Teal 15 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The story of the Teal 15 begins in the early 1960s, with its production commencing in 1961. It emerged from the workshops of Anchor Reinforced Plastics, a dedicated sailboat division of the Molded Fiber Glass (MFG) Corporation. MFG, founded by Robert S. Morrison, was a pioneer in using glass fiber-reinforced plastics for commercial products, famously building the fiberglass body of the Chevrolet Corvette. Their move into boat building in 1956 marked a significant milestone, making them one of the first to mass-produce fiberglass pleasure boats. The Teal 15's designer, Hendricks Bulthuis, contributed to MFG's ethos of creating functional, accessible, and affordable craft. The company’s sailboats, including the Teal 15, were generally characterized by their straightforward design, making them suitable for recreational sailing and introducing newcomers to the sport.

Sailing Performance and Handling

With a length overall of just over 15 feet (15.42 ft) and a displacement of only 475 pounds, the Teal 15 is distinctly a lightweight and agile vessel. Its fractional sloop rig and centerboard hull type are indicative of a boat designed for responsive handling and versatility in varying water depths, with a minimum draft of just 0.83 feet when the centerboard is retracted and a maximum draft of 3.0 feet when deployed. The Teal 15 is notably categorized as an "ultra light racer" due to its low displacement-to-length ratio, suggesting a boat that can be quite spirited and perform well in lighter air, offering an exhilarating experience for its size. With a calculated hull speed of 5.04 knots, she is capable of respectable performance for a boat of her dimensions, making her an enjoyable boat for day excursions.

Accommodations and Layout

As a 15-foot centerboard dinghy, the Teal 15 is primarily designed as a daysailer, prioritizing an open and functional cockpit over extensive interior accommodations. Consequently, the vessel does not feature a cabin or any significant headroom. Its layout is focused on maximizing space for sailing activities, crew movement, and minimal storage for essentials required during a day on the water. This design ensures ease of handling and maintenance, reinforcing its role as an accessible boat for casual sailing.