The 17' Mud Hen is perhaps the most utilitarian of the Hens. A lively day sailor, she has room to carry a gang of kids for an afternoon's outing. At night, with her convertible dodger, she becomes a cozy overnighter for two. Easily rigged with her free standing tabernacle mast, she floats in 9" of water and can sail or motor in 18". The ultimate gunkholer!
The 21' Bay Hen is the queen of the Hens. A direct descendant of the New Haven Sharpies, she retains their classic lines and simple rigging. But replacing the oyster hold is a roomy cuddy cabin with plenty of storage and room to sleep two. The cockpit is long enough for the 6'6" skipper to stretch out and is fitted with a motor well. Like her sisters, the free standing mast is fitted in a handy tabernacle for easy rigging.
The 14' Peep Hen is the definitive micro cruiser. Within her short length is a cuddy with two full size berths, sitting headroom for a 6'6" master, galley with ice box, room for a porta potti, victuals, bags and baggage. And her 6'9" cockpit boasts two wide seats with comfortable back rests, a spot for extra gas and another cooler, and forward is a well designed to hold the ground tackle, diving gear, bumpers and other stuff that seems to accumulate on board a true cruising vessel. Sailing World is our Hen dealer in Illinois.
At the other end of the spectrum, the Florida Bay Coasters offer the cruising yachtsman with all the comfort and conveniences possible in a floating home. Custom made of steel, they currently range in size from 45' to the magnificent 65' "Key Largo." While only a couple have been built to carry a full size Jeep, all have been designed with the master stateroom up top, aft of the pilot house, where the air is fresh and the vistas delightful.
Carrying on with the fine tradition started by Reuben Trane and his Florida Bay Coasters, Mirage Manufacturing Company is now producing an affordable, 37' twin stateroom, twin diesel Trawler, the Great Harbour 37. The Trawler, meant for offshore voyaging keeps a low profile with her staterooms below decks. The Coaster, even on this short length, has her master stateroom up, aft of the pilot house, with another master down, each with a private head and shower.
