Deception Class 12 Sailboats for Sale & Market Overview

Guy Tyrwhitt-Drake·1983
Approximate drawing

Hover a measurement to read its value

Hull type
Monohull · fin
Rig
Fractional Sloop
LOA
13.16' · 4.01 m
Displ.
450 lbs · 204 kg
First year
1983

The Deception Class 12 is a specialized "Mini 12 Meter" yacht designed to provide a highperformance, singlehanded racing experience modeled after the iconic 12meter America’s Cup boats of the 1970s and 80s. Developed primarily in the Pacific Northwest by the late John Booth of Victoria, British Columbia, these 13foot vessels are far more sophisticated than a standard sailing dinghy. Unlike traditional small boats where the sailor sits on the gunwale to hike out, the Deception skipper sits deep within the hull, with only their head and shoulders visible above the deck. This low center of gravity, combined with a heavy lead keel, creates a miniature "lead mine" that mimics the sailing characteristics and tactical complexity of a fullsized offshore racer.

Market snapshot

Median asking · 12 mo
Ask, not sold
Recent listings · 90 d
Listed for sale
3-month price trend
Insufficient data
Countries with listings
Global market

Recent Listings

1 for sale · sampled 10 newest

Comparable models

Similar length overall, displacement, and era. Click a row to jump to that model's market page.

Peer cross-shop

9 designs · same segment
ModelLOAMedian askListings · 12 moActive · 90 d
Esse 85027.89'$ 54,666236
Cape Cutter 1923.62'$ 18,6642013
Herreshoff 12 1/215.83'$ 25,500185
J-Boats J/2424'$ 4,450188
Aphrodite 10132.6'$ 19,419164
Adams 1033'$ 12,885142
Tofinou 1239.34'$ 215,173114
Archambault Surpise31.3'$ 43,03595
Frauscher H-Boat27.25'$ 10,35210

Frequently asked questions

01What should I look at instead of a Deception Class 12?+
Comparable models include Esse 850, Cape Cutter 19, Herreshoff 12 1/2. See the peer cross-shop table above for pricing and availability.