Design and Construction
The hull is hand-laid, lapstrake-style fiberglass, a construction method that provides strength and stiffness while keeping the boat relatively light. The 8-foot model weighs just 100 pounds, and the same hull form is also available in a 9-foot version.
A 7-inch skeg adds directional stability. A teak inner rail, kick-up rudder, and daggerboard provide practical function as well as a touch of beauty. Owners have noted that the wide beam of the 7-foot Fatty Knees helps keep the boat steady when stepping aboard from a larger yacht.
Rig and Handling
As a tender, the Fatty Knees was built to do more than ferry crew. The 8-footer carries 50 square feet of sail and has an offset mount to port for a 2-hp outboard. Two rowing stations are arranged for practical use.
The daggerboard and kick-up rudder mean the boat can sail in shallow water yet be retrieved easily. The skeg helps it track under oars or tow.
Intended Use
This is a working tender rather than a cruiser, so its value lies in its utility. The broad beam provides a stable platform for boarding, while the two rowing stations give the crew some flexibility under oars. When conditions allow, the sailing rig also gives the tender some independence from the mothership’s hoist or outboard.
The builder noted that the 8-foot version was the most popular size offered.
Known Issues
No structural defects or chronic failures affect the Fatty Knees. Its hand-laid fiberglass hull and solid construction have not generated a history of defects.
Production and Ownership
Edey & Duff built these boats for decades. In 2006, the builder reported average annual production of 75 to 100 units.
After a gap in production, David Foynes formed Fatty Knees Boat Co. LLC in the fall of 2010 to resurrect the tender. The company lined up Pine Grove Plastics in Freetown, Massachusetts, to mold the hulls and Hejira Woodworks in Duxbury, Massachusetts, to finish them. The revived company sold 34 tenders in 2011, confirming the design’s continuity under new ownership.
The Verdict
The Fatty Knees is a small, over-built lapstrake tender with genuine sailing ability and the stability to make it a confident yacht companion. Its hand-laid hull and practical rig reflect a Lyle Hess design executed with New England restraint, while its revival under new ownership preserved the essential boat.
Pros
- Hand-laid, lapstrake-style fiberglass hull with a notable balance of strength and weight
- Renowned rowing, towing, and sailing ability in a 100-pound 8-footer
- Wide beam for steady boarding and a skeg for directional tracking
- Production legacy extending from Edey & Duff to Fatty Knees Boat Co.
Cons
- Small size limits load and range
- Outboard capacity is capped at a 2-hp offset mount
