Windjammer 17 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The defining characteristic of the Windjammer 17 is its exceptional power-to-weight ratio. According to technical specifications attributed to the designer, the boat features a sail area-to-displacement (SA/Disp) ratio exceeding 60—a figure that places it firmly in the category of high-performance dinghies. Under sail, this translates to a boat that accelerates instantly in light air and is capable of planing on a reach when handled by an experienced crew.

Equipped with a fractional sloop rig and a centerboard, the boat offers a versatile draft ranging from a mere 9 inches with the board up to 4 feet when fully deployed. This configuration makes it an ideal candidate for "gunkholing" in shallow estuaries or beaching for a picnic. Handling is described as sensitive; the boat tracks well but requires active weight management from the crew to maintain trim. Unlike modern rotomolded trainers, the Windjammer 17’s lightweight fiberglass hull is stiff, allowing it to point higher than many of its contemporaries, though this stiffness comes at the cost of a lower righting moment if the vessel is pushed beyond its limits in heavy gusts.

Popular Mentions & Media

While the Windjammer 17 does not possess a vast cinematic footprint, it holds a steady place in regional maritime history. Period advertisements in publications like the Canton Observer during the late 1970s marketed the boat as the "excellent family day sailer," emphasizing its dual role as a racer and a recreational platform. The designer, Charles Wittholz, remains a significant figure in the "traditionalist" sailing community, and his involvement with the Windjammer 17 is often cited by enthusiasts of classic fiberglass designs as a mark of hull-form quality and aesthetic balance.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective owners should pay close attention to the structural integrity of the cockpit and hull-deck joint, as these boats were built during an era of varying fiberglass standards.

• Cockpit Sole Delamination: A recurring issue reported by long-term owners on technical forums like SailNet involves the cockpit sole. Many units utilized a fiberglass-over-plywood construction; if the glass skin was breached by hardware mounts or wear, the underlying wood is prone to rot, leading to "soft spots" that require a significant rebuild.
• Centerboard Trunk Leaks: Given the age of the fleet, the pivot pin for the centerboard and the surrounding trunk should be inspected for stress cracks or weeping. Over-tightening the centerboard pendant can also lead to wear in the trunk’s internal guides.
• Rigging Points: The chainplates and mast step on an ultralight boat like the Windjammer 17 are under high relative tension. Check for "spiderweb" crazing in the gelcoat around these points, which indicates structural flexing.
• Rudder Assembly: The original kick-up rudders can become sloppy over time. Inspect the pintles and gudgeons for play, as a loose rudder significantly hampers the boat’s high-speed tracking ability.

Community & Resources

Due to the age of the manufacturer, there is no longer a formal builder association. However, the Windjammer 17 remains a topic of interest within the Charles Wittholz Design archives, often maintained by fans of his more famous catboat designs. Technical specifications and historical context are frequently documented by the Small Craft Advisor community, which focuses on sub-20-foot performance daysailers.

The Verdict

The Windjammer 17 is a "purist’s dinghy" that offers a level of performance rarely seen in 1960s-era family boats. It is best suited for sailors who enjoy the technical nuances of sail trim and the thrill of a light, fast hull.

Pros:

• Extremely light and easy to launch from a standard trailer.
• High-performance SA/Disp ratio ensures speed in light winds.
• Shallow draft with centerboard up allows for versatile coastal exploration.

Cons:

• Minimalist construction can lead to "soft" decks or cockpit soles in older models.
• Very light weight makes it "tender," requiring active crew movement.
• Limited secondary market and spare part availability due to the defunct builder.