Bullet 14 Information, Review, Specs

The Bullet 14 emerged from the Lockley Newport Boats lineage, a company established in Newport Beach, California, in 1964 as Newport Boats. Known for its focus on fiberglass dinghies and daysailers, the builder, which later became Lockley Newport Boats in 1976 after an acquisition by Lockley Manufacturing, aimed to create sturdy, practical, and often trailerable sailboats. While the specific designer of the Bullet 14 remains largely uncredited in available records, the boat was launched in 1971, aligning with Lockley Newport's broader strategy of catering to the growing demand for recreational sailing. The general design ethos of the company during this era favored durable fiberglass construction, offering reduced maintenance compared to traditional wooden boats.

Sailing Performance and Handling

As a light, 14.08-foot daysailer with a reported sail area of 90 square feet and a displacement of just 180 pounds, the Bullet 14 is designed for responsive and agile performance. Its cat-rig configuration simplifies sail handling, making it an approachable vessel for both novice and experienced sailors. The boat features a centerboard, allowing for a variable draft from a shallow 0.42 feet when fully retracted to a maximum of 3.0 feet when deployed. This centerboard design provides excellent flexibility, enabling access to shallow anchorages and easy beaching, while offering improved upwind performance when lowered. With a hull speed of 4.78 knots, the Bullet 14 is capable of quick bursts of speed, particularly in light to moderate conditions. Its lightweight nature and minimal wetted surface contribute to its ability to accelerate rapidly and respond to subtle wind shifts, characteristic of a well-designed small racer or performance dinghy.

Accommodations and Layout

Given its compact 14.08-foot length overall, the Bullet 14 is configured exclusively as a daysailer, meaning it offers no enclosed cabin or interior accommodations. Instead, the design prioritizes a functional and uncluttered cockpit layout, typical for a boat of its size intended for short outings. The cockpit is generally open, providing ample space for one or two crew members to manage the sheets and tiller comfortably. Such a design emphasizes ease of movement and efficiency for sailing maneuvers. The simplicity of a daysailer cockpit often includes integrated seating, and its open nature ensures good ventilation and visibility, essential for an engaging sailing experience.