Designed by Peter Milne and first launched in 1970, this Canadian-built daggerboard dinghy represents a classic approach to small boat sailing. Built by P.Y. Plastics Ltd. in fiberglass construction, the Vulcan 17 carries the fractional sloop rig typical of performance-oriented dinghies from this era. At 260 pounds with 90 pounds of ballast, this boat strikes an interesting balance between stability and portability. The daggerboard configuration allows for shallow water exploration while providing the lateral resistance needed for upwind performance. With 153 square feet of sail area driving the lightweight hull, sailors can expect lively performance in moderate conditions. The boat's dimensions suggest it's well-suited for protected waters, coastal day sailing, and small boat racing. The fractional rig offers good sail handling characteristics and the ability to depower in stronger winds. While the low comfort ratio of 2.4 indicates this isn't a boat for extended cruising, it points to the responsive, athletic sailing characteristics that make dinghies appealing to performance-minded sailors. The Vulcan 17 would appeal to sailors seeking an affordable entry into small boat sailing or those wanting a nimble day sailor for exploring shallow bays and coastal waters with reasonable portability for trailering.
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What is the Vulcan 17's sail area to displacement ratio?
The Vulcan 17 has a Sail Area to Displacement ratio (SA/D) of 60.15. Values between 14–18 are typical cruising sailboats; 18–22 is cruiser/racer; over 22 is performance racing.
What is the Vulcan 17's comfort ratio?
The Vulcan 17 has a Ted Brewer Comfort Ratio of 2.4. A ratio over 30 indicates good offshore comfort; over 40 is very comfortable offshore.
Is the Vulcan 17 safe for offshore sailing?
The Vulcan 17 has a Capsize Screening Formula value of 3.71. Values under 2.0 are considered acceptable for offshore sailing; under 1.8 is ideal.
What is the hull speed of the Vulcan 17?
The theoretical hull speed of the Vulcan 17 is 5.20 kn knots, calculated from its waterline length.
How much does a Vulcan 17 weigh?
The Vulcan 17 has a displacement of 260.00 lb and a length overall (LOA) of 17.00 ft.
Who designed the Vulcan 17?
The Vulcan 17 was designed by Peter Milne, first built in 1970.