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Daysailer
Designer: Uffa Fox/O'day  ·  Builder: O'day/Rebel Industries/Cape Cod Shipbuilding (Usa)  ·  First built: 1956
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About the Daysailer

Originally designed as an accessible entry point into sailing, this classic daysailer represents the quintessential small boat sailing experience. Built for recreational day sailing and sailing instruction, the design emphasizes simplicity, stability, and ease of handling that makes it particularly appealing to newcomers and sailing schools. The boat's straightforward rigging and responsive handling characteristics have made it a popular choice for protected waters, small lakes, and gentle coastal sailing. Its modest size and manageable sail plan allow sailors to develop fundamental skills without being overwhelmed by complexity, while still providing enough performance to keep experienced sailors engaged during casual outings. Known for its forgiving nature and predictable behavior, the Daysailer has earned a reputation as an excellent trainer that builds confidence on the water. The design prioritizes practicality over racing performance, featuring adequate cockpit space for small crews and straightforward systems that minimize maintenance requirements. While not intended for extended cruising or offshore adventures, this sailboat excels in its intended role as a reliable day sailor. Its enduring popularity among sailing programs and recreational sailors speaks to a design that successfully balances accessibility, safety, and sailing enjoyment in an unpretentious package.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 16.75 ft / 5.11 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 15.50 ft / 4.72 m
Beam 6.25 ft / 1.91 m
Max Draft 3.75 ft / 1.14 m
Displacement 575.00 lb / 261 kg
Design & Construction
Hull Type Centerboard Dinghy
Rigging Type Fractional Sloop
Construction FG
Designer Uffa Fox/O'Day
Builder O'Day/Rebel Industries/Cape Cod Shipbuilding (USA)
First Built 1956
Number Built 10000
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
68.93
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. 2.08 pounds/inch
Rig Dimensions
I (Foretriangle Height) 0.75 ft / 0.23 m
J (Foretriangle Base) 6.00 ft / 1.83 m
P (Mainsail Luff) 145.00 ft² / 13.47 m²
E (Mainsail Foot) 68.93
How It Compares

vs. Leisure 17, Thistle, Wildfire

This boat Similar boats
Dimensions
LOA
Daysailer ★
16.8 ft
Leisure 17
17.0 ft
Thistle
17.0 ft
Wildfire
16.8 ft
LWL
Daysailer ★
15.5 ft
Leisure 17
14.0 ft
Thistle
17.0 ft
Wildfire
15.0 ft
Beam
Daysailer ★
6.3 ft
Leisure 17
7.0 ft
Thistle
6.0 ft
Wildfire
6.3 ft
Displacement
Daysailer ★
575 lbs
Leisure 17
1 lbs
Thistle
515 lbs
Wildfire
620 lbs
Ballast
Daysailer ★
Leisure 17
550 lbs
Thistle
Wildfire
250 lbs
Performance
Displacement / Length (lower = lighter)
Daysailer ★
68
Leisure 17
Thistle
46
Wildfire
82
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