Whitehall — 1995 Rowing/Sailing Gig

Heritage

The Whitehall Gig represents a style of carvel-planked, lapstrake-built boat developed in the United States in the 19th century. The design originated at the foot of Whitehall Street in New York City, where these boats ferried goods and people to harbor ships. They later gained popularity for customs, police use, water taxi service, and newspaper reporting.

Whitehalls in the early 20th century were a popular recreational boat and remain so today. This example should provide its owners with a good, stable boat that’s easy to row, capable of utilizing sailing conditions while offering portability.

Design Characteristics

Hull features include a nearly straight stem, a slight flare to the bow, rounded sides, with a keel running the entire length of the bottom and a distinctive wine-glass transom.

Specifications

• Traditional carvel-plank on frame construction
• Cedar planking on white oak frames
• Bronze fastened
• Bronze stem guard
• Varnished mahogany transom, seats, centerboard trunk, breasthook, gunwale, and sheer strake
• 3-strand Dacron rope rub rails
• Three rowing stations with bronze oar locks
• Three pairs of oars (two traditional, one racing style)
• Pivoting centerboard
• Transom-hung rudder with bronze pintles and gudgeons
• Laminated curved mahogany tiller
• Varnished Sitka spruce mast and lug yard
• Bronze sheet cleats
• Nat Wilson lug sail
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