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Flying Scot boats

Flying Scot is a 19 foot centerboard sloop, a one design class built since 1957 for club racing and recreational day sailing. With 109 registered hulls in the US spanning builds from the late 1970s through the early 2000s, these boats suit families and sailors who want a stable, forgiving platform for weekend sailing or one design competition. The fleet includes primarily pure sailboats, with a small minority rigged with auxiliary gasoline or electric power.

Registered hulls109US registry
Recalls0USCG / CPSC
Median length19 ftmostly none / na

Are Flying Scot boats reliable?

Flying Scot boats show strong longevity, with zero USCG recalls on record and active registrations of hulls dating back to 1979. Ownership costs center on sail replacement every 5 to 10 years depending on use, standing and running rigging maintenance, and occasional fiberglass repairs to the deck or hull. The simple rig and robust construction keep annual expenses modest compared to larger cruising sailboats.

Common problems to inspect on a used Flying Scot

  • Soft spots in the deck or hull from delamination, especially around the mast step and centerboard trunk
  • Worn or corroded centerboard pivot pin and pennant system
  • Stretched or aged standing rigging, particularly on boats older than 15 years
  • Delaminated or blown out sails that need replacement

Registry footprint

Registered hulls (US sample) 109
Median length 19.0 ft
Most-registered model years 2000 (7), 2005 (5), 1979 (4), 1987 (4), 2002 (4), 2003 (4)
Fuel mix None / NA 80 · Gasoline 8 · Electric 3

Sample = US state open-data vessel registries (currently Texas + New York, ~875k vessels). Treat as a representative slice of recreational US inventory.

Recalls (0)

No USCG recalls on file for Flying Scot.

USCG MIC entries (1)

Frequently asked questions

Are Flying Scot boats good for beginners?

Yes, the Flying Scot is stable and forgiving, making it a popular choice for sailing schools and families learning to sail. The boat is large enough to be comfortable but simple enough to single hand or manage with a small crew.

What is the resale value of a Flying Scot?

Used Flying Scots typically range from 3,000 to 12,000 dollars depending on age, condition, and included sails and gear. The active one design racing fleet helps maintain demand and resale values compared to other boats of similar age.

How much does it cost to maintain a Flying Scot per year?

Annual costs average 500 to 1,500 dollars for storage, basic maintenance, and rigging inspection. Sail replacement every several years adds 1,500 to 3,000 dollars when needed, but many owners stretch this interval with proper care.

Can a Flying Scot be trailered and launched easily?

Yes, at around 850 pounds with a simple mast raising system, the Flying Scot is designed for trailering and can be launched by two people at most ramps. This makes it practical for sailors without permanent slip access.

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