Dating back to 1933, this compact Owen P. Merrill-designed sailboat represents classic American small craft design from the golden age of recreational sailing. Originally built by Lippincott Boat Works, the Duster achieved modest production success with approximately 500 hulls constructed, establishing it as a recognized design in the small boat community. At just under 14 feet overall, the Duster features traditional pram construction with plywood and fiberglass materials utilizing single chine hull geometry. The cat-rigged Marconi sail plan keeps things simple for single-handed sailing while providing adequate power with 117 square feet of sail area. Its centerboard configuration allows for easy launching from beaches and exploration of shallow waters. The boat's specifications reveal a design optimized for protected waters and day sailing rather than extended cruising. With a displacement of only 165 pounds, the Duster is easily trailered and car-topped, making it an excellent choice for sailors seeking a portable boat for lakes, bays, and calm coastal areas. The relatively high sail area to displacement ratio suggests spirited performance in light to moderate conditions, while the pram's inherent stability provides confidence for newer sailors learning the fundamentals of sailing.
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What is the Duster's sail area to displacement ratio?
The Duster has a Sail Area to Displacement ratio (SA/D) of 62.27. Values between 14–18 are typical cruising sailboats; 18–22 is cruiser/racer; over 22 is performance racing.
What is the Duster's comfort ratio?
The Duster has a Ted Brewer Comfort Ratio of 3.15. A ratio over 30 indicates good offshore comfort; over 40 is very comfortable offshore.
Is the Duster safe for offshore sailing?
The Duster has a Capsize Screening Formula value of 3.28. Values under 2.0 are considered acceptable for offshore sailing; under 1.8 is ideal.
What is the hull speed of the Duster?
The theoretical hull speed of the Duster is 4.17 kn knots, calculated from its waterline length.
How much does a Duster weigh?
The Duster has a displacement of 165.00 lb and a length overall (LOA) of 13.75 ft.
Who designed the Duster?
The Duster was designed by Owen P. Merrill, first built in 1933.