Gloucester 15 Information, Review, Specs

The Gloucester 15 commenced production in 1987, built by Gloucester Yachts Inc. in the United States. However, its production run was brief, as Gloucester Yachts ceased operations by 1988, limiting the number of Gloucester 15s built under this name. Despite its short tenure, approximately 6,000 units were produced, indicating a strong initial demand. The Gloucester 15 shares a direct lineage with the Mutineer 15, originally introduced by Chrysler Marine in 1971 and designed by the same naval architects, Rod Macalpine-Downie and Dick Gibbs. The Gloucester 15 evolved as a slightly heavier displacement version of this popular design. The builder, Lockley Newport Boats (which transitioned to Gloucester Yachts), was known for producing sturdy, practical, and often trailerable fiberglass sailboats, catering to a broad market seeking low-maintenance and accessible vessels.

Sailing Performance and Handling

As a fractional sloop with 150 square feet of reported sail area, the Gloucester 15 offers a responsive and enjoyable sailing experience. Its design emphasizes performance, with features like an optional 166 square foot spinnaker and a spinnaker launching snout, allowing it to perform well across various wind conditions. Owners often describe the Mutineer 15 (and by extension, the Gloucester 15) as a good combination of a comfortable family daysailer and a competitive two-person race boat. The boat features a centerboard keel, which is a key design element, providing versatility in shallow waters with a minimum draft of just 0.67 feet when retracted, while offering improved upwind performance when fully extended to a maximum draft of 4.08 feet. Its hull speed is calculated at approximately 5.03 knots, contributing to its lively feel on the water.

Accommodations and Layout

The Gloucester 15, consistent with its design as a 15-foot sailing dinghy, primarily offers an open cockpit layout suitable for daysailing. There is no traditional cabin or interior headroom for overnight accommodations. Instead, the design focuses on maximizing space and comfort within the cockpit, typically featuring molded-in bench seating that provides a comfortable platform for family outings or for crew during racing. This simple, functional arrangement underscores its purpose as a versatile recreational sailboat designed for short excursions and ease of handling.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Gloucester 15 and its close relative, the Mutineer 15, frequently praise the boat's solid construction and its suitability for both novice and experienced sailors. The Mutineer 15 is often cited as an excellent first sailboat due to its forgiving nature and ease of handling. Forums and online communities for these models remain active, indicating a dedicated base of owners who appreciate their boats' enduring appeal and functional designs. Common strengths highlighted include the boat's responsiveness, its capability for spirited performance, and its practicality as a trailerable daysailer. While specific common problems for the Gloucester 15 are not widely documented, the shared design with the Mutineer 15 suggests that maintenance considerations would likely revolve around typical small sailboat issues such as deck hardware and rigging upkeep.