Island 23 Information, Review, Specs

Though the builder context emphasizes the Herreshoff Manufacturing Company’s powerboat and America's Cup history, the Fishers Island 23 was part of a specific lineage of club-racer classes designed to handle the choppy, breezy conditions of the Eastern Sound. Only a small number of these vessels were originally constructed, primarily between 1932 and 1933, making them exceptionally rare today. They were built to high standards, typically utilizing cedar or mahogany planking over white oak frames, which allowed them to maintain their structural integrity far longer than many of their contemporary wooden peers.

Sailing Performance & Handling

The sailing characteristics of the Fishers Island 23 are defined by its dramatic 11-foot difference between length overall (LOA) and length at waterline (LWL). This ratio is a hallmark of the Universal Rule era; as the boat heels, the effective waterline increases significantly, allowing the vessel to exceed the theoretical hull speed suggested by its 23-foot static waterline. On the water, this translates to a boat that feels much larger and more powerful than a standard 23-footer.

Equipped with a deep full keel and internal lead ballast, the FI23 possesses a high ballast-to-displacement ratio, making it remarkably stiff and stable in a blow. According to archival notes from the MIT Museum Collections, which holds the original plans, the hull was designed with a fine entry and a narrow beam of approximately 7 feet. This allows the boat to slice through a head-sea with minimal pounding. Handling is often described as "balanced" and "heavy," requiring a steady hand on the tiller but rewarding the sailor with exceptional tracking. However, like many long-keeled boats of this vintage, its maneuverability in tight marinas is limited, often requiring a wide arc for tacking or turning under power.

Interior Comfort & Variations

While many knockabouts of the era were open-cockpit daysailers, the Fishers Island 23 features a low-profile cabin trunk that provides a modest but functional interior. The accommodations are "sitting-room" style, typically offering two longitudinal settee berths. Because of the narrow beam and the sleek, low-slung design of the cabin house, there is no standing headroom; the interior is designed for resting between races or basic coastal "pocket" cruising rather than extended living.

The interior finish usually reflects the yacht's "Gold Plate" pedigree, featuring varnished mahogany bulkheads and white-painted overheads. Variations among the surviving fleet are common, as many have undergone extensive restorations. Some owners have modified the original Spartan layout to include a small marine head or a minimalist galley tray, though original specifications prioritized weight savings for racing. The FI23’s larger sibling, the Fishers Island 31 (H-31), utilizes a similar hull form but provides significantly more volume for those requiring a dedicated cruiser.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective owners of a Fishers Island 23 must approach the vessel as a piece of maritime heritage rather than a maintenance-free fiberglass boat. The primary technical areas for inspection include:

• Fastener Fatigue: Original builds used bronze or copper fasteners. Over nearly a century, "sick" fasteners—where the metal has de-zincified or become brittle—can lead to plank movement and structural weakness.
• Frame Integrity: The "turn of the bilge" is a high-stress area for the white oak frames. Inspectors should look for "sistering" (repairs where a new frame is bolted next to a cracked one) or signs of dry rot in the floor timbers near the mast step.
• Deck-to-Hull Joint: Like many Herreshoff designs, the FI23 originally featured a canvas-covered wooden deck. If this canvas has been breached or improperly replaced with fiberglass (GRP), freshwater can become trapped, leading to extensive rot in the deck beams and sheer strake.
• Keel Bolts: Given the heavy lead ballast, the condition of the bronze keel bolts is paramount. Any sign of "weeping" at the keel-to-deadwood joint indicates that the bolts may need to be drawn and inspected or replaced.

Community & Resources

The primary authority for technical data and historical preservation of the model is the Herreshoff Marine Museum in Bristol, Rhode Island. The museum maintains the original offset tables and construction logs for Design 1251. Additionally, the Fishers Island Yacht Club retains historical records of the original fleet assignments, providing a lineage for specific hulls. Owners often congregate at classic yacht regattas, such as the Herreshoff Classic Yacht Regatta, where these vessels continue to compete under the Classic Rating Formula.

The Verdict

The Fishers Island 23 is a "connoisseur's yacht," offering a level of aesthetic grace and sailing refinement that modern production boats cannot replicate. It is a vessel for the traditionalist who prioritizes the sensation of the helm and the beauty of the line over modern amenities.

Pros:

• Aesthetic Perfection: Widely considered one of Captain Nat’s most beautiful small-scale designs.
• Sea-Kindliness: Exceptionally stable and capable of handling heavy weather better than most modern light-displacement boats.
• Historical Value: A direct link to the golden age of American yacht design and the Fishers Island racing legacy.

Cons:

• Maintenance Intensity: Requires a dedicated owner committed to the upkeep of a vintage wooden hull.
• Limited Interior: Not suitable for those requiring standing headroom or modern cruising comforts.
• Draft and Maneuverability: The deep keel and long turning radius make it less suited for shallow-water gunkholing or crowded modern marinas.