Great Pelican Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Great Pelican is defined by its stability and surprising ability to punch through heavy weather. Its distinctive "pram" bow—a squared-off front—serves a vital technical purpose: it provides massive reserve buoyancy, preventing the boat from burying its nose when running downwind in heavy seas. Despite its boxy appearance, the hull features a high-flare design that keeps the cockpit remarkably dry.

Most Great Pelicans are rigged with a standing lug or a sliding gunter rig, which keeps the center of effort low and simplifies the spars for trailering. According to technical insights from Small Boats Magazine, the boat’s wide 8-foot beam makes it exceptionally "stiff," meaning it resists heeling even when over-canvased. While it is not a racing machine and will struggle to point as high as a modern fin-keel sloop, its heavy displacement and flat-bottomed sections allow it to track well and remain stable in conditions that would force smaller dinghies back to the dock. The use of a kick-up centerboard and rudder also makes it an ideal platform for "gunkholing" or beaching in shallow estuaries.

Interior Comfort & Variations

For a 16-foot boat, the Great Pelican offers an unprecedented amount of sheltered space. The cabin typically features two full-length berths, and because of the pram bow, the interior volume extends much further forward than on a traditional pointed-bow boat of this size. Headroom is limited, as is expected in a trailer-sailer, but the "Great" designation refers primarily to the massive increase in usable living space compared to the original 12-foot version.

Construction variations are common since many were built from plans. Some owners have opted for a "Pacific Pelican" configuration, which may offer slightly different cabin lines, but the core hull remains consistent. The Great Pelican also has two notable siblings: the original 12-foot San Francisco Pelican and the rarer, even larger 18-foot Arctic Pelican. The 16-foot Great Pelican is widely considered the "Goldilocks" of the range, offering enough room for two adults to cruise for a weekend without requiring a massive tow vehicle.

Popular Mentions & Media

The Pelican series has a cult following within the wooden boat and small-craft community. The design’s ruggedness was famously proven when a San Francisco Pelican (the 12-foot variant) was sailed from California to Hawaii, a testament to Captain Short’s design philosophy of "the most boat for the least money and length." This legacy of extreme seaworthiness is frequently discussed in publications like WoodenBoat Magazine, where the Great Pelican is cited as a benchmark for amateur-built plywood cruisers.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

As the Great Pelican is primarily a wood-composite boat built by amateurs or small shops, the quality of construction can vary wildly. Prospective buyers should focus on these high-signal areas:

• The Centerboard Trunk: This is a high-stress area and a common point for leaks or rot. Inspect the junction between the trunk and the hull bottom thoroughly.
• Plywood Delamination: Check the lower "chines" and the transom for any signs of soft spots or "checking" in the plywood, especially if the boat has been stored outside or on a trailer without a proper cover.
• The Mast Step: Ensure the deck or cabin top hasn't compressed under the load of the mast, a common issue if the internal support posts were not properly aligned.
• Rigging Hardware: Many Pelicans use traditional wooden blocks and lines. Verify the integrity of the "yard" (the upper spar on a lug rig), as it is subject to significant bending forces.

Community & Resources

The Great Pelican is supported by a dedicated group of enthusiasts centered around the Pelican Sailboat Association, which provides technical support, historical archives, and coordinates regional "Pelican Rallies." These gatherings are essential for owners looking to source specific hardware or learn the nuances of the lug rig.

The Verdict

The Great Pelican is a "love it or hate it" vessel that trades traditional aesthetics for unmatched utility and safety in a small package.

Pros:

• Exceptional Stability: The 8-foot beam makes it nearly impossible to capsize under normal sailing conditions.
• Massive Interior: Offers the cabin volume of a much larger 20-22 foot boat.
• Shallow Draft: Ideal for exploring thin water and easy trailering.
• Sea-Kindliness: Designed specifically to handle "square" chop and heavy winds.

Cons:

• Polarizing Aesthetics: The pram bow and boxy lines are an acquired taste.
• Upwind Performance: The hull shape and rig are not optimized for beating into the wind.
• Maintenance: As a plywood boat, it requires more diligent upkeep than a modern fiberglass production boat.