Silhouette Mk II Information, Review, Specs

The lineage of the Silhouette is extensive, spanning five distinct iterations. The Mk I was the original plywood model, while the Mk II popularized the fiberglass hull. Subsequent variants included the Mk III, which featured a revised cabin profile for improved headroom, and the Mk IV and Mk V, which refined the interior layout and rig as production continued into the late 1960s. Despite these evolutions, the Mk II remains the most historically significant, as it proved that a boat under 18 feet could be a legitimate coastal cruiser rather than a mere dayboat.

Sailing Performance & Handling

Under sail, the Silhouette Mk II behaves with the characteristic stiffness of a heavy-displacement pocket cruiser. With a ballast ratio often exceeding 40%, the boat is remarkably difficult to capsize, a trait that earned it a reputation for being "overbuilt" for its size. Most Mk IIs were configured with bilge keels, a design choice necessitated by the tidal harbors of the United Kingdom, allowing the boat to sit upright on the sand at low tide. This configuration sacrifices some windward performance compared to the rarer fin-keel versions, but it provides a stable, predictable motion in a seaway.

The rig is typically a simple masthead sloop, easily managed by a single-handed sailor. Handling is characterized by a heavy feel on the tiller; the boat lacks the "dinghy-like" acceleration of modern light-displacement cruisers, instead relying on its momentum to punch through chop. According to historical technical notes from the Silhouette Owners International Association, the boat performs best in a stiff breeze (Force 4 or 5), where its weight provides a sense of security that many contemporary 17-footers lack. However, in light airs, the significant wetted surface area of the bilge keels can make progress sluggish, often requiring the use of a small outboard motor (typically 2 to 5 horsepower) mounted on a transom bracket.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The interior of the Silhouette Mk II is a masterclass in minimalist space management. Given its 17-foot length, the cabin is primarily designed for sitting and sleeping. It features two full-length "v-berths" that extend forward, with some owners utilizing a bridge piece to create a larger double. The Mk II’s cabin trunk is relatively low, maintaining a sleek profile but limiting headroom to a "sitting-only" capacity.

Storage is found beneath the berths and in small lockers, though the lack of a dedicated galley or head compartment means that most cooking is done on a portable gimballed stove, and a chemical toilet is typically stowed under the forward cushions. The materials in original Hurley builds were robust, often featuring mahogany trim against a white gelcoat liner. In the later Mk III and Mk IV siblings, the "doghouse" or cabin top was raised significantly, which improved interior volume but altered the classic aesthetics that many Silhouette enthusiasts prefer in the Mk II.

Popular Mentions & Media

The Silhouette’s most famous endorsement came from the legendary sailor Sir Francis Chichester, who owned a Silhouette named Gipsy Moth II. While he is best known for his solo circumnavigation in the much larger Gipsy Moth IV, his ownership of a Silhouette helped cement the model's status as a "real" yacht in the eyes of the British public. The boat was also featured in various instructional films and books during the 1960s as the quintessential entry-level cruiser for the post-war middle class.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Purchasing a Silhouette Mk II today requires a focus on structural longevity, as many of these vessels are now over 60 years old.

• Deck Delamination: Early Hurley fiberglass construction occasionally used plywood or balsa cores in the deck for stiffness. If water has penetrated the chainplates or deck hardware fittings, the core can rot, leading to "soft spots" or flexing when walked upon.
• Keel Bolt Integrity: On bilge-keel models, the keel bolts and the internal glass reinforcement around the keel stubs should be inspected for stress cracks. Decades of "drying out" on hard sand can put significant lateral stress on the hull-to-keel joints.
• Chainplate Corrosion: The original stainless steel chainplates are often undersized by modern standards. Given their age, crevice corrosion is a common "gotcha" that can lead to rig failure if not replaced.
• Window Leaks: The rubber gaskets used for the Mk II’s portholes are prone to perishing. If the cabin sole shows signs of persistent dampness or staining, it is likely that the windows require re-sealing or replacement with modern acrylic panels.

Community & Resources

The primary repository for technical knowledge and historical documentation is the Silhouette Owners International Association. This organization maintains an archive of original Robert Tucker blueprints and Hurley Marine brochures, providing essential support for owners undertaking restorations.

The Verdict

The Silhouette Mk II is an iconic piece of maritime history that remains a viable option for those seeking a "character boat" with genuine coastal capability. While it lacks the speed and interior volume of modern 20-footers, its ruggedness and ease of maintenance make it an ideal project for a traditionalist.

Pros:

• Extremely stable and seaworthy for its size.
• Bilge keels allow for "drying out" and low-cost mooring in tidal areas.
• Classic, attractive lines that draw attention in any harbor.
• Strong community support and historical pedigree.

Cons:

• Limited interior headroom and lack of modern amenities.
• Sluggish performance in light winds.
• Requires careful inspection of deck cores and keel attachments due to age.