At the request of Edmund Hayes, Phil Rhodes lengthened his successful Rhodes 27 design (design #447 in 1938) by two feet to create a bit more room.   Ed Hayes wanted a fast, weatherly, narrow  vessel, so her beam was only 4 inches more than that of the R27.   Marmetta was launched in 1947. 

The Hayes family cruised Marmetta in the inland waters of Puget Sound until around 1953, when she was sold and went to San Francisco and later to Santa Barbara.  The Hayes family bought her back in 1965 and returned her home to Puget Sound and then let another family buy her in the early 80’s. 

Decks are of 1 ½” teak, the hull yellow cedar of 1 ¾”, frames are oak of 1 ¾” on 10” centers.  She is fastened in silicon bronze.  Floor timbers are all supported with bronze knees.  Out side lead ballast of 9,000 lbs.

Marmetta has a classic two cabin layout.  The forward stateroom has a small double and a single berth.  In the main salon there are two pilot berths and two settees.  She still has her original spruce,  fractional rig.

Needless to say, Marmetta was a link between earlier (R27)  and later Rhodes designs.  In 1955, Rhodes revisited the 29' foot waterline design, increased the beam by 6 more inches, reduced the draft by 4 inches, and created the Rhodes 29 design #632 (Altair).

Marmetta is now being restored (2004).  Some cracked ribs need repair; the original planking is in good condition, with only a few small areas in need of repair.  
New owner: wpodell1@aol.com