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Ideal 18
Designer: Bruce Kirby  ·  Builder: Ontario Yachts (Can)  ·  First built: 1989
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About the Ideal 18

Designed by renowned naval architect Bruce Kirby, this compact 18-footer represents a thoughtful approach to small boat sailing that emphasizes performance and seaworthiness. Built by Ontario Yachts from 1989 through a production run of 325 boats, the Ideal 18 showcases Kirby's expertise in creating vessels that punch above their weight class. The boat's fractional sloop rig and fin keel with spade rudder configuration deliver responsive handling characteristics that make it well-suited for both recreational day sailing and competitive racing in protected waters. With a substantial ballast-to-displacement ratio, the design offers impressive stability for coastal cruising adventures, while the moderate sail area provides manageable power for sailors of varying experience levels. The fiberglass construction ensures durability and relatively low maintenance, making it an attractive option for sailors seeking a trailerable boat that doesn't compromise on sailing qualities. The Ideal 18's balanced proportions and Kirby's reputation for creating intuitive designs suggest a forgiving nature that builds confidence in developing sailors while still providing enough performance to keep experienced helmsmen engaged. This combination of accessibility and capability has helped establish the boat as a respected choice in the small keelboat category.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 17.85 ft / 5.44 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 14.35 ft / 4.37 m
Beam 6.20 ft / 1.89 m
Max Draft 3.25 ft / 0.99 m
Displacement 1,240.00 lb / 562 kg
Ballast 700.00 lb / 318 kg
Ballast Type Lead
Sail Area (Reported) 168.00 ft² / 15.61 m²
Design & Construction
Hull Type Fin w/spade rudder
Rigging Type Fractional Sloop
Construction FG
Designer Bruce Kirby
Builder Ontario Yachts (CAN)
First Built 1989
Number Built 325
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Performance Ratios
PHRF Rating PHRF (Performance Handicap Racing Fleet) is a national racing handicap measured in seconds per nautical mile. Lower values indicate faster boats. Ratings are sourced from US Sailing's national database (median across 60+ regional fleets).
Under 0 — Ultralight racer0–90 — Performance racer90–150 — Cruiser/racer150–210 — Typical cruiserOver 210 — Heavy/slow cruiser
 249
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
 23.33
Ballast/Displacement Ballast to Displacement ratio shows what percentage of the boat's total weight is ballast. Higher values generally mean better initial stability and stiffer sail carrying.
30–35% — Typical cruiser35–45% — Stiff performance boatOver 45% — Racing oriented
 56.45
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
 187.33
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
 10.94
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
 2.31
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. 5.08 kn
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
 3.68
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. 317.90 pounds/inch
SA/Displacement (Calc) Calculated Sail Area to Displacement ratio using actual measured sail dimensions rather than reported values. More precise than the reported SA/Disp figure. 24.33
Rig Dimensions
I (Foretriangle Height) 19.00 ft / 5.79 m
J (Foretriangle Base) 7.00 ft / 2.13 m
P (Mainsail Luff) 23.50 ft / 7.16 m
E (Mainsail Foot) 9.25 ft / 2.82 m
SA Fore 66.50 ft² / 6.18 m²
SA Main 108.69 ft² / 10.10 m²
SA Total (100%) 175.19 ft² / 16.28 m²
Est. Forestay Length 20.25 ft / 6.17 m
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