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Thumb 15
Designer: E. G. Van De Stadt  ·  First built: 1979
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About the Thumb 15

Designed as a compact and accessible daysailer, the Thumb 15 offers an approachable entry point into the world of sailing without sacrificing the enjoyment that comes from time on the water. Its modest size makes it well suited to sheltered bays, inland lakes, and calm coastal waters, where beginners and casual sailors alike can build confidence and skill in a manageable package. With limited specifications publicly available, much of the Thumb 15's appeal lies in its simplicity and ease of handling. Smaller daysailers in this class are typically straightforward to rig, trailer, and launch, making ownership practical for those without access to permanent moorings or marina facilities. This kind of boat rewards sailors who value spontaneity — the ability to load up and hit the water on short notice with minimal preparation. While the Thumb 15 may not have the widespread recognition of more established production designs, it represents the kind of no-fuss sailing experience that keeps enthusiasts connected to the water. Prospective buyers are encouraged to seek out owners directly for firsthand insight into performance and condition.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 14.76 ft / 4.50 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 13.78 ft / 4.20 m
Beam 5.91 ft / 1.80 m
Max Draft 3.12 ft / 0.95 m
Min Draft 0.39 ft / 0.12 m
Displacement 200.00 lb / 91 kg
Sail Area (Reported) 129.00 ft² / 11.98 m²
Design & Construction
Hull Type Centerboard Dinghy
Rigging Type Fractional Sloop
Construction Plywood
Designer E. G. van de Stadt
First Built 1979
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
60.4
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
2.06
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
4.04
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. 4.97
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. 290.99
How It Compares

vs. Mutineer 15, Precision 15 Cb, Tasar

This boat Similar boats
Dimensions
LOA
Thumb 15 ★
14.8 ft
Mutineer 15
15.0 ft
Precision 15 Cb
15.0 ft
Tasar
14.8 ft
LWL
Thumb 15 ★
13.8 ft
Mutineer 15
14.1 ft
Precision 15 Cb
13.8 ft
Tasar
14.0 ft
Beam
Thumb 15 ★
5.9 ft
Mutineer 15
6.0 ft
Precision 15 Cb
7.0 ft
Tasar
5.8 ft
Displacement
Thumb 15 ★
200 lbs
Mutineer 15
410 lbs
Precision 15 Cb
390 lbs
Tasar
141 lbs
Sail Area
Thumb 15 ★
129 sq ft
Mutineer 15
150 sq ft
Precision 15 Cb
130 sq ft
Tasar
123 sq ft
Performance
SA / Displacement (higher = more powerful)
Thumb 15 ★
60.4
Mutineer 15
43.5
Precision 15 Cb
39.0
Tasar
72.7
Comfort Ratio (higher = more comfortable offshore)
Thumb 15 ★
2.1
Mutineer 15
4.1
Precision 15 Cb
3.2
Tasar
1.5
Capsize Screening (lower = safer)
Thumb 15 ★
4.04
Mutineer 15
3.23
Precision 15 Cb
3.83
Tasar
4.42
Hull Speed
Thumb 15 ★
5.0 kts
Mutineer 15
5.0 kts
Precision 15 Cb
5.0 kts
Tasar
5.0 kts
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