Indian Harbor Arrow (S&S) Information, Review, Specs

The genesis of the Indian Harbor Arrow dates back to 1946 when the Indian Harbor Yacht Club sought a new one-design class, turning to the highly respected naval architecture firm Sparkman & Stephens. S&S, known for their blend of traditional design principles with an eye towards performance optimization, crafted a design (S&S #739) that promised lively handling and competitive racing. The construction of these vessels was entrusted to the Thomas Knutson Shipbuilding Corporation, a Long Island, New York, builder with a century-long legacy of quality marine craftsmanship. Knutson, known for their solid, reliable construction and use of traditional boatbuilding methods, would have applied their expertise in wood construction to bring the S&S design to life, contributing to the boat's enduring character. The Indian Harbor Arrow entered production in 1946, though its precise production end year or total number built are not widely publicized. No significant variations or Marks of the Indian Harbor Arrow (S&S) have been widely documented, suggesting a consistent design throughout its production.

Sailing Performance and Handling

With an overall length of 18.0 feet and a waterline length of 16.58 feet, the Indian Harbor Arrow (S&S) is a light displacement monohull, weighing 1,425 pounds. Its fractional sloop rig, featuring a main sail area of approximately 108 square feet and a foretriangle of about 52 square feet for a total reported sail area of 160 square feet, suggests a nimble and responsive sailing experience. The boat's bulb keel, drawing 3.33 feet, contributes to its stability and upwind performance, characteristic of a well-designed club racer. Designed for daysailing and racing within a club setting, the Indian Harbor Arrow would likely exhibit quick acceleration and a lively feel at the helm, performing well in a range of conditions suitable for its size. Its design, from a firm renowned for performance, implies a balanced helm and an ability to respond readily to sail trim, making it an engaging boat for both experienced sailors and those learning the nuances of sailing.

Accommodations and Layout

Given its compact 18-foot length and primary purpose as a one-design daysailer and club racer, the Indian Harbor Arrow (S&S) offers minimal accommodations. Detailed interior layouts are not readily available, but it is typical for boats of this size and type to feature a simple, open cockpit for crew and perhaps a very small cuddy cabin forward for storing sails and basic gear, rather than providing full standing headroom or extensive cruising amenities. The design prioritizes sailing performance and a clear deck for maneuverability over onboard living comfort.