For over a century, Cape Cod Shipbuilding Co. has stood as a beacon of traditional craftsmanship and pioneering innovation in the American marine industry. From its humble beginnings as a wagon manufacturer to its current standing as a producer of highly respected fiberglass sailboats, the Wareham, Massachusetts-based company has consistently delivered vessels renowned for their quality, durability, and timeless appeal.
The Origin Story
The tale of Cape Cod Shipbuilding begins in 1899, not with boatbuilders, but with wagon manufacturers Myron and Charles Gurney. Based in Wareham, Massachusetts, the Gurney brothers initially built wagons for local companies. However, with the advent of the rubber tire signaling a shift in their primary trade, their recreational passion for building small skiffs began to evolve into a new enterprise. An offer to purchase one of their meticulously crafted boats spurred them to establish Cape Cod Power Dory Co. in 1899.
Charles Gurney, a gifted draftsman and designer, was instrumental in shaping the company's early direction. His most celebrated wooden design from this era was the iconic Cape Cod Knockabout, a class of 18-foot sailboat that quickly gained popularity, particularly in the Upper Cape harbors of Massachusetts. Beyond pleasure craft, the Gurneys also constructed lifeboats and even a substantial 80-foot launch, the "Saltaire," weighing 60 tons, whose launch was a town-wide celebration.
History and Evolution
A significant pivot point arrived in 1919 with the construction of the Narrows Bridge, which effectively isolated Cape Cod Power Dory Co. from Buzzards Bay. This geographical challenge coincided with a strategic renaming, and the company became Cape Cod Shipbuilding Corp., relocating to a new property known as "Idlewild." This new site, part of the William Minot Estate, allowed for a more expansive and safer layout for lumber storage, milling, assembly, and painting, embodying the frugal and practical spirit that continues to define the yard.
The management of Cape Cod Shipbuilding underwent a crucial change in 1939 following the death of Captain Charles S. Gurney. E.L. Goodwin, who had previously served as a dealer for Cape Cod boats and president of Undercliff Boat Works in New Jersey, acquired the shipyard. Goodwin, a "jack of all trades" with a passion for business, sailing, and engineering, sought to revitalize the company by commissioning new designs from renowned naval architects, rather than solely relying on existing Gurney plans. Under his leadership, the company successfully built wooden versions of the Philip Rhodes-designed Rhodes-18 (first built in 1948) and the Sparkman & Stephens-designed Mercury.
During World War II, Cape Cod Shipbuilding shifted its focus to support the war effort, building small war tugs, smoke boats, and launches, specifically those drawing 15 feet or less due to the Wareham River's depth. E.L. Goodwin adeptly managed contracts, transforming the company from a single employee to over 100 workers, setting up an efficient assembly line that produced multiple tugs per week.
Post-war, Goodwin foresaw the future of marine construction and pioneered the transition to fiberglass. In 1947, Cape Cod Shipbuilding Co., alongside The Anchorage Co. of Rhode Island, became one of the very first manufacturers to build fiberglass boats. Goodwin's innovative spirit led to significant advancements, including being the first to install a lead keel on the outside of a fiberglass sailboat and perfecting a highly secretive method for bonding the fiberglass deck and hull into a single, stronger, and leak-proof unit. This critical innovation in fiberglass molding allowed for consistent curing temperatures and protected the brand's proprietary techniques.
A landmark acquisition in 1947 was the exclusive rights to build all Nathanael Herreshoff designs 30 feet and under, along with access to Herreshoff Manufacturing Co.'s construction records. This led to the production of fiberglass versions of famous Herreshoff designs, including the Bull's Eye (originally a Fishers Island H-12 ½), which remains a flagship model. In the 1950s, the company was producing a high volume of Bull's Eyes and Mercuries annually.
Further vertical integration occurred with the acquisition of Zephyr Spars from Alcoa, turning it into a division of Cape Cod Shipbuilding. This allowed the company to produce spars not only for its own vessels but also for other boat designs.
In 1979, Gordon L. Goodwin, E.L. Goodwin's son, took over the presidency, continuing the family legacy. His daughter, Wendy Goodwin, joined in 1993, ensuring a "generational trifecta" in leadership.
Design Philosophy and Identity
Cape Cod Shipbuilding holds a distinct reputation in the sailing world for producing boats of exceptional build quality and longevity. The company's design philosophy centers on combining traditional aesthetics with modern construction techniques, resulting in semi-custom sailboats that stand in stark contrast to many mass-produced, lightweight vessels. Their boats are known for their first-rate construction, which is so robust that E.L. Goodwin himself used to lament that his boats didn't deteriorate enough for people to need replacements. This commitment to durability has been a cornerstone of their business for over a century.
The builder is particularly renowned for its sturdy, comfortable daysailers and cruisers that appeal to those seeking a classic look with reliable performance. Key design features often include robust hull construction and carefully integrated components, ensuring a leak-proof and strong boat.
Cape Cod Shipbuilding has a rich history of collaborating with legendary naval architects. Beyond the in-house designs of Charles Gurney, the company built boats from the boards of Philip Rhodes and Sparkman & Stephens, both giants in yacht design. The acquisition of exclusive rights to Captain Nathanael Herreshoff's designs further solidified their connection to maritime heritage, allowing them to faithfully reproduce some of the "wizard of Bristol's" most beloved creations.
Iconic Models and Legacy
Throughout its history, Cape Cod Shipbuilding has produced a range of iconic models that have left a lasting mark on the sailing community:
- Cape Cod Knockabout: One of Charles Gurney's most famous early wooden designs, the Knockabout is an 18-foot one-design class that remains popular, with fiberglass versions approved in 1960.
- Rhodes-18: Designed by Philip Rhodes, this versatile boat was successfully built in wood and later transitioned to fiberglass by Cape Cod Shipbuilding. It's known as a capable trailerable daysailer.
- Mercury: This 15-foot design by Sparkman & Stephens was developed as a junior sailing boat in 1939 and was well-built by Cape Cod Shipbuilding in both wood and fiberglass.
- Herreshoff H-12 ½ / Cape Cod Bull's Eye: After acquiring the Herreshoff rights, Cape Cod Shipbuilding produced a fiberglass version of the Fishers Island H-12 ½, which became known as the Cape Cod Bull's Eye. Originally designed for the Fishers Island fleet as a more seaworthy version of the H-12 ½, the Bull's Eye became one of the company's most popular models, with high production numbers in the 1950s. The company continues to build both the fiberglass Bull's Eye and the fiberglass Herreshoff H-12½.
Cape Cod Shipbuilding’s dedication to quality meant their boats were often handed down through generations, fostering a loyal owner community.
The Builder Today
Today, Cape Cod Shipbuilding remains a privately held, family-owned company based in Wareham, Massachusetts, with Gordon L. Goodwin serving as President. The company continues its tradition of building fine quality sailboats, offering 22 models of fiberglass boats ranging from 9 to 44 feet. Their modern boats continue to appeal to sailors who value a traditional aesthetic combined with robust, durable construction.
In an industry increasingly dominated by mass production, Cape Cod Shipbuilding stands out as an "endangered species," upholding its commitment to first-rate, semi-custom construction. The company's enduring legacy is built on the simple fact that their boats are exceptionally well-made, ensuring they continue to be enjoyed for generations. Beyond new boat construction, the company also provides maintenance and storage services, further cementing its role in supporting the long life of its vessels.
