Siren 17 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Siren 17 is frequently described as an "expedition dinghy" because its handling characteristics lean more toward a high-performance small boat than a heavy displacement cruiser. With a Sail Area to Displacement (SA/Disp) ratio in the high 20s, it is a spirited light-air performer that picks up speed quickly in a breeze. However, this same agility makes it relatively tender. Editorial reviews in Points East Magazine note that while the boat is stable for its class, it requires early reefing—often when winds hit 10 to 12 knots—to maintain a comfortable angle of heel.

Its retractable cast iron centerboard weighs 130 pounds, providing enough low-slung ballast to keep the boat from being a "pure" dinghy, yet it retains a kick-up mahogany rudder that facilitates beaching. Under sail, the boat is known for a slight weather helm and a "hum" from the centerboard cable at higher speeds. While it is capable of handling choppy coastal waters, its low righting moment means it is best suited for protected bays and inland lakes.

Interior Comfort & Variations

Despite its 17-foot length, the Siren 17 features a fully enclosed cuddy cabin with approximately 44 inches of headroom. The layout is optimized for "luxurious camping afloat," offering two full-length 6'6" berths that can accommodate two adults, with some owners managed to fit two small children on the forward cushions. Interior amenities are minimalist but functional, featuring a molded-in icebox and dedicated space for a portable head and a small alcohol stove.

Vandestadt and McGruer Ltd. maximized the utility of the vessel through clever options, most notably a custom-fitted boom tent that transformed the 7-foot self-draining cockpit into a dry living area at night. The model saw little variation in its hull form over the production run, but it eventually spawned a larger sibling, the Siren 21. Unlike the 17, the Siren 21 offered more substantial "big boat" features while maintaining the same trailerable DNA. The builder also produced the more robust Sirius 21 and the racer-cruiser Sirius 28, which utilized different hull philosophies but shared the same high-quality Canadian fiberglass craftsmanship.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers should focus on three primary technical areas that are common to the Siren 17's aging fiberglass construction:

• Deck Core Softness: The area surrounding the mast step is a frequent point of failure. Over decades, water can penetrate the hardware bedding, leading to a delaminated or soft core. Many owners choose to reinforce this area from below to preserve the non-skid deck pattern.
• Centerboard Pivot Pin & Leaks: The centerboard trunk features a pivot bolt that can develop leaks if the rubber washers have perished. Replacing this pin requires careful alignment of the 130-pound board, a task best performed on a hoist or specialized trailer.
• Transom Integrity: Because many Sirens are fitted with outboards up to 7 hp (heavier than the original design intended), the transom can show signs of stress cracking or core rot if the mounting bracket was not properly sealed.
• Rigging Tension: The Siren 17 often utilizes a forestay that is integrated with the roller furling jib. Buyers should inspect the wire and the swivel mechanism closely, as the mast depends entirely on this system for forward support.

Community & Resources

The boat is supported by a dedicated community, most notably the Siren 17 Owners Association, which maintains technical documentation and organizes regional rallies. Owners frequently share modifications, such as converting the mid-boom sheeting to end-boom sheeting to clear the cockpit, or installing "quick-release" pins to expedite the mast-stepping process.

The Verdict

The Siren 17 is a quintessential starter boat that offers a remarkable amount of utility for its size and price point. It remains a top choice for sailors who prioritize portability and beachability over blue-water stability.

Pros:

• Exceptional Towability: At 750 lbs, it can be towed by almost any vehicle with a hitch.
• Massive Cockpit: The 7-foot cockpit is larger than those found on many 25-foot cruisers.
• Beachability: The 8-inch draft (board up) allows for easy shore landings and exploration.

Cons:

• Cramped Cabin: Headroom is strictly for sitting or "crawling," and storage is limited.
• Tender Nature: Requires active sail management and early reefing in gusty conditions.
• Minimalist Rigging: Some factory hardware is undersized for heavy-weather use and may require upgrading.