DARK HARBOR 17 1/2
Specifications
Hull
| LOA | 25.83 ft |
| LWL | 17.5 ft |
| Beam | 6.25 ft |
| Draft | 4.25 ft |
| Displacement | 3,450 lb |
| Ballast | 1,400 lb |
| Hull speed1.34·√LWL | 5.6 kn |
About the DARK HARBOR 17 1/2
Originally designed for the Manchester Yacht Club in Mass. USA and called the MANCHESTER 17. The first 17 boats were built by Rice Bros. in 1908. As it's popularity spread it aquired a number of the different names including the BAR HARBOR 17. A few of the original boats have been restored and can be seen sailing to this day. The actual plans for this yacht, as well as many others credited to Croninshield, were completed by R. N. Burbank, an employee of the firm at the time.
The Dark Harbor 17 1/2 is a historic gaffhead sloop designed by B. B. Crowninshield and R. N. Burbank, with 200 hulls built between 1908 and 1935. Constructed by Rice Brothers, George Lawley, and others, this vessel represents a classic era of American boatbuilding with a distinct fin keel and traditional rigging.
- Best for:
- This boat is best suited for coastal cruising and daysailing enthusiasts who appreciate vintage aesthetics and traditional sailing dynamics. Its manageable size and classic design appeal to owners seeking a low-maintenance, historic vessel for local waters rather than high-performance racing.
- Bluewater capability:
- With a displacement of 3450.0 lb and a capsize ratio of 1.66, the Dark Harbor 17 1/2 is not designed for offshore bluewater passage-making but is well-suited for protected coastal waters. Its fin keel and moderate comfort ratio of 23.19 suggest a stable ride in moderate conditions, though its age and construction materials limit its suitability for open ocean voyages.
- Comparables:
- Comparable vessels include other early 20th-century gaff sloops of similar length, such as the Columbia 26 or various Rice Brothers designs, which share the same era's emphasis on stability and traditional rigging. These boats offer similar displacement characteristics and historical significance within the small cruiser market.
Performance
Estimated Value
Limited DataEstimated Cost of Ownership
Based on 25.83ft LOA. Actual costs vary by condition, usage, and local rates.
Known Issues & Pre-Purchase Inspection
We don't have enough data on the DARK HARBOR 17 1/2yet 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 DARK HARBOR 17 1/2? 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
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Used sails that fit the DARK HARBOR 17 1/2
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