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Sailboat Specifications

A Scow

Fractional Sloop · Scow Twin Cbrd.

Designed by John O. Johnson · Built by Melges Boat Works (Usa) · First built 1901

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LOA 38.00 ft  ·  Beam 8.00 ft  ·  Displacement 1,850.00 lb  ·  Sail Area 550  ·  Fractional Sloop  ·  Scow Twin Cbrd.
About the A Scow Sailboat

Representing one of sailing's most exhilarating and demanding classes, this distinctive scow stands as a testament to pure speed and sailing skill. Built for inland lake racing, A Scows have dominated competitive sailing circuits across the Midwest and beyond for decades, earning a reputation as the ultimate test of crew coordination and tactical prowess. These boats showcase the classic scow design philosophy with their signature wide, flat-bottomed hulls that plane effortlessly across the water's surface. Twin bilgeboards replace a traditional keel, allowing the boat to sail in surprisingly shallow waters while maintaining exceptional pointing ability. The oversized sail plan generates tremendous power, demanding experienced crews who can handle the boat's explosive acceleration and remarkable top speeds. A Scows excel in short-course buoy racing where their phenomenal speed and agility shine brightest. The class attracts serious racing enthusiasts who appreciate the boat's unforgiving nature and the premium it places on crew work and tactical decision-making. While definitely not suited for casual day sailing or cruising, these thoroughbreds offer an unmatched adrenaline rush for sailors seeking the purest form of competitive sailing performance.

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Dimensions & Specifications
LOA (Length Overall) 38.00 ft / 11.58 m
Beam 8.00 ft / 2.44 m
Max Draft 4.00 ft / 1.22 m
Min Draft 1
Displacement 1,850.00 lb / 839 kg
Sail Area (Reported) 550
Design & Construction
Hull Type Scow Twin Cbrd.
Rigging Type Fractional Sloop
Construction Wood or FG
Designer John O. Johnson
Builder Melges Boat Works (USA)
First Built 1901
Related Sailboats Luders 24 · Kettenburg 38 · Imx 38 · Tripp 38 · Gambler 38
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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the A Scow's sail area to displacement ratio?

The A Scow has a Sail Area to Displacement ratio (SA/D) of 58.53. Values between 14–18 are typical cruising sailboats; 18–22 is cruiser/racer; over 22 is performance racing.

What is the A Scow's comfort ratio?

The A Scow has a Ted Brewer Comfort Ratio of 5.23. A ratio over 30 indicates good offshore comfort; over 40 is very comfortable offshore.

Is the A Scow safe for offshore sailing?

The A Scow has a Capsize Screening Formula value of 2.61. Values under 2.0 are considered acceptable for offshore sailing; under 1.8 is ideal.

What is the hull speed of the A Scow?

The theoretical hull speed of the A Scow is 7.62 kn knots, calculated from its waterline length.

How much does a A Scow weigh?

The A Scow has a displacement of 1,850.00 lb and a length overall (LOA) of 38.00 ft.

Who designed the A Scow?

The A Scow was designed by John O. Johnson, first built in 1901.