Haven 12 1/2 Information, Review, Specs

The Haven 12 1/2's lineage is deeply rooted in American yachting history, stemming from the iconic Herreshoff 12 1/2, originally designed by Nathanael Greene Herreshoff in 1914. The specific Haven 12 1/2 modification, however, was penned by the late Joel White, a renowned yacht designer and owner of Brooklin Boat Yard, in 1985. While many Haven 12 1/2s have been built by individuals from plans, builders like Howard Boats, nestled in Barnstable, Massachusetts, have also contributed to its legacy. Howard Boats, with a history spanning over eight decades, is celebrated for its deep respect for maritime heritage and its skill in adapting beloved classic designs into enduring forms, whether in wood or fiberglass.

History and Design

The story of the Haven 12 1/2 begins with the enduring appeal of the Herreshoff 12 1/2, a boat renowned for its excellent sailing characteristics, speed, and responsiveness, initially built in 1914. Nathanael Herreshoff's original design featured a "wineglass" hull with a full keel and a gaff rig, intended to provide a stable and comfortable sailing platform.

In 1985, Joel White embarked on the redesign that would become the Haven 12 1/2. His goal was to retain as much of the character and aesthetic of the original Herreshoff 12 1/2 as possible, but with a critical modification: reducing the draft. This was achieved by incorporating a centerboard, a significant departure from the original's fixed full keel. The Haven 12 1/2 also features a slight widening of the beam compared to its predecessor. Production of the Haven 12 1/2 began in 1984, with many boats meticulously crafted by individuals from plans. Howard Boats, known for its commitment to traditional design and robust construction since 1938, embraced the Haven 12 1/2, offering it as part of their portfolio of cherished small boat models. The company's ethos, established by John "Bunny" G. Howard Jr., has always been about preserving classic boats and adapting them using traditional fiberglass construction methods to broaden their appeal without sacrificing timeless qualities. The Haven 12 1/2 has been built in both gaff and Marconi/Bermudian sloop versions, offering versatility in rig choice. While predominantly constructed of wood (cold-molded), a completed fiberglass version was also available at one time.

Sailing Performance and Handling

Despite its compact size with a length overall of just under 16 feet and a waterline length of 12.5 feet, the Haven 12 1/2 is celebrated for its delightful sailing qualities. The incorporation of a centerboard, which allows for a minimum draft of 1.42 feet and a maximum draft of 3.33 feet, significantly enhances its versatility, enabling access to shallower anchorages and launching sites that would be inaccessible to the full-keeled Herreshoff original.

Owners and enthusiasts praise the Haven 12 1/2 for its responsive handling and comfortable motion. It maintains the Herreshoff lineage of being well-balanced and nimble on the water. With its reported sail area of 155 square feet and a displacement of 1000 pounds, it is considered quite capable of propelling the boat in even light winds. The design offers options for both gaff and Marconi rigs, each providing a distinct sailing experience while maintaining the boat's excellent performance characteristics. Anecdotal evidence suggests that the Haven 12 1/2 delivers a remarkably comfortable and enjoyable sail, akin to the positive experiences reported with the original Herreshoff 12 1/2.

Accommodations and Layout

Given its role as a classic daysailer and small weekender, the Haven 12 1/2 features a simple yet functional layout focused on its open cockpit and basic amenities. The interior, when present, typically consists of a small cuddy or cabin, offering rudimentary shelter rather than extensive living spaces. Information from plans and builder descriptions indicates a design prioritizing sailing enjoyment and ease of use over elaborate accommodations. While specific headroom figures are not commonly cited, it is understood that standing headroom would not be a feature in a vessel of this size.

The main focus of the Haven 12 1/2's design is its spacious cockpit, which provides ample room for several crew members or a family for daysailing. The construction, often in cold-molded wood, allows for a warm and traditional finish throughout the interior spaces, even in the most basic cuddy configurations. Storage is typically limited but thoughtfully integrated for essential gear. The emphasis is on classic aesthetics and robust construction, aligning with Howard Boats' philosophy of producing comfortable, reliable, and aesthetically pleasing boats that embody the spirit of traditional sailing.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Haven 12 1/2 consistently express deep satisfaction with their boats, often highlighting their appreciation for the classic lines, solid construction, and enjoyable sailing performance. The choice of a centerboard over a fixed keel is frequently lauded as a practical improvement that significantly expands cruising grounds and ease of use. Many owners appreciate the ability to launch and retrieve the boat with relative ease, making it a highly accessible classic.

Common strengths noted by the owner community include the boat's excellent balance and responsiveness under sail, its robust build quality (especially in cold-molded wood versions), and its timeless aesthetic appeal. The Haven 12 1/2 is often described as a boat that turns heads and draws admiration. While specific recurring weaknesses are not widely reported, the nature of owning a classic wooden boat, even one built with modern cold-molding techniques, implies a commitment to regular maintenance and care to preserve its condition. The detailed plans for the Haven 12 1/2 allow for a high degree of customization and hands-on involvement from owners, fostering a strong sense of pride and connection with their vessel.