AMERICA 17
Specifications
Hull
| LOA | 17 ft |
| LWL | 13 ft |
| Beam | 4.58 ft |
| Draft | 2.75 ft |
| Displacement | 825 lb |
| Ballast | 400 lb |
| Hull speed1.34·√LWL | 4.8 kn |
About the AMERICA 17
Promoted as a scaled down copy of Americas Cup (1983) winning 12 meter 'Australia II'.(incl. the signature wing keel). Displayed at some boat shows in the mid 1980's but the concept never took off and only a few were built. America Yacht Inc. was located in Clearwater FL. sail area: main 82 sq. ft. jib 57 sq. ft Thanks to Gordon for providing information.
The America 17 is a compact fractional sloop designed by an unknown designer and built by America Yacht Inc. (USA) in 1984. With a hull count of ?, this lightweight vessel displaces 825.0 lb and features a 17.0 ft LOA, making it a highly portable trailer-sailer.
- Best for:
- This boat is best suited for coastal day-sailing, trailerable cruising, and single-handers who prioritize ease of transport and storage over heavy offshore endurance.
- Bluewater capability:
- With a low displacement of 825.0 lb and a capsize ratio of 1.95, the America 17 is not recommended for extended bluewater passages due to its light weight and limited storage.
- Comparables:
- Comparable boats include the O'Day 18 and Catalina 175, as they share similar 17-18 ft footprints, trailerable designs, and fractional sloop rigs from the same late-1980s era.
Performance
Pricing
We don't have market pricing data for the AMERICA 17 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 17ft LOA. Actual costs vary by condition, usage, and local rates.
Known Issues & Pre-Purchase Inspection
16 reported issues across 8 systems for the AMERICA 17, compiled from owner reports in sailing forums and owner-association material.
Unlock the full inspection report
Thinking of buying a AMERICA 17? This is an in-depth report on the faults this model is known for — so you know exactly what to check when you walk the boat. For the price of a coffee.
- ✓ All 16 specific issues — severity, symptoms & fixes
- ✓ Model-specific pre-purchase inspection checklist
- ✓ Downloadable PDF to take to your surveyor — yours to keep
One-time $2.99 · secure checkout by Stripe · instant access · 30 days online, PDF yours to keep
Similar Sailboats
Which engine powers your AMERICA 17?
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.
Brands sometimes mentioned for this model: Yanmar, Bukh, Universal, Perkins — is it one of these?
Already know your engine? Search all engines → to find its exact parts.
Used sails that fit the AMERICA 17
Checking eBay for sails sized to this boat's rig…