The Vagabond 17 is modestly canvassed and unhurried.
Hull Speed
The theoretical displacement-mode speed limit — determined by waterline length, not engine or sail power.
5.2 kts
A displacement hull pushes a bow wave whose speed is limited by the waterline length.
With a waterline of 15.0′, the Vagabond 17 tops out around 5.2 knots in displacement mode — after that, the bow wave outruns the hull and resistance climbs steeply.
1.34 × √15.0′ LWL = 5.2 kts
Performance Ratios
Racing handicap, sail-carrying power, stability and comfort — and what each one actually tells you about a day on the water.
PHRF Rating
270s/nm
Heavy or slow cruiser — all about the journey, not the elapsed time.
SA / Displacement
13.6
Modestly canvassed — a comfortable, unhurried cruiser.
Ballast / Displacement
36.3%
Typical cruising ballast — balanced stability and motion underway.
Displacement / Length
126
Ultralight — responsive and fast, but carries less stores.
Hull Speed
5.2kts
Pounds/Inch Immersion
2lbs
Weight needed to sink the hull one inch — loading sensitivity.
PHRF Fleet Position
Where the Vagabond 17 sits on the PHRF handicap spectrum — lower numbers mean faster boats.
Hunter 170
Montgomery 17
Vagabond 17
Heavy or slow cruiser — all about the journey, not the elapsed time.
Estimated Speed by Wind
Rough boat speed estimates at different true wind speeds and points of sail — derived from hull speed, SA/D, and displacement, not measured polars.
| Point of Sail | 6 kts TWS | 10 kts TWS | 15 kts TWS | 20 kts TWS |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Close-hauled40–50° | 1.9 | 2.4 | 2.6 | 2.7 |
| Close Reach60° | 2.3 | 2.9 | 3.2 | 3.3 |
| Beam Reach90° | 2.8 | 3.5 | 3.9 | 4.2 |
| Broad Reach120–135° | 2.6 | 3.2 | 3.6 | 3.9 |
| Run150–180° | 2.0 | 2.6 | 2.9 | 3.0 |
These are simplified estimates based on hull speed (5.2 kts),
SA/D (13.6), and empirical efficiency curves — not instrument-measured
polars. Real-world speed varies with sea state, bottom condition, sail trim, and current.
Speeds in gold approach hull speed;
bold gold means near or at hull speed.
Wind Range & Comfort Envelope
Estimated wind ranges for comfortable sailing on the Vagabond 17 — based on sail area, ballast, and displacement characteristics.
Ghosting
0–8 kts
Light air, motor-sailing likely. Need patience and a light genoa.
Sweet Spot
8–22 kts
Comfortable under full sail. Best speed-to-comfort ratio.
Time to Reef
22–30 kts
Time to shorten sail. Reef the main, swap to a working jib.
Heavy Weather
30+ kts
Storm conditions. Storm jib or bare poles. Seek shelter if coastal.
How It Compares
Side-by-side with the boats most often cross-shopped against the Vagabond 17.
| Vagabond 17 | Com-Pac Sun Cat | Holder 17 | Hunter 170 | Montgomery 17 | Siren 17 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | ||||||
| LOA | 17.0 | 17.0 | 17.0 | 17.1 | 17.1 | 17.2 |
| LWL | 15.0 | 15.0 | 15.0 | 12.1 | 15.8 | 15.0 |
| Beam | 7.3 | 7.5 | 7.3 | 7.0 | 7.3 | 6.7 |
| Displacement | 950 | 1 | 950 | 478 | 1 | 750 |
| Ballast | 345 | 650 | 345 | — | 550 | 130 |
| Sail Area | — | 162 | 147 | 150 | 154 | 139 |
| Performance | ||||||
| PHRF | 270 | — | — | 258 | 264 | — |
| SA/Disp | 13.6 | 16.6 | 24.4 | 39.3 | 19.7 | 27.0 |
| Bal/Disp | 36.3 | 33.3 | 36.3 | — | 39.3 | 17.3 |
| Comfort | — | 13.1 | 6.7 | 4.1 | 9.4 | 5.9 |
| Capsize | — | 2.40 | 2.95 | 3.58 | 2.62 | 2.94 |
| Hull Speed | — | 5.2 | 5.2 | 4.7 | 5.3 | 5.2 |