The Herreshoff 12 ½ is arguably the most successful small-boat design in the history of American yachting. Conceived in 1914 by Nathanael Greene Herreshoff, the vessel was specifically commissioned by Robert Emmons to serve as a safe, seaworthy trainer for children navigating the choppy, unpredictable waters of Buzzards Bay. Despite its modest waterline length—from which it derives its name—the boat measures 15 feet 8.5 inches overall and carries a substantial 735-pound lead keel. This weight-to-size ratio provides the "H-12" with a level of stability and a "big boat" feel that is rarely found in vessels under 20 feet. Today, the design persists not only as a prized wooden classic but also through high-quality fiberglass reproductions, most notably the Doughdish, which is built to the exact scantlings of the original wooden hulls to allow for one-design racing compatibility.
Herreshoff 12 1/2 Sailboats for Sale & Market Overview
- Make
- Herreshoff
- Model
- 12 1/2
- Builder
- Herreshoff Mfg. Co.
- Designer
- Nathanael G. Herreshoff
- Number Built
- 400
- Production Year(s)
- 1914 - 1948
Below are the most recent Herreshoff 12 1/2 sailboat listings (up to 10).
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| Source | Year | Make | Model | Price | Cabins | Heads | City | Country | Listing Date | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
DISCLAIMER: We are not affiliated with any external listing websites in any way. We simply aggregate publicly available listings to make it easier for buyers to find sailboats for sale. We cannot guarantee the accuracy of the listings, so please verify all information with the seller before making any decisions.
Market Overview
Price & Volume Trends
Monthly breakdown
| Month | Listings | Median Asking Price (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Jul 2025 | 3 | $34,900 |
| Aug 2025 | 1 | $22,000 |
| Sep 2025 | 2 | $23,450 |
| Oct 2025 | 1 | $35,000 |
| Jan 2026 | 5 | $21,500 |
| Feb 2026 | 1 | $48,900 |
| Apr 2026 | 2 | $26,950 |
Median Price by Country
Listings by Country
| Model | LOA | Median Price (USD) | Listings | Recent |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hallberg-Rassy 312 | 30.92' | $53,443 | 44 | 18 |
| Cape Dory 25 | 24.83' | $9,600 | 30 | 10 |
| Herreshoff 12 1/2 | $23,500 | 15 | 6 | |
| Herreshoff H-28 | 26.94' | $12,885 | 10 | 3 |
| Cape Cod 's Eye | 15.71' | $4,450 | 6 | 0 |
| Rhodes 19 | 19.17' | $3,000 | 5 | 1 |
| Precision 21 | 20.75' | $5,500 | 3 | 1 |
| Herreshoff America | 18.16' | $9,900 | 1 | 0 |
| Cornish Crabbers Shrimper 21 | 24.83' | $50,720 | 1 | 1 |
| Frauscher H-Boat | 27.25' | $10,485 | 1 | 0 |
| Country | Median Price (USD) | Listings (past 12 months) | Recent (90d) |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States | $22,000 | 13 | 5 |
| Canada | $34,900 | 2 | 1 |
Frequently Asked Questions
- How much does a used Herreshoff 12 1/2 cost?
- The median asking price for a used Herreshoff 12 1/2 over the past 12 months is $23,500. Prices vary by condition, year, equipment, and location.
- How many Herreshoff 12 1/2 sailboats are for sale?
- We have tracked 15 Herreshoff 12 1/2 listings over the past 12 months, with 6 listed within the last 90 days.
- Are Herreshoff 12 1/2 prices going up or down?
- The median asking price for the Herreshoff 12 1/2 has decreased by 8.51% over the last 3 months compared to the 12-month average.
- Where is the cheapest place to buy a Herreshoff 12 1/2?
- United States currently has the lowest median asking price at $22,000, while Canada is the most expensive at $34,900 — a 59% difference.
- What are similar sailboats to the Herreshoff 12 1/2?
- Comparable models include the Hallberg-Rassy 312, Cape Dory 25, Herreshoff H-28. See the comparison table above for pricing and availability.