The narrative of Mobjack Manufacturing Corp. begins with the innovative spirit of Roger Moorman, a Gloucester, Virginia, resident and skilled gunsmith. Moorman, also a member of the venerable Fishing Bay Yacht Club, harbored a deep passion for sailing that transcended mere enjoyment; it fueled an ambition to design and build a new kind of sailboat.
Moorman's vision came to fruition in 1954 when he designed the 17-foot sloop that would come to bear the name of his local waters: the Mobjack. This groundbreaking vessel was not only a product of his design acumen but also embraced modern construction techniques. Unlike the prevalent wooden boats of the era, the Mobjack was conceived as an "all-plastic" (fiberglass) boat, making it one of the early adopters of this revolutionary material for small boat construction. Its self-bailing cockpit further underscored its innovative design, simplifying maintenance and enhancing usability for sailors. Production of the Mobjack officially commenced in 1956.
History and Evolution
While the Mobjack boat began production in 1956, some records indicate that Mobjack Manufacturing Corp. itself was formally founded by Roger Moorman in 1980. This suggests that Moorman initially produced the Mobjack under a less formalized structure before establishing the corporation. Regardless of the exact corporate founding date, the Mobjack dinghy's production continued under the Mobjack Manufacturing name, embracing fiberglass as its primary construction material. This material choice was a significant departure from traditional wood, offering durability, reduced maintenance, and the potential for more consistent boat production.
Mobjack Manufacturing Corp. was situated in Gloucester, Virginia, the very heart of the region that inspired its flagship boat's name. The company continued to build the Mobjack design for several decades, with production reportedly ending in 2003. After this period, Mobjack Manufacturing Corp. ceased operations and is no longer in business.
Design Philosophy and Identity
Mobjack Manufacturing Corp.'s identity was largely defined by its singular, popular product: the Mobjack one-design racer. The company cultivated a reputation for producing a nimble and responsive sailboat that appealed to a segment of the sailing community seeking performance and competitive racing within a standardized class. The very nature of a one-design class emphasizes fair competition based on sailing skill rather than equipment advantage, a testament to the Mobjack's well-balanced design.
Roger Moorman himself served as the principal naval architect and designer for the Mobjack. His decision to utilize fiberglass, an advanced material for its time, showcased a forward-thinking approach to boat construction. The Mobjack's design, characterized by its 17-foot length and monohull configuration, proved robust enough to foster an active and enduring class club, a clear indicator of the design's success and its appeal to sailors.
Iconic Models and Legacy
The undisputed iconic model from Mobjack Manufacturing Corp. is the Mobjack dinghy/sloop. It stands as the company's most significant and successful creation, synonymous with the builder's name. Over its production run, a total of 537 Mobjack boats were completed, a respectable number for a one-design class.
The Mobjack's impact extended beyond its production numbers; it fostered a vibrant racing community. Even decades after its initial launch, the Mobjack is supported by an active class club, which continues to organize events and maintain the spirit of the class. This enduring community speaks volumes about the boat's design quality, its sailing characteristics, and the lasting appeal of competitive one-design racing. The Mobjack holds a special place in the history of the Fishing Bay Yacht Club, having been hailed as the "birthplace of the Mobjack," signifying its deep roots in the local sailing scene where Roger Moorman first conceived and built the boat.
The Builder Today
As of today, Mobjack Manufacturing Corp. is no longer in business. Production of the Mobjack sailboat ceased in 2003, marking the end of the company's manufacturing activities. While the builder itself has closed its doors, the legacy of its sole major contribution, the Mobjack sailboat, continues.
The Mobjack still appeals to sailors who appreciate classic one-design racing and the camaraderie of a dedicated owner community. The existence and activity of the Mobjack class club mean that owners of these historical fiberglass sloops can still connect, race, and maintain their boats with the support of fellow enthusiasts. The ownership experience for a Mobjack boat today is less about new boat acquisition and more about preserving a piece of sailing history, enjoying competitive racing in a well-established class, and participating in a close-knit community that cherishes Roger Moorman's enduring design.
