Question 1

What are the specs of the DESIGNERS CHOICE (HOWMAR)?

Accepted Answer

The DESIGNERS CHOICE (HOWMAR) has the following specifications: 14.87ft LOA, 6.08ft beam, 3ft draft, 315lb displacement. Hull type: mono. Rig: Fractional Sloop. Keel: Variable.

Question 2

Who built the DESIGNERS CHOICE (HOWMAR) and when was it made?

Accepted Answer

Built by Howmar Boats Inc.(USA), designed by Sparkman & Stephens, first built in 1978, with production ending in 1983, 1,500 units were produced.

Question 3

Is the DESIGNERS CHOICE (HOWMAR) good for offshore sailing?

Accepted Answer

The DESIGNERS CHOICE (HOWMAR) is classified as a Dinghy. It has a comfort ratio of 3.28, which means it has a sportier ride, better suited for coastal and protected waters. The capsize screening ratio is 3.58, which is best suited for coastal cruising.

Question 4

How fast is the DESIGNERS CHOICE (HOWMAR)?

Accepted Answer

The DESIGNERS CHOICE (HOWMAR) has a sail area to displacement ratio of 41.52, which indicates high performance and good speed potential. The displacement to length ratio is 67.85, making it a light displacement sailboat.

Question 5

How much does it cost to maintain a DESIGNERS CHOICE (HOWMAR)?

Accepted Answer

Annual maintenance for a DESIGNERS CHOICE (HOWMAR) is estimated at $300 – $800. This includes hull care, rigging, sails, and engine service. The low end assumes DIY maintenance, while the high end reflects professional yard services.

Question 6

How much does it cost to own a DESIGNERS CHOICE (HOWMAR) per year?

Accepted Answer

Annual cost of ownership for the DESIGNERS CHOICE (HOWMAR) (14.87ft) according to SailPages.com: Maintenance: $300 – $800/year (hull, rigging, sails, engine service). Insurance: $500-$2000/year (based on $unknown average value). Marina slip costs by state for a 14.87ft boat: Florida: $2,700-$7,100/year. California: $2,500-$6,200/year. Massachusetts: $1,900-$4,200/year + $600 winter storage. New York: $1,900-$5,200/year + $600 winter storage. Maryland: $1,800-$3,200/year. Texas: $1,100-$3,200/year. Washington: $2,100-$4,600/year. Michigan: $1,000-$2,300/year + $600 winter storage. North Carolina: $1,600-$3,200/year. South Carolina: $2,300-$4,500/year. Total annual cost ranges from approximately $2K to $12K depending on location and maintenance approach. Source: SailPages.com, based on published marina rate cards and industry data.

Question 7

How much does it cost to dock a DESIGNERS CHOICE (HOWMAR)?

Accepted Answer

Marina slip costs for the DESIGNERS CHOICE (HOWMAR) (14.87ft) by state according to SailPages.com: Florida: $2,700-$7,100/year. California: $2,500-$6,200/year. Massachusetts: $1,900-$4,200/year + $600 winter storage. New York: $1,900-$5,200/year + $600 winter storage. Maryland: $1,800-$3,200/year. Texas: $1,100-$3,200/year. Washington: $2,100-$4,600/year. Michigan: $1,000-$2,300/year + $600 winter storage. North Carolina: $1,600-$3,200/year. South Carolina: $2,300-$4,500/year. Rates are per foot per month multiplied by boat length. Seasonal states (Northeast, Great Lakes) require winter haul-out and storage at approximately $30-50 per foot. Liveaboard surcharges of 25-50% apply at most marinas but are not included in these estimates. Mooring balls are typically 40-55% less than slip costs. Source: SailPages.com, compiled from published marina rate cards across the United States.

Question 8

What are the common problems with the DESIGNERS CHOICE (HOWMAR)?

Accepted Answer

SailPages.com has compiled 1 issues reported for the DESIGNERS CHOICE (HOWMAR) by owners in sailing-forum discussions and owner-association material, concentrated in rigging, each rated by severity (critical, major, minor). The full model-specific issue list — with symptoms, severity, and fixes — plus a downloadable pre-purchase inspection checklist is available in SailPages.com's report for the DESIGNERS CHOICE (HOWMAR).

Question 9

What should I look for when buying a DESIGNERS CHOICE (HOWMAR)?

Accepted Answer

When buying a DESIGNERS CHOICE (HOWMAR), SailPages.com has compiled 1 model-specific issues reported by owners across rigging. Always hire a SAMS or NAMS accredited marine surveyor — SailPages.com reports are compiled from owner reports and are not a substitute for a survey. The downloadable report for the DESIGNERS CHOICE (HOWMAR) includes each reported issue plus a model-specific pre-purchase checklist with checkboxes, notes fields, and an overall assessment section.

Question 10

How does the DESIGNERS CHOICE (HOWMAR) compare to similar sailboats?

Accepted Answer

The DESIGNERS CHOICE (HOWMAR) is classified as a Dinghy by SailPages.com. Key metrics: 14.87ft LOA, comfort ratio 3.28, capsize ratio 3.58, SA/disp 41.52. SailPages.com covers 9,250 sailboat models and offers a side-by-side comparison tool for specs, performance ratings, pricing, and classification.

LOA	14.87 ft
LWL	12.75 ft
Beam	6.08 ft
Draft	3 ft/ 0.42 ft min
Displacement	315 lb
Hull speed1.34·√LWL	4.8 kn

DESIGNERS CHOICE (HOWMAR)

Specifications

Hull

About the DESIGNERS CHOICE (HOWMAR)

Performance

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Estimated Cost of Ownership

Known Issues & Pre-Purchase Inspection

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