Sovereign 17 Information, Review, Specs

The Sovereign 17 was designed by the Sovereign Design Group and entered production in 1980. Its creation falls within the period when Sovereign Yacht Co., founded by Dan Steeg in 1978 in Port Richey, Florida, aimed to create accessible and versatile fiberglass sailboats for the cruising market. Custom Fiberglass Products of Florida (CFPF) was instrumental in the manufacturing process, being contracted to build the essential components like hulls, decks, and liners.

A notable aspect of Sovereign Yacht Co.'s design philosophy during this era was the practice of developing multiple models from a single hull design, with variations primarily in deck and interior configurations. The Sovereign 17 is mentioned as sharing tooling with the Sovereign 23 and having similar versions known as the Sovereign 18, Sovereign 5M, and Adventurer 17, underscoring this modular approach to production., Builder Article] This strategy allowed the builder to streamline manufacturing while offering a range of options to buyers, focusing on practical and user-friendly sailboats. The Sovereign 17 was part of this initial lineup under Steeg's leadership, which lasted until 1988 when CFPF took over the molds.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Sovereign 17 measures 17.0 feet (5.18 meters) in length overall and features a waterline length of 14.5 feet (4.42 meters). She carries a beam of 7.0 feet (2.13 meters) and draws 1.83 feet (0.56 meters) with her fin keel, which houses 625 pounds of lead ballast. With a displacement of 1,350 pounds and a total sail area of 116.0 square feet in her fractional sloop rig, the Sovereign 17 is designed for simplicity and ease of handling.

Given its dimensions and designation as a daysailer and pocket cruiser, the Sovereign 17 is generally considered well-suited for light to moderate wind conditions and inland or coastal waters. Its modest sail plan and relatively light displacement suggest a boat that is easily driven and responsive, prioritizing a pleasant sailing experience for short outings rather than high-performance racing or heavy weather offshore capabilities. The boat's theoretical hull speed is calculated at 5.1 knots. Its transom-hung rudder contributes to direct steering response, a common feature on smaller sailboats that enhances maneuverability.

Accommodations and Layout

As a 17-foot daysailer and pocket cruiser, the Sovereign 17 features a relatively compact interior designed to maximize utility within its limited volume. While detailed interior specifications are scarce, the design typically allows for a basic cabin suitable for shelter and minimal overnighting rather than extensive cruising. The builder's records indicate that the 17-foot model was available with "A&B interiors," suggesting some variations in the internal layout or finish during its production run.

Owners can generally expect a V-berth forward, which serves as a sleeping area or versatile storage space. Given the boat's size, standing headroom would be minimal to non-existent. The cabin layout likely focuses on an open, functional space, possibly accommodating a portable head and providing limited storage for gear. The emphasis is on practicality and straightforward use, consistent with its design as a trailerable boat primarily intended for day trips or casual weekend excursions.