Drascombe Scaffie Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Scaffie utilizes a standing lug rig with a single, unstayed Sitka spruce mast, making it one of the fastest boats in the Drascombe fleet to rig and launch. Its 100 square feet of sail is loose-footed, which simplifies handling but requires a specific technique for efficient windward work. Because it lacks a deep centerboard, the Scaffie does not point as high as modern performance dinghies; however, its triple-keel design provides surprisingly effective lateral resistance once the boat finds its groove.

In editorial testing and long-term owner reports, such as those found in Small Boats Magazine, the Scaffie is described as "lively" and capable of reaching speeds of 4.6 knots to windward in a heavy sea. The boat’s tracking is aided by its canoe stern and shallow keel, which provide a predictable motion even in choppy coastal conditions. The absence of stays allows the mast to be stepped or struck in minutes, a significant advantage for those who frequently trailer-sail or navigate under low bridges. The boat is also a competent performer under oars, with molded-in rowing thwarts and a hull shape that holds its course well even at low speeds.

Popular Mentions & Media

The Scaffie has earned a dedicated following among coastal "camp-cruisers" and solo adventurers. One of the most notable endorsements comes from veteran sailor Tom Hepp, who documented 38 years and thousands of miles of sailing aboard his Scaffie, hull #109, in Small Boats Magazine. Hepp’s accounts highlight the boat's durability and its status as a "perfect boat" for tidal rivers and solo coastal exploration. The model is also frequently featured in UK-based technical journals like Watercraft Magazine, which lauded its ease of management for older sailors while maintaining the power for an exciting sail.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

While the Scaffie is a robust vessel, prospective buyers should investigate several specific areas common to aging GRP (glass-reinforced plastic) Drascombes:

• Internal Buoyancy Foam: Older hulls often utilized expanded foam for buoyancy. Over decades, this foam can become waterlogged if there have been leaks in the deck-to-hull joint or the cockpit sole, significantly increasing the boat's weight and affecting performance.
• Outboard Well Clearances: The Scaffie features an offset inboard engine well. Some modern four-stroke 2.5hp or 3.5hp outboards have larger powerheads than the vintage two-strokes the boat was designed for, potentially making the fit tight or limiting the engine's ability to tilt fully.
• Keel Wear: Because the Scaffie is frequently beached, the bottoms of the central and bilge keels are prone to significant abrasion. Buyers should check for exposed fiberglass or thin gelcoat along the length of the keels.
• Woodwork and Trim: The hardwood thwarts, gunwales, and "horns" (the aft supports for the rope traveler) require regular oiling or varnishing. Inspect the points where wood meets fiberglass for signs of rot or hardware loosening.

Community & Resources

The primary hub for technical support and social sailing is The Drascombe Association, which maintains an extensive technical library and organizes "rallies" across Europe and North America. For parts, original technical specifications, and new builds, Honnor Marine continues to provide support for the "Devon" branded version of the hull.

The Verdict

The Drascombe Scaffie is an exceptional choice for the solo sailor or small family seeking the aesthetic of a traditional wooden boat with the maintenance-free benefits of fiberglass.

Pros:

• Ease of Launching: The unstayed mast and lightweight hull (approx. 463 lbs) make it ideal for single-handed trailering.
• Stability: The triple-keel design and generous beam offer security and the ability to dry out level on tidal flats.
• Safety: The boomless lug rig eliminates the risk of accidental boom strikes in the cockpit.

Cons:

• Windward Performance: The lack of a deep centerboard limits its ability to pinch close to the wind.
• Stowage: As a small, open boat, there is limited dry storage for multi-day camping gear without custom modifications.
• Wet in Chop: Like many small double-enders, it can be a "wet" ride when driven hard into a head sea.