Redhead 17 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Redhead 17 is characterized by its stability and predictable handling, making it an ideal platform for novice sailors or families. With a beam of 7 feet and a relatively high displacement-to-length ratio for a boat of its size (weighing in at approximately 1,100 lbs), it behaves more like a small keelboat than a flighty racing dinghy. The boat typically utilizes a weighted swing keel or centerboard, which allows for a shallow draft of roughly 10 inches when retracted, facilitating beaching and easy trailering. When the board is fully extended to its 4-foot depth, the Redhead 17 exhibits respectable tracking and upwind performance.

According to historical performance notes found in period trade literature, the boat is "stiff," meaning it resists excessive heeling even in moderate gusts, a trait attributed to its wide waterline beam and internal ballast. Its masthead sloop rig is simple to tune, and the large cockpit provides ample room for a crew of four without interfering with the helmsman’s lines of sight. While it lacks the planing speed of its smaller sibling, the Sidewinder, it offers a much more "sea-kindly" motion in choppy lake or coastal conditions.

Interior Comfort & Variations

Unlike many 17-footers of the era that remained open-cockpit boats, the Redhead 17 features a dedicated cuddy cabin that significantly expands its utility. The cabin provides enough space for two adults to sleep on V-berths, though headroom is strictly sitting-only. The interior is Spartan, reflecting its mass-produced roots, often finished with easy-to-clean fiberglass liners rather than extensive wood joinery.

The Redhead was the largest of the primary "color-coded" SailMFG line, which included the 12-foot Copperhead and the 15-foot Bandit and Sidewinder models. While the Sidewinder was a performance-oriented beach boat, the Redhead was the only model in the lineup designed with a true enclosed cabin, catering to the burgeoning "micro-cruising" market. Some variants were outfitted with small galley blocks or portable chemical toilets, though most owners use the cabin primarily for dry storage and sail stowage.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers of a vintage Redhead 17 should prioritize the inspection of the fiberglass laminate and the swing keel mechanism, as these are the most common points of failure for boats of this age.

1. Swing Keel Bolt and Pivot: The pivot bolt for the weighted centerboard is prone to wear and corrosion. If the board "clunks" while at anchor or under sail, the pivot hole may have become elongated, or the bolt itself may be nearing failure.
2. Deck Core Delamination: While MFG used advanced molding for the hulls, the decks often utilized a balsa or plywood core for stiffness. Check for "soft spots" around the mast step and the chainplates, which indicate water intrusion and rotting of the internal core.
3. Mast Step Compression: The pressure of the mast can sometimes cause the cabin top or the supporting bulkhead to sag over decades of use. Ensure the deck remains level under the mast and that the interior support post (if equipped) is structurally sound.
4. Transom Stress Cracks: If the boat has been used with an outboard motor larger than the recommended 5-hp limit, look for spiderweb cracking around the transom, which suggests structural fatigue.

Community & Resources

The legacy of the Redhead 17 is preserved by a dedicated community of fiberglass enthusiasts. The most prominent resource for technical data and original marketing materials is the Molded Fiber Glass Boat Company enthusiast site, which hosts archives of original SailMFG brochures and owner manuals. Additionally, the broader community at FiberGlassics provides a wealth of information regarding the specific chemical compositions of the resins and gelcoats used by MFG during the 1970s, which is invaluable for restoration projects.

The Verdict

The Redhead 17 is a rugged, honest little cruiser that represents the peak of MFG’s sailing division. It is not a racing machine, but it offers a level of safety and "big boat" feel that is rare in the sub-20-foot category.

Pros:

• Exceptionally stable and forgiving for beginners.
• Enclosed cuddy cabin allows for overnighting and dry gear storage.
• The "matched-metal-die" hull construction is remarkably durable for its age.
• Easily trailered by most standard passenger vehicles.

Cons:

• Heavy displacement makes it slower in light wind than modern designs.
• Cabin headroom is very limited.
• Sourcing original hardware (like proprietary mast castings) can be difficult.