Avance Demon Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Demon is characterized by a "lively" and "well-tuned" feel, largely due to its monohedral planing hull derived from the Flying Junior. In light air, the boat is surprisingly fast, benefiting from a generous 116 square feet of measured sail area on a lightweight frame. The boat was produced in two distinct generations: the earlier Mark I models weighed approximately 270 lbs and featured a 4-foot enclosed bow deck, while the later Mark II (or Gen 2) models were significantly heavier at roughly 370 lbs, offering a larger cockpit and increased stability.

On the water, the Demon tracks well thanks to its 3'2" draft with the centerboard fully deployed. While it is stable enough for day sailing, it retains the athletic requirements of a true dinghy; sailors note that it is sensitive to weight placement and requires active trimming to reach its planing potential. Some racing variants were equipped with a trapeze, allowing the crew to leverage the boat’s speed in heavier conditions. Owners often describe the boat as "sturdy in rough weather" for its size, a trait necessary for the unpredictable winds of the Missouri reservoirs where many were first commissioned.

Popular Mentions & Media

While the Demon did not achieve the same international fame as its progenitor, the Flying Junior, it remains a staple of Midwestern sailing history. Much of its lore is tied to the unique production facility of the Advance Sailboat Corp., which operated out of a former salt mine near Kansas City—a location Ralph Kuppersmith believed provided the perfect consistent temperature and humidity for curing fiberglass. The boat’s legacy is most significantly preserved through the National Sweet Sixteen Sailing Organization, which details how the Demon hull was medially split and widened to create the Sweet Sixteen, one of the most successful one-design classes in the region.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers of a vintage Advance Demon should prioritize a structural inspection of the fiberglass and hardware, given that many of these boats were built between 1961 and 1980.

• Centerboard Trunk Leaks: Like many dinghies of this era, the centerboard trunk is a common failure point. Inspect the joint where the trunk meets the hull for stress cracks or weeping.
• Core Delamination: While the hulls are primarily solid fiberglass, the deck and cockpit floor may utilize a core that is susceptible to soft spots. Pay close attention to the area around the mast step and the hiking straps.
• Hardware and Rigging: The original rudders and centerboards were often simple wood constructions coated in fiberglass. Over decades of use, these are prone to water ingress and rot. Many current owners have had to fabricate DIY replacements using modern epoxy and marine plywood.
• Flotation Integrity: The enclosed bow and side tanks provide the boat's buoyancy. Ensure these compartments are airtight and free of internal condensation, which can indicate a breach in the fiberglass or a failing seal at the inspection ports.

Community & Resources

The primary steward for the Demon’s history is the National Sweet Sixteen Sailing Organization, as the two models share significant DNA and are often sailed within the same regional fleets. Additionally, the Jacomo Sailing Club in Blue Springs, Missouri, remains a hub for Advance-built boats, occasionally hosting regattas where vintage Demons still compete alongside their Sweet Sixteen siblings.

The Verdict

The Advance Demon is a rare, high-performance piece of American sailing heritage that offers a more spirited experience than a standard daysailer without the uncompromising fragility of a pure racing skiff.

Pros

• Versatile Performance: Excellent light-air speed and a stable enough platform for recreational use.
• Historical Significance: A direct link to the design philosophies of Uffa van Essen and the Midwestern boat-building boom.
• Planability: Capable of high speeds on a reach, especially the lighter Gen 1 models.

Cons

• Part Availability: As the builder ceased operations in 1980, specific replacement parts (rudders, specialized castings) must be custom-made.
• Weight Variance: Significant differences between the Mark I and Mark II generations can affect how the boat handles and trailers.
• Age-Related Wear: Most surviving hulls require a dedicated owner capable of fiberglass repair and wood refinishing.