Indian Information, Review, Specs

The boat's construction involved numerous skilled hands, including prominent builders like George Chaisson, whose Swampscott, Massachusetts, shop was known for its robust and practical wooden craft. Chaisson Boat Builders, established in 1909, operated for nearly half a century, adhering to traditional wooden boat building techniques and focusing on quality and functional design. His involvement, alongside other notable builders such as Lawson's, Reid's, and Lowell's, contributed to the widespread adoption and consistent quality of the Indian class.

History and Design

The Indian's journey began in 1921 with the first boats built by Lawson's boat yard. The design, Alden #148, was directly inspired by C.D. Mower's 1898 Swampscott racing dory, often known as the X-Class Dory. However, the Indian introduced crucial improvements, incorporating fore-, side-, and aft-decks. These modifications significantly enhanced the hull's stiffness, kept the occupants drier, and made the boat far less prone to swamping, allowing for more aggressive sailing. The Indian also offered either gaff- or Marconi-rigs, utilizing a larger sail plan than the X-Class dory's leg-o-mutton rig, further boosting its performance capabilities.

Initially, the Indian was envisioned as a training vessel for the Eastern Yacht Club in Marblehead, Massachusetts. However, its lively nature proved ill-suited for beginners. Fred Riley of the Squantum Yacht Club recognized its racing potential, acquiring three of the boats. By 1926, the collective group of these dories, then known as Squantum Racing Dories, organized into the larger "Mass Bay Marconi Indians" association, a testament to the popularity of the Marconi rig within the class. Formal interclub events commenced in 1927. The class flourished, reaching nearly 100 boats in the Boston-Marblehead region alone by 1951, with additional boats built for the Cape and Islands and Long Island. Beyond commercial boat shops, many Indians were built by their owners, reflecting a strong do-it-yourself ethos among enthusiasts. Notably, fiberglass versions of the Indian were later produced, likely in the 1970s, extending the design's life, and original plans remain available from WoodenBoat magazine today. notes, 3, 4, 6, 7, 19]

Sailing Performance and Handling

With a length overall of just over 21 feet and a slender 6.25-foot beam, the Indian is characterized by its responsive handling and quick acceleration. The design's light displacement of 1750 lbs combined with a reported sail area of 197 square feet imbues it with a lively spirit on the water. Boasting a centerboard keel, it features a minimum draft of 1.5 feet, which can be extended to 3.83 feet when the board is fully deployed, allowing access to shallow waters while offering excellent upwind performance. The Indian's hull speed is estimated at 5.48 knots, a respectable pace for a boat of its size. notes]

Owners and historical accounts consistently describe the Indian as a "very fast" sailboat, particularly in the hands of an experienced skipper. Its ability to "often outgun larger boats on the same course" speaks to its potent racing pedigree. The dory hull form, combined with its refined deck plan, contributes to its stability and dryness, allowing it to be pushed hard in competitive conditions. Its fractional sloop rig offers a versatile sail plan, contributing to its nimble and engaging sailing characteristics. notes]

Accommodations and Layout

As a dedicated racing dory and daysailer, the Indian prioritizes an open and functional cockpit layout over extensive interior accommodations. The design, with its generous side decks, provides ample space for crew movement and efficient sail handling during races. Given its compact size, with a length overall of 21.17 feet and no specified maximum headroom in the available data, the Indian's interior would typically consist of a very basic, open space, perhaps a small cuddy or storage area forward of the mast. This arrangement is entirely consistent with its purpose, focusing on performance and an exhilarating open-air sailing experience rather than cruising comforts. notes]