CRABBER 17
Specifications
Hull
| LOA | 17 ft |
| LWL | 16 ft |
| Beam | 6.75 ft |
| Draft | 4 ft/ 1.58 ft min |
| Displacement | 1,934 lb |
| Hull speed1.34·√LWL | 5.4 kn |
About the CRABBER 17
LOA incl. bowsprit: 20'.
Designed by Roger Dongay and built by Cornish Crabbers LLC (UK), the Crabber 17 is a compact, gaff-rigged sloop with a production run of 100 hulls starting in 1992. Its lightweight displacement of 1934.0 lb and high sail area-to-displacement ratio of 18.39 suggest a boat designed for agility and ease of handling rather than heavy-weather stability.
- Best for:
- This boat suits coastal cruisers and weekend sailors who prioritize easy single-handed handling and trailerability over offshore endurance. Its low comfort ratio of 14.4 and light displacement make it ideal for protected waters and short passages where quick setup and transport are key.
- Bluewater capability:
- With a capsize ratio of 2.17 and a very low displacement of 1934.0 lb, the Crabber 17 is not recommended for serious offshore or bluewater cruising due to limited stability and reserve buoyancy.
- Comparables:
- Comparable boats include other trailerable gaffers like the Microgaff or small daysailers such as the O'Day 18, sharing similar roles in coastal recreation and ease of transport. Unlike heavier cruising sloops, the Crabber 17 competes with lightweight daysailers that emphasize fun and accessibility over bluewater capability.
Performance
Pricing
We don't have market pricing data for the CRABBER 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
8 reported issues across 6 systems for the CRABBER 17, compiled from owner reports in sailing forums and owner-association material.
Unlock the full inspection report
Thinking of buying a CRABBER 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 8 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 CRABBER 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, Universal, Perkins — is it one of these?
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Used sails that fit the CRABBER 17
Checking eBay for sails sized to this boat's rig…