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Quincy Adams 17
Designer: Fred Goeller  ·  Builder: Quincy Adams Yacht Yard  ·  First built: 1946
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About the Quincy Adams 17

A compact and characterful pocket cruiser, the Quincy Adams 17 carries the legacy of a boatbuilder with deep roots in traditional New England craftsmanship. Quincy Adams Yacht Yard, based in Massachusetts, was known for producing well-built fiberglass sailboats that emphasized quality construction and seaworthy design, and the 17 reflects that heritage in a manageable, entry-level package. Suited primarily to protected coastal waters, bays, and lakes, this small sailboat appeals to beginner sailors and those looking for a low-maintenance, affordable vessel for weekend daysailing or light coastal exploration. Its modest size makes it easy to trailer, launch, and single-hand, opening up sailing opportunities for owners without access to permanent moorage. While detailed specifications are limited, boats of this class and era from reputable builders like Quincy Adams typically prioritize stability and forgiving handling characteristics over outright performance. That makes the 17 a sensible choice for sailors building confidence on the water. For prospective buyers, connecting with owners through sailing forums or class associations can uncover valuable firsthand insight into this boat's particular strengths and quirks.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 26.50 ft / 8.08 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 17.25 ft / 5.26 m
Beam 6.00 ft / 1.83 m
Max Draft 4.50 ft / 1.37 m
Displacement 3,800.00 lb / 1,724 kg
Sail Area (Reported) 253.00 ft² / 23.50 m²
Design & Construction
Hull Type Fin Keel
Rigging Type Fractional Sloop
Construction Wood Planked
Designer Fred Goeller
Builder Quincy Adams Yacht Yard
First Built 1946
Last Built 1947
Owner Reviews

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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
210
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
16.67
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
26.94
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
1.54
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. 5.57
S# (Speed Number) The Speed Number (S#) is a quick performance index. Higher values indicate a faster, more powerful design relative to its size.
Under 3.0 — Slow cruiser3.0–5.0 — Average cruiser5.0–7.0 — Performance cruiserOver 7.0 — Racer
1.67
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. 369.82
Rig Dimensions
I (Foretriangle Height) 30.83
J (Foretriangle Base) 7.75
P (Mainsail Luff) 27.67
E (Mainsail Foot) 12.5
SA Fore 119.47
SA Main 172.94
How It Compares

vs. Columbia 27, Coronado 27, H 26 Herreshoff, Luders 16, Newell Cadet

This boat Similar boats
Dimensions
LOA
Quincy Adams 17 ★
26.5 ft
Columbia 27
26.7 ft
Coronado 27
26.7 ft
H 26 Herreshoff
26.3 ft
Luders 16
26.3 ft
Newell Cadet
26.4 ft
LWL
Quincy Adams 17 ★
17.3 ft
Columbia 27
22.2 ft
Coronado 27
22.0 ft
H 26 Herreshoff
22.3 ft
Luders 16
16.3 ft
Newell Cadet
18.8 ft
Beam
Quincy Adams 17 ★
6.0 ft
Columbia 27
8.5 ft
Coronado 27
8.5 ft
H 26 Herreshoff
9.0 ft
Luders 16
5.8 ft
Newell Cadet
7.5 ft
Displacement
Quincy Adams 17 ★
3 lbs
Columbia 27
6 lbs
Coronado 27
6 lbs
H 26 Herreshoff
6 lbs
Luders 16
2 lbs
Newell Cadet
6 lbs
Ballast
Quincy Adams 17 ★
Columbia 27
2 lbs
Coronado 27
2 lbs
H 26 Herreshoff
3 lbs
Luders 16
1 lbs
Newell Cadet
2 lbs
Sail Area
Quincy Adams 17 ★
253 sq ft
Columbia 27
310 sq ft
Coronado 27
H 26 Herreshoff
360 sq ft
Luders 16
224 sq ft
Newell Cadet
323 sq ft
Performance
PHRF Rating (lower = faster)
Quincy Adams 17 ★
210 s/nm
Columbia 27
Coronado 27
231 s/nm
H 26 Herreshoff
Luders 16
256 s/nm
Newell Cadet
SA / Displacement (higher = more powerful)
Quincy Adams 17 ★
16.7
Columbia 27
14.7
Coronado 27
H 26 Herreshoff
16.6
Luders 16
17.5
Newell Cadet
14.3
Ballast / Disp (higher = stiffer)
Quincy Adams 17 ★
Columbia 27
44.9 %
Coronado 27
40.8 %
H 26 Herreshoff
Luders 16
Newell Cadet
39.1 %
Comfort Ratio (higher = more comfortable offshore)
Quincy Adams 17 ★
26.9
Columbia 27
23.7
Coronado 27
H 26 Herreshoff
22.9
Luders 16
22.9
Newell Cadet
34.6
Capsize Screening (lower = safer)
Quincy Adams 17 ★
1.54
Columbia 27
1.85
Coronado 27
H 26 Herreshoff
1.93
Luders 16
1.61
Newell Cadet
1.58
Displacement / Length (lower = lighter)
Quincy Adams 17 ★
Columbia 27
255
Coronado 27
262
H 26 Herreshoff
Luders 16
Newell Cadet
467
Hull Speed
Quincy Adams 17 ★
5.6 kts
Columbia 27
6.3 kts
Coronado 27
H 26 Herreshoff
6.3 kts
Luders 16
5.4 kts
Newell Cadet
5.8 kts
Speed Number (higher = faster)
Quincy Adams 17 ★
1.7
Columbia 27
1.9
Coronado 27
H 26 Herreshoff
Luders 16
1.8
Newell Cadet
0.7
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