Gig Harbor Navigator Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Navigator’s performance is defined by its hybrid nature. When configured for rowing, it is frequently equipped with a sliding seat unit and long-handled oars, allowing for a full-body workout that rivals dedicated rowing shells but with far more primary stability. According to technical assessments by Small Boats Magazine, the hull’s fine entry and clean exit allow it to track exceptionally well, a trait often lacking in shorter, wider dinghies.

When transitioned to sail, the Navigator typically employs a standing lug rig, which is prized for its low center of effort and ease of reefing. The boat’s handling is characterized by its responsiveness to weight distribution; because it lacks a heavy fixed keel, the sailor must be active in using their body weight to trim the boat. The inclusion of a kick-up rudder and a centerboard allows for exploration in shallow estuaries where larger vessels cannot venture. While it does not possess the high Sail Area to Displacement (SA/D) ratio of a racing dinghy, its light weight—approximately 125 to 150 pounds depending on the layup—means it accelerates quickly in light puffs and can be rowed home at a respectable 3 to 4 knots if the wind dies.

Popular Mentions & Media

The Navigator has gained a dedicated following among the "small boat cruising" community, a subculture that prioritizes "beach-cruising" and minimalist coastal exploration. The model was famously featured in a comprehensive review by Small Boats Magazine, where editors praised its ability to transition between rowing and sailing modes in under five minutes. It is a frequent participant in events like the Salish 100, an annual small-boat cruise through the Puget Sound, where its ability to handle the region's notorious tidal rips and variable winds is regularly tested.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

While the Navigator is built to high standards, prospective buyers should focus on several technical areas specific to its hybrid design:

• Sliding Seat Tracks: If the boat has been used extensively for rowing, the stainless steel or aluminum tracks for the sliding seat can accumulate salt and grit. Check for smooth operation and ensure the rollers are not flat-spotted.
• Mast Step and Partners: Because the lug rig is unstayed (lacking shrouds), the mast step at the keel and the partner at the thwart bear the full load of the sail. Inspect these areas for stress cracks in the fiberglass or wood.
• Gelcoat Abrasion: As a boat designed for beaching, the keel strip is a primary wear point. Look for deep gouges or signs that the fiberglass laminate has been exposed through the gelcoat along the centerline.
• Wood Trim Maintenance: Many Navigators feature extensive wood trim (gunwales, thwarts, and transoms). In neglected boats, water can get trapped behind the wood-to-fiberglass joints, leading to rot or "blackening" of the timber.

Community & Resources

Owners of the Navigator often find technical support and camaraderie through the Traditional Small Craft Association (TSCA), an organization dedicated to the preservation and use of traditional boat designs. Additionally, the builder, Gig Harbor Boat Works, maintains a robust archive of technical manuals and rigging guides for the Navigator, providing direct support for owners looking to retrofit or repair older hulls.

The Verdict

The Gig Harbor Navigator is an ideal vessel for the "pures" who value the mechanical simplicity of oars and sails over the noise of an outboard. It is a sophisticated alternative to a plastic kayak or a heavy fiberglass utility boat.

Pros:

• Exceptional versatility; transitions seamlessly between performance rowing and sailing.
• Lightweight enough for easy trailering and solo beach launching.
• High-quality fiberglass construction with the timeless look of a lapstrake wooden boat.
• Strong resale value due to the builder's niche reputation.

Cons:

• Stability is lower than the wider Point Defiance model, making it less suitable for nervous beginners or heavy fishing use.
• The unstayed rig, while simple, may feel "bendy" to those used to the rigid rigging of traditional sloops.
• High initial cost compared to mass-produced rotationally molded dinghies.