Quincy Adams 17 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The roots of the Quincy Adams 17 trace back to a rich tradition of American boat building, intertwined with the venerable Lawley family heritage in Massachusetts. The Quincy Adams Yacht Yard, founded in 1932 by Fred Lawley, the son of George Lawley of George Lawley & Son, had a legacy of constructing custom vessels before pivoting to vital wartime production during World War II. As the war concluded, the yard returned to pleasure craft, and the Quincy Adams 17 was a product of this transition.

Designed by Frederick W. Goeller Jr. (often referred to as Fred Goeller), the Quincy Adams 17 was initially conceived for club racing, specifically for the Fisher's Island Yacht Club. The design was a direct evolution of the earlier "Adams Interclub" sailboats, also penned by Goeller in 1945, which were built for racing fleets. The yard had plans to standardize this design, indicating an ambition for it to become a recognized one-design class. Crafted from wood for both hull and deck, and featuring a fin keel and fractional sloop rigging, the Quincy Adams 17 epitomized the classic aesthetic and construction quality that the Quincy Adams Yacht Yard was known for. Approximately 30 of these graceful sloops were built, and remarkably, as of 2011, several examples continue to sail, a testament to their enduring construction and design.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Quincy Adams 17, with its overall length of 26.5 feet and a relatively narrow 6-foot beam, was designed with performance and nimble handling in mind, especially for its intended purpose as a club racer and daysailer. While the boat's design pre-dates modern performance rating systems, its specifications suggest a vessel that, for its size, offers a satisfying sailing experience. Its fractional sloop rig and fin keel contribute to a responsive feel at the helm and good upwind performance.

Anecdotal evidence from enthusiasts and owners often praises the Quincy Adams 17 for its "sleek and classic" appearance and "old school rigging," suggesting a direct and engaging sailing experience. The design's focus on club racing implies a certain degree of balance and predictability, allowing sailors to focus on tactics rather than wrestling with an unruly boat. Its displacement of 3,800 lbs relative to its 17.25-foot waterline length, while not directly applying to modern ratios for boats under 30 feet, hints at a robust build that provides a stable platform for daysailing and racing without being excessively heavy.

Accommodations and Layout

As a dedicated daysailer and club racer, the Quincy Adams 17 prioritizes cockpit space and sailing functionality over extensive interior accommodations. The design features a small cabin, consistent with its role for short excursions rather than extended cruising. While specific interior layouts are not extensively documented, it is understood that the cabin would offer basic shelter and storage, likely including minimal amenities. Given its length and beam, standing headroom would be unlikely. The emphasis on wooden construction would have extended to the interior, featuring traditional joinery and a warm, classic finish that reflects the craftsmanship of the Quincy Adams Yacht Yard.

Owner's Perspectives

The Quincy Adams 17 enjoys a dedicated following among classic boat enthusiasts. Owners and admirers frequently express strong sentiment for the model, with some even declaring it the "greatest sailboat ever made" due to its timeless appeal and satisfying sailing characteristics. The enduring presence of several of these yachts today, decades after their construction, speaks volumes about their quality and the care they have received. Owners often praise the solid construction and classic lines that define this era of yacht building. While detailed common issues are not widely documented, the general consensus points to a well-built vessel that, with proper maintenance typical of wooden boats, continues to provide rewarding sailing experiences.