Hurricane 19 Information, Review, Specs

The vessel was part of a tiered "Hurricane" lineup that included a smaller 15-foot variant and a more substantial 24-foot model, all sharing the same design language of clean, sweeping lines and a focus on structural rigidity. While the Kargard Boat & Engine Co. has largely faded from the modern maritime landscape, the Hurricane 19 remains a subject of interest for wooden boat enthusiasts who appreciate the specific "Haskelite" molded plywood process utilized in its construction, which allowed for a seamless, leak-resistant hull that was remarkably light for its size.

Sailing Performance & Handling

On the water, the Hurricane 19 is characterized by its agility and responsiveness. Because it utilizes a molded plywood hull rather than traditional heavy timber, the boat possesses a high sail area-to-displacement ratio, though official displacement figures are rarely documented outside of original 1948 marketing materials. Owners and period reviews often noted that the boat "planed" more easily than its contemporaries, a feat attributed to the smooth, rivet-free exterior of the molded hull which reduced skin friction.

The boat’s handling is defined by its centerboard configuration. With the board fully deployed, the Hurricane 19 tracks well to weather, though like many light-displacement wood boats of the 1940s, it requires active weight management from the crew to maintain an optimal heel angle in gusty conditions. In a 1948 print advertisement appearing in Yachting magazine, the builder emphasized the boat's "non-sinkable" qualities and its balanced rig, which was designed to minimize the weather helm that plagued many amateur-built day-sailers of the period. The rig is a standard fractional sloop, providing enough power to make the boat lively in light air while remaining manageable for a two-person crew.

Popular Mentions & Media

The Hurricane 19’s cultural footprint is primarily preserved through vintage maritime periodicals. It was featured in a series of promotional campaigns in the late 1940s that highlighted the "modernity" of molded plywood. These advertisements, often found in archives of Yachting Magazine and similar heritage publications, positioned the Hurricane 19 as a technological leap forward, moving away from the "leaky seams" of traditional boat building. While it does not boast a portfolio of cinematic appearances or famous circumnavigations—given its role as a regional day-sailer—it is frequently cited in Wisconsin maritime history as a prime example of the Marinette shipbuilding industry’s post-war diversification.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Purchasing or restoring a Hurricane 19 today requires a specialized understanding of mid-century adhesives and wood laminate. The primary concerns for this model are inherent to its age and construction method:

• Delamination of the Molded Hull: The most critical "gotcha" for the Hurricane 19 is the failure of the urea-formaldehyde resins used to bond the plywood veneers. Over decades, moisture penetration can cause the layers to separate, particularly near the waterline or at the stem. Any "soft spots" in the hull are indicative of structural failure that is difficult and costly to repair.
• Centerboard Trunk Integrity: Like many wooden centerboarders, the trunk (the housing for the retractable board) is a common site for rot. Because it is a high-stress area that is difficult to inspect thoroughly, buyers should check for evidence of historical leaks or "weeping" where the trunk meets the keelson.
• Fastener Fatigue: While the molded hull itself is largely fastener-free, the deck-to-hull joints and the hardware attachments rely on older bronze or steel screws. Electrolysis or simple wood rot around these fasteners can lead to "hardware pull-out" under load.
• Rigging Obsolescence: Original Hurricane 19s used galvanized wire and wooden masts. Modern buyers should inspect for dry rot in the spruce spars and ensure that the standing rigging has been updated to stainless steel to prevent catastrophic mast failure.

Community & Resources

Due to the rarity of the Hurricane 19, there is no dedicated national class association currently active. However, owners typically find support through broader heritage organizations. The Antique and Classic Boat Society is the premier resource for tracking the provenance of these vessels and finding craftsmen capable of working on molded plywood hulls. Additionally, local Wisconsin maritime groups often maintain records of the Kargard Boat & Engine Co., providing historical context for restoration projects aiming for period accuracy.

The Verdict

The Hurricane 19 is a connoisseur’s day-sailer—a vessel that offers a window into the mid-century evolution of naval architecture.

Pros

• Weight: Significantly lighter than traditional planked boats, making it easier to trailer.
• Aesthetics: Beautiful, seamless hull lines that are impossible to replicate in fiberglass.
• Performance: A lively, fast sailer that performs exceptionally well in light to moderate winds.
• Historical Significance: A rare example of the early molded-plywood era.

Cons

• Maintenance: Requires a climate-controlled environment to prevent hull delamination.
• Complexity of Repair: Unlike standard wood boats, repairing a molded hull requires specialized vacuum-bagging or epoxy-infusion skills.
• Scarcity: Finding original hardware or replacement parts often requires custom fabrication.