Designed by Gordon K. "Sandy" Douglass and first introduced in 1945, the Thistle has earned a devoted following as one of America's most enduring one-design racing sailboats. Recognized as a national class by US Sailing, it has maintained an active fleet presence for decades, a testament to its balanced design and competitive staying power.
The Thistle is a lightweight, planing dinghy built for speed and responsive handling, making it a favorite among club racers and regatta sailors who enjoy an athletic, hands-on sailing experience. Its relatively wide beam and flat sections allow it to plane readily in moderate to fresh breezes, rewarding skilled crews with exhilarating performance on the racecourse. While it is primarily a racing platform, its stability and manageable size also make it approachable for experienced recreational sailors.
Typically sailed with a crew of two or three, the Thistle demands good crew coordination and tactical awareness, making it an excellent development boat for competitive sailors looking to sharpen their skills. Its long class history and widespread fleet network mean strong resale value and plentiful racing opportunities across the country.
Market Price Estimate
Beta
Small sample size. This estimate is based on fewer than 5 listings and may not be representative of the true market. Use with caution.
$3,500 – $3,500
typical asking price
Median $3,500 ·
3 listings used
All listings
$3,500 – $3,500 3
Rate a listing price
$
About this estimate
Prices are based on recent asking prices from public listings — not actual sale prices, which are typically lower.
Condition is not factored in. A well-maintained boat with new sails and engine can be worth significantly more than a project boat of the same model.
Location affects price. Boats in landlocked states or areas with fewer buyers often sell for less than those on the coast.
Year of manufacture is not filtered. Older examples of this model will generally be priced lower than newer ones.
Included equipment varies widely. A boat with a full suite of electronics, dodger, and new standing rigging may command a large premium.
Outliers are automatically excluded using statistical filtering to improve accuracy, but some bad data may remain.
PHRF Rating
PHRF (Performance Handicap Racing Fleet) is a national racing handicap measured in seconds per nautical mile. Lower values indicate faster boats. Ratings are sourced from US Sailing's national database (median across 60+ regional fleets).
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
46.8
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.
2.19 pounds/inch
Rig Dimensions
I (Foretriangle Height)
0.50 ft / 0.15 m
P (Mainsail Luff)
191.00 ft² / 17.74 m²
E (Mainsail Foot)
46.80
How It Compares
vs. Bandit 17, Mobjack, Montgomery 17, National One Design, Zip
