Rhodes Arrowhead Information, Review, Specs

While many examples were built by enthusiasts in backyard shops, the design was also professionally produced by boutique builders like the Mallon Boat Company of Michigan. Architecturally, the Arrowhead features a V-bottom hull with a sharp entry—a characteristic that likely inspired its name—and a generous open cockpit. Despite its 21-foot length, the vessel is a dedicated daysailer; its siblings in the Rhodes portfolio, such as the Rhodes 18 and the later fiberglass Rhodes 19, share a similar philosophy of prioritizing cockpit space and ease of handling over interior accommodations.

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Arrowhead is widely regarded for its "big boat" feel within a manageable 21-foot footprint. With a 14-foot waterline and a beam of nearly 6 feet, the hull provides a stable platform that is less prone to the tender "twitchiness" found in smaller dinghies. The V-bottom design was a pragmatic choice for plywood construction, but it serves a functional purpose by providing a defined "bite" into the water, helping the boat track well when sailing upwind.

Handling is characterized by a balanced helm, provided the sail plan is properly trimmed. The original sloop rig is powerful enough to make the boat lively in light air, yet the hull's displacement—significant for a plywood boat of its era—helps it carry momentum through stays. Anecdotal accounts from vintage racing circles suggest the boat is surprisingly seaworthy for an open cockpit design, though it remains primarily a sheltered-water craft. The centerboard configuration allows for a minimum draft of roughly 6 inches with the board retracted, making it an ideal choice for "gunkholing" in shallow estuaries or beaching on sandy shores.

Popular Mentions & Media

The Arrowhead’s greatest claim to fame is its inclusion in the influential book 23 Boats You Can Build, as well as its periodic appearances in Popular Mechanics during the 1940s. These publications provided full offset tables and assembly instructions, which helped democratize sailing for a generation of post-war enthusiasts. Due to this "open-source" heritage, the Arrowhead became a common sight in regional sailing clubs across the Great Lakes and the Northeast. The Philip L. Rhodes Collection at the Mystic Seaport Museum continues to archive the original Design No. 411 plans, preserving the technical legacy of the class for modern restorers.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Because the vast majority of Arrowheads are constructed from wood (plywood over solid timber frames), the primary concern for any prospective buyer is structural integrity.

• Frame and Transom Rot: Check the intersection of the frames and the plywood skin, especially near the transom and the "turn of the bilge." Water often traps here if the boat was stored uncovered.
• Centerboard Trunk Leaks: The trunk is a common point of failure. Inspect the bedding where the trunk meets the keel; leaks here are notorious for causing localized rot that is difficult to repair.
• Delamination: Original plywood from the 1940s and 50s used adhesives that may not have been fully waterproof by modern standards. Look for "voids" or soft spots in the hull panels where the plies have separated.
• Rigging Points: Inspect the chainplates and the mast step. On amateur-built versions, these areas may lack the necessary reinforcement to handle modern high-tension lines.

Community & Resources

The most authoritative resource for technical data and original blueprints is the Mystic Seaport Museum, which maintains the official Philip L. Rhodes archives. While there is no longer a centralized racing class association for the Arrowhead, enthusiasts often congregate within broader classic boat communities such as the Antique and Classic Boat Society (ACBS). Those seeking to build or restore an Arrowhead often reference the WoodenBoat forums or technical articles for guidance on modern epoxy-encapsulation techniques to improve the longevity of the plywood hull.

The Verdict

Pros:

• Aesthetic Appeal: Features the classic, elegant sheer lines synonymous with Philip Rhodes designs.
• Shallow Draft: The centerboard design offers exceptional versatility for coastal exploring.
• Historical Significance: Owning an Arrowhead is a connection to the golden age of American amateur boatbuilding.

Cons:

• High Maintenance: As a wooden vessel, it requires consistent seasonal upkeep and indoor winter storage.
• Open Cockpit: Lack of a cabin limits its use to fair-weather daysailing.
• Variable Build Quality: Since many were home-built, the quality of construction can vary significantly between individual boats.