Elliott 780 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Elliott 780 is defined by a skiff-like hull form characterized by a soft-vee entry and a flat run aft, designed specifically to promote early planing. With a ballast ratio of roughly 44%—consisting of a 400kg lead torpedo bulb on a deep 2.1-meter retractable fin—the boat exhibits a high degree of righting moment for its 900kg total displacement. This allows the 780 to carry a generous fractional rig, featuring a large mainsail and short-footed headsails that simplify tacking.

In light air, the boat is exceptionally close-winded, often outpointing larger 30-to-40-foot keelboats. However, it is off the wind where the 780 truly excels; owner reports and editorial tests from Elliott Marine indicate that the boat can easily exceed 15 knots under an asymmetric or masthead spinnaker, with some racing versions reaching speeds of 20 to 25 knots in heavy breeze. Handling is described as light and positive, though the boat is sensitive to fore-and-aft weight distribution. Sailors must be mindful of the "let-go" point of the high-aspect rudder, as the boat’s flighty nature requires active trimming and flat sailing to maintain control in gusts.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The Elliott 780 was produced in two primary configurations: a "Sports" version with a shorter cabin house taken from the Elliott 7m, and an "Extended Cabin" version intended for cruising. Despite its racing pedigree, the standard interior is remarkably spacious for a 25-foot trailerable yacht. It typically features five berths, including a double V-berth forward, a settee to starboard, and a large double berth tucked under the shallow cockpit floor.

The interior layout often incorporates a clever "open-plan" design where the daggerboard case is partially removed above table height to serve as a saloon table, reducing the visual and physical barrier between the fore and aft sections of the cabin. Many hulls were finished as "semi-complete" shells, allowing owners to customize their fit-outs. Higher-spec builds utilized foam-cored bunks and galley units to save weight, while more cruiser-oriented versions might include a small galley with a sink, a 60-liter water tank, and a port-side WC compartment.

Popular Mentions & Media

The Elliott 780 gained significant fame in the early 1990s following the debut of the yacht Fly'n By at Hamilton Island Race Week, where it dominated the trailer yacht divisions. Another well-known hull, Purple Haze, became a benchmark for the class, featuring a high-quality cedar strip and carbon fiber construction that was extensively profiled in New Zealand marine media. The 780’s reputation for speed has made it a staple in "Sports Boat" and "Trailer Yacht" national championships across Australia and New Zealand.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers should focus on the following technical areas:

• Keel Winch System: The 780 often uses a two-speed trailer winch located inside the cabin to raise and lower the heavy bulb keel. This system requires regular inspection of the cable and the winch mounting points for signs of fatigue or corrosion.
• Rudder Assembly: Because the rudder box and blade are often constructed of carbon fiber to save weight, check for stress fractures around the pintles and gudgeons, especially if the boat has been raced hard in high-load conditions.
• Core Integrity: While many 780s are built with cedar strip or high-tech foam cores, some owner-finished boats may have variations in resin saturation. A moisture meter test on the deck and around the chainplates is essential.
• Bow Sprit Seals: For versions equipped with a retractable carbon bow pole, ensure the exit sleeve is well-sealed and the internal drain system is clear to prevent water from entering the cabin during high-speed planing.

Community & Resources

The primary hub for technical data and historical documentation is the designer's official portal at Elliott Marine. Additionally, the New Zealand Trailer Yacht Association provides a framework for racing rules and class measurements for the 780 and its siblings.

The Verdict

The Elliott 780 is a sophisticated, high-performance machine that remains one of the fastest trailerable yachts in its size class. It is best suited for experienced sailors who enjoy the tactical demands of a sportsboat but require the overnighting capability for coastal regattas.

Pros:

• Exceptional planing performance and off-the-wind speed.
• Easily trailerable with a draft as low as 0.45m with the keel up.
• Clever interior layout that maximizes space for up to five people.
• High-quality construction involving carbon fiber and vacuum-bagging.

Cons:

• Can be "flighty" and demanding to sail in heavy air.
• Interior headroom is limited compared to dedicated cruising trailer sailers.
• Sensitive to added weight, which can quickly degrade racing performance.