Whistler Class (Rhodes) Information, Review, Specs

The genesis of the Whistler Class dates back to 1949, when the design was first introduced. Initial construction was undertaken by Houde & Bergeron, Ltd. in Quebec, Canada. Following this, the esteemed Thomas Knutson Shipbuilding Corporation of Long Island, New York, also contributed significantly to the fleet, building 14 Whistler Class yachts beginning in 1951. Philip L. Rhodes, active for over 50 years, was a graduate of MIT's naval architecture program and known for his diverse and enduring designs, characterized by their seaworthiness and comfort.

During the period of the Whistler's production, Knutson Shipbuilding had established a strong reputation for durable, well-crafted vessels, largely utilizing traditional wooden boatbuilding methods. The company's commitment to quality craftsmanship ensured that each Whistler Class boat built under their purview maintained a high standard, contributing to the model's solid standing in the sailing community. There is no widely publicized information about significant variations or marks within the Whistler Class production run, though individual custom builds based on the 1949 design were not uncommon.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Rhodes Whistler Class, with a length overall of 38.5 feet and a waterline length of 26.0 feet, exhibits characteristics of a capable cruiser. Its displacement of 18,000 pounds combined with a relatively short waterline results in a Displacement to Length ratio of approximately 457. This high figure suggests a heavy, traditional cruiser, indicating a comfortable motion in a seaway and a stable platform rather than an ultralight, extreme performance racer.

The vessel's ballast of 6,000 pounds, composed of lead, provides a Ballast to Displacement ratio of around 0.33 (33%). While this ratio is moderate, contributing to stability, the centerboard keel type offers significant versatility. With a minimum draft of 4.0 feet, the Whistler Class can access shallower anchorages, while the maximum draft of 7.0 feet with the board down enhances upwind performance and stability offshore. The fractional sloop rig, a common choice for its efficiency and ease of handling, further contributes to its balanced performance profile. Anecdotal information regarding the specific handling characteristics of the Whistler Class remains limited in publicly available records, but consistent with Rhodes's overall design philosophy, one can infer a boat designed for balance, a comfortable motion, and reliable performance across a range of wind conditions.

Accommodations and Layout

Detailed information regarding the interior layout and specific accommodations of the Rhodes Whistler Class is not widely documented in publicly accessible resources. However, as a yacht designed in the post-war era by Philip L. Rhodes, known for creating comfortable and well-appointed vessels, it is reasonable to infer certain characteristics. Given its length and displacement, the interior would likely feature a traditional layout typical of classic wooden auxiliary sloops of its time. This would typically include a V-berth forward, a main salon with settees that could convert into berths, a galley area, and a navigation station. The general finish quality would have likely emphasized robust wood trim and joinery, reflecting the high standards of builders like Knutson Shipbuilding. While specific headroom figures are not available, it would have been designed to offer practical living space for its crew, with attention paid to storage and ventilation for extended cruising.

Owner's Perspectives

Comprehensive owner reviews or dedicated online forums specifically for the Rhodes Whistler Class are not readily available through grounded search. This suggests that while it is a historically significant design with a respected builder, it may not have garnered the broad owner community feedback seen with more mass-produced models. Therefore, a summary of collective owner viewpoints, common strengths, or weaknesses cannot be reliably provided based on the available information.