The double-ended, clinker-built 2nd class wherry Why Not is seen bow-on, aground , heeled to port on the mud of Portsmouth harbour, with a long jetty and two other similar boats in the background. The robustly-built Why Not has sawn timbers, and five thwarts, with thole pins for two oarsmen. The oars, mast, sprit, and possibly the spritsail, rest on the thwarts and floor respectively.