With the possible exception of switching the M15 and the Nordica's position in the poll, for purely aesthetic appeal, I'm in agreement with the standings at the time I'm writing this. So, here's my choices, in order: the Cape Cutter, to me, is the epitome of a small, salty craft - a raised deck (like my old, beloved Pearson Lark), a cutter rig like a Stone Horse, and simple, gorgeous lines.
The Norseboat has that lovely, lovely rig, lapstrake hull, and wineglass transom. It's timeless and fresh at the same time.
The Sanderling is classic American class - I've never sailed New England waters, but lust looking at her makes me want to.
The M15 - possibly the most practical of all in this group, is just plain cute. Salty, yachty cute. I currently have an M17 in the back yard, potentially a restoration candidate, and as much as I love the M17, I think the M15 is a better choice - though the M17 is, to my eyes, just a bit prettier.
The Nordica was a boat I fell for as a kid at the Minneapolis Boat Show - it was sized for 14 year old me (it sat right next to a Drascombe Scaffie, another favorite, both as a youth, and right this second). It's lines are really pretty, but I can see within those lines a space that would simply laugh at me if I tried to utilize it. If she was a girl I liked, I'd end up doing the unthinkable - I'd make a move on her slightly larger, slightly more ungainly sister, the Nordica 20. I'm a bad person that way!
Can't tell you how often a well meaning lass has walked by my M15 and said something like, "Oh! So cute!" while I'm rigging her, and I try to smile and say, "Thank you," though all the while I'm thinking, "Madam, I beg to correct you, but this before you is a serious seafaring vessel!"
It is, I would expect, about as equally capable as the M17 - just with less stowage and deck space. I think a competent sailor could do far more with either than most non-sailors could imagine. After all, both have made some epic voyages already!
Besides the fact that I’m building one, the Cape Cutter 19 just looks so right, in sheer, proportion and aesthetics. They are all pretty good looking boats though.
The tanbark sails won over the lapstrakes (and I owned a M-15) and there is majesty of a Cat boat. Maybe picking the prettiest anchor would be easier :-)
This is a trick question, right? There are very few boats I don't enjoy looking at and these are definitely not on that list. All of these in one way or another cater to those of us who lean a bit to the traditional. While I probably wouldn't buy an open boat and the Cape is the most traditional and largest, it is not fair to say any of these are not far more than pleasing to look at, so I just picked one. If you really want to, feel free to leave any in my driveway along with a clear title!
I liked the CC 19 best. All of them are proven boats but, as commented above, the CC is most reminiscent of the Stone Horse, one of my favorite designs of all time. Amt other things, when I cruise, I like a comfortable cabin. Four friends can share the cockpit, and the boat can be easily set up to singlehand.
In general, I find a fractional rig more aesthetically pleasing, and a cutter rig adds more lines. Add to that the traditional appeal of a gaff main and the Cape Cutter wins hands down.
Although the Marshal is really the best looking boat, it really isn't fair. the Cape cutter is a modern boat that looks great so that is what i voted for. that photo does not show the Cape cutter's best view. The photo of the Norseboat makes it look better than the actual boat looks shown viewed from other angles. I like the Swiss Army knife aspect of the Norseboat, but proportions, location of the rig, oars sticking out etc. make it a little ungainly in real life. I have never seen a Montgomery 15 is person being on the east coast, but there is a Sage 17 where I sail that is really nice.
Monty 15…..my “All Time” favorite boat!! I have had 4 of them in my 81 years!!…lot’s of other boats too!….SCAMP #6 B.Frank would be my #2 favorite sailboat. (Many small fishing boats too!!)
This is a little like asking a father which child he loves the most. As WWP-15 owner, the Montgomery 15 gets my nod; however, the Marshall is beautiful, as it the Cape Cutter 19.
I find the Cape Cutter the most aesthetically pleasing, but for trailer sailing I would find launching and retrieving a boat that heavy would reduce my pleasure.
With the possible exception of switching the M15 and the Nordica's position in the poll, for purely aesthetic appeal, I'm in agreement with the standings at the time I'm writing this. So, here's my choices, in order: the Cape Cutter, to me, is the epitome of a small, salty craft - a raised deck (like my old, beloved Pearson Lark), a cutter rig like a Stone Horse, and simple, gorgeous lines.
The Norseboat has that lovely, lovely rig, lapstrake hull, and wineglass transom. It's timeless and fresh at the same time.
The Sanderling is classic American class - I've never sailed New England waters, but lust looking at her makes me want to.
The M15 - possibly the most practical of all in this group, is just plain cute. Salty, yachty cute. I currently have an M17 in the back yard, potentially a restoration candidate, and as much as I love the M17, I think the M15 is a better choice - though the M17 is, to my eyes, just a bit prettier.
The Nordica was a boat I fell for as a kid at the Minneapolis Boat Show - it was sized for 14 year old me (it sat right next to a Drascombe Scaffie, another favorite, both as a youth, and right this second). It's lines are really pretty, but I can see within those lines a space that would simply laugh at me if I tried to utilize it. If she was a girl I liked, I'd end up doing the unthinkable - I'd make a move on her slightly larger, slightly more ungainly sister, the Nordica 20. I'm a bad person that way!
Can't tell you how often a well meaning lass has walked by my M15 and said something like, "Oh! So cute!" while I'm rigging her, and I try to smile and say, "Thank you," though all the while I'm thinking, "Madam, I beg to correct you, but this before you is a serious seafaring vessel!"
I get that with my M17 too. I usually strike a pose and say “Thank you. I’ve been working out.”
It is, I would expect, about as equally capable as the M17 - just with less stowage and deck space. I think a competent sailor could do far more with either than most non-sailors could imagine. After all, both have made some epic voyages already!
Besides the fact that I’m building one, the Cape Cutter 19 just looks so right, in sheer, proportion and aesthetics. They are all pretty good looking boats though.
The tanbark sails won over the lapstrakes (and I owned a M-15) and there is majesty of a Cat boat. Maybe picking the prettiest anchor would be easier :-)
This is a trick question, right? There are very few boats I don't enjoy looking at and these are definitely not on that list. All of these in one way or another cater to those of us who lean a bit to the traditional. While I probably wouldn't buy an open boat and the Cape is the most traditional and largest, it is not fair to say any of these are not far more than pleasing to look at, so I just picked one. If you really want to, feel free to leave any in my driveway along with a clear title!
Phil, I vote for yours as “Best Comment”. 👍😎
I liked the CC 19 best. All of them are proven boats but, as commented above, the CC is most reminiscent of the Stone Horse, one of my favorite designs of all time. Amt other things, when I cruise, I like a comfortable cabin. Four friends can share the cockpit, and the boat can be easily set up to singlehand.
I'm a sucker for catboats with classic lines, so it has to be the Sanderling.
Toss up between Cape Cutter and Norseboat . Maybe it's the practical part of my brain putting Norseboat on par .
Dudley Dix has designed a day boat version of the Cape Cutter 19 - https://www.dixdesign.com/CC19Dayboat.htm
In general, I find a fractional rig more aesthetically pleasing, and a cutter rig adds more lines. Add to that the traditional appeal of a gaff main and the Cape Cutter wins hands down.
I voted Norseboat because I love the hull. I almost voted for the Marshall because I just love the look of a gaff.
Although the Marshal is really the best looking boat, it really isn't fair. the Cape cutter is a modern boat that looks great so that is what i voted for. that photo does not show the Cape cutter's best view. The photo of the Norseboat makes it look better than the actual boat looks shown viewed from other angles. I like the Swiss Army knife aspect of the Norseboat, but proportions, location of the rig, oars sticking out etc. make it a little ungainly in real life. I have never seen a Montgomery 15 is person being on the east coast, but there is a Sage 17 where I sail that is really nice.
Dudley's Cutter 19 and the Cat boat are in a separate catagory no? They are a tie - beautiful in their own rights.
The Norseboat still gets me - if I could I'd go with the full blown package!
Nice shot of the Montomery15, which gets my respect from just reading (over the years) everyone elses love for that boat!
Monty 15…..my “All Time” favorite boat!! I have had 4 of them in my 81 years!!…lot’s of other boats too!….SCAMP #6 B.Frank would be my #2 favorite sailboat. (Many small fishing boats too!!)
The M15 does it for me. Small, manageable, clean lines and ... well, just plain cute (as also noted in the comment from Mike).
This is a little like asking a father which child he loves the most. As WWP-15 owner, the Montgomery 15 gets my nod; however, the Marshall is beautiful, as it the Cape Cutter 19.
I find the Cape Cutter the most aesthetically pleasing, but for trailer sailing I would find launching and retrieving a boat that heavy would reduce my pleasure.