Bandit 17 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Bandit 17 is characterized by its balance of stability and agility. Unlike many 17-footers of its era that relied on heavy fixed keels, the Bandit utilizes a weighted centerboard (approximately 100 pounds), which allows for easy trailering and shallow-water exploration while still providing a solid righting moment. With a sail area of roughly 160 square feet, the boat is remarkably responsive in light air.

Technical assessments of the hull shape reveal a hard-chined design toward the stern, which provides a "planting" effect when the boat heels, making it feel more secure in a breeze than a purely round-bottomed dinghy. Owners often note that the Bandit 17 tracks exceptionally well for a boat of its weight, largely due to the depth of the centerboard and the efficiency of the kick-up rudder. Because the boat was marketed as a performance daysailer, it features a more complex rigging setup than the smaller SailMFG models, often including a traveler and adjustable fairleads, allowing sailors to fine-tune the shape of the sails.

The Bandit 17 was frequently compared to the O'Day Daysailer and the Chrysler Mutineer during its production run. While the Mutineer was often seen as more of a "racing" machine, the Bandit 17 carved out a niche as a "dry" boat; the high freeboard and wide beam helped deflect spray, making it a preferred choice for sailors on choppy inland lakes or coastal bays.

Sibling Models & Variations

The Bandit 17 was the flagship of the SailMFG performance line. Its siblings shared a distinct design language characterized by clean lines and functional cockpits.

• The Sidewinder (15'): The most popular sibling, the Sidewinder was a 15-foot planing hull designed for speed and tactical racing. It lacked the weighted centerboard of the Bandit, opting for a lighter daggerboard.
• The Copperhead (12'): A smaller, simpler version intended for single-handed sailing or youth training, mirroring the Bandit's ease of use but in a much more compact package.
• The Pintail (14'): While not a direct performance sibling, the Pintail was the "family cruiser" alternative to the Bandit. It featured a wider, more stable hull but lacked the Bandit's sail-handling sophistication.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers of a vintage Bandit 17 should prioritize the structural integrity of the fiberglass and the mechanical components of the centerboard system.

• Centerboard Pivot and Trunk: The most common technical failure involves the centerboard pivot bolt. Over decades, the hole in the trunk can become elongated, or the bolt itself can corrode, leading to "clunking" while sailing or, in extreme cases, leaks into the cockpit.
• Deck and Sole Delamination: While MFG’s molding process was superior for its time, these boats often utilized a balsa or foam core in the deck and cockpit sole. Soft spots are common around the mast step and the area where the crew sits; these indicate water intrusion that has compromised the core.
• Mast Step Compression: Because the Bandit 17 is masthead or fractionally rigged with significant tension, the mast step on the deck is a high-stress point. Inspect the area for spider-web cracking or a noticeable "dip" in the fiberglass profile.
• Waterlogged Flotation: Like many daysailers of the 1970s, the Bandit 17 contains blocks of expanded polystyrene for positive flotation. If the hull has had standing water or leaks, this foam can become waterlogged, significantly increasing the boat's weight and ruining its performance characteristics.

Community & Resources

The Bandit 17 benefits from a dedicated following among "classic plastic" enthusiasts. The MFG Boat Owners Club remains the primary repository for technical manuals and sail plans. Additionally, because many parts were shared across the SailMFG line, resources for the more common Sidewinder are often applicable to the Bandit 17. Owners often congregate on general maritime forums like CruisersForum to swap tips on replacing the centerboard gaskets, which are a proprietary part often fabricated by hand in the modern era.

The Verdict

The Bandit 17 is an excellent choice for the sailor who wants a "real" boat experience in a trailerable, manageable package. It offers a level of build quality that often surpasses modern entry-level rotomolded boats, provided the hull has been well-maintained.

Pros:

• Stability: The weighted centerboard makes it much more forgiving than a standard dinghy.
• Durability: The MFG pressure-molded hull is famously tough and resistant to oil-canning.
• Versatility: Large enough for four adults to daysail, but responsive enough for two to race.

Cons:

• Weight: At approximately 550-600 lbs, it is heavier than many modern 17-footers, requiring a dedicated trailer.
• Hardware Obsolescence: Some original deck hardware and the specific centerboard gaskets can be difficult to source and may require custom solutions.
• Aging Cores: Soft decks are a recurring issue for boats that have been stored uncovered.