Interlake Information, Review, Specs

The genesis of the Interlake dates back to 1933 when the Sandusky Sailing Club sought a new class boat. They enlisted Francis Sweisguth, whose earlier success with the Star class demonstrated his expertise in crafting performance-oriented designs. Sweisguth's philosophy for the Interlake focused on creating a versatile centerboard dinghy, well-suited for the specific conditions of Lake Erie and Sandusky Bay – emphasizing good stability and all-around performance without "freak characteristics" that might limit its appeal or handling. His design, which included a hard chine, aimed for a boat that was easy to trailer, rig, and sail, making it accessible for a broad range of enthusiasts.

While the Interlake was first built in 1933, Customflex, founded by Vince DiMaio in 1964, later became a prominent builder for the class. Customflex's manufacturing ethos, rooted in precision and adherence to strict one-design specifications, aligned perfectly with the Interlake's racing focus. They embraced fiberglass construction, ensuring consistent and durable hulls essential for fair competition. The class has maintained strict adherence to its original plans and specifications, meaning significant variations like MkI or MkII models are not common, as improvements are only made if they do not obsolete older boats. The Interlake Sailing Class Association actively supports the class, preserving its one-design integrity.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Interlake, with its lightweight displacement of 650 pounds and a sail area of 175 square feet, is characterized as a fast and responsive dinghy. Its fractional sloop rig, combined with an 18-foot length overall and a 6.25-foot beam, allows for quick acceleration and maneuverability. The centerboard keel type, with a minimum draft of 0.67 feet and a maximum draft of 4.58 feet, provides flexibility for sailing in shallow waters while offering increased stability and upwind performance when fully deployed.

Sailing enthusiasts often praise the Interlake for its balanced helm and lively performance in a variety of wind conditions. Owners typically describe it as a pleasure to sail, capable of planing in moderate breezes, which adds to its appeal as a racing dinghy. Its design ensures good stability, making it forgiving for less experienced sailors yet exciting for competitive racers. The kick-up rudder and centerboard design further enhance its practicality, especially for launching and retrieving, and for navigating shallower areas.

Accommodations and Layout

As a dedicated racing and day-sailing dinghy, the Interlake's design prioritizes an open and functional cockpit over extensive interior accommodations. The 18-foot hull is primarily taken up by a spacious cockpit, designed to comfortably accommodate a crew of two or three during races or for family outings. The layout is focused on optimizing sailing ergonomics, with clear sightlines and easy access to control lines.

While not featuring a traditional cabin or berths, the Interlake's design likely includes limited storage within the hull, possibly under the thwarts or in small compartments, sufficient for safety gear, personal items, and provisions for a day on the water. The construction materials, historically fiberglass with wood composite elements, contribute to its durability and relatively low maintenance requirements for a racing dinghy. Ventilation is naturally excellent due to its open cockpit configuration.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of Interlake sailboats frequently laud the class for its strong community and the enduring quality of the boats. Many appreciate its robust construction and enjoyable sailing characteristics, often highlighting its ability to provide exciting racing while remaining accessible for casual day sailing. The active class association is consistently mentioned as a major strength, fostering a vibrant racing scene and providing support for owners.

Common feedback from owners often revolves around the longevity of the boats, with many Interlakes from earlier production runs still actively campaigned after rebuilds. Potential challenges noted by owners for older boats typically involve routine maintenance inherent to any vintage vessel, such as checking for hull integrity, rigging wear, and ensuring the centerboard and rudder mechanisms are in good working order. The collaborative and personal approach of builders like Customflex, particularly for new builds or significant rebuilds, is also a highly valued aspect of the ownership experience within the class.