Sunstar 18 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The Sunstar 18 emerged from the design board of Arthur C. Howard, a British maritime architect renowned for his work on robust and forgiving small cruising yachts, including the popular Leisure 17 and Sunspot 15. Production of the Sunstar 18 by Sun Yachts Ltd. began in 1977. Based in Gillingham, Kent, Sun Yachts Ltd. was associated with building practical and well-mannered small cruising yachts, a philosophy consistent with Howard's designs. While Sun Yachts Ltd. is most strongly linked to the Sunray 21, the Sunstar 18 shares the designer's ethos for creating accessible and capable small boats. Records also indicate that other entities, such as Intermarine LMTD, may have been involved in the construction of Sun Yachts designs, suggesting a collaborative or successive building approach common for smaller designs of that era. The Sunstar 18, like many boats of its generation, was constructed from fiberglass, a material that brought durability and reduced maintenance to boat building. A notable feature of Howard's designs, and particularly evident in the Sunstar 18, is his skill in bilge (twin) keel configurations, which allow for shallow draft access and the ability to dry out on tidal moorings.

Sailing Performance and Handling

As a light sailboat with an overall length of 18.27 feet and a waterline length of 16.24 feet, the Sunstar 18 is described as a good performer for its size. Her twin keel hull form contributes to a "very stable / stiff" motion, making her a forgiving vessel, particularly suitable for coastal waters and less experienced sailors. This design choice provides excellent initial stability and allows the boat to stand up well to wind. The calculated hull speed for the Sunstar 18 is approximately 5.4 knots. While generally stable, some reports suggest a "low righting capability if capsized" given her light displacement and twin keel configuration. Overall, the Sunstar 18 is recognized for its balanced handling and respectable performance for a compact cruiser, embodying Arthur C. Howard's reputation for well-mannered small boat designs.

Accommodations and Layout

Despite her compact size, the Sunstar 18 was designed with a "significantly more spacy hull design" than some contemporaries, aiming to maximize interior volume. Owners report that the boat typically offers four berths, making her a viable option for weekend cruising for a small family or group. The interior layout of boats in this size range from the 1970s generally features a V-berth forward, a compact salon with opposing settees that may convert into additional berths, and space for a basic galley and a marine head. While specific details on headroom and interior finish are limited in general records, boats of this era from British builders often featured practical, functional interiors with a blend of fiberglass and some wood trim, prioritizing utility and durability.

Owner's Perspectives

The Sunstar 18 is considered a "classic (and now fairly rare) 1970's sailing yacht." Owners often seek out information and share experiences regarding these compact cruisers. Those who own or have sailed the Sunstar 18 generally appreciate its solid construction and stable characteristics in a seaway. A recurring point of discussion among owners of Sun Yachts models, including those with bilge keels, is the potential for maintenance related to the steel stampings used within the keels, which require attention to prevent issues like rust. Despite these considerations typical of older vessels, the Sunstar 18 is generally regarded as a capable and enjoyable small cruising sailboat for those seeking a practical and manageable vessel.