GLOUCESTER 18 (WHITECAP)
Specifications
Hull
| LOA | 18 ft |
| LWL | 16.5 ft |
| Beam | 6.58 ft |
| Draft | 5 ft/ 0.67 ft min |
| Displacement | 750 lb |
| Ballast | 125 lb |
| Hull speed1.34·√LWL | 5.4 kn |
Rig & Sails
| Mainsail | 111 sq ft |
| Jib (100%) | 65 sq ft |
| Spinnaker | 580 sq ft |
About the GLOUCESTER 18 (WHITECAP)
First sold as WHITECAP by Lockley-Newport, and then GLOUCESTER 18 by Gloucester Yachts. Years are approximate. Not the same as another GLOUCESTER 18, also from Gloucester Yachts, which was a re-branding of the BUCCANEER 18, originally built by Chrysler Corp. Sail area: -Main: 111 ft² / 10.3 m² -Jib: 65 ft² / 6 m² -Spinnaker: 580 ft² / 53.9 m²
Designed by Harry Sindle and built by Lockley-Newport Boats Inc. from 1974–1984, the Gloucester 18 (Whitecap) is a compact fractional sloop with a displacement of 750.0 lb. While the exact hull build count is unknown, the model is characterized by its lightweight construction and high sail area-to-displacement ratio of 34.17.
- Best for:
- This boat suits coastal cruisers and trailerable boat owners seeking a nimble, performance-oriented day sailor that can be easily transported. Its low displacement and fractional rig make it ideal for single-handers or couples who prioritize ease of handling over heavy offshore comfort.
- Bluewater capability:
- With a low comfort ratio of 5.56 and a capsize ratio of 2.9, this vessel is not designed for bluewater cruising but is suitable for protected coastal waters and short offshore passages.
- Comparables:
- Comparable boats include the Catalina 18 and O'Day 18, which share similar LOA dimensions and trailerable footprints. However, the Whitecap distinguishes itself with a higher SA/D ratio and fractional rig, offering more upwind performance than many full-rigged contemporaries.
Performance
Market Price
Estimated Cost of Ownership
Based on 18ft LOA. Actual costs vary by condition, usage, and local rates.
Known Issues & Pre-Purchase Inspection
We don't have enough data on the GLOUCESTER 18 (WHITECAP)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 GLOUCESTER 18 (WHITECAP)? 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
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Used sails that fit the GLOUCESTER 18 (WHITECAP)
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