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Redhead 17
Designer: Ford  ·  Builder: Anchor Sailboat/Mfg  ·  First built: 1968
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About the Redhead 17

Compact, nimble, and built for accessible sailing, the Redhead 17 is a small daysailer designed to deliver an enjoyable on-the-water experience without the complexity or cost of larger vessels. Suited primarily to sheltered coastal waters, lakes, and bays, this boat appeals to beginners and casual sailors looking for a manageable yet rewarding introduction to the sport, as well as experienced sailors seeking a lightweight option for relaxed weekend outings. With limited specification data widely available, the Redhead 17 occupies a niche in the small sailboat category where simplicity and ease of handling tend to take priority over offshore capability. Boats of this size and type are typically easy to rig, trailer-friendly, and forgiving for those still developing their sailing skills. The modest scale makes solo sailing practical while still leaving room for a small crew or family outing. For prospective buyers, the Redhead 17 represents an entry point into sailing ownership that emphasizes fun and accessibility. Those researching this model would benefit from connecting with owners or local sailing clubs to gather firsthand accounts of her handling characteristics and long-term ownership experience.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 17.25 ft / 5.26 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 15.00 ft / 4.57 m
Beam 6.08 ft / 1.85 m
Max Draft 2.50 ft / 0.76 m
Min Draft 0.70 ft / 0.21 m
Displacement 600.00 lb / 272 kg
Sail Area (Reported) 178.00 ft² / 16.54 m²
Design & Construction
Hull Type Centerboard Dinghy
Rigging Type Fractional Sloop
Construction FG
Designer Ford
Builder Anchor Sailboat/MFG
First Built 1968
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Known Issues & What to Watch For

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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
40.09
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
5.34
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
2.89
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. 5.19
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. 325.87
How It Compares

vs. Hunter 170, Montgomery 17, Precision 18

This boat Similar boats
Dimensions
LOA
Redhead 17 ★
17.3 ft
Hunter 170
17.1 ft
Montgomery 17
17.1 ft
Precision 18
17.4 ft
LWL
Redhead 17 ★
15.0 ft
Hunter 170
12.1 ft
Montgomery 17
15.8 ft
Precision 18
15.4 ft
Beam
Redhead 17 ★
6.1 ft
Hunter 170
7.0 ft
Montgomery 17
7.3 ft
Precision 18
7.4 ft
Displacement
Redhead 17 ★
600 lbs
Hunter 170
478 lbs
Montgomery 17
1 lbs
Precision 18
1 lbs
Ballast
Redhead 17 ★
Hunter 170
Montgomery 17
550 lbs
Precision 18
350 lbs
Sail Area
Redhead 17 ★
178 sq ft
Hunter 170
150 sq ft
Montgomery 17
154 sq ft
Precision 18
Performance
PHRF Rating (lower = faster)
Redhead 17 ★
Hunter 170
258 s/nm
Montgomery 17
264 s/nm
Precision 18
262 s/nm
SA / Displacement (higher = more powerful)
Redhead 17 ★
40.1
Hunter 170
39.3
Montgomery 17
19.7
Precision 18
Ballast / Disp (higher = stiffer)
Redhead 17 ★
Hunter 170
Montgomery 17
39.3 %
Precision 18
31.8 %
Comfort Ratio (higher = more comfortable offshore)
Redhead 17 ★
5.3
Hunter 170
4.1
Montgomery 17
9.4
Precision 18
Capsize Screening (lower = safer)
Redhead 17 ★
2.89
Hunter 170
3.58
Montgomery 17
2.62
Precision 18
Displacement / Length (lower = lighter)
Redhead 17 ★
Hunter 170
121
Montgomery 17
157
Precision 18
133
Hull Speed
Redhead 17 ★
5.2 kts
Hunter 170
4.7 kts
Montgomery 17
5.3 kts
Precision 18
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