Bandit 15 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The story of the Bandit 15 is intertwined with the innovative spirit of the MFG Boat Company. Founded by Robert S. Morrison, Molded Fiber Glass Corporation (MFG) was a trailblazer in fiberglass manufacturing, famously producing the body for the Chevrolet Corvette. MFG's foray into boat building, beginning in 1956, led them to become pioneers in mass-produced fiberglass pleasure craft. By the early 1970s, after acquiring the Gibbs Boat Company, MFG rebranded its sailboat division as 'SailMFG', signaling a renewed focus on the sailing market.

The Bandit 15, launched in 1972, was a product of this specialized SailMFG era. Its design was a collaborative effort between Rod Macalpine-Downie and Dick Gibbs, who aimed for a "spacy hull design" that offered more interior volume for its size. Notably, the Bandit 15 was offered with two distinct deck styles: a 'sit-on' version and a 'sit-in' model, providing options for different preferences in cockpit configuration. The construction relied on solid fiberglass for both the hull and deck, a testament to MFG's core expertise.

Sailing Performance and Handling

As a compact monohull dinghy, the Bandit 15, with its length overall of 15.25 feet and a waterline length of 15.0 feet, is designed for lively performance and easy handling. Its reported sail area of 137 square feet is generous for its modest displacement of 260 pounds, suggesting a boat that can be responsive in lighter winds and provide an exhilarating ride.

A key design feature contributing to its versatility is the pivoting fiberglass centerboard, which allows for a minimum draft of just 0.58 feet for easy launching and beaching, extending to a maximum draft of 3.92 feet for enhanced upwind performance and stability while sailing [2,. Complementing this is a kick-up rudder, further simplifying shallow water operations. The fractional sloop rig, a common configuration for dinghies of this size, offers manageable sail controls. Anecdotal accounts suggest the Bandit 15 was considered one of the "nicest MFG boats" and could be "enough fun" with good sails and hardware, indicating a capable and enjoyable platform for recreational sailing.

Accommodations and Layout

Given its designation as a small dinghy, the Bandit 15's "accommodations" are primarily focused on its cockpit layout rather than a traditional interior cabin. The boat was uniquely available in two deck styles: a 'sit-on' version and a 'sit-in' model. The 'sit-on' style likely featured a more open, unencumbered cockpit, ideal for day sailing and ease of movement. The 'sit-in' model, conversely, would have provided a more enclosed cockpit, offering a slightly more protected experience. While the Bandit 15 does not feature any significant headroom or interior spaces typical of larger cruisers, these deck variations allowed owners to choose a layout best suited for their intended use, whether for teaching, casual racing, or simply enjoying a day on the water.