Butterfly Information, Review, Specs

Windward Boatworks, founded in 1994, is known for its commitment to making quality boats available at a reasonable price, a philosophy that aligns perfectly with the Butterfly's original intent. Their dedication to meticulously constructing and refining established small boat designs ensures the continued vitality of the Butterfly class, supporting a passionate community of owners and racers.

History and Design

The Butterfly sailboat emerged from the drawing board of designer John Barnett in Libertyville, Illinois, in 1961. Barnett's design philosophy for the Butterfly centered on creating a boat that offered "one-design sailing at its best" – combining fun, quality, and ease of handling. The choice of a scow hull design for the 12-foot vessel was deliberate, contributing to its stability and performance characteristics. This design allows the Butterfly to sail "dry," comfortably, and securely, making it an enjoyable experience for a wide range of sailors.

While Windward Boatworks took over production of the Butterfly in 2006, the original spirit of the design has been maintained. The company's ethos, rooted in providing reliable and affordable small craft, perfectly complements the Butterfly's heritage. Over its long production run, with over 10,750 units built, the core design has remained remarkably consistent, a hallmark of successful one-design classes.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Butterfly's scow hull, combined with its cat rig, contributes to its reputation for balanced performance and easy handling. While performance ratios typically applied to larger keelboats are not relevant for a 12-foot dinghy, the Butterfly is lauded for its "honest sailing characteristics," making it an excellent training boat. It offers a good balance of speed and maneuverability.

Sailors frequently describe the Butterfly as stable and forgiving, qualities that make it ideal for young sailors or those new to the sport. Its ease of handling is enhanced by a sail that can be easily hoisted, even by a single individual. The boat's design allows for adjustments such as mast rake, which can be altered by more experienced sailors to optimize for speed, though it requires a developing skill set to fully capitalize on this potential. Despite being somewhat slower than some other popular dinghies like the Sunfish or Laser, it is considered a well-designed boat that is "fun to sail in all ranges of wind".

Accommodations and Layout

As a 12-foot open sailing dinghy, the Butterfly is designed for day sailing and racing, prioritizing on-water performance and ease of use over extensive interior accommodations. The hull features a sealed hull/deck construction with internal flotation, ensuring buoyancy and safety, even with the crew on board.

The layout is inherently simple, focusing on an open cockpit for the crew. Descriptions often highlight its ability to sail "dry" and comfortably, indicating that the cockpit provides a reasonable amount of space for its size. Storage is typically limited to small compartments or bags for essential gear. The emphasis is on functionality and straightforwardness, consistent with its role as a recreational and racing dinghy.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners consistently praise the Butterfly for its solid construction and its versatility as both a recreational boat and a competitive racer. Many appreciate its "more sailboat like" feel compared to other popular dinghies, offering a rewarding sailing experience. The boat's one-design status fosters a strong community, making it an excellent fleet boat for clubs and for introducing new sailors to the sport due to its inexpensive nature.

Common strengths highlighted by owners include its stability, ease of rigging, and forgiving nature, which contribute to its suitability for beginners. The availability of parts, particularly from Windward Boatworks, is also a significant advantage, ensuring the longevity and maintainability of older models. While specific recurring weaknesses are not widely documented, general maintenance for older fiberglass boats, such as addressing faded gelcoat or minor rudder repairs, is typical for the class. The active owner community often provides resources and advice for common repairs and upgrades.