HOWTH 17
Specifications
Hull
| LOA | 22.57 ft |
| LWL | 17 ft |
| Beam | 7 ft |
| Draft | 3.3 ft |
| Displacement | 1,202 lb |
| Hull speed1.34·√LWL | 5.5 kn |
About the HOWTH 17
Commissioned by the Howth Sailing Club, Ireland.
The Howth 17 is a historic 1898 design by W. Herbert Boyd, with only 10 hulls built, representing a rare and specialized vintage craft. Its extremely low displacement of 1202.0 lb and high SA/D ratio of 43.11 indicate a lightweight, performance-oriented daysailer rather than a heavy cruiser.
- Best for:
- This boat is best suited for coastal daysailing and light cruising in protected waters, appealing to enthusiasts of classic gaff-rigged sloops who prioritize sailing character over offshore comfort.
- Bluewater capability:
- With a capsize ratio of 2.64 and a comfort ratio of 7.44, the Howth 17 is not designed for bluewater cruising and lacks the displacement and structural robustness required for offshore passage-making.
- Comparables:
- Comparable boats include other late 19th-century daysailers with similar displacement and gaff rigs, such as the Shamrock or early Herreshoff designs, due to their shared era, construction methods, and role as recreational coastal vessels.
Performance
Pricing
We don't have market pricing data for the HOWTH 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 22.57ft LOA. Actual costs vary by condition, usage, and local rates.
Known Issues & Pre-Purchase Inspection
10 reported issues across 7 systems for the HOWTH 17, compiled from owner reports in sailing forums and owner-association material.
Unlock the full inspection report
Thinking of buying a HOWTH 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 10 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
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Used sails that fit the HOWTH 17
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