Classic Whitehall Spirit® 17 Traditional Fixed Seat Rowboat

In the early days, back before small engines, Whitehall rowboats were considered the best working boats on the harbour. A 17′ (5 m) long Whitehall rowboat was the favoured size. This was because a boat of this size could be easily handled by one person alone, or also carry five or six people plus cargo. In those days, Whitehall boats were used by everyone from the harbour police to water taxi operators rowing in harbour ports like New York City, Boston, and San Francisco. Read the three-part article The History of the Whitehall rowboat for complete information on the Whitehall rowing boat’s origin.

They are now used as family rowboats, picnic boats, tour boats, or fishing boats by hundreds of owners worldwide. The Whitehall Spirit® 17 is also available as a Double Position Side Seat Sculling Boat, a Whitehall Sailing Model or as the fully loaded Whitehall Spirit® Expedition Model which combines all optional modes into one boat along with extra even more extra features.

There are three fixed-seat traditional rowing stations with on-the-gunnel oarlocks. It is set up for the Hybrid Spruce Leathered Carbon Shaft & Blade Traditional Oars or the all Carbon Fiber Traditional Oars we can supply. The aft or center rowing stations are great for rowing alone. Three people rowing at once is a fun family activity and this boat will cruise along at 5 to 6 knots (10-12K), always looking quite amazing to any onlookers. If tying to a dock is part of your scenario, please consider adding a set of tie-up lines and fenders to your order.

There is an optional Solid Teak Floorboard available or a fully buoyant Ocean Tender Floor which adds substantial extra reserve buoyancy to the boat, particularly suited when the boat is used as a ship’s personal gym, tender or shore boat. With no one aboard, simply pull the drain plug and the boat will self-bail. When it rains, with the plug pulled the boat self-bails. Other factory options include a stainless-steel keel strip or a custom name on the transom.

As with all our models, this Whitehall Spirit® 17 is right at home on the deck of a yacht, at the cabin, parked on a dock, or on a trailer in the garage. This boat is practical and perfect for rowing in lakes, rivers, or on the open ocean. If it is stored outside perhaps on Bunk Dock a small boat trailer or Boat Dolly and exposed to weather, fitting it out with Lexan battens and a fitted Sunbrella cover are recommended.

Maintenance involves cleaning the teak and applying a coat of exterior teak oil and requires only about three hours per year. See the article on Care, Storage & Maintenance of your Classic Whitehall Spirit® boat.

This Classic Whitehall Spirit® fixed seat rowboat is custom made by our master craftsmen in our shop. This Rowboat Is Built to Last 100 Years or longer providing rowing pleasure for generations of rowers. Our commitment to highest quality plus superior design makes this the best boat of its type in the marketplace. It is CE certified, US and Canadian Coast Guard approved. Built-in buoyancy makes it virtually unsinkable.

Call or email to get a quote for a Classic Whitehall Spirit® and accessories delivered to your driveway or cottage anywhere in southern Canada or the mainland USA. We also ship worldwide with Whitehall Spirit® rowing boat owners now located in over 52 countries.

Owner Steve Jorgenson reports:
“I think I’ve already exceeded the annual legal limit on fun. The Whitehall is so stunningly beautiful that whenever I’m parked somewhere it always gathers a crowd of admirers.”

Owner Robert Dunshee reports:
“The boat rows like a dream. My wife and I row tandem, but the boat rows equally well (not as fast, of course) solo. It is beautiful and we take a not-so-well-concealed pride in all the approving comments we get. In fact, being in the boat is like being a part of a lovely piece of sculpture! It’s art that one can use. The boat is easy to trailer – very important to us because we want to use it frequently; at least once or twice a week.”

How to Order

Many customers first print the “Pricing and Accessories PDF”, in the “Pricing” tab above, for the boat they are planning to purchase, and then check-off the items they are interested in before calling or sending it to us. This is a good way to begin the process.

Alternatively, you can call to discuss your options, especially if you are unsure about what Whitehall boat model you are interested in. Your order may be as simple as a basic rowing model with oars, or as elaborate as a slide-seat rowing & sailing model with accessories, delivered to another continent.

Ordering/Delivery Details & Policies

Please read complete details by clicking here.