overseas typically don’t have that plate.

However, you can contact the manufacturer or look for their manuals online to discover limitations and recommendations for your boat.

Horsepower-to-weight ratio

The only way to precisely determine your boat’s necessary horsepower is to consider its weight. You can calculate this ratio in horsepower per pound or vice versa.

HP/boat weight = required horsepower per 1 pound (0.45 kg)

boat weight/HP = number of pounds per horsepower

Let’s say you have a boat weighing 5,000 pounds (2,268 kg) with an engine of 300 HP. The calculation will look like:

• 5,000 pounds / 300 HP = 16.6 pounds (7.5 kg) per horsepower
• 300 HP / 5,000 pounds = 0.06 HP per 1 pound (0.45 kg)

You should do the math to match the desired outboard engine with your boat size correctly. The result will show how fast your boat will go since its speed will be higher when these numbers are lower.

Horsepower your boat needs will also depend on its use. Any additional equipment weight or pulling water skiers behind the vessel increase the power it needs.

Number of passengers

In this case, the rule is simple. Your boat engine will work properly only when it carries 25 to 40 pounds (11.5 – 18 kg) per horsepower.

Once you have this information, you can check the boat weight and add the total weight of the passengers you plan to host on it. Then, you can effortlessly determine engine HP that matches your boat.

Fuel efficiency

As you can guess, the motor HP impacts the boat’s fuel efficiency, but that doesn’t mean a higher-horsepower engine necessarily consumes more fuel.

For instance, your motor with lower HP will use more gas at full throttle than the one with higher HP running with less throttle.

Engine type

Both 2-stroke and 4-stroke engines are good options. You should choose one or another, depending on the feature crucial for you.

The rule of thumb is that 2-stroke motors are lighter and less expensive, while 4-stroke models with the same power are quieter. However, these differences are diminishing nowadays.

Engine weight

One of the vital things is to match the outboard engine weight and boat size . That way, you will ensure sufficient power for the desired speed without jeopardizing safety and maneuverability.

Most 2 to 10 HP outboard engines weigh 35 to 90 pounds (16 – 41 kg). On the other hand, you should count on 100 to 160 pounds (45.5 – 72.5 kg) for a 20 to 30 HP motor. In this case, you can have a problem carrying a too heavy engine around.

Required speed

The rule of thumb is that your boat needs more power to reach a higher speed. The equation says that 1 HP can move 40 pounds (18 kg) of boat weight at 20 mph (32.2 km/h). According to that, you can calculate that your boat weighing 2,000 pounds (907 kg) needs 50 HP to reach the speed of 20 mph (32.2 km/h).

Federal regulations

In the US, it is illegal to overpower your boat. The Code of Federal Regulations clearly defines vessel overpowering, so you should check it before getting into a situation to break federal law.

You should know that your boat’s horsepower directly affects its insurance , and models with higher HP typically has higher premium costs. Keep in mind that the insurance company won’t cover a boat with an upgraded engine that exceeds the max HP recommended by the manufacturer.

The best way to properly pair an engine with a boat of a particular size is to determine its horsepower.

2 to 3.6 HP engine  

These small, less than 40 pounds (18 kg) weight, 2-stroke outboard engines are an excellent option for portable boats, like:

• Inflatable boats
• Small pontoons
• Small sailboats

They can push small boats at 5 to 9.5 mph (8 – 15 km/h), depending on weather conditions, current, as well as boat weight and design.

5 to 6 HP engine

This horsepower range is ideal for boats weighing 8 to 11.5 pounds (18 – 25 kg), including:

• 12 feet (3.65 m) long inflatable boats
• Portable folding boats
• Large canoes
• 8 to 12 feet (2.5 – 3.65 m) long inflatable and dinghy boats

Such an engine can propel your vessel with one person at 10 to 17.5 mph (16 – 28 km/h).

8 to 9.8 HP engine

You should pick out this small but powerful 11.5 to 20.5 pounds (25 – 45 kg) heavy outboard engine for your:

• 10 to 14 feet (3 – 4.5 m) long inflatable and aluminum boats
• Large portable folding boat and sturdy canoe
• Up to 14 feet (4.5 m) long light fiberglass boats

An outboard motor in this range is an excellent option for propelling a boat carrying a light load and two people at 9.5 to 17.5 mph (15 – 28 km/h).

15 to 25 HP engine  

Although powerful, these 16.5 to 23.5 pounds (36 – 52 kg) heavy 4-stroke outboard engines are still in a small outboard HP class. They are an excellent choice for:

• 10 to 14 feet (3 – 4.5 m) long inflatable boat
• 12 to 16 feet (3.65 – 5 m) long Jon boat , fiberglass boat , and aluminum fishing boat

These smooth-running engines can propel most boats to 25 mph (40 km/h) when carrying several people and heavy loads.

Whatever boat type you have, you should buy the smallest possible outboard engine that can allow a max hull speed with 90% of the revolutions per minute. Unless you want a higher-speed boat , you can use your 20 HP engine for twenty years and get an excellent fuel economy.

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Look I’m getting confused. I’m looking at 20 to 21 foot fiberglass star craft. My weight is around 260 my girl is around180. The dealers are trying to sell me a 150 yamaha. A northern dealer is trying to sell me a 20 ft boat with a 70 hp yamaha. The price is nice for the 70 hp but I’m not shore that it’s good for that boat. Help.

The lower the “hp/lb” value, the faster the boat. For example, you have a 3,000-pound boat with a 200-horsepower outboard motor. A pound will correspond to 0.067 HP.

The weight boat is one of the variables to consider when finding the maximum horsepower. Calculating the ratio between horsepower and weight is straightforward. You only need your boat’s weight and its boat HP rating.

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12 Ft Aluminum Boats for sale

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12ft Aluminum John Boat

Elizabethtown, Kentucky

Make Jon Boat

Model Aluminum

Category Jon Boats

Length 12.0

Posted Over 1 Month

12ft Aluminum Jon Boat. 4 1/2 foot wide. In good shape. Has some wear and tear, but it is a great lil fishing boat. Motor not included.

12 ft Aluminum boat

Warwick, Rhode Island

Boat is in a very good condition. Trailer is brand new, year is 2015. Everything in the picture is included. Brand new battery. I have all the necessary paperwork for trailer and boat.

12ft aluminum boat

Stamford, Connecticut

Text or call for photos. The boat is used and the color is green. The boat does not include a trailer. My number is 203-814-0807 ask for victor

12 Ft Western Aluminum Boat

Bullhead City, Arizona

Fishing Boat & Trailer in great condition. Needs motor & battery. 3 chairs, storage space, 4 pole holders, lights, life jackets and other safety equip., anchor, orrs, deep bottom. $500.00  call: (928) 716-4752 or (562) 204-7064

12 ft aluminum fishing boat with 2 motors and Trailer

Donie, Texas

Make Sea King

Model 12 Ft Aluminum

Category Fishing Boats

For Sale is a 1979 12' Sea King Aluminum Boat with Trailer, plus a great working 1962 Evinrude 5 1/2 hp fisherman and a Mini Koda 40 trolling motor both in Good running order. Boat is water tight and has a clear title.

Corvallis, Oregon

12 ft aluminum fishing boat. Used but great condition.

For Sale is a 1979 12' Sea King Aluminum Boat with Trailer, plus a vintage collectible great working 1962 Evinrude 5 1/2 hp fisherman and a Mini Koda 40 trolling motor both in Good running order. Boat is water tight and has a clear title. I did a lot of work cleaning and caulking to make sure it was water tight.

Northwood 12 ft. aluminum John boat

Indianapolis, Indiana

Boat is in great shape. It's extremely light at least half if not a third what Those "Bass Trackers" weigh and a lot more room it has one seat with it.

Boat 12 ft Aluminum/trailer/electric motor

East Ryegate, Vermont

1970 aluminum Arka boat/masr trailer and electric motor.

**12ft. Starcraft Aluminum Boat, No Leaks**

Yarmouth Port, Massachusetts

No leaks, very stable, tracks true. 12 foot in length, 51 inches at the widest point, very stable. Easy rowing or moves well with an electric trolling motor. I never had an outboard on it, but it can handle one. This boat is ready for the season! Local pickup only, priced right at $325.00 Cash.

12ft Aluminum Boat w/Trailer

Roseville, California

I have a 12ft aluminum boat with trailer. It is in good shape and ready to fish. The boat has seats and an area to hook up a fish finder. It does not have a motor, but I have a small motor for sale, separately. Call or email if interested.

1991 12ft aluminum jon boat

Beaufort, South Carolina

hull and trailer in good condition, 8hp mercury outboard needs minor work

1985 14 ft. Aluminum Lund Fishing Boat

Woodbridge, New Jersey

Model 14 Ft.

Length 14 ft

14 ft.Aluminum Lund Outboard Fishing Boat Year 1985. Good restored condition comes with trailer and many extras. 1. Shoreland Trailer2. New Tires & Rims + Spare tire3. Bearing Buddies4. New Wheel Bearings & Seals (inner & outer)5. Spare tire mount and Lock(Engine) 2013 2 Motors Included1. 12 Volt Electric Motor2. 20hp 4-Stroke Yamaha Motor (gas) Excellent Condition (only 2 Hrs Run Time)3. 2 Fuel Tanks 3 gal and a 6 gal4. 2 Batteries 1 for the electric and 1 for the outboard motor5. 1 Set Of Deluxe Wooden Oars & Oar Locks6. Engine Storage Stand7. Pro Duel Feed engine Flusher8. Extension Handle 9. 2 Adult PFD (life jackets)10. 1 Anchor & Line All In All Great Deal... Local Pick Up Only!!!!!!

Green aluminum fishing boat, 12 ft, 3 bench seats

Lynn, Massachusetts

Make Unknown

Length 12 foot

Used 12 ft. aluminum boat, green paint, 3 wooden bench seats - only used in fresh water. Some minor dings and scratches, but very sturdy - no leaks. Call 978-766-3516 for more information.

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Best Luxury Yacht Rentals In Miami

M iami is one of the only cities in the world where boating is acceptable 12 months a year. From the beautiful weather to the vast blue water, spending a day lounging on a boat is the best way to jump into the Miami lifestyle. From large 100-foot yachts to smaller day boats we have rounded up some of the best charter companies for your day on the water.

Miami Yachting Company

From 55-foot Van Dutch's to 105-feet Azimut's, Miami Yachting Company has every luxurious boat you could dream of. When booking a yacht, all experiences come with the boat, captain, crew, lunch, drinks, gear, water toys and so much more. This is the perfect way to sightsee Miami from a different perspective and take advantage of the bright blue water.

Boatsetter is heaven for the ocean lover. With an extremely user-friendly platform and a wide variety of boat sizes to choose from, there is no going wrong here. Whether you're looking for a party boat to celebrate on, or a luxurious yacht to spend the day basking in the sun, you'll be sure to find the exact boat you're looking for with a wide range of experienced captains.

Starlux Yacht Rentals

Starlux Yacht Rentals has an impressive fleet of 40 yachts to choose from, offering each customer a tailored experience. Whether you're looking to stay in the Miami area or head to the Florida Keys or even the Bahamas, there is no doubt Starlux will take you there.

Golden Yacht Charters

From 40-feet to 116-feet, Golden Yacht Charter has a wide variety of impressive yachts to choose from. As a leader in the Miami boat rental industry, with 14 years under their belt, there is no going wrong with this company. And if you're in Miami for the weekend and looking for more fun experiences, Golden Yacht Charters also has an impressive car rental business and villa rental services for your needs.

Prime Luxury Rentals

From jet skis, jet packs, paddleboards, sea-bobs and more, Prime Luxury Rentals has fun options for add-ons to your yacht experience. The day's experience will take you to some of Miami's most famous landmarks and view some of the beautiful sunsets. If you're looking to arrive at a restaurant in style, you can pull up on your yacht to hotspots like Casadonna or CASA NEOS for a spectacular waterfront meal.

Lupo Yacht Club

This member's-only yacht club ensures its members reap all the rewards of luxury yachting life without the energy spent on maintenance and upkeep. Enjoy owning a yacht without actually having to buy it, along with monthly curated events, concierge services and a professional full time crew.

Photography by: Courtesy Marcin Ciszewski Unsplash

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This New 82-Foot Yacht Is Like an Elegant Triplex for the High Seas

The pearl 82 has a novel layout that sets it apart from competitors., rachel cormack.

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This New 94-Foot Foiling Catamaran Can Fly Across the Seas at Over 50 Knots

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What Pearl’s newest fleet member lacks in length it makes up for in height.

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British designer Kelly Hoppen styled the interior of the first hull and has also created three designs for future owners to choose from. Described as “sophisticated and luxurious,” the open-plan living quarters offer sweeping, panoramic views, and multiple areas for entertaining. The main deck is adorned with a salon, a galley, a dining area, and a plush owner’s suite with a private terrace, while the lower deck is outfitted with five en suite staterooms and cabins for three crew.

The pilothouse isn’t the only singular feature on the 82, either. Pearl says the yacht is the only one of such a size to have a garage large enough to hold a Williams 395, a Sea-Doo Jet Ski, and other equipment. It is also the only one in its class to offer two aft deck configurations (Riviera or Veranda) to cater to different seafarers. Other highlights of the model include a foredeck lounge with large sun pads and a luxe flybridge with a dining table, wet bar, sun pad, and hot tub.

As for grunt, the yacht can be equipped with two MAN engines rated at 1,650, 1,800, or 2,000 horses. It has an estimated top speed of 33 knots and a cruising range of 287 nautical miles.

A true boutique builder, Pearl produces only a limited number of vessels annually to ensure quality and exclusivity. The 82 is one of four models in the lineup, alongside a 62, 72 , and 95 . The first 82 will debut at the upcoming Cannes Yachting Festival.

The Cannes Yachting Festival will take place in the sparkling Bay of Cannes from September 10 to 15. See you there.

Rachel Cormack is a digital editor at Robb Report. She cut her teeth writing for HuffPost, Concrete Playground, and several other online publications in Australia, before moving to New York at the…

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• Cannes Yachting Festival
• Pearl Yachts

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Authorities say 2 rescued, 1 dead, 1 missing after boat capsizes on Ohio lake

CLEVELAND (AP) — Authorities have suspended the search for a missing boater in Lake Erie after rescuing two others and pulling another person from the water who later died.

The U.S. Coast Guard Great Lakes station said a distress call was received just after 10:30 a.m. Saturday, which authorities said directed them to an area off a Painesville communications tower. A helicopter was launched from the Coast Guard air station in Detroit and a boat crew from the Cleveland harbor headed out to search, but an hour later the helicopter was diverted to a separate rescue in the lake off Ashtabula.

Shortly before 2 p.m. Saturday, a local fire rescue boat crew reported finding coolers and other debris floating in the water off the Perry nuclear power plant. Divers with the Lake County dive team also found a capsized and partially submerged 23-foot vessel.

The Detroit crew, after refueling, rejoined the search and rescued one person in the water while the fire department boat crew rescued another person. The two, a man and a woman, were wearing life jackets. The Cleveland harbor crew rescued another man, who was unresponsive and was later pronounced dead at a local hospital.

After the three rescues, officials learned that a third man had been in the water. Officials said it wasn't immediately clear whether that person had been wearing a life jacket. Another helicopter and a boat crew kept searching but the effort was suspended Saturday night after 10 hours, officials said.

The Detroit helicopter crew diverted earlier had rescued five people in the water who were clinging to a cooler in Lake Erie waters about 10 miles (16 kilometers) off Ashtabula after their 22-foot boat had been swamped by a wave, officials said. The five were taken to the northeast Ohio regional airport, and officials said none had any medical concerns.

Where to see the barge carrying a pedestrian bridge on the Erie Canal near Rochester

A large pedestrian bridge bound for Buffalo is traveling across New York via barge on the Erie Canal this week. And by the weekend, it should be moving through Monroe County.

For the last week, the 266-foot bridge is traveling down the 200-year old waterway on two barges, towed by tugboats operated by the Albany County-based Carver Companies. Crews are using a tug-and-barge system to move the bridge west, across 34 locks.

"This is an exciting moment," said Erie Canal Corp. spokesman Shane Mahar. "The Erie Canal is uniquely New York, and here it is connecting and capable of moving cargo just as it did 200 years ago."

The pedestrian bridge, which left Albany last week on July 5, is expected to arrive in Buffalo by Tuesday, July 16.

The bridge this fall will be installed in Ralph Wilson Park and will span Interstate 190, connecting the lower west side of Buffalo to the newly renovated park of more than 100 acres. Significant construction is still needed on the bridge once installed. It is expected to open to the public in 2026.

The barge stopped for the night Friday in Palmyra. Exact times for its arrival in most areas are not known.

Where to see the barge on the Erie Canal near Rochester

Wayne County

• Lock E27 Lyons: Already through
• Port of Newark and T. Spencer Knight Park: Already through
• Port of Palmyra: Docked for the day. Will leave Saturday morning.
• Lock 30 Macedon Canal Park

Monroe County

• Village of Fairport
• Bushnells Basin
• Pittsford - Main Street and Schoen Place
• Greece Canal Park
• Village of Spencerport
• Adam's Basin
• Village of Brockport

Orleans County

• Holley Canal Park
• Village of Albion
• Village of Medina

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92m hybrid electric Feadship Drizzle delivered to owner

The 91.8-metre Feadship superyacht Drizzle has now been delivered following successful sea trials in June. According to BOATPro , her final destination is Malta, an archipelago in the central Mediterranean. 

The superyacht was last seen departing from the shipyard's facilities in Amsterdam (13 June). Built for a repeat Feadship owner who came to the project with "informed requests based on his long experience of yachting", Drizzle 's design is by Dutch studio Sinot and the owner's related design office.

Characterised by chamfered exterior contours and a more traditional flared bow, the yacht has a modern-classic style with naval architecture by Feadship De Voogt Naval Architects . Notably, she is the first Feadship to carry full Hybrid Electric Class notation.

Drizzle 's interior is designed to reflect an "understated family home" with natural materials and finishes throughout. Accommodation is found on the main deck, along with the large pool and open-air lounge shaded by the deckhead overhang.

Meanwhile, the owner's suite, family lounge and wellness area are situated on the upper decks. Up top, the sundeck serves as an observation vantage point with a forward-facing sofa and sun loungers, while the aft deck is used for storing two rescue tenders.

One of the owner's key requirements in building the yacht was to house a more spacious beach club in the stern, which occupies one-quarter of the total length of the lower deck. The large, fixed stern platform combines with two fold-down platforms to create 165 square metres of water-level lounging space. Sweeping staircases on either side of the stern platform lead to the main deck aft. 

Between the engine room and the beach club is a side-loading garage with room for two 10-metre tenders, a ski boat and various water toys. Forward is the crew area, comprising the galley, crew mess and crew accommodation.

Drizzle carries full Hybrid Electric Class notation, the power package comprising two main engines and shaft-driven fixed pitch propellers, coupled with electric motors of 560kW each and 1MW of Li-ion batteries. The e-motors work as shaft generators to produce electricity to serve the hotel load or recharge the battery bank, as well as for low-speed navigation while the generators or batteries generate the required electrical power.

Albert Abma, Feadship project manager, commented on the launch in April: "Working with the experienced owner, designers and owner's team has been a professional pleasure. Gathering the operational experience of the owner's team with the yard’s building experience has resulted in this modern-classic, state-of-art and full-custom new Feadship".

The news comes closely after the first proper sighting of Project 713 , Feadship's first solar powered superyacht. She is now preparing for sea trials.

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