Holder 17 DS Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The Holder 17 DS began its production run in 1982, emerging from the collaboration between prolific designer Ron Holder and the pioneering builder, Hobie Cat. The design itself evolved from the earlier Vagabond 17 model, reflecting Ron Holder's philosophy of creating boats that are "spacious, seaworthy, and swift." This aligns well with Hobie Cat's overarching manufacturing ethos during that era, which prioritized making sailing accessible and enjoyable for a wider audience, moving beyond traditional yachting norms. While Hobie Cat is most famous for its catamarans, the Holder 17 DS represented a foray into small monohulls, designed to be comfortable and stable. Although the precise end year of its production by Hobie Cat is not widely documented, it appears to have had a comparatively short production life under the brand.

Sailing Performance and Handling

Despite its compact size, the Holder 17 DS offers notable sailing characteristics, interpreted through its design ratios. With a Sail Area to Displacement Ratio (SA/Disp) of approximately 24.8, the Holder 17 DS is classified as a light to moderate displacement boat with a significant sail plan. This high ratio suggests that the boat is well-powered and capable of performing admirably in light air conditions, getting underway with relative ease.

Its Ballast to Displacement Ratio (B/D) of approximately 0.35 indicates a moderate degree of stiffness, allowing the boat to stand up to a decent breeze without excessive heeling. Coupled with a Displacement to Length Ratio (D/L) of roughly 122.3, the Holder 17 DS falls into the lighter end of the spectrum for monohulls of its length. This contributes to its agility and ease of handling. The boat features a swing keel, allowing its draft to be reduced from 4.17 feet to a shallow 1.17 feet, which greatly enhances its trailerability and access to shallow anchorages. Anecdotal accounts often describe the Holder 17 DS as a "fairly flat bottom and VERY stable" vessel, which contributes to a reassuring sailing experience. While some feedback suggests it can be perceived as "slow" or "stiff" by some, others praise its "seaworthy" qualities and overall comfort, especially for its size.

Accommodations and Layout

Designed as a pocket cruiser and daysailer, the Holder 17 DS provides surprisingly accommodating interior space for its length. Hobie marketed the boat as "comfortable and roomy," a sentiment echoed in owner reviews. While specific headroom figures are not available, the interior layout is designed for practical use, likely offering basic berths suitable for overnighting or comfortable lounging during day trips. The design includes two large, sealed windows on each side of the cabin, which contribute to adequate natural light within the interior, creating a more inviting atmosphere. Given its dimensions and purpose, the interior would typically feature an open-plan cabin, possibly with V-berth forward, and some minimal storage options, optimizing the space for short-term cruising or daysailing comfort rather than extensive liveaboard amenities.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Holder 17 DS generally appreciate its attributes as a versatile and manageable small sailboat. Common strengths highlighted by owners include its "comparatively light and shallow" design, which makes it particularly easy to trailer and launch, enhancing its appeal as a recreational vessel. Its inherent stability is frequently praised, contributing to a sense of security and comfort on the water. The boat is often viewed as a solid choice for novices, providing a forgiving platform for learning to sail. While some owners have described it as "slow" or "stiff," this feedback is often balanced by positive remarks about its overall seaworthiness and roominess for a boat of its size. Owners may encounter typical maintenance items associated with older fiberglass boats, such as re-bedding deck fittings, though no singular, widespread issues are consistently reported for the model.