Pirate 17 vs Y flyer
How do the Pirate 17 and Y flyer 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 | Y flyer | |
|---|---|---|
| Length overall | 18.2 ft5.55 m | 18.2 ft5.54 m |
| Waterline length | 16.4 ft5.00 m | 14.5 ft4.42 m |
| Beam | 6.8 ft2.07 m | 5.7 ft1.73 m |
| Draft | 2.0 ft0.60 m | 4.0 ft1.22 m |
| Displacement | 1,323 lb600 kg | 500 lb227 kg |
| Ballast | 661 lb300 kg | —— |
| Sail area | 144 ft²13.4 m² | 161 ft²15.0 m² |
| SA / Displacement | 19.12 | 40.89 |
| Displacement / Length | 134 | 73 |
| Comfort ratio | 9.4 | 4.9 |
| Capsize screening | 2.47 | 2.86 |
| Hull speed (kn) | 5.4 | 5.1 |
| Average used price | €900 | — |
Pirate 17 vs Y flyer: the short version
- The Pirate 17 and Y flyer are close in length (18.2 ft5.55 m vs 18.2 ft5.54 m ).
- The Pirate 17 is heavier, displacing about 165% more, which usually means a steadier but slower-to-accelerate hull.
- On sail area/displacement the Y flyer carries the more powerful rig (40.9 vs 19.1), favouring lighter-air performance.
- 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 2.86).
Ratios are guidelines computed from published specs; condition, layout and gear matter as much as the numbers.