Designed by F. S. Ford in 1967, the Pintail represents a classic era of small boat sailing when simplicity and affordability were paramount. This 14-foot centerboard dinghy was manufactured by Anchor Reinforced Plastics as an accessible entry point into sailing, with approximately 1,800 hulls produced during its production run. Built with fiberglass construction and rigged as a fractional sloop, the Pintail offers straightforward sailing characteristics that make it ideal for learning and recreational day sailing. Its relatively light 400-pound displacement and modest sail area create a forgiving platform for novice sailors, while the centerboard configuration allows for easy launching from beaches and shallow water exploration. The boat's proportions suggest it was optimized for stability and ease of handling rather than pure performance. With its comfortable beam and reasonable draft when the centerboard is deployed, the Pintail provides sufficient initial stability for family sailing while remaining simple enough for single-handed operation. The design reflects the practical sailing dinghies of its era—unpretentious boats that prioritized getting people on the water affordably. Today, the Pintail serves as an excellent choice for sailing instruction, casual day sailing in protected waters, or as a tender for larger vessels.
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What is the Pintail's sail area to displacement ratio?
The Pintail has a Sail Area to Displacement ratio (SA/D) of 36. Values between 14–18 are typical cruising sailboats; 18–22 is cruiser/racer; over 22 is performance racing.
What is the Pintail's comfort ratio?
The Pintail has a Ted Brewer Comfort Ratio of 4.31. A ratio over 30 indicates good offshore comfort; over 40 is very comfortable offshore.
Is the Pintail safe for offshore sailing?
The Pintail has a Capsize Screening Formula value of 3.26. Values under 2.0 are considered acceptable for offshore sailing; under 1.8 is ideal.
What is the hull speed of the Pintail?
The theoretical hull speed of the Pintail is 4.79 kn knots, calculated from its waterline length.
How much does a Pintail weigh?
The Pintail has a displacement of 400.00 lb and a length overall (LOA) of 14.00 ft.
Who designed the Pintail?
The Pintail was designed by F. S. Ford, first built in 1967.