DOLPHIN 81
Specifications
Hull
| LOA | 26.57 ft |
| LWL | 23.95 ft |
| Beam | 8.86 ft |
| Draft | 5.25 ft |
| Displacement | 2,094 lb |
| Ballast | 926 lb |
| Hull speed1.34·√LWL | 6.6 kn |
About the DOLPHIN 81
The sail plan includes 2 spinnakers, one at 7/8,(42m2/452 sq.ft.) and one masthead (70m2/753 sq.ft.).
The Dolphin 81 is a lightweight, performance-oriented fractional sloop designed by Ettore Santarelli and built by Maxi Dolphin Boatyard in Italy. With a production run limited to 1992 and an unknown total build count, this 26.57 ft LOA vessel is characterized by its low displacement of 2094.0 lb and high sail area-to-displacement ratio of 37.92.
- Best for:
- This boat is best suited for coastal cruising and daysailing enthusiasts who prioritize speed and ease of handling over heavy offshore protection. Its light displacement and high SA/D ratio make it ideal for single-handers or couples seeking a responsive, planing-capable day boat.
- Bluewater capability:
- With a low displacement of 2094.0 lb, a comfort ratio of 7.16, and a capsize ratio of 2.77, the Dolphin 81 is not recommended for extended bluewater passages due to its light construction and lack of heavy ballast.
- Comparables:
- Comparable vessels include other late-80s/early-90s European performance day-sailers like the Beneteau First 26 or J/26, which share similar fractional rig configurations and light-displacement hull forms designed for upwind efficiency.
Performance
ORC Performance Data(46 certificates)
Measured performance data from ORC (Offshore Racing Congress) certificates.
Polar Diagram
Boat speed (kn) vs. true wind angle. Source: ORC
Racing Ratings
Triple Number
ORC Measured
Sail Areas (ORC)
Speed Table (kn)
| TWA \ TWS | 6 | 8 | 10 | 12 | 14 | 16 | 20 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 52° | 5.7 | 6.4 | 6.7 | 6.8 | 6.9 | 7.0 | 7.0 |
| 60° | 6.0 | 6.6 | 7.0 | 7.2 | 7.3 | 7.5 | 7.5 |
| 75° | 6.3 | 6.8 | 7.5 | 7.8 | 8.0 | 8.2 | 8.3 |
| 90° | 6.3 | 6.8 | 7.5 | 8.2 | 8.6 | 8.9 | 9.3 |
| 110° | 6.1 | 7.0 | 7.6 | 8.2 | 8.7 | 9.3 | 10.6 |
| 120° | 6.0 | 6.9 | 7.8 | 8.5 | 9.1 | 9.8 | 11.1 |
| 135° | 5.3 | 6.5 | 7.3 | 8.4 | 9.6 | 10.7 | 12.7 |
| 150° | 4.5 | 5.7 | 6.5 | 7.3 | 8.2 | 9.3 | 12.6 |
| Beat VMG | 3.7 | 4.5 | 4.7 | 4.8 | 4.9 | 4.9 | 4.8 |
| Run VMG | 3.9 | 4.9 | 5.6 | 6.3 | 7.1 | 8.1 | 10.9 |
Images
Pricing
We don't have market pricing data for the DOLPHIN 81 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 26.57ft LOA. Actual costs vary by condition, usage, and local rates.
Articles & Reviews
Known Issues & Pre-Purchase Inspection
6 reported issues across 4 systems for the DOLPHIN 81, compiled from owner reports in sailing forums and owner-association material.
Unlock the full inspection report
Thinking of buying a DOLPHIN 81? 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 6 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 DOLPHIN 81?
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.
Brands sometimes mentioned for this model: Yanmar — is it one of these?
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Used sails that fit the DOLPHIN 81
Checking eBay for sails sized to this boat's rig…