Design and Construction
Watkinson set four criteria for the Lugger. Among them were easy handling by a family, both afloat and on the trailer, and first-rate seakeeping.
The hull combines a broad 6-foot 3-inch beam with high freeboard forward, which helps keep the crew dry. The wide beam makes the boat seakindly and friendly to beginners. At roughly 795 pounds, the hull is light enough to be easily towed by a minivan or SUV, while the swinging trailer makes launching and recovery a one-person job.
With the lifting centreplate and rudder raised, the Lugger draws 8 inches. She can sail in shallow water and dry out on a beach or mooring. Luggers aren’t heavily ballasted or decked boats, but they do have built-in buoyancy. Modern examples have improved buoyancy, with an upgrade available from the builders.
Teak is used for the gunwale, thwart, centerboard-case cap, and rudder-case trim. It develops a handsome patina over time with minimal maintenance.
Rig and Handling
The first Luggers carried a lug rig, but early in production the boat changed to a high-peaked sliding-gunter yawl with a loose-footed mainsail. With no boom to bang heads, the loose-footed sail stows out of the way and leaves useful working space amidships.
Owners report being able to rig the boat single-handed in under 30 minutes. The unstayed mizzen is stepped first, followed by the easily handled 16-foot mast, and the jib stay attaches to a roller-furling drum. All the spars fit inside the boat for transport, and the mast can be lowered readily for passing under low bridges.
Under sail, the Lugger performs well on all points but is happiest reaching. She isn’t at her best pointing high, though she will work to windward at a slow pace. In higher winds, it is best to release the mizzen during tacks. The full rig provides an exhilarating sail, while the reduced jib-and-mizzen plan keeps the cockpit clear and allows the boat to sail herself.
A four-stroke Suzuki 6-hp outboard reaches hull speed at one-third throttle. It sits in a motorwell behind the tiller and mizzenmast, where it is easy to tend and its fumes remain clear of the crew.
Cockpit and Day-Boating Practicality
Rated for six persons, the Lugger is fundamentally a day boat with a full-length cockpit. One tester could go forward to deal with things without leaving the safety of that cockpit.
There is plenty of room for four people to move around while tending the boat and adjusting trim without bumping into one another. The side benches are wide enough for a snooze, and the high bulwarks provide a comfortable backrest. She can accommodate up to six people for coastal days afloat.
The centerboard case doubles as a rowing seat for one set of oarlocks. The boat carries 8½-foot oars and has a transom sculling socket, useful when working her onto a beach.
Known Issues
On the original Mk1, the steel rudder had to be aligned with a narrow slot and hauled upward before being secured with a pin. The process made beaching awkward and required care. Later models revised the rudder arrangement to simplify it.
The centreplate housing raises a more serious concern. There are reports of a swamped Lugger being difficult to bail because water continued to gush through the housing. Another boat reportedly broached, capsized, and turned fully turtle; its plate retracted into the housing, leaving a fit crew unable to right it. Measures can be taken to prevent the plate from dropping back into the housing during a capsize, and modern boats have improved buoyancy.
Production, Refits, and Owner Support
The Lugger began with more than 100 wooden hulls before fiberglass production started in 1969. It is one of the few designs that moved into GRP production while wooden hulls continued to be built. Churchouse Boats in England currently builds the model.
In addition to the later rudder modifications and buoyancy upgrades, owners can draw on a global community. The Drascombe Association publishes a newsletter and runs an online forum, while the builder maintains an active website.
Individual boats may also carry useful owner refinements. One documented example, ONKAHYE, has a bilge pump built into the centerboard case.
The Verdict
The Drascombe Lugger is a modest, trailerable day boat with the seakeeping to cross oceans if asked, yet it remains simple enough for a family to launch alone. Its gunter-yawl rig and shallow draft make it forgiving and beachable. Continuous production and an active owners’ association mean support is never far away.
Pros
- Broad beam and high forward freeboard make her dry, stable, and beginner-friendly
- Boomless gunter-yawl rig can be set up quickly and leaves a clear, safe cockpit
- Draft reduces to 8 inches for beaching, drying out, and easy trailer launching
- Proven on long voyages while remaining rated as a safe family day boat for coastal use
Cons
- Early rudder gear made beaching awkward before the arrangement was modified
- The centreplate housing can admit water when the boat is swamped and may hinder righting if the plate retracts
- Not at her best beating to windward and slow when close-hauled
