Redhead 17 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The story of the Redhead 17 begins in 1968, when MFG Boat Company, a division of the Molded Fiber Glass Corporation, began its production. MFG had already established itself as a leader in fiberglass manufacturing, most notably producing the bodies for the Chevrolet Corvette, before venturing into the marine industry in 1956 with mass-produced fiberglass pleasure boats. The company's sailboat division, initially known as the 'Anchor Sailboat Division' and later as 'SailMFG,' aimed to deliver accessible and durable sailing options.

The Redhead 17 was designed by F. S. Ford Jr. While detailed accounts of the design philosophy for this specific model are limited, it appears Ford opted for a "significantly more spacy hull design" for its class. This, combined with its centerboard keel, suggests an emphasis on maximizing usable space and providing excellent versatility. The centerboard design allows the boat to pivot its keel, granting access to shallow waters and facilitating easy beaching and trailering. This design choice aligns with MFG's broader commitment to producing practical and utilitarian boats.

Sailing Performance and Handling

As a fractional sloop with a reported sail area of 178 square feet, the Redhead 17 is designed for lively performance typical of a small sailing dinghy. Weighing in at a displacement of 600 pounds, its light build contributes to responsive handling. With a length overall of 17.25 feet and a waterline length of 15.0 feet, coupled with a generous beam of 6.08 feet, the Redhead 17 presents a stable platform for its size.

The integral centerboard system, with a minimum draft of 0.7 feet when retracted and a maximum draft of 2.5 feet when extended, is a key feature that enhances its versatility. This allows the Redhead 17 to navigate skinny waters and be easily launched and recovered, making it a popular choice for daysailing on lakes, rivers, and coastal areas where shallow drafts are advantageous. While specific anecdotal handling descriptions are not widely documented, its dinghy hull type and fractional sloop rig suggest an enjoyable and relatively straightforward sailing experience for both novice and experienced sailors. Some models may have included a ballast tank, which would further enhance stability when filled.

Accommodations and Layout

Given its compact length of 17.25 feet and classification as a centerboard dinghy, the Redhead 17 is primarily configured as an open cockpit daysailer, focusing on on-deck space rather than extensive cabin accommodations. While the design is noted for a "spacy hull," this likely translates to a comfortable and unencumbered cockpit area suitable for a small crew, rather than internal living quarters. The boat's design prioritizes a straightforward sailing experience and ease of use, typical of trailerable small sailboats of its era. There are no reported details of interior headroom, galley facilities, or enclosed sleeping berths, which are generally not features of boats of this size and type.