Loftland Sail-craft Inc.: A Kansas Contributor to Fiberglass Sailboat Production
Loftland Sail-craft Inc., a boat builder based in Wichita, Kansas, carved out a niche in the American marine industry through its focus on accessible, low-maintenance fiberglass sailboats. Founded by Francis Loftland, the company played a role in the transition of popular sailboat classes from traditional materials to fiberglass, making sailing more attainable for a broader audience. While no longer in business, Loftland Sail-craft Inc. left its mark through the production of well-known sailboat designs.
Loftland Sail-craft Inc. was founded by Francis Loftland. The company's original address was located at 10817 West Highway 54, Wichita, Kansas, USA. While the precise year of the company's inception and its founder's background beyond his role as a boat builder are not extensively documented, Loftland's vision appears to have centered on leveraging new materials to create more durable and less labor-intensive boats for the sailing community.
A significant early contribution attributed to Francis Lofland (also spelled Loftland) and his company was the construction of the first production fiberglass Snipe, boat #9753, known as "Texan III". This pivotal development indicated a commitment to fiberglass construction from the company's early days, signifying a forward-looking approach to boat building materials.
History and Evolution
Loftland Sail-craft Inc. operated from its base in Wichita, Kansas, embracing fiberglass as a key construction material for its sailboats. This transition to fiberglass was a crucial step for the marine industry, offering advantages in terms of reduced maintenance and increased durability compared to traditional wood construction. By 1966, Loftland Sail-craft was actively promoting "New... 1966 *A brand new hull... Fiberglass Snipes" in publications, highlighting their commitment to this modern building method.
While specific details regarding major corporate changes, mergers, or acquisitions are not readily available, the company's history is characterized by its production of established sailboat designs in fiberglass. This approach allowed Loftland Sail-craft Inc. to contribute to the popularization of sailing by providing robust and low-upkeep vessels. The company is no longer in business, though the exact year of its cessation of operations remains undefined in public records.
Design Philosophy and Identity
Loftland Sail-craft Inc. established a reputation for building practical and accessible fiberglass sailboats. Their design philosophy, rather than focusing on avant-garde naval architecture, centered on producing existing, proven sailboat designs using the then-innovative material of fiberglass. This approach resonated with sailors seeking boats that were easier to maintain and offered a reliable performance for their respective classes. The emphasis was on creating "low cost fiberglass production boats that required very little maintenance."
The company primarily manufactured popular one-design class sailboats. Therefore, collaborations with famous naval architects in the traditional sense of commissioning new designs were less about individual architects crafting a unique Loftland "look" and more about Loftland Sail-craft Inc. producing faithful fiberglass interpretations of established and well-regarded designs by naval architects like John Alden (Snipe, although the original Snipe was designed by William F. Crosby), Olin Stephens (Lightning), or Philip Rhodes (Rhodes 22).
Iconic Models and Legacy
Loftland Sail-craft Inc. produced several well-known sailboat models, contributing to their presence on the water. Among their notable productions were:
- Snipe: A highly popular one-design racing dinghy, the Snipe was first built by any builder in 1931. Loftland Sail-craft Inc.'s production, particularly their early fiberglass versions, helped cement the Snipe's legacy as a widely accessible and competitive sailboat.
- Lightning: Another iconic one-design class boat, the Lightning, with its origins in 1938, was also part of Loftland's fiberglass offerings.
- Picnic 17: First introduced in 1959, the Picnic 17 was a smaller sailboat, and some owners describe it as having a cabin, making it suitable for short overnight trips.
- Rhodes 22 Continental: This 22-foot sailboat, first appearing in 1968, was among the larger boats produced by Loftland Sail-craft Inc., representing their venture into cruiser-racer designs.
While specific production numbers for each model built by Loftland Sail-craft Inc. are not widely published, their contribution to the fiberglass revolution in these popular classes had an impact on making sailing more accessible and less labor-intensive for many enthusiasts. The company’s legacy lies in its role as an early adopter and producer of fiberglass sailboats from a non-traditional boatbuilding hub like Kansas.
The Builder Today
Loftland Sail-craft Inc. is no longer in business, and as such, there is no current ownership or ongoing manufacturing. For boat owners of Loftland vessels, the experience is largely one of stewardship and historical appreciation. Communities of owners for class boats like the Snipe, Lightning, and Rhodes 22 exist independently of the original builder, providing resources and camaraderie for those who cherish these enduring designs. Owners often share knowledge about maintenance and restoration on forums and dedicated class association websites.