Herreshoff Mobjack Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Mobjack is categorized as a high-performance planing dinghy, meaning its hull is designed to lift and skim across the water's surface rather than pushing through it. With a generous sail area of 190 square feet (main and jib) and a relatively light displacement of approximately 460 pounds, the boat possesses a high power-to-weight ratio. This combination allows the Mobjack to plane easily in moderate breezes, a characteristic that was revolutionary for a 17-foot day sailor in the 1950s.

According to historical records from the Fishing Bay Yacht Club, which is widely considered the birthplace of the class, the Mobjack was specifically tailored to the gusty conditions of the Chesapeake. Its hard chines and 6'6" beam provide significant initial stability, but the boat remains highly responsive—often described by owners as "lively." The inclusion of a spinnaker and the requirement for a three-person crew in sanctioned racing make it a technical and rewarding platform. Its self-bailing cockpit is a standout feature; unlike many dinghies of its size that require frantic bailing after a knockdown, the Mobjack is designed to shed water rapidly through its transom, allowing the crew to recover and continue racing almost immediately.

Popular Mentions & Media

The Mobjack’s cultural legacy is deeply intertwined with the evolution of fiberglass boatbuilding in the United States. It is frequently cited in regional maritime history as a catalyst for the shift from traditional Chesapeake skipjacks and log canoes to modern composite racing. The boat’s introduction was a landmark event for the Fishing Bay Yacht Club, where Roger Moorman’s "all-plastic" experiment proved that fiberglass could outperform traditional materials in both durability and speed. The boat has been a staple of the Mobjack National Class Association for decades, appearing in mid-century sailing journals as a symbol of the "new era" of affordable, standardized one-design racing.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

For those exploring the secondary market for a vintage Mobjack, several technical areas require close inspection:

• Double Hull Integrity: The primary concern with aging Mobjacks is water infiltration between the cockpit liner and the outer hull. If deck hardware or the centerboard trunk seal has failed, the foam buoyancy or stringer system can become waterlogged, significantly increasing the boat's weight and compromising structural stiffness.
• Centerboard Trunk Stress: Given the leverage exerted by the large centerboard during high-speed planing, the trunk is a high-load area. Prospective buyers should check for spider-webbing or stress cracks at the base of the trunk.
• Mast Step and Rigging Tension: The Mobjack carries a powerful rig. Older hulls may show signs of compression at the mast step or "oil-canning" (flexing) in the deck where the shroud chainplates are anchored.
• Manufacturer Variations: While Roger Moorman produced the early boats, later versions were built by companies such as Browning Boats. While the hulls are theoretically identical for one-design racing, the quality of the fiberglass lay-up and gelcoat can vary between production eras.

Community & Resources

The Mobjack community remains exceptionally tight-knit, centered largely around the Mid-Atlantic region. The Mobjack National Class Association serves as the primary repository for technical specifications, official class rules, and the national regatta schedule. For technical support and historical archives, the Fishing Bay Yacht Club continues to support the fleet, maintaining a connection to the boat's origins in Gloucester, Virginia.

The Verdict

The Mobjack remains a formidable choice for sailors who appreciate a classic racing dinghy that does not sacrifice performance for its age.

Pros:

• Exceptional Speed: One of the fastest 17-foot dinghies of its era, capable of exhilarating planing speeds.
• Enhanced Safety: The self-bailing cockpit is a significant advantage over other vintage one-designs like the Lightning or Albacore.
• Strong Heritage: Owners join a community with a deep sense of history and dedicated class support.

Cons:

• Physical Demand: The large sail plan and technical rig require an active, coordinated crew to manage effectively.
• Regional Concentration: While popular in the Chesapeake, finding parts or sisterships for racing may be difficult in other parts of the country.
• Weight Sensitivity: Older boats that have absorbed water in their double hulls can be significantly slower than dry, well-maintained examples.