Sailing Performance & Handling
Sailing a Cub Scow is an exercise in managing heel angles. Unlike a conventional dinghy that sailors strive to keep flat, a scow is designed to be sailed on its "edge." When the boat heels to approximately 15 to 25 degrees, the flat bottom lifts out of the water, reducing wetted surface area and allowing the asymmetric waterline to slice through the water. This transition significantly reduces drag and increases the boat’s theoretical hull speed. Owners and vintage reviews often note that the Cub feels remarkably stable once it "locks in" on its side, a characteristic inherited from its larger siblings in the Inland Lake Yachting Association (ILYA) fleets.
The rig is simple, typically featuring a single mainsail on a fractional or cat-rigged setup, which allows for easy depowering in heavy gusts. Handling is responsive, though the blunt bow can be prone to "slapping" in choppy conditions, a common trait of the scow design. Because the hull is so wide relative to its length, the Cub offers high initial stability, making it a safer platform for novices than more rounded hulls like the Laser. However, once the heel exceeds its optimal point, the boat can become "skittish," requiring active mainsheet trim and hiking to maintain control.
Popular Mentions & Media
The Cub Scow’s cultural footprint is deeply rooted in the mid-century sailing boom of the American Midwest. While it lacks the international fame of the Sunfish, it is frequently cited in historical retrospectives of the Inland Lake Yachting Association as a foundational trainer for generations of scow champions. It was often the vessel of choice for youth programs in Wisconsin and Minnesota before the advent of the Butterfly or the Optimist. Its legacy is preserved primarily through regional sailing club archives and the "old guard" of the scow racing community who view the Cub as the purist's introduction to the flat-bottomed racing style.
Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist
When inspecting a Cub Scow, particularly older wood or early fiberglass models, several specific technical areas require scrutiny:
- Deck-to-Hull Joint: Many Cubs were built during an era when fiberglass bonding techniques were still evolving. Check the rub rail area for separation, especially near the bow where the blunt shape takes the most impact from waves and docks.
- Centerboard Trunk Leaks: The stresses of sailing a scow heeled over put significant lateral pressure on the centerboard trunk. Look for hairline cracks or soft spots in the fiberglass around the base of the trunk.
- Mast Step Compression: The downward force of the rig can cause the deck to sag or the mast step to crack over time. Ensure the area around the mast partner is rigid and shows no signs of "crazing" or spider-web cracking.
- Twin Rudder Alignment: While some Cub variants utilize a single rudder, many scow designs transitioned to twin rudders to maintain steerage when heeled. If the boat has a twin setup, ensure the linkage is tight; slop in the steering can make the boat difficult to track in a breeze.
Community & Resources
The primary authority for all scow-related activity remains the Inland Lake Yachting Association. While the Cub is no longer a primary competitive class in their modern regatta schedule, the association maintains historical records and can often connect owners with vintage parts or restoration advice. Additionally, the Melges corporate history provides context on the evolution of these hulls, as the lessons learned from the Cub directly influenced the development of modern performance dinghies.
The Verdict
The Cub Scow is a specialized vintage trainer that offers a unique sailing experience for those who appreciate the technical nuances of scow physics.
Pros:
- Exceptional speed and "plane-ability" for a 13-foot boat.
- High initial stability makes it an approachable trainer for beginners.
- A significant piece of American sailing history with a dedicated niche following.
Cons:
- Blunt bow performance is poor in heavy chop.
- Finding class-legal replacement parts can be difficult due to its age.
- Limited utility outside of flat-water inland lakes.
