Slipper (Ray Greene) Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The Slipper's origins trace back to 1938, a pivotal period for Ray Greene & Co.. The company, established by Raymond P. Greene in 1936, was at the forefront of marine innovation, pioneering the use of fiberglass in boat construction. While earlier versions of its cat-rigged sibling, the Nipper, were built from plywood, the Slipper quickly transitioned to fiberglass, leveraging Greene's groundbreaking work in the material. Ray Greene's philosophy centered on creating well-designed, durable vessels that made sailing more accessible, and the Slipper perfectly exemplified this ethos.

The Slipper is distinguished from the Nipper by its fractional sloop rig, which includes a jib in addition to the main sail. This modification, reportedly achieved by moving the mast slightly forward, offered improved performance, particularly upwind, compared to the cat-rigged Nipper. Ray Greene & Co. became renowned for mass-producing fiberglass boats, and by 1949, Greene proudly claimed his company was the largest fiberglass boat builder globally, a testament to the success of designs like the Nipper and Slipper.

Sailing Performance and Handling

As a 12-foot centerboard dinghy, the Ray Greene Slipper is known for its lively and responsive handling. With a reported sail area of 110 square feet and a fractional sloop rig, the Slipper offers a balanced sail plan well-suited for a daysailer of its size. Its lightweight displacement of 250 pounds, combined with a shallow minimum draft of 0.5 feet (with the centerboard up) and a maximum draft of 2.67 feet (centerboard down), allows for easy launching, retrieval, and access to shallow waters.

The Slipper's design as a small sailing dinghy, derived from a platform that fostered an active one-design class in the mid-western USA, suggests it is a fun and engaging boat to sail. Owners generally find it to be a forgiving yet responsive vessel, capable of providing an enjoyable experience for both novice and experienced sailors. Its fractional sloop rig provides flexibility in sail trim, contributing to its versatility in various wind conditions.

Accommodations and Layout

Given its role as a 12-foot daysailer, the Ray Greene Slipper features an open cockpit layout designed for simplicity and functionality. The generous beam of 5.16 feet provides a stable platform and ample space for two adults. The cockpit is typically open, with no enclosed cabin or significant interior headroom, consistent with its purpose for short excursions rather than extended cruising. The focus is on an uncluttered space for sailing, with the potential for small, incidental storage compartments under the seating. This straightforward design emphasizes ease of use, minimal maintenance, and maximum enjoyment on the water.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Slipper, and its closely related Nipper, often praise the solid fiberglass construction pioneered by Ray Greene, which has allowed many of these boats to remain seaworthy decades after their production. The Slipper is frequently celebrated for its simple rigging, making it easy to set up and launch, and its centerboard design which enhances versatility for exploring various waterways. Its characteristics as an early fiberglass boat also contribute to a sense of owning a piece of sailing history. While specific common weaknesses are not widely documented for the Slipper, as with any older boat, routine maintenance, particularly for original fittings and rigging, is a natural part of ownership. The active sailing communities for Ray Greene boats further underscore their enduring appeal and the camaraderie among their owners.