BLUENOSE
Specifications
Hull
| LOA | 23.42 ft |
| LWL | 16 ft |
| Beam | 6.25 ft |
| Draft | 3.67 ft |
| Displacement | 2,050 lb |
| Ballast | 799.9 lb |
| Hull speed1.34·√LWL | 5.4 kn |
Rig & Sails
| Iforetriangle height | 20 ft |
| Jforetriangle base | 6.8 ft |
| Pmainsail luff | 26.3 ft |
| Emainsail foot | 12 ft |
| FLforestay | 6.8 ft |
| Mainsail | 238.4 sq ft |
| Jib (100%) | 68 sq ft |
| Spinnaker | 115.6 sq ft |
About the BLUENOSE
Beginning in 1946, the first 77 boats were built of wood (most by Barkhouse Boatyard Ltd. of Nova Scotia). The designer, W. J. Roue, granted McVay the rights to build the boat in fiberglass which began in 1960 and continued until 1972. The fiberglass version was given a small cuddy immediately behind the mast. A few keel/cb versions were built. A later builder (2010) is Herring Cove Marine. Herring Cove appears to have gone out of business by 2018. Snyder’s Shipyard is now the exclusive authorized builder for new construction of the Bluenose Sloop. Today, an active one-design fleet and class association is maintained and managed for members of Chester YC in Chester, Nova Scotia, Canada. Thanks to Jack Gutter, BLUENOSE owner and boat historian, for updated information. Thanks to Adam Hunt for the photo of the Bluenose "Moon Beam" out sailing. Additional thanks to "Moon Beam" owner Tony Latus for the photo of the boat on a trailer. Current builder (2018) Snyders Shipyard 13617 Highway 3 Dayspring, NS B4V 5P2 902-543-8323 Home
The Blue Nose is a classic 23.42 ft fractional sloop designed by W. J. Roué and built by McVay Fiberglass Yachts in Canada. With a production run of 180 hulls completed in 1946, this vessel represents a specific era of early fiberglass construction.
- Best for:
- This boat is best suited for coastal cruising and day sailing, given its compact 23.42 ft LOA and light 2050.0 lb displacement. Its manageable size and fractional rig make it accessible for single-handers or couples seeking a low-maintenance trailerable cruiser.
- Bluewater capability:
- With a low displacement of 2050.0 lb and a capsize ratio of 1.97, the Blue Nose is not designed for extended bluewater passages. Its light weight and short 16.0 ft LWL suggest it is best kept to protected coastal waters rather than open ocean voyaging.
- Comparables:
- Comparable vessels include other early 1940s-1950s trailerable sloops such as the Pearson 22 or O'Day 22, which share similar dimensions and roles. These boats are comparable due to their similar beam (around 6.25 ft) and focus on ease of handling and storage.
Performance
Pricing
We don't have market pricing data for the BLUENOSE yet. If you own one, help other buyers — what did you pay for it? Reports build a community price estimate over time.
Estimated Cost of Ownership
Based on 23.42ft LOA. Actual costs vary by condition, usage, and local rates.
Known Issues & Pre-Purchase Inspection
1 reported issues across 1 systems for the BLUENOSE, compiled from owner reports in sailing forums and owner-association material.
Unlock the full inspection report
Thinking of buying a BLUENOSE? This is an in-depth report on the faults this model is known for — so you know exactly what to check when you walk the boat. For the price of a coffee.
- ✓ All 1 specific issues — severity, symptoms & fixes
- ✓ Model-specific pre-purchase inspection checklist
- ✓ Downloadable PDF to take to your surveyor — yours to keep
One-time $2.99 · secure checkout by Stripe · instant access · 30 days online, PDF yours to keep
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