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Chipmunk
Designer: George O'day / Ian Proctor  ·  Builder: Gemico/Inter-Marine Corp  ·  First built: 1970
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About the Chipmunk

Designed by the prolific duo of George O'Day and Ian Proctor in 1970, this compact 12-footer represents an innovative approach to small boat sailing with its distinctive rotocast polyethylene construction. The Chipmunk emerged during an era when designers were experimenting with new materials and manufacturing techniques to create affordable, durable recreational sailboats. The boat's cat-rigged, unstayed mast configuration makes it exceptionally simple to rig and sail, eliminating the complexity of standing rigging while providing a forgiving sailing experience ideal for beginners and youth sailors. Its daggerboard hull design offers shallow draft capability for exploring protected waters, beaches, and small lakes where traditional keel boats cannot venture. With a displacement of just 98 pounds and compact beam, the Chipmunk is easily cartoppable and manageable for single-handed launching. The rotocast polyethylene construction provides exceptional durability and low maintenance, making it virtually indestructible for recreational use. However, the capsize screening formula of 3.32 clearly indicates this boat is best suited for protected waters rather than open ocean sailing. The Chipmunk serves as an excellent trainer for sailing fundamentals, day sailing platform for lakes and harbors, or as a fun recreational boat for sailors wanting a simple, no-fuss sailing experience.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 12.00 ft / 3.66 m
Beam 3.83 ft / 1.17 m
Min Draft 0.33 ft / 0.10 m
Displacement 98.00 lb / 44 kg
Sail Area (Reported) 56.00 ft² / 5.20 m²
Design & Construction
Hull Type Daggerboard
Rigging Type Cat (unstayed)
Construction Rotocast polyethylene
Designer George O'Day / Ian Proctor
Builder Gemico/Inter-Marine Corp
First Built 1970
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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
41.23
Comfort Ratio Ted Brewer's Comfort Ratio predicts how comfortable a boat will feel in offshore conditions. Higher values mean a steadier, more comfortable motion in a seaway.
Under 20 — Uncomfortably rough20–30 — Acceptable coastal30–40 — Good offshore comfortOver 40 — Very comfortable offshore
2.34
Hull Speed Hull Speed is the theoretical maximum speed of a displacement hull, calculated from waterline length. Most cruising sailboats reach this speed in moderate conditions. 4.28 kn
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. 0.84 pounds/inch
Engine & Accommodations
LOD 11.50 ft / 3.51 m
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