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Isotope
Designer: Frank Meldau  ·  Builder: Fiberglass Unlimited  ·  First built: 1962
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About the Isotope

With limited specifications available, the Isotope represents one of sailing's more enigmatic designs, making detailed analysis challenging for prospective buyers. This relative obscurity in the market suggests either limited production numbers or a specialized application that kept the design within niche sailing circles. Based on the name "Isotope," which implies precision and scientific methodology, this sailboat likely emerged from a designer focused on performance optimization and technical innovation. The nomenclature suggests attention to weight distribution and balance characteristics that would appeal to sailors seeking refined handling qualities. Given the scarcity of readily available information, potential buyers should expect to conduct thorough independent research, including surveys by qualified marine professionals familiar with lesser-known designs. The limited market presence could present both opportunities and challenges – potentially offering unique sailing characteristics and competitive pricing, while also raising questions about parts availability and resale value. Sailors considering an Isotope should prioritize hands-on evaluation and seek out existing owners or sailing communities that might provide insights into the boat's real-world performance, maintenance requirements, and suitability for their intended sailing applications, whether coastal cruising or competitive racing.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 16.00 ft / 4.88 m
Beam 7.50 ft / 2.29 m
Max Draft 2.50 ft / 0.76 m
Min Draft 0.50 ft / 0.15 m
Displacement 275.00 lb / 125 kg
Sail Area (Reported) 185.00 ft² / 17.19 m²
Design & Construction
Hull Type Catamaran Twin Cbrd.
Rigging Type Frac. Sloop (Rotating Spar)
Construction FG
Designer Frank Meldau
Builder Fiberglass Unlimited
First Built 1962
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
70.06
How It Compares

vs. Gemini Cape Cod, Hobie Max, Mosquito Cat, Prindle 16, Super Tiki

This boat Similar boats
Dimensions
LOA
Isotope ★
16.0 ft
Gemini Cape Cod
16.1 ft
Hobie Max
16.1 ft
Mosquito Cat
16.1 ft
Prindle 16
16.0 ft
Super Tiki
16.0 ft
LWL
Isotope ★
Gemini Cape Cod
14.8 ft
Hobie Max
15.9 ft
Mosquito Cat
15.1 ft
Prindle 16
15.0 ft
Super Tiki
15.0 ft
Beam
Isotope ★
7.5 ft
Gemini Cape Cod
5.6 ft
Hobie Max
8.2 ft
Mosquito Cat
7.2 ft
Prindle 16
7.9 ft
Super Tiki
6.5 ft
Displacement
Isotope ★
275 lbs
Gemini Cape Cod
440 lbs
Hobie Max
320 lbs
Mosquito Cat
121 lbs
Prindle 16
300 lbs
Super Tiki
287 lbs
Sail Area
Isotope ★
185 sq ft
Gemini Cape Cod
140 sq ft
Hobie Max
192 sq ft
Mosquito Cat
160 sq ft
Prindle 16
189 sq ft
Super Tiki
172 sq ft
Performance
SA / Displacement (higher = more powerful)
Isotope ★
70.1
Gemini Cape Cod
38.8
Hobie Max
65.7
Mosquito Cat
Prindle 16
Super Tiki
63.3
Comfort Ratio (higher = more comfortable offshore)
Isotope ★
Gemini Cape Cod
4.5
Hobie Max
1.9
Mosquito Cat
0.9
Prindle 16
1.9
Super Tiki
2.4
Capsize Screening (lower = safer)
Isotope ★
Gemini Cape Cod
2.94
Hobie Max
4.80
Mosquito Cat
5.80
Prindle 16
4.73
Super Tiki
3.94
Hull Speed
Isotope ★
Gemini Cape Cod
5.2 kts
Hobie Max
5.3 kts
Mosquito Cat
5.2 kts
Prindle 16
5.2 kts
Super Tiki
5.2 kts
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