Howmar Boats Inc., an American boat builder with a relatively brief but notable presence in the marine industry, emerged in the 1970s under the leadership of a seasoned industry veteran. While its operational span was limited, the company contributed to the accessible sailboat market, leaving behind a few distinctive models.
Howmar Boats Inc. was founded in 1970 by Jack Howie [Year start in. Howie brought a wealth of experience to his new venture, having previously served as president of both O'Day Corp. and AMF/Alcort. His background with these prominent manufacturers of popular, mass-produced small sailboats likely influenced Howmar's direction, suggesting a vision focused on creating accessible and enjoyable sailing craft for a broad market. Howmar Boats Inc. was initially located at 983 New Durham Rd. in Edison, New Jersey, USA, later establishing "The New Howmar Boats Corp." at 85 Prospect Avenue in Hartford, Connecticut [Overview in.
History and Evolution
Howmar Boats Inc. operated from 1970 until 1983, a period marked by its entry into the fiberglass sailboat market [Year start/end in. The transition to fiberglass as a primary construction material was a defining trend of this era, enabling more efficient mass production and contributing to the affordability and durability of boats. While specific milestones like mergers or major corporate changes beyond the address shift are not widely documented, the company's existence within this short timeframe indicates its efforts to carve out a niche in the competitive small sailboat segment.
Design Philosophy and Identity
Howmar Boats established a reputation for producing smaller, recreational sailboats, a natural fit given Jack Howie's prior involvement with companies like O'Day and Alcort. The company's models were typically monohull sailboats crafted from fiberglass. A significant aspect of Howmar's design identity was its collaboration with renowned naval architects, most notably Sparkman & Stephens. This partnership lent a degree of respected design pedigree to Howmar's offerings, even for its smaller craft. For instance, the Howmar 12 was designed by Craig V. Walters, an employee of Sparkman & Stephens.
Iconic Models and Legacy
Despite its relatively short operational history, Howmar Boats Inc. produced several models that became known in the sailing community:
- Howmar 12: Introduced in 1983, this sailing dinghy was a 12-foot, 2-inch (3.7-meter) fractional sloop designed by Craig V. Walters of Sparkman & Stephens (S&S design #2405). It featured a centerboard and was noted for being roomy.
- Designers Choice (DC-15): Also referred to as the DC-15, this 14.87-foot (4.53-meter) sailboat commenced production in 1978. It was another model benefiting from the design expertise of Sparkman & Stephens. A later iteration of this design was known as the "Shadow," featuring a longer and deeper cockpit. Owners have discussed this model in online forums, indicating a lasting, albeit niche, interest.
- Phantom 14: Launched in 1978, the Phantom 14 was a 14-foot (4.21-meter) fiberglass monohull daysailer. It has been colloquially described as a "Sunfish clone," suggesting its role as an accessible and popular recreational dinghy.
These models reflect Howmar's focus on the recreational day-sailing market, offering boats that were likely easy to manage and suitable for casual sailing or club-level racing.
The Builder Today
Howmar Boats Inc. ceased operations in 1983 [Year end in. As such, the company is no longer actively building boats. Its legacy resides in the fiberglass sailboats it produced during its brief tenure, some of which continue to be enjoyed by owners today, decades after their manufacture. The boats generally appeal to those seeking simple, classic small sailboats for day sailing or entry-level recreational use. While there isn't an organized "owner community" in the modern sense for a defunct company, discussions and inquiries about Howmar models can still be found on various sailing forums, indicating an enduring appreciation for these classic designs.
