Harpoon 6.2 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The Harpoon 6.2's creation in 1979 marked Boston Whaler's expansion into the sailing realm, following the success of their smaller Harpoon models. During this era, Boston Whaler, founded by Richard T. "Dick" Fisher, was celebrated for its "unsinkable" Unibond™ construction process, where foam fills the space between an inner and outer fiberglass hull, ensuring exceptional durability and safety. This manufacturing ethos was seamlessly applied to the Harpoon 6.2, making it a notably sturdy vessel. A total of 150 Harpoon 6.2 boats were built during its four-year production run. While the specific design philosophy for the 6.2 by C&C Design Group is not extensively documented, their general reputation for creating performance-oriented yet comfortable designs likely influenced this model. No significant variations like MkI or MkII versions are widely reported for the Harpoon 6.2.

Sailing Performance and Handling

With a length overall of just over 20 feet (20.33 ft) and a waterline length of 15.83 feet, the Harpoon 6.2 is characterized by a fractional sloop rig and a fin keel, contributing to its responsive nature. Its Sail Area to Displacement ratio, calculated at approximately 21.32, suggests that the Harpoon 6.2 is likely to perform well in lighter wind conditions, making it an agile and enjoyable boat for daysailing. The Ballast to Displacement ratio, around 0.32, indicates a moderate level of stability, allowing the boat to stand up to a decent breeze without feeling overly tender. Furthermore, its Displacement to Length ratio of approximately 191 suggests a relatively lighter, more performance-oriented vessel for its size, rather than a heavy, traditional cruiser. While specific anecdotal handling descriptions are not widely detailed, these ratios point to a boat that should be lively and engaging to sail, well-suited for its intended purpose as a daysailer or weekender.

Accommodations and Layout

Despite its compact size, the Boston Whaler Harpoon 6.2 was designed with an "open" layout, maximizing the usable space for its crew. The interior provides sleeping accommodation for two people, typically featuring a double "V" berth in the bow. For seating, the cockpit and main saloon area commonly included bucket seats in the bow and stern, complemented by a central bench seat. This arrangement allowed for a passenger capacity of up to six people, making it suitable for small groups or families. The upholstery often utilized durable vinyl, reflecting the boat's practical and low-maintenance design. While detailed information on interior finish quality and ventilation is scarce, it aligns with Boston Whaler's general emphasis on robust, functional construction rather than luxurious appointments. Given its length, the boat would not offer standing headroom.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Boston Whaler Harpoon 6.2 often express surprise and enthusiasm, frequently noting that they "didn't know Boston Whaler made sailboats". The Harpoon line, including the 6.2, has developed a "cult-like following," attesting to its enduring appeal and the loyalty of its owners. Owners consistently praise the boat's solid construction, a direct benefit of Boston Whaler's signature "unsinkable" design philosophy. Common issues reported by owners of the Harpoon line, which may also apply to the 6.2 given its similar design principles, sometimes include a tendency for the original Elvstrom bailers to leak and the associated plywood under the benches to rot, requiring maintenance and potential replacement over time. Despite these common age-related considerations, the overall sentiment among owners is positive, highlighting the Harpoon 6.2 as a sturdy, reliable, and enjoyable sailboat.