I Like Boats – A Conversation with Sam Devlin

Some people are boat builders.

Some are designers.

Some are entrepreneurs.

And then there's Sam Devlin of DevlinBoat.

After decades of designing and building hundreds of boats, his philosophy can be summed up in four simple words:

"I like boats"

It sounds almost too simple, but after spending an hour talking with Sam on the NanoCruising Podcast, it becomes clear that those four words explain nearly everything about his career.

Sam didn't set out to chase trends or build the biggest boats. He built the boats that interested him—boats that solved problems, inspired adventure, and made people want to get out on the water. That genuine curiosity has produced an astonishing variety of designs, from tiny cruisers to capable expedition boats.

One of the things I enjoyed most about our conversation was hearing how his designs evolved over time. Every boat has a story, and many of those stories begin with a sailor asking, "What if...?"

We also talked about how the boating market has changed over the years. Like many of us, Sam has watched boats become larger, more complicated, and increasingly expensive. It raises an important question for anyone interested in NanoCruising:

Does adventure really require more boat?

Sam's answer isn't delivered as a lecture. Instead, it's woven into decades of experience designing boats that people actually use. His perspective is refreshingly practical. A good boat isn't about excess—it's about purpose.

Of course, the episode isn't all philosophy. One of my favorite moments is the story behind Nancy's China, a design with an unexpectedly humorous backstory that takes a playful jab at the Reagan administration. It's the kind of story you probably won't find in a boat catalog, but it perfectly illustrates Sam's personality and sense of humor.

Throughout the conversation, what stood out most wasn't a particular design or technical detail. It was Sam's enthusiasm. After all these years, he still lights up when talking about boats. Not because they're products or projects, but because they represent freedom, creativity, and the simple joy of being on the water.

That's a mindset many of us in the NanoCruising community share.

Whether you sail a home-built dinghy, a small production boat, a Devlin design, or simply dream about your next adventure, I think you'll enjoy this conversation. It's about much more than boats—it's about why we love them in the first place.

I hope you enjoy the episode.