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Typhoon 18 Daysailer
Designer: Carl Alberg  ·  Builder: Cape Dory Yachts  ·  First built: 1974
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About the Typhoon 18 Daysailer

Designed for accessible, enjoyable time on the water, the Typhoon 18 Daysailer is a compact sailboat well-suited to beginners and experienced sailors alike who are looking for relaxed, low-commitment sailing close to shore. As the name suggests, this boat is purpose-built for daysailing, making it an appealing choice for those who want to get out on the water without the complexity or expense of a larger cruising vessel. The Typhoon 18 sits comfortably in a category of small recreational sailboats that prioritize ease of handling and approachability. Its modest size makes it manageable for a small crew or even a solo sailor, and its straightforward rig means less time dealing with complicated systems and more time enjoying the sail. Protected bays, lakes, and calm coastal waters represent its natural environment, where its design can shine without being pushed beyond its intended limits. For someone entering the world of sailing or seeking a simple, rewarding boat for weekend outings, the Typhoon 18 Daysailer offers a practical and unpretentious platform that keeps the focus firmly on the pleasure of sailing itself.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 18.50 ft / 5.64 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 13.50 ft / 4.11 m
Beam 6.29 ft / 1.92 m
Max Draft 2.58 ft / 0.79 m
Displacement 2,000.00 lb / 907 kg
Ballast 900.00 lb / 408 kg
Sail Area (Reported) 156.00 ft² / 14.49 m²
Design & Construction
Hull Type Long Keel
Rigging Type Masthead Sloop
Construction FG solid laminate
Designer Carl Alberg
Builder Cape Dory Yachts
First Built 1974
Last Built 1986
Related Sailboats ["Typhoon 18 Weekender" · "Victoria 18" · "Precision 185" · "Hunter 185" · "Windrose 18"]
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
 15.76
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
 17.78
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
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. 4.92
S# (Speed Number) The Speed Number (S#) is a quick performance index. Higher values indicate a faster, more powerful design relative to its size.
Under 3.0 — Slow cruiser3.0–5.0 — Average cruiser5.0–7.0 — Performance cruiserOver 7.0 — Racer
 1.26
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. 303.41
Rig Dimensions
I (Foretriangle Height) 22.08
J (Foretriangle Base) 7.0
P (Mainsail Luff) 20.0
E (Mainsail Foot) 8.0
SA Fore 77.28
SA Main 80.0
How It Compares

vs. Hunter 185, Precision 185, Victoria 18

This boat Similar boats
Dimensions
LOA
Typhoon 18 Daysailer ★
18.5 ft
Hunter 185
18.4 ft
Precision 185
18.4 ft
Victoria 18
18.5 ft
LWL
Typhoon 18 Daysailer ★
13.5 ft
Hunter 185
15.5 ft
Precision 185
16.7 ft
Victoria 18
12.8 ft
Beam
Typhoon 18 Daysailer ★
6.3 ft
Hunter 185
7.1 ft
Precision 185
7.3 ft
Victoria 18
5.5 ft
Displacement
Typhoon 18 Daysailer ★
2 lbs
Hunter 185
1 lbs
Precision 185
880 lbs
Victoria 18
1 lbs
Ballast
Typhoon 18 Daysailer ★
900 lbs
Hunter 185
520 lbs
Precision 185
375 lbs
Victoria 18
550 lbs
Sail Area
Typhoon 18 Daysailer ★
156 sq ft
Hunter 185
176 sq ft
Precision 185
181 sq ft
Victoria 18
134 sq ft
Performance
SA / Displacement (higher = more powerful)
Typhoon 18 Daysailer ★
15.8
Hunter 185
20.6
Precision 185
31.6
Victoria 18
19.0
Ballast / Disp (higher = stiffer)
Typhoon 18 Daysailer ★
—
Hunter 185
32.5 %
Precision 185
42.6 %
Victoria 18
—
Comfort Ratio (higher = more comfortable offshore)
Typhoon 18 Daysailer ★
17.8
Hunter 185
11.1
Precision 185
5.6
Victoria 18
13.2
Capsize Screening (lower = safer)
Typhoon 18 Daysailer ★
2.00
Hunter 185
2.42
Precision 185
3.06
Victoria 18
2.07
Displacement / Length (lower = lighter)
Typhoon 18 Daysailer ★
—
Hunter 185
191
Precision 185
84
Victoria 18
—
Hull Speed
Typhoon 18 Daysailer ★
4.9 kts
Hunter 185
5.3 kts
Precision 185
5.5 kts
Victoria 18
4.8 kts
Speed Number (higher = faster)
Typhoon 18 Daysailer ★
1.3
Hunter 185
2.9
Precision 185
6.2
Victoria 18
2.4
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