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Sparkler
Designer: Bob Ellenbest  ·  Builder: Ellies's Boat Works (Usa)  ·  First built: 1964
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About the Sparkler

A classic small sailboat with a playful name that hints at its lively character on the water, the Sparkler has earned a place in the hearts of sailors who appreciate nimble, accessible sailing. Designed with simplicity in mind, this boat is well suited to sheltered coastal waters and inland lakes, making it an appealing choice for beginners looking to build confidence as well as experienced sailors seeking a fun, low-maintenance day sailer. With limited specifications widely documented, much of the Sparkler's reputation rests on its approachable handling and straightforward rigging, traits that make it a practical option for solo sailors or small crews. Its modest size lends itself to easy trailering and launching, reducing the logistical burden that often comes with boat ownership. For those researching entry-level or recreational sailing options, the Sparkler represents a category of boat that prioritizes enjoyment and ease over offshore ambition. Prospective buyers would be well advised to seek out class associations or existing owners for deeper insight into specific build quality, available parts, and regional fleets.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 11.00 ft / 3.35 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 11.00 ft / 3.35 m
Beam 3.00 ft / 0.91 m
Max Draft 3.00 ft / 0.91 m
Displacement 170.00 lb / 77 kg
Design & Construction
Hull Type Centerboard Dinghy
Rigging Type Fractional Sloop
Construction FG
Designer Bob Ellenbest
Builder Ellies's Boat Works (USA)
First Built 1964
Related Sailboats Flying Ant · Code 40 · Twitchell 12 · Scout 11 · Comet Od Uk
Owner Reviews

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Known Issues & What to Watch For

No known issues documented for this model yet.

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Performance Ratios
Displacement/Length Displacement to Length ratio measures how heavy a boat is relative to its waterline length. Lower values mean a lighter, faster boat.
Under 100 — Ultralight racer100–200 — Light cruiser/racer200–300 — Moderate cruiser300–400 — Heavy cruiserOver 400 — Very heavy
57.02
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. 0.71 pounds/inch
Rig Dimensions
I (Foretriangle Height) 0.33 ft / 0.10 m
P (Mainsail Luff) 70.00 ft² / 6.50 m²
E (Mainsail Foot) 57.02
How It Compares

vs. Code 40, Comet Od Uk, Flying Ant, Scout 11, Twitchell 12

This boat Similar boats
Dimensions
LOA
Sparkler ★
11.0 ft
Code 40
13.1 ft
Comet Od Uk
11.3 ft
Flying Ant
10.5 ft
Scout 11
11.1 ft
Twitchell 12
12.0 ft
LWL
Sparkler ★
11.0 ft
Code 40
Comet Od Uk
Flying Ant
Scout 11
10.3 ft
Twitchell 12
10.8 ft
Beam
Sparkler ★
3.0 ft
Code 40
5.3 ft
Comet Od Uk
4.5 ft
Flying Ant
4.3 ft
Scout 11
5.2 ft
Twitchell 12
4.5 ft
Displacement
Sparkler ★
170 lbs
Code 40
181 lbs
Comet Od Uk
110 lbs
Flying Ant
90 lbs
Scout 11
160 lbs
Twitchell 12
165 lbs
Sail Area
Sparkler ★
Code 40
108 sq ft
Comet Od Uk
70 sq ft
Flying Ant
73 sq ft
Scout 11
88 sq ft
Twitchell 12
Performance
Comfort Ratio (higher = more comfortable offshore)
Sparkler ★
Code 40
2.6
Comet Od Uk
2.3
Flying Ant
2.1
Scout 11
2.6
Twitchell 12
Displacement / Length (lower = lighter)
Sparkler ★
57
Code 40
58
Comet Od Uk
54
Flying Ant
56
Scout 11
66
Twitchell 12
57
Hull Speed
Sparkler ★
Code 40
4.5 kts
Comet Od Uk
4.2 kts
Flying Ant
4.0 kts
Scout 11
4.3 kts
Twitchell 12
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