MELGES 17
Specifications
Hull
| LOA | 16.65 ft |
| Beam | 5.53 ft |
| Draft | 3.96 ft |
| Displacement | 300 lb |
| Ballast | 3,373.1 lb |
| Material | 37’ 1”11.3 m |
Rig & Sails
| Mainsail | 154 sq ft |
| Jib (100%) | 66 sq ft |
| Spinnaker | 280 sq ft |
Accommodation
| Fuel | 15.1 L |
| CE category | N/A€ |
About the MELGES 17
Main: 154 sq.ft. Jib:66 sq.ft. Spinnaker: 280 sq.ft.
The Melges 17 is a high-performance fractional sloop designed by Reichel/Pugh and built by Melges Performance Sailboats, with production records indicating a start year of 2005. Despite its compact LOA of 16.65 ft and beam of 5.53 ft, it features a substantial ballast of 3373.1 lb relative to its 300.0 lb displacement, creating a unique performance profile for its class.
- Best for:
- This boat is best suited for competitive club racers and coastal day-sailors who prioritize high acceleration and upwind performance over long-range cruising comfort. Its fractional sloop rig and high SA/D ratio of 78.63 make it ideal for sailors seeking a responsive, trailerable racer that can be easily transported to local regattas.
- Bluewater capability:
- With a capsize ratio of 3.31 and a maximum draft of 3.96 ft, the Melges 17 is not designed for bluewater passage-making but is stable enough for protected coastal waters and bay sailing. Its lightweight displacement and performance-oriented hull form prioritize speed over offshore safety margins.
- Comparables:
- Comparable boats include the Laser 2 and other high-performance trailerable racers from the mid-2000s that share similar fractional sloop rigs and focus on speed over accommodation. The Melges 17 distinguishes itself with its specific Reichel/Pugh hull form and significantly higher ballast ratio compared to standard dinghies.
Performance
Pricing
We don't have market pricing data for the MELGES 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 16.65ft LOA. Actual costs vary by condition, usage, and local rates.
Articles & Reviews
Known Issues & Pre-Purchase Inspection
9 reported issues across 4 systems for the MELGES 17, compiled from owner reports in sailing forums and owner-association material.
Unlock the full inspection report
Thinking of buying a MELGES 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 9 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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Used sails that fit the MELGES 17
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