Vagabond 18 by Bateau.com

The Vagabond 18 (VG18) is a fast daysailor with cabin. It's program is mostly day sailing with occasional overnight cruises. The hull lines of the 18 are very close to the proven VG20 hull but the focus in this design was on a large cockpit and slightly smaller overall size.

Sailing performance was not sacrificed. Because of the program of the VG18, we are able to use wide angle swept back spreaders and eliminate the backstay. We would not choose that rig for a cruising boat but it is perfectly adequate for a boat with a less ambitious program. This allows the use of a powerful fully battened main and will make the boat easy to handle under main alone.

If you want to sail in the Micro Class, the boat can be shortened 2" with a very simple change at the bow. We will include that modification in the plans on request.

The Vagabond 18 is an excellent first boat: simple lines, easy to build and to sail but elegant.

A 3HP outboard will push her at hull speed but anything larger than 6 HP is overkill.

The shallow draft CB and lifting rudder allows access to remote waters and makes launching and retrieving from the trailer very easy.

The aft part of the cockpit is and ideal swim platform.

Thanks to it's large battened main, the VG18 can be sailed as a catboat but she will show her full potential with the jib or spinnaker rigged on a retractable pole.

Tranquil cruising one day, performance sailing the next, the Vagabond 18 is a versatile boat on which a beginner can learn but will stay exciting for an experienced sailor.

Layout

From the bow: a classic vee birth close to 7' long in diagonal with room for a Porta-Potty underneath. Immediately behind the mast bulkhead is a small galley to starboard faced by a hanging locker or storage bin to port.

The saloon is short because priority was given to cockpit space but two long bunks (7' 8") extend under the cockpit seats.

The boat can be built without the galley or the locker shown on the port side. This will produce a open and clean layout with more seating room. All the frame dimensions for that layout are on the plans.

The cockpit is as large as in some 35' sailboats! The total length is just a few inches under 8' and the two benches are 6' long: once can sleep under the stars. There are convenient lockers in the backrests (gunwale). The cockpit and benches are sloped towards the stern and drain easily and fast.

The tiller runs under the main traveler making sail adjustments easy. It can be fitted with an extension.