Herreshoff Full-Keel Buzzards Bay 15

The original Buzzards Bay 15's, were designed by Nathanael Herreshoff in 1898 as his second one-design class, originally known as the “E-Class.”  These boats are thrilling sailors. They are fast, stiff, and responsive. The hull is slippery, and even at speed such little turbulence is created that the boat leaves virtually no wake.

The H-15s were among Hereshoff’s most popular creations in their day: 92 were built from 1898 to 1928.   A further 25 boats were built to the design in fiberglass for racing at Watch Hill after WW II.   Since then, several more have been built by various builders in the USA and abroad.

In 1906 Herreshoff designed a full-keel version of the Buzzards Bay 15, incorporating the following major modifications, all documented in original Herreshoff Manufacturing Co. specifications/drawings on file at MIT:

     - All major scantlings increased significantly, to stengthen the boat’s structure

• Centerboard eliminated
•  Total weight increased by 500 lbs - additional lead poured in the original centerboard slot
• Keel lowered from 2' 6" down to 3' 2" 

     - Shear raised 2", Cockpit lengthened 8" and widened 6"

     - Mast diameter increased so as to eliminate the need for running backstays 

     - Jib club added for self-tacking.

These modifications resulted in a classic daysailer that maintains the stunning looks of the original Buzzards Bay 15, but is far stronger, more comfortable, stiffer, easier to sail, and can stand up to more wind.  (FLICKER, the only surviving original Full-Keel Buzzards Bay 15 of the three that were built belonged to Herreshoff expert Maynard Bray for many years, and has been recently donated to the Herreshoff Marine Museum in Bristol, RI).

MURMUR is a new full-keel Buzzards Bay 15 built by Artisan Boatworks in 2009 to Herreshoff’s enhanced design.  Planking is carvel cedar, edge-epoxy glued and fastened over steam bent frames and a laminated mahogany backbone.  Thanks to the edge-glueing of the planking, and the extensive use of epoxy throughout her construction, the need for traditional cotton caulking was eliminated, dramatically reducing and simplying this wooden boat’s required maintenance.

MURMUR was built for a very experienced multi-boat owner who already had owned several other Herreshoff designs.  Her design reflected additional input from Halsey Herreshoff, Maynard Bray, and several other Herreshoff experts.  MURMUR was featured at the 2010 Herrreshoff Classic Yacht Symposium, and documented in the published Proceedings of that event.  Since then, Artisan Boat Works has built several more of this design with MUR

MURMUR and all her accessories, have been constantly professionally maintained, and are now in "as new" condition, including: a 2008 Triad Trailer, Nat Wilson mainsail and jib in very lightly-used condition, tan Sunbrella sail covers, quick-release Amsteel running backstays for racing, Fortress anchor with rode, Shaw & Tenny boat hook and canoe paddle, docklines, fenders, and 4 life preservers. 

MURMUR is (and has constantly been) stored since new on a gravel floor in an unheated enclosed shed near Newport, RI, and is ready for immediate delivery.   Free delivery on her trailer to a new home anywhere on the US East Coast from the Chesapeake to Maine.