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Sailboat Specifications

Dn Iceboat

Cat (Rotating Spar) · Iceboat (Bow Steerer)

Designed by Archie Arroll · Built by Various · First built 1937

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LOA 12.00 ft  ·  Beam 8.00 ft  ·  Displacement 120.00 lb  ·  Sail Area 60.00 ft²  ·  Cat (Rotating Spar)  ·  Iceboat (Bow Steerer)
About the Dn Iceboat Sailboat

Since 1937, the DN Iceboat has dominated frozen lakes and rivers across North America and Europe, establishing itself as the world's most popular iceboat class. Designed by Archie Arroll, this nimble 12-foot craft represents the pinnacle of ice sailing performance, capable of reaching speeds three to four times faster than the wind itself. Built for pure speed and excitement, the DN features a distinctive bow-steerer configuration with a simple cat rig utilizing a rotating spar. Its lightweight 120-pound wooden construction and generous 60 square feet of sail area create an impressive power-to-weight ratio that translates into exhilarating acceleration across smooth ice. The 8-foot beam provides stability while allowing the craft to slice through winter conditions with remarkable agility. This iceboat excels in organized racing and recreational winter sailing on frozen lakes, rivers, and bays. The DN's straightforward design has made it a favorite among amateur builders, with construction plans widely available and various builders offering completed boats. Its enduring popularity stems from the perfect balance of performance, affordability, and accessibility, making high-speed ice sailing achievable for enthusiasts seeking winter thrills when traditional sailing season ends.

Dimensions & Specifications
LOA (Length Overall) 12.00 ft / 3.66 m
Beam 8.00 ft / 2.44 m
Displacement 120.00 lb / 54 kg
Sail Area (Reported) 60.00 ft² / 5.57 m²
Design & Construction
Hull Type Iceboat (bow steerer)
Rigging Type Cat (rotating spar)
Construction Wood
Designer Archie Arroll
Builder Various
First Built 1937
Associations DN America (DN Iceboat Assoc. USA)
Related Sailboats Tech Dinghy · Beetle Cat · Firefly · Sailfish Alcort · Butterfly
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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Dn Iceboat's sail area to displacement ratio?

The Dn Iceboat has a Sail Area to Displacement ratio (SA/D) of 39.48. Values between 14–18 are typical cruising sailboats; 18–22 is cruiser/racer; over 22 is performance racing.

What is the Dn Iceboat's comfort ratio?

The Dn Iceboat has a Ted Brewer Comfort Ratio of 1.08. A ratio over 30 indicates good offshore comfort; over 40 is very comfortable offshore.

Is the Dn Iceboat safe for offshore sailing?

The Dn Iceboat has a Capsize Screening Formula value of 6.49. Values under 2.0 are considered acceptable for offshore sailing; under 1.8 is ideal.

What is the hull speed of the Dn Iceboat?

The theoretical hull speed of the Dn Iceboat is 4.28 kn knots, calculated from its waterline length.

How much does a Dn Iceboat weigh?

The Dn Iceboat has a displacement of 120.00 lb and a length overall (LOA) of 12.00 ft.

Who designed the Dn Iceboat?

The Dn Iceboat was designed by Archie Arroll, first built in 1937.