As a historian of marine craftsmanship, it is a pleasure to delve into the legacy of Barnett Boats, a name synonymous with accessible and enjoyable inland lake sailing, particularly through its iconic scow designs.
The story of Barnett Boats begins in 1961 with its visionary founder, John Barnett. Barnett, driven by a desire to create a "small fun boat for the lakes," established his company, initially located in Libertyville, Illinois. His foundational project was the design and construction of the BUTTERFLY class scow, a vessel that would define his company and leave an enduring mark on the world of recreational sailing. The Butterfly was conceived as a scaled-down version of the larger, single-sailed Inland Lake Yachting Association's C Scow, making the exhilarating experience of scow sailing more approachable for a wider audience.
History and Evolution
From its humble beginnings in Libertyville, Barnett Boats soon relocated its operations to Kenosha, Wisconsin, continuing to build its reputation for quality small sailboats. The company operated under John Barnett's guidance for over a decade, establishing the Butterfly as a popular one-design class.
A significant transition occurred in 1972 when John Barnett decided to sell the business. Barnett Boats was acquired by Hedlund Industries (also referred to as Hedlund Marine), and production subsequently moved to Green Lake, Wisconsin. Under Hedlund's ownership, the company continued to produce the beloved Butterfly, along with introducing new models. Notably, the Barnett MAX was designed in 1979 by John Barnett himself, further expanding the company's offerings. Later, the Barnett 1400 was introduced in 1989, a design credited to Ron and Gerry Hedlund, becoming another significant model in the builder's fleet.
The next major chapter for Barnett Boats began in 2007. After decades of production, the assets of Barnett Boats were purchased by Windward Boatworks of Middleton, Wisconsin (which now operates out of Princeton, Wisconsin). This acquisition ensured the continuation of the legacy, particularly for the iconic Butterfly and Barnett 1400 lines, under new stewardship.
Design Philosophy and Identity
Barnett Boats carved out a distinct niche in the sailing world, earning a reputation for crafting lively, approachable, and fun-to-sail boats, particularly scows. The company became known for making the unique characteristics of scow sailing, such as shallow draft and high initial stability, accessible to recreational sailors and families.
The fundamental design philosophy, especially evident in the Butterfly, centered on simplicity, ease of handling, and pure sailing enjoyment. John Barnett’s vision was to create boats that were not overly complex, allowing sailors to focus on the joy of being on the water. The Barnett 1400, designed later, continued this tradition, aiming to be "easy to sail, and fast to rig" while offering both comfort and speed. While not known for grand luxury yachts or ocean racers, Barnett Boats excelled in producing agile inland lake racers and versatile family boats. Their designs, including the Butterfly and the Barnett 1400, have a strong one-design racing following, emphasizing close competition based on skill rather than equipment.
Iconic Models and Legacy
The most significant and enduring model in Barnett Boats' history is undoubtedly the BUTTERFLY class scow. Designed and first built by John Barnett in 1961, this 12-foot, single-sail scow quickly became a staple on lakes across the United States. Its compact size, combined with the exciting performance characteristic of scows, made it incredibly popular for both casual sailing and competitive one-design racing. The Butterfly class fostered a strong community and a pioneering approach to one-design sailing, emphasizing accessible competition.
Another notable vessel is the Barnett 1400. Introduced in 1989, this 14-foot one-design racer was designed by Ron and Gerry Hedlund and saw significant production, with over 1,000 units built. It further solidified Barnett Boats' position as a builder of approachable and performance-oriented small sailboats. The Barnett 1400 was praised for its ability to carry multiple adults, making it a versatile option for families and racing crews alike. The Barnett MAX, designed by John Barnett in 1979, was another distinct model, though perhaps not as widely known as the Butterfly or 1400.
The enduring legacy of Barnett Boats lies in its contribution to making sailing enjoyable and attainable. The company's focus on one-design classes, particularly the Butterfly, fostered vibrant racing communities and introduced countless individuals to the sport.
The Builder Today
While the original Barnett Boats company ceased operations under that name in 2007, its spirit and most popular designs live on. Windward Boatworks, based in Princeton, Wisconsin, acquired the assets of Barnett Boats and continues to produce the iconic Butterfly and Barnett 1400 models. This continuity ensures that new generations of sailors can experience the simple joy and spirited performance of these classic designs.
Today, Windward Boatworks maintains the legacy, appealing to a diverse group of sailors ranging from beginners seeking an easy-to-manage first boat to experienced racers looking for competitive one-design sailing. The ownership experience of a Barnett-designed boat, whether an original or a newer build from Windward Boatworks, is often characterized by a strong sense of community, supported by active class associations that organize races, regattas, and social events, keeping the traditions of these beloved boats alive.