• Construction 11/16” cedar planking, oak frames

  • Gross displacement 3,300 pounds estimated

  • Ballast 1,200 pounds iron

  • Sail area 310 square feet

  • SA/D ratio 21.5 estimated

  • LOA 24’ 9”

  • LWL 15’ 0”

  • Beam 6’ 1”

  • Draft 4’ 11”

  • Built by Stearns & McKay, Marblehead, MA

Welcome to the online home of the oldest known surviving boat designed by American naval architect John G. Alden. Alden designed over 1,000 boats in his storied career, and this one is #20 (or maybe #31, more on that later). Originally named Ding Bat, she is a 24’ 9” wooden Bermuda-rigged Sloop now named Parliament. More about John Alden here.

Ding Bat, exact date unknown