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28data points analyzed by Sailpages.com to compile this HOLDER 17 buyer’s report

HOLDER 17

Holder Marine🇺🇸· Design: Ron Holder
from 1982
$400 – $1.1K est. annual maintenance
DaysailermonoFractional SloopFinVariable

Specifications

Hull

LOA17 ft
LWL15 ft
Beam7.25 ft
Draft4.17 ft/ 1.67 ft min
Displacement950 lb
Ballast345 lb
Hull speed1.34·√LWL5.2 kn

Rig & Sails

Iforetriangle height18.8 ft
Jforetriangle base6.66 ft
Pmainsail luff20 ft
Emainsail foot7.75 ft
FLforestay6.7 ft
Mainsail82 sq ft
Jib (100%)65 sq ft
Spinnaker210 sq ft

About the HOLDER 17

An earlier version was called the VAGABOND 17. Sail area: -Main: 82 ft² -Jib: 65 ft² -Genoa: 87 ft² -Spinnaker: 210 ft²

Sailpages Buyer's Take

The Holder 17 is a compact fractional sloop designed by Ron Holder and built by Holder Marine (USA) in 1982. With a production run of unknown quantity, this 17.0 ft LOA vessel is characterized by its lightweight 950.0 lb displacement and 7.25 ft beam.

Best for:
This boat suits coastal cruisers and trailerable boat owners seeking a responsive, lightweight day-sailer that can be easily transported and stored.
Bluewater capability:
With a low displacement of 950.0 lb and a comfort ratio of 6.72, the Holder 17 is designed for coastal use rather than offshore bluewater cruising.
Comparables:
Comparable boats include other 1980s trailerable fractional sloops like the O'Day 18 or Catalina 16.5, sharing similar roles in coastal cruising and ease of handling.

Direct variant of the HOLDER 17

Near-identical models — same hull, builder and designer, re-badged or lightly changed. Specs and owner-reported issues are typically shared across the group, so a sister model's page may carry detail this one doesn't.

Performance

Comfort6.7
Capsize2.95
SA/Disp24.4
Disp/Len126
Bal/Disp36.3

Pricing

We don't have market pricing data for the HOLDER 17 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.

$/ft/mo
Annual Maintenance
$400 – $1.1K
Hull, rigging, sails, engine service
Annual Docking
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Annual Insurance
N/A
No price data available

Known Issues & Pre-Purchase Inspection

6 reported issues across 5 systems for the HOLDER 17, compiled from owner reports in sailing forums and owner-association material.

3 critical1 major2 minor
Rudder2Deck1Structural1Keel1Electrical1

Unlock the full inspection report

Thinking of buying a HOLDER 17? 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

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Which engine powers your HOLDER 17?

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Used sails that fit the HOLDER 17

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