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Islands 17
Designer: Johann Tanzer  ·  Builder: Ocean Yachts / Sumner Boat Co. (Usa)  ·  First built: 1972
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About the Islands 17

Designed by Johann Tanzer in 1972, this compact centerboard dinghy represents an excellent entry point into recreational sailing for families and sailing schools. Built by Ocean Yachts and Sumner Boat Co. in fiberglass construction, the Islands 17 offers remarkable versatility in a trailer-friendly package that can be easily launched from most ramps. The fractional sloop rig delivers responsive handling characteristics ideal for day sailing, sailing instruction, and casual racing in protected waters. With its moderate beam of 6.50 feet and 3.50-foot draft, the boat provides good initial stability while remaining shallow enough to explore beaches and coves inaccessible to deeper-draft vessels. The centerboard configuration allows for easy beaching and simplified maintenance compared to fixed-keel designs. At 575 pounds displacement, this lightweight performer achieves a theoretical hull speed of 5.33 knots, making it nimble and exciting to sail in light to moderate conditions. The generous sail area of 135 square feet ensures adequate power for most sailing conditions, while the low comfort ratio of 4.56 confirms its nature as a day sailor rather than an overnight cruiser. Best suited for coastal day sailing, sailing education, and informal racing, the Islands 17 remains a practical choice for sailors seeking affordable, manageable sailing enjoyment.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 16.75 ft / 5.11 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 15.83 ft / 4.82 m
Beam 6.50 ft / 1.98 m
Max Draft 3.50 ft / 1.07 m
Min Draft 0.58 ft / 0.18 m
Displacement 575.00 lb / 261 kg
Sail Area (Reported) 135.00 ft² / 12.54 m²
Design & Construction
Hull Type Centerboard Dinghy
Rigging Type Fractional Sloop
Construction FG
Designer Johann Tanzer
Builder Ocean Yachts / Sumner Boat Co. (USA)
First Built 1972
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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
 31.28
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
 64.71
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
 4.56
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
 3.13
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 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. 367.66 pounds/inch
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