Stuart Knockabout Information, Review, Specs

The genesis of the Stuart Knockabout dates back to 1932 when L. Francis Herreshoff designed the original wooden boat for Mr. Willoughby Stuart, aiming to create a large, shallow-draft daysailer that was notably easy to handle. Herreshoff's design philosophy often embraced shallow draft, skillfully compensating for this with longer waterlines to maintain performance. This approach is a hallmark of the Stuart Knockabout, contributing to its unique blend of grace and capability. While originally a one-off wooden creation, its timeless appeal led to its reintroduction in fiberglass.

Edey & Duff, founded in 1968, distinguished themselves by translating revered traditional designs into durable, low-maintenance fiberglass, a manufacturing ethos that perfectly aligned with the Stuart Knockabout. They commenced series production of the fiberglass version in 1989. The initial fiberglass hulls were molded by Edey & Duff, with Ballentine's Boat Shop handling the finish work. After Edey & Duff ceased operations in 2010, Steve Ballentine and his daughter Amy Ballentine Stevens acquired the molds and rights, ensuring the continued construction and marketing of the Stuart Knockabout through Stuart Knockabout LLC at Ballentine's Boat Shop. Throughout its production, the focus has remained on preserving the essence of the original wooden boat while enhancing comfort and sailing performance in its fiberglass adaptation. No significant variations like "MkI vs. MkII" or widespread alternate rig types beyond its fractional sloop configuration are widely documented.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Stuart Knockabout is widely praised for its delightful sailing performance and exceptional handling characteristics. Despite its modest sail plan for a boat of its size, owners frequently describe it as "exceptionally fast" and possessing "surprising power," capably handling varying sea states without significant loss of speed. Its design contributes to its comfortable motion and stability in a seaway. With a substantial amount of ballast relative to its displacement, the Stuart Knockabout is noted for its stiffness, allowing it to stand up well to the wind. Its relatively light displacement for its length further enhances its sprightly performance, making it responsive and agile. The boat is consistently lauded as a "joy to sail" and an "easy to sail" vessel, embodying the qualities of a well-behaved thoroughbred on the water.

Accommodations and Layout

As a dedicated daysailer, the Stuart Knockabout prioritizes a spacious and uncluttered cockpit over extensive interior accommodations. The design focuses on providing an enjoyable and comfortable sailing experience for its occupants above deck. While the provided data indicates no specific maximum headroom, typical daysailers of this size usually feature a cuddy cabin forward that offers limited interior space, primarily for dry storage of gear or sails, and perhaps a simple marine head. This minimal interior emphasizes the boat's primary purpose: single-day outings on the water rather than extended cruising. The cockpit layout is designed for ease of sail handling and comfortable seating, reflecting its heritage as a classic daysailer.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Stuart Knockabout consistently express high satisfaction with the boat, frequently highlighting its timeless beauty and the pure joy it brings to sailing. Many larger boat owners have transitioned to the Stuart Knockabout, appreciating its convenience and the simplicity of getting out on the water for a day sail. The boat is often described as "beautiful and easy to sail," a testament to L. Francis Herreshoff's original design goals and the meticulous craftsmanship carried forward by its builders. Its solid construction and comfortable motion in a seaway are recurring themes in owner feedback. While owners praise its numerous strengths, no frequently mentioned weaknesses or common maintenance issues specific to the Stuart Knockabout were readily identifiable in available owner discussions.