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York 18
Designer: Chuck Paine  ·  Builder: York Custom Yachts, Maine, Usa  ·  First built: 2017
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About the York 18

Designed by renowned naval architect Chuck Paine and built by York Custom Yachts in Maine since 2017, this compact 18-footer represents a thoughtful approach to small boat design. The fin keel with spade rudder configuration provides responsive handling while maintaining the shallow 2.83-foot draft that opens up access to protected waters and shallow anchorages. With its fractional sloop rig and fiberglass construction, the York 18 strikes an appealing balance between performance and comfort for its size. The substantial ballast-to-displacement ratio of 42% gives the boat impressive stability for coastal sailing and day sailing adventures. Chuck Paine's design philosophy emphasizes seaworthiness even in smaller vessels, and this shows in the boat's moderate beam and well-proportioned sail plan. The comfort ratio of 14.06 indicates a relatively stiff, responsive boat that won't provide the gentle motion of larger cruising vessels but will reward active sailors with engaging performance. The capsize screening formula of 2.12 suggests good stability characteristics for coastal waters. This boat appeals to sailors seeking a well-built, trailerable vessel for weekend coastal exploration, sailing instruction, or simply enjoying spirited day sails in protected waters.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 18.08 ft / 5.51 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 14.83 ft / 4.52 m
Beam 6.25 ft / 1.91 m
Max Draft 2.83 ft / 0.86 m
Displacement 1,653.00 lb / 750 kg
Ballast 695.00 lb / 315 kg
Ballast Type Lead
Sail Area (Reported) 155.00 ft² / 14.40 m²
Design & Construction
Hull Type Fin w/spade rudder
Rigging Type Fractional Sloop
Construction FG
Designer Chuck Paine
Builder York Custom Yachts, Maine, USA
First Built 2017
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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
 17.78
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
 42.04
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
 226.26
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
 14.06
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
 2.12
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. 5.16 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. 331.18 pounds/inch
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