Jongert 17S Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Jongert 17S is a high-displacement vessel that relies on momentum and "sea-kindliness" rather than raw speed. Its steel hull and long keel configuration provide a stable platform that excels in heavy weather, where the weight of the boat allows it to power through chop that would stall lighter vessels. With a ketch rig, the 17S offers a versatile sail plan; in high winds, the "jib and jigger" configuration (sailing under staysail and mizzen) allows the boat to remain balanced and upright while maintaining steerage.

Handling is characterized by exceptional tracking. Once the sails are trimmed, the 17S holds its course with minimal helm correction, a trait highly valued by long-distance cruisers. However, the trade-off for this stability is felt in light air performance and close-quarters maneuvering. With its significant wetted surface area, the boat requires a stiff breeze to "wake up." Furthermore, the long keel makes backing into tight slips a challenge, leading many owners to retroactively fit powerful bow thrusters to manage the vessel's considerable windage and mass in port.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The interior of the Jongert 17S is a showcase of traditional Dutch cabinetry, typically finished in high-grade mahogany or teak. Because these were semi-custom builds, variations exist, but the standard layout usually features a sprawling owner's aft cabin—a signature of the Jongert S-line—which often includes a private head and significant storage for extended voyaging. The mid-ship salon is elevated, providing better visibility and a sense of openness rarely found in older steel hulls.

Sibling models built on similar design philosophies include the Jongert 16S and the slightly larger 18S and 19S. While the 16S offered a more compact footprint for couple-cruising, the 17S provided the necessary volume for a dedicated engine room with full standing headroom, a feature that distinguishes it from smaller Mediterranean cruisers. The 17S was also frequently compared to the Jongert 17M (Modern) series; whereas the "S" models featured traditional lines and wooden superstructures or accents, the "M" series moved toward more integrated aluminum superstructures and modern hull shapes designed by Doug Peterson or Peter Sijm.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

A prospective buyer of a Jongert 17S must approach the vessel with a "commercial ship" mindset, focusing on structural integrity and system age.

• Steel Corrosion: The primary concern for any vintage Jongert is the condition of the steel hull. High-signal areas for inspection include the "deadwood" areas around the keel and the internal bilges under the chain lockers and water tanks. Professional ultrasonic hull thickness testing is mandatory to ensure no significant thinning has occurred from the inside out.
• Teak Deck Longevity: Original Jongert decks were often thick and of high quality, but after several decades, the bedding compounds can fail. If the teak is screwed down (as was common during the era), water can migrate into the steel deck plating, causing localized "rust blebs" that require expensive remediation.
• Mechanical Complexity: These boats were fitted with heavy-duty engines—often Mercedes-Benz or Perkins diesels—and complex hydraulic systems for winches or furling. While the base engines are often "bulletproof," the peripheral plumbing and electrical wiring are frequently at the end of their service life and may require a complete refit.
• Tankage: Integrated steel fuel and water tanks can suffer from internal corrosion if not properly maintained. Replacing or coating these tanks often requires cutting into the cabin sole, a labor-intensive and costly process.

Community & Resources

The Jongert brand enjoys a cult-like following among blue-water sailors who appreciate traditional aesthetics. The most prominent resource is the Jongert Owners Club, an organization that facilitates technical exchanges and social rallies for owners of these Dutch classics. For technical history and original design philosophy, the shipyard maintains a heritage archive that can sometimes provide original blueprints for specific hull numbers.

The Verdict

The Jongert 17S is not a boat for the casual weekend sailor, but for the serious voyager, it represents a pinnacle of 20th-century maritime engineering. It is a vessel that trades modern "glamping" aesthetics for a sense of indestructible security.

Pros:

• Exceptional Build Quality: Built to a standard that exceeds almost all modern production yachts.
• Blue-Water Stability: Heavy displacement and ketch rig offer safety and comfort in heavy seas.
• Timeless Aesthetic: The "traditional Jongert" look remains prestigious in any harbor worldwide.

Cons:

• High Maintenance: Steel hulls and vintage systems require constant vigilance and a significant annual budget.
• Heavy Handling: Not suited for light-wind sailing or agile racing maneuvers.
• Mooring Challenges: High mass and a long keel make it difficult to handle in confined marinas without assistance.