Buzzards Bay 14

[ghunt]

Am considering buying a cedar on oak Buzzards Bay 14 built by apprentices at the Eastern Maine Tech School (about 15-20 years ago). Anybody have experience with sailing a BB 14? Gaff or Marconi? (preferences, observations). Marconi drawing by Francis H. has same sail area as H 12 1/2 --underpowered? How does this boat handle in typical summer 20 knots SW? Is this a wet boat? Weather helm? Any auxiliary power? (I know OB bracket is ugly, but I can't visualize moving this full keel one ton with 9 ft oars). Any design concerns or rig set-ups that you would point out? Much obliged.

[Zane Lewis]

Hi,
Back in 1982 when I was about 12 my Dad had a H14 about 17'3" built. Cold molded lots of stringers. A small cuddy with two bunks and 9ft of cockpit. A boom tent to give us cooking and lounging room.

A very stiff alloy rig (Probably too stiff but did allow good rig tension) Bemudin main, self tacking jig and overlapping genoa. Also a vang on the main boom, great when off wind and to control the low aspect ratio main.

We where impressed with her sailing ability, would bet most local trailer yachts up to 22ft (excluding high performance and sport boats)High ballast ratio and low sitting position helped. At her best in under 5knts and over 15knts.

We used a pair of 7ft oars with rolick blocks on the coaming and rowed standing up facing forwards. If trying to go against a strong current in no wind we would normaly walk her, either standing along side or using a rope from the bank.

I don't recall her being a wet boat. ONe ocassion we had a 10 mile direct to windward beat no jib double reefed main in 30-40knts and I do remember having to do some balling as going over waves she would sometimes dip her gunnel and combing.

If you wish I could scann some picks and email them as I have not worked out how to post them.

We then got an H28 but found the increase in performance was less than the increase in size. The H14 probbably would have been quicker to windward.

Cheer's
Zane

[Zane Lewis]

20 knts she will Love with standard rig.

Dont bastidize that raked transom with an OB bracket. If you have any breeze she will short tack up any narrow channel.

7ft oar's (yes a little short) stow well and work in marina's and when there is no wind.

Under powered with just the self tacking jib, add an extra 30-40 sq ft with a genoa that is 3ft longer on the foot and 2ft longer on the leach. (No's are approx untill I see photos again)