Salish Voyager: a new sailboat with… oars!

Both sails and oars

Salish Voyager is a unique tiller boat with oars mounted on the sides. According to the shipyard's idea, the owner will be able to choose between sail and oars depending on weather conditions or his mood.

Source: ghboats.com

Although the idea seems fresh, the concept of such boats is not new. The same company already has similar smaller models, such as the Jersey Skiff and Melonseed. However, the Salish Voyager is noticeably larger than its predecessors, and its hull features a modern approach to molding, providing not only improved hydrodynamics, but also increased strength.

One of the key features is the presence of a sealed locker, which allows you to keep your equipment dry even in extreme conditions. The boat's hull is equipped with a self-draining function: any liquid that gets into the cockpit is automatically removed through special drainage holes due to gravity, without the need for pumps.

Another notable upgrade is the increased comfort of the seating. The boat now features at least two transverse benches, as well as comfortable seats along the bulwarks on both sides. Although the Salish Voyager is more suited to solo or small-group sailing than to family outings, these ergonomic improvements make it more versatile and comfortable.

So what's so great about the Salish Voyager?

The Salish Voyager continues the tradition of small sporty one- and two-seater yachts. As the Gig Harbor Boat Works says, “We created the Salish Voyager in response to numerous requests from customers who wanted a small, fast boat that was affordable, durable, and practical.” For a more detailed review, check out the opinions of reviewers from Small Craft Advisor.

What it feels like to row the Salish Voyager

Source: smallboatsmonthly.com

"The Salish Voyager allows the paddler to maintain a constant speed with a slow, steady stroke. Comfortable benches and well-designed paddles make the process easy. And the extra bench allows two people to paddle at the same time, increasing power and speed when needed."

Performance under sail

"The boat is equipped with a tiller and demonstrates excellent balance. The position of the mast and sail, close to the bow of the hull, is reminiscent of traditional centerboards and compact racing yachts. The sails remain effective even in light winds, which makes the Salish Voyager versatile in various weather conditions."

Transportation and launching

Source: ghboats.com

"The light weight, low hull profile and shallow draft make the Salish Voyager easy to transport and launch. Installing the mast and sails takes only about 15 minutes, which is especially important for those who value convenience and speed of preparing the boat for going out on the water."

Salish Voyager is the company's most sought-after model

It's been a little over a month and a half since the Salish Voyager debuted at the Annapolis Boat Show, and the new model has already earned the title of one of the most sought-after models from Gig Harbor Boat Works, a shipyard specializing in the production of compact boats and yachts.

The company's CEO, Katie Malik, explained the model's success this way: "[This boat] is equally at home under sail and under oars. Plus, the ability to quickly stow the sails and go rowing makes it easy to adapt to weather conditions. The Salish Voyager is great for both casual daysailing and overnight camping on the beach."

Source: smallboatsmonthly.com

One of the key reasons for the model’s popularity was its versatility and ability to replace several types of boats at once. This was confirmed by the feedback from the first buyers. For example, Nancy Pfeiffer and her partner Fredrik used the experimental version of the Salish Voyager to travel along the southeastern coast of Alaska. In a year, they covered 1,500 nautical miles, which is an outstanding result for a small boat of this class.

According to Nancy, Salish Voyager "has occupied a unique niche between kayaks and large sailing yachts"This experience confirmed that the model is suitable for a wide range of purposes: from sports use to long journeys in the wild.

Conclusions on Salish Voyager 

The idea and its implementation seem very interesting and worthy of attention. Yes, it is unlikely that Salish Voyager will become a super hit somewhere outside North America, but the USA is famous for its rich and independent domestic market. Just look at the classic motor yachts!

Salish Voyager can be considered as a great entry point into the world of "big yachting" for people who are still not very familiar with the subject. Small yachts for one or two people are ideal for summer holidays. Compact dimensions and versatility of control will allow you to expand the geography of travel. Although you will not go far on this boat, spending a day fishing, exploring coastal areas or enjoying a walk along a quiet bay is a very real task.

Source: ghboats.com

On the other hand, Gig Harbor Boat Works boats have a clear focus on recreational sailing. They are versatile models that are suitable for both sport and recreational use. This approach is especially valuable because it allows the company to attract a variety of audiences, including those looking for a simple but functional option.

Salish Voyager has every chance to win the people's love. If the shipyard continues to improve its models and offer new solutions, it is likely that in a few years Salish Voyager will become a symbol of small universal yachts. Perhaps it is this model that yacht magazines will write about, remembering it as one of the legends of its time.

Salish Voyager Specifications

New video on the Interparus channel!

😍A week has passed and we are ready to present the second part of the review of our magnificent yacht GARNA. This part is entirely dedicated to the interior of the catamaran. At the end, a bonus awaits you - night shooting. Enjoy watching!

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30.11.2024