Holder 17 vs Thistle
How do the Holder 17 and Thistle compare? Below, their dimensions, displacement, sail area and the standard design ratios side by side, followed by a data-driven summary.
Holder 17 
Thistle | Holder 17 | Thistle | |
|---|---|---|
| Length overall | 17.0 ft5.18 m | 17.0 ft5.18 m |
| Waterline length | 15.0 ft4.57 m | 17.0 ft5.18 m |
| Beam | 7.0 ft2.13 m | 6.0 ft1.83 m |
| Draft | 4.2 ft1.27 m | 4.5 ft1.37 m |
| Displacement | 950 lb431 kg | 515 lb234 kg |
| Ballast | 325 lb147 kg | —— |
| Sail area | 140 ft²13.0 m² | 191 ft²17.7 m² |
| SA / Displacement | 23.18 | 47.56 |
| Displacement / Length | 126 | 47 |
| Comfort ratio | 7.0 | 4.3 |
| Capsize screening | 2.85 | 2.99 |
| Hull speed (kn) | 5.2 | 5.5 |
Holder 17 vs Thistle: the short version
- The Holder 17 and Thistle are close in length (17.0 ft5.18 m vs 17.0 ft5.18 m ).
- The Holder 17 is heavier, displacing about 84% more, which usually means a steadier but slower-to-accelerate hull.
- On sail area/displacement the Thistle carries the more powerful rig (47.6 vs 23.2), favouring lighter-air performance.
- The Holder 17 scores higher on the Brewer comfort ratio, suggesting an easier motion in a seaway.
- By the capsize screening formula the Holder 17 rates better for offshore work (2.85 vs 2.99).
Ratios are guidelines computed from published specs; condition, layout and gear matter as much as the numbers.