Wyliecat 17 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The Wyliecat 17 began its production run in 1999, bringing Tom Wylie's innovative design philosophy to life through the craftsmanship of Moore Sailboats. Tom Wylie is celebrated for designs that prioritize performance, ease of handling, and an uncluttered approach to sailing, principles clearly evident in the Wyliecat 17. His vision for this model was to create a boat that was both fast and forgiving, making high-performance sailing accessible to a broader audience.

Moore Sailboats, known for their pioneering work in Ultralight Displacement Boats (ULDBs) like the iconic Moore 24, brought their expertise in lightweight yet robust fiberglass construction to the Wyliecat 17. This synergy between Wylie's design and Moore's building ethos resulted in a sailboat that is both responsive and durable. A cornerstone of the Wyliecat 17's design is its distinctive cat rig, featuring an unstayed mast, which eliminates the need for standing rigging, simplifying setup and reducing maintenance. Complementing this is a highly functional lifting keel, allowing for effortless shallow water access and easy trailering, enhancing the boat's versatility.

Sailing Performance and Handling

With a length overall of 17.5 feet and a lean displacement of just 690 pounds, the Wyliecat 17 is inherently designed for agility and speed. Powering this lightweight hull is a substantial 197 square feet of sail area, giving the boat an energetic feel even in lighter winds. Its narrow beam of 6.08 feet and a waterline length of 15.83 feet contribute to its efficient hull form, allowing it to achieve a theoretical hull speed of approximately 5.33 knots with relative ease.

Reviews consistently highlight the Wyliecat 17's lively and responsive handling characteristics. Sailors praise its ability to accelerate quickly and point surprisingly well for a cat-rigged boat. The unstayed mast provides a degree of flex that aids in gust response, and the boat's balance makes it particularly enjoyable to helm. It is frequently lauded for its simplicity, making it an excellent choice for single-handed sailing, and its quick rigging process means more time on the water. The lifting keel not only aids in shallow water navigation but also contributes to the boat's overall stability and upwind performance when fully deployed to its maximum draft of 3.5 feet.

Accommodations and Layout

The Wyliecat 17 is fundamentally a daysailer, and its interior accommodations reflect this purpose with a straightforward and functional layout. The design features a cuddy cabin forward, which provides a large open space rather than extensive living quarters. While it may offer a platform for a V-berth, the primary function of this area is typically for storage of sails, gear, and personal items, or as a sheltered space for a quick nap. There is no standing headroom within the cabin, reinforcing its role as a performance daysailer rather than a cruising yacht. The emphasis throughout the design is on maximizing sailing enjoyment and minimizing complexity, foregoing elaborate interior amenities for a clean, simple deck and cockpit arrangement.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Wyliecat 17 frequently express strong satisfaction with its blend of performance and simplicity. They consistently praise its ease of rigging and launching, making it an ideal choice for spontaneous outings. The boat's responsive helm and exhilarating speed are common points of admiration, often described as a "blast to sail." Its low maintenance requirements, attributed to the simple cat rig and robust fiberglass construction, are also a significant draw for owners.

While primarily a daysailer, owners appreciate the versatility offered by the lifting keel for exploring shallow anchorages. Some owners note that, like many performance dinghy-style boats, the Wyliecat 17 can be a wet ride in certain conditions, a characteristic generally accepted as part of its lively nature. Overall, the Wyliecat 17 is cherished for providing a pure and unadulterated sailing experience, fostering a dedicated community of enthusiasts who value its unique blend of innovation and fun.