Sailing Performance & Handling
The sailing characteristics of the O.F. Dawning are defined by its shoal draft and its reliance on either a leeboard or a centerboard for lateral resistance. Unlike its smaller sibling, the Dovekie, which often relied on water ballast, the Dawning generally utilizes fixed internal ballast, providing a more stable and predictable motion in a seaway. According to technical assessments found in Small Boats Magazine, the vessel is surprisingly nimble in light air due to its generous sail area, though its flat-bottomed heritage means it can "slam" when driven hard into a steep head-sea.
The gaff rig is a central component of its handling profile. While more complex than a modern Bermuda rig, the gaff allows for a shorter mast, lowering the center of gravity and making the boat easier to trailer—a key design requirement for Edey & Duff's "bird" series. Tracking is generally reported as excellent due to the long straight run of the keel, but like many Bolger designs, it requires an active hand on the helm when reaching in high winds to prevent the broad bow from digging in. Owners often note that the boat is at its best when "gunkholing"—sailing into estuaries and tidal flats where its 12-inch board-up draft allows it to explore waters inaccessible to almost any other 24-foot cruiser.
Interior Comfort & Variations
For a 24-foot boat, the O.F. Dawning offers an exceptional amount of usable living space, a result of Bolger’s "inside-out" design philosophy. The interior is dominated by a sense of openness rarely found in traditional narrow-beamed cruisers. The "Old Fashioned" moniker is most evident here, with Edey & Duff utilizing high-quality joinery and a layout that typically includes two long settee berths, a compact galley area, and a designated space for a portable or marine head.
The cabin trunk is high enough to provide comfortable sitting headroom for tall sailors, though it lacks full standing headroom—a common compromise in the "pocket cruiser" category. Because these boats were often semi-customized at the Edey & Duff yard, variations exist in the cabinetry and storage solutions. The O.F. Dawning is part of a "Bird" lineage that includes the 21-foot Dovekie and the 28-foot Shearwater; the Dawning is often considered the "Goldilocks" of the trio, offering significantly more dry storage and structural rigidity than the Dovekie without the logistical trailering challenges of the Shearwater.
Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist
Prospective buyers of an O.F. Dawning should focus their inspection on the unique structural elements inherent to Bolger/Edey & Duff designs:
- Leeboard and Pivot Hardware: If the vessel is a leeboard variant, the pivot bolt and the trunk reinforcement must be checked for stress cracks. The massive sideways pressure exerted on the leeboard can cause fiberglass crazing around the mounting point over time.
- Deck and Core Integrity: Edey & Duff utilized Airex foam and other coring materials. Use a phenolic hammer to tap for delamination, particularly around the gaff mast step and the cockpit transitions, where moisture can ingress through hardware fittings.
- Gaff Rig Hardware: Inspect the gaff jaws and the leathering on the gaff. Because these boats are often trailered, the rig undergoes more "setup and teardown" stress than a permanently slipped boat. Look for wear in the halyard blocks and the mast hoops.
- Rudder Assembly: The kick-up rudder is a necessity for a shoal-draft boat but is a common failure point. Ensure the kick-up mechanism operates smoothly and that the rudder head shows no signs of splitting under the pressure of the uphaul/downhaul lines.
Community & Resources
The primary hub for technical support and history is the Edey & Duff community, which remains active despite the builder's closure. Technical drawings and original design notes for the O.F. Dawning are frequently archived and discussed by the Phil Bolger & Friends community, a group dedicated to the preservation of Bolger’s nautical legacy. While no dedicated "Dawning Class Association" exists due to the limited production numbers, the boats are a staple at the Mid-Atlantic Small Craft Festival and various WoodenBoat shows, where owners share maintenance tips specifically regarding the fiberglass-to-wood transitions often found in the trim.
The Verdict
The O.F. Dawning is a specialist’s boat, designed for the sailor who values the ability to "beach" their vessel and the aesthetic of a bygone era without the maintenance of a wooden hull.
Pros:
- Extreme shoal draft (approx. 12 inches) allows for unique coastal exploration.
- Generous interior volume for a 24-footer, ideal for "camp-cruising."
- High-quality Edey & Duff fiberglass construction provides a durable shell.
- The gaff rig is visually stunning and efficient for downwind coastal hops.
Cons:
- Flat-bottomed hull can provide a jarring ride in short, steep "square" waves.
- Gaff rig requires more knowledge and strings to pull than a standard marconi rig.
- Limited production numbers make finding one on the secondary market difficult.
