Blanchard Knockabout JR. Information, Review, Specs

According to historical records maintained by The Center for Wooden Boats, the Blanchard Boat Company was a cornerstone of Seattle's Lake Union maritime industry, and the Knockabout series was instrumental in fostering a local culture of recreational sailing. The Junior was built using traditional methods, typically featuring Western red cedar or mahogany planking over steam-bent white oak frames. While the Blanchard Senior remains more widely documented due to its larger production run and racing pedigree, the Junior is prized by wooden boat enthusiasts for its purity of form and its role in providing a more attainable entry point into the Blanchard lineage.

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Blanchard Knockabout Junior is defined by its heavy-displacement characteristics and steady, predictable motion. As a full-keel wooden vessel, it lacks the twitchy acceleration of modern fin-keel daysailers but compensates with exceptional tracking and sea-kindliness. The boat’s weight allows it to carry its momentum through stays, a necessary trait when navigating the light and variable winds often found on Lake Washington or the protected inlets of the Salish Sea.

Handling is reported by owners to be forgiving, making it an ideal platform for teaching traditional seamanship. Because it is a fractional rig with a relatively large mainsail, the Junior requires proactive reefing as the breeze freshens, yet its deep-V hull section and heavy ballast provide a sense of security that is rare in 20-foot open boats. In an editorial retrospective by the Classic Yacht Association, the Blanchard designs are noted for their balance; when trimmed correctly, the Junior can often be sailed "finger-on-the-tiller," showing little tendency to round up aggressively in puffs.

Popular Mentions & Media

The Blanchard Knockabout series is the central subject of the book Wing to Wing: The Story of the Blanchard Boat Company by Norman Blanchard Jr. and Steve Wilen. The text provides an exhaustive look at the development of the Junior and Senior models, detailing how these boats became the backbone of the "Flattie" and Knockabout racing fleets in the Pacific Northwest. The Junior specifically is often highlighted in regional maritime publications like 48° North and WoodenBoat Magazine as a survivor of the "Golden Age" of Seattle boatbuilding. Its presence is most felt today at the annual Lake Union Wooden Boat Festival, where restored Juniors are frequently showcased as examples of regional craftmanship.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective owners of a Blanchard Knockabout Junior must approach the vessel as a piece of living history, which necessitates a rigorous inspection of its wooden structure.

1. Frame Integrity: Like many Blanchard builds of this era, the steam-bent oak frames are susceptible to "sistering" or cracking over time, especially near the turn of the bilge. Inspect for any signs of frame failure or previous amateur repairs.
2. Fastener Fatigue: Depending on the year of construction, these boats were fastened with bronze or galvanized nails/screws. In older unrestored models, galvanized fasteners may have "bled," leading to localized rot in the planks and frames.
3. Garboard Planks and Keel Bolts: The area where the hull planking meets the keel (the garboard) is a common site for leaks. Check the condition of the keel bolts and the integrity of the deadwood.
4. Deck and Coaming Rot: Because the Junior is an open boat, rainwater often collects in the cockpit if not properly covered. Check the mahogany coamings and the cockpit sole for soft spots or discoloration indicative of freshwater rot.

Community & Resources

The primary steward of the Blanchard legacy is The Center for Wooden Boats (CWB) in Seattle, which maintains several Blanchard vessels in its livery and offers technical guidance for restorers. The Classic Yacht Association (CYA) also serves as a hub for owners of Blanchard-built boats, providing a community for those dedicated to the preservation of Pacific Northwest maritime heritage. While no dedicated "Junior-only" association exists, the broader community of wooden boat enthusiasts in the Puget Sound region remains the best resource for parts, historical plans, and restoration advice.

The Verdict

The Blanchard Knockabout Junior is an heirloom-quality daysailer that offers a visceral, classic sailing experience for those willing to commit to the maintenance of a wooden hull.

Pros:

• Aesthetic Heritage: One of the most beautiful and historically significant small boats of the Pacific Northwest.
• Predictable Handling: High stability and excellent tracking make for a relaxing and safe sailing experience.
• Active Community: Strong regional support for restoration and historical documentation through organizations like the CWB.

Cons:

• Maintenance Intensive: As a traditional wooden boat, it requires consistent annual upkeep that fiberglass alternatives do not.
• Limited Versatility: Lacks an enclosed cabin or modern amenities, making it strictly a fair-weather daysailer.
• Rarity: Few Junior models remain in seaworthy condition, often requiring a specialized search to locate.