In the annals of yachting history, certain figures emerge not from a traditional marine background, but from unexpected avenues, leaving an indelible mark. Henry "Hank" McCune, an actor known for his television show "The Hank McCune Show"—notably the first to utilize a laugh track—transitioned dramatically from the entertainment industry to become a pioneering force in American fiberglass boat building in the early 1960s. His short-lived but impactful venture, Henry R. McCune, Shipbuilders, based in the Long Beach, California area, helped usher in the era of modern composite yacht construction.
The Origin Story
Henry McCune embarked on his shipbuilding journey around 1960, establishing his yard in Wilmington, near Long Beach, California. At a time when wood remained the dominant material for boat construction, McCune was a visionary, embracing fiberglass as a revolutionary medium for its durability, ease of maintenance, and efficiency in production. He quickly became one of the earliest proponents and builders of fiberglass boats in the United States.
Though often associated with models of his own design, McCune's first significant foray into boat manufacturing was with the VICTORY 21. This 21-foot one-design keelboat was designed by naval architect Ted Carpentier and first manufactured by McCune in 1959, predating the full swing of his early 1960s operations. The VICTORY 21 represented McCune's initial commitment to fiberglass and set the stage for his subsequent designs.
History and Evolution
The company's primary operational period spanned from the early 1960s to approximately 1970. During this decade, Henry R. McCune, Shipbuilders became synonymous with the burgeoning fiberglass revolution. A significant milestone arrived in 1962 with the introduction of the ALL-AMERICAN 28. This 28-foot offshore racer was particularly notable for arguably being the first fiberglass boat used for offshore racing to feature a fin keel and spade rudder, a design combination that would become standard in high-performance sailboats.
McCune further expanded his offerings with a series of cruising sailboats known as the Olympian models. These vessels, designed by McCune himself, ranged up to 35 feet in length and reflected a different aspect of his design philosophy, focusing on comfortable cruising. While perhaps less common today, they were an important part of his portfolio. Later in his shipbuilding career, following a revamped lineup, came the Yorktown series. Many Yorktowns were sold in varying states of completion, allowing customers to finish their boats, a common practice for builders during that era to reduce costs and cater to do-it-yourself enthusiasts. The connection of a model named TALISMAN possibly originating from a Yorktown mold also points to this period of adaptable production.
Design Philosophy and Identity
Henry McCune's reputation in the marine world, despite his relatively brief tenure as a builder, is anchored in his forward-thinking adoption of fiberglass and his willingness to experiment with contemporary design elements. He positioned his company at the forefront of the fiberglass transition, demonstrating the viability and advantages of the new material for both racing and cruising yachts.
His design philosophy appears to have been multifaceted. For the ALL-AMERICAN 28, he embraced performance, incorporating a fin keel and spade rudder—features that were cutting-edge for fiberglass offshore racers at the time. This demonstrated an understanding of hydrodynamics and a desire to produce competitive vessels. Conversely, the Olympian series showcased his ability to design for comfort and cruising, catering to a broader sailing audience. While Ted Carpentier was responsible for the VICTORY 21 design, McCune himself took on the role of naval architect for the ALL-AMERICAN 28 and the Olympian range, underscoring his personal involvement and vision for his boats.
Iconic Models and Legacy
The enduring legacy of Henry R. McCune, Shipbuilders is best exemplified by a handful of key models that continue to sail today.
- VICTORY 21: Though designed by Ted Carpentier, the VICTORY 21 was an important early production for McCune's yard, contributing to the establishment of a one-design class.
- ALL-AMERICAN 28: Perhaps the most celebrated of McCune's designs, the ALL-AMERICAN 28 cemented his place as an innovator. Its advanced underwater profile for a fiberglass boat of its time made it a significant offshore racer and a testament to McCune's foresight.
- Olympian Series: These cruising sailboats, ranging up to 35 feet, were McCune's own designs, aimed at sailors seeking comfort and longer voyages. While fewer are reportedly still active, they represent his versatility as a designer.
- Yorktown Series: The Yorktowns stand out as McCune's most enduring line. Many are still actively sailing, a testament to their solid construction and adaptable designs. The practice of selling them in various stages of completion meant that many owners developed a deep connection with their vessels through the building process. Modern listings show Yorktowns in various sizes, including 40-foot and 41-foot center cockpit bluewater designs, highlighting their suitability for offshore cruising.
The Builder Today
Henry R. McCune, Shipbuilders concluded its operations around 1970, marking a relatively short but influential chapter in the history of fiberglass yacht construction. While the company no longer exists, and a once-active Yorktown website with historical information has unfortunately vanished, the spirit of Henry McCune's pioneering efforts lives on through the numerous Yorktown sailboats that continue to grace the world's waterways. These vessels are cherished by their owners for their robust build and often for the unique history of their completion. The legacy of Henry R. McCune is not just in the boats he built, but in his early embrace of fiberglass technology, which fundamentally changed the landscape of yacht manufacturing.
