Arrow (S&S) Information, Review, Specs

The Arrow (S&S), designated as S&S #171, first entered production in 1937. The builder, Skaneateles Boat & Canoe Co., later known as Skaneateles Boats, Inc., had a rich history dating back to 1893. After a devastating factory fire in 1930 and a change of ownership in 1932 to the Barnes brothers, the company shifted its strategic focus to popular and accessible one-design dinghies. This ethos of democratizing sailboat ownership and racing aligned perfectly with the Arrow's purpose as a club racer. During this period, Skaneateles Boats built thousands of wooden boats, and their commitment to robust, competitive, and accessible performance was a hallmark of their design philosophy. The Arrow was constructed primarily from wood, a common practice reflecting the traditional boatbuilding techniques of the time. The design firm, Sparkman & Stephens, led by Olin Stephens, was renowned for creating influential and prolific yacht designs throughout the 20th century. The Arrow itself was once a popular one-design class, particularly on Lake Michigan in the USA.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Arrow (S&S) is a fractional sloop, a rig type common for its responsiveness and ease of handling. With a length overall of 21.7 feet and a waterline length of 18.16 feet, it is a compact and agile vessel. Its hull is a monohull design, and it features a centerboard keel, allowing for a variable draft from 2.25 feet with the board up to 4.0 feet with the board down. This centerboard configuration would have enabled it to access shallow waters while providing increased stability and upwind performance when deployed. Weighing in at 1200 pounds of displacement, with 600 pounds of ballast, the Arrow boasts a high ballast-to-displacement ratio (50%), suggesting a stiff and stable platform for its size, capable of standing up to a good breeze. With a calculated hull speed of 5.71 knots, the Arrow was designed for spirited performance, typical of one-design racers meant to provide exciting and equitable competition for club members.

Accommodations and Layout

Given its design as a 21.7-foot one-design racer and day sailor from 1937, the Arrow (S&S) was primarily intended for on-the-water performance and competitive sailing rather than extensive cruising accommodations. The design would have featured an open cockpit suitable for a racing crew, with minimal, if any, enclosed cabin space. Information regarding interior layouts, headroom, or specific cabin features is not available, which is consistent with the type and size of boat, suggesting that any interior would be limited to a very basic cuddy for storage or shelter.