Home/ Boats/ Cape Cod Shipbuilding/ Rhodes 18
Sailboat Specifications

Rhodes 18

Fractional Sloop · Centerboard Dinghy

Designed by Philip Rhodes · Built by Cape Cod Shipbuilding · First built 1948

+ Add to Compare
LOA 18.00 ft  ·  Beam 6.25 ft  ·  Displacement 1,050.00 lb  ·  Sail Area 162.00 ft²  ·  Fractional Sloop  ·  Centerboard Dinghy
About the Rhodes 18 Sailboat

Designed by the legendary Philip C. Rhodes, the Rhodes 18 is a classic American daysailer that has earned a devoted following among sailors who appreciate elegant lines and responsive handling. Built for inshore and coastal sailing, this centerboard dinghy excels in protected waters, making it a popular choice for club racing, family daysailing, and developing fundamental sailing skills. Rhodes brought his refined design sensibility to this boat, resulting in a hull that balances stability with liveliness — qualities that have kept the class active for decades. The Rhodes 18 is particularly well regarded in the racing community, where its one-design nature rewards pure sailing technique rather than equipment advantages. Its manageable size makes it accessible to a wide range of sailors, from newcomers building confidence to experienced hands looking for competitive weekend racing. Fleets have historically been concentrated in the northeastern United States, where the boat's heritage runs deep. For anyone seeking a well-rounded, historically significant daysailer with an active class community and genuine sailing pedigree, the Rhodes 18 presents a compelling and time-tested option.

Dimensions & Specifications
LOA (Length Overall) 18.00 ft / 5.49 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 17.00 ft / 5.18 m
Beam 6.25 ft / 1.91 m
Max Draft 4.00 ft / 1.22 m
Min Draft 0.58 ft / 0.18 m
Displacement 1,050.00 lb / 476 kg
Sail Area (Reported) 162.00 ft² / 15.05 m²
Design & Construction
Hull Type Centerboard Dinghy
Rigging Type Fractional Sloop
Construction Wood or FG
Designer Philip Rhodes
Builder Cape Cod Shipbuilding
First Built 1948
Owner Reviews

No owner reviews yet — be the first to share your experience with this boat.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Rhodes 18's sail area to displacement ratio?

The Rhodes 18 has a Sail Area to Displacement ratio (SA/D) of 25.14. Values between 14–18 are typical cruising sailboats; 18–22 is cruiser/racer; over 22 is performance racing.

What is the Rhodes 18's comfort ratio?

The Rhodes 18 has a Ted Brewer Comfort Ratio of 8.16. A ratio over 30 indicates good offshore comfort; over 40 is very comfortable offshore.

Is the Rhodes 18 safe for offshore sailing?

The Rhodes 18 has a Capsize Screening Formula value of 2.46. Values under 2.0 are considered acceptable for offshore sailing; under 1.8 is ideal.

What is the hull speed of the Rhodes 18?

The theoretical hull speed of the Rhodes 18 is 5.52 knots, calculated from its waterline length.

How much does a Rhodes 18 weigh?

The Rhodes 18 has a displacement of 1,050.00 lb and a length overall (LOA) of 18.00 ft.

Who designed the Rhodes 18?

The Rhodes 18 was designed by Philip Rhodes, first built in 1948.