A-LION
Specifications
Hull
| LOA | 18 ft |
| Beam | 7.5 ft |
| Draft | 2.5 ft/ 0.5 ft min |
| Displacement | 300 lb |
About the A-LION
Originally called the SEA LION 18 and established as a one-design class in the USA. There was a very loosely established 'A' class catamaran rule before this, (no maximum LOA), the more finalized parameters, originally established by the IYRU, were. by in large, based on this design.
The A-LION is a compact 18.0 ft catamaran designed by Jerry and David Hubbard and built by American Fiberglass Corp. (USA) in 1967. With a displacement of 300.0 lb and a beam of 7.5 ft, it represents an early example of small, lightweight multihull construction.
- Best for:
- This boat is best suited for day sailing, casual coastal cruising, or as a tender, given its extreme light displacement and small size.
- Bluewater capability:
- With a capsize ratio of 4.49 and a displacement of only 300.0 lb, the A-LION lacks the stability and mass required for safe offshore passage making.
- Comparables:
- Comparable boats include other 1960s experimental or kit-built catamarans of similar length, such as the Hobie Cat 16 or early Pacific Seacraft designs, sharing the role of affordable, easy-to-trailered recreational sailing.
Performance
Pricing
We don't have market pricing data for the A-LION yet. If you own one, help other buyers — what did you pay for it? Reports build a community price estimate over time.
Estimated Cost of Ownership
Based on 18ft LOA. Actual costs vary by condition, usage, and local rates.
Known Issues & Pre-Purchase Inspection
We don't have enough data on the A-LIONyet to publish model-specific findings we'd stand behind — but here's a free general inspection checklist, built from our research into what actually goes wrong on boats of this kind.
Drawn from 7,029 documented issues across 2,391 models, ordered so the areas that most often turn up problems come first.
Own a A-LION? Reports from owners are what turn this into a model-specific checklist — and they're the reason the boats above it have one.
Similar Sailboats
Which engine powers your A-LION?
We haven't confirmed the engine for this model yet. If you own or know one, tell us — as owners report in, we build an accurate picture over time.
Already know your engine? Search all engines → to find its exact parts.
Used sails that fit the A-LION
Checking eBay for sails sized to this boat's rig…