The Douglass & McLeod Thistle is one of the most enduring and recognizable racing dinghies in North American sailing history. Designed in 1945 by Sandy Douglass, this 17-foot open boat was envisioned as a lightweight, high-performance racer that could plane easily in moderate winds while remaining accessible to amateur sailors. Its distinctive plumb bow, wide beam, and elegant "U" shaped hull have made it a staple of yacht clubs for over seven decades. Originally constructed from molded plywood by Douglass & McLeod in Ohio, the design successfully transitioned to fiberglass in the early 1960s, a move that preserved the class's longevity and competitive parity. The boat’s enduring appeal lies in its "one-design" philosophy, which ensures that older hulls remain competitive against modern builds, provided they are well-maintained.
Douglas & McCloud Thistle Sailboats for Sale & Market Overview

- Make
- Douglas
- Model
- & McCloud Thistle
- Builder
- Douglass & McCloud
- Designer
- Sandy Douglass
- Number Built
- 4000
- Production Year(s)
- 1945 - ??
Below are the most recent Douglas & McCloud Thistle sailboat listings (up to 10).
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| Source | Year | Make | Model | Price | Cabins | Heads | City | Country | Listing Date | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
DISCLAIMER: We are not affiliated with any external listing websites in any way. We simply aggregate publicly available listings to make it easier for buyers to find sailboats for sale. We cannot guarantee the accuracy of the listings, so please verify all information with the seller before making any decisions.
Market Overview
Price & Volume Trends
Monthly breakdown
| Month | Listings | Median Asking Price (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Jan 2026 | 1 | $2,500 |
| Model | LOA | Median Price (USD) | Listings | Recent |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| J-Boats J/24 | 24' | $5,861 | 14 | 9 |
| Flying Tiger 10M | 32.58' | $20,707 | 12 | 9 |
| Beneteau First 25 | 24.61' | $9,396 | 9 | 5 |
| Tartan Thomas 35 | 35.42' | $49,900 | 8 | 0 |
| Ultimate 20 | 20.83' | $15,000 | 6 | 2 |
| Hunter Delta 25 | 24.44' | $6,760 | 6 | 2 |
| Performance Laser | $6,375 | 4 | 0 | |
| Vanguard 15 | 15.25' | $3,999 | 3 | 1 |
| Cork 1720 | 26.25' | $12,836 | 3 | 3 |
| Douglas & McCloud Thistle | $2,500 | 1 | 0 | |
| Tartan 10 | 33.14' | $8,000 | 1 | 0 |
| Country | Median Price (USD) | Listings (past 12 months) | Recent (90d) |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States | $2,500 | 1 | 0 |
Frequently Asked Questions
- How much does a used Douglas & McCloud Thistle cost?
- The median asking price for a used Douglas & McCloud Thistle over the past 12 months is $2,500. Prices vary by condition, year, equipment, and location.
- How many Douglas & McCloud Thistle sailboats are for sale?
- We have tracked 1 Douglas & McCloud Thistle listings over the past 12 months, with 0 listed within the last 90 days.
- What are similar sailboats to the Douglas & McCloud Thistle?
- Comparable models include the J-Boats J/24, Flying Tiger 10M, Beneteau First 25. See the comparison table above for pricing and availability.