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Sailboat Specifications

Windjammer 17

Fractional Sloop · Centerboard Dinghy

Designed by Charles Wittholz · Built by Chesapeake Marine Industries · First built 1966

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LOA 16.75 ft  ·  Beam 6.33 ft  ·  Displacement 250.00 lb  ·  Sail Area 158.00 ft²  ·  Fractional Sloop  ·  Centerboard Dinghy
About the Windjammer 17 Sailboat

A compact and approachable small sailboat, the Windjammer 17 is designed with entry-level and recreational sailors in mind. Built for calm coastal and inland waters, this boat offers a manageable platform for those looking to develop their sailing skills or enjoy relaxed day sailing without the complexity of a larger vessel. With limited specifications publicly available, much of the Windjammer 17's appeal can be inferred from its class and intended use. Boats of this size and style typically prioritize ease of handling and simplicity, making them well-suited for solo sailors or small crews navigating lakes, bays, and protected coastal areas. The modest scale encourages confidence-building on the water while still delivering a genuine sailing experience. For prospective buyers, the Windjammer 17 represents a practical choice as a first boat or a low-maintenance weekend companion. Those researching this model would benefit from connecting with owners and class associations to gain deeper insight into its performance characteristics and long-term ownership experience, as firsthand accounts often reveal the most telling details about a boat's true personality on the water.

Dimensions & Specifications
LOA (Length Overall) 16.75 ft / 5.11 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 14.67 ft / 4.47 m
Beam 6.33 ft / 1.93 m
Max Draft 4.00 ft / 1.22 m
Min Draft 0.75 ft / 0.23 m
Displacement 250.00 lb / 113 kg
Sail Area (Reported) 158.00 ft² / 14.68 m²
Design & Construction
Hull Type Centerboard Dinghy
Rigging Type Fractional Sloop
Construction FG
Designer Charles Wittholz
Builder Chesapeake Marine Industries
First Built 1966
Related Sailboats Daysailer · Wildfire · Leisure 17 · Day Sailer Ii · Holder 17
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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Windjammer 17's sail area to displacement ratio?

The Windjammer 17 has a Sail Area to Displacement ratio (SA/D) of 63.76. Values between 14–18 are typical cruising sailboats; 18–22 is cruiser/racer; over 22 is performance racing.

What is the Windjammer 17's comfort ratio?

The Windjammer 17 has a Ted Brewer Comfort Ratio of 2.16. A ratio over 30 indicates good offshore comfort; over 40 is very comfortable offshore.

Is the Windjammer 17 safe for offshore sailing?

The Windjammer 17 has a Capsize Screening Formula value of 4.02. Values under 2.0 are considered acceptable for offshore sailing; under 1.8 is ideal.

What is the hull speed of the Windjammer 17?

The theoretical hull speed of the Windjammer 17 is 5.13 knots, calculated from its waterline length.

How much does a Windjammer 17 weigh?

The Windjammer 17 has a displacement of 250.00 lb and a length overall (LOA) of 16.75 ft.

Who designed the Windjammer 17?

The Windjammer 17 was designed by Charles Wittholz, first built in 1966.