21’ Herreshoff Fish/Marlin (1938) - MATSYA

I’ve owned hull #1420 since 2007. She was built to the same lines as the other 41 Herreshoff Fish Class boats but finished out with a cruising interior and a longer cabin, so Herreshoff called her a Marlin—one of 4 or so built between 1937-1939 (and perhaps the only one still around). Matsya means “Lord of the Fishes” in Sanskrit.

The previous owner had her completely rebuilt by MP&G, and her hull is in excellent shape. MP&G also built her a new rudder in 2013.

Off-season, she lives in a “temporary” shed with a drainage pit underneath the gravel so she never dries out. Her topsides and bottom are painted every year, and the varnish receives whatever attention is needed.

All of her exterior varnish has been wooded, except for the two booms. Her interior has been painted twice, most recently in the spring of 2021. The decks were painted in 2022.

In 2020 I had the bottom stripped, epoxy barrier coated, and repainted. I also replaced the sail covers and boom tent. The sails were replaced (finally) in 2021.

She comes with a custom-built 2014 Triad trailer that has never been in salt water. The mast is carried on deck and the boom fits on a padded area of the trailer, or down below.

Sailing Matsya on a summer evening is one of life’s greatest pleasures, whether singlehanded (as you’ll see in the lovely video my husband put together) or with a few friends. I’ve really enjoyed being her steward, but she deserves more use than I’m giving her these days. She is in great condition and easy to maintain, ready for her next steward. If you are that person, please get in touch!

Equipment list
2014 Triad trailer
10’ Shaw and Tenney oars and oarlocks
Cuddy cabin with two bunks
Outboard engine mount
Safety equipment
Automatic bilge pump and battery (both replaced in 2024)
Solar panel
Emergency bilge pump
Cedar bucket
2 fenders and docklines
Anchor and rode