Originally designed by William Crosby in 1931, this compact 15.5-foot sailboat has become one of the most successful and enduring small boat designs in sailing history. With over 31,000 hulls built across nine decades, the Snipe represents a remarkable achievement in both racing and recreational sailing. Built as either fiberglass or wood construction, the Snipe features a daggerboard configuration that makes it ideal for shallow water sailing and easy launching from beaches or ramps. The fractional sloop rig provides excellent sail handling characteristics, while the 128 square feet of sail area delivers spirited performance despite the boat's modest displacement of 380 pounds. This design excels as both a competitive racing platform and an accessible trainer for developing sailors. The Snipe's active international class association maintains strict one-design rules, ensuring competitive racing worldwide. Its forgiving handling characteristics and responsive performance make it equally suitable for sailing instruction, weekend recreation, and serious competition. The boat's low comfort ratio and moderate capsize screening numbers reflect its nature as a day sailor rather than a cruising vessel. With a hull speed approaching 5 knots, the Snipe offers engaging performance that has captivated generations of sailors seeking an authentic, pure sailing experience.
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- Based on asking prices — not actual sale prices, which are typically lower.
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What is the Snipe's sail area to displacement ratio?
The Snipe has a Sail Area to Displacement ratio (SA/D) of 39.08. Values between 14–18 are typical cruising sailboats; 18–22 is cruiser/racer; over 22 is performance racing.
What is the Snipe's comfort ratio?
The Snipe has a Ted Brewer Comfort Ratio of 5.09. A ratio over 30 indicates good offshore comfort; over 40 is very comfortable offshore.
Is the Snipe safe for offshore sailing?
The Snipe has a Capsize Screening Formula value of 2.76. Values under 2.0 are considered acceptable for offshore sailing; under 1.8 is ideal.
What is the hull speed of the Snipe?
The theoretical hull speed of the Snipe is 4.77 kn knots, calculated from its waterline length.
How much does a Snipe weigh?
The Snipe has a displacement of 380.00 lb and a length overall (LOA) of 15.50 ft.
How much does a used Snipe cost?
Based on 4 recent market listings, used Snipe sailboats typically sell for between $1,000 and $3,500, with a median asking price of $2,250. Price varies significantly based on year, condition, location, and included equipment.
Who designed the Snipe?
The Snipe was designed by William Crosby, first built in 1931.