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Whip 17
Designer: Macalpine-Downie  ·  Builder: Sail Mfg  ·  First built: 1974
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About the Whip 17

Designed as a nimble and accessible small sailboat, the Whip 17 occupies a niche in the world of compact daysailers and coastal cruisers. With its modest length, this boat appeals to sailors looking for an entry-level or single-handed sailing experience without the complexity and cost of a larger vessel. Its size makes it well-suited to protected bays, inland lakes, and calm coastal waters where responsiveness and ease of handling take priority over offshore endurance. While detailed specifications for the Whip 17 are limited in available records, boats of this class typically prioritize lively sailing performance and straightforward rigging, making them an attractive option for newer sailors developing their skills or experienced sailors seeking a low-maintenance weekend companion. The design reflects the practical philosophy of small sailboat building — keeping things simple, light, and fun on the water. For those researching the Whip 17, connecting with class associations or owners' communities may yield the most reliable firsthand insight into the boat's handling characteristics, known quirks, and long-term ownership experience.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 17.00 ft / 5.18 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 17.00 ft / 5.18 m
Beam 5.83 ft / 1.78 m
Max Draft 4.58 ft / 1.40 m
Displacement 325.00 lb / 147 kg
Design & Construction
Hull Type Centerboard Dinghy
Rigging Type Fractional Sloop
Construction FG
Designer Macalpine-Downie
Builder Sail MFG
First Built 1974
Last Built 1975
Number Built 120
Owner Reviews

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Known Issues & What to Watch For

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Performance Ratios
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
29.53
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. 2.12 pounds/inch
Rig Dimensions
I (Foretriangle Height) 0.58 ft / 0.18 m
P (Mainsail Luff) 185.00 ft² / 17.19 m²
E (Mainsail Foot) 29.53
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