Pirate 17 vs Sol Cat 18
How do the Pirate 17 and Sol Cat 18 compare? Below, their dimensions, displacement, sail area and the standard design ratios side by side, followed by a data-driven summary.
Pirate 17 | Pirate 17 | Sol Cat 18 | |
|---|---|---|
| Length overall | 18.2 ft5.55 m | 18.2 ft5.56 m |
| Waterline length | 16.4 ft5.00 m | 18.0 ft5.49 m |
| Beam | 6.8 ft2.07 m | 7.9 ft2.41 m |
| Draft | 2.0 ft0.60 m | 0.3 ft0.10 m |
| Displacement | 1,323 lb600 kg | 331 lb150 kg |
| Ballast | 661 lb300 kg | —— |
| Sail area | 144 ft²13.4 m² | —— |
| SA / Displacement | 19.12 | — |
| Displacement / Length | 134 | 25 |
| Comfort ratio | 9.4 | 1.8 |
| Capsize screening | 2.47 | 4.57 |
| Hull speed (kn) | 5.4 | 5.7 |
| Average used price | €900 | — |
Pirate 17 vs Sol Cat 18: the short version
- The Pirate 17 and Sol Cat 18 are close in length (18.2 ft5.55 m vs 18.2 ft5.56 m ).
- The Pirate 17 is heavier, displacing about 300% more, which usually means a steadier but slower-to-accelerate hull.
- The Pirate 17 scores higher on the Brewer comfort ratio, suggesting an easier motion in a seaway.
- By the capsize screening formula the Pirate 17 rates better for offshore work (2.47 vs 4.57).
Ratios are guidelines computed from published specs; condition, layout and gear matter as much as the numbers.