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Swampscott One Design Dory
Designer: George L. Chaisson  ·  Builder: George L. Chaisson  ·  First built: 1915
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About the Swampscott One Design Dory

Dating back to 1915, this classic New England design by George L. Chaisson represents one of America's enduring small boat traditions. Built originally in Swampscott, Massachusetts, this 21-foot wooden dory combines the seaworthiness of traditional fishing boats with the performance characteristics needed for spirited one-design racing. The gaff-rigged sloop configuration delivers 216 square feet of working sail area, providing excellent power in light to moderate conditions while remaining manageable for small crews. Despite its modest 6-foot beam, the design carries 300 pounds of ballast in its 1,100-pound displacement, contributing to stable sailing characteristics that made it popular among yacht clubs seeking an affordable racing class. The fin keel and spade rudder arrangement offers responsive handling, while the relatively high sail area to displacement ratio of 32.49 ensures spirited performance in typical New England coastal conditions. With a comfort ratio of 9.29, this boat excels in protected waters and near-shore sailing rather than extended offshore passages. Modern sailors appreciate the Swampscott One Design for daysailing, club racing, and as an introduction to traditional gaff rig seamanship. Its wooden construction demands regular maintenance but rewards owners with classic yacht aesthetics and the satisfaction of preserving maritime heritage.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 21.00 ft / 6.40 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 15.00 ft / 4.57 m
Beam 6.00 ft / 1.83 m
Max Draft 3.00 ft / 0.91 m
Displacement 1,100.00 lb / 499 kg
Ballast 300.00 lb / 136 kg
Ballast Type Lead
Sail Area (Reported) 216.00 ft² / 20.07 m²
Design & Construction
Hull Type Fin w/spade rudder
Rigging Type Gaffhead Sloop
Construction Wood
Designer George L. Chaisson
Builder George L. Chaisson
First Built 1915
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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
 32.49
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
 27.27
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
 145.5
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
 9.29
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
 2.33
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. 5.19 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. 321.58 pounds/inch
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