Amphibi-Ette Information, Review, Specs

The Mount Desert Yacht Yard launched the Amphibi-Ette in 1960, a period when the yard, under E. Farnham Butler's leadership, was distinguishing itself in American yachting. The design, a collaboration between Butler and Cyrus Hamlin, was ahead of its time, incorporating features like a reverse sheer, light displacement, and glued strip-plank construction. This construction method, a hallmark of Mount Desert Yacht Yard, allowed for hulls that were both lightweight and remarkably strong, a testament to their dedication to traditional wooden boatbuilding artistry even as many other builders began to transition to fiberglass., 5]

The underlying philosophy for the Amphibi-Ette, shared with its larger predecessor the Amphibicon, centered on versatility and accessibility. The goal was to create a cruising boat that was not only capable under sail but also easily trailerable, expanding the horizons for its owners., 10] The reverse sheer, a signature characteristic of Mount Desert Yacht Yard's designs, offered both aesthetic appeal and practical benefits, such as optimizing interior volume within its compact footprint., 5] No widespread information suggests significant variations in the Amphibi-Ette's design, such as different marks or rig types, during its production.

Sailing Performance and Handling

As a light displacement vessel with a length overall of 24 feet, the Amphibi-Ette offers a lively sailing experience. Her fractional sloop rig, with a total sail area of approximately 216 square feet, provides ample power for her displacement of 2,300 pounds. The design prioritizes performance without sacrificing comfortable cruising capabilities, a core tenet of Mount Desert Yacht Yard's philosophy.

A key feature of the Amphibi-Ette's design is its centerboard keel, which offers a minimum draft of 2.33 feet, allowing access to shallow anchorages and inland waters, and a maximum draft of 4.0 feet when fully extended. This configuration provides flexibility, enhancing upwind performance with the board down and reducing draft for shallow water exploration. Anecdotal evidence suggests the Amphibi-Ette offers a comfortable motion for its size, contributing to a pleasant cruising experience. Her manageable size and responsive nature make her an engaging boat to sail, particularly for those looking to explore a variety of waterways.

Accommodations and Layout

Given its compact 24-foot length overall, the Amphibi-Ette's interior is efficiently arranged to maximize utility for cruising couples or small families. While specific headroom figures are not widely documented, the design ethos of Mount Desert Yacht Yard, particularly with their reverse sheer, often aimed to enhance interior volume.

Typical for a sailboat of this size and era, the interior would likely feature a V-berth forward, providing sleeping accommodations. A small main cabin or salon would offer a compact dinette area, potentially convertible to an additional berth, along with basic galley facilities for preparing simple meals. Storage would be strategically integrated throughout, utilizing lockers and shelves. The finish quality would typically reflect the traditional wooden construction methods of Mount Desert Yacht Yard, likely featuring warm wood trim and thoughtful joinery. While not designed for extended liveaboard cruising, the Amphibi-Ette provides comfortable and practical accommodations for weekend trips and coastal adventures, aligning with its versatile, trailerable design.