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C Scow
Designer: J.o. Johnson  ·  Builder: Johnson Boatworks (Usa)  ·  First built: 1905
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About the C Scow

Designed by J.O. Johnson in 1905, this distinctive scow represents over a century of refined inland sailing excellence. The twin centerboard configuration and characteristic scow hull form deliver exceptional shallow-water performance, making this design particularly well-suited for lake sailing and protected waters where traditional keelboats would struggle. At 20 feet overall with a 7-foot beam, the C Scow strikes an ideal balance between manageable size and spirited performance. The cat-rigged Marconi sail plan provides 216 square feet of working sail area, generating impressive power from the relatively lightweight 650-pound displacement. This combination results in a remarkably responsive boat that rewards skilled helmsmanship while remaining accessible to developing sailors. The scow's flat-bottomed hull form and twin centerboards create a unique sailing experience characterized by quick acceleration and nimble handling. Originally built in wood by Johnson Boatworks, modern versions utilize fiberglass construction while maintaining the classic performance characteristics that have made this design a favorite among one-design racing fleets across the Midwest. With its shallow 3.30-foot draft, the C Scow excels in waters where deeper boats cannot venture, opening up extensive cruising grounds on inland lakes and shallow coastal areas. The design's enduring popularity speaks to its successful blend of performance, practicality, and pure sailing enjoyment.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 20.00 ft / 6.10 m
Beam 7.00 ft / 2.13 m
Max Draft 3.30 ft / 1.01 m
Min Draft 0.20 ft / 0.06 m
Displacement 650.00 lb / 295 kg
Sail Area (Reported) 216.00 ft² / 20.07 m²
Design & Construction
Hull Type Scow Twin Cbrd.
Rigging Type Cat (Marconi)
Construction FG or Wood
Designer J.O. Johnson
Builder Johnson Boatworks (USA)
First Built 1905
Associations C Scow Association (USA)
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
59.06
Comfort Ratio Ted Brewer's Comfort Ratio predicts how comfortable a boat will feel in offshore conditions. Higher values mean a steadier, more comfortable motion in a seaway.
Under 20 — Uncomfortably rough20–30 — Acceptable coastal30–40 — Good offshore comfortOver 40 — Very comfortable offshore
4.17
Hull Speed Hull Speed is the theoretical maximum speed of a displacement hull, calculated from waterline length. Most cruising sailboats reach this speed in moderate conditions. 5.52 kn
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. 2.55 pounds/inch
SA/Displacement (Calc) Calculated Sail Area to Displacement ratio using actual measured sail dimensions rather than reported values. More precise than the reported SA/Disp figure. 46.13
Rig Dimensions
P (Mainsail Luff) 27.00 ft / 8.23 m
E (Mainsail Foot) 16.00 ft / 4.88 m
SA Main 216.00 ft² / 20.07 m²
SA Total (100%) 216.00 ft² / 20.07 m²
How It Compares

vs. Flying Dutchman, Flying Fifteen, Highlander

This boat Similar boats
Dimensions
LOA
C Scow ★
20.0 ft
Flying Dutchman
20.0 ft
Flying Fifteen
20.0 ft
Highlander
20.0 ft
LWL
C Scow ★
Flying Dutchman
Flying Fifteen
15.0 ft
Highlander
19.7 ft
Beam
C Scow ★
7.0 ft
Flying Dutchman
5.9 ft
Flying Fifteen
7.0 ft
Highlander
6.7 ft
Displacement
C Scow ★
650 lbs
Flying Dutchman
287 lbs
Flying Fifteen
725 lbs
Highlander
830 lbs
Sail Area
C Scow ★
216 sq ft
Flying Dutchman
Flying Fifteen
142 sq ft
Highlander
225 sq ft
Performance
SA / Displacement (higher = more powerful)
C Scow ★
Flying Dutchman
Flying Fifteen
28.2
Highlander
40.8
Comfort Ratio (higher = more comfortable offshore)
C Scow ★
4.2
Flying Dutchman
2.3
Flying Fifteen
5.1
Highlander
5.2
Capsize Screening (lower = safer)
C Scow ★
Flying Dutchman
Flying Fifteen
3.12
Highlander
2.84
Displacement / Length (lower = lighter)
C Scow ★
59
Flying Dutchman
26
Flying Fifteen
95
Highlander
Hull Speed
C Scow ★
5.5 kts
Flying Dutchman
5.5 kts
Flying Fifteen
5.2 kts
Highlander
5.9 kts
Speed Number (higher = faster)
C Scow ★
Flying Dutchman
Flying Fifteen
6.0
Highlander
9.5
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