GUPPY 13
Specifications
Hull
| LOA | 12.5 ft |
| LWL | 11.83 ft |
| Beam | 5.58 ft |
| Draft | 1.58 ft |
| Displacement | 480 lb |
| Ballast | 150 lb |
| Hull speed1.34·√LWL | 4.6 kn |
Rig & Sails
| Iforetriangle height | 16.16 ft |
| Jforetriangle base | 5.08 ft |
| Pmainsail luff | 13.92 ft |
| Emainsail foot | 5 ft |
| FLforestay | 5.1 ft |
| Mainsail | 78.6 sq ft |
| Jib (100%) | 41.1 sq ft |
| Spinnaker | 69.8 sq ft |
About the GUPPY 13
Said to be a 'splashed' copy of the earlier SPARROW 12 built by HMS Marine Inc.(USA) with some modifications. A daysailer version (without the cabin trunk) was known as the GUPPY 130.
Designed by Herb Stewart and built by Melen Marine Ltd.(USA) between 1974–1975, the Guppy 13 is a compact trailerable sloop with 300 hulls produced. Its lightweight 480.0 lb displacement and 12.5 ft LOA define it as a nimble, easy-to-handle day sailor and coastal cruiser.
- Best for:
- This boat suits single-handers and couples seeking a trailerable package for coastal cruising and daysailing, supported by high adoption of solar panels and dodgers for self-sufficiency.
- Bluewater capability:
- With a low 6.24 comfort ratio and 480.0 lb displacement, the Guppy 13 is not suited for offshore bluewater passage making but is adequate for protected coastal waters.
- Comparables:
- Comparable to other 12-13 ft trailerable designs from the 1970s like the O'Day 13 or Microcruiser, sharing similar fractional sloop rigs and trailerable footprints.
Performance
Pricing
We don't have market pricing data for the GUPPY 13 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 12.5ft LOA. Actual costs vary by condition, usage, and local rates.
Known Issues & Pre-Purchase Inspection
14 reported issues across 9 systems for the GUPPY 13, compiled from owner reports in sailing forums and owner-association material.
Unlock the full inspection report
Thinking of buying a GUPPY 13? 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 14 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 GUPPY 13?
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, Perkins — is it one of these?
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Used sails that fit the GUPPY 13
Checking eBay for sails sized to this boat's rig…