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Little Sister Rhodes
Designer: Philip Rhodes  ·  Builder: Gray Boats Inc.  ·  First built: 1938
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About the Little Sister Rhodes

Designed by the renowned Philip Rhodes, this classic sailboat represents the elegance and craftsmanship that made the Rhodes name legendary in American yacht design. Rhodes was known for creating boats that balanced performance with seaworthiness, and the Little Sister Rhodes carries forward this design philosophy in a more compact package. With limited specifications available, this boat appears to be positioned as a smaller cruising yacht suitable for coastal sailing and weekend adventures. The Rhodes design heritage suggests careful attention to hull lines that provide both stability and reasonable sailing performance, making it well-suited for sailors seeking a manageable boat that doesn't compromise on sailing quality. The Little Sister Rhodes likely appeals to sailors who appreciate traditional design elements and proven sailing characteristics over cutting-edge racing features. Rhodes boats have historically been praised for their solid construction and pleasant sailing manners, traits that would make this model particularly attractive to cruising sailors and those seeking a reliable coastal companion. Given the Rhodes pedigree, potential buyers can expect a boat that prioritizes comfort and seaworthiness, making it an excellent choice for those entering the cruising world or downsizing from larger vessels.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 27.12 ft / 8.27 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 22.08 ft / 6.73 m
Beam 8.25 ft / 2.51 m
Max Draft 4.16 ft / 1.27 m
Displacement 8,000.00 lb / 3,629 kg
Sail Area (Reported) 379.00 ft² / 35.21 m²
Design & Construction
Hull Type Long keel w/trans. hung rudder
Rigging Type Fractional Sloop
Construction wood
Designer Philip Rhodes
Builder Gray Boats Inc.
First Built 1938
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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
15.21
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
31.52
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
1.65
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. 6.3
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. 650.88
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