Marlin (Herreshoff) Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The original Herreshoff Marlin was produced for a brief period between 1937 and 1938. Only four of these exquisite wooden vessels were initially constructed by the Herreshoff Manufacturing Company, a testament to their bespoke nature and the era in which they were built. Remarkably, all four original Marlins have survived into the 21st century.

The Marlin’s design is an evolution of Herreshoff's earlier and equally classic Fish Class, distinguished primarily by the addition of a cuddy cabin, which transforms the simpler daysailer into a more versatile small cruiser. While Nathanael Greene Herreshoff laid the foundational lines, his nephew, A. Sidney DeWolf Herreshoff, contributed to the new cabin and rig design for the Marlin, tailoring it for its intended purpose. The design philosophy behind the Marlin, consistent with the Herreshoff Manufacturing Company's ethos, emphasized efficiency, structural integrity, and superior performance, even in a vessel of modest size. The company, celebrated for its vertical integration and meticulous in-house production, ensured every detail from hull form to rigging was carefully considered. After the original production run, the design was later acquired by Cape Cod Shipbuilding, which continued to build fiberglass versions of the Marlin, sometimes with modifications, extending its legacy.

Sailing Performance and Handling

Measuring 20.75 feet in length overall with a waterline of 16.0 feet and displacing 2,850 pounds, the Herreshoff Marlin is a finely balanced small boat. Despite its compact size, it is praised for its excellent handling characteristics, making it a joy to sail. Sailors often note its stability and ability to perform well in various sea states, including rougher conditions, which contributes to its reputation as a capable small cruising boat. With a reported sail area of 235 square feet, the Marlin's fractional sloop rig contributes to its responsiveness and ease of management on the water. Its long keel, a hallmark of its design, provides good directional stability and a comfortable motion.

Accommodations and Layout

The Herreshoff Marlin's primary distinction from its Fish Class predecessor is the inclusion of a cuddy cabin, transforming it into a vessel capable of basic overnighting. While specific detailed layouts for the original wooden Marlins are scarce, the presence of a cabin implies a simple, yet functional, interior space designed for utility on a small cruiser. These vessels typically offered two bunks, providing basic sleeping accommodations within the confines of its 20-foot length. Given Herreshoff's reputation for quality craftsmanship, the interior finish likely featured classic marine materials appropriate for the era, emphasizing durability and understated elegance. As a boat from the 1930s, storage and ventilation would have been modest but thoughtfully integrated for its intended use as a weekend cruiser or for short coastal trips.