Coastwise Cruiser (#675) Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

Production of the Coastwise Cruiser (#675) commenced in 1938 and continued through 1944, a period marked by significant global events. Designed by the prominent naval architect John G. Alden, with Carl Alberg, then an employee at the Alden firm, playing a key role, the vessel was intended as a capable auxiliary cruiser. Alden's design philosophy for such vessels typically prioritized robust construction and seaworthiness over light-air speed, aligning perfectly with the "Coastwise Cruiser" designation.

Graves Yacht Yard, the builder, was deeply rooted in Marblehead's maritime tradition, known for its unwavering commitment to quality and traditional wooden boat construction. Throughout this era, Graves Yacht Yard's craftsmanship emphasized durability and precision, often working with intricate woodworking, which would have been evident in each Coastwise Cruiser built. The original Alden design #675 typically featured a fractional rig with a club jib; however, many examples were later built with a bowsprit and a more versatile cutter rig, indicating a design adaptable to owners' preferences for sail plans. A slightly larger, later version, design #779, was also produced, though in much more limited numbers, with only six units built.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Coastwise Cruiser (#675) is characterized by its substantial build and full-keel design, providing inherent stability and a comfortable motion in a seaway. With a total calculated sail area of 715.5 square feet and a displacement of 17,500 pounds, her Sail Area to Displacement Ratio (SA/Disp) is approximately 16.96. This ratio suggests a moderate performance cruiser, capable of respectable speeds in a breeze but not optimized for light-air racing, aligning with her design as a robust cruising vessel.

Her Ballast to Displacement Ratio (Bal/Disp) stands at approximately 37.7%, derived from her 6,600 pounds of iron ballast. This significant ballast-to-displacement ratio contributes to the boat's excellent stiffness, allowing her to stand up to a good deal of wind and carry sail effectively without excessive heeling. The Displacement to Length Ratio (D/L) is exceptionally high at roughly 444.5, signifying a very heavy displacement boat relative to her waterline length of 26.0 feet. This high D/L ratio underscores her design as a traditional, solid cruiser, prioritizing seaworthiness and comfort in various conditions over outright speed or agility. Her maximum draft of 5.25 feet and long keel further emphasize her stability and tracking ability, making her a predictable and reassuring vessel to handle, particularly in choppy waters. The boat's wooden hull and robust construction would have contributed to a solid feel underfoot and a quiet ride.

Accommodations and Layout

While specific interior layouts can vary significantly among custom or semi-custom wooden boats of this era, the Coastwise Cruiser (#675) was designed as a comfortable auxiliary cruiser. Given its length overall of 36.42 feet and a beam of 9.75 feet, the interior typically provided a conventional layout for its time. Common arrangements for cruisers of this size would include a V-berth forward, followed by a head compartment, and then a main salon with settees that often converted into berths. A galley area would generally be located opposite the salon, likely featuring a stove and sink, though specific amenities would vary. Quarter berths might have been incorporated aft, offering additional sleeping capacity. Constructed of wood, the interior finish would have featured warm, traditional joinery, reflecting the craftsmanship prevalent at Graves Yacht Yard during its build. Detailed interior diagrams or specific descriptions for the Coastwise Cruiser #675 are not readily available in public records, making a precise description of its internal arrangements difficult without specific examples.