American 14.6
The American 14.6 is an American sailing dinghy that was first built in 1988.[1]
 | |
| Development | |
|---|---|
| Location | United States |
| Year | 1988 |
| No. built | 1200 |
| Builder(s) | American Sail |
| Boat | |
| Boat weight | 340 lb (154 kg) |
| Draft | 3.50 ft (1.07 m) |
| Hull | |
| Type | Monohull |
| Construction | Fiberglass |
| LOA | 14.50 ft (4.42 m) |
| LWL | 13.00 ft (3.96 m) |
| Beam | 6.17 ft (1.88 m) |
| Engine type | Outboard motor |
| Hull appendages | |
| Keel/board type | Centerboard |
| Ballast | none |
| Rudder(s) | transom-mounted rudder |
| Rig | |
| Rig type | Bermuda rig |
| Sails | |
| Sailplan | Fractional rigged sloop |
| Total sail area | 112 sq ft (10.4 m2) |
Production
The design has built by American Sail in the United States since 1988 and remains in production. 1200 examples have been completed.[1][2]
Design
The American 14.6 is a recreational sailboat, built predominantly of fiberglass, with closed-cell flotation and anodized aluminum spars. It has raked stem, a vertical transom, a transom-hung, kick-up, spring-loaded rudder controlled by a tiller and a centerboard. It displaces 340 lb (154 kg) and can accommodate four people. Features include a storage area for lunches and drinks.[1][3]
The boat has a draft of 3.50 ft (1.07 m) with the centerboard extended and 0.33 ft (0.10 m) with it retracted, allowing beaching or ground transportation on a trailer. The boat is delivered with a 700 lb (320 kg) capacity trailer.[1][3]
The boat is equipped with a motor bracket and can fitted with a small outboard motor for docking and maneuvering.[1]
Operational history
A review in boats.com described the design as, "as an extremely stable, large, dry, daysailer providing fun for all ages".[4]
The Society for the Education of American Sailors noted the design "is designed for the beginning sailor or those who are seeking a large, stable sloop that offers hassle-free sailing."[5]
References
- McArthur, Bruce (2019). "American 14.6 sailboat". sailboatdata.com. Archived from the original on 1 July 2019. Retrieved 28 August 2019.
- McArthur, Bruce (2019). "American Sail Inc, (USA)". sailboatdata.com. Archived from the original on 11 July 2020. Retrieved 28 August 2019.
- American Sail Inc. "American 14.6 sailboat". americansail.com. Archived from the original on 6 February 2017. Retrieved 28 August 2019.
- Staff (18 June 2003). "American 14.6: Defining Daysailing". boats.com. Archived from the original on 22 June 2018. Retrieved 15 August 2019.
- Society for the Education of American Sailors. "About the American 14.6". bergen.sailseas.com. Archived from the original on 22 June 2018. Retrieved 28 August 2019.
