14' RHODES BANTAM Photo Gallery by lawrenceFORTUNATO at pbase.com

In Box | 14' RHODES BANTAM

14' RHODES BANTAM

I've owned RB212 since 1966 and when setting up this site, was hoping for the boat to undergo a major restoration in the Spring of 2008. Back in 2010, I repaired a crack in the transom and also the centerboard trunk. I'm currently renovating the lake property which I inherited and where I'm a full time resident. RB212 has come back home to where I sailed it back in the 60's. The boat is resting in the garage, nice and dry, waiting for me to get her ready again. It will happen.

RHODES BANTAM CLASS SLOOP #212
Built by SKANEATELES BOATS CO., INC.
Skaneateles, New York
______________________________________________________________
----The following is from a copy of the original invoice----

original invoice dated May 26, 1947
+$565.00 1 Rhodes Bantam Class Sloop, racing no. 212
-$ 45.00 allowance, standard sails
_______
+$520.00
+$ 95.00 Skaneateles racing grade main and jib (nylon)
+$ 38.00 Skaneateles racing grade spinnaker (nylon)
+$ 30.00 Spinnaker gear
_______
+$683.55

Boat Launched May 24, 1947

Specifications:
Designer:....Philip L. Rhodes (1947), 2,000 built
LOA:....14' 0"
LWL:....13'1"
Beam:....5'6"
Displacement:....325 lbs.
Draft:....CB board up/dn....6"/4'2"
SA(sq.ft.):....Main & Jib..130
Spinnaker:....155 ------------------------------------------------

If you own a 14' Rhodes Bantam Sailboat (wood or glass), please leave a message below. I'm attempting to create a place to correspond with owners and/or those who have sailed a Rhodes Bantam. The display of photos of owners boats, under restoration, or completed will be displayed here. Eventually an official Rhodes Bantam Class Association web site will be created.
Thank you,
Lawrence Fortunato
RB212 wood "Boiling Point"
my email address is boilingpoint212@roadrunner.com

A SPECIAL THANKS GOES OUT TO ALL OF THOSE WHO HAVE LEFT A MESSAGE ABOUT AN RB AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS PAGE. I've made all the messages visible to the public.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PHOTOS OF MY BOAT ARE SHOWN BELOW


		1947 Rhodes Bantam - RB212

Main	Racing jib	RB - located at the Skaneateles Historical Society
		The following photos have been provided by Alan Glos --------->

comment |

Miamibeachboatbums		07-Aug-2018 06:18
Hello All, I am in the process of restoring a Rhodes Bantam and I'm looking for a copy of the original plans. Would anyone have any clue where I might obtain such plans. :) Thanks, Danny Martin miamibeachboatbums@hotmail.com

Miamibeachboatbums		07-Aug-2018 06:18
Hello All, I am in the process of restoring a Rhodes Bantam and I'm looking for a copy of the original plans. Would anyone have any clue where I might obtain such plans. :) Thanks, Danny Martin miamibeachboatbums@hotmail.com

Patrick Parker		07-Sep-2016 02:06
Have wooden RB......looking for others who are sailing RB.....I'm in New England

Patrick Parker		07-Sep-2016 02:05
Have RB ...looking for other owners who are sailing their RB.....alaskapatrickmp@yahoo.com

Bill Kindt		07-Jul-2016 03:27
Hi, I recently bought #1444 at an auction in Traverse City,Mi. I'm restoring the boat and need a mainsail. I want to have contact with previous owners. I also want to know what the threaded holes are on the bottom forward part of the centerboard. There are no plugs currently in those holes. Will water enter the boat through these holes? I can be reached either by phone 734-475-7555 or e-mail kiwk007@aol.Com Bill

Bill Kindt		07-Jul-2016 03:18
Hi, I recently bought #1444 at an auction in Traverse City,Mi. I'm looking for previous owners of this boat. I'm currently going to restore the boat and need a mainsail. I also want to know what the screwed in holes are in the bottom of the center board trunk towards the front of the centerboard. There are no plugs currently in those holes. I can be contacted either by e-mail kiwk007@aol.Com or by phone 734-475-7555 Bill

TroyRheinfra		18-Jun-2016 03:34
I have owned #1347 since I received it in 1994 as my high school graduation present. It's a 1966 model with glass hull, aluminum mast and boom, and wood gunwales and rails. Came with 2 full sets of sails and a spinnaker. I have all the original paperwork plus some newspaper clippings about it winning several regattas on Lake Erie in the '60s. It is a lovely boat and has taught my son to sail and will remain in our family. It can be seen on beautiful summer afternoons on Cowan Lake in southwest OH.

Alan Glos		03-May-2016 18:11
I have acquired Rhodes Bantam #2, the oldest R-B in existence and plan to restore her to display condition for a museum in Skaneateles, NY where she was built. I would welcome e-mails from persons who know anything about her history, especially who the first owner was. Alan Glos aglos@colgate.edu

Alan Glos		13-Dec-2015 03:49
This fall I purchased R-B #2, the oldest R-B in existence. After a 5 year search, I found her out on Cape Cod and purchased her from Mark Sherwin, the most recent owner. She in in rather rough shape, but the plan is to restore her to display condition and donate her to the Skaneateles Historical Society for eventual display in their museum. The major chore is to replace the plywood bottom, but the rest of the hull is sound. I would love to hear from anybody who has information about this boat. I have heard from the Scott family but I would welcome other input as well. Alan Glos Cazenovia, NY aglos@colgate.edu Dec. 11, 2015

Alan Glos		20-Oct-2015 14:37
After a 4 year search, I finally located the owner and whereabouts of R-B #2 (Mark Sherwin, Sandwich, MA - Cape Cod), and a week ago I purchased the boat and trailed her to my barn in Cazenovia, NY. According to my research, R-B #1 was destroyed in a storm on Long Island in the 1950s, and #2 is the oldest R-B in existence. The plan is to restore the hull next spring/summer and then donate her to the Skaneateles Historical Society in Skaneateles, NY for display in their museum. She needs a new plywood bottom and refinishing but she is is otherwise sound and will make an interesting display. If anybody out there has first hand information about this boat (named "Cockerel") please e-mail me at: aglos@colgate.edu. She won the class International Regatta in 1949 and 1953, and I took a ride in her in 1962 on Skaneateles Lake when I was a high school student visiting Upstate NY from Oxford, OH. At that time she was owned by the Scott family, and Rick Scott was the skipper. Alan Glos

Mark Gardner		29-Sep-2015 17:50
I remember sailing against Kevin and JD. They kicked our butts for several years. Dad (Miles Gardner) built 867 in 1961 out of a pile of wood and a set of plans having never seen one he just made sure everything was just so. We sailed the boat until 1966 when you sold it to build two OK's. I still race a bit, Etchells, J24's and Lightnings at the Malletts Bay Boat Club in Vermont. The Bantam is a great boat, sadly mostly a memory for most folks. Mark Gardner MBBC - Vermont

Steve Mason		17-Sep-2015 17:18
Sorry, I forgot to attach the link. Here it is. https://www.flickr.com/photos/grdgator/albums/72157629481271803

Steve Mason		17-Sep-2015 17:18
Attached is the link to Flickr photos of the restoration of RB541 "Magic". I bought her in 2010 in Asheville, NC.

D. Baker		02-Jul-2015 06:13
It's been a while since there were any posts here, but I hope people are still reading occasionally. Wikipedia now has a Rhodes Bantam page. It's very basic, and could definitely be improved and expanded by people who are familiar with the boat and its history. A photograph would be nice, although Wikipedia prefers “free use” photos (i.e. not copyrighted). A banner on the wiki page says that the article is being considered for deletion because (1) it does not contain citations, and (2) it is not “notable”. So if anyone is interested, please contribute to the Wikipedia Rhodes Bantam article, and show the Wikipedia Admins that the Bantam is very notable!

L Freville		01-Sep-2013 00:35
Just purchased the RB 1122 off Chautauqua Lake in NY. Starting a complete restoration and glad to see there is so much excitement about the boat. It was heading for the boat graveyard but it looks like it will be well worth the time to restore it. This is a fiberglass boat with wooden mast and what looks like mahogany wood.

L Freville		01-Sep-2013 00:29
Just purchased the RB 1122 off Chautaqua lake , NY and are going to do a complete restoration on it. We understand that the wood was mahogany and it is fiberglass with wooden mast. Glad to see there are so many still around and the pictures will help with the restoration. thanks to all. lfreville@fairpoint.net

gmoore		22-Jun-2013 00:04
New owner of RB 14.Doing COMPLETE rebuild.Hope to be sailing by 10/13.Murphy N.C.

Gregg Moore		21-Jun-2013 23:55
New owner of RB 14.I believe it use to belong to georgiasailhorse.I've stripped it down completely and started the rebuild.No fiberglass left except the bottom.All wood has been stripped and refinished bright.Gunnels replaced with new mahogany.Next is the interior.Floors,sides and frames.I'll paint them flat gray enamel.All frames were gusseted with 1/8 in aluminum.Now to turn it over and deal with the centerboard and bottom.Need to attach a new C/B wire.Then Paint and Do the spars.

Ron Kahle		31-May-2013 03:53
I'm looking to build a rb14. I have found some plans but they are not complete. I'm missing one half of the offsets and the rudder and centerboard profiles. Anyone out there ale to help??? ronkahle@yahoo.com

Gregg Moore		25-May-2013 01:10
I'm working on a R-B 14 now.It is hull # 1166.Plywood hull with mahogany rails, seats trunk and framing.I got the boat from Georgiasailhorse.It was a mess!I peeled the fiberglass off the hull in 2 hrs. and stripped ALL the wood and now will sister all frames.She's will be ready by late summer.I'm in Murphy N.C.

Sebald korn		30-Apr-2013 03:01
Sebald Korn I was ones a RB sailer,lots of fun,hot racing against A. Glos and Jim burlitsch,and many more,hard to remember all the names,it was so long ago ! I reside now in Maui,but sail windsurfers,it is slot of fun too. Greetings to all of you and good luck with your projects.

Steve Mason		29-Sep-2012 00:57
I restored RB541 last year and it was featured in Relaunchings in "Wooden Boat" Magazine in July/August 2012. If you tell me how, I can send you the photos of the process. Thanks, Steve Mason, grdgator@yahoo.com

dscostanzo		06-Jun-2012 01:59
I just acquired a Rhodes Bantam 14. 1950’s or 60’s vintage. Glass hull. It was at a moving sale. The boat was located on a property on the Thames River in Uncasville CT. The boat was sitting upside down for 15 years. The owners said if no one takes the boat, it will end up in the dumpster. I could not let this happen to such a classic boat, so I am now the proud owner. The hull can be reconditioned. The wood on the rails are all rotted. We found what appears to be the original wood mast and boom in a nearby barn located close to the boat. Unfortunately, there is no rudder, tiller or sails. I am not sure the hull number. I am in the market for any parts, rudder, tiller, sails, advice, etc. I enjoyed seeing many of the pics on the web site, comments and leaning of the Bantam Class Dinghy in its day. Designed by a great naval architect Phil Rhodes. I hope to get this boat back to sailing condition some day.

David Costanzo		05-Jun-2012 20:20
I recently aquired a Rhodes Bantam 14' off the Thames River in Uncasville, CT. It was a moving sale and the boat was going to be chopped up and put in a dumpster if no one wanted it. I did not want to see this happen, so I now own this boat. It is a glass hull. Not too bad of shape. It has been upside down on the property for over 15 plus years. All the wood trim on the hull is rotted. No rudder or sails. I have what appears to be an original wooden mast and boom that was luckly stored in an old barn close to where the boat was located. In hopes to restore the boat to sailing condition again, I am in a need of a rudder, tiller and sails. Any suggestions would be greatly appeciated. I have found this site very informative and I have enjoyed seeing all the pictures, comments and learning of the Bantam's Class history. Thanks for putting this site together.

Guest		26-Feb-2012 03:05
I raced & taught in Customflex all-glass Bantams at Cleveland's Edgewater Yacht Club 1968-73. My wife and I later owned a glass bantam with wood trim in Columbus Ohio in the 90's, but I've lost track of the number. I wish I had it back. Most memorable moment was sailing with one student in the onset of Hurricane Agnes in 72, in the marina harbor as winds first climbed to 40 knots. We had only the main hoisted, down as low as we could dive under the boom, and the boat lurched up onto beam reach planing with more acceleration than the small outboard boats I used daily in teaching the classes.

texas77		21-Nov-2011 18:20
Anyone have any details on a 65ish 14'er?Rigging,woodwork etc.

texas77		21-Nov-2011 13:44
Just got a 14. Think it's a 64 model but not sure. Do we have a dedicated site?

Steve Mason		16-Nov-2011 02:01
To Georgiasailhorse, you didn't list an email address. Steve Mason

rob		13-Nov-2011 14:50
I own RB1673 and live near Fort Worth Texas. I'd like to know if there are any Bantam owners out there in the area. Rob

Guest		08-Oct-2011 14:10
We have a Rhodes Bantam 14 at the moment on Nantucket. We don't sail it much anymore and would like to sell it if someone has any interst. It's a great little boat. We redid it about 8 years ago and it's still in pretty good shape. I have no idea as to it's value at the moment. Susan Rein, SPDR1@aol.com

georgiasailhorse		23-Sep-2011 23:11
Hi fellow Rhodes Bantam enthusiasts, I am in North Georgia and need help in finding home for my Rhodes Bantam, built approx in late 70s. (I will have to go to storage to get boat number and year built and will update this post with same) It has been sitting in covered facility for 5 years and due to declining health of family member, we must let go. Boat was sailed some in Tampa Bay many many years ago, then for past 15 years was only sailed on a freshwater lake in North Georgia (Big Canoe and Lake Lanier); It is a wood/fiber glass reinforced hull, with wood mast/spars. We have all original sails, including the spinnaker and spinnaker pole. Most fittings appear to be original bronze, some stainless steel upgrades/additions. Boat has new lines/sheets. Boat needs re-do on interior from a previous owner's inept use of INTERIOR poly; it has of course since peeled, and as i said health prevented any re-dos we had planned. Needs re-do on outside paint, and needs one area of fiberglass repair (about 10" square), well above the waterline. It sits on a Horizon sailboat trailer with brand new tires and wheel bearings just repacked. Spars have been stored indoors in temp controlled area. We have numerous accessories that we are including. I am willing to sell this boat in the $600 range (very negotiable); only kicker is that you will have to meet me at the Georgia state line to pick it up. I can send numerous pics (including closeups) for inspection, but it will be an as is/where is sale. Not to belabor the fact, but there are family issues that make this necessary, and we need to get the boat to a place where it will be loved, worked on, and sailed.

Joe Conley		04-Sep-2011 14:57
I have a 14 foot sailboat I recently boat and the previous owner said it was a bantam. It is Fiberglass and has a customflex label under the mast. It has 1542 drilled into the fiber glass under the mask on the front side. The sails match, but also has a set of sails labeled rb with another number on them. Is there anyone that can verify if this is a Rhodes bantam and what year or where more information can be found?

Guest		08-Aug-2011 20:11
I recently purchased a 1968 Rhodes Bantam 14'. It came in a million pieces and I am looking for directions on how to rig it. I am not a sailor. Any help is greatly appreciated. tecleveland@gmail.com

georgiasailhorse		15-Jun-2011 18:07
20615011: Wondering if anyone still posts here about Rhodes Bantam? I have one that is 30+ years old, am in process of getting it and its trailer ready to sell. Wood with glass exterior; fair shape but definitely needs someone who KNOWS how to love and care for a beautiful wood boat. Boat has been stored/covered for 5 years. Wood spars kept covered as well. Glassing will need work, and previous owner did not know how to paint an exterior. Natural finish on wood inside, but that too needs re-doing since they used something that peeled the first year i bought it. I've owned it over 10 years. Stored it for last 5-6 due to health. It has 99 percent of its original fittings; sails; wood spars/tiller; lots of accessories. My health keeps me from being able to bring it up to the shape it deserves. Will get info together to post here if this is still considered an "active" place to post...found you on Google and liked what everyone wrote about the RBS. My boat includes a lot: Horizon trailer, (original main, jib, spinnaker, wood spinnaker pole, lots of accessories) I will post TONS of photos if this is still a good place to post/sell. Am in Georgia. Want to sell to someone who will love, appreciate, and SAIL it. Will sell complete for asking/negotiable price of $700--make offers. )

crazygreek		18-Apr-2011 02:03
I have two(2) Rhodes Bantam h/n 597,#2 Unknown c/b trunk missing. both in good condition with j/s/m sails contact crazygreek at lul;ubob1@aol.com

crazygreek		16-Apr-2011 21:08
Currently I have two (2)RhodesBantam boats , H/N597, the other unknown but same vintage. Thinking about putting them up for sale. Owned them since 1959, e-mail is lullubob1@aol.com

Terry Henshaw		04-Jan-2011 20:13
Terry Henshaw: I own R-B1529 - It's one of many R-Bs that I've owned. I won the national trophy four times, the last win being in 1979, the last time it was raced for, so I still have that big silver bowl, proudly displayed with a number of other trophies, in my game room. I hoped to find an active club for 14-footers in the area upon returning to Texas in 1998, but to no avail. I sail "Tenacity" only once or twice each year, and really miss the racing.

Jean Harvey-Clark		03-Jan-2011 22:18
Hi Kevin! Jim Burlich was a great guy. I remember going to regattas and he'd have a few cocktails and dance his heart out to the Beach Boys and the song John B. I also remember Alan Glos. I think that I have pictures of him and his crew, in the Top 5 finalists. I crewed for Terry Henshaw (1529) out of Battle Creek, MI and my dad owned RB 1538. Jean Harvey-Clark

Gerry Buys		01-Oct-2010 02:07
Hi I grew up on Sodus Bay, and went to the Sodus Bay Junior Sailing Association where we used Rhodes Bantums to lear how to sail. I loved thoes boats, seeing your web sight brought back great memories. Thanks. Gerry

Guest		12-Sep-2010 23:35
i am going to be receiving a rhodes bantam from my father -in-law and am planning to spend this winter restoring her. this will keep me happy during the months of not sailing. i have wanted my own wooden boat and now i will have one. looking forward to sailing her next summer. joanne

Scott Barrie		31-Jul-2010 22:42
My father and I built one in the early 60s in Brantford, Ontario Canada. It was used a great deal throughout the 69s and 70s.... but not much after that. Unfortunately, it was lost in a barn fire about 10-12 years ago. There was a club in Collingwood Ontario that started to build a fleet of them in the late 40s or early 50s. I have no idea how many were completed. Great boat.... many happy memories of it

Guest		26-Jul-2010 13:11
Hello: I have RB #1798, wood, partially restored by my father but was in storage for many years. Looking for someone that would be interested in giving it a good home. Has trailer, wooden spars, several sails. Photos available, email me at nfenno@nysw.com

Al Koes		31-May-2010 22:36
I have #1241, an all-wood boat. Bought it when I lived in Skaneateles, NY around 1990, but moved it to Lynchburg, VA in 1993. I sail it locally in Smith Mountain Lake. It's a great training boat, easy for one or two to sail. I made some repairs to it 3 years ago to and it cleaned up well. It's due for some scraping and revarnishing on parts of the interior, but overall it's in good repair. I am willing to sell it for $500, complete with trailer. If interested, contact me at Akoes@aol.com

Alexander Scott		26-May-2010 19:52
I am told that Rhodes Bantam #1 no longer exits. My father, Fred Scott, redesigned the interior for the Skaneatels Boat Comapny when he went to work for them after the war. He owned the prototype, RB#2. When we left Skaneateles for Connecticut when he was hired by Alcort in Waterbury he sold it. The Skaneateles Historical Society is interested in obtaining that boat for ist baot collection. The Scoiety has a Comet and a Lightening on loan from Seaport. If anyone nows of its whereabout please getin touch with me at 713-921-0964 or apscott1949(at)yahoo.com

Charlie Maier		13-May-2010 02:18
My dad built RB 860 in about 1962. I raced it for 5 years on Sodus Bay in upstate NY. It's been in storage since then and is still beautiful after all these years with mahogany and sitka spruce interior. I hope to get it back in the water when I retire, if not sooner.

mnvend		28-Apr-2010 03:06
Just got # 1336 needs work but she will be back on the water this summer Greg Verona NJ

abeutler		14-Apr-2010 05:14
Hi - I have #1708 in Phoenix Arizona. She was built by Customflex in Toledo and has not seen the water in over a decade. I raced her in Michigan in the early 1970's and then sailed her extensively on Corpus Christi Bay in Texas.

Jim Murry		28-Feb-2010 23:27
I have RB 1201 all wood ,,, My first sailboat..Sail On Lake Norman in NC

Dr. Jim McCluskey		19-Feb-2010 12:55
Attention Charles Jannace or anyone: Do you know where Rhodes Bantam #1 might be located? We would like to acquire it and have her restored to original condition for display in the National Museum of One Design sailboats. Please contact me, Dr. Jim McCluskey, Curator at either onedesignsailboatmuseum@hotmail.com or greatlakessmallboatsailingmuseum@hotmail.com or call me on my cell phone at 325-203-2525. II am also interested in serving as an infomation clearinghouse for RBs and would like to organize a reunion regatta in Ohio this Summer. Thank you all so very much. I

Jerry Benson		31-Jan-2010 00:11
Looking for active owners of Rhodes Bantams. I just bought one (RB1692), and plan to renew. If you are a current owner, I'd appreciate a message or call. Thanks. Jerry Benson Lanexa, VA jb@widomaker.com 804 966-1212

Jim Murry		24-Dec-2009 15:57
I have #1201 on Lake Norman in North Carolina. I believe her to be in superb Shape. My first sailboat !! Is great fun. I have pix if i can figure how to post them I will..

Jerry Benson		08-Dec-2009 04:06
I have just purchased a Rhodes Bantam #1692, and plan to "renew." Please include me on any communications. Thanks, Jerry Benson Lanexa, VA jb@widomaker.com

Chris B		01-Oct-2009 20:06
Rhodes Bantam for sale. Fiberglass hull #1336. Main and jib are in good shape (not original) but there is no spinnaker. Boom and mast are wood, spinnaker boom is aluminum. $600. No trailer but can negotiate on delivery depending on location.

Chris B		01-Oct-2009 20:04
I have a 14' Bantam for sale. Fiberglass hull #1336. Mast & boom are wood, spinnaker boom is fiberglass. Main and jib are in good shape and look relatively new as they were made by Hysails, but I do not have a spinnaker. $600. No trailer but can negotiate on delivery depending on location.

Bob Hawkes		17-Sep-2009 12:00
Mick, I am interested in aquiring a small wooden sailboat - if yours is still for sale please let me know at 3hawkes@bluefrog.com. Thanks

Richard J. Green		06-Sep-2009 11:43
I grew up sailing a 14 Rhodes Bantam in Coconut Grove, FL in the late 50's early 60's with my dad. I am interested in purchasing one. I live near Atlanta, GA and can be contacted at richardjgreen@bellsouth.net or 770-402-8757.

Pete		01-Sep-2009 18:35
I have RB-1444 and sail it on Long Lake near Traverse City, MI. It's fiberglass with mahogany rail etc. For various reasons we hadn't had it on the water in probably 10 years -- I pulled it out of storage this year, cleaned it up, made a few minor repairs, and took it out. I had forgotten what a great little boat it is. Now I've invested in a new mooring cover, am having a new mahogany rudder made, and look forward to sailing it for many years to come.

Guest		13-Aug-2009 00:30
I have RB #1201 and am looking to sell after 35+ years in the family (and garage). All wood and in very good condition. Still using the original jib and spinnaker, but have replaced the main. Trailer included. Will send pictures to inetersted buyers. Alex Currin can be reached at nccurrins@windstream.net

Brian B		30-Jul-2009 16:23
I own a glass R-B # 1551. Right now I'm working on cleaning it up and replacing some of the old parts before I take it up to Lake Dillon in Colorado. My grandfather owned this boat for years and I finally bought it from him. This is a fast fun boat.

Guest		21-Jul-2009 20:05
about how much is a classic rhodes bantum , say with a mahogany hull, seats trunk ect?

Dr. Jim McCluskey		02-Jul-2009 12:04
Hello! I own the Great Lakes Small Boat Sailing Museum, of which I'm self-proclaimed curator. We presently have over 60 exhibits, including a 14' Rhodes Bantam #1173 which we just acquired for $75 with the trailer, which is too big for the boat. It is missing the sailes, rudder & tiller. If anyone has a spare set of sails, rudder or tiller, please contact me at 325-203-2525 or email me at one_great_dad1@hotmail.com. The interior of this boat is all finished brightwork, but peeling, so we have sanded it off and have applied 6 coats of Cetol.

Elliott Smith		16-Jun-2009 21:24
This is Elliott Smith again and last fall the owner did give me the mast and everything else, he couldn't find the sails but they're somewhere. Its # is 1313. I got it out of the barn about a month ago and cleaned it and I would say it is in excelent conditon, almost mint, I think if one were to get a coat of varnish or two over the existing varnish, no striping or sanding would be necessary. I cleaned it up a little and put it on Craigs List, then added some pictures. I've done a lot of work on a 1939 Litghtning and a 1946 Lightning and this is in much better shape though I would guess it's from the 50's. The trailer is a very good one and the tires did hold air but need replacing. As much as I would like it for the future I am trying to sell it. My cell is 315 529 7372.

Paul Sherburne		01-Jun-2009 21:11
I once owned RB #1776, showboat made by Laughlin of Kansas City. Sold after 6 yrs of sailing off Cape Cod. First saw at club near Annapolis, MD. Wonderful boat, unsinkable, low maintenance. Sold in NJ about 1977. Anybody know where it is now?

Kevin B		22-May-2009 03:08
Hi folks - I have RB #193 (1940-something?). Ready for a restoration but not sure when/if I will get to it. Transom is cracked, mahogany trim is rough. Wood mast, tiller/rudder, aluminum boom and spinnaker pole, 2 sets of sails, spinnaker. Someone had skinned the bottom with glass and it started to delaminate, so I peeled most of it off. Plywood underneath has a couple of thin spots.. She looks very similar to yours, Lawrence, but does not have the drum which I assume is to assist in lifting the centerboard? Kevin barnettk26 at yahoo.com

Dennis Norton		20-May-2009 00:01
I just purchased a Rhodes Bantam RB-908. This is a fiberglass with wooden mast. But it has an aluminum boom, so somewhere along the way, somebody changed that. The boat is in generally good shape (I think it is a 1970 based on a date on two of the sails). However, most of the lines are gone and there is no boom-vang. Does anyone know where I can find a rigging diagram for RBs of that era? I need to figure out how the spinnaker was rigged, how the mainsheet was rigged and where the boom vang connected to. Did it have a cunningham? Any help with figuring out the rigging for this boat would be much appreciated. Dennis Norton, Ann Arbor, Michigan

Guest		18-May-2009 04:54
hello all, i recently aquired what i think may be a rb #1760. purchased to cleanup and sail with my 6yr old. however i've not had much luck finding information on these. if you can help or share some knowledge we would be grateful. many thanks, philip phil_birk@yahoo.com

Guest		19-Apr-2009 02:53
I am looking for a mast for my Bantam. The boat is one of my favorites but a tree fell on the mast last year. There are about half a dozen around northern michigan but no extra masts. dave - traverse city

Jerry M		05-Apr-2009 03:17
You said yuur boat was going to undergo a restoration in spring 2008. Have you completed these restorations yet?

Chuck Miller		07-Mar-2009 19:47
While at the Pentagon (1968-1972) I sailed RB #1135 named ROO out of the Patomic River Sailing Assn. I launched and recoverd ROO with a 1/8" stainless steel bridle. I have recently acquired a RB and want to construct a lifting bridle for launch and recovery, but I don't rememnber the design measurements of the bridle not the attaching points on the boat. Please help.

Mick Griffin		19-Feb-2009 14:54
I have a wood Rhodes Bantom with a wood mast, two set of sail and a spinnaker on a good trailer. The boat needs only cosmetic attention. The sails are in good shape, but are not "like new". The price is $1000. Mick

JLS		29-Jan-2009 16:54
Had a Rhodes in Saint Louis, that we used to pull to Michigan. Man was that lil boat fast. I had a wooden one, and it taught me how to sail. Sail and Rhodes and you can sail anything.

Charles Jannace		17-Dec-2008 02:27
Hello Hello. My name is Charles Jannace, and I had Bantam number One, for two years, in 1954 and 1955. She belonged to George Povall, who was number 2 man at Phil Rhodes office at that time. I worked there for 14 or 15 years, and ended up running the sailboat department for a short time. I'm the only one left alive from the Phil Rhodes, Bodie Rhodes, Jim McCurdy, Al Mason, Dick Davis era. I rebuilt the boat, and sailed her out of Little Neck Bay, in NYC. We had two hurricanes each year, so I did more worrying than sailing. I may build myself one, if I live long enough.

Joseph Battista		08-Dec-2008 02:38
I grew up in Watertown, N.Y. and my brothers and I learned to sail our first sailboat,,,a Rhodes Bantam...near Sackets Harbor on Lake Ontario. We gave it to another family to learn to sail and we moved up to a 19ft Lightning!!! Both great boats and so important to my childhood and learning to sail. Joe Battista, Milwaukee,WI

Guest		08-Dec-2008 02:37
I grew up in Watertown, N.Y. and my brothers and I learned to sail our first sailboat,,,a Rhodes Bantam...near Sackets Harbor on Lake Ontario. We gave it to another family to learn to sail and we moved up to a 19ft Lightning!!! Both great boats and so important to my childhood and learning to sail. Joe Battista, Milwaukee,WI

Ron Plummer		20-Aug-2008 00:18
Hello from Irondequoit Bay, my son bought Bantam #1716 (I was to buy it) we think it is great. He intends to get it back into 1st class condition. I would like to meet with anyone in the area who has knowledge of the class. Ahh, we are the ones with the Snipe main sail, saving the Bantam suit (the better condition sails) until we are more experienced.

Lee Plummer		14-Aug-2008 21:57
i own RB 1716 on the irondequoit bay in Rochester ny

cliffh		14-Aug-2008 02:33
Hi to you all. GREAT pictures! I finished building my RB ("Windward") last year with my Grandfather. I love my boat! I have sailed for some time, but was looking for a class that would be good for trailering and teaching the kids. I am sailing on the Merrimack river and several ponds in the Merrimack valley in Massachusetts. Cliff H

flanker		06-Aug-2008 17:19
Can anyone get back to me ASAP on prices for a 14' Rhodes Bantam. I called on one that is a ' 74 and he's asking $400. please give me feedback and any reference to help. I simply want something else on our small lake, than a pontoon, to cruise around with. Used to crew regattas on Hobie Cats and C-scows years ago. thx

Dave Ferris		05-Aug-2008 19:07
I have a 60's glass Bantam (Purple Haze) that I salvaged from near death. Right now I need a new mast as a tree fell on mine recently. Located in Traverse City, Michigan. Dave

Lee		02-Aug-2008 13:58
i recently purchased RB 1716... looking forward to sailing her.

rb767		25-Jul-2008 03:13
I am Dan Kraft from Williamston, MI. Mine is RB-767. A few years ago, I bought her with less than functional rigging. Nearly all had to be replaced and improved before launching her in Saginaw Bay. She is now in my barn waiting for new paint; a work in progress.

Guest		18-Jul-2008 18:39
Yup..., I have one. It currently needs a lot of TLC..., I've been trying to get at it for about 5 years.., someday soon. I'm uncertain where/when mine was constructed. Located in W. North Carolina. John

John Whitton		16-Jul-2008 04:05
Yup..., got one. I've been trying to get at restoration for about 5 years now. Needs lots of TLC. Located in W. NC Regards, John

Thomas Dangerfield		14-Jul-2008 17:38
I am purchasing a 14' fiberglass Rhodes Bantam. 1980 I am guessing. I am trying to find a weight limit for it. Can someone help me?

Dave		01-Jul-2008 01:21
Dave Doncoes, Am at a loss to understand how such a good boat and class has just about disappeared from the boating scene. I sailed in Fleet #13 in Toledo, Ohio, in the early 1950's.

Guest		29-Jun-2008 18:31
We are currently working on repairing our 1961 Rhodes Bantam. Does anyone know a good site for parts/sails (especially a spnkr). We have it up on Lake Wawasee in Syracuse, Indiana. any emails or comments: willson486@hotmail.com Will Dayton, Ohio

Dave Doncoes		25-Jun-2008 01:30
Dave Doncoes, I too sailed a Rhodes Bantam in Toledo, Ohio, with Jim Davis, Stan Kelly, Jim Eisinger, Bob Fox, Merle Summers, Bud Schweitzer, Gene Smyers, Ted Kiwatkowski and remember Dr. Meidler. In fact I was honored to have been the Chief Measurer of the class when we made changes which permitted Dick Gibbs to start building the fibre glass Bantams in Toledo. Thats when Charlie and Art Harrison were quite active in the class as well as Scott and Besse from Skaneatles. Seems to me Dick Besse's wife was one fine Bantam sailor in her own right. I was with a group who built seven Bantams one winter in Toledo. I had #460 and sold it to a young man in Lyons, New York. Sure would like to have it back. Then I got #1000 which was built by Gibbs and had Legowski sails. I think Jim Davis just found a Bantam and bought it. Does anyone know where there is a decent Bantam still in existence which is for sale?? Thanks.

Foot		17-Jun-2008 19:17
I recently Aquired Hull #650 built 1959 or 60.Not much left except the hardware and some sails.Ive replaced the frames and will turn the boat over for a new keel and planking.I could build a new one faster,but it wouldnt be the same would it? Foot

Guest		17-Jun-2008 18:25
GUEST I have a Rhodes Bantam which has been stored in my barn for several years. The owner is about to give me the mast, boom and other rigging, and I plan to sell it. It's a painted plywood boat with mahogany trim and I have always described it as being in very good condition, but I will soon have more details. The trailer has some rust and the tires look old but one is stll holding air. Elliott Smith, Fulton, NY elliott13069@yahoo.com

Lee		09-Jun-2008 19:07
i just bought a RB...my first sailboat. currently living in rochester, ny.

A		04-Jun-2008 22:37
Hello, I have hull #1112 in Traverse City Michigan. There seems to have been a small fleet around here as I see one every once in a while...anyone know anything? I've owned it since 1982 or so, but have only recently (2 yrs ago) done a restoration. My boat is a fiberglass hull with mahogany rails, seats, mast step and trunk cap. #1112 also has the original sitka spruce spars and an aluminum keel. I replaced all of the Mahogany during the last restoration, and I'm planning on rebuilding the rudder and boom this spring/summer. I'm also going to duplicate the keel in steel, as the aluminum one seems to be to light for me. I'll post up a link to pictures when I get them loaded. Andy Hunt aahunt@centurytel.net Traverse City, MI

Rick Scott		25-Feb-2008 01:42
Wow! I periodically serch the web for Bantams but this is the first time this site has poped up. I grew up in Skaneateles, NY sailing Bantam # 2. My father was Chief Engineer of Skaneateles Boats and designed most of the interior. Many life experiences have taken me away from Skaneateles, although I do continue sailing in a larger vessel, but I would love the opportunity to sail a Bantam again. I too wish that it was still an active fleet.

John A.Barnes		13-Feb-2008 02:25
John Barnes I had hull 308 (Skaneateles Boat Company) and sailed her with my cousin, Bruce Taylor. Had her in Skaneateles when I got married but sold her because she was not really small family friendly. I raced in several National regattas with Dick Besse and did quite well. I know of one restored boat on Skaneateles. Will talk to owner if you wish.

Steve Mason		29-Jan-2008 22:58
grdgator@wfeca.net I came on your website by chance. In 1963 I won the Florida State RB championship with my brother crewing for me. We had RB130, originally named WindWalker by my brother. In 62 I had a new wooden hull built in Jacksonville Florida but kept the same number since the old hull had rotted. I sold it in about 65. I will look around, I may still have a copy of the RB Class Bylaws which may include the measurement rules. It was a great boat. Steve Mason

aglos		29-Jan-2008 22:14
Hello fellow Rhodes Bantam fans, I have owned and sailed/races R-B since 1960 and am the "Alan Glos" that Kevin McEnery referred to in his September 9, 2007 posting to this site. I have owned and raced #836, a wood Gibbs hull, #1257 a custom built BayCraft boat and most recently, #1775, a frameless boat built by the late Dick Besse from Skaneateles, NY. I still have #1775 and am planning in getting it out of storage this summer and doing some handicap racing with it on Skaneateles Lake (NY) and on Cazenovia Lake where I live. The Acton Lake (Oxford, Ohio), Cowan Lake (Wilmington, Ohio) Erie, PA, Toledo. Ohio, and Skaneateles Lake (NY) Owasco Lake (Auburn, NY) and Otsego Lake (Cooperstown, NY) fleets were my favorite racing venues, but I would also add Biloxi MS, and Battle Creek, MI. To Kevin's list of RB names, I would add Dick and Janet Besse (and all their children, Joss, Suesan, Tina and David.) My late son, Daniel and I won the R-B International regattas in 1981 and 1983, so the class is still very special to me. I would welcome inquiries from people who have questions about the Bantam. I have a thick file of informaton and old copies of the Cock Crow, the former class newsletter. Alan Glos Cazenovia, NY 13035 aglos@mail.colgate.edu

Guest		29-Jan-2008 16:29
I have RB 1121, if sail numbers are original, that would work out to a 1964 made by Gibbs, glass with wood rails. Will be working on it later this year, details at: www.att.net/p/pwp-bantam

Tyler		23-Jan-2008 07:49
Hey Everyone. I just purchased a fiberglass Rhodes Bantam this past week. I'm unsure of the year but we were told it was 70s? Anyway, its my first sailboat - we have a cottage on a small lake in Upstate New York but live most months in Los Angeles. I would appreciate any links or info people have about these very cool sailboats. Tyler

Jim Davis		11-Jan-2008 21:15
I sailed Rhodes Bantams in the late 50's and early 60's in Toledo Ohio where we had about 25 boats. I won the class Championship in Erie Pa in the early 60's sailing #1234. The Bantam is a great boat and it is indeed a shame that they have disappeared. I am presently considering buying a fiberglass Bantam to have fun with. Jim Davis

Guest		08-Jan-2008 18:40
Hello Kevin McEnery! Glad to see that you are still alive, kicking and nostalgic about Bantam sailing. You and JD Walker were always hard to beat. I still have a Bantam, a frameless woodie #1775 built by the late Dick Besse of Skaneateles, NY. and I daysail it and race it in the occassonal handicap race here in Upstate NY. The generation of Bantam racers you referred to in your Sep, 3, 2007 post was a spirited bunch. I am still in touch with Jim Burlitch (afterall he is married to my former wife!) and I too recall Phil Miller (the creatof the infamous "Fuff Juice"), Dr. Leo Meidler, Paul Valagoski, etc. Alan Glos Cazenovia, NY

Mark A. Prindle		13-Nov-2007 23:31
Hi my name is Mark Prindle and I own RB 1443 built in Indiana in 1965 I bought the boat in 1967. The boat is fiberglass with a blue hual and mahogany rail and transit I 've sailed in Ohio, Tennessee, S. Carolina, Georgia and now on the St Johns River in Jacksonville, Fl

sailorjgsfF		28-Oct-2007 00:38
Hello... jim from ohio here... I have a plywood RB in poor condition and a mahogany RB that i have restored... I am looking a a restored fiberglass RB to complete my collection. The seller does not know what he wants for a price. Anyone have a good idea what is fair for fiberglass boat and trailer in good condition? Thanks ahead of time... Jim... jgrueninger@gmail.com

Bob Atchinson		10-Sep-2007 04:38
Hi, This is Bob Atchinson in Plainfield VT, and I am about to resurrect my Bantam 14, "Country Rhodes" and try to take it out a couple of times this year. I have owned it since 1978, and have replaced the original wooden mast with an aluminum one from a Flying Jr. Pictures and Hull # later. Sail on, Bob

Guest		09-Sep-2007 03:38
My father bought me my first boat, RB-788 which he and I raced with the fleet in Erie Pa. We later "upgraded" to a fiberglass R-B 1376. I joined with my friend JD Walker, who had owned R-B 910 and then acquired R-B 1372, and we frequented regatta's from Toledo, Ohio to upstate New York, securing more than our "fair" share of trophies in the process. We had some wonderful times with those boats, and met some great people such as Jim Burlich, "Uncle Phil", Alan Glos, Dr. Meidler, Paul ("Goose") Valagoski (sp?), etc. Unfortunately, we grew up, I moved to NYC, JD moved to Washington, and while we would periodically try to keep in touch with the Class and race in the Nationals, we increasingly were out of touch with the Class. Very sorry that the Class has gone inactive. I still sail on our 42' Endeavor, but that 14' Bantam, the races and the people of the Class were all great. Kevin McEnery

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