Biscayne Bay 14 Information, Review, Specs

The creation of the Biscayne Bay 14, also known as the "Suicide Class" or Model 908, began in 1925, with approximately a dozen (reported as 12 or 14) of these distinctive sailing skiffs built by the Herreshoff Manufacturing Company in Bristol, Rhode Island. This period followed a significant corporate change for the company, which had been sold to R.F. Haffenreffer in 1924 after the passing of John Brown Herreshoff, whose business acumen had long complemented Captain Nat's design genius. Despite these changes, the company maintained its reputation for groundbreaking designs and superior construction methods, even for a smaller craft like the Biscayne Bay 14.

Nathanael Greene Herreshoff, the architect behind the design, was renowned for a design philosophy that pursued efficiency, speed, and structural integrity. The Biscayne Bay 14 exemplifies this, offering a V-bottomed hull form. The design was versatile, available with either a shallow-draft keel-and-centerboard configuration, ideal for navigating shallow bays, or a deeper-draft fixed iron keel. The provided boat data indicates the centerboard version, allowing for a minimum draft of just 1.0 ft and a maximum draft of 3.0 ft with the board down.

Sailing Performance and Handling

With a length overall of 14.42 feet, a beam of 5.0 feet, and a displacement of 1000 pounds, the Biscayne Bay 14 is a lightweight and responsive daysailer. Its fractional sloop rig carries a reported sail area of 122.0 square feet, providing ample power for its size. Given its compact dimensions, traditional performance ratios (like Sail Area to Displacement or Ballast to Displacement) are not typically applied in the same manner as larger cruising yachts.

However, the boat's design principles clearly aimed for spirited performance. Nathanael Herreshoff himself, after observing the class during its inaugural season, commented positively, stating they had "proved a great success, being safe, fast, and able, and they handle beautifully". This anecdotal evidence suggests a well-balanced and enjoyable sailing experience, capable of delivering a lively performance while maintaining ease of control. Its centerboard configuration makes it particularly adaptable for varying water depths, from open stretches to more confined, shallow areas.

Accommodations and Layout

As a 14-foot sailing skiff, the Herreshoff Biscayne Bay 14 is designed primarily as an open daysailer, emphasizing on-deck sailing and minimal interior space. Consequently, it does not feature elaborate interior accommodations or a conventional cabin layout. The design focuses on a functional cockpit for crew and passengers, providing space for day sailing rather than overnight stays or extensive cruising amenities. The absence of a reported max headroom further underscores its open-boat nature, with the primary "layout" being the arrangement of sailing gear and seating within the cockpit. Its wood hull and deck construction align with the traditional craftsmanship of the Herreshoff Manufacturing Company.