Doughdish Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The lineage of the Doughdish traces back to Nathanael Greene Herreshoff's original "Buzzard's Bay Boy's Boat," designed in 1914. Herreshoff's intention was to create a training sailboat that offered perfect proportions and enduring quality. The Doughdish, a fiberglass replica, began production in 1972, initially by Doughdish Inc., and later became a significant offering from Edey & Duff.

Edey & Duff, founded in 1968 by Mait Edey and Peter Duff, specialized in translating esteemed traditional designs into fiberglass. Their manufacturing ethos focused on retaining the beauty and functionality of classic lines while leveraging the low-maintenance benefits and durability of fiberglass construction. The Doughdish is lauded as an "exact replica" or "substantially identical in detail" to the wooden Herreshoff 12 1/2, ensuring it replicates the original's sailing qualities and performance and is accepted into the venerable H Class. While the wooden Herreshoff 12 1/2 saw many variations over its long production, the Doughdish itself is a consistent fiberglass interpretation of this classic.

Sailing Performance and Handling

Despite her modest size, the Doughdish offers a sailing experience that belies her dimensions. She is praised for being exceptionally seaworthy and capable in various weather conditions, providing a comfortable ride for a small boat. Her long keel contributes to excellent directional stability. The Doughdish is known to be smart and responsive in light air, yet robust enough to handle more challenging conditions. She is also notably easy to single-hand, making her accessible for solo excursions. Owners frequently find her surprisingly fast for a traditional design. A characteristic aspect of sailing the Doughdish is that sheets are typically cleated rather than held, a common practice for boats of this type.

Accommodations and Layout

The Doughdish, true to its daysailer heritage, features a simple yet functional interior designed for a classic sailing experience rather than extensive cruising. She includes a small cuddy cabin forward, which primarily serves as valuable storage space. This cabin can also offer rudimentary shelter for overnight trips, though it is not configured for full standing headroom or complex living arrangements. The boat's construction incorporates fiberglass for the hull and a fiberglass and wood composite for the deck. Many Doughdish models feature elegant teak trim and a varnished mahogany interior transom, reflecting a commitment to classic aesthetics and quality craftsmanship, consistent with Edey & Duff's reputation for meticulous attention to detail. 9, 12, 34, Builder Article

Owner's Perspectives

The Doughdish enjoys a passionate following, with many owners considering it "the perfect sailboat." Owners consistently praise its solid construction and seaworthy nature, highlighting its comfort and ability to handle diverse conditions. Its ease of handling, particularly for single-handing, is a frequently lauded attribute, making it appealing to sailors of all experience levels, including beginners. The enduring design of the Herreshoff 12 1/2, faithfully reproduced in the Doughdish, means that many original and fiberglass versions continue to sail today, a testament to their durability and timeless appeal. The Doughdish is a respected one-design class, allowing for competitive racing that retains the spirit and performance of the wooden originals. While specific recurring issues are not widely reported for the Doughdish, general maintenance for older boats, such as re-bedding original deck fittings, is a consideration, as with any vessel of a certain age.