Sardine

The Beta 14 Diesel Installation

Where Sardine departs from her 1916 sisters is in her auxiliary power, which consists of a compact and reliable Beta 14 horsepower inboard diesel engine. The owners required this dependable propulsion to facilitate entering and exiting harbors, extending the boat’s cruising range, and providing an essential measure of safety when navigating light airs or contrary currents. The installation was engineered to sit low within the hull, utilizing careful soundproofing and ventilation to minimize its presence. Furthermore, the controls and gauges were placed unobtrusively to ensure they do not compromise the traditional aesthetic of the cockpit.

To maintain the boat’s renowned sailing characteristics, the yard employed structural reinforcements and ballast adjustments, ensuring the additional weight of the engine did not disturb the hull trim or performance. While the engine is a modern concession, the execution ensures that the boat still reads, above deck, as a fully authentic Herreshoff. The result is a seamless harmony between the functional requirements of a modern sailor and the timeless spirit of a century-old design.

Reconciling Tradition and Modernity

This is the hallmark of Artisan’s approach: knowing when to draw the line. For Sardine, all structural, visual, and aesthetic details remain true to Herreshoff. The diesel installation is the exception—made thoughtfully, invisibly, and in service of extending her active life without sacrificing heritage.

Go-To Expertise

Having restored multiple original 12½s (Sculpin, Anchovy, and now Sardine), Artisan has become the go-to yard for important Herreshoff restorations. Owners know that their boats will emerge with pedigree intact, and with carefully considered upgrades only where appropriate.