Back to Search
Clipper 4
Designer: W.i.b. Crealock  ·  Builder: Clipper Marine Corp. (Usa)  ·  First built: 1973
+ Add to Compare
About the Clipper 4

Designed by renowned naval architect W.I.B. Crealock and first launched in 1973, this 24-foot sloop represents classic coastal cruising sensibilities from the golden era of fiberglass boatbuilding. Clipper Marine Corporation built these sturdy vessels with traditional proportions that emphasize seaworthiness over speed, making them ideal for weekend coastal adventures and extended gunkholing expeditions. The Clipper 4's substantial displacement of 2,900 pounds and generous ballast ratio provide reassuring stability in varied conditions, while the moderate sail area keeps the boat manageable for small crews. Crealock's signature design elements shine through in the boat's well-balanced proportions and sea-kindly motion, characteristics that made his larger designs legendary among offshore cruisers. With a fin keel configuration and transom-hung rudder, the boat offers decent performance while maintaining the predictable handling that beginning sailors appreciate. The masthead sloop rig provides versatility for different sailing conditions, and the robust fiberglass construction has proven durable over decades of use. While not built for racing, this design excels as a family daysailer or weekender, offering enough stability and interior volume for comfortable short-term cruising in protected waters and near-coastal areas.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 23.58 ft / 7.19 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 18.50 ft / 5.64 m
Beam 7.92 ft / 2.41 m
Max Draft 3.00 ft / 0.91 m
Displacement 2,900.00 lb / 1,315 kg
Ballast 1,080.00 lb / 490 kg
Sail Area (Reported) 200.00 ft² / 18.58 m²
Design & Construction
Hull Type Fin w/transom hung rudder
Rigging Type Masthead Sloop
Construction FG
Designer W.I.B. Crealock
Builder Clipper Marine Corp. (USA)
First Built 1973
Owner Reviews

No owner reviews yet — be the first to share your experience with this boat.

Performance Ratios
SA/Displacement Sail Area to Displacement ratio measures how much sail power a boat has relative to its weight. Higher values mean more performance and speed.
Under 14 — Heavy cruiser, slow14–18 — Cruising sailboat18–22 — Cruiser/racerOver 22 — Performance racer
 15.78
Ballast/Displacement Ballast to Displacement ratio shows what percentage of the boat's total weight is ballast. Higher values generally mean better initial stability and stiffer sail carrying.
30–35% — Typical cruiser35–45% — Stiff performance boatOver 45% — Racing oriented
 37.24
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
 204.47
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
 14.21
Capsize Screening Formula The USHS Capsize Screening Formula estimates offshore capsize risk. Lower is safer — values under 2.0 are considered acceptable for offshore sailing.
Under 2.0 — Safe for offshore2.0–2.2 — Borderline offshoreOver 2.2 — Coastal use recommended
 2.22
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. 5.76 kn
S# (Speed Number) The Speed Number (S#) is a quick performance index. Higher values indicate a faster, more powerful design relative to its size.
Under 3.0 — Slow cruiser3.0–5.0 — Average cruiser5.0–7.0 — Performance cruiserOver 7.0 — Racer
 2.69
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. 523.53 pounds/inch
SA/Displacement (Calc) Calculated Sail Area to Displacement ratio using actual measured sail dimensions rather than reported values. More precise than the reported SA/Disp figure. 17.3
Rig Dimensions
I (Foretriangle Height) 26.60 ft / 8.11 m
J (Foretriangle Base) 10.40 ft / 3.17 m
P (Mainsail Luff) 21.60 ft / 6.58 m
E (Mainsail Foot) 7.50 ft / 2.29 m
SA Fore 138.32 ft² / 12.85 m²
SA Main 81.00 ft² / 7.53 m²
SA Total (100%) 219.32 ft² / 20.38 m²
Est. Forestay Length 28.56 ft / 8.71 m
Find a Clipper 4 For Sale
Y YachtWorld Brokerage listings S Sailboat Listings Sailboats only C Craigslist National search F Facebook Marketplace Local listings B boats.com Global marketplace