OD 11 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The OD 11 is characterized by its minimalist "board boat" philosophy, placing the sailor in close proximity to the water. Given its 3'10" beam, the hull is significantly narrower than many contemporary American trainers like the Sunfish, which typically measures over 4 feet wide. This narrow profile, combined with its short 11-foot waterline, results in a boat that is highly sensitive to crew weight and heel angle.

Handling is reported to be nimble and responsive, requiring active hiking to maintain a flat plane in moderate breezes. Because Snapir Sailing Craft Ltd. was also a licensed manufacturer of the 420 Class, much of the technical DNA regarding foil shape and rigging efficiency trickled down into their smaller proprietary designs. The OD 11 utilizes a simple unstayed or minimally stayed rig (depending on the specific production run), making it an ideal vessel for teaching the fundamentals of sail trim and tiller feedback without the complexity of a jib or spinnaker.

Sibling Variants

The OD 11 was part of a dual-pronged strategy by Snapir to dominate the small-boat market in the early 1970s. Its primary sibling is the DB 11, which shared the same 11-foot hull mold. Historical records from the period suggest the DB 11 was often configured with a slightly less aggressive sail plan or simplified hardware for the resort and rental market. Additionally, Snapir’s larger production of the 420 Class influenced the build quality of the OD 11, as both boats were produced during the company's peak research and development phase in the late 1960s and early 1970s.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

As these vessels are now over 50 years old and the manufacturer is no longer in operation, prospective owners should approach the OD 11 with a focus on structural longevity.

• Mast Step Stress: On unstayed board boats of this era, the mast step is a primary failure point. Inspect the fiberglass surrounding the deck hole and the base of the step for "spiderweb" stress cracks or soft spots that indicate internal delamination.
• Hull-to-Deck Joint: Snapir utilized early fiberglass bonding techniques. Examine the rub rail area for signs of separation, particularly if the boat has been stored outside or dragged across beaches.
• Water Ingress: Like many "hollow" board boats, the OD 11 can take on water through hardware fittings or the daggerboard trunk. Check the total weight of the hull; a significantly heavy boat likely has saturated foam or trapped water within the hull cavity.
• Rudder Gudgeons: The transom hardware on 1970s-era dinghies often suffers from wallowed-out screw holes. Ensure the gudgeons are backing-plated or firmly set to avoid losing steering under load.

Community & Resources

Due to the localized nature of Snapir Sailing Craft Ltd.’s operations, the primary community for these boats remains centered in the Eastern Mediterranean. While no dedicated international "OD 11 Class Association" currently exists, the boats are frequently mentioned in historical retrospective of the Israeli Sailing Association (ISA), which credits Snapir with providing the hardware that fueled the region's early competitive success.

The Verdict

The OD 11 is a rare, historically significant dinghy that offers a pure, tactile sailing experience. While its narrow beam makes it more demanding than modern rotomolded trainers, it serves as a testament to the mid-century Israeli marine industry’s capabilities.

Pros

• Extremely lightweight and easy to transport on a small car roof or trailer.
• High "tiller feel" and responsiveness, making it an excellent teacher of boat balance.
• Historical pedigree from a notable Haifa-based builder.

Cons

• Manufacturer support is non-existent, requiring custom solutions for replacement rigs or foils.
• The narrow 3'10" beam may feel unstable for larger adults or absolute beginners.
• Vulnerable to "soft spots" in the deck due to the age of the fiberglass layup.