The Double Ender: A Symbol of Block Island’s Maritime Heritage
The Block Island double-ender was a historic, highly seaworthy open sailboat developed by island fishermen between the late 18th and 19th centuries to meet the unique challenges of working from Block Island’s shores. Its distinctive pointed bow and stern allowed the boat to face rough surf in either direction without turning around—an essential advantage when launching and landing on beaches without a natural harbor. Built with light but exceptionally strong lapstrake construction, double-enders could be easily hauled up and down the beach while remaining capable of handling the demanding waters around Block Island. Used for line fishing, lobster fishing, and transporting people and cargo, they became the workboats of the island’s maritime community. From the 1840s into the early 20th century, a fleet of approximately 50 double-enders operated from Block Island, with a remarkable reputation for seaworthiness and safety.
Block Island Boat Double-Ender
by William T. Hall
https://www.williamtalmadgehall.com/
Preserving the Legacy
The double-ender represents the ingenuity, resilience, and independence of generations of Block Islanders who made their living from the sea. Its distinctive form remains a powerful symbol of the island’s maritime heritage and is reflected in both the Town of New Shoreham’s coat of arms and the Block Island Historical Society’s logo. The Double Ender Fund supports the preservation, interpretation, and sharing of this important history through photographs, artifacts, documents, research, and educational programs. Your contribution helps ensure that the story of Block Island’s double-enders—and the people whose lives depended upon them—continues to be understood and remembered.
