Edey Stone Horse Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Stone Horse is a masterclass in stability and tracking, largely due to a staggering ballast-to-displacement ratio that often exceeds 50 percent. With approximately 2,500 pounds of lead encapsulated in a full keel, the boat possesses the stiffness of a much larger vessel, allowing it to stand up to a breeze long after lighter 23-footers have been forced to reef. As noted in editorial retrospectives by Good Old Boat, the hull’s deep forefoot and long keel allow it to track exceptionally well, making it a joy to sail on long reaches where it can nearly steer itself.

Most Stone Horses are rigged as cutters, featuring a club-footed staysail that simplifies short-handed sailing. While its heavy displacement (4,500 lbs) means it is not a "light-air flyer," it carries its momentum through a chop with a grace that is rare for a boat of this length. The helm is typically reported as being balanced but firm, providing the tactile feedback of a true "little ship" rather than a flighty dinghy. Its draft of 3 feet 5 inches is a calculated compromise, allowing for exploration of thin-water gunkholes while maintaining enough grip to point reasonably well upwind.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The interior of the Stone Horse is a reflection of its "pocket cruiser" ethos: intimate, functional, and finished with a level of joinery that reflects Edey & Duff’s high standards. Because the boat has a narrow beam of 7 feet 1 inch and a low profile, headroom is limited to sitting height for most adults. The layout typically features two long settee berths that extend aft under the cockpit seats, providing comfortable sleeping arrangements for a couple.

While the boat is essentially a single-cabin design, variations exist in the galley and storage arrangements. Some models feature a simple slide-out galley or a dedicated space for a marine head forward between the v-berths. The use of white bulkheads contrasted with heavy teak trim creates a bright, classic atmosphere that prevents the small space from feeling claustrophobic. The "siblings" of the Stone Horse are primarily the original wooden "Cruising 23" hulls built by various yards before Edey & Duff standardized the fiberglass version. While the fiberglass hull remained consistent, the deck layouts evolved slightly over the production run, with some later models featuring more modern hardware while retaining the signature bronze ports and hardware.

Popular Mentions & Media

The Stone Horse has earned a dedicated following among maritime writers and traditionalists. It is frequently highlighted in literature discussing "the world’s best small boats," often appearing alongside designs like the Flicka 20 or the Dana 24. Llewellyn Howland III, a noted maritime historian and author, was an early proponent of the design, and his writings helped cement its reputation as a "cult classic" among New England sailors. The boat’s aesthetic appeal is such that it is often the subject of nautical photography in publications like Maine Boats, Homes & Harbors.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Potential buyers should approach the Stone Horse with an eye toward the specific maintenance requirements of a high-quality fiberglass build from its era.

• Deck Core Integrity: Many Stone Horses were built with teak-over-fiberglass decks. If the teak was screwed down rather than bonded, water may have migrated into the balsa or plywood core. Check for soft spots, particularly around the chainplates and the mast step.
• Chainplates: The external chainplates are robust, but the through-bolts should be inspected for crevice corrosion or "weeping" that indicates a failed seal.
• Rudder Hardware: The transom-hung rudder is supported by bronze pintles and gudgeons. These should be checked for excessive play or electrolysis, especially if the boat has been kept in a marina with "hot" electrical grounding.
• Compression Post: Ensure the deck-stepped mast is well-supported by the internal bulkhead and compression post, as decades of rig tension can lead to slight deformation if the structure has been compromised by moisture.

Community & Resources

The Stone Horse community is largely centered around the Chesapeake Bay and the New England coast. While there is no longer a formal manufacturer-backed association, the Stone Horse Owners Group remains a vital hub for technical advice and communal wisdom. Enthusiasts often share restoration logs and rigging tips through informal networks and the technical archives of classic boat forums.

The Verdict

The Edey & Duff Stone Horse is a specialized vessel for the sailor who prioritizes soul over space. It is a rugged, beautiful, and exceptionally safe cruiser that can handle coastal passages that would leave modern "wedge-shaped" boats shivering.

Pros

• Exceptional aesthetic appeal with traditional bronze and teak detailing.
• High ballast ratio provides superior stability and a "big boat" feel.
• Excellent tracking and ease of handling under a cutter rig.

Cons

• Limited interior headroom and living space for extended cruising.
• Heavier displacement makes for sluggish performance in very light winds.
• High maintenance requirements for the extensive exterior wood trim.