Description
The Bolger June Bug is a compact, versatile 16' sailing dinghy designed by the innovative naval architect Phil Bolger in the 1980s, as part of his acclaimed "Instant Boats" series developed in collaboration with boatbuilder Harold "Dynamite" Payson. Intended primarily as a stable, easy-to-row tender for larger sharpies or yachts, it doubles as a spirited daysailer and training boat for beginners or older sailors, emphasizing simplicity, portability, and forgiveness in protected waters like lakes, bays, or coastal inlets. Bolger, known for radical yet practical designs like the folding schooner, crafted the June Bug to be "all you need" for low-effort sailing—light on its feet, quick to build, and stable enough for standing to fish or handle gear without drama. Featured in Payson's books Build the New Instant Boats (1994) and Instant Boatbuilding with Dynamite Payson (2007), it's a plywood staple that has inspired countless backyard builds, often praised for its balance of rowability, sail performance, and seaworthiness in light chop.
