Klipper 17 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Slipper 17 is characterized by its shoal-draft fixed keel, drawing only 1 foot 11 inches. This configuration allows the boat to navigate extremely thin waters and facilitates easy ramp-launching, a hallmark of Nick Hake’s design ethos. With a Displacement/Length (D/L) ratio of approximately 171, the hull is relatively light and responsive, allowing it to accelerate quickly in light air. Its Sail Area/Displacement (SA/Disp) ratio of 20.8 places it on the sportier side of the pocket-cruising spectrum, providing enough power to maintain momentum through chop that would stall smaller dinghies.

In terms of handling, the Slipper 17 is noted for being remarkably stiff for its size. The low center of gravity provided by the encapsulated ballast in the keel ensures a predictable motion and a high degree of primary stability. While it lacks the ultimate blue-water tracking of a long-keeled vessel, its balanced helm and wide 7'11" beam make it a forgiving platform for novice sailors. Owners often report that the boat tracks well for a short-waterline vessel, though like many light-displacement boats, it requires reefing early—typically when winds exceed 15 knots—to maintain a comfortable heel angle.

Interior Comfort & Variations

For a 17-foot vessel, the interior of the Slipper 17 is surprisingly functional, emphasizing the "cruiser" part of its pocket-cruiser designation. The cabin features a classic V-berth arrangement that can accommodate two adults for overnighting. While standing headroom is non-existent, the "pop-top" style companionway hatch (on some units) and the generous beam provide a sense of volume that exceeds many of its contemporaries.

The interior is typically finished with a clean fiberglass liner, which simplifies maintenance and brightens the cabin. Storage is found beneath the berths and in small cubbies along the hull sides. There were few major layout variations during its production run, as the design was optimized for simplicity. However, its larger sibling, the Slipper 24, offered a more substantial interior with a dedicated galley and head, whereas the Slipper 17 relies on a portable chemical toilet tucked under the V-berth for basic amenities.

Popular Mentions & Media

The Slipper 17 occupies a respected niche in the "Small Boat Journal" era of sailing literature. It is frequently cited in retrospectives regarding the 1980s trailer-sailer boom as a design that prioritized build quality over the thin laminates common in mass-produced boats of that period. While it does not have a "famous" single-handed circumnavigator to its name, it is a staple of the "Small Reach Regatta" community and remains a favorite subject for nautical restoration blogs and YouTube channels dedicated to minimalist cruising.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers should approach a Slipper 17 with a focus on its age and the specific manufacturing methods of the 1980s.

• Deck Delamination: Like many boats of this era, the Slipper 17 utilizes a cored deck. Check for soft spots around the chainplates and the mast step, where water intrusion is most common.
• Keel-to-Hull Joint: Although the keel is encapsulated or solidly attached, older units may show "smiles" or hairline cracks at the leading edge of the keel joint due to groundings.
• Rigging Tension: The spreader brackets on the original fractional rig can be prone to corrosion or fatigue. Inspect the aluminum mast for any signs of compression at the base.
• Trailer Condition: Since these are almost exclusively trailer-sailed, the condition of the trailer—specifically the axle and bunk supports—often dictates the initial value. Ensure the keel tray is structurally sound.

Community & Resources

Owners of the Slipper 17 often find common ground within the Seaward Squadron and broader Hake design communities. Although the boat was built under the Starwind brand, its DNA is so closely linked to Nick Hake’s later work that technical support is often found through Seaward-specific forums. The "Starwind/Slipper Owners Group" is the primary technical repository for original manuals and rigging diagrams.

The Verdict

The Slipper 17 (often referred to in historical contexts as the Klipper or Starwind 17) remains one of the most capable and aesthetically pleasing pocket cruisers ever produced. It is an ideal choice for the sailor who wants the convenience of a trailer-sailer without sacrificing the "big boat" feel of a ballasted keel.

Pros:

• Exceptional shallow-water capability with a sub-2-foot draft.
• High build quality compared to many 1980s competitors.
• Easily towed by a standard SUV or mid-sized truck.
• Sporty sail plan that performs well in light to moderate winds.

Cons:

• Cramped cabin for anything more than weekend excursions.
• No standing headroom.
• Fixed keel can make it more difficult to launch at very shallow ramps compared to a swing-keel design.