Flatfish Information, Review, Specs

The Flatfish emerged from a rich nautical heritage, tracing its lineage back to Nathanael G. Herreshoff's celebrated Fish Class. While the original Fish Class was known for its fixed keel, the Flatfish was specifically revised by Joel White to incorporate a centerboard, offering a reduced minimum draft of 2.16 feet (extending to 4.25 feet with the board down). [6, This adaptation allowed for greater access to shallower waters, enhancing its versatility as a recreational sailboat. Production of the fiberglass version by Fairey Marine commenced in 1960.

Fairey Marine Ltd., founded in the late 1940s, applied their unique "hot molding" technique—originally developed for aircraft during World War II—to boat building. This innovative process involved molding plywood veneers under heat and pressure, resulting in exceptionally strong, lightweight, and durable hulls. While the Flatfish was constructed from fiberglass and wood composite, it carried the builder's reputation for quality and performance established through their hot-molded vessels.

The core design philosophy behind the Herreshoff Fish Class, which the Flatfish closely mirrors, emphasized a boat that was "practical, seakindly and above all else, beautiful." Joel White's revision to the Flatfish maintained these characteristics while adding the practical benefit of a centerboard.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Fairey Flatfish is a fractional sloop, designed for engaging sailing performance within its class. With a sail area of 266 square feet and a displacement of 3094 pounds, the Flatfish aims to provide enjoyable sailing even in less than ideal conditions. Its hull speed is calculated at 5.37 knots. The vessel is noted for its ability to "sail fast at moderate angles of heel" and offers "sailing fun" to its helmsman. As a derivative of the "seakindly" Herreshoff Fish Class, the Flatfish is expected to offer a comfortable motion through the water. The centerboard design (with a minimum draft of 2.16 feet and a maximum of 4.25 feet) allows for flexible operation in various depths, from shallow anchorages to deeper cruising grounds.

Accommodations and Layout

Given its compact length overall of just over 20 feet, the Fairey Flatfish is primarily designed as a daysailer or a weekender with very basic accommodations. The available data indicates that the maximum headroom is not specified, suggesting a limited interior volume, likely optimized for a large, deep cockpit for sailing rather than extensive liveaboard comfort. [6, Typical interior layouts for boats of this size from the era would generally include a simple V-berth forward, possibly with some minimal storage, and potentially space for a portable head. The emphasis would have been on functional sailing space rather than elaborate cruising amenities.