Built by German manufacturer Plasto GmbH between 1971 and 1974, this compact 18-footer represents European small boat design from sailing's fiberglass boom era. With 200 hulls produced during its brief production run, the Ra 18 carved out a niche as an affordable entry into keelboat sailing. The boat's proportions reveal a design optimized for spirited daysailing and weekend adventures. Its fin keel with spade rudder configuration provides responsive handling, while the masthead sloop rig delivers straightforward sail management. The generous beam of just over seven feet creates surprising stability and interior space for such a compact hull. With a displacement of 1,323 pounds and 40% ballast ratio, this lightweight design favors performance over load-carrying ability. The sail area to displacement ratio of 21.42 suggests lively performance in light to moderate conditions, making it well-suited for lake sailing, protected coastal waters, and sailing instruction. However, the relatively high capsize screening value indicates this boat is best kept in sheltered waters rather than venturing offshore. The Ra 18's low comfort ratio reflects its focus on sailing performance rather than accommodations, positioning it as an ideal choice for sailors seeking an affordable, manageable keelboat that prioritizes fun on the water.
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What is the Ra 18's sail area to displacement ratio?
The Ra 18 has a Sail Area to Displacement ratio (SA/D) of 21.42. Values between 14–18 are typical cruising sailboats; 18–22 is cruiser/racer; over 22 is performance racing.
What is the Ra 18's comfort ratio?
The Ra 18 has a Ted Brewer Comfort Ratio of 9. A ratio over 30 indicates good offshore comfort; over 40 is very comfortable offshore.
Is the Ra 18 safe for offshore sailing?
The Ra 18 has a Capsize Screening Formula value of 2.57. Values under 2.0 are considered acceptable for offshore sailing; under 1.8 is ideal.
What is the hull speed of the Ra 18?
The theoretical hull speed of the Ra 18 is 5.43 kn knots, calculated from its waterline length.
How much does a Ra 18 weigh?
The Ra 18 has a displacement of 1,323.00 lb and a length overall (LOA) of 17.88 ft.