TOP DESIGNERS
I found it interesting that Ray Hunt worked with at least four of the people featured in the story 12 Top Boat Designers (January 2024). John Deknatel was his partner at Ray Hunt Design. Bob Dougherty continued designing Boston Whalers long after Hunt moved on. Jack Hargrave drew the lines for some of Dick Bertram’s deep-V hulls, and Ted Hood sailed with Hunt in the early 1950s. Hunt’s influence, when combined, encapsulates nearly 42 percent of the 12 designers you selected.
Of course, I’m far too focused on this designer to be objective, as I’m now finishing the book Passion for Performance: The Life and Designs of C. Raymond Hunt. Clearly, I think your list is strong.
Growing up in Marblehead, Massachusetts, I’ve known about and spoken with more than a few good boat designers. Some of my favorites belong on a separate list for another story, perhaps a piece on mid-century designers. They include John Alden, Olin Stephens, K. Aage Nielsen, L. Francis Herreshoff, Philip L. Rhodes, Clinton Crane, Bill Lapworth, Bill Tripp, Carl Alberg and William Starling Burgess. Each person was focused on sailboats, yet like Hunt they also drew powerboats.
Your January issue with its 60th anniversary coverage inclined me to renew my subscription to Soundings. It’s a fine magazine.
MARK W. KELLOGG
I’ve owned boats for the last 75 years. The story about 12 great boat designers was interesting, although I couldn’t help but notice the omission of the Dyer 29 from your discussion. I have owned two of these boats. It was the original picnic boat, and in my opinion handles better than a Hunt or a Hinckley. My current 29 was made in 1973 and rebuilt in 1996.
STEVE WILLARD SR.
I’ve been boating since 1975. Due to physical limitations I now have a Swift Trawler by Beneteau. I loved the
January issue, particularly the story on the boat designers. Where on your list would Bob Johnson stand? He was the head designer at Endeavour Yacht Corporation. Keep up the great work. I usually read Soundings cover to cover when I receive it.
ED LAWTON
I enjoyed the January issue, especially the boat designers’ article. I’m a little surprised there’s no mention of Olin Stephens. He’d be my unequivocal number one of all time!
PETER R.