Back to Search
Drifter 8
Designer: Michael Schallmann  ·  Builder: Drifter Marine  ·  First built: 1983
+ Add to Compare
About the Drifter 8

With limited specifications available, the Drifter 8 represents an intriguing entry in the small sailboat market that warrants closer examination by prospective buyers. This compact vessel appears designed with simplicity and accessibility in mind, making it potentially well-suited for novice sailors or those seeking an uncomplicated sailing experience. Based on its name and size category, the Drifter 8 likely excels in protected waters and light wind conditions, where its presumably modest sail plan and stable design would provide a relaxed, comfortable sailing experience. The boat's nomenclature suggests it was conceived for leisurely day sailing rather than aggressive performance sailing, appealing to sailors who prioritize enjoyment over speed. While comprehensive details remain scarce, boats in this size range typically offer straightforward handling characteristics that make them excellent choices for learning basic sailing skills or introducing family members to the sport. The Drifter 8 would likely serve well for coastal exploration, weekend outings, and casual recreational sailing in lakes, bays, and nearshore environments where its manageable size becomes an advantage rather than a limitation.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 7.92 ft / 2.41 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 7.25 ft / 2.21 m
Beam 3.83 ft / 1.17 m
Max Draft 2.75 ft / 0.84 m
Min Draft 0.50 ft / 0.15 m
Displacement 85.00 lb / 39 kg
Sail Area (Reported) 35.00 ft² / 3.25 m²
Design & Construction
Hull Type Pram (Daggerboard)
Rigging Type Cat (unstayed)
Construction FRP
Designer Michael Schallmann
Builder Drifter Marine
First Built 1983
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
28.97
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
2.94
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
3.48
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. 3.61
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. 99.22
Find a Drifter 8 For Sale