Dating back to 1932, this classic design represents the collaborative genius of L. Francis Herreshoff and Bill Harding, blending traditional craftsmanship with thoughtful sailing characteristics. Built by E&D in both wood and fiberglass construction, the Stuart Knockabout earned its reputation as a capable coastal cruiser and club racer during sailing's golden era. At 28 feet overall with a 22.83-foot waterline, this fractional sloop strikes an appealing balance between manageable size and seaworthy performance. The substantial 2,400-pound ballast ratio and deep 5.5-foot draft provide excellent stability and upwind performance, while the moderate beam keeps the boat responsive and lively. With 291 square feet of sail area driving 4,000 pounds of displacement, the Stuart Knockabout offers spirited performance in moderate conditions. The hull's keel/centerboard configuration enhances versatility, allowing access to shallow harbors while maintaining the tracking ability of a fixed keel offshore. With only 81 hulls produced, these boats represent a rare find for enthusiasts seeking classic lines and proven seaworthiness. The design excels in coastal cruising, club racing, and weekend adventures, offering the timeless appeal of a well-proportioned traditional yacht with modern sailing capabilities.
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What is the Stuart Knockabout's sail area to displacement ratio?
The Stuart Knockabout has a Sail Area to Displacement ratio (SA/D) of 18.53. Values between 14–18 are typical cruising sailboats; 18–22 is cruiser/racer; over 22 is performance racing.
What is the Stuart Knockabout's comfort ratio?
The Stuart Knockabout has a Ted Brewer Comfort Ratio of 19.26. A ratio over 30 indicates good offshore comfort; over 40 is very comfortable offshore.
Is the Stuart Knockabout safe for offshore sailing?
The Stuart Knockabout has a Capsize Screening Formula value of 1.75. Values under 2.0 are considered acceptable for offshore sailing; under 1.8 is ideal.
What is the hull speed of the Stuart Knockabout?
The theoretical hull speed of the Stuart Knockabout is 6.40 kn knots, calculated from its waterline length.
How much does a Stuart Knockabout weigh?
The Stuart Knockabout has a displacement of 4,000.00 lb and a length overall (LOA) of 28.00 ft.
Who designed the Stuart Knockabout?
The Stuart Knockabout was designed by L. Francis Herreshoff/Bill Harding, first built in 1932.