DEFENDER 15
Specifications
Hull
| LOA | 26.25 ft |
| LWL | 19 ft |
| Beam | 8.25 ft |
| Draft | 4.16 ft |
| Displacement | 4,400 lb |
| Ballast | 1,899.9 lb |
| Hull speed1.34·√LWL | 5.8 kn |
About the DEFENDER 15
IOR 1/4 ton. With more freeboard and a new deck/coachroof, it became the DEFENDER 27.
Designed by Jacques Gaubert and André Mauric, the Defender 15 is a compact coastal cruiser built by Dekker & Sons (NL) and EDOR between 1969 and 1972. While the exact number of hulls built is unknown, this vessel is characterized by its 26.25 ft LOA and 4400.0 lb displacement, offering a stable platform with a Comfort ratio of 19.31.
- Best for:
- This boat is best suited for coastal cruising and weekend getaways, appealing to sailors who prioritize a manageable 26.25 ft LOA and a comfortable interior over long-range offshore passage making.
- Bluewater capability:
- With a Capsize ratio of 2.02 and a D/L ratio of 286.38, the Defender 15 is primarily a coastal cruiser with limited bluewater capability, relying on its 1899.9 lb ballast for stability rather than heavy offshore displacement.
- Comparables:
- Comparable vessels include other late-60s European fin-keel designs like the O'Day 23 or Pearson 23, which share similar displacement ranges and masthead sloop rigs, though the Defender's 8.25 ft beam provides a notably wider beam for its length.
Direct variant of the DEFENDER 15
Near-identical models — same hull, builder and designer, re-badged or lightly changed. Specs and owner-reported issues are typically shared across the group, so a sister model's page may carry detail this one doesn't.
Performance
Pricing
We don't have market pricing data for the DEFENDER 15 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 26.25ft LOA. Actual costs vary by condition, usage, and local rates.
Known Issues & Pre-Purchase Inspection
8 reported issues across 6 systems for the DEFENDER 15, compiled from owner reports in sailing forums and owner-association material.
Unlock the full inspection report
Thinking of buying a DEFENDER 15? 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 DEFENDER 15?
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Used sails that fit the DEFENDER 15
Checking eBay for sails sized to this boat's rig…