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Quickstep 14
 ·  Builder: Quickstep Inc. (Usa)  ·  First built: 1978
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About the Quickstep 14

Built by Quickstep Inc. beginning in 1978, this nimble 13.58-foot centerboard dinghy represents classic small boat sailing at its most accessible. The fiberglass construction ensures durability while keeping maintenance requirements manageable for weekend sailors and sailing school programs alike. With its fractional sloop rig and generous 119 square feet of sail area, the Quickstep 14 delivers spirited performance that belies its compact size. The boat's SA/Displacement ratio of 39.13 indicates excellent light-air capabilities, making it ideal for inland lakes and protected coastal waters where wind conditions can be variable. The 6.33-foot beam provides good initial stability while the centerboard configuration allows for easy launching from beaches and shallow-water exploration. Weighing just 340 pounds, this dinghy can be easily trailered and car-topped, opening up sailing opportunities across multiple venues. The capsize screening formula of 3.63 confirms this boat's intended use in protected waters rather than offshore conditions. Perfect for day sailing, sailing instruction, or as a tender for larger vessels, the Quickstep 14 offers an honest sailing experience that rewards good technique while remaining forgiving enough for developing sailors to build confidence and skills.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 13.58 ft / 4.14 m
Beam 6.33 ft / 1.93 m
Max Draft 3.00 ft / 0.91 m
Min Draft 0.58 ft / 0.18 m
Displacement 340.00 lb / 154 kg
Sail Area (Reported) 119.00 ft² / 11.06 m²
Design & Construction
Hull Type Centerboard Dinghy
Rigging Type Fractional Sloop
Construction FG
Builder Quickstep Inc. (USA)
First Built 1978
Associations Quickstep Owners Group
Related Sailboats Force 5 · Sunfish · 420 · Blue Jay · Ilca 7 Laser International
Owner Reviews

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Performance Ratios
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
98.69
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
3.68
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. 4.55 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. 1.57 pounds/inch
How It Compares

vs. 420, Blue Jay, Force 5, Ilca 7 Laser International, Sunfish

This boat Similar boats
Dimensions
LOA
Quickstep 14 ★
13.6 ft
420
13.8 ft
Blue Jay
13.5 ft
Force 5
13.9 ft
Ilca 7 Laser International
13.9 ft
Sunfish
13.9 ft
LWL
Quickstep 14 ★
420
13.2 ft
Blue Jay
11.3 ft
Force 5
13.2 ft
Ilca 7 Laser International
12.5 ft
Sunfish
13.0 ft
Beam
Quickstep 14 ★
6.3 ft
420
5.4 ft
Blue Jay
5.2 ft
Force 5
4.8 ft
Ilca 7 Laser International
4.5 ft
Sunfish
4.1 ft
Displacement
Quickstep 14 ★
340 lbs
420
220 lbs
Blue Jay
275 lbs
Force 5
140 lbs
Ilca 7 Laser International
128 lbs
Sunfish
129 lbs
Sail Area
Quickstep 14 ★
119 sq ft
420
Blue Jay
Force 5
91 sq ft
Ilca 7 Laser International
76 sq ft
Sunfish
75 sq ft
Performance
SA / Displacement (higher = more powerful)
Quickstep 14 ★
420
Blue Jay
Force 5
54.0
Ilca 7 Laser International
47.9
Sunfish
47.0
Comfort Ratio (higher = more comfortable offshore)
Quickstep 14 ★
3.7
420
Blue Jay
Force 5
2.0
Ilca 7 Laser International
2.1
Sunfish
2.3
Capsize Screening (lower = safer)
Quickstep 14 ★
420
Blue Jay
Force 5
3.72
Ilca 7 Laser International
3.56
Sunfish
3.25
Displacement / Length (lower = lighter)
Quickstep 14 ★
98
420
42
Blue Jay
86
Force 5
27
Ilca 7 Laser International
29
Sunfish
Hull Speed
Quickstep 14 ★
4.6 kts
420
Blue Jay
Force 5
4.9 kts
Ilca 7 Laser International
4.7 kts
Sunfish
4.8 kts
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