In the vibrant world of yachting, some builders leave an indelible mark despite a relatively short production history. Hotfoot Boats, a Canadian sailboat manufacturer, carved out a niche for itself by producing well-regarded performance cruisers designed by the talented Doug Hemphill. Though no longer in business, the vessels bearing the Hotfoot name continue to be cherished by those who appreciate their design and sailing characteristics.
The Origin Story and Early Models
Hotfoot Boats emerged from the Canadian marine landscape, with its roots traced to Vancouver Island. While the precise founding year of the company remains elusive, its presence became known with the introduction of its first documented model, the Hotfoot 27, which was designed by Canadian naval architect Doug Hemphill and first built in 1981. This initial offering established Hotfoot Boats as a builder focused on performance-oriented sailing yachts.
The Hotfoot 27 was conceived as a versatile racer-cruiser, a design philosophy that aimed to blend competitive speed with comfortable accommodations for overnight or weekend trips. Constructed from fiberglass, a material that revolutionized boat building in the latter half of the 20th century, the Hotfoot 27 represented a modern approach to sailboat design for its time.
Design Philosophy and Iconic Models
The design ethos of Hotfoot Boats was intrinsically linked to its principal naval architect, Doug Hemphill. Hemphill's designs for Hotfoot were characterized by a focus on performance and spirited sailing. The Hotfoot 27, with its 27-foot length, was praised as a racer-cruiser, offering a balance between speed and cruising amenities. Owners often found it to be a capable and enjoyable boat for both racing around the buoys and coastal cruising.
Following the success of the Hotfoot 27, the company introduced another notable model, the Hotfoot 20, first built in 1985. The Hotfoot 20, also designed by Doug Hemphill, was a smaller but equally performance-driven vessel. It quickly gained a reputation as a "light air performer that can plane in a breeze," making it an exciting option for sailors seeking a responsive and agile boat. Like its larger sibling, the Hotfoot 20 was a fiberglass monohull, emphasizing lightweight construction for enhanced speed and handling.
These two models, the Hotfoot 27 and the Hotfoot 20, appear to be the most significant and widely recognized yachts produced by Hotfoot Boats, showcasing the builder's commitment to creating engaging sailing experiences.
Legacy and The Builder Today
Hotfoot Boats is no longer in business, and the exact year of its cessation of operations is not readily available. However, the legacy of the company lives on through its sailboats, which are still found on waterways today. The Hotfoot 20 and Hotfoot 27 continue to be sought after by individuals who appreciate their nimble performance and well-engineered designs. The ownership experience often involves a community of enthusiasts who value these Canadian-built boats for their unique blend of speed and practicality. While Hotfoot Boats itself is part of marine history, the vessels it produced stand as a testament to Doug Hemphill's design prowess and the quality craftsmanship once found on Vancouver Island.
