Mud Hen Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The Mud Hen was in production from 1981 to 1987. It emerged from the design board of Reuben Trane, a naval architect renowned for his innovative "Hen boats," which emphasized shallow-water performance and straightforward construction. The Mud Hen is specifically recognized as an American sharpie, taking its name from the bird known for inhabiting marshes. Trane's design philosophy centered on creating minimalist, adventure-ready pocket cruisers, a ethos clearly reflected in the Mud Hen's simple yet effective configuration.

During this era, Sovereign Yacht Co., under founder Dan Steeg, focused on producing trailerable fiberglass cruisers, leveraging Custom Fiberglass Products of Florida (CFPF) for hull, deck, and liner manufacturing. While Sovereign Yachts produced a range of models, the "Hen boats" like the Mud Hen added a distinct and characterful dimension to their lineup, known for their robust fiberglass solid hull and deck construction. The Mud Hen's design, with its singular cat rig and centerboard, speaks to a purposeful creation aimed at maximizing usability and shallow-water access rather than offering multiple complex variations.

Sailing Performance and Handling

With a length overall of 17.33 feet and a waterline length of 16.25 feet, the Mud Hen is a nimble vessel. Its cat-rig provides a straightforward sailing experience, making it particularly appealing for day cruising and exploring. The centerboard keel is a defining feature, allowing the boat to pivot, reducing its minimum draft to a mere 0.5 feet when retracted and extending to 3.5 feet when lowered, enabling access to very shallow areas and even beaching. This design offers exceptional versatility for coastal and inland water sailing.

Owners consistently describe the Mud Hen as a "very predictable sailing boat". Its relatively narrow beam of 6.25 feet suggests a hull designed for efficiency, and it has been noted as having a "slightly more speedy hull design" compared to some similar sailboats. While its light displacement of 650 pounds means it can be sensitive to weight distribution, its sharpie hull form typically provides good initial stability. The simple rig and responsive handling make it an enjoyable boat for both novice and experienced sailors, allowing for easy single-handed operation and effortless trailerability.

Accommodations and Layout

The Sovereign Mud Hen is fundamentally designed as a day boat, prioritizing open cockpit space and ease of use over extensive interior accommodations. Given its compact size, the interior layout is spartan, focused on utility rather than comfort for overnight stays. There is no dedicated head, galley, or V-berth in the traditional sense. The design typically features an open cockpit providing ample space for two to three adults, with some limited dry storage likely available in a small forepeak or under the cockpit seats. The absence of a listed maximum headroom in the specifications further emphasizes its open-air design and focus on sailing enjoyment.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Mud Hen frequently express strong affection for their boats, often praising their versatility and the sense of adventure they provide. They consistently highlight its exceptional trailerability, noting that it can be easily towed by smaller vehicles like a VW, making launching and retrieving a simple affair. The boat's ability to access diverse waterways, from open bays to shallow creeks, is a recurring point of praise, contributing to its reputation as a capable explorer.

Owners appreciate its predictable handling characteristics, which contribute to a relaxed sailing experience. Discussions in owner forums often revolve around optimizing sail shape and rudder performance to enhance the sailing experience, rather than addressing common structural issues. While some owners have experimented with adding weight to improve speed, the consensus remains that the Mud Hen excels as a solid, characterful day sailor that consistently draws positive comments from onlookers. The dedicated community of "Hen boat" owners underscores the lasting appeal and practical design of the Sovereign Mud Hen.