20' Herreshoff Design #204 (2015) - INTENT

INTENT was born from the original half model and design by Nathanael G. Herrehoff. The “Model #204” build was a partnership of Herreshoff Design partners Halsey Herreshoff & Adam Langerman and Bristol Boat Company, Daniel Shea – Prop. The project commenced with the “lines” taken directly from the NGH carved half model. Build scantlings were detailed by Herreshoff Design and realized with Mr. Shea’s forty plus years boat building experience.
The name “INTENT” was engendered from the hand written notes found on the back of the model. N. G. Herreshoff carved half model. He wrote; “a pleasure sailing keelboat to take the place of the Buzzard’s Bay Boys Boat”. The partnership of Herreshoff Design and Bristol Boat Company took on the responsibility to realize N. G. Hereshoff’s vision and INTENT.
INTENT, being the first hull to be built from the original hull form, added to the imperative that the build be of the first order. Attention to detail is evident throughout. Herreshoff Manufacturing Company’s high order of yacht joinery and finishes begat the standard known world wide as “Bristol Condition”. HMCo’s fine joiner details are found throughout the build. Sailing is an exquisite experience surrounded by the straked bulkheads, planked ceilings, raised panel cuddy doors. The sculpted seating details were developed from an exquisite large schooner deck bench design from the 1920’s and enhance a long and comfortable day sail. All typical of Herreshoff’s large yacht interiors.
Sailing INTENT – N.G.H. noted in this design this hull as a “Pleasure sailing keel boat”. It is indeed a “pleasure” to sail. The full rudder hung keel tracks and turns with ease. Busy harbor work and making moorings makes maneuvers sweet and easy. All the halyards, control lines are worked from the cockpit. The jib is launched, reefed and settled at the mooring on a Harken fuller. The jib is set on a self tending club. The lines are set up so single handed sailing can be done from the tiller. Guests never have to fuss with lines. All and all there is no need to to go on deck.
INTENT is truly a “Pleasure sailing keel boat. INTENT is fitted with a carbon fibre mast, the boom, jib club and spinnaker are varnished Sitka Spruce. All the deck hardware is “Herreshoff” pattern custom bronze fittings from JM Reineck & Son. Sails were developed by Charlie Enwright and made by North Sails in Portsmouth, RI. The mainsail is fully battened for terrific light air ghosting performance.
INTENT has been used for display at boat shows and occasional family day sails. The builder has personally cared for the yearly stewardship chores and coatings. As such, this special vessel is ready to sail in as new condition. Further, a recent extensive survey report dated November 22, 2022 includes the following statement by the surveyor;
“* Note to underwriter: During a routine survey inspection, there is generally a summary with a list of discrepancies observed during the inspection process. There is a very rare occasion where there is none. This vessel was one of those rare occasions.”

INTENT is also featured in our WCBS Classifieds, along with scores of other great classic boats for sale. You can find that link in the details on the right.