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Skipper 17 Yacht / Trailer Sailer

Skipper 17 yacht

Skipper 17 yacht

This popular trailer-sailer was designed by Peter Milne (of Fireball fame), and between 1963 and 2003, over a thousand were built under the various names Skipper 17, Skipper Mariner and Eagle 525. The 40-year production run may be the longest of any commercial cruiser.

Skipper 17’s have always been popular because they are light to tow, easy to launch and recover, relatively safe in heavy weather, and fun to sail. In the early production years, they were made as day boats with a forward storage cuddy, but in later years, most were produced with a proper cabin. All had pivoting steel keel plates – early boats had a single centreplate, but from the late 70’s onward, all had twin bilge plates. The keels are fully retractable and the boat will dry out nearly upright.

The Skipper 17 has a big cockpit with space for up to 4 crew to sit on the windward side. The crew sit well forward, reducing the tendency to squat at the stern with a heavy crew seen in other mini-cruisers of similar size. The cockpit is self-draining and has two stowage bins – handy for fenders etc.

The cabin is big enough for 4 adults to shelter, or for 2 adults and a child to overnight. The keel cases of the twin-plate versions fit unobtrusively down the sides of the berths, and are almost totally sealed. There is plenty of storage space, with room for a cooker and a loo. The inside of the saloon has good sitting headroom, and a table slides down from the roof on the king post.

The cabin is admittedly difficult to clamber around for mooring etc, because the coachroof is high and sloping, and the side decks are narrow. However, visibility round the coachroof from the cockpit is quite good.

The Skipper 17 is not a racing dinghy, being short, beamy and too heavy to plane easily. However, she will beat most mini-cruisers up to 17 feet. The boat is directionally stable but always tacks readily. She handles heavy weather competently, sails well to windward, and when sailing downwind there is little tendency to broach.

The cruiser is stable when stepping on to the side decks or foredeck. The hull form confers much of the stiffness, as the ballast ratio is only 25. In gusty weather she can become too lively if sail area is not reduced, so most boats are equipped with jib roller reefing and main slab reefing. As she sails quite well on main alone, the jib can be completely furled if the wind speed gets up unexpectedly, taming the boat right down. However, in the extreme, she will bounce back upright virtually dry even when pulled over on to her beam-ends.

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Length : 17ft Beam : 7ft Weight : 1000lb Portsmouth Yardstick : 1100

I ran the leisure boat division at Andersons in Whitstable. We made the 12s, 17s, 21s and the 28s for Richmond Marine. At one stage the freeboard of the 17 was extended by heightening the deck by about 5 inches. Thereafter the boats were marketed by a motor dealership in Cheshire. It would be nice to know what has happend to the moulds for the 17 and the others in the range.. who know some manufacture could be re-started if the market looks reasonable. JOHN COPSEY, MJPC ltd, Canterbury Morton Boats of Eagle nr Lincoln were making the Eagle 525 up to the late 1990s to all intents this is the same boat as the Skipper 17. I bought a second hand 525 about 3 years ago from them and when chatting to them they still had the workshop and I believe they still had the moulds.

The Skipper 17 Website was launched to provide an information base for this popular trailer-sailer, also produced as the Mariner 17, the Skipper Mate and the Eagle 525.

Dayboat, Cuddy and Cabin versions are all included in the descriptions.

Visit the Skipper 17 Forum at the Yahoo Skipper17 help group

PEEWIT Single-plate Skipper 17 In action

VERA CAUSA Double-plate Skipper 17 On a balmy day

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Favorite Skipper 17 Version

skipper 17 sailboat data

Review of Skipper 17 (Mariner)

Basic specs..

The boat is equipped with 4 berths, a galley and toilet facility.

An outboard motor is often used on this boat. In that case the boat will typically require a power of 1 - 2 hp, alternatively 18 - 21 lbs thrust if you prefer an electrical motor. Electric outboards are becoming popular for sailboat owners who want clean instant power with less noise and no exhaust fumes.

Sailing characteristics

This section covers widely used rules of thumb to describe the sailing characteristics. Please note that even though the calculations are correct, the interpretation of the results might not be valid for extreme boats.

What is Capsize Screening Formula (CSF)?

The capsize screening value for Skipper 17 (Mariner) is 2.92, indicating that this boat would not be accepted to participate in ocean races.

The immersion rate is defined as the weight required to sink the boat a certain level. The immersion rate for Skipper 17 (Mariner) is about 74 kg/cm, alternatively 417 lbs/inch. Meaning: if you load 74 kg cargo on the boat then it will sink 1 cm. Alternatively, if you load 417 lbs cargo on the boat it will sink 1 inch.

Sailing statistics

This section is statistical comparison with similar boats of the same category. The basis of the following statistical computations is our unique database with more than 26,000 different boat types and 350,000 data points.

What is L/B (Length Beam Ratio)?

SA/D (Sail Area Displacement ratio) Indicates how fast the boat is in light wind: - Cruising Boats have ratios 10-15 - Cruiser-Racers have ratios 16-20 - Racers have ratios above 20 - High-Performance Racers have ratios above 24 Sail-area/displacement ratio (SA/D ratio): 22.11

Maintenance

If you need to renew parts of your running rig and is not quite sure of the dimensions, you may find the estimates computed below useful.

UsageLengthDiameter
Jib sheet 5.2 m(17.0 feet)8 mm(5/16 inch)
Genoa sheet5.2 m(17.0 feet)8 mm(5/16 inch)
Mainsheet 12.9 m(42.5 feet)8 mm(5/16 inch)
Spinnaker sheet11.4 m(37.4 feet)8 mm(5/16 inch)

This section is reserved boat owner's modifications, improvements, etc. Here you might find (or contribute with) inspiration for your boat.

Do you have changes/improvements you would like to share? Upload a photo and describe what you have done.

We are always looking for new photos. If you can contribute with photos for Skipper 17 (Mariner) it would be a great help.

If you have any comments to the review, improvement suggestions, or the like, feel free to contact us . Criticism helps us to improve.

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Late 1970's Skipper 17' Dayboat

skipper 17 sailboat data

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Hey Folks! I just sold our 27' Albin Vega and are considering moving down to a daysailer. I found one of these (early model 17' skipper dayboat...looks like 1960's not 70's) near my home and was wondering if anyone out there has had any experiences with this boat or be able to share some information on the sailing characteristics, craftsmanship, and quirks of this boat. Looks like a nice big cockpit (close to 7' long) and small cuddy cabin for storing jackets, stove, ice cooler, etc... I have two small children that will require a decent amount of space above deck and I can't have a heavy boat as I am now towing with a Honda Civic (900lbs) Max! I was also wondering how long it takes to drop it in the water, raise the mast, rig it and go? History Any information on this little boat is greatly appreciated! Fair Winds Chris  

There is a skipper group among the Yahoo groups. skipper20 : Skipper 20 Online Yacht Club This site: Skipper Sailboat Years has some more incidental info. If memory serves, I was looking at one before, they use cement in the shoal keel.  

Thanks Mike! I will try them and see. Regards Chris  

Glad to help. I am afraid it's too heavy for you to tow with that Honda.  

I think you're right!  

I think you've all got it wrong. The Skipper 17 dayboat only weighs 780 lbs. There is a dedicated UK website. Some nice pictures there, too. As this is my first post on this forum the webmaster won't allow me to quote the actual web link.  

This is my second post. I'll try to put the link in the next one.  

This is my third post, so perhaps I will be allowed to put the link in now. It is The Skipper 17 Trailer-Sailer Website .  

Thanks gweller! The boat is about 780 give or take and the trailer is close to 200lbs as well...so the total weight of the boat and trailer will be too heavy for my little put put civic! thanks so much for the link. The boat we were considering is on that second page. I think we are going to go with an AMF Sunbird (1978). they are 200 lbs lighter, smaller trailer, easier to set up and take down which is really what we are looking for. thanks again! Fair Winds Chris  

skipper 17 sailboat data

Since I have never rigged or sailed on a Skipper 17' I was holding my tongue. It looks like an interesting boat with a good fan base in England where some folks spend the night on them. Older boats may have slightly heavier spars (mast & boom) then some newer boats so I am not sure if it is easy to rig single handed. Since you are considering a lighter boat I would check out the O'Day Day Sailors (17') if sleeping on the boat is not a priority for you. The AMF Sunbird appears to have a small cabin like the Skipper 17.  

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skipper 17 sailboat data

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  • Sailboat Guide

Skippers Mate 17

Skippers Mate 17 is a 17 ′ 1 ″ / 5.2 m monohull sailboat designed by Charles Ludwig and built by Southern Sails Inc. (USA) between 1982 and 1984.

Drawing of Skippers Mate 17

Rig and Sails

Auxilary power, accomodations, calculations.

The theoretical maximum speed that a displacement hull can move efficiently through the water is determined by it's waterline length and displacement. It may be unable to reach this speed if the boat is underpowered or heavily loaded, though it may exceed this speed given enough power. Read more.

Classic hull speed formula:

Hull Speed = 1.34 x √LWL

Max Speed/Length ratio = 8.26 ÷ Displacement/Length ratio .311 Hull Speed = Max Speed/Length ratio x √LWL

Sail Area / Displacement Ratio

A measure of the power of the sails relative to the weight of the boat. The higher the number, the higher the performance, but the harder the boat will be to handle. This ratio is a "non-dimensional" value that facilitates comparisons between boats of different types and sizes. Read more.

SA/D = SA ÷ (D ÷ 64) 2/3

  • SA : Sail area in square feet, derived by adding the mainsail area to 100% of the foretriangle area (the lateral area above the deck between the mast and the forestay).
  • D : Displacement in pounds.

Ballast / Displacement Ratio

A measure of the stability of a boat's hull that suggests how well a monohull will stand up to its sails. The ballast displacement ratio indicates how much of the weight of a boat is placed for maximum stability against capsizing and is an indicator of stiffness and resistance to capsize.

Ballast / Displacement * 100

Displacement / Length Ratio

A measure of the weight of the boat relative to it's length at the waterline. The higher a boat’s D/L ratio, the more easily it will carry a load and the more comfortable its motion will be. The lower a boat's ratio is, the less power it takes to drive the boat to its nominal hull speed or beyond. Read more.

D/L = (D ÷ 2240) ÷ (0.01 x LWL)³

  • D: Displacement of the boat in pounds.
  • LWL: Waterline length in feet

Comfort Ratio

This ratio assess how quickly and abruptly a boat’s hull reacts to waves in a significant seaway, these being the elements of a boat’s motion most likely to cause seasickness. Read more.

Comfort ratio = D ÷ (.65 x (.7 LWL + .3 LOA) x Beam 1.33 )

  • D: Displacement of the boat in pounds
  • LOA: Length overall in feet
  • Beam: Width of boat at the widest point in feet

Capsize Screening Formula

This formula attempts to indicate whether a given boat might be too wide and light to readily right itself after being overturned in extreme conditions. Read more.

CSV = Beam ÷ ³√(D / 64)

Same hull as the later COMMODORE 17, built by Commodore Yachts Inc. around 1984. Later became the SANIBEL 17, built by Capitiva Yachts from 1985-88.

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skipper 17 sailboat data

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Skippers mate 17

The skippers mate 17 is a 17.17ft fractional sloop designed by charles ludwig and built in fiberglass between 1982 and 1984..

The Skippers mate 17 is a light sailboat which is a high performer. It is very stable / stiff and has a low righting capability if capsized. It is best suited as a day-boat.

Skippers mate 17 for sale elsewhere on the web:

skipper 17 sailboat data

Main features

Model Skippers mate 17
Length 17.17 ft
Beam 7.08 ft
Draft 1 ft
Country ??
Estimated price $ 0 ??

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skipper 17 sailboat data

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Sail area / displ. 21.15
Ballast / displ. 20.83 %
Displ. / length 158.73
Comfort ratio 8.73
Capsize 2.67
Hull type Monohull keel with centerboard
Construction Fiberglass
Waterline length 15 ft
Maximum draft 3 ft
Displacement 1200 lbs
Ballast 250 lbs
Hull speed 5.19 knots

skipper 17 sailboat data

We help you build your own hydraulic steering system - Lecomble & Schmitt

Rigging Fractional Sloop
Sail area (100%) 149 sq.ft
Air draft 0 ft ??
Sail area fore 0 sq.ft ??
Sail area main 0 sq.ft ??
I 0 ft ??
J 0 ft ??
P 0 ft ??
E 0 ft ??
Nb engines 1
Total power 0 HP
Fuel capacity 0 gals

Accommodations

Water capacity 0 gals
Headroom 0 ft
Nb of cabins 0
Nb of berths 0
Nb heads 0

Builder data

Builder ??
Designer Charles Ludwig
First built 1982
Last built 1984
Number built 0 ??

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SKIPPERS MATE 17

More information, image gallery, floor plans.

skipper 17 sailboat data

Use the form below to contact us!

IMAGES

  1. SKIPPER 17 (MILNE)

    skipper 17 sailboat data

  2. SKIPPERS MATE 17

    skipper 17 sailboat data

  3. Skipper 17 trailer sailer. Information, specification, history and

    skipper 17 sailboat data

  4. Evolution of the Skipper 17

    skipper 17 sailboat data

  5. Skipper 17 (Milne)

    skipper 17 sailboat data

  6. Evolution of the Skipper 17

    skipper 17 sailboat data

VIDEO

  1. SKIPPER 17 SAILBOAT UPDATE

  2. Skipper 17 sailboat

  3. Sailing ALEA

  4. Skipper 17 sailboat

  5. Sailing Skipper's Guide to Navigation Chart 'Anatomy'

  6. Crescent skipper 17 sailing boat, daysailer year

COMMENTS

  1. SKIPPER 17 (MILNE)

    Most of the early Skipper 17s had a four-berth cabin and a single lifting keel. Shown here is the 'Dayboat' version. A later version with a larger cuddy cabin was sometimes called the SKIPPER MARINER. Later models featured twin (side by side) centerboards. Also offered was the relatively rare SKIPPERS MATE, which had an unusual looking cuddy/cabin.

  2. SKIPPER 17 (MILNE)

    Blue Water Surf Value Rank (BWSVR) 7910. Capsize Comfort Value Rank (CCVR)

  3. Skipper 17 milne

    The Skipper 17 milne is a 17.0ft fractional sloop designed by Peter Milne and built in fiberglass by Richmond Marine Ltd. since 1966. The Skipper 17 milne is an ultralight sailboat which is a very high performer. It is stable / stiff and has a low righting capability if capsized. It is best suited as a racing boat.

  4. Skipper 17 trailer sailer. Information, specification, history and

    Skipper 17 Yacht / Trailer Sailer. This popular trailer-sailer was designed by Peter Milne (of Fireball fame), and between 1963 and 2003, over a thousand were built under the various names Skipper 17, Skipper Mariner and Eagle 525. The 40-year production run may be the longest of any commercial cruiser.

  5. Skipper dinghy

    The Skipper 17 is a classic sailboat designed by Peter Milne and first built in 1966 by Anderson, Rigden & Perkins/Richmond Marine in the UK. This centerboard (trunk) sailboat has a fractional sloop rigging and measures 17.00 ft in length overall (LOA) and 6.42 ft in beam, with a displacement of 700.00 lb.

  6. Skipper 17 (Milne)

    Skipper 17 (Milne) is a 16′ 11″ / 5.2 m monohull sailboat designed by Peter Milne and built by Richmond Marine Ltd. starting in 1969. ... The lower a boat's ratio is, the less power it takes to drive the boat to its nominal hull speed or beyond. Read more. Formula. D/L = (D ÷ 2240) ÷ (0.01 x LWL)³ D: Displacement of the boat in pounds ...

  7. Evolution of the Skipper 17

    The Skipper 17, designed by Peter Milne started out as a 17 ft dayboat with a huge cockpit capable of holding six to eight adults . ... In the late 1970s the boat was renamed the Skipper Mariner and the single 3/4 inch retractable steel centreplate was replaced with twin 3/8 inch retractable steel bilge plates. The plates were easier to raise ...

  8. Review of Skipper 17 (Milne)

    The immersion rate is defined as the weight required to sink the boat a certain level. The immersion rate for Skipper 17 (Milne) is about 63 kg/cm, alternatively 352 lbs/inch. Meaning: if you load 63 kg cargo on the boat then it will sink 1 cm. Alternatively, if you load 352 lbs cargo on the boat it will sink 1 inch.

  9. The Skipper 17 Trailer-Sailer Website

    The Skipper 17 Website was launched to provide an information base for this popular trailer-sailer, also produced as the Mariner 17, the Skipper Mate and the Eagle 525. Dayboat, Cuddy and Cabin versions are all included in the descriptions. Next. Visit the Skipper 17 Forum at the. Yahoo.

  10. Skipper 17 / Mariner 17 MILNE By Richmond Marine ShortyPen Sailboat Guide

    Boat Name: Skipper 17 / Mariner 17 MILNE: Manufacturer: Richmond Marine: Hull Type: Daysailor: LOA: 17'0" (5.18m) Beam: 7'0" (2.13m) Weight: 700 (318.15kg) Ballast: 150 (68.18kg) ... Skipper 17 Proper Pint: 2013-05-09: by: Burt Revell: Skipper 17 Daysailor: Comments About This Boat ...

  11. Favorite Skipper 17 Version

    Hi Shorty, After looking over all the Skipper 17 versions my favorite is the Mark II built between 1985 and 1992. Although the Eagle 525 is more refined I'm not too interested in an outboard well smack dab in the cockpit and the additional 400 lbs of added weight. The Mark II in my eyes is a proper little yacht and after having spent some time ...

  12. Review of Skipper 17 (Mariner)

    The immersion rate is defined as the weight required to sink the boat a certain level. The immersion rate for Skipper 17 (Mariner) is about 74 kg/cm, alternatively 417 lbs/inch. Meaning: if you load 74 kg cargo on the boat then it will sink 1 cm. Alternatively, if you load 417 lbs cargo on the boat it will sink 1 inch.

  13. Late 1970's Skipper 17' Dayboat

    I found one of these (early model 17' skipper dayboat...looks like 1960's not 70's) near my home and was wondering if anyone out there has had any experiences with this boat or be able to share some information on the sailing characteristics, craftsmanship, and quirks of this boat. Looks like a nice big cockpit (close to 7' long) and small ...

  14. Yachts Skipper 17 for sale

    Yachts Skipper 17 for sale. View the broad range of yachts Skipper 17 for sale in your area on offer in your area, review the detailed information about each vessel, compare prices, and uncover the best yachts Skipper 17 deals

  15. MARINER 17 (MILNE)

    Related Sailboats: SKIPPER 17 (MILNE) EAGLE 525 : Download Boat Record: Notes. Based on the earlier SKIPPER 17 with cuddy cabin added Also called SKIPPER MARINER. Spin. SA: 180 sq. ft. This version featured twin centerboards. A later version was the EAGLE 525. Sailboat Forum ...

  16. Skippers Mate 17

    Skippers Mate 17 is a 17′ 1″ / 5.2 m monohull sailboat designed by Charles Ludwig and built by Southern Sails Inc. (USA) between 1982 and 1984. ... The lower a boat's ratio is, the less power it takes to drive the boat to its nominal hull speed or beyond. Read more. Formula. D/L = (D ÷ 2240) ÷ (0.01 x LWL)³

  17. Skippers mate 17

    The Skippers mate 17 is a 17.17ft fractional sloop designed by Charles Ludwig and built in fiberglass between 1982 and 1984. The Skippers mate 17 is a light sailboat which is a high performer. It is very stable / stiff and has a low righting capability if capsized. It is best suited as a day-boat.

  18. SailboatData.com

    SailboatData.com …is a database that contains information on over 9000 production and semi-production sailboats dating back to the late 1800's. COMPARE BOATS To compare up to three boats at one time, click the (+) Remove a compared boat by clicking (-)

  19. Skipper 17 for sale

    Buy Skipper 17. Skipper 17 for sale on DailyBoats.com are listed for a range of prices, valued from $2,109 on the more basic models to $2,109 for the most expensive. The boats can differ in size from 5.18 m to 5.18 m. The oldest one built in year. This page features Skipper boats located in countries: United Kingdom.

  20. Skipper 17 boats for sale

    View a wide selection of Skipper 17 boats for sale in your area, explore detailed information & find your next boat on boats.com. #everythingboats

  21. Skipper 17 for sale. View price, photos and Buy Skipper 17 #59329

    Used Skipper 17 for sale with the beautiful name "SPINDRIFT" is located in Pwllheli (Wales, United Kingdom). This vessel was designed and built by the Skipper shipyard in . Key features Skipper 17: length 5.18 meters, beam 2.9 meters and boat displacement 318 kilograms. Hull key features Skipper 17: keel type - lifting keel.

  22. SLIPPER 17

    A boat with a BN of 1.6 or greater is a boat that will be reefed often in offshore cruising. Derek Harvey, "Multihulls for Cruising and Racing", International Marine, Camden, Maine, 1991, states that a BN of 1 is generally accepted as the dividing line between so-called slow and fast multihulls.

  23. SKIPPERS MATE 17

    Blue Water Surf Value Rank (BWSVR) 7743. Capsize Comfort Value Rank (CCVR)