Designed by John P. Fillip and first launched in 1967, this compact centerboard dinghy represents classic American small boat design from the Fillip Manufacturing Company. At just over 16 feet in length, the Tornado Texas packs impressive performance into a manageable package, making it an excellent choice for day sailing, sailing instruction, and recreational racing on protected waters. The fractional sloop rig configuration provides balanced handling characteristics, while the centerboard design allows for easy launching from beaches and shallow water exploration. With 160 square feet of sail area driving a lightweight 425-pound fiberglass hull, this boat delivers spirited performance and responsive handling that appeals to both novice and experienced sailors. The relatively high sail area to displacement ratio of 45.34 indicates this is a performance-oriented design that will move well in light to moderate conditions. The comfortable beam of 5.58 feet provides adequate stability for its size class, while the retractable centerboard system offers versatility for different sailing venues. This combination of portability, performance, and ease of handling makes the Tornado Texas well-suited for sailing schools, yacht club fleets, and sailors seeking an affordable entry into the sport or a fun weekend sailing companion.
No owner reviews yet — be the first to share your experience with this boat.
What is the Tornado Texas's sail area to displacement ratio?
The Tornado Texas has a Sail Area to Displacement ratio (SA/D) of 45.34. Values between 14–18 are typical cruising sailboats; 18–22 is cruiser/racer; over 22 is performance racing.
What is the Tornado Texas's comfort ratio?
The Tornado Texas has a Ted Brewer Comfort Ratio of 4.2. A ratio over 30 indicates good offshore comfort; over 40 is very comfortable offshore.
Is the Tornado Texas safe for offshore sailing?
The Tornado Texas has a Capsize Screening Formula value of 2.97. Values under 2.0 are considered acceptable for offshore sailing; under 1.8 is ideal.
What is the hull speed of the Tornado Texas?
The theoretical hull speed of the Tornado Texas is 5.29 kn knots, calculated from its waterline length.
How much does a Tornado Texas weigh?
The Tornado Texas has a displacement of 425.00 lb and a length overall (LOA) of 16.42 ft.
Who designed the Tornado Texas?
The Tornado Texas was designed by John P. Fillip, first built in 1967.