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Menger Cat 17
Designer: Menger  ·  Builder: Menger Boatworks (Usa)  ·  First built: 1983
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About the Menger Cat 17

With limited documentation available in sailing databases, the Menger Cat 17 represents one of those intriguing smaller sailboats that often flew under the radar of mainstream marine publications. This 17-foot vessel appears to have been designed as a compact day sailor, likely targeting recreational sailors seeking an affordable entry point into the sport or experienced sailors wanting a nimble boat for quick afternoon outings. Based on its size class, the Menger Cat 17 would have been well-suited for protected waters, small lakes, and coastal day sailing in moderate conditions. Boats of this length typically offer responsive handling characteristics that make them excellent for learning fundamental sailing skills or simply enjoying casual recreation close to shore. The relative scarcity of detailed specifications suggests this may have been either a limited production model or perhaps manufactured by a smaller boatbuilder focusing on regional markets. Such boats often developed loyal followings among local sailing communities, prized for their simplicity, ease of transport, and straightforward rigging systems. For prospective buyers researching this model, connecting with vintage sailboat enthusiasts or regional sailing clubs might yield additional insights into the boat's design heritage and sailing characteristics.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 17.00 ft / 5.18 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 16.50 ft / 5.03 m
Beam 8.00 ft / 2.44 m
Max Draft 4.50 ft / 1.37 m
Displacement 2,200.00 lb / 998 kg
Ballast 500.00 lb / 227 kg
Design & Construction
Hull Type Keel/Cbrd.
Rigging Type Gaff head Cat
Construction FG
Designer Menger
Builder Menger Boatworks (USA)
First Built 1983
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Performance Ratios
PHRF Rating PHRF (Performance Handicap Racing Fleet) is a national racing handicap measured in seconds per nautical mile. Lower values indicate faster boats. Ratings are sourced from US Sailing's national database (median across 60+ regional fleets).
Under 0 — Ultralight racer0–90 — Performance racer90–150 — Cruiser/racer150–210 — Typical cruiserOver 210 — Heavy/slow cruiser
351
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
22.73
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
218.64
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. 2.83 pounds/inch
Rig Dimensions
I (Foretriangle Height) 1.67 ft / 0.51 m
P (Mainsail Luff) 250.00 ft² / 23.23 m²
E (Mainsail Foot) 218.64
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