Siren 17 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The Siren 17 emerged from the design board of Hubert Vandestadt, a key figure at Vandestadt and McGruer Ltd., a company founded in 1965 by Fraser McGruer and Vandestadt himself. Operating from Owen Sound, Ontario, Vandestadt and McGruer quickly established a reputation for durable fiberglass sailboats, a material they embraced from their inception. Hubert Vandestadt's design philosophy, influenced by his uncle E. G. van de Stadt, a pioneer in naval architecture, focused on creating capable yet accessible monohulls. The Siren 17, first built in 1974, perfectly encapsulated this ethos, being specifically designed as a trailer sailer to facilitate easy transport and launching. Its production run, spanning from 1974 to 1987, saw it become a significant success, highlighting the company's commitment to quality and thoughtful design before they ceased operations around 1988.

Sailing Performance and Handling

Despite its diminutive size, the Siren 17 is widely regarded as a capable and surprisingly fast boat among tiny cruisers. Its lightweight fiberglass hull, combined with a fractional sloop rig, contributes to its nimble performance. Owners frequently commend its ability to sail effectively, even in challenging conditions that might overwhelm other 17-footers. The boat is known for its ease of rigging and a large cockpit, making it an ideal choice for single-handed sailing or day trips. The Siren 17 features a wing keel, which, in conjunction with its relatively light displacement of 750 lbs and 130 lbs of iron ballast, provides a good balance of stability and shallow draft capability (0.67 ft minimum draft with the keel up). This design allows it to perform well to windward, even with the keel partially lowered in shallow waters. Its hull speed is estimated at 5.19 knots.

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of the Siren 17, while compact, offers a basic cuddy cabin designed to provide shelter from the elements. Owners appreciate the functionality of the cabin for escaping sun or rain, or for simple overnight stays. Typical layouts for this pocket cruiser feature a V-berth forward, which can serve as sleeping space. While exact headroom figures are not consistently available, the interior is generally considered "tiny" for a 17-foot cruiser, sometimes requiring owners to be creative with storage and organization to maximize the limited space. Access to the interior can be somewhat challenging, often described as requiring a crawl. Despite its utilitarian nature, the cabin provides essential shelter, aligning with its purpose as a versatile trailer sailer.

Owner's Perspectives

The Siren 17 enjoys a dedicated following, with owners consistently praising its solid construction and overall quality. Many owners consider it the "perfect daysailer" due to its quick rigging time, large cockpit, and enjoyable sailing characteristics. It is often highlighted as an excellent entry-level boat, offering a great balance of performance and manageability for new sailors. Owners frequently note the boat's surprising ability to handle rougher conditions than its size might suggest.

However, some common points of discussion among owners include the swing keel cable, which has been mentioned as a potential complaint. Additionally, while the cabin offers shelter, its small size means limited comfort for extended cruising, and optimizing storage can be a "mind-boggling" exercise. Despite these minor considerations, the enduring appeal and active online communities, such as dedicated Facebook groups, underscore the Siren 17's cherished status among its owners.