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Naples Sabot
Designer: Mccullough/Violette  ·  Builder: Dash Manufacturing Co.  ·  First built: 1943
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About the Naples Sabot

A compact and beloved entry-level dinghy, the Naples Sabot has earned a cherished reputation as one of the most popular youth sailing platforms in the United States, particularly along the California coast. Designed for learning the fundamentals of sailing in sheltered waters, this small pram-style boat has introduced countless young sailors to the sport over several decades, making it a staple of junior sailing programs at yacht clubs and sailing schools alike. Its simple, forgiving design prioritizes ease of handling and stability, allowing beginners to develop confidence without being overwhelmed by complex rigging or demanding performance characteristics. The flat-bottomed hull and single sail configuration keep things approachable, while still offering enough responsiveness to keep young sailors engaged and progressing in their skills. Beyond its role as a learner's vessel, the Naples Sabot also supports a competitive racing circuit, giving junior sailors a genuine taste of fleet racing in an evenly matched one-design class. For families exploring youth sailing programs or parents looking for a first boat to foster a love of the water, the Naples Sabot remains a time-tested and highly regarded choice.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 7.92 ft / 2.41 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 7.16 ft / 2.18 m
Beam 4.00 ft / 1.22 m
Max Draft 1.67 ft / 0.51 m
Min Draft 0.43 ft / 0.13 m
Displacement 95.00 lb / 43 kg
Sail Area (Reported) 38.00 ft² / 3.53 m²
Design & Construction
Hull Type Pram (Leeboard)
Rigging Type Cat (unstayed)
Construction plyood/FG
Designer McCullough/Violette
Builder Dash Manufacturing Co.
First Built 1943
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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
29.21
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
3.13
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
3.51
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. 3.59
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. 102.33
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