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Bandit 15
Designer: Rod Macalpine-Downie / Dick Gibbs  ·  Builder: Sail Mfg (Usa)  ·  First built: 1972
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About the Bandit 15

With limited technical specifications readily available, the Bandit 15 represents a smaller sailboat category that typically serves as an excellent entry point for new sailors or as a fun daysailer for experienced boaters. This compact vessel falls into the popular 15-foot class that has historically provided accessible sailing opportunities for families, sailing schools, and recreational sailors seeking an affordable way to enjoy time on the water. Boats in this size range are generally well-suited for protected coastal waters, lakes, and bays rather than extended offshore passages. The Bandit 15's modest dimensions make it an ideal choice for day sailing adventures, sailing instruction, or casual recreational outings. These smaller sailboats often feature simple rigging systems that are manageable for beginners while still providing enough sailing performance to keep things interesting. The compact nature of 15-foot sailboats typically translates to easier boat handling, lower maintenance costs, and more convenient storage options compared to larger vessels. Many sailors appreciate these smaller boats for their responsiveness and the more intimate connection they provide with wind and water conditions, making every sail an engaging experience regardless of skill level.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 15.25 ft / 4.65 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 15.00 ft / 4.57 m
Beam 5.92 ft / 1.80 m
Max Draft 3.92 ft / 1.19 m
Displacement 260.00 lb / 118 kg
Design & Construction
Hull Type Centerboard Dinghy
Rigging Type Fractional Sloop
Construction FG
Designer Rod Macalpine-Downie / Dick Gibbs
Builder Sail MFG (USA)
First Built 1972
Owner Reviews

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Performance Ratios
Displacement/Length Displacement to Length ratio measures how heavy a boat is relative to its waterline length. Lower values mean a lighter, faster boat.
Under 100 — Ultralight racer100–200 — Light cruiser/racer200–300 — Moderate cruiser300–400 — Heavy cruiserOver 400 — Very heavy
34.39
Pounds/Inch Immersion Pounds per Inch Immersion (PPI) tells you how much weight is needed to sink the boat one inch. Useful for calculating how additional gear and stores affect waterline. 1.9 pounds/inch
Rig Dimensions
I (Foretriangle Height) 0.58 ft / 0.18 m
P (Mainsail Luff) 137.00 ft² / 12.73 m²
E (Mainsail Foot) 34.39
How It Compares

vs. Mutineer 15, Precision 15 Cb, Us1

This boat Similar boats
Dimensions
LOA
Bandit 15 ★
15.3 ft
Mutineer 15
15.0 ft
Precision 15 Cb
15.0 ft
Us1
15.4 ft
LWL
Bandit 15 ★
15.0 ft
Mutineer 15
14.1 ft
Precision 15 Cb
13.8 ft
Us1
13.5 ft
Beam
Bandit 15 ★
5.9 ft
Mutineer 15
6.0 ft
Precision 15 Cb
7.0 ft
Us1
4.6 ft
Displacement
Bandit 15 ★
260 lbs
Mutineer 15
410 lbs
Precision 15 Cb
390 lbs
Us1
190 lbs
Sail Area
Bandit 15 ★
Mutineer 15
150 sq ft
Precision 15 Cb
130 sq ft
Us1
Performance
SA / Displacement (higher = more powerful)
Bandit 15 ★
Mutineer 15
43.5
Precision 15 Cb
39.0
Us1
Comfort Ratio (higher = more comfortable offshore)
Bandit 15 ★
Mutineer 15
4.1
Precision 15 Cb
3.2
Us1
Capsize Screening (lower = safer)
Bandit 15 ★
Mutineer 15
3.23
Precision 15 Cb
3.83
Us1
Displacement / Length (lower = lighter)
Bandit 15 ★
34
Mutineer 15
Precision 15 Cb
Us1
34
Hull Speed
Bandit 15 ★
Mutineer 15
5.0 kts
Precision 15 Cb
5.0 kts
Us1
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