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Ds 18
Designer: Diller & Schwill  ·  Builder: Schwill Yachts Inc.  ·  First built: 1975
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About the Ds 18

With limited technical specifications available, the Ds 18 represents a compact sailing vessel that falls into the smaller end of the recreational sailboat spectrum. Based on its numerical designation, this boat likely measures around 18 feet in length, positioning it as a day sailor or small weekend cruiser suitable for protected waters and near-coastal sailing. Boats in this size category typically excel as training platforms for new sailors or as nimble day boats for experienced sailors seeking a simple, responsive sailing experience. The Ds 18 would be well-suited for sailing in bays, lakes, and coastal areas with moderate conditions, though its smaller size would make it less appropriate for extended offshore passages or heavy weather sailing. Without detailed specifications available, potential buyers should focus on inspecting the boat's construction quality, rigging condition, and overall maintenance history. Smaller sailboats like the Ds 18 often offer an attractive entry point into sailing, providing an opportunity to develop skills without the complexity and expense of larger vessels. The boat's portability and manageable size make it appealing for sailors who value simplicity and ease of handling over extended cruising capabilities.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 18.00 ft / 5.49 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 15.83 ft / 4.82 m
Beam 6.83 ft / 2.08 m
Max Draft 1.50 ft / 0.46 m
Displacement 1,200.00 lb / 544 kg
Ballast 480.00 lb / 218 kg
Sail Area (Reported) 185.00 ft² / 17.19 m²
Design & Construction
Hull Type Fin w/transom hung rudder
Rigging Type Fractional Sloop
Construction FG
Designer Diller & Schwill
Builder Schwill Yachts Inc.
First Built 1975
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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
26.26
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
8.7
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
2.57
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. 5.33
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. 386.32
How It Compares

vs. Capri 18 Catalina, Catalina 18, Gloucester 18, Hunter 18, Sovereign 18

This boat Similar boats
Dimensions
LOA
Ds 18 ★
18.0 ft
Capri 18 Catalina
18.0 ft
Catalina 18
18.0 ft
Gloucester 18
18.0 ft
Hunter 18
18.0 ft
Sovereign 18
18.0 ft
LWL
Ds 18 ★
15.8 ft
Capri 18 Catalina
16.3 ft
Catalina 18
15.8 ft
Gloucester 18
16.7 ft
Hunter 18
15.5 ft
Sovereign 18
14.5 ft
Beam
Ds 18 ★
6.8 ft
Capri 18 Catalina
7.6 ft
Catalina 18
7.8 ft
Gloucester 18
6.0 ft
Hunter 18
7.5 ft
Sovereign 18
7.0 ft
Displacement
Ds 18 ★
1 lbs
Capri 18 Catalina
1 lbs
Catalina 18
1 lbs
Gloucester 18
500 lbs
Hunter 18
1 lbs
Sovereign 18
1 lbs
Ballast
Ds 18 ★
480 lbs
Capri 18 Catalina
425 lbs
Catalina 18
500 lbs
Gloucester 18
Hunter 18
500 lbs
Sovereign 18
540 lbs
Sail Area
Ds 18 ★
185 sq ft
Capri 18 Catalina
155 sq ft
Catalina 18
152 sq ft
Gloucester 18
175 sq ft
Hunter 18
145 sq ft
Sovereign 18
123 sq ft
Performance
PHRF Rating (lower = faster)
Ds 18 ★
Capri 18 Catalina
Catalina 18
289 s/nm
Gloucester 18
Hunter 18
282 s/nm
Sovereign 18
SA / Displacement (higher = more powerful)
Ds 18 ★
26.3
Capri 18 Catalina
19.0
Catalina 18
19.9
Gloucester 18
44.5
Hunter 18
18.5
Sovereign 18
16.1
Ballast / Disp (higher = stiffer)
Ds 18 ★
Capri 18 Catalina
28.3 %
Catalina 18
37.0 %
Gloucester 18
Hunter 18
35.7 %
Sovereign 18
40.0 %
Comfort Ratio (higher = more comfortable offshore)
Ds 18 ★
8.7
Capri 18 Catalina
9.3
Catalina 18
8.2
Gloucester 18
4.2
Hunter 18
9.0
Sovereign 18
10.0
Capsize Screening (lower = safer)
Ds 18 ★
2.57
Capri 18 Catalina
2.65
Catalina 18
2.81
Gloucester 18
3.03
Hunter 18
2.68
Sovereign 18
2.54
Displacement / Length (lower = lighter)
Ds 18 ★
Capri 18 Catalina
153
Catalina 18
151
Gloucester 18
48
Hunter 18
167
Sovereign 18
197
Hull Speed
Ds 18 ★
5.3 kts
Capri 18 Catalina
5.4 kts
Catalina 18
5.3 kts
Gloucester 18
5.5 kts
Hunter 18
5.3 kts
Sovereign 18
5.1 kts
Speed Number (higher = faster)
Ds 18 ★
Capri 18 Catalina
3.5
Catalina 18
Gloucester 18
Hunter 18
Sovereign 18
2.6
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