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Venture 17
Designer: Roger Macgregor  ·  Builder: Macgregor Yachts Corp. (Usa)  ·  First built: 1968
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About the Venture 17

A compact and approachable trailerable sailboat, the Venture 17 earned a loyal following among sailors looking for an affordable and manageable entry point into the sport. Designed with simplicity in mind, this small daysailer is well suited to calm inland waters, lakes, and protected coastal areas, making it a practical choice for beginners and casual weekend sailors alike. With its modest size, the Venture 17 is easy to transport and launch, removing many of the logistical hurdles that can discourage new sailors. The boat's straightforward rigging and forgiving handling characteristics make it an ideal learning platform, while still offering enough sailing experience to satisfy those looking for relaxed recreational outings on the water. While detailed specifications can be limited, the Venture 17's reputation rests largely on its accessibility and low cost of ownership — qualities that made it a popular option during its production run. Prospective buyers researching this model should expect a no-frills sailing experience focused on fun and simplicity rather than performance or offshore capability. For those seeking a light, easy-to-manage daysailer, the Venture 17 remains a worthy consideration.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 17.33 ft / 5.28 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 15.00 ft / 4.57 m
Beam 6.33 ft / 1.93 m
Max Draft 4.50 ft / 1.37 m
Displacement 900.00 lb / 408 kg
Ballast 270.00 lb / 122 kg
Design & Construction
Hull Type Swing Keel
Rigging Type Fractional Sloop
Construction FG
Designer Roger Macgregor
Builder MacGregor Yachts Corp. (USA)
First Built 1968
Last Built 1974
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Known Issues & What to Watch For

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Performance Ratios
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).
Under 0 — Ultralight racer0–90 — Performance racer90–150 — Cruiser/racer150–210 — Typical cruiserOver 210 — Heavy/slow cruiser
 314
Ballast/Displacement Ballast to Displacement ratio shows what percentage of the boat's total weight is ballast. Higher values generally mean better initial stability and stiffer sail carrying.
30–35% — Typical cruiser35–45% — Stiff performance boatOver 45% — Racing oriented
 30.0
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
 119.05
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. 2.03 pounds/inch
Rig Dimensions
I (Foretriangle Height) 1.42 ft / 0.43 m
J (Foretriangle Base) 7.00 ft / 2.13 m
P (Mainsail Luff) 151.00 ft² / 14.03 m²
E (Mainsail Foot) 119.05
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