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Windrider 17
Designer: Jim Brown/Windrider  ·  Builder: Windrider (Usa)  ·  First built: 2002
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About the Windrider 17

Designed by renowned multihull pioneer Jim Brown, this compact trimaran represents an innovative approach to recreational sailing that prioritizes simplicity and performance. The rotomolded polyethylene construction makes this boat exceptionally durable and maintenance-free, while keeping costs accessible for sailors seeking their first multihull experience. With its 11-foot beam providing remarkable stability and shallow 1.5-foot draft, the Windrider 17 excels in protected waters, small lakes, and coastal areas where traditional monohulls might struggle. The fractional sloop rig features a rotating mast that reduces drag and improves efficiency, contributing to impressive sailing performance despite the boat's modest size. At just 320 pounds, this trimaran is easily trailerable and can be launched from most ramps without assistance. The fixed unballasted keel design eliminates the complexity of daggerboards while maintaining directional stability. This makes the boat particularly appealing to newer sailors or those wanting a low-maintenance weekend cruiser. The generous sail area to displacement ratio of 32.87 promises lively performance in light to moderate conditions, though the boat's design favors fun daysailing over serious racing or extended cruising. Since its 2002 introduction, the Windrider 17 has earned recognition as an affordable entry point into multihull sailing.

Market Price Estimate Beta
$4,500 – $6,500
typical asking price
Median $4,500  ·  5 listings used
All listings
$4,500 – $6,500 5
Rate a listing price
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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) 17.33 ft / 5.28 m
Beam 11.00 ft / 3.35 m
Max Draft 1.50 ft / 0.46 m
Displacement 320.00 lb / 145 kg
Sail Area (Reported) 96.00 ft² / 8.92 m²
Design & Construction
Hull Type Trimaran with fixed unballasted keel
Rigging Type Frac. Sloop (Rotating Spar)
Construction Roto molded Poly.
Designer Jim Brown/Windrider
Builder Windrider (USA)
First Built 2002
Owner Reviews

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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
44.69
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
1.3
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
6.44
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. 5.14 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. 3.47 pounds/inch
Rig Dimensions
Mast Height (DWL) 24.00 ft / 7.32 m
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