28' Winslow Four-Sum Sloop (1946/1998) - FACTOR X

Factor X is a 28′ Winslow Four-Sum, designed by Ralph E. Winslow in 1944, featured in Rudder Magazine, and built by Davies on City Island New York in 1946. (Decades later, noted designer Chuck Paine’s interest in the Winslow Four-sum inspired his highly regarded design “Annie” and a subsequent series of designs built by Morris Yachts. )

Factor X has had a single owner for the past 35 years and underwent an extensive professional rebuild by New England Shipwright in the 1990s, using plans on file at Mystic Seaport Museum, with finish work by FL Tripp & Sons. Since her relaunch in 1998 she has been serviced by Tripps’ undergoing loving care by her owner with indoor storage each winter.

Factor X’s planking is quarter-sawn Douglas Fir on white oak frames with bronze screws (the boats existing original planking that is above the waterline is rare quality Oregon Pine and Douglas Fir that were full length planks carried-over from US Navy wartime supply given City Island’s role in building wartime wooden mine sweepers).

While Factor-X is a classic, it’s simplicity, traditional lines, and seakeeping are its most noted attribute. A waterline of 23′ 4″ gives it a good turn of speed and it’s high rig provides significant sail area for getting underway in light air. Her displacement, gentle hull shape, and high cockpit coamings make her comfortable and dry in heavy weather such as that common to Buzzards Bay, and her full keel and outboard rudder are attributes that avoid entanglements with lobster pots in areas such as Maine.

Factor X is very well cared for structurally, cosmetically, and mechanically. Her Yanmar 3GM 27 h.p. was installed at the time of her rebuild. Despite having low hours, it was recently removed and fully serviced, being reinstalled with a new shaft and new engine mounts. Also, the fuel tank that was installed in the rebuild was removed as a preventative maintenance measure and replaced with a new plastic tank that is easily inspected.

The mainsail is full-batten Quantum that is in good condition and the Quantum 135% genoa that is on a Schaefer roller-furler is in excellent condition having been purchased in 2019. Her 45′ mast and boom are varnished Sitka spruce, constructed by Elk Spar of Bar Harbor, Maine at the time of her rebuild, also using plans from Mystic Seaport archives. The spar was brought to East Passage Boatwrights of Bristol, RI prior to the 2024 launching, bringing the mast to top condition.

Factor X is being offered at a very attractive and realistic price far below her true replacement cost. In addition, the owner has stated a willingness to be flexible in pricing for an owner committed to continuing stewardship of the boat for years going forward.