Shrimp Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

Production of the Vandestadt and McGruer Shrimp began in 1972, crafted by Vandestadt and McGruer Ltd. in Owen Sound, Ontario, Canada. The company, co-founded by Hubert Vandestadt and Fraser McGruer in 1965, established a reputation for durable fiberglass construction and thoughtful designs. Hubert Vandestadt, influenced by his uncle E. G. van de Stadt, a pioneer in naval architecture, steered the company's design philosophy towards creating accessible yet capable sailboats known for their quality and solid construction.

The Shrimp itself is characterized by its catboat design, featuring a simple gunter rig with aluminum spars and a loose-footed main sail, contributing to its ease of handling and setup. A defining feature of the Shrimp is its innovative kick-up centerboard and rudder, which significantly enhances its versatility by allowing for very shallow draft operation, easy beaching, and convenient trailering. This design choice reflects a clear intention to maximize usability and accessibility for a broad range of sailors.

Sailing Performance and Handling

Given its compact size, with a length overall of just under 10 feet, the Vandestadt and McGruer Shrimp is inherently designed for nimble and responsive handling. Its light displacement of 120 pounds, combined with the catboat's gunter rig, suggests a boat that is quick to respond to light breezes, making it an enjoyable vessel for relaxed day sailing in protected waters.

The kick-up centerboard and rudder are pivotal to the Shrimp's operational flexibility, allowing the boat to navigate extremely shallow areas, reducing its minimum draft to a mere 0.5 feet. This feature makes it an ideal choice for exploring coves, beaching, and effortless launching and retrieval from a trailer. While specific anecdotal reviews of its handling are not widely documented, the combination of a simple single-sail rig and its centerboard configuration typically indicates a straightforward sailing experience, easy for beginners to learn on, and enjoyable for experienced sailors seeking a minimalist approach to sailing. Its design facilitates agility and responsiveness, though its very light weight suggests it would be most comfortable and perform best in moderate wind conditions.

Accommodations and Layout

The Vandestadt and McGruer Shrimp, as a small dinghy, prioritizes open-air sailing and ease of use over extensive interior accommodations. Given its modest length of 9.58 feet, there is no enclosed cabin or standing headroom to speak of. The design focuses on a functional cockpit area, providing seating for its crew during day sails. While specific details on interior layout are scarce, it can be inferred that any storage would be minimal, likely in small lockers or beneath seats, suitable for stowing essential gear for short outings. The emphasis is squarely on the sailing experience, with the simplicity of its layout reinforcing its purpose as an accessible and enjoyable recreational sailboat.