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Doughdish
Designer: Nathanael Herreshoff  ·  Builder: Doughdish Inc. (Usa)  ·  First built: 1972
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About the Doughdish

Designed by the legendary Nathanael Herreshoff, this compact 15.83-foot sailboat represents classic American small boat design at its finest. Built by Doughdish Inc. from 1972 onward, with 100 hulls constructed, the Doughdish embodies traditional sailing characteristics through its gaffhead sloop rig and long keel configuration with transom-hung rudder. The boat's substantial displacement of 1,500 pounds, nearly half of which is ballast, creates exceptional stability for its size. This weight distribution, combined with a comfort ratio of 16.39, makes the Doughdish remarkably seaworthy for coastal cruising and day sailing. The traditional long keel provides excellent directional stability and predictable handling characteristics that novice sailors will appreciate. With 140 square feet of sail area and a hull speed of 4.74 knots, the Doughdish prioritizes comfort and safety over speed. The capsize screening formula of 2.04 indicates good stability, while the wood and fiberglass construction offers both traditional aesthetics and practical durability. This design excels as a protected waters cruiser and sailing trainer, where its forgiving nature and Herreshoff pedigree shine. The gaff rig adds character while remaining manageable for single-handed sailing.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 15.83 ft / 4.82 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 12.50 ft / 3.81 m
Beam 5.83 ft / 1.78 m
Max Draft 2.50 ft / 0.76 m
Displacement 1,500.00 lb / 680 kg
Ballast 735.00 lb / 333 kg
Sail Area (Reported) 140.00 ft² / 13.01 m²
Design & Construction
Hull Type Long keel w/trans. hung rudder
Rigging Type Gaffhead Sloop
Construction Wood/FG
Designer Nathanael Herreshoff
Builder Doughdish Inc. (USA)
First Built 1972
Number Built 100
Owner Reviews

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Performance Ratios
SA/Displacement Sail Area to Displacement ratio measures how much sail power a boat has relative to its weight. Higher values mean more performance and speed.
Under 14 — Heavy cruiser, slow14–18 — Cruising sailboat18–22 — Cruiser/racerOver 22 — Performance racer
 17.13
Ballast/Displacement Ballast to Displacement ratio shows what percentage of the boat's total weight is ballast. Higher values generally mean better initial stability and stiffer sail carrying.
30–35% — Typical cruiser35–45% — Stiff performance boatOver 45% — Racing oriented
 49
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
 342.86
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
 16.39
Capsize Screening Formula The USHS Capsize Screening Formula estimates offshore capsize risk. Lower is safer — values under 2.0 are considered acceptable for offshore sailing.
Under 2.0 — Safe for offshore2.0–2.2 — Borderline offshoreOver 2.2 — Coastal use recommended
 2.04
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. 4.74 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. 260.39 pounds/inch
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