In 1908 B.B. Crowninshield was asked to draw up a one-design class of knockabouts to be initially know as the Manchester 17½. The class was to become one of the most popular and long-lived of the knock-abouts; about 200 boats were built in Maine, for example, where the name was altered to reflect the yacht club affiliation. The most common name for the design in now the Dark Harbor 17½, named after the summer colony at Islesboro that once had the largest number of these boats.
25′10″ Sloop, Dark Harbor 17½
DESCRIPTION
Hull type: Round-bottomed with outside ballast keel
Rig: Gaff sloop
Construction: Carvel-planked over steam-bent frames
Alternative construction: Cold-molded, strip
Headroom/cabin (between beams): About 3′6″
PERFORMANCE
Suitable for: Somewhat protected waters
Intended capacity: 4-6 daysailing, 2 cruising
Trailerable: With difficulty
Propulsion: Sail
Speed (knots): 3-6
BUILDING DATA
Skill needed: Advanced
Lofting required: Yes
PLANS DATA
No. of sheets: 4
Level of Detail: Average
Plans Format: Print or Digital
Cost per set: $60
Plan No. 19
Related Publications: WoodenBoat No. 37
Particulars
LOA: 25′10″
LWL: 17′6″
Beam: 6′3″
Draft: 4′3″
Displacement: 3420 lbs
Sail area: 311 sq ft