Designed by Peter Milne and built by Richmond Marine in the UK starting in 1970, this compact 17-footer represents classic British small boat design philosophy with its twin centerboard configuration and fractional sloop rig. With 1,600 hulls produced, the Mariner 17 earned a solid reputation among sailors seeking an affordable entry into keelboat sailing. The twin centerboard system offers significant advantages for shallow water exploration and trailer sailing, allowing access to beaches and shallow anchorages that would be impossible with a fixed keel. At 700 pounds displacement with only 100 pounds of ballast, this is clearly a boat that relies more on crew weight and sailing skill than pure stability, making it an excellent trainer for developing boat handling techniques. The fractional rig with 155 square feet of sail area provides spirited performance in light to moderate conditions, while the fiberglass construction ensures durability and low maintenance. With a comfort ratio of 5.02 and capsize screening of 3.16, the Mariner 17 is best suited for protected waters, day sailing, and coastal cruising rather than offshore adventures. Its modest beam of seven feet keeps trailering straightforward, making it ideal for sailors who want to explore different sailing grounds.
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vs. Holder 17, Leisure 17, Montgomery 17, Siren 17, Vagabond 17