Designed by John P. Fillip and launched in 1969, this compact 13.67-foot dinghy became a popular choice for recreational sailors and sailing instruction programs. With its distinctive lateen rig and lightweight 130-pound fiberglass construction, the Starfish offers an accessible entry point into the world of sailing while delivering surprisingly engaging performance on the water.
The boat's shallow 2.33-foot draft and centerboard configuration make it ideal for exploring protected waters, small lakes, and coastal areas where launching from beaches or shallow ramps is necessary. Its modest beam of 4 feet keeps the boat easily trailerable, while the 82 square feet of sail area provides sufficient power for spirited sailing in moderate conditions.
Fillip Manufacturing produced approximately 4,000 units over the model's 36-year production run, testament to its enduring appeal among sailing enthusiasts. The Starfish excels as a day sailor and training platform, offering stable handling characteristics that build confidence in new sailors while remaining entertaining for experienced helmsmen. Its simple rigging and manageable size make it particularly suitable for single-handed sailing, weekend adventures, and sailing programs where ease of handling and durability are paramount considerations.
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
51.15
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
29.71
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
2.46
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
3.16
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.
4.74 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.
178.66 pounds/inch
How It Compares
vs. Banshee 13, Dolphin 15 Senior, Force 5, Ilca 4 Laser 47, Ilca 7 Laser International