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Sea Lion 18
Designer: Hubbard  ·  Builder: Mobjack Manufacturing Corp.  ·  First built: 1964
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About the Sea Lion 18

Designed by Hubbard and first launched in 1964, this lightweight catamaran represents an early entry into the small multihull market. Built by Mobjack Manufacturing Corp. using fiberglass construction, the Sea Lion 18 features twin centerboards and a fractional sloop rig with a rotating spar system that enhances sailing efficiency. At just 300 pounds displacement with 137 square feet of sail area, this cat delivers impressive performance characteristics. The high sail area to displacement ratio of 48.96 indicates exceptional light-air performance and speed potential, making it well-suited for day sailing, recreational racing, and sailing instruction. The shallow 2-foot draft opens up skinny water exploration opportunities that monohulls simply cannot access. The twin centerboard configuration provides good upwind performance while maintaining the ability to beach the boat easily. With its 7.5-foot beam providing stability and the rotating spar system offering aerodynamic advantages, the Sea Lion 18 appeals to sailors seeking an affordable entry into catamaran sailing or those wanting a fast, responsive boat for coastal waters. The compact 18-foot length makes it trailerable and manageable for single-handed sailing, though the catamaran's speed and responsiveness reward skilled boat handling.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 18.00 ft / 5.49 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 17.16 ft / 5.23 m
Beam 7.50 ft / 2.29 m
Max Draft 2.00 ft / 0.61 m
Min Draft 0.42 ft / 0.13 m
Displacement 300.00 lb / 136 kg
Sail Area (Reported) 137.00 ft² / 12.73 m²
Design & Construction
Hull Type Catamaran Twin Cbrd.
Rigging Type Frac. Sloop (Rotating Spar)
Construction FG
Designer Hubbard
Builder Mobjack Manufacturing Corp.
First Built 1964
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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
48.96
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
1.81
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
4.48
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. 5.55 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. 2.76 pounds/inch
Engine & Accommodations
KSP 1.4
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