Florance Oakland Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Florence Oakland is celebrated by its designer and owners alike for being exceptionally well-balanced. According to technical records at Atkin Boat Plans, the boat features a 10% "lead" (the relationship between the center of effort and the center of lateral resistance), which allows the vessel to be steered almost entirely by sail trim rather than heavy rudder input. On the water, this translates to a boat that feels significantly larger and steadier than its 20-foot waterline would suggest.

With a total ballast of 1,500 pounds—consisting of 1,200 pounds in a lead casting and 300 pounds of internal lead—the boat sits deep and firm. However, the gaff-rigged schooner configuration and a relatively shallow 3-foot draft mean that windward performance is its primary compromise; it typically tacks in an arc of approximately 100 degrees and can struggle to make headway against a steep chop and heavy headwind. Its strength lies in reaching and running, where the spread-out sail plan of 300 square feet provides stable power. While it is not a racing craft, its heavy displacement (approximately 6,000 lbs) provides a sea-kindly motion that many modern light-displacement boats of this size lack.

Interior Comfort & Variations

Despite its small footprint, the Florence Oakland is designed as a "proper little cruising boat." The interior cabin typically accommodates two full-length berths, a modest galley area, and space for a marine toilet, making it viable for weekend excursions or longer coastal hops for a dedicated couple. Headroom is naturally limited by the low-profile cabin house, but the use of wide beams (7 feet 8 inches) prevents the space from feeling overly cramped.

The design allows for significant variation in build materials. While John Atkin and Jacob Hess initially selected marine plywood for the hull to ensure it remained "tight" and leak-free during periods of trailer storage, the plans also accommodate traditional carvel planking for those desiring a more classic construction method. Most existing examples feature a large, open cockpit—originally designed for daysailing—which places the crew close to the action but necessitates careful attention to weather, as the cockpit is not typically self-draining and can take on water in heavy gusts.

Popular Mentions & Media

The Florence Oakland has maintained a steady presence in traditional maritime circles, frequently cited in WoodenBoat Magazine as a premier choice for home builders. The design is archived as part of the Atkin collection at the Mystic Seaport Museum, where the original blueprints and correspondence regarding its creation are preserved. It is often referred to by enthusiasts as a "100-foot schooner in quarter scale," reflecting its visual impact on the water.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective owners or builders of a Florence Oakland should focus their inspection on the following technical areas:

• Cockpit Drainage: The original design features a deep, non-self-draining cockpit. Owners often modify this with high-capacity manual or electric bilge pumps, but a buyer should verify how the boat handles "green water" and whether any modifications have compromised the cockpit's structural integrity.
• Plywood Hull Integrity: Since many are built from marine plywood, inspect the "chines" (the angles of the V-bottom) and the stem for signs of delamination or soft spots, especially if the boat has been stored on a trailer or in a damp climate.
• Ballast Attachment: The 1,200-pound external lead casting is a critical component of its stability. Check the keel bolts and the join between the lead and the wood/plywood keel for movement or "keel smile" (gaps).
• Gaff Rig Hardware: The complexity of a schooner rig—multiple masts, gaffs, and booms—means there are more points of failure. Inspect the wooden spars for longitudinal cracks (checking) and ensure the leathering on the gaff jaws is in good repair to prevent mast abrasion.

Community & Resources

The most prominent resource for this model is the Atkin & Co. technical archive, now managed through the Atkin Boat Plans association and the Mystic Seaport Museum. These organizations provide access to the original John Atkin specifications and a community of traditionalist builders.

The Verdict

The Florence Oakland is a specialized vessel for the sailor who values tradition and aesthetic over speed and modern amenities. It is a "character boat" that rewards its owner with exceptional balance and a sense of history.

Pros

• Exceptional Balance: Can often be steered with minimal rudder input once sails are trimmed.
• Trailerability: One of the few schooner-rigged boats that can be reasonably transported by road.
• Sea-Kindliness: Heavy displacement for its size results in a stable, comfortable motion.
• Aesthetic Appeal: Frequently draws praise in every harbor for its classic lines.

Cons

• Windward Limitations: The gaff-schooner rig is inherently less efficient at sailing close to the wind.
• Cockpit Safety: The non-self-draining cockpit requires vigilant management in heavy seas.
• Maintenance Intensive: Multiple masts and traditional rigging demand more upkeep than a modern sloop.