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Mc Scow
Designer: Melges/Johnson  ·  Builder: Melges Performance Sailboats  ·  First built: 1956
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About the Mc Scow

Developed as part of the inland scow sailing tradition, this distinctive flat-bottomed design represents a classic approach to shallow-water racing and recreational sailing. Mc Scows embody the characteristic traits that made scow-type sailboats popular across America's lakes and inland waters throughout the mid-20th century. Built for speed and agility in protected waters, these boats feature the signature scow hull form with a wide, flat bottom and hard chines that provide exceptional initial stability and the ability to sail in very shallow depths. This design philosophy prioritizes performance in light to moderate conditions while offering forgiving handling characteristics that appeal to both competitive sailors and weekend enthusiasts. The boat's construction typically emphasizes simplicity and accessibility, making it an attractive option for sailors seeking straightforward maintenance and operation. Like other scow designs, the Mc Scow excels in lake sailing environments where its shallow draft and responsive handling can be fully appreciated. While detailed specifications remain limited, the design's place within the broader scow family suggests a focus on one-design racing potential combined with recreational versatility. For sailors interested in traditional American sailing craft with proven performance in inland waters, this represents an intriguing option worth further investigation.

Market Price Estimate Beta
Small sample size. This estimate is based on fewer than 5 listings and may not be representative of the true market. Use with caution.
$2,500 – $2,500
typical asking price
Median $2,500  ·  1 listing used
All listings
$2,500 – $2,500 1
Rate a listing price
$
About this estimate
  • Prices are based on recent asking prices from public listings — not actual sale prices, which are typically lower.
  • Condition is not factored in. A well-maintained boat with new sails and engine can be worth significantly more than a project boat of the same model.
  • Location affects price. Boats in landlocked states or areas with fewer buyers often sell for less than those on the coast.
  • Year of manufacture is not filtered. Older examples of this model will generally be priced lower than newer ones.
  • Included equipment varies widely. A boat with a full suite of electronics, dodger, and new standing rigging may command a large premium.
  • Outliers are automatically excluded using statistical filtering to improve accuracy, but some bad data may remain.
Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 16.00 ft / 4.88 m
Beam 5.67 ft / 1.73 m
Displacement 420.00 lb / 191 kg
Sail Area (Reported) 135.00 ft² / 12.54 m²
Design & Construction
Hull Type Scow Twin Cbrd.
Rigging Type Cat (Marconi)
Construction FG
Designer Melges/Johnson
Builder Melges Performance Sailboats
First Built 1956
Related Sailboats M 16 Scow · Fireball · Hornet · Contender · Isotope
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
38.56
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
3.03
How It Compares

vs. Contender, Fireball, Hornet, Isotope, M 16 Scow

This boat Similar boats
Dimensions
LOA
Mc Scow ★
16.0 ft
Contender
16.0 ft
Fireball
16.2 ft
Hornet
16.0 ft
Isotope
16.0 ft
M 16 Scow
16.0 ft
LWL
Mc Scow ★
Contender
15.0 ft
Fireball
13.3 ft
Hornet
15.0 ft
Isotope
M 16 Scow
Beam
Mc Scow ★
5.7 ft
Contender
4.7 ft
Fireball
4.4 ft
Hornet
4.6 ft
Isotope
7.5 ft
M 16 Scow
5.8 ft
Displacement
Mc Scow ★
420 lbs
Contender
230 lbs
Fireball
170 lbs
Hornet
300 lbs
Isotope
275 lbs
M 16 Scow
440 lbs
Sail Area
Mc Scow ★
135 sq ft
Contender
120 sq ft
Fireball
123 sq ft
Hornet
Isotope
185 sq ft
M 16 Scow
147 sq ft
Performance
SA / Displacement (higher = more powerful)
Mc Scow ★
38.6
Contender
51.2
Fireball
64.2
Hornet
Isotope
70.1
M 16 Scow
40.7
Comfort Ratio (higher = more comfortable offshore)
Mc Scow ★
Contender
3.0
Fireball
2.6
Hornet
4.0
Isotope
M 16 Scow
Capsize Screening (lower = safer)
Mc Scow ★
3.03
Contender
3.05
Fireball
3.19
Hornet
2.74
Isotope
M 16 Scow
3.05
Hull Speed
Mc Scow ★
Contender
5.2 kts
Fireball
4.9 kts
Hornet
5.2 kts
Isotope
M 16 Scow
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