Lido 14 Information, Review, Specs

The Lido 14's history began in 1958, emerging from the boat-building legacy of Barney Lehman, who was well-known for his series of dinghies. W.D. Schock, the company founded by William "Bill" D. Schock in Newport Beach, California, quickly adopted the design, making it one of their first major successes. The design philosophy behind the Lido 14 aimed to create a comfortable day sailor that was also capable of competitive racing. This was achieved through features like internal seat tanks, which provided both comfort for occupants and buoyancy, and a foredeck. The builder, W.D. Schock, was renowned for its commitment to quality fiberglass construction and for producing accessible yet competitive sailing vessels, a hallmark clearly evident in the Lido 14.

A testament to its enduring popularity and the builder's foresight, the Lido 14 saw a significant update in 1995. W.D. Schock re-introduced the model utilizing a modern two-piece mold, which streamlined construction while simultaneously enhancing the boat's safety, comfort, and longevity. These later boats are sometimes referred to as the "6000 series," reflecting the substantial number of hulls produced by that time.

Sailing Performance and Handling

Given its length of 14 feet and classification as a sailing dinghy, traditional performance ratios commonly applied to larger keelboats do not directly apply to the Lido 14. However, its design intent and on-water behavior are well-documented. The Lido 14 is widely recognized for being quite beamy, contributing to its remarkable stability and making it very difficult to capsize, which is a significant advantage for both learning sailors and families.

As a daysailer, the Lido 14 is described as comfortable and very easy to set up, making it convenient for spontaneous outings. It has proven to be a highly competitive one-design class boat, with active racing fleets that demonstrate its ability to perform well on the racecourse. Owners frequently praise its stable and predictable handling, making it a forgiving boat for those new to sailing while still offering enough responsiveness to engage experienced racers.

Accommodations and Layout

As a 14-foot sailing dinghy, the Lido 14 features an open cockpit layout, optimized for daysailing rather than overnight accommodations. The design includes internal seat tanks, which enhance comfort for the crew and contribute to the boat's buoyancy. A small foredeck is present, offering a bit of cover. The boat is designed to be quite spacious for its size, with the capacity to comfortably accommodate up to six people for a day on the water. The cockpit is generally open, allowing for easy movement and access, with the rudder system typically employing simple pintles and gudgeons.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners consistently praise the Lido 14 for its robust construction, a hallmark of W.D. Schock-built boats, contributing to its lasting presence in the used boat market. Its ease of setup and forgiving sailing characteristics make it a highly recommended vessel for families and those new to sailing. The enduring popularity of the Lido 14 is further supported by a strong and active class association, which fosters a vibrant community for racing, sharing knowledge, and providing ongoing support for both new and legacy boats.

While generally well-regarded, some common maintenance points noted by owners of older Lido 14s include potential issues with corrosion, particularly around fittings like the forestay. Challenges with hoisting the mainsail can occasionally arise due to issues with the mast track or the sail itself. Additionally, some older hulls may require attention to repairs, such as addressing transom holes. Despite these minor considerations typical of any aging fiberglass boat, the Lido 14 continues to be celebrated for its reliability and the sustained enthusiasm of its owner community.