Whitehall
1995, Whitehall Rowing / Sailing Gig, 17’














Whitehall
The Whitehall Gig is a style of carvel planked lapstrake-built boat developed in the United States in the 19th century. The basic design is much older and of European ancestry. It strongly resembles a sailing ship's gig or a Thames river wherry used by watermen as a taxi service. They were first made in the U.S. at the foot of Whitehall Street in New York City to ferry goods and people to ships in New York Harbor.
The hull shape is characterized by a nearly straight stem, and slight flare to the bow, rounded sides, with a keel running the entire length of the bottom and a distinctive wine glass transom with a full skeg.
Considered one of the most beautiful row-boats, they are designed to handle the harbor chop and yet track straight. Speed was the issue with these boats, as the first to the ship with the goods generally received most of the sales. Later the shore patrol used these boats for customs, police issues, water taxi, and newspaper reporting.
Whitehalls in the early 20th century were a popular recreational boat and remain so today. This boat (offered with sailing rig and trailer) should provide its owners with a good stable boat that’s easy to row, that can take advantage of a fair breeze and that can be both easily stored and quickly moved to whatever body of water offers the most fun and adventure on any given day.
Asking Price: $10,000
Location: Mountville, Pennsylvania
Whitehall Rowing and Sailing Gig
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 (3) rowing stations with bronze oar locks
Three (3) pairs oars (2 pairs traditional style, 1 pair modern racing style)
Pivoting center board
Transom-hung rudder with bronze pintals and gudgeons
Laminated / curved Mahogany tiller
Lug-rigged sloop sail plan
Varnished Sitka Spruce mast and lug yard
Bronze sheet cleats
Nat Wilson lug sail
1998, Karavan single-axle trailer with wheel-stand and spare wheel / tire