Schock 41 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The creation of the Schock 41 began in 1983, with its limited production run concluding in 1985. It was conceived as a Grand Prix-level International Offshore Rule (IOR) racer, a popular rating rule during that era that significantly influenced yacht design. The design was penned by William E. Cook, a yacht designer known for his work on both racing and cruising sailboats. W.D. Schock Corporation, established by William "Bill" D. Schock in 1958, had already cemented its reputation for crafting accessible yet competitive sailing vessels, specializing in fiberglass construction from its inception. During the early to mid-1980s, when the Schock 41 was produced, the company was recognized for its forward-thinking design and craftsmanship in fiberglass yachts. While W.D. Schock built a wide range of vessels, their expertise in producing robust, performance-oriented boats made them a suitable builder for Cook's IOR design. Given its specialized purpose and the prevailing IOR rules, the Schock 41 was developed with a fin keel and spade rudder, features characteristic of racing yachts of the period.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Schock 41 was engineered for performance, evident in its design ratios and a reported hull speed of 7.6 knots. With a Sail Area to Displacement (SA/D) ratio of approximately 20.3, the Schock 41 is classified as a lively performer, suggesting good acceleration and responsiveness, particularly in lighter air. Its Ballast to Displacement ratio, at an impressive 0.47, indicates exceptional stiffness and stability, allowing the boat to carry its sail area effectively and stand up well to strong winds. This high ratio also contributes to a stable motion, a desirable trait for an offshore racer. The Displacement to Length (D/L) ratio of around 211.8 places the Schock 41 in the moderate displacement category for its length overall of just over 40 feet and a waterline length of 32.17 feet. This balance implies a boat that combines respectable speed with a degree of comfort, rather than being an ultra-light displacement pure racer. The combination of a fin keel and spade rudder further enhances its maneuverability and close-hauled performance, aligning with its IOR racing pedigree. Anecdotal descriptions characterize the Schock 41 as a "high performer" that is "very stable / stiff" on the water.

Accommodations and Layout

Due to its limited production run of only five units, detailed public information regarding the interior accommodations and specific layout of the Schock 41 is scarce. As an International Offshore Rule (IOR) racer, it is likely that the interior prioritized functionality and weight distribution over extensive cruising amenities. Typically, IOR boats of this size would feature a relatively open layout to facilitate sail handling and crew movement during races, while still providing basic necessities for offshore passages. This would commonly include a V-berth forward, a main salon area that might double as sleeping berths, a compact galley, and a marine head. Storage would be optimized for efficiency, and ventilation would be provided through deck hatches and ports. The construction quality, consistent with W.D. Schock's reputation, would have involved solid fiberglass for the hull and deck.

Owner's Perspectives

Given that only five Schock 41s were ever built, comprehensive owner reviews and detailed discussions of common strengths or weaknesses are not widely available in public forums or typical boating resources. The extremely limited production volume means that anecdotal evidence and collective owner viewpoints, which are common for more widely produced models, are difficult to synthesize. Owners of such rare performance yachts often value their unique characteristics, including their racing heritage and the craftsmanship inherent in a low-volume, specialized build from a reputable yard like W.D. Schock.