Western Montana Small Boat Association
"Cinch up your belt, roll up your sleeves, and go ahead and build it, regardless of hell, hurricanes, and high prices. It'll always be worth the cost, as it always was."
John G Hanna
About
The goal of the Western Montana Small Boat Association (WMSBA) is to foster fellowship and education for small boat (<17ft) sailors, paddlers, rowers and builders all over the inland mountain west. We are are informal and open group of like minded watercraft owners, builders and enthusiasts who simply enjoy the comradeship that come from shared interest, activity and knowledge. Most of our activity is centered around Flathead Lake, Montana but we've sailed in Idaho and Washington as well.
Events
Since 2010 WMSBA has hosted yearly messabouts for small boat owners. And since a group of herons is called a siege, sieges they are!
*Small Boat Sundays is an open invitation for small boats to sail, row, paddle and motor the South Flathead on Sundays until September 15th, 2024. Get yourself on the water at Dayton and hail on CH16.
*Wild Horse Island Siege is a chance to simply messabout in boats! The event begins with an over night stay at Wild Horse Island. Then a short meeting and gathering is held in Dayton. From there it's a relaxing cruise to Big Arm State Park and back. It is also the designated meeting site for the Inland Northwest Chapter of the Traditional Small Craft Association. August 24th-25th 2024
*Labor Day Small Boat Regatta is attempted every year during the Labor Day Regatta Weekend put on by the South Flathead Yacht Club. Usually attempted Sunday following the buoy races in Dayton Bay. September 1st, 2024
*Cedar Island Odyssey I is the new opener event for 2025. Take a day journey from Dayton to Cedar Island and overnight. Possibilities to camp both ashore and at anchor. A great little cruise to start the small boat year. June 21st-June 22nd 2025
Other events may happen as events warrant, keep your eyes on our Facebook group for information.
How do I join?
The easiest thing to do is show up in person and engage with us online. That's the easiest way. If this type of sailing, building, paddling, or rowing is really your thing consider joining the Traditional Small Craft Association. We are in the process of becoming the Inland Norhtwest Chapter of the association. Our meeting is set during the Wild Horse Messabout. We hope to see you there. Chapter Bylaws
Contact Us
Our Facebook group is the best way to see what we are up to and how to attend our events. You can contact the founder at mtsmallboats@yahoo.com
Hope to see you on the water!
James Maxwell / Founder / SV Kat Boat
WMSBA Crest
"A Great Blue Heron stands in front of the State of Montana. The danforth anchor symbolizes our recreational nature. The year below is our founding. The association name font speaks of adventure and the sometimes unconventional nature of our craft and activity. Our motto in plain English is below"
