Laurent Giles Jolly Boat Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

On the water, the Jolly Boat is characterized by a "big boat" feel, owing to its significant displacement of approximately 0.44 tons and a ballast-heavy configuration. Unlike the planing-hull Jollyboat designed by Uffa Fox, the Laurent Giles version is a displacement-oriented craft designed for "sea-kindliness" and safety. The use of a steel centerplate provides a low center of gravity, which, combined with a wide 6' 2" beam, results in exceptional initial stability. This makes it an ideal platform for novice sailors or those navigating the choppy tidal waters of the English coast.

The rig options—primarily a gaff yawl (often referred to as a ketch because the mizzen mast is stepped forward of the rudder) or a gaff sloop—allow for a high degree of sail-handling flexibility. The ketch rig, featuring a gaff mainsail, a balanced lug mizzen, and a jib on a bowsprit, allows the boat to be balanced easily under various wind conditions. According to the Laurent Giles Archive, the total sail area of 150 square feet provides enough power to move the heavy hull at a respectable clip in light airs, while the ability to drop the mainsail and sail under "jib and jigger" (mizzen and jib) provides a safe, manageable configuration when the wind picks up.

Popular Mentions & Media

The Laurent Giles Jolly Boat holds a specialized niche in the wooden boat community and has been featured as a quintessential example of modern-classic dayboat design. Classic Boat Magazine has historically highlighted the model as a "pretty" and functional dinghy cruiser, noting its popularity in classic rallies and its frequent appearances in traditional sailing hubs like the River Dart. Because it was designed as a stock plan for home builders, there is a global "fleet" of unique builds, with over 139 plywood versions registered by the designers as of late 2019.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

When inspecting a pre-owned Jolly Boat, the checklist varies significantly between the home-built plywood versions and the professional GRP builds.

• Plywood Integrity: For wooden hulls, pay close attention to the lapstrake joins (lands). Freshwater trapped in these joints can lead to rot, particularly near the stem and the transom.
• Centerboard Trunk: The centerboard is often a heavy steel plate. Check the trunk for leaks and the lifting mechanism for corrosion. A seized centerboard can be a major repair on a boat this size.
• Bowsprit and Spars: The gaff rig involves several wooden spars. Inspect the bowsprit and the gaff jaws for horizontal cracking or signs of "softness" where water may have penetrated the varnish.
• Weight Considerations: At nearly 400kg (without gear), this is a heavy boat to recover. Buyers should ensure the trailer is a "break-back" or high-quality winch model, as manual recovery on a steep slipway can be strenuous.

Community & Resources

Owners and prospective builders are best served by the Laurent Giles Archive, which maintains the original design drawings, study notes, and a register of known hulls. For those interested in racing or showing their boats alongside other vintage designs, the Classic & Vintage Racing Dinghy Association (CVRDA) is the primary organization that recognizes the Jolly Boat, particularly for its heritage and craftsmanship.

The Verdict

The Laurent Giles Jolly Boat is a refined choice for the sailor who values traditional aesthetics and safety over raw speed. It is a "purpose-built" family cruiser that offers the charm of a classic wooden boat with the benefit of a well-engineered, modern hull form.

Pros:

• Excellent stability and high freeboard, making it safe for children and pets.
• Versatile sail plan (Ketch/Yawl) allows for easy depowering in heavy weather.
• Strong community support and availability of original plans for restoration.

Cons:

• Considerably heavier than modern dinghies of the same length, requiring a robust trailer.
• Higher maintenance requirements for the plywood versions compared to modern GRP dayboats.
• Lack of planing performance; not suitable for those seeking a competitive racing dinghy.