Rhodes Idler Information, Review, Specs

The Rhodes Idler (Design #525) emerged from the design board of Philip L. Rhodes in 1946. Rhodes, a prominent figure in 20th-century yacht design, was inducted into the North American Boat Designers Hall of Fame in 2005, a testament to his significant contributions over a career spanning five decades. His design philosophy prioritized beautifully proportioned, strongly constructed boats, built to withstand challenging conditions and offer comfortable, ergonomically sensible accommodations. While each of his designs was individually developed, they often shared a clear connection, iterating on successful forms. Rhodes was comfortable designing in various materials, including wood, steel, and was a pioneer in fiberglass construction, though the Idler was built with a wooden hull and deck.

The builder, Kargard Boat & Engine Co., founded by Peter Kargard in 1920, was an American enterprise with a focus on both boat construction and engine services. While specific details about their early operations or overall manufacturing ethos remain largely undocumented, an advertisement from 1948 indicates their active involvement in sailboat production, specifically with "Hurricane Sailboats," and notes their location in Marinette, Wisconsin. The Idler represents a period when Kargard Boat & Engine Co. was actively building sailboats designed by external naval architects like Rhodes. The company is no longer in business, and comprehensive records detailing its history and any significant variations in the Idler's production run are not widely available.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Rhodes Idler is characterized as a heavy sailboat, well-suited for coastal cruising. With a displacement of 6,000 lbs on a 20.0-foot waterline, her Displacement to Length (D/L) ratio of approximately 334.8 indicates a heavy, full-bodied design typical of more traditional cruisers. This high D/L ratio suggests a comfortable motion in a seaway, prioritizing stability and load-carrying capacity over out-and-out speed.

Her Sail Area to Displacement (SA/D) ratio of approximately 14.39 suggests she is somewhat underpowered, meaning she may perform better in moderate to stronger breezes rather than excelling in light air conditions. The Ballast to Displacement ratio, at around 21.67%, is relatively low for a boat of her type. However, despite this, the Idler is described as "reasonably stable / stiff and has an excellent righting capability if capsized," indicating that her hull form and other design elements contribute significantly to her inherent stability. This combination of a heavy displacement hull, fin keel, and fractional sloop rig results in a boat that is best suited for stable and reliable cruising rather than performance racing.

Accommodations and Layout

Information regarding the specific interior layout of the Rhodes Idler is limited in available records. The design principles of Philip L. Rhodes generally emphasized ergonomically sensible arrangements, even on smaller vessels, with a focus on functionality for actual sailing rather than expansive living spaces. Given her 25-foot length overall and an 8.0-foot beam, the interior would likely feature a basic cruising setup suitable for weekend trips or short coastal voyages. While exact details on cabins, berths, or maximum headroom are not widely documented, it can be inferred that her accommodations would prioritize essential amenities for overnighting, possibly including a V-berth forward, a simple galley area, and a marine head, consistent with the compact design of a post-war wooden cruiser of her size.