Formula 18 vs Pirate 17
How do the Formula 18 and Pirate 17 compare? Below, their dimensions, displacement, sail area and the standard design ratios side by side, followed by a data-driven summary.
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Formula 18 
Pirate 17 | Formula 18 | Pirate 17 | |
|---|---|---|
| Length overall | 18.1 ft5.52 m | 18.2 ft5.55 m |
| Waterline length | —— | 16.4 ft5.00 m |
| Beam | 8.5 ft2.60 m | 6.8 ft2.07 m |
| Draft | 4.6 ft1.40 m | 2.0 ft0.60 m |
| Displacement | 397 lb180 kg | 1,323 lb600 kg |
| Ballast | —— | 661 lb300 kg |
| Sail area | 229 ft²21.3 m² | 144 ft²13.4 m² |
| SA / Displacement | 67.83 | 19.12 |
| Displacement / Length | — | 134 |
| Comfort ratio | — | 9.4 |
| Capsize screening | 4.64 | 2.47 |
| Hull speed (kn) | — | 5.4 |
| Average used price | — | €900 |
Formula 18 vs Pirate 17: the short version
- The Formula 18 and Pirate 17 are close in length (18.1 ft5.52 m vs 18.2 ft5.55 m ).
- The Pirate 17 is heavier, displacing about 233% more, which usually means a steadier but slower-to-accelerate hull.
- On sail area/displacement the Formula 18 carries the more powerful rig (67.8 vs 19.1), favouring lighter-air performance.
- By the capsize screening formula the Pirate 17 rates better for offshore work (2.47 vs 4.64).
Ratios are guidelines computed from published specs; condition, layout and gear matter as much as the numbers.