Though W.D. Schock is perhaps more famous for the Lido 14, the Metcalf was a critical precursor that helped establish the builder’s reputation for quality small craft. Between its introduction around 1960 and the end of its production run, approximately 450 units were completed. It remains a fixture in vintage dinghy regattas and is prized by collectors for its clean lines and pedigree design.
Sailing Performance & Handling
The Metcalf is defined by its planing hull and simple cat rig, a combination that makes it exceptionally lively in Southern California’s typical light-to-moderate breezes. With a displacement of only 130 pounds, the boat has a high power-to-weight ratio, allowing it to accelerate quickly and reach planing speeds with relative ease. The 93-square-foot mainsail provides ample drive for a single sailor or a pair of junior racers.
Unlike the more stable and heavy-set "Lehman" dinghies of the same era, the Metcalf requires active weight management. According to historical class descriptions found in "The Sailboat Classes of North America," the boat features a raked stem and a plumb transom that allow it to track cleanly while minimizing drag. Its 3-foot draft with the daggerboard down provides excellent upwind pointing ability, though the boat's lightness makes it sensitive to over-trimming. Sailors often describe the Metcalf as "sensitive" but "rewarding," offering a purist sailing experience that rewards technical finesse over brute strength.
Popular Mentions & Media
The Metcalf’s cultural footprint is deeply rooted in the elite sailing circles of Newport Beach. It was the primary trainer for many of the world’s most famous sailors who came through the Newport Harbor Yacht Club (NHYC) junior programs. Its association with NHYC is so strong that the model is frequently mentioned in historical retrospectives of Southern California yachting culture. While it has not been a "movie boat," its presence in regional sailing literature and vintage photography highlights its role in the "Fiberglass Revolution" of the early 1960s.
Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist
Because the Metcalf was built during the early years of fiberglass production, potential buyers should focus on the structural integrity of the laminate and the wood-to-glass bonds.
- Centerboard Trunk Fatigue: The lateral stress of the 3-foot daggerboard can lead to stress cracking or delamination around the base of the trunk. Inspect this area for weeping or soft spots in the floor.
- Deck-to-Hull Joint: Many early Metcalfs featured wood trim or rub rails. Over decades, water can seep behind these wooden elements, leading to "crevice corrosion" in fasteners or rot that migrates into the fiberglass lip.
- Mast Step Compression: The cat rig puts significant downward pressure on the mast step. On older boats, the supporting structure beneath the step can compress, leading to a change in rig tension and potential deck sagging.
- Rigging Hardware: Early models used proprietary hardware or early-generation anodized aluminum spars. Buyers should check the mast and boom for signs of pitting or electrolysis, especially near stainless steel fittings.
Community & Resources
The primary home for the Metcalf remains the Newport Harbor Yacht Club and its associated fleets. While the Metcalf no longer maintains a formal national class association, technical support and historical data are often found through the W.D. Schock Corp heritage pages, which continue to track the history of their legacy models. Enthusiasts also gather within the broader "Small Boat" and "Vintage Dinghy" sections of major sailing forums to exchange restoration tips for Lapworth-designed boats.
The Verdict
The Schock Metcalf is a sophisticated piece of maritime history, offering a level of performance that belies its 60-year-old design. It is an ideal choice for the purist who appreciates the architectural heritage of Bill Lapworth and wants a lightweight, responsive dinghy for lake or harbor sailing.
Pros
- Exceptional Pedigree: Designed by C. William Lapworth and built by the legendary Bill Schock.
- High Performance: Extremely light and quick to plane, offering a more athletic experience than a standard trainer.
- Ease of Transport: At 130 pounds, the hull can be easily trailered or even car-topped by a determined duo.
Cons
- Age-Related Wear: Most hulls require significant restoration to address gelcoat crazing and structural fatigue.
- Limited Stability: Not a "family boat" in the traditional sense; it is a performance dinghy that requires active hiking and balance.
- Sparse Parts Availability: Original hardware and specific rigging components are no longer in production, necessitating custom solutions for repairs.
