Bull 's Eye Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

With a displacement-to-length ratio that leans heavily toward the "sturdy" end of the spectrum, the Bull's Eye sails with a "big boat" feel that belies its 15-foot, 8.5-inch length. The vessel carries approximately 750 pounds of lead ballast on a deep full keel, resulting in a ballast-to-displacement ratio of over 50%. This configuration makes the boat remarkably stiff and forgiving, allowing it to remain upright and composed when lighter dinghies of similar length would be forced to reef or head for shore.

According to technical documentation from the National Bull's Eye Association, the design excels in heavy air and chop, maintaining momentum through waves that would stop a flatter-bottomed boat. Its tracking is superb due to the long keel, providing a hands-off stability that is ideal for teaching new sailors or solo cruising. While the original Herreshoff 12 ½ was gaff-rigged, the Bull's Eye utilizes a modern Marconi rig (triangular sails). This choice simplifies sail handling and improves windward performance, allowing the boat to point higher than its gaff-rigged siblings. The 1,350-pound displacement ensures a sea-kindly motion, though it lacks the planing speed of modern sportboats; it is a vessel built for comfort and grace rather than raw velocity.

Popular Mentions & Media

The Bull's Eye occupies a significant niche in American maritime history as a founding member of the fiberglass revolution. It is frequently highlighted in retrospectives of Nathanael Herreshoff's legacy, often cited as the design that brought the "Wizard of Bristol’s" work to the middle class. The boat’s cultural footprint is most visible through its active racing circuits, which have been coordinated for decades by the National Bull's Eye Association.

The model has also been featured in editorial reviews by Sail Magazine, which notes the boat's "indestructible" nature and its successful transition from a wooden classic to a fiberglass staple. It is a common sight in historic harbors from Maine to Florida, often recognized as the "little boat that sails like a big one."

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

When inspecting a used Bull's Eye, buyers should remember that many of these hulls have been in service for over 50 years. While the fiberglass work is famously robust, several areas require attention:

• Keel-to-Hull Joint: On older models, check for weeping or "smiles" at the leading edge of the keel. While the lead is internally ballasted or heavily glassed, decades of hard groundings can stress this area.
• Deck Core Integrity: The decks are typically cored for stiffness. Use a phenolic hammer to listen for dull thuds (delamination) around high-stress areas like the mast step and chainplates.
• Rudder Bushings: The heavy bronze rudder hardware is high quality, but the internal bushings can wear down. If there is significant "slop" or vibration in the tiller while underway, the bushings likely need replacement.
• Cuddy Cabin Leaks: The transition where the fiberglass cuddy meets the deck can develop leaks if the original bedding compound has dried out. Check the interior of the cuddy for water staining.
• Wood Trim Neglect: While purely cosmetic, many Bull's Eyes feature extensive teak or mahogany. If the wood has been neglected, it can be a labor-intensive restoration project, though parts are often still available from the manufacturer.

Community & Resources

The primary hub for owners and racers is the National Bull's Eye Association, which maintains a class registry and organizes annual national championships. For technical support and authentic replacement parts, the Cape Cod Shipbuilding Co. in Wareham, Massachusetts, remains the definitive resource, still possessing the original molds and technical drawings for the fleet.

The Verdict

The Cape Cod Bull's Eye is perhaps the most practical way to own a Herreshoff design without the maintenance burden of a wooden hull. It is a specialized tool—a "gentleman's daysailer"—that prioritizes stability and history over modern speed.

Pros:

• Exceptional stability and safety for its size.
• Timeless Herreshoff lines and high-quality bronze hardware.
• Extremely long lifespan due to heavy-duty fiberglass construction.
• Active one-design racing community and manufacturer support.

Cons:

• Heavy displacement makes it difficult to launch and retrieve without a substantial trailer/vehicle.
• Lack of a modern planing hull limits top speed in light air.
• The small cuddy cabin is strictly for storage, not for overnighting.