Description
The San Francisco Pelican is an American sailboat designed by William H. Short as a simple, versatile pram dinghy for recreational day sailing, youth training, or tender use on small lakes, ponds, or sheltered coastal waters. Introduced in 1959 by Short's designs (plans distributed through San Francisco Pelican Boats), it emerged during the post-WWII wooden boat revival, targeting casual sailors and builders with its lightweight, easy-to-build construction and standing lug rig for light-air performance. Production was plan-based only (no factory boats), with hundreds built by amateurs using wood or fiberglass, emphasizing affordability and fun in protected waters. The design features a wooden or fiberglass pram hull with a centerboard for shallow drafts, a narrow beam for portability, and a standing lug rig for straightforward handling, with a low displacement/length ratio for quick acceleration and minimal ballast for lightweight responsiveness, though its low freeboard limits it to calm conditions. Contemporary reviews and historical notes highlight its "enjoyable sailing experience" as a "versatile casual boat," though it's best for protected waters. Plans and instructions are available from Laurie Heidinger ([email protected]), making it a perennial favorite for DIY builders.
