Originally designed by William Crosby in 1931, this compact 15.5-foot sailboat has become one of the most successful and enduring small boat designs in sailing history. With over 31,000 hulls built across nine decades, the Snipe represents a remarkable achievement in both racing and recreational sailing. Built as either fiberglass or wood construction, the Snipe features a daggerboard configuration that makes it ideal for shallow water sailing and easy launching from beaches or ramps. The fractional sloop rig provides excellent sail handling characteristics, while the 128 square feet of sail area delivers spirited performance despite the boat's modest displacement of 380 pounds. This design excels as both a competitive racing platform and an accessible trainer for developing sailors. The Snipe's active international class association maintains strict one-design rules, ensuring competitive racing worldwide. Its forgiving handling characteristics and responsive performance make it equally suitable for sailing instruction, weekend recreation, and serious competition. The boat's low comfort ratio and moderate capsize screening numbers reflect its nature as a day sailor rather than a cruising vessel. With a hull speed approaching 5 knots, the Snipe offers engaging performance that has captivated generations of sailors seeking an authentic, pure sailing experience.
- Prices are based on recent asking prices from public listings — not actual sale prices, which are typically lower.
- Condition is not factored in. A well-maintained boat with new sails and engine can be worth significantly more than a project boat of the same model.
- Location affects price. Boats in landlocked states or areas with fewer buyers often sell for less than those on the coast.
- Year of manufacture is not filtered. Older examples of this model will generally be priced lower than newer ones.
- Included equipment varies widely. A boat with a full suite of electronics, dodger, and new standing rigging may command a large premium.
- Outliers are automatically excluded using statistical filtering to improve accuracy, but some bad data may remain.
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