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Pixel
Designer: Bruce Kirby  ·  Builder: Flying Eagle Boat Co. (China)  ·  First built: 2003
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About the Pixel

Designed by renowned naval architect Bruce Kirby in 2003, the Pixel represents a modern take on the lightweight centerboard dinghy concept. This compact 13.75-foot sailboat combines Kirby's expertise in creating responsive, performance-oriented designs with contemporary construction methods, featuring fiberglass construction using epoxy resin for enhanced durability and weight savings. At just 185 pounds displacement with 94 square feet of sail area, the Pixel delivers an impressive power-to-weight ratio that translates to spirited performance in light to moderate conditions. The fractional sloop rig provides excellent balance and control, while the centerboard configuration allows for shallow water exploration and easy launching from beaches or ramps. With a beam of 5.50 feet and draft of 3.50 feet, the boat offers good stability for its size while maintaining trailer-ability. The Pixel excels as a day sailor for protected waters, making it ideal for lake sailing, harbor exploration, and coastal day trips in favorable conditions. Its responsive handling characteristics appeal to sailors seeking an engaging, hands-on sailing experience. Built by Flying Eagle Boat Co. in China, the Pixel offers Bruce Kirby's proven design philosophy at an accessible price point, making it attractive to both newcomers and experienced sailors looking for a fun, lightweight performer.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 13.75 ft / 4.19 m
Beam 5.50 ft / 1.68 m
Max Draft 3.50 ft / 1.07 m
Min Draft 0.42 ft / 0.13 m
Displacement 185.00 lb / 84 kg
Sail Area (Reported) 94.00 ft² / 8.73 m²
Design & Construction
Hull Type Centerboard Dinghy
Rigging Type Fractional Sloop
Construction FG (Epoxy)
Designer Bruce Kirby
Builder Flying Eagle Boat Co. (CHINA)
First Built 2003
Associations Pixel Class
Owner Reviews

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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
46.36
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
51.73
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
2.38
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. 4.58 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. 1.38 pounds/inch
How It Compares

vs. Blaze, Force 5, Ilca 6 Laser Radial

This boat Similar boats
Dimensions
LOA
Pixel ★
13.8 ft
Blaze
13.8 ft
Force 5
13.9 ft
Ilca 6 Laser Radial
13.9 ft
LWL
Pixel ★
Blaze
Force 5
13.2 ft
Ilca 6 Laser Radial
12.5 ft
Beam
Pixel ★
5.5 ft
Blaze
4.9 ft
Force 5
4.8 ft
Ilca 6 Laser Radial
4.5 ft
Displacement
Pixel ★
185 lbs
Blaze
143 lbs
Force 5
140 lbs
Ilca 6 Laser Radial
128 lbs
Sail Area
Pixel ★
94 sq ft
Blaze
112 sq ft
Force 5
91 sq ft
Ilca 6 Laser Radial
62 sq ft
Performance
SA / Displacement (higher = more powerful)
Pixel ★
46.4
Blaze
65.6
Force 5
54.0
Ilca 6 Laser Radial
39.1
Comfort Ratio (higher = more comfortable offshore)
Pixel ★
2.4
Blaze
Force 5
2.0
Ilca 6 Laser Radial
2.1
Capsize Screening (lower = safer)
Pixel ★
Blaze
3.76
Force 5
3.72
Ilca 6 Laser Radial
3.56
Displacement / Length (lower = lighter)
Pixel ★
51
Blaze
Force 5
27
Ilca 6 Laser Radial
Hull Speed
Pixel ★
4.6 kts
Blaze
Force 5
4.9 kts
Ilca 6 Laser Radial
4.7 kts
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