Sun Fast 17 (Jeanneau) Information, Review, Specs

The Sun Fast 17 entered production in 1994, a period of significant expansion and strategic shifts for Jeanneau. This era saw Jeanneau, a company that had embraced fiberglass construction since 1958 and established itself with the successful Sangria model in the 1970s, come under the ownership of Groupe Beneteau in 1995. The mid-1990s also marked a time when Jeanneau expanded its manufacturing footprint, producing yachts, including the Sun Fast 17, in Poland. The design philosophy behind the Sun Fast 17, as conceived by Jacek Centkowski, centered on creating a boat that was not only light and practical but also exceptionally easy to manage. This goal manifested in a design where tasks like slipping and mast stepping could be accomplished single-handedly. A notable variation in its production history is its later availability under the name BALT 17.

Sailing Performance and Handling

With a length overall of 16.57 feet and a waterline length of 15.09 feet, the Sun Fast 17 offers lively performance for its size. As part of Jeanneau's "Sun Fast" range, which is geared towards speed and sensations, the 17 is designed to be performance-oriented while maintaining reliability and ease of handling. Its "hassle-free handling" is a keynote characteristic, making it an ideal step up for those with dinghy sailing experience. The boat's design emphasizes rigidity and a relatively light displacement of 1,323 pounds, contributing to its responsive nature. Equipped with a centerboard keel, which offers a variable draft from 0.82 feet to 3.28 feet, the Sun Fast 17 is uniquely versatile, capable of navigating both shallow coastal and inland waters. This feature, combined with its ability to be easily launched and rigged by a single person, underscores its practicality as a trailer-sailer. It achieves a theoretical hull speed of 5.21 knots.

Accommodations and Layout

Despite its compact dimensions, the Jeanneau Sun Fast 17 boasts a surprisingly functional interior. The design prioritizes comfort and utility, featuring a large double berth forward, complemented by stowage lockers both above and below. The cabin's layout is notably light and airy, thanks to well-placed ports that allow natural light to flood the interior. Access to the cabin is via a plexiglass hatch, which further enhances the brightness of the living space. This efficient use of space and attention to natural light contribute to a perception of accommodation not commonly found on yachts of its size.