Designed by Glenn & Murray Corcoran and first launched in 1964, this compact daggerboard dinghy has earned its place as a beloved entry-level sailboat with an impressive production run of 9,000 units by Silverline Boats. The Dolphin 15 Senior's distinctive lateen rig and lightweight 170-pound fiberglass construction make it an ideal choice for beginners learning to sail and experienced sailors seeking a nimble day sailor. At just over 14 feet in length, this dinghy excels in protected waters, shallow bays, and small lakes where its modest 1.54-foot draft allows exploration of areas inaccessible to deeper-keeled boats. The lateen rig configuration provides excellent upwind performance while remaining manageable for single-handed sailing. With 85 square feet of sail area driving its lightweight hull, the boat delivers spirited performance without being overwhelming for novice sailors. The Dolphin 15 Senior's high sail area to displacement ratio of 44.35 indicates lively sailing characteristics, while its low comfort ratio of 2.18 confirms its purpose as a day sailor rather than an overnight cruiser. The fiberglass construction ensures durability and low maintenance, contributing to the model's enduring popularity in sailing schools and among recreational sailors seeking an affordable, responsive small boat for coastal day sailing adventures.
No owner reviews yet — be the first to share your experience with this boat.
What is the Dolphin 15 Senior's sail area to displacement ratio?
The Dolphin 15 Senior has a Sail Area to Displacement ratio (SA/D) of 44.35. Values between 14–18 are typical cruising sailboats; 18–22 is cruiser/racer; over 22 is performance racing.
What is the Dolphin 15 Senior's comfort ratio?
The Dolphin 15 Senior has a Ted Brewer Comfort Ratio of 2.18. A ratio over 30 indicates good offshore comfort; over 40 is very comfortable offshore.
Is the Dolphin 15 Senior safe for offshore sailing?
The Dolphin 15 Senior has a Capsize Screening Formula value of 3.67. Values under 2.0 are considered acceptable for offshore sailing; under 1.8 is ideal.
What is the hull speed of the Dolphin 15 Senior?
The theoretical hull speed of the Dolphin 15 Senior is 4.92 kn knots, calculated from its waterline length.
How much does a Dolphin 15 Senior weigh?
The Dolphin 15 Senior has a displacement of 170.00 lb and a length overall (LOA) of 14.50 ft.
Who designed the Dolphin 15 Senior?
The Dolphin 15 Senior was designed by Glenn & Murray Corcoran, first built in 1964.