Created out of a desire to provide young sailors with able boats of their own at a reasonable price, the O-boats as a class were created in 1921. The class was to provide a different kind of training than that available through the more common method of developing skill and experience as crew aboard the fast-but-wet racing machines of the time. So the men at John Alden’s rallied to produce something with generous freeboard (especially forward), plenty of beam, and a deep cockpit. A bulkhead forward of the mast creates a watertight compartment, and the boats are said to be unsinkable as a result.
18′3″ Sloop, O-Boat
DESCRIPTION
Hull type: Round-bottomed centerboard boat
Rig: Marconi sloop
Construction: Carvel planked over steamed frames
Alternative construction: Cold-molded, strip
PERFORMANCE
Suitable for: Protected bays
Intended capacity: 3-6 daysailing
Trailerable: Yes
Propulsion: Sail
Speed (knots): 3-5
BUILDING DATA
Skill needed: Intermediate to advanced
Lofting required: Yes
Alternative construction: Cold-molded, strip
PLANS DATA
No. of sheets: 4
Level of detail: Average
Cost per set: $90.00
WB Plan No. 6
Related Publications:
WoodenBoat No. 42
Particulars
LOA: 18′3″
LWL: 15′6″
Beam: 6′2″
Draft: (cb up) 11″, (cb down) 4′
Displ.: 1,800 lbs.
Sail Area:
(original) – 200 sq. ft.
(later) – 186 sq. ft