In the annals of American yacht building, few names evoke the same blend of traditional aesthetics and robust modern construction as Edey & Duff. Founded in Massachusetts, this esteemed yard carved a unique niche by bringing timeless, beloved designs into the fiberglass era, ensuring their enduring appeal and accessibility for generations of sailors.
The Origin Story
Edey & Duff was established in 1968 by the passionate duo of Mait Edey and Peter Duff in Massachusetts, USA. Mait Edey was known for his deep love of sailing and a keen appreciation for the classic lines of traditional wooden sailboats, an aesthetic that would define the company's output. Peter Duff, his partner, was a prolific boatbuilder. Their vision was to produce yachts that retained the beauty and functionality of classic designs but harnessed the low-maintenance benefits and durability of fiberglass construction. While no single "first boat" is explicitly cited as their inaugural project, the Doughdish, a fiberglass rendition of the iconic Herreshoff 12 1/2, became an early and significant offering, with the "Dovekie" being the very first Doughdish produced by the yard.
History and Evolution
From its inception, Edey & Duff distinguished itself by specializing in fiberglass versions of highly regarded traditional designs. This approach allowed them to offer boats that resonated with purists who admired classic lines but sought modern construction advantages. The company's tenure spanned over four decades, during which it earned a reputation for quality craftsmanship and faithfulness to original designs.
A significant milestone in the company's history was its consistent output of several iconic sailboat models, successfully translating complex wooden designs into durable fiberglass. Beyond sailboats, Edey & Duff also ventured into powerboat manufacturing, collaborating with renowned designers like Ray Hunt. The firm maintained its operations until 2010 when it closed its doors following the death of its long-serving General Manager, Dave Devignon.
Design Philosophy and Identity
Edey & Duff's reputation in the sailing world was built on their commitment to preserving the heritage of classic yacht design while embracing the practicalities of modern materials. They were celebrated for producing comfortable family cruisers and performance-oriented daysailers that exuded timeless elegance. The builder was known for its meticulous attention to detail and robust construction techniques. For instance, the Stone Horse 23 models utilized an Airex foam core sandwiched in fiberglass for enhanced durability and insulation. Their Fatty Knees dinghy, a testament to their commitment to quality even in smaller craft, featured a hand-laid lapstrake hull, lauded for its strength and versatile performance under oar and sail.
The company collaborated with several distinguished naval architects to bring their designs to life in fiberglass:
- L. Francis Herreshoff: The celebrated designer behind the elegant Stuart Knockabout, a classic daysailer, which Edey & Duff began series production of in 1989.
- Nathanael Herreshoff: The original designer of the Herreshoff 12 1/2, whose design was faithfully reproduced in fiberglass as the "Doughdish."
- Samuel S. Crocker: The visionary behind the rugged and beloved Stone Horse 23, designed in 1931 and later adapted by Edey & Duff for fiberglass construction in the 1970s.
- Joel White: The designer of the graceful and spirited Sakonnet 23, a popular daysailer known for its good looks and performance.
- Ray Hunt: Responsible for the designs of several Edey & Duff powerboats, including specialized fishing boats like the Conch 27.
Iconic Models and Legacy
Edey & Duff's portfolio includes several highly significant and successful boat models that have become classics in their own right:
- Sakonnet 23: Designed by Joel White, this elegant daysailer was produced by Edey & Duff, with approximately 85 units built. Known for its shoal draft and double-ended design, it offered comfortable seating and good speed.
- Doughdish: A direct fiberglass interpretation of Nathanael Herreshoff's classic 12 1/2, the Doughdish is cherished for its faithful reproduction of the original's charm and sailing characteristics. It remains a popular one-design class.
- Stone Horse 23: Conceived by Samuel S. Crocker, the Stone Horse 23 is a robust, cutter-rigged pocket cruiser. Edey & Duff built around 150 of these versatile boats, making them popular, especially along the Maine coast, for their seaworthiness and classic lines.
- Stuart Knockabout: This beautiful daysailer, originally designed by L. Francis Herreshoff in 1932, was brought into series production by Edey & Duff in 1989. It is admired for its ease of handling and stunning aesthetics.
- Fatty Knees Dinghy: A testament to Lyle Hess's design prowess, the Fatty Knees dinghy was produced by Edey & Duff in 7, 8, and 9-foot lengths. Renowned for its exceptional strength, stability, and versatility, it can be rowed, motored, or sailed, making it a highly sought-after yacht tender and small boat in its own right.
Beyond these sailing mainstays, Edey & Duff also produced a line of powerboats, notably the Conch series, designed by Ray Hunt. These boats, including the Conch 27, were initially developed with input from professional fishing guides, emphasizing their functional and robust design.
The Builder Today
While Edey & Duff ceased operations in 2010, its impact on the marine industry and the enduring appeal of its designs persist. The company's legacy is carried forward by the vibrant communities of owners who cherish and maintain their Edey & Duff vessels. The reputation for high-quality, traditionally styled fiberglass boats continues to attract enthusiasts seeking classic aesthetics combined with modern durability.
Notably, the production of some of Edey & Duff's most beloved models has been continued by other builders. Ballentine's Boat Shop, for example, has taken over the mantle of producing both the Doughdish and the Stuart Knockabout, ensuring that these iconic designs remain available to a new generation of sailors. This continuation speaks volumes about the timelessness and enduring quality of the designs that Mait Edey and Peter Duff meticulously brought to fiberglass, cementing Edey & Duff's place as a revered name in marine history.
