Blanchard Knockabout SR. Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Blanchard Senior is widely regarded for its "sweet" handling characteristics, a hallmark of Ben Seaborn’s design philosophy. Unlike the more skittish Junior, the Senior features a full keel with an integrated rudder, providing significantly more directional stability and a dampened motion in a chop. The fractional sloop rig is well-balanced; under sail, the boat exhibits a light but communicative helm.

According to historical design notes preserved by the Center for Wooden Boats, these vessels were specifically tuned for the light-to-moderate air typical of the Puget Sound. With a high ballast-to-displacement ratio provided by its lead keel, the Senior carries its way through stays effectively and stands up well to sudden gusts. While it lacks the surfing capabilities of modern fin-keel designs, its ability to track effortlessly and its predictable heeling progression make it an exceptionally forgiving vessel for single-handed sailing. Owners often report that the boat "finds its groove" at about 15 degrees of heel, where the long waterlines of the hull maximize hull speed.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The "Senior" designation significantly changed the utility of the Knockabout by introducing a functional, albeit compact, cuddy cabin. Unlike the open-cockpit Junior, the Senior offers a refuge from the damp Northwest weather. The interior is characterized by two longitudinal settee berths that extend under the cockpit seats, providing sleeping accommodations for two.

The cabin is remarkably spartan by modern standards, featuring a small "step-down" galley area and occasionally a marine head tucked between the V-berth sections. Headroom is limited, requiring a seated or crouched position, yet the use of bright-finished mahogany trim and white-painted overheads prevents the space from feeling claustrophobic. Variations exist primarily in the layout of the "doghouse" or cabin trunk; some custom builds featured slightly taller coachroofs to accommodate taller sailors, though most stayed true to the low-profile aesthetic that defines the class. Its sibling, the 20-foot Junior Knockabout, lacks this enclosed space entirely, serving strictly as a day-racer.

Popular Mentions & Media

The Blanchard Knockabout holds a prestigious place in the regional culture of the Pacific Northwest. It is frequently featured in maritime literature focusing on the "Golden Age" of Seattle yachting. The class remains a centerpiece of the Center for Wooden Boats fleet in Seattle, where it is used to teach traditional seamanship. The Senior has also been a recurring subject in WoodenBoat Magazine, which has documented the painstaking restoration of several hulls, highlighting the boat's status as a "living museum piece" of Ben Seaborn’s early career.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective owners of a Blanchard Senior must approach the vessel with an understanding of traditional wood boat maintenance. The most critical areas for inspection include:

• The "Blanchard Smile": Check the joint where the lead keel meets the wood deadwood. Separation here can indicate failing keel bolts or compression of the wood keel timber.
• Rib and Frame Integrity: Inspect the oak frames in the bilge for "sistering" or cracks, particularly in the turn of the bilge where stress is highest.
• Fastening Fatigue: Many original Seniors were built with bronze or galvanized fastenings. Over decades, "nail sickness" can occur, where the fastenings lose their grip on the cedar planks.
• Freshwater Rot: Because these boats are often kept in the freshwater of Lake Union or Lake Washington, the deck-to-hull joints and the transom are susceptible to rot if the covering boards are not perfectly sealed.

Community & Resources

The primary hub for these vessels is the Center for Wooden Boats (CWB) in Seattle, which maintains archival plans and technical data for the Blanchard fleet. Additionally, the Classic Yacht Association (CYA) provides a platform for owners to document their hull’s history and participate in regional wooden boat festivals. For technical restoration guidance, the community surrounding the Northwest School of Wooden Boatbuilding is an invaluable resource for sourcing the specific cedar and oak materials required for authentic repairs.

The Verdict

The Blanchard Knockabout Senior is less of a vehicle and more of a piece of maritime art. It is best suited for the purist who finds joy in the maintenance of wood and the tactile feedback of a balanced wooden helm.

Pros:

• Exquisite, timeless aesthetics that draw attention in any marina.
• Exceptional light-air performance and balanced handling.
• Strong historical provenance and a dedicated support community in the Pacific Northwest.

Cons:

• High maintenance requirements inherent to carvel-planked wooden hulls.
• Very cramped interior with minimal amenities for extended cruising.
• Susceptible to rot if not stored under a full cover or in a boathouse.