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Vulcan 17
Designer: Peter Milne  ·  Builder: P. Y. Plastics Ltd. (Can)  ·  First built: 1970
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About the Vulcan 17

Designed by Peter Milne and first launched in 1970, this Canadian-built daggerboard dinghy represents a classic approach to small boat sailing. Built by P.Y. Plastics Ltd. in fiberglass construction, the Vulcan 17 carries the fractional sloop rig typical of performance-oriented dinghies from this era. At 260 pounds with 90 pounds of ballast, this boat strikes an interesting balance between stability and portability. The daggerboard configuration allows for shallow water exploration while providing the lateral resistance needed for upwind performance. With 153 square feet of sail area driving the lightweight hull, sailors can expect lively performance in moderate conditions. The boat's dimensions suggest it's well-suited for protected waters, coastal day sailing, and small boat racing. The fractional rig offers good sail handling characteristics and the ability to depower in stronger winds. While the low comfort ratio of 2.4 indicates this isn't a boat for extended cruising, it points to the responsive, athletic sailing characteristics that make dinghies appealing to performance-minded sailors. The Vulcan 17 would appeal to sailors seeking an affordable entry into small boat sailing or those wanting a nimble day sailor for exploring shallow bays and coastal waters with reasonable portability for trailering.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 17.00 ft / 5.18 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 15.08 ft / 4.60 m
Beam 5.92 ft / 1.80 m
Max Draft 3.75 ft / 1.14 m
Min Draft 0.60 ft / 0.18 m
Displacement 260.00 lb / 118 kg
Ballast 90.00 lb / 41 kg
Sail Area (Reported) 153.00 ft² / 14.21 m²
Design & Construction
Hull Type Dbrd. Dinghy
Rigging Type Fractional Sloop
Construction FG
Designer Peter Milne
Builder P. Y. Plastics Ltd. (CAN)
First Built 1970
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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
 60.15
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
 34.62
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
 33.85
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
 2.4
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
 3.71
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. 5.20 kn
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. 318.98 pounds/inch
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