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Zuma
Designer: Gary Grossman/Steve Nichols  ·  Builder: Amf Alcort/Vanguard Sailboats (Usa)  ·  First built: 1984
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About the Zuma

Designed by the collaborative team of Gary Grossman and Steve Nichols, this compact daggerboard dinghy represents an excellent entry point into small boat sailing. Built initially by AMF Alcort beginning in 1984 and later produced by Vanguard Sailboats, the Zuma showcases thoughtful design in a manageable package. At just over 12 feet in length with a 129-pound displacement, this fiberglass dinghy strikes an appealing balance between portability and performance. The cat-rigged configuration with its unstayed mast keeps rigging simple while providing 65 square feet of sail area, making it responsive yet forgiving for developing sailors. The daggerboard design allows for easy launching from beaches and shallow water exploration. With a comfort ratio of 1.86 and capsize screening formula of 3.96, the Zuma is clearly optimized for protected waters, day sailing, and sailing instruction rather than extended cruising. Its generous sail area to displacement ratio of 40.75 promises lively performance in light to moderate conditions, while the stable 5-foot beam provides confidence for newer sailors. This dinghy excels in coastal sailing, sailing education, and recreational day sailing where its lightweight construction and simple systems shine. The Zuma offers an accessible path into sailing without sacrificing sailing pleasure.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 12.75 ft / 3.89 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 12.42 ft / 3.79 m
Beam 5.00 ft / 1.52 m
Max Draft 2.17 ft / 0.66 m
Min Draft 0.33 ft / 0.10 m
Displacement 129.00 lb / 59 kg
Sail Area (Reported) 65.00 ft² / 6.04 m²
Design & Construction
Hull Type Dbrd. Dinghy
Rigging Type Cat (unstayed)
Construction FG
Designer Gary Grossman/Steve Nichols
Builder AMF Alcort/Vanguard Sailboats (USA)
First Built 1984
Associations LaserPerformance
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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
 40.75
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
 30.06
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
 1.86
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
 3.96
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. 4.72 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. 221.89 pounds/inch
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