Design and Construction
Johann Tanzer designed the Island 17 as essentially a copy of his own Tanzer 16, and the slanted transom gave it added length over the donor hull. Ocean Yachts built the early fiberglass boats, and the record notes those early hulls were apparently turned out only in bright yellow, while the later Sumner Islands boats had mostly white hulls. After 1979, Sumner Boat Works continued the same line with few changes and added cockpit flotation along with other refinements. The centerboard configuration keeps minimum draft at well under a foot for beach or shallow launching, while the board down delivers a 3 foot 6 inch max draft.
Rig and Handling
The boat carries a fractional sloop rig spreading 135 square feet of sail and that area against the ultralight displacement produces a sail-area-to-displacement ratio near 25. That rig lets the Island 17 plane in a breeze and keeps it stable and forgiving for single- or short-handed sailing in protected waters. Reviewers have praised its simplicity and seaworthiness, though the low righting moment demands respect in gusts.
Accommodations
Below the open cockpit, which seats four comfortably, the Island 17 offers only basic cuddy accommodations for overnighting. There is no pretense of a cruising interior; the boat is a daysailer first, with a small shelter forward for a night on the hook in calm conditions.
Known Issues
The one documented structural weakness is the original plywood embedded in the transom where the gudgeons and motor mount are attached; on at least one boat that plywood had delaminated. A buyer or owner should treat the transom core and motor-mount area as a known inspection point. The other caveat is behavioral rather than structural: the low righting moment means a gust can lay the boat over farther than a heavier keelboat would tolerate.
Refits and Ownership
Ownership of an Island 17 is straightforward by virtue of the ultralight build—towing behind a compact car is easy, and the simple rig keeps upkeep minimal. The modest sail plan and trailerable nature make refits limited to the usual running rigging and outboard bracket care.
The Verdict
The Island 17 is a charming, featherweight vintage daysailer that rewards the sailor who wants uncomplicated planing fun and easy trailering over creature comforts or offshore scope. Its Tanzer-derived hull and reverse transom make it a distinct little pocket cruiser, and the Sumner-era refinements added flotation without changing the character. Respect the righting moment and watch the transom plywood, and it is a forgiving trainer and picnic boat.
Pros
- Trailerable at 575 lb behind a compact car
- Planing capability and forgiving short-handed handling in protected water
- Simple rig and low upkeep as a vintage daysailer
Cons
- Low righting moment demands caution in gusts
- Transom plywood at gudgeons and motor mount can delaminate
- Only basic cuddy shelter, no real cruising interior
