Sailing Performance & Handling
The Howmar 12 is defined by its fractional sloop rig and a centerboard configuration that emphasizes versatility over raw speed. Thanks to the design work of Craig V. Walters at Sparkman & Stephens, the hull maintains a relatively high volume for its length, which translates to a more forgiving experience for novice sailors. Unlike the Phantom 14—Howmar’s more simplistic "Sunfish clone"—the 12 features a traditional cockpit and a more complex sail plan that allows for nuanced trimming.
Under sail, the boat is reported to track well, a hallmark of the S&S design philosophy that prioritizes balanced helm pressure. While technical ratios like Sail Area-to-Displacement are less critical for a 12-foot dinghy than for a keelboat, the Howmar 12 is light enough to be responsive in light air yet has enough beam to provide a stable platform when the breeze freshens. It does not possess the aggressive planing characteristics of a Laser, but it offers a dry, comfortable ride that bridges the gap between a pure trainer and a leisure daysailer.
The Howmar 12 was part of a broader lineage of hull designs at the firm. Its larger sibling, the Designers Choice (DC-15), shared the S&S pedigree and was later iterated upon as the "Shadow," which featured an elongated cockpit for better crew ergonomics. In comparison, the Howmar 12 feels more compact but benefits from the same hydrodynamic DNA, making it feel "bigger" on the water than its dimensions suggest.
Popular Mentions & Media
While the Howmar 12 does not have a high-profile racing circuit today, it remains a point of interest for collectors of Sparkman & Stephens designs. The firm is widely considered the most successful naval architecture office of the 20th century, and the Howmar 12 is often cited by S&S enthusiasts as an example of the firm’s ability to scale down their "Blue Water" expertise into a diminutive, accessible package. The boat’s connection to Jack Howie also links it to the golden age of American fiberglass boatbuilding, where leaders from O'Day and Alcort were attempting to democratize the sport.
Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist
Prospective buyers should focus on the structural integrity of the fiberglass, as these boats were built toward the end of Howmar’s production run when resources may have been shifting.
- Centerboard Trunk: The most common technical failure in boats of this age and class is at the centerboard trunk. Inspect for stress cracks or evidence of leaking where the trunk meets the hull floor, as this is a high-load area.
- Hardware Backing: Examine the chainplates and cleat mountings. In smaller recreational dinghies, builders occasionally omitted heavy backing plates; look for "spidering" in the gelcoat around these attachment points, which indicates deck flex.
- Mast Step: Check the mast step for compression. If the boat was stored with the rig tight or if water was allowed to sit in the step, the fiberglass can soften over time.
- Foam Flotation: Like many 1970s and 80s dinghies, the Howmar 12 relies on internal foam for buoyancy. If the hull feels unexpectedly heavy, the foam may be waterlogged, which significantly impacts performance and safety.
The Verdict
The Howmar 12 is a well-pedigreed small boat that offers more sophistication than a standard beach utility craft without the intimidating complexity of a racing dinghy.
Pros
- Design Pedigree: Created by Sparkman & Stephens, ensuring better-than-average balance and hull efficiency.
- Ease of Use: The fractional sloop rig is simple to depower and easy for a single sailor or a small family to manage.
- Ergonomics: Designed to be "roomy," providing a more comfortable seating arrangement than many 12-foot contemporaries.
Cons
- Limited Support: With the manufacturer defunct since 1983, finding model-specific replacement parts requires custom sourcing.
- Market Rarity: Because of the short production run, they are less common on the used market than O’Day or Sunfish models.
- Weight: Being a sturdy fiberglass build, it is heavier and less portable than modern rotomolded or carbon-fiber dinghies.
