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Availability:
Estimated Arrival: Between Feb 18 and Feb 25. *ETA to the USA Only
The Puffin 860 is suitable for rowing, sailing, or, powered by a small outboard. The 860 is our most popular boat and is equally at home on the family pond or in the harbor.
This 8'6" row boat is great for crabbing or lobstering!
See All Puffin Boats here.
Questions? Call Dave "Tel: 864.367.6161" dave@lightasairboats.com
Suitable for rowing or powered by a small outboard, the Puffin 860 is equally at home on the family pond or in the harbor.
Bring this timeless classic home today!
Perhaps our most popular model, the 860 is small enough to be transported easily, while still having enough space to carry your gear. Suitable for rowing, sailing, or powered by a small outboard, the Puffin 860 is equally at home on the family pond or in the harbor.
Our Puffins feature a white glossy exterior, sturdy vinyl rub rail with rope inlay, and a rich beige interior that wraps along the top of the transom. The varnished oak seats and motor board are made by hand and the boat is finished with a brass bow eye and two rowing stations.
The sailing option includes a sail and sail bag manufactured by North Sails and an aluminum mast and boom. We use the same solid oak in our seats to hand make the rudder and dagger board, which is also included in the package.
Customize your new boat by opting for a custom color, adding a unique name on the back, or decorating the outside with one of our vinyl wraps.
AT PUFFIN BOAT COMPANY...
Puffin Boats are fun on the water! We draw on Maine boat-building tradition and pride to deliver quality and durability. Our Puffins feature a white glossy exterior, sturdy vinyl rub rail with rope inlay, and a rich beige interior that wraps along the top of the transom. The varnished oak seats and motor board are made by hand and the boat is finished with a brass bow eye and two rowing stations. Add the sailing to easily glide with the breeze.
PUFFIN BOATS ARE FOR…
Family, friends and kids. These boats are easy to maneuver!
Boaters looking for versatility from their small boat – Puffins can be sailed, rowed, or powered with a small outboard motor; they fit in the back of a truck, on the roof of the car, or on a small trailer.
Sailors seeking a reliable and lightweight tender that can be towed behind or stored on deck.
Boaters who value the traditional design, and durability of a hand-laid, fiberglass hull
Specifications
☑ Length: 8’6”
☑ Weight : 80 lbs
☑ Beam: 49”
☑ Transom Height 19"
☑ Capacity: 3 Persons
☑ Max Weight: 425 lbs
☑ Max HP: 3
CUSTOM COLORS
ADDITIONAL OPTIONS
PUFFIN SEAT CUSHIONS
Add a touch of comfort and style to your Puffin
PUFFIN MOORING COVER
Keep your Puffin protected from the elements
6.5' OARS AND OARLOCKS
Used with our 760 puffin dinghies.
7' OARS AND OARLOCKS
These oars and oarlocks work best with our 860 Puffin Dinghies.
PUFFIN 860 - SAILING
Perhaps our most popular model
The sailing option includes a sail and sail bag manufactured by North Sails and an aluminum mast and boom. We use the same solid oak in our seats to hand-make the rudder and daggerboard, which is also included in the package.
PUFFIN 1060 SAILING
ideal for beginners just testing the waters of sailing and for experienced mariners looking to continue their passion.
🚣♂️ Puffin 860 Rowboat
Frequently Asked Questions
🌊 Purpose & Fit
❓ What is the Puffin 860 best used for?
The Puffin 860 is a versatile classic designed for rowing, sailing, fishing, crabbing, and lobstering — perfect for calm lakes, ponds, and harbor waters.
👥 How many people can it carry?
It’s rated to carry up to three people comfortably, with room for gear and supplies.
🌱 Is it beginner-friendly?
Yes! Its stable design and balanced rowing stations make it easy for newcomers to enjoy rowing with confidence.
📏 Size, Weight & Transport
📏 What are the dimensions?
Length: 8′ 6″
Beam (width): 49″
Weight: ~80 lbs
🚤 Can one person launch and retrieve it?
Yes — its lightweight nature means most adults can handle launching, landing, and transporting on their own.
🚗 Is it easy to transport and store?
Absolutely! It fits easily on a small trailer, truck bed, or roof rack and stows well in garages or sheds.
🧱 Materials & Construction
🧱 What is it made from?
The Puffin 860 features a hand-laid fiberglass hull with a glossy gelcoat finish, a vinyl rub rail with rope inlay, and a rich beige interior — blending durability with classic style.
🪑 What about seats and hardware?
It includes handcrafted solid oak seats and a motor board, plus quality brass hardware like the bow eye and rowing stations for lasting performance and timeless looks.
🛟 What about flotation?
The Puffin 860 has air filled bow and stern built in flotation tanks.
🧽 Does it require a lot of maintenance?
No — fiberglass means simple upkeep. Rinse after use, protect from prolonged sun exposure, and check wooden parts occasionally.
⚓ Stability, Safety & Performance
⚖️ Is the Puffin 860 stable?
Yes — with a broad beam and thoughtful hull shape, it offers excellent stability on calm to lightly protected water.
🚣 How does it row?
Designed primarily for relaxed cruising and utility, it rows smoothly and includes two rowing stations for balance and flexibility.
⛵ Can it be sailed?
Yes! Many owners choose to equip the Puffin 860 with sails using available sailing options, but it’s also perfectly functional as a rowboat on its own.
🛶 Can I add a motor later?
Yes — it can be powered by a small outboard motor up to about 3 HP for added versatility.
🧒 Is it safe for kids or pets?
With proper supervision and USCG-approved life jackets, it’s a safe and fun choice for family outings.
🧰 Features & Flexibility
🧺 Is there onboard storage?
While it doesn’t have dedicated storage compartments, the open interior offers plenty of room for gear, coolers, and day-trip essentials.
📐 What water is it best for?
It’s ideal for calm to lightly protected waters — lakes, ponds, rivers, and harbors — where its design shines.
🕰 Longevity & Ownership
🛠 How long will the boat last?
With proper care, a fiberglass boat like the Puffin 860 can last many years — even decades.
🔧 Is it easy to repair?
Yes — fiberglass and classic boat hardware are widely serviced by marine shops if repairs are needed.
🏡 Where can I store it off-season?
Its compact size makes storage easy in garages, sheds, boathouses, or on racks.
🌿 Lifestyle & Comparison
💪 Is rowing good exercise?
Absolutely — rowing engages your upper body, core, and legs, making it a great low-impact full-body workout.
