Rhodes 19 CB Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Rhodes 19 CB is celebrated for its balanced helm and surprising agility for a boat of its era. Unlike many modern sportboats that rely on extreme beam and flat sections to plane, the Rhodes 19 utilizes a more traditional, sea-kindly hull form that provides a predictable motion in choppy water. The centerboard version draws only 10 inches with the board up, allowing it to be easily trailered and launched from a ramp—a significant advantage over its fixed-keel sibling. With the heavy cast-iron centerboard lowered to its full 4'11" draft, the boat gains the lateral resistance necessary for crisp upwind performance.

While the boat is technically a displacement hull, experienced racers often find that the Rhodes 19 can achieve a semi-planing state when reaching in heavy air. Its sail area-to-displacement ratio is high enough to make it a lively performer in light winds, yet the hull's generous 7-foot beam provides sufficient form stability to handle a stiff breeze. According to technical specifications maintained by the National Rhodes 19 Class Association, the boat's handling remains consistent across generations, which is why it remains a staple of community sailing programs and prestigious yacht club fleets alike.

The Rhodes 19 hull served as the foundational platform for several "sibling" models. Most notably, the O'Day Mariner uses the exact same hull mold but incorporates a small cabin and a different deck layout to provide overnighting capabilities. The Rhodes 19 itself is also produced as a fixed-keel model, which carries a 1,050-pound lead keel and is favored for its "set it and forget it" stability in deeper-water racing venues.

Popular Mentions & Media

The Rhodes 19 occupies a significant place in the history of American yachting, often cited as the vessel that helped democratize sailing during the fiberglass revolution of the late 1950s. It has been a featured class in the prestigious Helly Hansen Sailing World Regatta Series and is frequently highlighted in editorial retrospectives by Sail Magazine as a quintessential "classic" that remains relevant today. Its cultural footprint is most visible in its robust racing circuit, which includes dedicated fleets from Maine to New Orleans, cementing its status as a design that transcends regional trends.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

When inspecting a used Rhodes 19 CB, particularly those built by O'Day in the 1960s and 70s, several technical areas require scrutiny:

• Centerboard Trunk and Pin: The most common "gotcha" on the CB model is the centerboard pivot pin and the trunk itself. Over time, the pin can wear the hole in the board or the trunk, leading to "clunking" or, in extreme cases, leaks. Inspect the fiberglass around the pivot point for stress cracks.
• Foam Flotation Saturation: Older O'Day models utilized blocks of foam for positive buoyancy. If the hull has had persistent leaks or was stored uncovered, this foam can become waterlogged, significantly increasing the boat's weight and ruining its performance.
• Mast Step Compression: The mast is deck-stepped and relies on a support post or reinforced bulkhead. Ensure there is no "crowning" or depression in the deck around the mast step, which indicates structural fatigue.
• Cockpit Sole Delamination: The large open cockpit is prone to soft spots if the balsa or plywood core has been compromised by improperly sealed hardware or prolonged standing water.

Community & Resources

The longevity of the Rhodes 19 is largely due to its exceptionally organized class structure. The National Rhodes 19 Class Association provides a wealth of technical data, tuning guides, and a registry of hull numbers. For those seeking new parts or professional restorations, Stuart Marine remains the primary authority and current builder, offering everything from replacement rudders to brand-new hulls built to the original specifications.

The Verdict

The Rhodes 19 CB is an ideal choice for the purist who values design pedigree and class community over modern "point-and-shoot" dinghies. While it lacks the interior amenities of a cruiser, its versatility as a shallow-water explorer and a serious racing machine is nearly unmatched in the 19-foot category.

Pros:

• Exceptional Versatility: The 10-inch "board up" draft allows for beaching and easy trailering.
• Strict One-Design: High resale value and a level playing field for racers of all budgets.
• Timeless Aesthetics: A "proper" looking boat with graceful lines that never go out of style.

Cons:

• Centerboard Maintenance: More mechanical complexity than the fixed-keel version.
• Wet in a Blow: The low freeboard and open cockpit can lead to a damp ride in heavy chop.
• Limited Storage: Minimal space for gear compared to cabin-equipped siblings like the Mariner.