Herreshoff Mobjack Information, Review, Specs

The Mobjack's story began in 1954 when Roger Moorman, a passionate sailor and skilled designer, conceived of a new 17-foot sloop. His vision was to create a boat that would improve upon existing racing designs like the Thistle, incorporating advanced construction techniques and enhanced safety features. Production officially commenced in 1956, making the Mobjack one of the first "all-plastic" (fiberglass) boats, a revolutionary departure from the prevalent wooden construction of the era. This choice of material underscored Moorman's forward-thinking approach, offering durability, reduced maintenance, and the potential for more consistent production compared to traditional methods. Mobjack Manufacturing Corp., while formally established later in 1980, consistently produced the Mobjack design until 2003, with a total of 537 boats built during its extensive run. The company's ethos was defined by its commitment to this singular, popular one-design racer, fostering fair competition based on skill rather than equipment advantage.

Sailing Performance and Handling

As a 17-foot one-design racer, the Mobjack is celebrated for its agile and responsive sailing performance, making it an engaging boat for competitive events and spirited day sailing. Designed with a fractional sloop rig and a centerboard keel, it boasts a minimum draft of 0.75 feet, allowing access to shallow waters, which can be extended to 4.0 feet with the board fully deployed for improved upwind performance and stability. The Mobjack was specifically designed to be "nimble and responsive," appealing to sailors seeking performance and competitive racing. Its lightweight fiberglass hull, with a displacement of 450 pounds and a length overall of 17.0 feet, contributes to its lively handling characteristics. The Mobjack's design, including its self-bailing cockpit, allows for an exciting sailing experience, acknowledging that, like many small centerboard sailboats, it can be capsized during aggressive maneuvers or challenging conditions. Its theoretical hull speed of 5.48 knots further underscores its design as a swift and capable racing dinghy.

Accommodations and Layout

True to its design as a racing dinghy and day sailer, the Mobjack features an open layout with a self-bailing cockpit, prioritizing sailing functionality over extensive interior accommodations. Given its modest length of 17 feet and its primary role as a performance-oriented one-design, the Mobjack does not offer traditional interior living spaces, such as cabins, galleys, or enclosed heads. Instead, the design focuses on maximizing the sailing area and providing an efficient and uncluttered space for crew movement during racing and recreational sailing. This open configuration allows for easy maintenance and contributes to the boat's lightweight nature and spirited performance.

Owner's Perspectives

The Mobjack has fostered a strong and active community, a testament to its enduring design quality and sailing characteristics. Owners consistently appreciate the boat's solid construction and its ability to provide competitive racing within a well-established one-design class. The existence of an active Mobjack class club means that enthusiasts can connect, race, and receive support from fellow owners, preserving the spirit of the class decades after its initial launch. The ownership experience today is often centered around participating in this close-knit community, enjoying competitive racing, and maintaining a piece of sailing history conceived by Roger Moorman.