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Commodore 17
Designer: Charles Ludwig  ·  Builder: Commodore Yacht Corp.  ·  First built: 1984
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About the Commodore 17

Built as an entry-level trailerable sailboat, the Commodore 17 emerged during the popular small boat sailing boom of the 1970s and 1980s. This compact vessel was designed to offer new sailors an affordable pathway into the sport while remaining manageable for single-handed operation. Despite limited available specifications, the Commodore 17's proportions suggest it was optimized for day sailing and weekend adventures on protected waters. Its modest size makes it well-suited for coastal cruising, lake sailing, and serving as a learning platform for developing sailing skills. The boat's trailerable nature opens up opportunities for exploring different sailing venues without the expense of marina slips. Like many boats in this size category, the Commodore 17 likely features a simple but functional interior with basic accommodations for occasional overnight stays. The cockpit arrangement prioritizes ease of handling over luxury, making it accessible to sailors of varying experience levels. For budget-conscious sailors seeking a straightforward sailing experience, the Commodore 17 represents the classic small boat philosophy: simple systems, manageable size, and honest sailing characteristics that won't overwhelm newcomers to the sport.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 17.17 ft / 5.23 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 15.00 ft / 4.57 m
Beam 7.08 ft / 2.16 m
Max Draft 3.00 ft / 0.91 m
Min Draft 1.00 ft / 0.30 m
Displacement 1,200.00 lb / 544 kg
Ballast 250.00 lb / 113 kg
Sail Area (Reported) 148.00 ft² / 13.75 m²
Design & Construction
Hull Type Keel/Cbrd.
Rigging Type Fractional Sloop
Construction FG
Designer Charles Ludwig
Builder Commodore Yacht Corp.
First Built 1984
Last Built 1985
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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
21.01
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
8.73
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
2.67
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. 5.19
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. 379.46
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