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Y Flyer
Designer: Alvin Youngquist  ·  Builder: Turner Marine  ·  First built: 1941
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About the Y Flyer

Developed in the mid-20th century, the Y Flyer is a classic one-design racing dinghy that has maintained a dedicated following among competitive sailors for decades. Recognized by its distinctive hull shape and lively performance characteristics, this two-person centerboard boat is built for spirited racing on lakes and inland waters, making it a popular choice at yacht clubs and sailing clubs across North America. The Y Flyer rewards skilled crews with responsive handling and an exciting sailing experience, particularly in moderate to fresh breezes where its design truly comes alive. Its one-design nature means racing is decided by crew skill rather than equipment differences, which has long been part of its enduring appeal among club racers seeking a level playing field. For prospective buyers, the Y Flyer represents an accessible entry point into organized fleet racing, with an established class association supporting active competition at both regional and national levels. Used examples can often be found at reasonable prices, making it an attractive option for sailors looking to develop their racing skills without a significant financial commitment.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 18.17 ft / 5.54 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 14.50 ft / 4.42 m
Beam 5.67 ft / 1.73 m
Max Draft 4.00 ft / 1.22 m
Min Draft 0.50 ft / 0.15 m
Displacement 500.00 lb / 227 kg
Sail Area (Reported) 161.00 ft² / 14.96 m²
Design & Construction
Hull Type Centerboard Dinghy
Rigging Type Fractional Sloop
Construction Wood or FG
Designer Alvin Youngquist
Builder Turner Marine
First Built 1941
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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
40.95
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
4.9
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
2.86
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. 5.1
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. 293.76
How It Compares

vs. Geary 18, Marlin 18 Rhodes, Sakonnet One Design

This boat Similar boats
Dimensions
LOA
Y Flyer ★
18.2 ft
Geary 18
18.2 ft
Marlin 18 Rhodes
18.1 ft
Sakonnet One Design
18.3 ft
LWL
Y Flyer ★
14.5 ft
Geary 18
Marlin 18 Rhodes
12.3 ft
Sakonnet One Design
14.4 ft
Beam
Y Flyer ★
5.7 ft
Geary 18
5.5 ft
Marlin 18 Rhodes
5.3 ft
Sakonnet One Design
6.3 ft
Displacement
Y Flyer ★
500 lbs
Geary 18
525 lbs
Marlin 18 Rhodes
1 lbs
Sakonnet One Design
2 lbs
Ballast
Y Flyer ★
Geary 18
Marlin 18 Rhodes
430 lbs
Sakonnet One Design
700 lbs
Sail Area
Y Flyer ★
161 sq ft
Geary 18
200 sq ft
Marlin 18 Rhodes
Sakonnet One Design
183 sq ft
Performance
SA / Displacement (higher = more powerful)
Y Flyer ★
41.0
Geary 18
49.2
Marlin 18 Rhodes
Sakonnet One Design
17.0
Comfort Ratio (higher = more comfortable offshore)
Y Flyer ★
4.9
Geary 18
5.2
Marlin 18 Rhodes
Sakonnet One Design
19.6
Capsize Screening (lower = safer)
Y Flyer ★
2.86
Geary 18
Marlin 18 Rhodes
Sakonnet One Design
1.90
Displacement / Length (lower = lighter)
Y Flyer ★
Geary 18
63
Marlin 18 Rhodes
303
Sakonnet One Design
Hull Speed
Y Flyer ★
5.1 kts
Geary 18
5.3 kts
Marlin 18 Rhodes
Sakonnet One Design
5.1 kts
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