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Dn Iceboat
Designer: Archie Arroll  ·  Builder: Various  ·  First built: 1937
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About the Dn Iceboat

Since 1937, the DN Iceboat has dominated frozen lakes and rivers across North America and Europe, establishing itself as the world's most popular iceboat class. Designed by Archie Arroll, this nimble 12-foot craft represents the pinnacle of ice sailing performance, capable of reaching speeds three to four times faster than the wind itself. Built for pure speed and excitement, the DN features a distinctive bow-steerer configuration with a simple cat rig utilizing a rotating spar. Its lightweight 120-pound wooden construction and generous 60 square feet of sail area create an impressive power-to-weight ratio that translates into exhilarating acceleration across smooth ice. The 8-foot beam provides stability while allowing the craft to slice through winter conditions with remarkable agility. This iceboat excels in organized racing and recreational winter sailing on frozen lakes, rivers, and bays. The DN's straightforward design has made it a favorite among amateur builders, with construction plans widely available and various builders offering completed boats. Its enduring popularity stems from the perfect balance of performance, affordability, and accessibility, making high-speed ice sailing achievable for enthusiasts seeking winter thrills when traditional sailing season ends.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 12.00 ft / 3.66 m
Beam 8.00 ft / 2.44 m
Displacement 120.00 lb / 54 kg
Sail Area (Reported) 60.00 ft² / 5.57 m²
Design & Construction
Hull Type Iceboat (bow steerer)
Rigging Type Cat (rotating spar)
Construction Wood
Designer Archie Arroll
Builder Various
First Built 1937
Associations DN America (DN Iceboat Assoc. USA)
Owner Reviews

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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
39.48
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
50.48
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
1.08
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. 1.75 pounds/inch
How It Compares

vs. Beetle Cat, Firefly, Sailfish Alcort

This boat Similar boats
Dimensions
LOA
Dn Iceboat ★
12.0 ft
Beetle Cat
12.3 ft
Firefly
12.0 ft
Sailfish Alcort
11.6 ft
LWL
Dn Iceboat ★
Beetle Cat
11.7 ft
Firefly
11.8 ft
Sailfish Alcort
Beam
Dn Iceboat ★
8.0 ft
Beetle Cat
6.1 ft
Firefly
4.7 ft
Sailfish Alcort
2.6 ft
Displacement
Dn Iceboat ★
120 lbs
Beetle Cat
450 lbs
Firefly
260 lbs
Sailfish Alcort
82 lbs
Performance
Comfort Ratio (higher = more comfortable offshore)
Dn Iceboat ★
1.1
Beetle Cat
Firefly
Sailfish Alcort
3.3
Displacement / Length (lower = lighter)
Dn Iceboat ★
50
Beetle Cat
126
Firefly
71
Sailfish Alcort
37
Hull Speed
Dn Iceboat ★
4.3 kts
Beetle Cat
Firefly
Sailfish Alcort
4.2 kts
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