Browse all sailboats
34data points analyzed by Sailpages.com to compile this ISLANDS 17 buyer’s report

ISLANDS 17

from 1972
$400 – $1.1K est. annual maintenance
Performance RacermonoFractional SloopVariable

Specifications

Hull

LOA16.75 ft
LWL15.83 ft
Beam6.5 ft
Draft3.5 ft/ 0.58 ft min
Displacement575 lb
Hull speed1.34·√LWL5.3 kn

Rig & Sails

Mainsail100 sq ft
Jib (100%)35 sq ft

About the ISLANDS 17

Sail area: -Main: 100 ft² / 9.29 m² -Jib: 35 ft² / 3.25 m² The ISLANDS 17 is most likely a 'splashed' copy of the TANZER 16 with a reverse transom giving it a slightly longer waterline length. Those who have seen both boats have all commented on the striking similarity, especially in the case of earlier boats by Ocean Yachts. The later version, built by Sumner, (also called SUMNER ISLANDS 17), has a cockpit liner with added flotation as well as number of other modifications. Thanks to 'Dave from Maine' for additional information on this yacht. Both companies were located on Long Island, NY, USA Sumner Boat Co. was located at: 334 South Bayview Ave. Amityville NY. 11701

Sailpages Buyer's Take

The Islands 17 is a compact, high-performance fractional sloop designed by Johann Tanzer and built by Ocean Yachts / Sumner Boat Co. (USA) in 1972. With a displacement of 575.0 lb and a D/L ratio of 64.71, this lightweight vessel prioritizes speed and agility over heavy cruising comfort.

Best for:
This boat is best suited for coastal day-sailors, trailerable boat owners, and single-handers seeking a responsive, easy-to-handle package. Its low displacement and fractional rig make it ideal for short trips and racing rather than extended offshore passages.
Bluewater capability:
With a capsize ratio of 3.13 and a comfort ratio of 4.56, the Islands 17 is not designed for bluewater cruising and is best restricted to protected coastal waters due to its light displacement and small size.
Comparables:
Comparable boats include the Tanzer 22 and other early 1970s trailerable designs like the O'Day 22, as they share similar fractional sloop rigs and lightweight construction philosophies. These vessels offer similar performance characteristics for coastal cruising and weekend getaways.

Performance

Comfort4.6
Capsize3.13
SA/Disp31.3
Disp/Len65

Pricing

We don't have market pricing data for the ISLANDS 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 16.75ft LOA. Actual costs vary by condition, usage, and local rates.

$/ft/mo
Annual Maintenance
$400 – $1.1K
Hull, rigging, sails, engine service
Annual Docking
Enter zip code
Pick a country or enter a US zip for local rates
Annual Insurance
N/A
No price data available

Known Issues & Pre-Purchase Inspection

2 reported issues across 2 systems for the ISLANDS 17, compiled from owner reports in sailing forums and owner-association material.

1 critical1 minor
Deck1Hull1

Unlock the full inspection report

Thinking of buying a ISLANDS 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 2 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 ISLANDS 17?

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.

Already know your engine? Search all engines → to find its exact parts.

Used sails that fit the ISLANDS 17

Checking eBay for sails sized to this boat's rig…