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Silhouette Mk Ii
Designer: Robert Tucker  ·  Builder: Ferrier Marine/Hurley Marine Ltd.  ·  First built: 1955
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About the Silhouette Mk Ii

A classic of British sailing history, the Silhouette Mk II holds a special place in the hearts of many sailors who took their first steps into boat ownership aboard one of these compact and characterful vessels. Designed as an accessible and affordable small cruiser, it earned a loyal following throughout the mid-twentieth century and remains a recognisable sight on UK coastal waters and inland waterways today. Built for the weekend sailor and first-time buyer, the Silhouette Mk II is best suited to sheltered coastal cruising and estuary sailing, offering a forgiving and manageable platform for those still developing their seamanship. Its modest size makes it easy to single-hand or sail as a couple, and its simplicity keeps maintenance demands low — an appealing quality for budget-conscious owners. While detailed specifications can be difficult to come by, the boat's enduring popularity speaks to a practical, well-balanced design that prioritises ease of use over outright performance. For those seeking an affordable entry into cruising with a touch of vintage character, the Silhouette Mk II continues to represent genuine charm and historical appeal.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 17.66 ft / 5.38 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 12.50 ft / 3.81 m
Beam 6.58 ft / 2.01 m
Max Draft 1.67 ft / 0.51 m
Displacement 1,100.00 lb / 499 kg
Ballast 400.00 lb / 181 kg
Sail Area (Reported) 120.00 ft² / 11.15 m²
Headroom 3.62 ft / 1.10 m
Design & Construction
Hull Type Twin Keel
Rigging Type Masthead Sloop
Construction Plywood/FG
Designer Robert Tucker
Builder Ferrier Marine/Hurley Marine Ltd.
First Built 1955
Last Built 1965
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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
18.05
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
9.83
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
2.55
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. 4.74
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. 293.89
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