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SANIBEL 18 FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

General Questions

What is a Sanibel 18?

The Sanibel 18 is a small, single-mast, centerboard, with internal lead ballast sailboat designed for easy trailering and casual cruising in protected and semi-protected waters. Designed as a "pocket cruiser," the boat provides short-term sleeping and living accommodations for a couple or perhaps a small family.

Who makes the Sanibel 18?

The Sanibel 18 is manufactured by International Marine (IM) in Inglewood, California.

Why is it called "Sanibel"?

For Sanibel Island off the coast of Florida.

Trailering

What vehicles are suitable for towing the Sanibel 18?

Sanibel 18s are safely towed with Mini-vans, light pickups, and assorted SUV’s are all popular tow vehicles. Consult the owner's manual for your vehicle for towing restrictions and requirements.

How much do the boat, motor, and trailer weigh?

The Sanibel 18 combo without added gear weighs about 2000 lbs, on the Baja Trailer. These weights apply to the standard boat and trailer combinations as currently delivered. Based on expected gear, weight for the Sanibel 18 when fully equipped with typical gear and a 5 Horsepower 4 Stroke motor is about 2200 lbs.

What size trailer hitch and ball do I need?

A standard 2" ball will work and the electrical connection is via a "flat four" connector.

What do I have to do to prepare the boat for towing?

After the boat is on the trailer you should secure the centerboard, remove the outboard motor, lower the mast and secure it, secure or remove all loose gear, and attach tie-down straps to secure the boat to the trailer.

Will a Sanibel 18 fit in my garage?

The Sanibel 18 is a close call in most garages, but if you have a swing tongue on your trailer the boat will probably fit. We suggest contacting us with questions to ensure the boat will fit inside the space required.

Rigging

How long does it take to launch and rig a Sanibel 18?

Allow an hour or so for the first time. It will take you some time to figure out how it all works and develop a routine. The setup time decreases significantly with experience; probably to 30 minutes or less for owners who do much trailering.

Can I rig and launch a Sanibel 18 by myself?

Yes, most owners do. It is easier and faster with an assistant, of course.

How well does the Sanibel 18 factory mast raising system work?

It will allow one person to raise the mast without much difficulty. If you have an extra person it is easier to raise the mast with the mini-stays installed but without installing the mast support pole. Many owners have developed alternative mast raising systems as well.

What are the mini-stays for on the Sanibel 18?

The mini-stays attach to U-bolts mounted on the cabin top, and keep the mast from tipping sideways while raising it. They should be somewhat loose at all times. They don't do anything while the mast is up, since the mast is supported by the other stays and shrouds.

Can I leave the boat unattended in the water with the centerboard up?

Technically yes, but if you keep the boat anchored or on a mooring that is subject to significant wave action and we recommend leaving the centerboard down.

Performance

How fast is the Sanibel 18 (maximum speed)?

The theoretical displacement hull speed of a Sanibel 18 is 5.3 knots.

How well does the Sanibel 18 sail in light air?

Generally about the same as other boats in their size/weight class. Just about any breeze at all will move them.

How can I improve my boat's performance?

There are some options that may help: IM offers a high performance sails for the Sanibel 18 that improves control and pointing into the wind, especially in strong winds. There are also various headsail options, including a lapper, genoa, and gennaker (asymmetrical spinnaker). Beyond adding options, the best ways to improve performance are the traditional ones: keep the bottom clean, tune the rig as best you can, remove unnecessary gear and stow all other gear as low in the boat as possible (and securely), and improve your sailing technique.

Heavy weather sailing

How much wind can a Sanibel 18 really take?

More than most owners can. The real issue is the pilot's capability, experience, and comfort level more than the boat's capability.

When should I reef?

Short answer: If you think it might be time to reef, it is. Aside from that, you should consider reefing if you find yourself releasing the sheets frequently to dump wind. Gusty conditions may dictate earlier reefing. Remember that it is always easier to reef early than late. If you think you might experience high winds or gusty conditions later in the day, you might just want to put in the first reef at the dock.

What angle of heel should I expect in heavy wind conditions?

Most owners say the Sanibel 18 will heel about 20 degrees or less for optimum performance. Anything over 20 degrees of heel will slow the boat down.

How "unsinkable" is the Sanibel 18?

The Sanibel 18 has enough closed-cell flotation foam installed to keep the boat afloat when allowed to fill with water. Regarding the installed positive flotation: It is in the form of closed-cell flowed polyurethane foam and is well distributed and firmly attached to the hull, but it is not comparable to the foam sandwich construction used in (for example) Boston Whaler power boats. Can my boat capsize?  How can I prevent that?

Any boat can capsize and the Sanibel 18 is not any more susceptible than any comparable boat. Wind alone probably won't do it and in the known cases where a boat was capsized, some other factors were involved, usually involving poor sail handling, poor load balance, or similar operator error.

What modifications should I make to improve the boat's safety in heavy weather?

As delivered, the Sanibel 18 is reasonably safe when cruising in protected or semi-protected waters. If you are pushing the limits of the boat some modifications may be in order: 1)      If you routinely sail in strong winds, you might want to add a second set of reef points in the main. 2)      If your only headsail is a lapper and you do not have roller furling, you may add a standard jib to your sail inventory. 3)      Harness point attachments with backing plates are available as an option.

Motoring

What size outboard motor should I use?

Standard for the Sanibel 18 is a 5 HP motor 4-Stroke engine (environmentally more friendly, no need to mix oil and gas, very efficient). Don't use a larger motor than you need.

What kind of standard motor mount is supplied with the boat?

The Sanibel 18 has a retractable motor mount.

Can I use an electric trolling motor?

It really depends on how much motoring you plan to do and under what conditions. Lake sailors may be fine with an electric motor, but if you sail out of sight of land or must run an inlet you should have a reliable gas outboard.

How fast will a Sanibel 18 go under power?

The Sanibel 18 will run at hull speed with a 5 HP motor.

How do I steer a Sanibel 19 under power?

The preferred technique is to lock the motor pointing straight ahead and steer with the tiller. In extreme conditions (for example, when towing another boat or fighting a strong crosswise current) you may find that you need to steer with both the rudder and the tiller simultaneously to get good directional control.

Can I motor safely with the centerboard up?

Yes, but be aware that the boat will be somewhat more tender with the keel up. If there is much wind or chop you will feel more secure with it down.

Factory Options and Accessories

What is the premium lay-up (AKA the Blue Water Package)?

The premium lay-up option includes two extra layers of fiberglass on the bottom of the hull and balsa coring on the companionway bulkhead. This lay-up adds extra weight in the bottom of the hull and stiffness to the overall boat which gives the owner heavier construction and feeling of strength, stiffness, and solidity in choppy conditions.

An item I want is not on the options list provided – what can I do?

This boat will be built for you and we encourage special requests and will try to accommodate them. IM is very flexible and will work with you on packaging and pricing to assure you get the equipment you want.

I have my own VHF Radio, can International Marine install a VHF antenna

Yes, the standard location for the VHF antenna is at the top of the masts, which is really the best place for it on a sailboat and please contact us for the installation charge.

Can I sail with the Bimini up?

Yes, there is enough boom clearance to allow this.

What comes with the Anchor System?

We supply Danforth-style anchors in our package deals, which are satisfactory for general use. The anchor currently supplied is 9 pounds. Each package comes with an anchor hanger, bow-roller, chain, and anchor line. An often-cited rule of thumb is one foot of chain for each foot of boat length, so a Sanibel 18 comes with 20 feet.

Do I need winches to use the Genoa?

Not necessarily, but it depends on your own strength. Most boats that have a Genoa also have Genoa tracks and winches. A few owners use the Genoa without winches.

Should I put bottom paint on my boat?

If you keep your boat in salt water for any length of time you must apply anti-fouling paint to the bottom; otherwise, marine growth will quickly impair the boat's performance. If you keep your boat in fresh water bottom paint is not a strict requirement, but is recommended. Trailer boats stored out of the water don't need bottom paint as a rule. Bottom paint is an option available with your new Sanibel 18.

How can I rig my Sanibel 18 for single-handed sailing?

Most owners who do much single-handing run all lines aft to allow raising and lowering the sails from the cockpit. We offer an option called the Singlehanders package which leads the halyards to the cockpit, installation of a jib downhaul, and a tiller tamer.

Staying Aboard

Can a person really be comfortable staying on a boat as small as a Sanibel 18 for any length of time?

Many owners vacation on their boats for a long week at a stretch. It is a matter of personal preference of course, but the Sanibel 18 has a surprising amount of room inside; comparable and more efficient than most other boats in its class.

How usable is the porta-potti that comes with the Sanibel 18 package, and what is its capacity?

The porta-potti has a 2.6 gallon holding tank and the same size flush water tank. It works as well as any porta-potti, which is satisfactory for weekend or vacation use.

How useable are the quarter berths on a Sanibel 18?

The length and width of the oversized Quarter Berth are great for all sizes of people. With sitting head room inside and two great places to sleep, the Sanibel 18 works well for an overnighter.

Does the Sanibel 18 cabin stay dry in the rain?

Generally, yes. A little water may come in at the top of the companionway door during a heavy rain, especially if there is wind from astern, but never a serious amount.

Buying and selling

Is the Sanibel 18 a good "beginner" boats?

The Sanibel 18 is very responsive so they make good training platforms. They are one of the easiest boats to launch and rig in their size class. They are, however, "real" sailboats, with controls and rigging similar to that found on many larger cruisers, so they may be a bit intimidating for a person with little experience and no teacher ready at hand. A person with no sailing experience whatsoever should strongly consider some sailing lessons to gain experience and confidence.

How do I go about buying a new boat? Is there a Sanibel 18 dealer in my area?

IM does not use a dealer network, preferring to sell direct to the customer. If you live in the Los Angeles area or are willing to travel you can visit the factory to see new boats being made and place your order there. You can also place an order at one of the boat shows we attend or over the phone if you can't come to the factory (800-433-4080). We are happy to prepare a quote for you on the boat configuration you are considering.

How well does the direct-sales system work? All the non-Sanibel 18 boaters I know bought their boats through a local dealer.

Direct allows IM to sell their boats for substantially less than if they used a dealer network. When warranty service is needed, IM works closely with the owner and local service providers to resolve the issue. The service providers get paid their going rates for service, so they have no motivation to cut corners.

Should I buy a Sanibel 18 or a West Wight Potter 19?

Short answer: If you are mostly a day sailor with the occasional overnight and wish to take 4 or more people with you the Sanibel 18 is your boat. If you plan to overnight for an extended period then the Potter 19 could be a better fit. But there is no "right" answer; you will have to look carefully at both.

Should I buy a new or used boat?

The Sanibel 18 was produced under different names and sizes in the 1980s so used boats do exist but they do not incorporate the latest features introduced by IM. Depending on what features most interest you that might be a factor but also a 20 year old boat may come with many problems and become a job in itself to restore and maintain.

Repairs, Parts, and Service

How do I get warranty service if I don't live near the IM factory?

IM arranges warranty repairs on a case-by-case basis using repair facilities in or near the owner's area.

Where can I get replacement parts?

IM can supply parts for all newly constructed Sanibel 18s and some parts for the older boats produced in the 1980s.