20'3" Flatfish Class Sloop
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Join to view PDFThe winter of 1913 saw the great Nathanael G. Herreshoff wintering in Bermuda, with a new boat, ALERION, designed for his own use. He was so pleased with this new design that most of his subsequent small sailboat designs could trace their lineage to her.
In 1914 came the wonderful 12½-footer, and the next winter brought a somewhat larger version, known as the Fish class. The boats in Alerion’s extended family, including the Buzzard’s Bay 25s, the Newport 29s, and the Fishers Island 31s, share certain traits-shapely hulls, fast sailing, impeccable manners, and long lives.
Flatfish Particulars
In 1986, WoodenBoat introduced the Haven 12½ footer, designer Joel White’s centerboard version of the Herreshoff 12½. These boats were so successful and the design so well received that Joel was persuaded to design a similar centerboard conversion of the Fish class boat, which he has named Flatfish.
Like the Haven 12 ½, the Flatfish will require an accomplished builder. With the exception of the centerboard and its case, the original scantlings and construction details are used throughout, and Herreshoff drew his designs with the skilled builders of his day in mind. In addition, this hull must be carefully lofted if the full beauty of Flatfish’s hull is to be realized. Wooden Boat’s monograph How to Build the Haven 12 ½-Footer will provide valuable help to the Flatfish builder as well, as the two boats are very similar in construction.
Flatfish Drawings
The result will be more than worth the effort, as this boat must surely be one of the most lovely and able daysailers ever conceived. Yes, a well-built Flatfish, with proper care, will be a cherished possession for generations to come.
Plans for the 20’3″ Flatfish Class Sloop are printed on six sheets, and include lines and offsets, construction, gaff and marconi sail plans, and details for spars, hardware, and ballast keel. WB Plan No. 129, $150.00. (Note: Plans are currently sold out for the Flatfish.)
Flatfish Plans
Plan 129
DESCRIPTION
Hull type: Round-bottomed. keel/ centerboard
Rig: Gaff or marconi sloop
Construction: Carvel planked over steam-bent frames
PERFORMANCE* Suitable for: Somewhat protected waters
* Intended capacity: 1-5 daysailing Trailerable: Yes
Propulsion: Sail
BUILDING DATA
Skill needed: Advanced
Lofting required: Yes
* Alternative construction: None
Helpful information: How to Build the Haven 12 ½-Footer, by Maynard Bray
PLANS DATA
No. of sheets: 6
Level of detail: Average
Cost per set: $150.00
WB Plan No. 129
*See page 96 for further information.
Completed 20’3″ Flatfish Class Sloop Images
Photo by Alison LangleyAn original Herreshoff Fish, SHARK, near Noank, Connnecticut. The Fish is narrower and deeper than the Flatfish; the greater beam of the Flatfish compensates for the reduced stability caused by the newer design’s shallower keel.
Hard to imagine a more wonderful boat. I have a Buzzard’s Bay 14 (‘glass, sorry about that), a 17 ft. upscaling of the 12 1/2 by LFH that is kind of halfway between the 12 1/2 and the Fish. I would love to have the longer boat–for one thing, it would be less susceptible to wakes from thoughtless power boaters.