Antique and Classics

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.

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.

Whitehall's 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.