LOA 17
Specifications
Hull
| LOA | 17 ft |
| Draft | 4.5 ft/ 0.5 ft min |
| Displacement | 700 lb |
| Ballast | 100 lb |
About the LOA 17
Hull plans were a modified Lightning design. Thanks to former LOA 17 owner Randolph Van Esselstyn for the photo and brochure.
Designed by Sidney Blinder and built by the Sidney Company in the USA, the LOA 17 is a compact fractional sloop with a production run of 399 hulls completed in 1961. With a displacement of 700.0 lb and a max draft of 4.5 ft, this lightweight vessel offers a high SA/D ratio of 30.49, prioritizing performance and ease of handling over heavy displacement comfort.
- Best for:
- This boat is ideally suited for coastal day-sailing, club racing, and trailerable weekend cruising due to its light displacement and manageable dimensions. It appeals to single-handers or couples seeking a low-maintenance, high-performance daysailer that can be easily transported and stored.
- Bluewater capability:
- With a displacement of only 700.0 lb and minimal ballast of 100.0 lb, the LOA 17 lacks the mass and stability required for offshore passage-making, making it strictly a coastal or protected waters vessel.
- Comparables:
- Comparable boats include the O'Day 17 and the Pearson 17, which share similar fractional sloop rigs and trailerable footprints from the same era. These vessels are comparable because they target the same market of affordable, performance-oriented daysailers with similar beam and draft constraints.
Performance
Pricing
We don't have market pricing data for the LOA 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.
Known Issues & Pre-Purchase Inspection
17 reported issues across 9 systems for the LOA 17, compiled from owner reports in sailing forums and owner-association material.
Unlock the full inspection report
Thinking of buying a LOA 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 17 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 LOA 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.
Brands sometimes mentioned for this model: Yanmar, Bukh, Perkins, Beta Marine — is it one of these?
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Used sails that fit the LOA 17
Checking eBay for sails sized to this boat's rig…