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Dark Harbor 17 12
Designer: B. B. Crowninshield/R. N. Burbank  ·  Builder: Rice Brothers, George Lawley, And Others  ·  First built: 1908
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About the Dark Harbor 17 12

With limited specifications available, the Dark Harbor 17 12 represents an intriguing entry in the sailboat market that warrants further investigation by prospective buyers. The name suggests potential ties to Dark Harbor, Maine, a location with deep sailing traditions and connections to classic yacht design. Based on the model designation, this appears to be a compact sailboat likely suited for daysailing, small boat racing, or as a capable trainer for developing sailing skills. The numerical designation in the name typically indicates length characteristics, suggesting this craft falls into the smaller boat category where responsiveness and ease of handling become paramount considerations. Boats from this size range often excel in protected waters and coastal applications, offering sailors an intimate connection with wind and water that larger vessels cannot match. The limited specification availability may indicate either a specialized or older design, both of which can offer unique advantages for the right sailor. Without detailed specifications, potential buyers should conduct thorough inspections and seek additional documentation to fully evaluate the vessel's condition, rigging systems, and overall suitability for their intended sailing activities. The scarcity of readily available information makes direct examination particularly crucial for informed decision-making.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 25.83 ft / 7.87 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 17.50 ft / 5.33 m
Beam 6.25 ft / 1.91 m
Max Draft 4.25 ft / 1.30 m
Displacement 3,450.00 lb / 1,565 kg
Ballast 1,400.00 lb / 635 kg
Sail Area (Reported) 310.00 ft² / 28.80 m²
Design & Construction
Hull Type Fin Keel
Rigging Type Gaffhead Sloop
Construction Wood planked
Designer B. B. Crowninshield/R. N. Burbank
Builder Rice Brothers, George Lawley, and others
First Built 1908
Last Built 1935
Owner Reviews

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Performance Ratios
PHRF Rating PHRF (Performance Handicap Racing Fleet) is a national racing handicap measured in seconds per nautical mile. Lower values indicate faster boats. Ratings are sourced from US Sailing's national database (median across 60+ regional fleets).
Under 0 — Ultralight racer0–90 — Performance racer90–150 — Cruiser/racer150–210 — Typical cruiserOver 210 — Heavy/slow cruiser
234
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
21.78
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
23.19
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
1.66
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. 5.61
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. 390.81
How It Compares

vs. Cape Dory 26, Endeavor 26 Lapworth, Excalibur 26

This boat Similar boats
Dimensions
LOA
Dark Harbor 17 12 ★
25.8 ft
Cape Dory 26
25.9 ft
Endeavor 26 Lapworth
25.8 ft
Excalibur 26
25.9 ft
LWL
Dark Harbor 17 12 ★
17.5 ft
Cape Dory 26
19.3 ft
Endeavor 26 Lapworth
18.0 ft
Excalibur 26
21.7 ft
Beam
Dark Harbor 17 12 ★
6.3 ft
Cape Dory 26
8.0 ft
Endeavor 26 Lapworth
7.0 ft
Excalibur 26
7.7 ft
Displacement
Dark Harbor 17 12 ★
3 lbs
Cape Dory 26
5 lbs
Endeavor 26 Lapworth
3 lbs
Excalibur 26
3 lbs
Ballast
Dark Harbor 17 12 ★
1 lbs
Cape Dory 26
2 lbs
Endeavor 26 Lapworth
1 lbs
Excalibur 26
1 lbs
Sail Area
Dark Harbor 17 12 ★
310 sq ft
Cape Dory 26
304 sq ft
Endeavor 26 Lapworth
Excalibur 26
302 sq ft
Performance
PHRF Rating (lower = faster)
Dark Harbor 17 12 ★
234 s/nm
Cape Dory 26
237 s/nm
Endeavor 26 Lapworth
Excalibur 26
SA / Displacement (higher = more powerful)
Dark Harbor 17 12 ★
21.8
Cape Dory 26
16.1
Endeavor 26 Lapworth
Excalibur 26
20.0
Comfort Ratio (higher = more comfortable offshore)
Dark Harbor 17 12 ★
23.2
Cape Dory 26
24.2
Endeavor 26 Lapworth
Excalibur 26
16.8
Capsize Screening (lower = safer)
Dark Harbor 17 12 ★
1.66
Cape Dory 26
1.84
Endeavor 26 Lapworth
Excalibur 26
1.97
Hull Speed
Dark Harbor 17 12 ★
5.6 kts
Cape Dory 26
5.9 kts
Endeavor 26 Lapworth
Excalibur 26
6.2 kts
Speed Number (higher = faster)
Dark Harbor 17 12 ★
Cape Dory 26
1.5
Endeavor 26 Lapworth
Excalibur 26
3.5
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