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Squib
Designer: Oliver Lee  ·  Builder: Oliver Leebrewer Boats Ltd. Parker Yachts  ·  First built: 1967
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About the Squib

Designed as a one-design racing keelboat, the Squib has built a devoted following since its introduction in the late 1960s by designer Oliver Lee. Intended from the outset as an accessible yet competitive class, it has become a popular fixture on British and European inland and coastal waters, particularly within club racing circuits where its close, tactical racing is highly regarded. One of the Squib's most celebrated traits is the quality of its racing. The strict one-design rules ensure that success comes down to crew skill and boat handling rather than equipment advantages, making it a rewarding choice for serious club racers. Its modest size keeps running costs manageable, while the active class association helps maintain a healthy secondhand market and strong fleets at established venues. For those considering entry into keelboat racing without the complexity and expense of larger offshore vessels, the Squib represents an appealing option. It rewards precise helmsmanship and good teamwork, and its longevity as a class speaks to the enduring appeal of its concept. Prospective buyers will find a well-supported, competitive, and characterful little boat.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 19.00 ft / 5.79 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 17.00 ft / 5.18 m
Beam 6.17 ft / 1.88 m
Max Draft 3.25 ft / 0.99 m
Displacement 1,500.00 lb / 680 kg
Ballast 827.00 lb / 375 kg
Sail Area (Reported) 172.00 ft² / 15.98 m²
Design & Construction
Hull Type Fin w/transom hung rudder
Rigging Type Fractional Sloop
Construction FG
Designer Oliver Lee
Builder Oliver LeeBrewer Boats Ltd. Parker Yachts
First Built 1967
Owner Reviews

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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
21.05
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
11.66
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
2.16
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. 5.52
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. 374.78
How It Compares

vs. Albin 57, Lightning, Rhodes 19

This boat Similar boats
Dimensions
LOA
Squib ★
19.0 ft
Albin 57
18.8 ft
Lightning
19.0 ft
Rhodes 19
19.2 ft
LWL
Squib ★
17.0 ft
Albin 57
16.4 ft
Lightning
15.3 ft
Rhodes 19
17.8 ft
Beam
Squib ★
6.2 ft
Albin 57
7.9 ft
Lightning
6.5 ft
Rhodes 19
7.0 ft
Displacement
Squib ★
1 lbs
Albin 57
1 lbs
Lightning
700 lbs
Rhodes 19
1 lbs
Ballast
Squib ★
827 lbs
Albin 57
562 lbs
Lightning
130 lbs
Rhodes 19
415 lbs
Sail Area
Squib ★
172 sq ft
Albin 57
167 sq ft
Lightning
172 sq ft
Rhodes 19
175 sq ft
Performance
PHRF Rating (lower = faster)
Squib ★
Albin 57
Lightning
153 s/nm
Rhodes 19
261 s/nm
SA / Displacement (higher = more powerful)
Squib ★
21.1
Albin 57
18.3
Lightning
35.0
Rhodes 19
22.9
Ballast / Disp (higher = stiffer)
Squib ★
Albin 57
31.9 %
Lightning
18.6 %
Rhodes 19
Comfort Ratio (higher = more comfortable offshore)
Squib ★
11.7
Albin 57
10.1
Lightning
5.5
Rhodes 19
8.6
Capsize Screening (lower = safer)
Squib ★
2.16
Albin 57
2.62
Lightning
2.93
Rhodes 19
2.53
Displacement / Length (lower = lighter)
Squib ★
Albin 57
178
Lightning
88
Rhodes 19
Hull Speed
Squib ★
5.5 kts
Albin 57
5.4 kts
Lightning
5.2 kts
Rhodes 19
5.7 kts
Speed Number (higher = faster)
Squib ★
Albin 57
3.1
Lightning
7.6
Rhodes 19
4.9
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