Home/ Boats/ Windrider (Usa)/ Windrider 17
Sailboat Specifications

Windrider 17

Frac. Sloop (Rotating Spar) · Trimaran With Fixed Unballasted Keel

Designed by Jim Brown/Windrider · Built by Windrider (Usa) · First built 2002

+ Add to Compare
LOA 17.33 ft  ·  Beam 11.00 ft  ·  Displacement 320.00 lb  ·  Sail Area 96.00 ft²  ·  Frac. Sloop (Rotating Spar)  ·  Trimaran With Fixed Unballasted Keel
About the Windrider 17 Sailboat

Designed by renowned multihull pioneer Jim Brown, this compact trimaran represents an innovative approach to recreational sailing that prioritizes simplicity and performance. The rotomolded polyethylene construction makes this boat exceptionally durable and maintenance-free, while keeping costs accessible for sailors seeking their first multihull experience. With its 11-foot beam providing remarkable stability and shallow 1.5-foot draft, the Windrider 17 excels in protected waters, small lakes, and coastal areas where traditional monohulls might struggle. The fractional sloop rig features a rotating mast that reduces drag and improves efficiency, contributing to impressive sailing performance despite the boat's modest size. At just 320 pounds, this trimaran is easily trailerable and can be launched from most ramps without assistance. The fixed unballasted keel design eliminates the complexity of daggerboards while maintaining directional stability. This makes the boat particularly appealing to newer sailors or those wanting a low-maintenance weekend cruiser. The generous sail area to displacement ratio of 32.87 promises lively performance in light to moderate conditions, though the boat's design favors fun daysailing over serious racing or extended cruising. Since its 2002 introduction, the Windrider 17 has earned recognition as an affordable entry point into multihull sailing.

Market Price Estimate Beta
$4,500 – $6,500
typical asking price
Median $5,000  ·  6 listings used
All listings
$4,500 – $6,500 6
About this estimate ▾
Dimensions & Specifications
LOA (Length Overall) 17.33 ft / 5.28 m
Beam 11.00 ft / 3.35 m
Max Draft 1.50 ft / 0.46 m
Displacement 320.00 lb / 145 kg
Sail Area (Reported) 96.00 ft² / 8.92 m²
Design & Construction
Hull Type Trimaran with fixed unballasted keel
Rigging Type Frac. Sloop (Rotating Spar)
Construction Roto molded Poly.
Designer Jim Brown/Windrider
Builder Windrider (USA)
First Built 2002
Related Sailboats Hobie 17 · Nacra 17 · Nacra 52 · Com-Pac Picnic Cat · Hunter 170
Owner Reviews

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Windrider 17's comfort ratio?

The Windrider 17 has a Ted Brewer Comfort Ratio of 1.3. A ratio over 30 indicates good offshore comfort; over 40 is very comfortable offshore.

Is the Windrider 17 safe for offshore sailing?

The Windrider 17 has a Capsize Screening Formula value of 6.44. Values under 2.0 are considered acceptable for offshore sailing; under 1.8 is ideal.

What is the hull speed of the Windrider 17?

The theoretical hull speed of the Windrider 17 is 5.14 kn knots, calculated from its waterline length.

How much does a Windrider 17 weigh?

The Windrider 17 has a displacement of 320.00 lb and a length overall (LOA) of 17.33 ft.

How much does a used Windrider 17 cost?

Based on 6 recent market listings, used Windrider 17 sailboats typically sell for between $4,500 and $6,500, with a median asking price of $5,000. Price varies significantly based on year, condition, location, and included equipment.

Who designed the Windrider 17?

The Windrider 17 was designed by Jim Brown/Windrider, first built in 2002.