The LODESTAR design features all-steel construction of the hull, keel, deck, and cabin, welded together for incredible strength. The multi-chined hull form is easy and fast to build. Through careful hull design, we've moderated the chines into rounder, more attractive softer lines, making a lean hull that offers sparkling performance, considering its size and weight.
While the LODESTAR has the strength to sail in virtually any sea, the emphasis has been placed on cruising of the "island hopping" or touring type (we've given a centerboard option if shoal draft is necessary). Instead of cramming in numerous berths, we've kept the accommodations to three couples, plus space for an extra "stowaway" if necessary, all with luxury, sound control, and privacy paramount. Each double stateroom adjoins, or is adjacent to, its own complete toilet room (the owner has a tub/shower). Yet each cabin is individually accessible without crossing another.
The forepeak has been devoted to utilitarian duties instead of fitting less-than-usable vee-berths here which are so common in other boats. The galley will be the chef's delight, with plenty of work room and space for all appliances, including a washer and dryer opposite. The galley is located out of traffic, yet convenient to the deckhouse. The dinette is nearly 8' long and is raised so that everyone can see out while seated. An inside helm is optional in the deckhouse, primarily for use under power in foul weather. A large chart table is adjacent to the cockpit as well as the owner's stateroom.
Topside, the cockpit is spacious, yet well-protected, and the raised aft deck can accommodate two dinghies, if desired. The side decks are nearly 2' wide and protected by a raised bulwark. The double headed ketch rig with club-footed jib is easy to handle and offers a wide array of sail combinations. Since this is a large design and there is so much to tell about it, we suggest purchasing the Study Plans if more information is desired.
- Length overall (on deck):
- 55'-0"
- Length overall (with bowsprit):
- 58'-11"
- Length waterline:
- 45'-0"
- Beam:
- 15'-7"
- Draft (keel version):
- 7'-0"
- Draft (C.B. version-board up):
- 5'-8"
- Draft (C.B. version-board down):
- 11'-3"
- Freeboard forward:
- 6'-10"
- Freeboard aft:
- 5'-10"
- Displacement (at D.W.L.):
- 57,350 lbs.
- Ballast weight:
- 17,200 lbs.
- Weight of steel components (estimated):
- 25,000 lbs.
- Cabin headroom:
- 6'-5 to 6'-9"
- Fuel capacity:
- 430 gals.
- Water capacity:
- 640 gals.
- Holding tank capacity:
- 490 gals.
- Sleeping accommodations:
- 6-7
- Sail area:
Main - 559 sq. ft.
Foretriangle - 660 sq. ft.
Mizzen - 260 sq. ft.
Total - 1479 sq. ft.- Hull type:
- Multi-chine sheet steel, internally ballasted hull, with separate keel and skeg-mounted rudder.
- Sail type:
- Masthead ketch double headsail rig with club-footed jib.
- Power:
- Single inboard diesel engine of approximately 75 shp.
- Ballast:
- Concrete and scrap steel.