Hurricane 19 Information, Review, Specs

The genesis of the Hurricane 19 dates back to 1945, emerging in an era when many companies, including Allied Aviation Corp., sought new applications for their manufacturing capabilities after wartime contracts concluded. The design, credited to Philip Rhodes, reflected his pragmatic approach to smaller boats, where promotional value often superseded strict royalty policies. The Hurricane 19 featured a fiberglass plywood core hull, an innovative material for its time, and a centerboard keel, allowing for adaptable draft.

The lineage of the Hurricane 19 is notable, as it served as the foundational design for subsequent popular models. Palmer Scott and Co. acquired bare Hurricane hulls, modifying the deck and adding a keel to create the Smyra class. This Smyra hull, in turn, became the plug for the widely recognized Rhodes 19, also designed by Philip Rhodes, which continued the heritage of this adaptable hull form. Kargard Boat & Engine Co., the builder detailed in the provided context, was an American builder founded in 1920, and their involvement with "Hurricane Sailboats" in the late 1940s indicates their participation in the production of these early fiberglass sailing craft. While specific details of Kargard's design philosophy are limited, their work on the Hurricane 19 reflects a broader trend of builders contributing to the burgeoning recreational marine industry of the mid-20th century.

Sailing Performance and Handling

As a 19-foot fractional sloop with a centerboard, the Hurricane 19 was conceived as a nimble and responsive daysailer. Its relatively light displacement of 1,100 pounds, combined with a length overall of 19.0 feet and a waterline length of 17.5 feet, suggests a boat capable of sprightly performance in light to moderate conditions. The centerboard configuration, allowing the draft to vary from 1.0 feet to 4.5 feet, provided versatility, enabling access to shallow waters while offering increased lateral resistance for upwind performance when fully extended. Owners of its direct descendant, the Rhodes 19, often describe it as a wholesome family daysailer and a spirited one-design racer, characteristics that would largely apply to the Hurricane 19 as its precursor. It is generally known for being stable and forgiving, making it suitable for both novice sailors and experienced enthusiasts looking for an engaging yet manageable boat.

Accommodations and Layout

Given its compact size and classification as a daysailer, the Hurricane 19's accommodations are minimal. The original Hurricane 19 likely featured an open or very basic cockpit-centric layout with little to no enclosed cabin space. Historical notes indicate that modifications, such as those made by Palmer Scott to create the Smyra (a predecessor to the Rhodes 19), involved adding a foredeck with a cuddy cabin. This suggests that the initial Hurricane 19 would have offered a very simple interior, primarily for stowing gear rather than extensive overnighting. The emphasis was on maximizing cockpit space for sailing and leisure. Therefore, the interior would have typically consisted of a small, open area forward, offering shelter from the elements and limited storage for sails or essential equipment, consistent with small daysailing dinghies of its era.

Owner's Perspectives

While direct owner reviews for the original Hurricane 19 are scarce, insights can be drawn from the experiences of owners of the closely related Rhodes 19, which evolved from the Hurricane hull. Owners of the Rhodes 19 frequently praise its robust construction and its suitability as a family daysailer and one-design racer. The centerboard version, in particular, is often lauded for its versatility, providing good performance while allowing for shallow-water access. Common strengths noted include its stable and forgiving nature, making it an excellent platform for learning to sail or for casual outings. The durable fiberglass construction means many examples have stood the test of time, a testament to the build quality of these early composite boats. While specific common weaknesses for the Hurricane 19 are not widely documented, like many older sailboats, potential issues could include aging fittings, wood core degradation if not properly maintained, or wear in the centerboard pennant system. Owners consistently appreciate the boat's balance of performance and ease of handling for its size.