Sailing Performance & Handling
The Skipper Mate 17 is frequently described as a "dinghy with a lid," a characterization that reflects its high Sail Area to Displacement (SA/Disp) ratio, which is reportedly as high as 30.49. This indicates a boat that is lively and responsive in light air, capable of outperforming many contemporary 17-foot cruisers that suffer from excessive weight. However, with a displacement of only around 700 to 900 pounds, it lacks the heavy-weather momentum of a dedicated keelboat. Go-Sail.co.uk notes that the boat handles heavy weather competently for its size and is notably stable when sailing downwind, with a reduced tendency to broach compared to narrower designs.
The handling is further defined by its retractable steel centerplate, which weighs approximately 150 pounds. This ballast provides significant righting moment once the board is fully deployed, though some owners have noted that the boat can feel "tender" or "lively" in gusty conditions if the sail area isn't reduced early. Because early versions often lacked a backstay, the rig's stiffness can be a limiting factor in high winds; most experienced owners recommend utilizing the jib roller reefing and main slab reefing as soon as the wind pushes toward Force 4. Despite its beamy hull, the Mate 17 maintains a shallow draft of just 9 inches with the board up, making it an exceptional performer for gunkholing and beaching.
Interior Comfort & Variations
The "Mate" specific variant is defined by its early-70s bulbous cuddy. While this addition provided a dry space for gear and a Porta Potti, the interior layout was largely dominated by the large centerboard trunk that bifurcated the cabin. This trunk makes movement restricted, though it provides two long, low-profile berths suitable for adults. Headroom is limited—approximately 35 inches above the seats—which necessitates a "sitting only" posture.
Sibling models on this same hull offer varying degrees of comfort. The original Skipper 17 was an open dayboat with a small forward storage cuddy, while the later Skipper Mariner (and the subsequent Eagle 525) featured a more aesthetically refined cabin top with better-integrated windows. The Mariner version eventually moved away from the single centerplate in favor of twin retractable bilge plates, which moved the mechanical housing away from the center of the cabin, vastly improving the interior floor space and allowing for a more traditional V-berth arrangement.
Popular Mentions & Media
The Skipper 17 series holds a prestigious place in maritime lore as the first "real" boat of Dame Ellen MacArthur. In her autobiography Taking on the World, she recounts her early adventures aboard her Skipper 17, Kestrel, which she purchased with saved school lunch money. This specific model's reputation as a gateway to professional sailing is further bolstered by Sir Alec Rose, who famously authored a practical guide titled Skippering Skipper with Sir Alec Rose, cementing the boat's status as a premier training vessel for aspiring coastal cruisers. According to Wikipedia, the boat remains a staple of British dinghy cruising culture.
Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist
Prospective buyers should focus their inspections on three primary high-signal areas identified by long-term owners and technical resources.
- Keel Box Integrity: The most significant "gotcha" for the Mate 17 is the watertight integrity of the centerboard trunk. Over time, the fiberglass layup of the trunk can develop stress cracks or leaks where it meets the hull, particularly if the heavy steel plate has been allowed to "clank" against the sides while trailering or in a seaway.
- Rigging and Mast Compression: On early models without a backstay, the mast step and the coachroof may show signs of compression or "crazing" in the gelcoat. Ensure the deck remains stiff around the mast step and that the shroud chainplates are securely backed.
- Core Rot: While the hull is solid fiberglass, the deck and cockpit sole are typically cored. Inspect for "spongy" sections, particularly around the narrow side decks and the cockpit seats, which can indicate water ingress into the core.
- Keel Plate Corrosion: The 3/4-inch steel plate is prone to heavy rust if the protective coating is breached. Check the pivot bolt for wear and ensure the lifting tackle (wire and winch) is not frayed or seized.
Community & Resources
The boat is supported by a dedicated following, primarily centered in the United Kingdom and the United States. Technical documentation and historical brochures are preserved by the Skipper 17 Trailer-Sailer Website, which serves as the primary repository for rig dimensions and owner-contributed modifications.
The Verdict
The Skipper Mate 17 is an iconic micro-cruiser that offers an accessible entry point into the world of trailer sailing, characterized by its ease of launching and spirited performance.
Pros
- Ease of Transport: Extremely light and easy to tow with a standard family vehicle.
- Lively Performance: Sails more like a dinghy than a sluggish cruiser; excellent in light winds.
- Beaching Capability: The fully retractable keel allows for exploring shallow estuaries and drying out on the sand.
- Historical Pedigree: Owning a model endorsed by legends like Ellen MacArthur provides a sense of maritime heritage.
Cons
- Interior Obstruction: The central keel trunk significantly limits cabin floor space.
- Tender in Gusts: Requires early reefing and an active crew to manage stability in a blow.
- Difficult Foredeck Access: The high cuddy and narrow side decks make moving forward for anchoring a delicate maneuver.
