Sea Snark

Description

Sea Snark (also known as the Super Snark) is an 11-foot ultralight, car-toppable sailboat introduced in 1958 by Meyers Boat Company (Snark Sailboats) of the USA. It was one of the most successful entry-level sailboats ever produced, with an estimated 30,000 or more built (contributing to the brand’s claim of nearly half a million Snarks of various models overall). Early versions were famously marketed through product coupons (e.g., cereal or other promotions), making sailing accessible to beginners and families. The hull is constructed from expanded polystyrene foam (Styrofoam) clad in durable ABS plastic—“Armorclad”—rendering it virtually unsinkable, extremely light, and resistant to damage. It features a simple lateen rig with a 45 ft² nylon sail, a removable wooden daggerboard, and a kick-up rudder. The design prioritizes ease of use, stability, and minimalist fun for protected waters, daysailing, or learning to sail. It can carry 2–3 people (up to about 310–475 lb capacity depending on variant) and is often praised for its forgiving nature—the lateen rig spills wind in gusts, reducing capsize risk. Many examples from the 1960s–1970s remain in service today.