Double-Ended Gaff Sloop

Description

Paul Gartside, a renowned British-born naval architect and boatbuilder based on Long Island, New York, is celebrated for his designs inspired by traditional working boats from England's Cornish coast and Scandinavian influences, emphasizing classic wooden construction, seaworthiness, and aesthetic appeal. His double-ended gaff sloops—characterized by symmetrical bow and stern shapes for enhanced stability and wave-handling—are part of a broader portfolio of small to mid-sized sailboats suited for day sailing, coastal cruising, or trailerable adventures. These designs often feature gaff rigs (a four-cornered mainsail with a gaff spar) on a single mast with a single headsail, promoting simplicity and short-handed sail ability. Notable examples include Design #165 (16 ft Double-Ended Sloop), Design #208 (16 ft Double-Ended Skiff), Design #218 (16 ft Gaff Sloop, a transom-stern variant), Design #257 (19 ft Double-Ended CB Sloop), and Design #106 (22 ft Double-Ended Centerboard Sloop, often customized like the enlarged ELF). Plans are available from Gartside Boats for $175–$200 (digital/print), with building times of 900–2,000 hours targeting intermediate-to-high skill levels. These boats appeal to home builders seeking authentic, glue-free traditional methods using local woods, and they have been featured in magazines like Water Craft and WoodenBoat.