Back to Search
Start 6
Designer: Philippe Harlé  ·  Builder: Mallard (Fra)  ·  First built: 1978
+ Add to Compare
About the Start 6

Designed by Philippe Harlé and built by French manufacturer Mallard from 1978 to 1981, this 20-foot sailboat represents an interesting chapter in late 1970s small yacht design. With 300 hulls produced during its brief production run, the Start 6 found favor among sailors seeking a compact yet capable coastal cruiser. The boat's fractional sloop rig and generous sail area of 239 square feet provide spirited performance for a vessel of this size, while the keel/centerboard configuration offers versatility between shallow water exploration and offshore stability. At 1,653 pounds with 441 pounds of ballast, the Start 6 strikes a balance between manageable trailering weight and seaworthy stability. Her comfortable 8.04-foot beam creates surprising interior volume for a 20-footer, making weekend cruising feasible for couples. The low comfort ratio of 8.49 suggests she's more performance-oriented than luxury-focused, appealing to sailors who prioritize sailing characteristics over accommodation. The capsize screening formula of 2.72 indicates reasonable stability for coastal waters, though prudent seamanship remains essential. Best suited for coastal cruising, day sailing, and protected water adventures, the Start 6 offers French design sensibilities in a compact, manageable package that rewards active sailing over passive motoring.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 20.34 ft / 6.20 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 18.04 ft / 5.50 m
Beam 8.04 ft / 2.45 m
Max Draft 4.76 ft / 1.45 m
Min Draft 1.48 ft / 0.45 m
Displacement 1,653.00 lb / 750 kg
Ballast 441.00 lb / 200 kg
Sail Area (Reported) 239.00 ft² / 22.20 m²
Design & Construction
Hull Type Keel/Cbrd.
Rigging Type Fractional Sloop
Construction FG
Designer Philippe Harlé
Builder Mallard (FRA)
First Built 1978
Last Built 1981
Number Built 300
Owner Reviews

No owner reviews yet — be the first to share your experience with this boat.

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
 27.41
Ballast/Displacement Ballast to Displacement ratio shows what percentage of the boat's total weight is ballast. Higher values generally mean better initial stability and stiffer sail carrying.
30–35% — Typical cruiser35–45% — Stiff performance boatOver 45% — Racing oriented
 26.68
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
 125.69
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
 8.49
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
 2.72
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. 5.69 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. 518.25 pounds/inch
Find a Start 6 For Sale
Y YachtWorld Brokerage listings S Sailboat Listings Sailboats only C Craigslist National search F Facebook Marketplace Local listings B boats.com Global marketplace