General Boats, based in Edenton, North Carolina, is the custodian of the celebrated Rhodes 22 sailboat design. The company's unique name was conceived by its owner, Stan Spitzer, who drew inspiration from industrial giants like General Motors and General Electric, aiming for a similar sense of broad applicability and reliability in the marine world. While the exact founding year of General Boats as a manufacturing entity isn't explicitly detailed, their history is deeply intertwined with the Rhodes 22, a vessel first designed by the esteemed naval architect Philip Rhodes. The Rhodes 22 was conceived as a versatile cruiser, representing a vision for an accessible yet capable sailboat that could be easily trailered, offering freedom and flexibility to its owners.
History and Evolution
The journey of the Rhodes 22, and subsequently General Boats, spans over five decades, marking a significant period of continuous production and refinement. While the initial construction of the Rhodes 22 in the 1970s was often contracted out to other builders, General Boats assumed direct manufacturing responsibility for the Rhodes 22 in the 1980s. This transition brought the design under the direct stewardship of General Boats, allowing for consistent oversight and incremental improvements. Over its more than 51 years of existence, the Rhodes 22 has seen numerous "detail improvements" and "innovative" enhancements, evolving into what is described as a "semi-custom boat" due to its continuous refinement based on owner feedback and manufacturing advancements. In more recent years, General Boats has strategically shifted some of its focus, developing a "used Rhodes 22 'recycling' program" that complements its new boat production, showcasing a commitment to the longevity and continued utility of these vessels.
Design Philosophy and Identity
General Boats has cultivated a distinct reputation within the sailing community, primarily as the purveyor of a robust, unsinkable, and highly versatile trailerable cruising and daysailing sailboat. The core of their design philosophy, epitomized by the Rhodes 22, revolves around safety and user-friendliness. A hallmark feature of the Rhodes 22 is its unsinkable, non-capsizing-under-sail flared hull design, providing exceptional stability and peace of mind for sailors. The boat is intentionally designed to be a comfortable 22-foot cruising sailboat, capable of excelling in "most everything well" as a general-purpose vessel.
The collaboration with the legendary naval architect Philip Rhodes laid the foundational principles for the boat's enduring success. The Rhodes 22 is known for its ahead-of-its-time features and thoughtful integration, where many pieces of gear are designed to serve multiple functions, enhancing efficiency and simplicity. Its design allows for remarkable ease of use, including features like a straightforward mast-raising system, which significantly contributes to its appeal as a trailerable boat.
Iconic Models and Legacy
Undoubtedly, the Rhodes 22 stands as the sole iconic model directly associated with General Boats' manufacturing legacy. While specific cumulative production numbers are not widely publicized, the longevity of the model, spanning over five decades, speaks volumes about its enduring appeal and success. The Rhodes 22 has cultivated a reputation as a highly reliable, safe, and comfortable small cruiser, impacting the industry by demonstrating the viability of a capable, trailerable sailboat for a broad audience. Its consistent production and continuous refinement underscore its importance. The boat's robust construction and thoughtful design have fostered an exceptional loyalty among its owners, leading to a vibrant and active community.
The Builder Today
General Boats continues its operations from Edenton, North Carolina, maintaining its commitment to the Rhodes 22. Stan Spitzer remains at the helm, and the company prefers communication via email, signaling a modern and accessible approach. While still producing new vessels, General Boats has increasingly emphasized its "recycling" program for used Rhodes 22s, a testament to the boat's durability and the company's dedication to supporting its existing fleet.
The modern Rhodes 22 appeals to sailors seeking a dependable, versatile, and easily transportable sailboat for cruising, daysailing, or even extended adventures. The ownership experience is characterized by the boat's low maintenance, robust build, and the extensive support network provided by "The Rhodes 22 Owners' Group," which is highly active and serves as a testament to the strong community surrounding this cherished design. General Boats, through its unwavering focus on a single, well-executed design, has secured its place as a niche but highly respected boat builder in the American marine landscape.
