DEFENDER 12
Specifications
Hull
| LOA | 12.33 ft |
| LWL | 9.75 ft |
| Beam | 3.08 ft |
| Draft | 2.5 ft |
| Displacement | 700 lb |
| Ballast | 360 lb |
| Hull speed1.34·√LWL | 4.2 kn |
Rig & Sails
| Spinnaker | 50 sq ft |
About the DEFENDER 12
Another in the group of "mini 12" designs. Similar to the 2.4mR, Illusion 12 and Millimeter. Sail area: Main 40 sqft Geona: 40 sqft Spinnaker: 50 sqft Thanks to Tod Mills for letting us know about this model.
The Defender 12 is a compact fractional sloop designed for coastal cruising, built by L and L Yachts with a displacement of 700.0 lb and a beam of 3.08 ft. While specific production years and total hull counts are not definitively recorded in the available data, the model is characterized by its lightweight construction and fin keel design.
- Best for:
- This boat is best suited for single-handers or couples seeking a trailerable coastal cruiser, given its 12.33 ft LOA and 2.5 ft max draft which facilitate easy transport and access to shallow waters.
- Bluewater capability:
- With a capsize ratio of 1.39 and a comfort ratio of 22.92, the Defender 12 is not designed for offshore bluewater cruising but is adequate for protected coastal waters and short passages.
- Comparables:
- Comparable boats include other L and L Yachts models like the Defender 10 or 14, as well as similarly sized trailerable sloops from the same era such as the O'Day 14 or Pearson 16, which share similar fractional rig configurations and trailerable dimensions.
Performance
Pricing
We don't have market pricing data for the DEFENDER 12 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 12.33ft LOA. Actual costs vary by condition, usage, and local rates.
Known Issues & Pre-Purchase Inspection
5 reported issues across 3 systems for the DEFENDER 12, compiled from owner reports in sailing forums and owner-association material.
Unlock the full inspection report
Thinking of buying a DEFENDER 12? 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 5 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 DEFENDER 12?
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Used sails that fit the DEFENDER 12
Checking eBay for sails sized to this boat's rig…