Piranha 17 (Beneteau) Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The creation of the Piranha 17 aligns with a pivotal period in Beneteau's history. Founded in 1884, the company, originally focused on building sturdy wooden fishing trawlers, underwent a significant transformation in the 1960s with the adoption of fiberglass construction. This innovative shift, spearheaded by Benjamin Bénéteau's grandsons André and François, allowed for more efficient production and lighter hulls, broadening the company's appeal beyond the traditional fishing fleet. The Piranha 17, with its production spanning from 1974 to 1976, emerged as part of this "fiberglass revolution," embodying Beneteau's evolving focus on recreational sailing.

Designer André Bénéteau, an in-house talent, played a crucial role in developing this new generation of fiberglass cruising sailboats. The Piranha 17's design philosophy was rooted in practicality and durability, aiming to offer a safe and steady boat that was also easy to manage. Its hull is constructed of solid fiberglass, contributing to its robust reputation. The fractional sloop rig and fin keel with a transom-hung rudder reflect a straightforward and efficient design, typical of the era's smaller recreational boats.

Sailing Performance and Handling

Despite its compact size, the Beneteau Piranha 17 is recognized for its stable and predictable sailing characteristics. With a length overall of just over 17 feet and a waterline length of 15 feet, it boasts a moderate weight for its class, contributing to its "reasonably good performer" status. Owners and reviewers commonly describe the Piranha 17 as a "safe, steady, dependably stable boat". Its substantial ballast of 628 pounds for a displacement of 1,874 pounds provides significant stiffness, allowing it to stand up well to wind and offering a stable motion. The fractional sloop rig, utilizing a jib headsail, is considered an "excellent Marconi-rigged sloop," indicating good balance and ease of handling. The fin keel and transom-hung rudder contribute to responsive steering, making it an enjoyable boat for both novice and experienced sailors in various coastal conditions.

Accommodations and Layout

The Beneteau Piranha 17 makes efficient use of its interior volume, particularly for a boat of its size. While specific headroom figures are not commonly cited, the boat features a "large cabin" with "twin berths," allowing for comfortable overnight stays or weekend coastal cruising. The design emphasizes functionality, with the cockpit specifically laid out to accommodate fishing activities, highlighting its dual-purpose nature. The robust GRP construction extends to the interior, promising durability and a relatively low-maintenance finish. Though a detailed interior layout is not widely documented, the provision of twin berths suggests a practical, open-plan cuddy cabin typical of small cruisers from its era, prioritizing basic comfort and utility over elaborate amenities.