Klipper 4 Information, Review, Specs

Despite its racing DNA, the boat retained the "trailerable" ethos of the company. With a beam of exactly 8 feet and a displacement of approximately 2,800 lbs, it remains within the legal towing limits for most standard vehicles. The design features a distinctive flush deck, which provides a modern, low-profile aesthetic while maximizing structural strength for the rig.

Sailing Performance & Handling

The sailing characteristics of the 1/4 Ton are defined by its racing pedigree. With a Sail Area/Displacement (SA/Disp) ratio of approximately 21.6, the vessel is a "light-air flyer" compared to the heavier cruisers of its era. This high ratio, combined with a fractional rig, allows for precise sail trimming and a responsive feel at the tiller. Crealock’s design avoids the excessive "twitchiness" often associated with IOR boats of that period by maintaining a relatively deep, efficient keel—available in both fixed and performance-oriented swing-keel configurations.

Handling is described by owners as athletic; the boat accelerates quickly in puffs and tracks reasonably well due to its 20.25-foot waterline. However, as is common with 1970s-era IOR designs, the boat can become "squirrelly" when pressed hard downwind in heavy air, requiring an active hand on the helm to prevent rhythmic rolling. Its ballast-to-displacement ratio of nearly 40% provides a surprising amount of stiffness, allowing it to stand up to its canvas longer than the smaller Clipper 21.

Interior Comfort & Variations

Because the 1/4 Ton was designed with a flush deck to simplify the deck layout for racing, the interior headroom is noticeably more restricted than on the Clipper 26. The cabin is focused on utility rather than luxury, intended for a racing crew or a couple on a minimalist weekend cruise. The standard layout includes a V-berth forward, a small central area that occasionally housed a portable head, and two long quarter berths that extend under the cockpit seats.

Materials are typical for the mid-70s California production scene: molded fiberglass liners with teak accents. Variations were primarily focused on the keel type; while the racing-focused hulls featured a fixed fin keel for maximum lift, many were produced with a swing keel to facilitate easier launching from a trailer. The interior experience is largely dictated by this choice, as the swing-keel trunk occupies significant space in the center of the cabin.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers should approach a Clipper Marine 1/4 Ton with the understanding that these were "budget-friendly" production boats when new. Technical areas for inspection include:

• Deck Core Integrity: The flush deck is a large expanse of balsa-cored fiberglass. Check for soft spots, particularly around the mast step and chainplates, where moisture ingress is common over five decades.
• Compression Post: The mast is deck-stepped. Inspect the compression post and the structural member beneath the floorboards for signs of rot or crushing, which can lead to rig tension issues.
• Keel Bolt/Pivot Health: For swing-keel models, the pivot pin and the cable winch system are high-wear items. In fixed-keel versions, check the keel bolts for "smile" cracks at the leading edge of the keel-to-hull joint.
• Rudder Bushings: The transom-hung or spade rudders on these models often develop "slop" or play in the bushings, which can diminish the steering precision necessary for a performance-oriented boat.

Community & Resources

Support for the 1/4 Ton is largely found within the broader Clipper Marine community. While no singular factory-backed organization exists today, technical data and owner manuals are frequently archived by the Clipper Marine Owners groups on various social and technical platforms. Because the boat was designed by William Crealock, many owners also find technical overlap and support through general Crealock design forums.

The Verdict

The Clipper Marine 1/4 Ton is a unique artifact of the 1970s racing scene—a boat that attempts to bridge the gap between a hardcore IOR racer and a weekend trailer-sailer. It is an excellent choice for the budget-conscious sailor who prioritizes performance and the ability to explore different lakes or coastal regions.

Pros:

• Performance: Exceptional light-air speed and a competitive racing pedigree.
• Transportability: Easy to trailer and launch for a boat of its length.
• Design Pedigree: Benefit of a William Crealock hull form, ensuring better-than-average balance.

Cons:

• Headroom: The flush-deck design severely limits interior vertical space.
• Age-Related Wear: Requires diligent inspection of the deck core and rig supports.
• Narrow Focus: Less "homelike" than the more cruiser-oriented Clipper 23 or 26.