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Junior Folkboat
Designer: Eric Salander  ·  First built: 1929
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About the Junior Folkboat

Designed by Eric Salander in 1929, this classic Scandinavian design represents one of sailing's most enduring and beloved small boat concepts. The Junior Folkboat's traditional clinker-built wooden construction and long keel configuration embody the timeless principles of seaworthy small craft design that have influenced generations of sailors. At just under 19 feet overall, this fractional sloop punches well above its weight class in terms of seaworthiness and sailing ability. The substantial ballast-to-displacement ratio and deep long keel provide exceptional stability and tracking, while the moderate sail area creates a forgiving, well-balanced sailing experience. With a comfort ratio of 14.47 and capsize screening of 1.99, the design demonstrates remarkable seaworthiness for coastal cruising and day sailing. The Junior Folkboat excels as a single-handed or small crew sailing platform, equally suited for leisurely afternoon sails or more serious coastal exploration. Its traditional construction appeals to sailors who appreciate classic craftsmanship, while the proven hull form offers predictable handling characteristics that build confidence in developing sailors. The design's longevity speaks to its fundamental soundness as both a learning platform and a lifelong sailing companion for those who value traditional sailing qualities over pure performance.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 18.70 ft / 5.70 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 14.76 ft / 4.50 m
Beam 5.74 ft / 1.75 m
Max Draft 2.95 ft / 0.90 m
Displacement 1,532.00 lb / 695 kg
Ballast 606.00 lb / 275 kg
Sail Area (Reported) 161.00 ft² / 14.96 m²
Design & Construction
Hull Type Long keel w/trans. hung rudder
Rigging Type Fractional Sloop
Construction Wood (clinker)
Designer Eric Salander
First Built 1929
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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
 19.42
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
 39.56
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
 212.69
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
 14.47
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
 1.99
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. 5.15 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. 302.72 pounds/inch
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