The genesis of Yacht Constructors, Inc. dates back to 1954, a pivotal year when five visionary sailors—Tom Green, Merle Starr, Wade Cornwell, Jarvis Gould, and Henry Morton—united with a groundbreaking ambition: to construct large sailboat hulls using the then-novel material of fiberglass. Their motivation stemmed from a desire to leverage this new material's inherent strength and durability. To unequivocally demonstrate fiberglass's resilience, the founders famously laid up a sample and subjected it to a barrage of firearm bullets from a mere ten-foot range, a testament to the robust standard they aimed to achieve. This "bullet-proof" sample remains a legendary artifact in the company's offices to this day.
For their inaugural design, the group selected the "Vigilant Class" from the respected Philadelphia naval architect, Frederick Geiger. Geiger was a prolific designer of both sail and power yachts, recognized for his aesthetically pleasing and functional designs. By 1955, a collaborative contract was established among the five founders to share labor and hours for the construction of five boats. A wooden plug was meticulously crafted from the Vigilant design, leading to the completion of a fiberglass mold by early September. Hull No. 1, which would later be known as the CHINOOK, was meticulously laid up with steel bars reinforcing its keel area and was launched in the spring of 1956. The strength of their construction methods was dramatically proven when Hull No. 2 was accidentally dropped 15 feet during its launch, suffering no damage whatsoever.
History and Evolution
The initial five Chinook yachts quickly garnered attention within the sailing community. By 1957, an influential article in 'Yachting' magazine generated a significant wave of inquiries, affirming the market's interest in their innovative fiberglass vessels. Following the sale of their ninth boat, the founders decided to scale their operations. A formal corporation was established, a larger dedicated workplace was secured, and the first paid employees were brought on board to accelerate production.
In 1961, the company introduced its second major model, the CASCADE 29, designed by Robert A. Smith, a distinguished naval architect who had previously honed his skills at the esteemed firm of Sparkman & Stephens. By 1963, the company's output had significantly increased, with 48 CASCADE 29s and 34 CHINOOK 34s successfully completed and sold. This period of growth solidified the enterprise, prompting Wade Cornwell, one of the original founders, to dedicate himself full-time to Yacht Constructors, Inc. The year 1964 marked another significant milestone with the construction of their own dedicated factory in Portland, Oregon. This new facility facilitated the introduction of further iconic models, the CASCADE 42 and CASCADE 36, both also designed by Robert A. Smith.
The leadership of the company saw a shift in 1987 with the passing of Merle Starr, leaving the reins to co-founders Wade Cornwell and Tom Green. A notable modification was made to the popular CASCADE 42 mold, widening its beam from 11’2” to 12’ and raising the sides by 12 to 14 inches, leading to the designation of the CASCADE 42 HS.
A new chapter began in 1989 when Hans and Irene Geerling acquired the assets of Yacht Constructors, Inc., rebranding the company as Cascade Yachts, Inc. Recognizing the growing presence of their vessels on the used boat market, Cascade Yachts, Inc. expanded its services to include brokering pre-owned boats. Furthermore, they began offering boatyard spaces for rent, allowing owners of both new and pre-owned Cascade hulls to undertake finishing or refinishing work on site. In 1990, Cascade Yachts further diversified its offerings by acquiring several molds from Heritage Boats of Hood River, Oregon. This acquisition notably included the Benford 39, re-introduced as the Cascade Classic 39, and the Mini-Tug 20 (Benford 20), which was also built in a lengthened 24-foot version known as the Harbor Master.
Design Philosophy and Identity
Cascade Yachts, and its predecessor Yacht Constructors, Inc., rapidly established a formidable reputation in the sailing world for building exceptionally robust and seaworthy vessels. They are renowned for producing comfortable family cruisers and capable bluewater yachts, known for their ability to undertake significant voyages, including circumnavigations.
The cornerstone of their design philosophy lies in their distinctive and enduring construction technique: the hand lay-up method. As proudly stated in an original Yacht Constructors, Inc. brochure, "Cascade cruisers or racers can always be identified by our hand lay-up method of construction in the hull. We use woven roving and cloths, lay each piece in and wet it out with resin, then hand squeegee excess resin to keep the content low." This meticulous process results in a finished hull with approximately 50% resin content, a stark contrast to the nearly 70% found in many hulls constructed with mat (chopped fibers) and chopper guns. While the latter methods reduce construction costs, Cascade believed they compromised quality, leading to heavier and more brittle laminates. Time has unequivocally proven the soundness of Cascade's process and design, with their boats gaining a legendary status for their durability and integrity.
The company's success is also attributed to its collaboration with respected naval architects. Frederick Geiger lent his expertise to the initial Chinook design, setting the standard for their early fiberglass endeavors. Subsequently, Robert A. Smith, with his background from the prestigious Sparkman & Stephens, became instrumental in shaping the brand's identity, designing the highly successful Cascade 29, 36, and 42 models.
Iconic Models and Legacy
Throughout its history, Cascade Yachts has produced a line of significant and enduring sailboat models that have left a lasting mark on the marine industry.
- Chinook 34 (Vigilant Class): As the company's inaugural production model, the Chinook 34 paved the way for fiberglass boatbuilding excellence. Its early demonstration of structural integrity, notably surviving a 15-foot drop during launch, quickly established the credibility of fiberglass for large yacht construction (JSON).
- Cascade 29: Introduced in 1961, the Cascade 29, designed by Robert A. Smith, became one of the company's most prolific models, with approximately 360 units eventually produced. Many of these were sold as bare hulls, allowing owners to customize their interiors.
- Cascade 36: Another Smith design, the Cascade 36 earned a reputation as a robust and capable cruiser, widely considered suitable for extensive offshore passages and circumnavigations.
- Cascade 42: Also designed by Robert A. Smith, the Cascade 42 is particularly well-regarded for its exceptional build quality and blue-water capabilities. The later CASCADE 42 HS variant, with its widened beam and increased freeboard, offered enhanced interior volume and comfort (JSON).
Beyond these popular monohulls, Cascade Yachts also expanded into other niches after acquiring molds from Heritage Boats, including the Benford-designed Cascade Classic 39, a full-keel cruiser, and various versions of the Mini-Tug 20, including the longer 24’ Harbor Master (JSON).
The legacy of Cascade Yachts is not only in the numbers produced but also in the notable achievements of their vessels. Many Cascade yachts have excelled in important races, and numerous have completed arduous circumnavigations, validating their inherent seaworthiness and robust construction (JSON).
The Builder Today
Cascade Yachts has continued its evolution, now operating as Cascade Yacht Works, LLC. The company, which traces its roots back to Yacht Constructors, Inc., is still in business and maintains an official website. While the focus has shifted from high-volume production, Cascade Yacht Works continues to leverage its expertise in composite vessel construction, offering custom build services for vessels ranging from 35 to 55 feet, encompassing design, tooling, fiberglass layups, and interior finishing.
The modern Cascade Yacht Works appeals to discerning owners seeking robust, custom-built vessels. Furthermore, the company maintains a strong connection with its heritage, evident in its continued support for the extensive community of existing Cascade boat owners. There is a vibrant owner community, as demonstrated by online forums like "CascadeOwners" and numerous Cascade yachts moored at clubs like the Rose City Yacht Club. The enduring quality and design of Cascade yachts ensure a strong resale market and a dedicated following, embodying an ownership experience characterized by reliability, seaworthiness, and a proud legacy of craftsmanship.
