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Vanguard 15
Designer: Bob Ames  ·  Builder: Team Vanguard  ·  First built: 1992
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About the Vanguard 15

Designed as a high-performance one-design dinghy, the Vanguard 15 has built a loyal following among sailors who value spirited, responsive sailing in a nimble and accessible package. Developed by Vanguard Sailboats, this single-handed or double-handed dinghy is particularly well-suited to lake and bay sailing, making it a popular choice at yacht clubs and sailing schools across North America. The V15 is celebrated for its lively handling and relatively forgiving nature, striking a balance that appeals to both developing sailors and experienced racers looking for competitive fleet action. Its straightforward rigging and manageable size make it easy to rig, launch, and recover, lowering the barrier to entry for those new to performance sailing while still delivering the kind of excitement that keeps seasoned sailors engaged. Fleet racing is where the Vanguard 15 truly shines, with active class associations helping maintain competitive and social racing programs at many clubs. For anyone researching a boat that offers genuine performance, strong community support, and versatility across skill levels, the V15 is a compelling option worth serious consideration.

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.
$1,250 – $1,250
typical asking price
Median $1,250  ·  2 listings used
All listings
$1,250 – $1,250 2
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.
Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 15.25 ft / 4.65 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 15.00 ft / 4.57 m
Beam 5.50 ft / 1.68 m
Max Draft 3.42 ft / 1.04 m
Min Draft 0.50 ft / 0.15 m
Displacement 200.00 lb / 91 kg
Sail Area (Reported) 127.00 ft² / 11.80 m²
Design & Construction
Hull Type Dbrd. Dinghy
Rigging Type Fractional Sloop
Construction FG
Designer Bob Ames
Builder Team Vanguard
First Built 1992
Owner Reviews

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Known Issues & What to Watch For

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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
 59.46
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
 2.11
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
 3.76
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. 5.19
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. 294.78
Find a Vanguard 15 For Sale
Y YachtWorld Brokerage listings S Sailboat Listings Sailboats only C Craigslist National search F Facebook Marketplace Local listings B boats.com Global marketplace