LIGHTNING
Specifications
Hull
| LOA | 19 ft |
| LWL | 15.25 ft |
| Beam | 6.5 ft |
| Draft | 4.95 ft/ 0.42 ft min |
| Displacement | 700 lb |
| Ballast | 130 lb |
| Hull speed1.34·√LWL | 5.2 kn |
Rig & Sails
| Iforetriangle height | 20 ft |
| Jforetriangle base | 6.91 ft |
| Pmainsail luff | 24 ft |
| Emainsail foot | 10 ft |
| FLforestay | 6.9 ft |
| Mainsail | 198.7 sq ft |
| Jib (100%) | 69.1 sq ft |
| Spinnaker | 117.5 sq ft |
About the LIGHTNING
One of the most popular one-design classes in the US since the 1940's. But fleets also exist in other parts of the world. Although originally designed for wood planked construction, nearly all boats since the early 1960's have been built of fiberglass. Ballast above is max weight of centerboard.
Performance
Market Price
Estimated Cost of Ownership
Based on 19ft LOA. Actual costs vary by condition, usage, and local rates.
Known Issues & Pre-Purchase Inspection
We don't have enough data on the LIGHTNINGyet 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 LIGHTNING? 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
Which engine powers your LIGHTNING?
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 LIGHTNING
Checking eBay for sails sized to this boat's rig…