DEFENDER 17 (SAILSTAR)
Specifications
Hull
| LOA | 17 ft |
| LWL | 15.75 ft |
| Beam | 6.33 ft |
| Draft | 3.6 ft/ 0.6 ft min |
| Displacement | 500 lb |
| Hull speed1.34·√LWL | 5.3 kn |
About the DEFENDER 17 (SAILSTAR)
Little is known about this model other than it was advertised as an 'economy' version of the EXPLORER 17, without the cuddy/cabin.
The Defender 17 (Sailstar) is a compact fractional sloop designed by Talman Bigelow and Robert Baker, built by Sailstar Boats (USA) in 1967. With a displacement of 500.0 lb and a LOA of 17.0 ft, it represents a lightweight, trailerable design from the late 1960s.
- Best for:
- This boat is best suited for coastal day sailing and trailerable cruising, appealing to owners seeking a manageable, lightweight vessel for local waters rather than extended offshore passages.
- Bluewater capability:
- With a low displacement of 500.0 lb and a comfort ratio of 4.1, this boat is not designed for bluewater cruising and is strictly limited to protected coastal waters.
- Comparables:
- Comparable boats include other 17-foot trailerable sloops from the late 1960s, such as the O'Day 17 or Pearson 17, which share similar fractional rig configurations and trailerable dimensions.
Performance
Pricing
We don't have market pricing data for the DEFENDER 17 (SAILSTAR) 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
We don't have enough data on the DEFENDER 17 (SAILSTAR)yet 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 DEFENDER 17 (SAILSTAR)? 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
Which engine powers your DEFENDER 17 (SAILSTAR)?
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.
Already know your engine? Search all engines → to find its exact parts.
Used sails that fit the DEFENDER 17 (SAILSTAR)
Checking eBay for sails sized to this boat's rig…