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Holder 17
Designer: Ron Holder  ·  Builder: Holder Marine  ·  First built: 1982
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About the Holder 17

This compact sailboat represents a lesser-known entry in the small boat market, where detailed specifications remain elusive despite its presence in sailing circles. Given its modest size designation, the Holder 17 appears positioned as an entry-level sailing vessel, likely designed for day sailing and coastal exploration rather than extended offshore passages. Small sailboats in this size range typically excel as training platforms for new sailors or serve as affordable recreational craft for experienced sailors seeking simplicity. The Holder 17's design philosophy presumably emphasizes ease of handling and straightforward rigging, making it accessible to sailors developing their skills on protected waters. Without extensive documentation available, potential buyers should expect this boat to handle best in light to moderate conditions typical of lakes, bays, and near-shore coastal areas. The limited information suggests this model may have had a relatively small production run or targeted a specific regional market, which could affect parts availability and resale value. For sailors prioritizing affordable entry into sailing or seeking a manageable boat for relaxed day trips, the Holder 17 may warrant investigation, though prospective buyers should thoroughly inspect any individual vessel given the scarcity of detailed specifications and performance data.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 17.00 ft / 5.18 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 15.00 ft / 4.57 m
Beam 7.25 ft / 2.21 m
Max Draft 4.17 ft / 1.27 m
Min Draft 1.67 ft / 0.51 m
Displacement 950.00 lb / 431 kg
Ballast 345.00 lb / 156 kg
Sail Area (Reported) 147.00 ft² / 13.66 m²
Design & Construction
Hull Type Swing Keel
Rigging Type Fractional Sloop
Construction FG
Designer Ron Holder
Builder Holder Marine
First Built 1982
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
24.38
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
6.72
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
2.95
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. 5.19
S# (Speed Number) The Speed Number (S#) is a quick performance index. Higher values indicate a faster, more powerful design relative to its size.
Under 3.0 — Slow cruiser3.0–5.0 — Average cruiser5.0–7.0 — Performance cruiserOver 7.0 — Racer
4.67
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. 388.58
Rig Dimensions
I (Foretriangle Height) 18.8
J (Foretriangle Base) 6.66
P (Mainsail Luff) 20.0
E (Mainsail Foot) 7.75
SA Fore 62.6
SA Main 77.5
How It Compares

vs. Com-Pac Sun Cat, Hunter 170, Montgomery 17

This boat Similar boats
Dimensions
LOA
Holder 17 ★
17.0 ft
Com-Pac Sun Cat
17.0 ft
Hunter 170
17.1 ft
Montgomery 17
17.1 ft
LWL
Holder 17 ★
15.0 ft
Com-Pac Sun Cat
15.0 ft
Hunter 170
12.1 ft
Montgomery 17
15.8 ft
Beam
Holder 17 ★
7.3 ft
Com-Pac Sun Cat
7.5 ft
Hunter 170
7.0 ft
Montgomery 17
7.3 ft
Displacement
Holder 17 ★
950 lbs
Com-Pac Sun Cat
1 lbs
Hunter 170
478 lbs
Montgomery 17
1 lbs
Ballast
Holder 17 ★
345 lbs
Com-Pac Sun Cat
650 lbs
Hunter 170
Montgomery 17
550 lbs
Sail Area
Holder 17 ★
147 sq ft
Com-Pac Sun Cat
162 sq ft
Hunter 170
150 sq ft
Montgomery 17
154 sq ft
Performance
PHRF Rating (lower = faster)
Holder 17 ★
Com-Pac Sun Cat
Hunter 170
258 s/nm
Montgomery 17
264 s/nm
SA / Displacement (higher = more powerful)
Holder 17 ★
24.4
Com-Pac Sun Cat
16.6
Hunter 170
39.3
Montgomery 17
19.7
Ballast / Disp (higher = stiffer)
Holder 17 ★
Com-Pac Sun Cat
33.3 %
Hunter 170
Montgomery 17
39.3 %
Comfort Ratio (higher = more comfortable offshore)
Holder 17 ★
6.7
Com-Pac Sun Cat
13.1
Hunter 170
4.1
Montgomery 17
9.4
Capsize Screening (lower = safer)
Holder 17 ★
2.95
Com-Pac Sun Cat
2.40
Hunter 170
3.58
Montgomery 17
2.62
Displacement / Length (lower = lighter)
Holder 17 ★
Com-Pac Sun Cat
257
Hunter 170
121
Montgomery 17
157
Hull Speed
Holder 17 ★
5.2 kts
Com-Pac Sun Cat
5.2 kts
Hunter 170
4.7 kts
Montgomery 17
5.3 kts
Speed Number (higher = faster)
Holder 17 ★
4.7
Com-Pac Sun Cat
Hunter 170
6.2
Montgomery 17
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