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Sunstar 18
Designer: Arthur Howard  ·  Builder: Sun Yachts Ltd.  ·  First built: 1977
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About the Sunstar 18

Compact, nimble, and approachable, the Sunstar 18 is a small sailboat well suited to sailors looking for an accessible entry point into the sport or a low-maintenance vessel for casual day sailing on inland lakes, bays, and protected coastal waters. Its modest size makes it easy to trailer, launch, and handle with a small crew or even solo, which has always been part of the appeal for budget-conscious sailors and those with limited marina access. While detailed specifications for the Sunstar 18 are limited in available records, boats of this size and class typically reward lighter-air sailing and forgiving handling characteristics, making them a practical choice for beginners building confidence or experienced sailors seeking a simple, relaxed time on the water. The design prioritizes ease of use over performance extremes, placing it firmly in the recreational day sailing category rather than competitive racing circuits. For anyone considering a first boat or a second vessel for relaxed weekend outings, the Sunstar 18 represents an unpretentious and practical option worth investigating further through owner communities and hands-on inspection.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 18.27 ft / 5.57 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 16.24 ft / 4.95 m
Beam 9.51 ft / 2.90 m
Max Draft 2.36 ft / 0.72 m
Displacement 1,592.00 lb / 722 kg
Ballast 699.00 lb / 317 kg
Sail Area (Reported) 154.00 ft² / 14.31 m²
Design & Construction
Hull Type Twin Keel
Rigging Type Masthead Sloop
Construction FG
Designer Arthur Howard
Builder Sun Yachts Ltd.
First Built 1977
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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
18.11
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
7.27
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
3.26
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. 5.4
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. 551.84
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