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Dyer Dhow 12 12
 ·  Builder: The Anchorage, Inc. (Usa)  ·  First built: 1966
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About the Dyer Dhow 12 12

Originally launched in 1966 by The Anchorage, Inc., this compact fiberglass dinghy represents classic American small boat design with a distinctive dhow-inspired aesthetic. At 12.5 feet overall with a 5-foot beam, the Dyer Dhow 12 strikes an appealing balance between stability and portability, making it an excellent choice for day sailing, sailing instruction, and recreational coastal cruising. The fractional sloop rig with 91 square feet of sail area provides spirited performance while remaining manageable for sailors of varying experience levels. Its centerboard configuration allows for shallow water exploration and easy launching from beaches or ramps. Weighing just 195 pounds, the boat can be car-topped or easily handled by a small crew. With a capsize screening formula of 3.45 and sail area-to-displacement ratio of 43.33, this design demonstrates excellent stability characteristics typical of well-engineered dinghies. The fiberglass construction ensures durability and low maintenance compared to traditional wooden alternatives. This versatile small craft excels in protected waters, harbors, and coastal areas where its shallow draft and responsive handling shine. Whether used for learning to sail, recreational day trips, or as a yacht tender, the Dyer Dhow 12 has earned a reputation for reliable performance and timeless appeal.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 12.50 ft / 3.81 m
Beam 5.00 ft / 1.52 m
Displacement 195.00 lb / 88 kg
Sail Area (Reported) 91.00 ft² / 8.45 m²
Design & Construction
Hull Type Centerboard Dinghy
Rigging Type Fractional Sloop
Construction FG
Builder The Anchorage, Inc. (USA)
First Built 1966
Related Sailboats Beetle Cat · Oday 12 · Butterfly · Expo 125 Catalina · Hobie Bravo
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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
72.58
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
3.14
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. 4.37 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. 1.14 pounds/inch
How It Compares

vs. Beetle Cat, Butterfly, Expo 125 Catalina, Hobie Bravo, Oday 12

This boat Similar boats
Dimensions
LOA
Dyer Dhow 12 12 ★
12.5 ft
Beetle Cat
12.3 ft
Butterfly
12.0 ft
Expo 125 Catalina
12.8 ft
Hobie Bravo
12.0 ft
Oday 12
12.3 ft
LWL
Dyer Dhow 12 12 ★
Beetle Cat
11.7 ft
Butterfly
Expo 125 Catalina
Hobie Bravo
Oday 12
11.5 ft
Beam
Dyer Dhow 12 12 ★
5.0 ft
Beetle Cat
6.1 ft
Butterfly
4.5 ft
Expo 125 Catalina
5.0 ft
Hobie Bravo
4.4 ft
Oday 12
5.0 ft
Displacement
Dyer Dhow 12 12 ★
195 lbs
Beetle Cat
450 lbs
Butterfly
137 lbs
Expo 125 Catalina
130 lbs
Hobie Bravo
195 lbs
Oday 12
243 lbs
Sail Area
Dyer Dhow 12 12 ★
91 sq ft
Beetle Cat
Butterfly
75 sq ft
Expo 125 Catalina
64 sq ft
Hobie Bravo
86 sq ft
Oday 12
75 sq ft
Performance
SA / Displacement (higher = more powerful)
Dyer Dhow 12 12 ★
Beetle Cat
Butterfly
Expo 125 Catalina
Hobie Bravo
41.0
Oday 12
30.8
Comfort Ratio (higher = more comfortable offshore)
Dyer Dhow 12 12 ★
3.1
Beetle Cat
Butterfly
2.6
Expo 125 Catalina
2.1
Hobie Bravo
3.9
Oday 12
3.7
Capsize Screening (lower = safer)
Dyer Dhow 12 12 ★
Beetle Cat
Butterfly
Expo 125 Catalina
Hobie Bravo
3.05
Oday 12
3.21
Displacement / Length (lower = lighter)
Dyer Dhow 12 12 ★
72
Beetle Cat
126
Butterfly
57
Expo 125 Catalina
45
Hobie Bravo
82
Oday 12
Hull Speed
Dyer Dhow 12 12 ★
4.4 kts
Beetle Cat
Butterfly
4.3 kts
Expo 125 Catalina
4.4 kts
Hobie Bravo
4.3 kts
Oday 12
4.5 kts
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