M-20 Scow Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The M-20 Scow was first introduced in 1963, marking a significant entry into the world of high-performance one-design sailing. Designed by the renowned Melges family, the boat embodied their commitment to creating exciting and competitive racing machines. A total of 675 M-20 Scows were built, cementing its presence in the racing community. The design philosophy behind the M-20, like other scow-type boats, was rooted in maximizing speed and stability. The flat-bottomed, wide hull form allows for significant sail-carrying ability and planing performance.

Over its production run, the M-20 class maintained its core design, focusing on strict one-design principles to ensure fair racing. However, the legacy of the M-20 evolved with the introduction of the Inland 20 (I-20) Scow. The I-20 is a modernized update of the M-20, designed by Buddy Melges and his father, featuring advancements such as an asymmetrical spinnaker and a bowsprit. This evolution reflects the continuous drive for performance in scow racing, with the I-20 largely succeeding the M-20 in modern competitive fleets. While Melges Boat Works was the principal builder, Windward Boatworks, founded in 1994, later became associated with the construction of the related Inland 20 Scow, carrying forward the tradition of these performance dinghies.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The M-20 Scow is characterized by its unique scow hull, which, despite its relatively short overall length of 20 feet and a displacement of just 595 pounds, is engineered for impressive speed and stability. As a fractional sloop with a reported sail area of 176 square feet (114 sq.ft. main, 62 sq.ft. jib, and an optional 250 sq.ft. spinnaker), the M-20 is built for competitive racing. Sailors describe the M-20 as fast and responsive, capable of delivering an engaging and challenging sailing experience. The scow design is known for maximizing speed while providing significant stability.

However, the M-20's low freeboard and high-performance design mean it can be a wet boat, particularly in choppier conditions. Anecdotal accounts suggest the M-20 can "sail inside of a big wave and easily will 'disappear' as it sails," indicating its tendency to bury its bow and provide a thrilling, if sometimes damp, ride. Its twin centerboard configuration, with a minimum draft of 0.67 feet and a maximum draft of 3.5 feet, allows for versatile sailing in various depths while optimizing upwind and downwind performance. The M-20's handling requires an attentive crew, with intricate running rigging, blocks, cams, and lines dedicated to maximizing speed in racing scenarios.

Accommodations and Layout

As a dedicated racing dinghy, the M-20 Scow prioritizes an open and functional cockpit layout over interior accommodations. There are no enclosed living spaces or significant headroom to speak of; the design is entirely focused on crew efficiency and sail control. The cockpit is configured to allow for optimal crew movement and management of the fractional sloop rig, including the main, jib, and an optional spinnaker. Rigging components such as blocks, cams, and various control lines are strategically placed to enable quick adjustments and precise handling during competitive racing. The emphasis is on maximizing performance, which means the layout is spare, robust, and designed for the rigors of high-speed sailing.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of M-20 Scows often appreciate the boat's solid construction and its legacy as a formidable one-design racer. While the class for the original M-20 has seen a decline in active competitive fleets, largely superseded by its successor, the I-20, many M-20s remain in the hands of enthusiasts. Owners undertaking refurbishment projects note that older boats may present challenges related to dysfunctional rigging and sail controls, requiring attention to bring them back to peak racing condition. Despite the shift in competitive focus, the M-20 maintains a place in sailing history, appealing to those who cherish classic scow designs and the unique, high-performance sailing experience they offer.