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Boothbay Explorer Alden
Designer: John G. Alden & Associates  ·  Builder: Hodgdon Brothers (Usa)  ·  First built: 1971
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About the Boothbay Explorer Alden

Built by the renowned Boothbay Harbor Shipyard in Maine, the Explorer represents a classic interpretation of John Alden's traditional design philosophy. This sailboat embodies the timeless characteristics that made Alden one of America's most respected naval architects, with lines that prioritize seaworthiness and comfort over pure speed. The Explorer's design reflects Alden's signature approach to creating robust cruising vessels capable of handling challenging coastal conditions. Her moderate proportions and well-balanced sail plan make her particularly suited for coastal cruising and extended passages, where reliability trumps racing performance. The boat's construction quality benefits from Boothbay Harbor Shipyard's reputation for building substantial, long-lasting vessels using traditional methods and materials. While detailed specifications remain limited, the Explorer likely features the generous beam and comfortable accommodations typical of Alden designs from this era. Her hull form suggests good stability and load-carrying capacity, making her an attractive option for sailors seeking a traditional cruising boat with proven pedigree. The combination of Alden's design expertise and Boothbay's craftsmanship creates a sailboat that appeals to those who value classic aesthetics and dependable performance over modern racing innovations.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 58.58 ft / 17.86 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 42.00 ft / 12.80 m
Beam 15.75 ft / 4.80 m
Max Draft 6.17 ft / 1.88 m
Displacement 53,300.00 lb / 24,176 kg
Design & Construction
Hull Type Long Keel
Rigging Type Masthead Ketch
Construction FG w/balsa cored deck and coach
Designer John G. Alden & Associates
Builder Hodgdon Brothers (USA)
First Built 1971
Last Built 1974
Number Built 5
Owner Reviews

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Performance Ratios
Displacement/Length Displacement to Length ratio measures how heavy a boat is relative to its waterline length. Lower values mean a lighter, faster boat.
Under 100 — Ultralight racer100–200 — Light cruiser/racer200–300 — Moderate cruiser300–400 — Heavy cruiserOver 400 — Very heavy
321.17
Pounds/Inch Immersion Pounds per Inch Immersion (PPI) tells you how much weight is needed to sink the boat one inch. Useful for calculating how additional gear and stores affect waterline. 14.18 pounds/inch
Rig Dimensions
I (Foretriangle Height) 15.32
P (Mainsail Luff) 1,350.00 ft² / 125.42 m²
E (Mainsail Foot) John Deere
Engine & Accommodations
Fuel Capacity 400 gals / 1,514 L
Water Capacity 500 gals / 1,893 L
How It Compares

vs. Gulfstar 60, Little Harbor 57, Swan 57 Ss Ketch

This boat Similar boats
Dimensions
LOA
Boothbay Explorer Alden ★
58.6 ft
Gulfstar 60
60.5 ft
Little Harbor 57
56.7 ft
Swan 57 Ss Ketch
57.4 ft
LWL
Boothbay Explorer Alden ★
42.0 ft
Gulfstar 60
48.3 ft
Little Harbor 57
47.3 ft
Swan 57 Ss Ketch
45.8 ft
Beam
Boothbay Explorer Alden ★
15.8 ft
Gulfstar 60
16.0 ft
Little Harbor 57
16.8 ft
Swan 57 Ss Ketch
15.9 ft
Displacement
Boothbay Explorer Alden ★
53 lbs
Gulfstar 60
60 lbs
Little Harbor 57
54 lbs
Swan 57 Ss Ketch
49 lbs
Ballast
Boothbay Explorer Alden ★
Gulfstar 60
17 lbs
Little Harbor 57
22 lbs
Swan 57 Ss Ketch
18 lbs
Sail Area
Boothbay Explorer Alden ★
Gulfstar 60
Little Harbor 57
1 sq ft
Swan 57 Ss Ketch
1 sq ft
Performance
SA / Displacement (higher = more powerful)
Boothbay Explorer Alden ★
Gulfstar 60
Little Harbor 57
17.9
Swan 57 Ss Ketch
18.8
Comfort Ratio (higher = more comfortable offshore)
Boothbay Explorer Alden ★
Gulfstar 60
Little Harbor 57
39.1
Swan 57 Ss Ketch
39.2
Capsize Screening (lower = safer)
Boothbay Explorer Alden ★
Gulfstar 60
Little Harbor 57
1.78
Swan 57 Ss Ketch
1.73
Displacement / Length (lower = lighter)
Boothbay Explorer Alden ★
321
Gulfstar 60
237
Little Harbor 57
Swan 57 Ss Ketch
Hull Speed
Boothbay Explorer Alden ★
Gulfstar 60
Little Harbor 57
9.2 kts
Swan 57 Ss Ketch
9.1 kts
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