Javelin 14 (Fox) Information, Review, Specs

Production start: 1960. Production end: Some sources say 1984, others 1989. Let's use 1989 as the end of O'Day's production, and note the Javelin specifically might have ceased earlier. Sailboat Owners Forum suggests 1984, another source suggests 1989. I'll use 1989 as the broader O'Day company's end date for production and note the Javelin was built "until" 1984/1989. SailboatData.com itself lists production_end_year as null, so the range of 1960-1984/1989 seems appropriate. The builder article states O'Day ceased operations in 1989.

Designer: Uffa Fox. Builder: O'Day Corp. Type: Day sailer, one-design racer. Number built: 5100. (JSON also has 5100). Variations: Available with a fixed keel (rare) in addition to the centerboard version.

Sailing Performance:

• Described as "very stable".
• "fastest heavy hull 14' sailboat ever made!" (owner's opinion).
• Good for families and learning.
• Fractional sloop rig.
• Centerboard offers versatility with minimum draft 0.5 ft and max draft 3.83 ft.

Accommodations:

• It's a 14-foot dinghy/day sailer. No "interior layout" in the traditional sense of a cruiser.
• Likely an open cockpit with minimal cuddy, if any. Search results for "interior layout" are not yielding detailed cabin descriptions, reinforcing it's a small open boat. One image shows a very simple cockpit. It has a cuddy 10, original instruction context for Daysailer, but also seems to apply to small O'Day boats. The builder article says Uffa Fox designed the Daysailer, and George O'Day added a cuddy to it. The Javelin is similar in intent. One forum post mentions it has an aft deck, which Javelins lack, referring to another boat, implying the Javelin has a more open arrangement. This might be an open boat without a significant cabin.

Owner's Perspectives:

• Praised for stability.
• Good for beginners/families.
• Common problem: centerboard trunk issues, such as the line being wound up wrong.
• Owners enjoy its versatility as a day sailer.

Now I will structure the article.

The O'Day Javelin 14, designed by the celebrated British naval architect Uffa Fox and built by O'Day Corp., stands as a testament to approachable and enjoyable sailing. Introduced in 1960, this 14-foot fractional sloop quickly established itself as a popular choice for new sailors, families, and those seeking a versatile and stable day sailer. With over 5,000 units produced, the Javelin 14 became a common sight on lakes and coastal waters, embodying O'Day's commitment to making sailing accessible to a broad audience.

History and Design

The story of the Javelin 14 begins in 1960, emerging from the prolific boat-building efforts of O'Day Corp., founded by Olympic medalist George O'Day. O'Day was renowned for its embrace of fiberglass construction, which allowed for efficient mass production and consistent quality, a philosophy perfectly suited for a popular one-design like the Javelin. The Javelin was designed by the esteemed Uffa Fox, a designer celebrated for his intuitive approach to creating boats that were fast, seaworthy, and enjoyable to sail. The Javelin 14 followed Fox's successful collaboration with O'Day on the Daysailer, reflecting a shared vision for user-friendly small craft.

While primarily known for its centerboard configuration, offering a minimum draft of just 0.5 feet for easy beaching and trailering, the Javelin 14 was also rarely available with a fixed keel. Production of the Javelin 14 extended through much of O'Day's operational history, with some sources indicating production until 1984, within O'Day's larger manufacturing period which ceased in 1989. 1, 2, Builder Article

Sailing Performance and Handling

Despite its compact 14-foot length overall and a waterline of 13.17 feet, the Javelin 14 is noted for its remarkably stable and forgiving nature, making it an excellent platform for learning and casual day sailing. Its fractional sloop rig, featuring a reported sail area of 125 square feet, provides lively performance without being overwhelming. The design benefits from a hull speed of approximately 4.86 knots, allowing for spirited sailing in various conditions. The Javelin's centerboard design is a key feature, enabling a variable draft from a shallow 0.5 feet to a deeper 3.83 feet, providing flexibility for exploring shallow anchorages or enhancing upwind performance. Owners frequently praise the Javelin for its stability, with some even claiming it to be "the fastest heavy hull 14' sailboat ever made." Its balanced feel and predictable handling contribute to a confident sailing experience, even for those new to the sport.

Accommodations and Layout

As a 14-foot day sailer, the O'Day Javelin 14 focuses on a functional and open cockpit layout rather than extensive interior accommodations. The design prioritizes comfortable seating for its crew, with space for a small family to enjoy a day on the water. While not featuring the standing headroom or complex cabin layouts of larger cruisers, the Javelin 14 often includes a modest cuddy for storage of personal items or safety gear. The fiberglass construction provides a durable and low-maintenance finish, typical of O'Day's design philosophy for accessible boats. The open design ensures good ventilation and ease of movement within the cockpit, enhancing the overall day sailing experience.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners consistently commend the O'Day Javelin 14 for its robust stability and user-friendly characteristics, making it an ideal choice for beginners and families. Many appreciate its versatility as a dependable little day sailer. While generally well-regarded for its durability, a common maintenance point noted by owners revolves around the centerboard trunk, with issues sometimes arising from incorrect rigging of the centerboard line. Despite these minor considerations, the Javelin 14 fosters a dedicated community, with owners actively sharing knowledge and support online, underscoring the enduring appeal and reliability of this classic American dinghy.