OD 11 Information, Review, Specs

The OD 11's production began in 1972, emerging from the workshops of Snapir Sailing Craft Ltd., a company that, by 1969, was described as a "young company" focused on "top engineering and un-compromised quality" in small recreational sailing craft. The builder specialized in dinghies and boats without berths, contributing to the burgeoning youth sailing community in Israel. The design of the OD 11 is attributed to Ian Proctor, a prominent figure in yacht design celebrated for his numerous successful one-design sailboats. Its dimensions are noted to be very similar to another Proctor design, the Topper, indicating a shared design philosophy centered around compact, manageable, and potentially performance-oriented dinghies. Given its role as a small, accessible dinghy, there is no widely documented history of significant variations or mark changes during its production run.

Sailing Performance and Handling

As an 11-foot sailing dinghy with a cat rig and a lightweight displacement of just 84 pounds, the OD 11 is designed for nimble and responsive handling. Its single mast and mainsail configuration (cat rig) simplifies rigging and operation, making it suitable for new sailors or those seeking a straightforward sailing experience. The inclusion of a daggerboard, allowing for a variable draft between 0.33 feet (minimal) and 3.25 feet (fully extended), provides excellent flexibility. This feature permits shallow water access and beaching while offering improved upwind performance when the board is fully deployed. Its light weight also suggests easy portability, often managed without a traditional trailer hitch. The OD 11's design prioritizes a direct and engaging sailing experience, aligning with its "maxi fun" ethos.

Accommodations and Layout

Due to its compact size and classification as a dinghy, the OD 11 does not feature an enclosed cabin or traditional accommodations like berths or a galley. Instead, its design focuses entirely on an open cockpit layout, maximizing space for the crew while underway. The cockpit would typically provide seating for one or two individuals, with a simple, functional arrangement that prioritizes ease of movement for sailing maneuvers. While specific interior diagrams are not widely available, the boat's purpose as a recreational dinghy implies a no-frills, robust fiberglass construction optimized for sailing performance and durability rather than comfort features or extensive storage.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners and enthusiasts of the OD 11 occasionally engage in online discussions, often seeking information due to the limited documentation available for this particular model. Common inquiries revolve around rigging specifics and sourcing replacement parts like daggerboards. Those interested in the OD 11 often look for a first sailboat or a compact option that can be easily transported without specialized equipment. While comprehensive reviews are scarce, the general sentiment suggests the OD 11 is valued for its simplicity and the pure enjoyment it offers, living up to its informal reputation as a "mini boat for maxi fun." The primary challenge noted by owners is the scarcity of detailed historical information and diagrams for maintenance and rigging.