Happy Sailer 18 Information, Review, Specs

The Happy Sailer 18 emerged from Wegu's production line in 1974, aligning with the builder's broader focus on small, trailerable cruising sailboats during the 1970s and early 1980s. Wegu, operating with facilities in both Canada and Germany, established a reputation for producing practical boats with compact yet functional interiors, utilizing fiberglass as their primary construction material. The Happy Sailer 18 was specifically designed by Klaus Fahrenkroog. A key design feature of the Happy Sailer 18 is its swing keel, which allows the boat to pivot its keel, enabling access to shallow waters and easier trailering. While this design offers significant versatility, at least one owner has noted concerns regarding a potentially thin hull construction, specifically mentioning a thickness of only 1/4 inch, which led to structural issues in their particular boat.

Sailing Performance and Handling

As a small, trailerable monohull, the Happy Sailer 18 is designed for ease of handling and portability. Its swing keel is a significant advantage, providing flexibility for sailing in a variety of conditions, from deeper coastal waters to shallower inland lakes and rivers, and simplifying launching and retrieval at ramps. The design also appears to prioritize interior volume for its size; some observations suggest it offers a comparatively spacious hull design compared to other similar sailboats. Given its size and purpose, the Happy Sailer 18 is generally considered a manageable boat for recreational sailing, though specific anecdotes about its precise handling characteristics in various sea states are less commonly detailed.

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of the Happy Sailer 18, typical for an 18-foot trailerable sailboat, is designed to be compact and functional rather than spacious, lacking standing headroom. Despite its modest dimensions, the boat is noted for being comparatively roomy for its class. Owners often describe a basic yet practical arrangement, suitable for short overnight stays or weekend cruising. The simple layout often features areas that can be converted into sleeping berths, and some owners have customized their boats by adding bunks, indicating a flexible interior that can be adapted to individual needs. Given Wegu's ethos of producing practical cruisers with functional interiors, the Happy Sailer 18 likely offers fundamental amenities sufficient for its intended use.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Happy Sailer 18 generally appreciate its adaptability as a trailerable cruiser and its relative spaciousness for an 18-foot boat. The swing keel is frequently cited as a major benefit, enhancing the boat's versatility and accessibility to diverse sailing grounds. However, a significant concern that has been raised by at least one owner is the reported thinness of the hull, described as only 1/4 inch, which allegedly contributed to the boat's structural integrity diminishing over time. This suggests that potential owners should thoroughly inspect the hull for signs of wear or fatigue, especially in older models.