Echo 12 Information, Review, Specs

The production of the Echo 12 commenced in 1979, a significant year for Skene Boats Ltd. This was the same year that the company, originally founded by Donald Skene in 1968, underwent its second change in ownership, being sold to Carl Strike and his partners. Skene Boats Ltd. operated during a period when fiberglass became the dominant material in marine manufacturing due to its durability and ease of construction. Embracing this trend, the Echo 12 was predominantly built from fiberglass, incorporating wood trim for finish. This aligns with Skene's broader philosophy of producing functional and accessible fiberglass sailboats, catering to a range of recreational sailing activities. The design of the Echo 12, with its daggerboard keel and fractional sloop rig, reflects its intended purpose as a practical and straightforward boat for day sailing and training.

Sailing Performance and Handling

As a small dinghy with a length overall of just under 12 feet (11.83 ft), the Echo 12 is characterized by its light displacement and nimble handling. Its fractional sloop rig and reported sail area of 92 square feet suggest a design intended for responsive performance in lighter to moderate winds, making it an excellent choice for learning to sail or for recreational day trips. The daggerboard keel, which can be raised and lowered, provides flexibility for shallow water operations and ease of launching and retrieval, while contributing to its sailing stability and upwind performance. Given its size and design as a sailing dinghy, detailed performance ratios are not typically applied, but its specifications indicate a lively and manageable boat suitable for lakes and protected coastal waters.

Accommodations and Layout

The Echo 12, as a sailing dinghy, features an open cockpit layout, typical for a boat of its dimensions. It is designed for day use, accommodating a small crew for sailing, rowing, or motoring. There is no traditional interior cabin or headroom in the sense of a cruiser. The construction predominantly utilizes fiberglass, complemented by wood trim, offering a straightforward and durable finish suitable for its recreational purpose. The layout prioritizes open space for ease of movement and management of lines, characteristic of a versatile small boat.