While sailing the Bahamas, you’ll most likely stop in the Abacos. These islands are an incredible collection of beautiful beaches, plentiful reefs, and amazing people. They will give you a new perspective of the Bahamas, if you’ve been before. One of our favorite spots in the Abacos is Hope Town, located on Elbow Cay. We love Hope town and is where I was introduced to the infamous Abaco Dinghy. There are around 15 Abaco Dinghies in the area sailing, racing, and making people wonder more about them.
What is an Abaco Dinghy?
The Abaco Dinghy carries a catboat rig on an unstayed mast similar to Tipsy Gypsy but much smaller. They originated in the Abacos and range from 10-14 feet in length, have a 5 foot beam, and a 2 foot draft. The sail stretches approximately 200 square feet. The mast feautures the unique “banana board”, used to tension the leech in different variations of wind. They are quite spectacular and were the primary form of transportation for fisherman in the 1950’s.
Unsure of exactly where or when they originated in the Bahamas or who officially started their design, I commend Winer Malone who built 200+ Abaco Dinghies in this lifetime. He passed away earlier this year but his legacy of boat-building will live on through the islands and the attractive Abaco Dinghies he built.
How It’s Made
I’m by no means a boat builder but these boats are definitely built with precision and patience. They are absolutely beautiful. Built without plans from the keel up, boat builders depend on “Mother’s Wit” and traditional boat building techniques. Originally power tools were not used to build these boats and continues to be the go-to process of building and restoring them.
People looking to have an Abaco Dinghy restored or built for them will pay around $10,000 to $30,000 depending on where you are and what materials you request.
Learn More
Make sure to check out both the Hope Town Lighthouse Museum and the Wyannie Malone Historical Museum to learn more of the history of Hope Town and the Abaco Dinghy.
Although I may never own one myself, I love and appreciate the design of the Abaco Dinghy.
Cheers and thanks for reading!
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