BUZZARDS BAY 15
Specifications
Hull
| LOA | 24.5 ft |
| LWL | 15 ft |
| Beam | 6.67 ft |
| Draft | 5 ft/ 2.33 ft min |
| Displacement | 2,432 lb |
| Ballast | 1,000 lb |
| Hull speed1.34·√LWL | 5.2 kn |
About the BUZZARDS BAY 15
The first 11 were built for members of Beverly Yacht Club, MA (USA). There were four fixed keel Buzzards Bay 15 footers with a draft of 3′ 4.5″. Another version of the Herreshoff 15 was called the NEWPORT 15 (1899), but with the deadwood and ballast lowered by 6″, making the draft 2′ 10″. Also the Watch Hill 15 (1922) and Cape Cod 15, updated by Sidney Herreshoff. Thanks to Jim Reineck for providing corrected information. According to him, over 30 of the original boats survived the 20th century, with more than 50 replicas (in fiberglass and wood).
The Buzzards Bay 15 is a historic gaffhead sloop designed by Nathaniel Herreshoff and built by Herreshoff Mfg. Co. between 1899 and 1928, with a total production run of 92 hulls. This data-driven synthesis reflects owner reports and listings for this specific vintage class, noting that no structural defects were detected in the analyzed corpus.
- Best for:
- This boat is best suited for coastal cruising and daysailing enthusiasts who appreciate classic Herreshoff design and traditional sailing experiences. Its manageable size and gaff rig make it accessible for single-handers or small crews seeking a low-maintenance, historic vessel.
- Bluewater capability:
- With a displacement of 2432.0 lb and a capsize ratio of 1.99, the Buzzards Bay 15 is not designed for offshore bluewater cruising but is well-suited for protected coastal waters and bay sailing.
- Comparables:
- Comparable vessels include other Herreshoff-designed daysailers and small coastal cruisers from the early 20th century, such as the Herreshoff 12.5 or similar gaff-rigged sloops of the era. These boats share similar displacement characteristics and traditional construction methods, appealing to collectors and purists.
Performance
Images
Market Price
Estimated Cost of Ownership
Based on 24.5ft LOA. Actual costs vary by condition, usage, and local rates.
Known Issues & Pre-Purchase Inspection
We don't have enough data on the BUZZARDS BAY 15yet to publish model-specific findings we'd stand behind — but here's a free general inspection checklist, built from our research into what actually goes wrong on boats of this kind.
Drawn from 7,029 documented issues across 2,391 models, ordered so the areas that most often turn up problems come first.
Own a BUZZARDS BAY 15? Reports from owners are what turn this into a model-specific checklist — and they're the reason the boats above it have one.
Similar Sailboats
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Used sails that fit the BUZZARDS BAY 15
Checking eBay for sails sized to this boat's rig…