Windward Boatworks Butterfly Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Butterfly is defined by its scow-hull geometry—a flat-bottomed, rectangular design with a blunt bow. This shape provides exceptional initial stability compared to round-bottomed dinghies, making it a forgiving platform for novices. However, as wind speeds increase, the Butterfly transforms. Because of its light displacement-to-length ratio, the boat planes early and easily. According to technical specifications maintained by the National Butterfly Association, the boat carries 75 square feet of sail on a lateen rig, a configuration similar to the Sunfish but optimized here for the scow’s unique righting moment.

In competitive scenarios, handling the Butterfly requires a nuanced understanding of heel. Like larger scows, the Butterfly performs best when sailed with a slight heel to reduce wetted surface area, allowing the hull to "slice" rather than "push" through the water. The boat is known for being highly responsive to tiller movements and weight shifts. Its ability to be "cartopped" makes it a favorite for regatta travelers, though its performance on the water belies its small stature; in a blow, it requires active hiking and precise mainsheet trim to keep the flat bow from "digging in" to chop.

Popular Mentions & Media

The Butterfly’s cultural footprint is most visible through its vibrant racing community. It has been a staple of the National Butterfly Association since the class’s inception, with annual National Championships that draw sailors of all ages. The boat is frequently cited in sailing instructional literature as an ideal trainer because the lateen rig is less intimidating than a traditional bermudan rig, lacking a high-tension forestay or complex spreaders. It has also appeared in numerous regional Midwest publications as the "definitive lake boat," often credited with introducing thousands of youth sailors to the sport through Wisconsin and Michigan yacht club programs.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

When evaluating a used Butterfly, particularly those manufactured prior to the Windward Boatworks era, the primary concern is hull weight.

• Water Saturation (Wet Foam): Like many small dinghies of its era, the Butterfly utilizes flotation foam inside the hull. If the hull has leaks—often through the daggerboard trunk or mast step—this foam can absorb water over decades, significantly increasing the boat's weight and sluggishness.
• Mast Step Integrity: The mast step takes considerable load. Buyers should inspect the deck area around the mast hole for spiderweb crazing or soft spots, which indicate structural fatigue.
• Daggerboard Trunk: Inspect the trunk for vertical cracks. Because the boat is often sailed in shallow inland lakes, impact damage from the daggerboard hitting the bottom is common and can lead to slow leaks into the hull cavity.
• Hardware Backing: On older models, check that the hiking strap attachments and stay eye-bolts are still secure. Windward Boatworks models have improved backing, but older Barnett hulls may require retrofitting with larger washers or G10 plates to prevent pull-through.

Community & Resources

The heart of the class is the National Butterfly Association, which serves as the central hub for class rules, regatta schedules, and technical tips. For owners looking for replacement parts, sails, or restoration advice, Windward Boatworks remains the primary resource, offering everything from replacement rudders to specialized "wet foam removal" services for older hulls.

The Verdict

The Windward Boatworks Butterfly is a masterclass in functional simplicity, offering a high-performance ceiling for experts while remaining approachable for children.

Pros:

• Extremely easy to rig and transport (cartoppable).
• Active one-design class with strong resale value.
• Stable scow hull is ideal for learning but rewards technical skill in high winds.
• Simpler and often more durable than complex fractional-rigged dinghies.

Cons:

• Low boom height can be challenging for taller adult sailors.
• Vulnerable to "nose-diving" in heavy chop if weight is not kept aft.
• Older hulls are prone to water absorption if not stored properly.