(American 18)  I bought my American 18 five years ago .  I had looked at the competition but was ready to buy when I emailed American Sail and got a quick reply from Dave Stanton.  I asked him to help me decide which was the better boat for me.  He chuckled saying this was his easist reply of the day.  Hands down he had me swayed.  I definietely made the right choice.  Doing business with American Sail was a positive experience.  They gave me the feeling although they were a great distance away, that I was doing business with the folks next door.  I frequently sail in Salem harbor in Massachusettes.  As a trailer sailor, I often get compliments about the American 18 at the boat ramp.  Others marvel at how well the boat is made as well as how quick and easy it is to rig and launch.  It also is roomy and the seating is easy on the back.  It is a great confidence builder for anyone graduating from a sunfish style boat.  I am looking forward to many happy trouble free years ahead sailing my 18.  Many thanks for building a great boat as well as a great reputation.

Marshall R., Dracut, MA

(American 18)  I can launch and retrieve the boat, as well as raise and lower the mast by myself.  My 4 cylinder Camry does a good job of pulling the boat.  We have used the boat on Raritan Bay, Lake Hopatcong, and Spruce Run Reservoir.  The boat seats four adults comfortably.  I have especially appreciated the people at American Sail who have been very friendly and helpful.  We are having a lot of fun with this boat and I would recommend the American 18  to anyone who is looking for what I think is a safe, stable daysailer.

Hal S., Montclair, NJ

(American 14.6 I began sailing in 1963, eventually owned a small “wet” boat, but had gotten away from sailing until the desire re-surfaced a few years ago.  In the spring and summer of 2008 I began looking for a used sail boat in “ready-to-sail” condition using various on-line sources. I also checked new boat models and prices, but decided to buy used based on my personal economic situation. After locating several options and getting the input of a life-long friend, boat owner, sailor, and racer, who knew me and what I wanted in a boat very well, I narrowed the choice to three, one of them being the American Sail 14.6 model.  After looking up information at respective web sites, I contacted American Sail to inquire about a specially priced “boat show special” 14.6 whose price was “enticing” even compared to used boat prices.  Unfortunately I was one prospective buyer too late and missed out on the deal.   American Sail’s owner gave me helpful suggestions on things to look for, as well as avoid, in used boat buying.  Finally, the used American Sail model I wanted was listed  and after having another friend look it over for me on site [with me talking to him on his cell phone], I bought it.  I was thrilled to get it and loved using it.  Setting it up and actually sailing it was as easy as advertised at their web site and on the water it exceeded my expectations for a boat of its size and design. My longtime sailing buddy who advised me during my search sailed for a day with me and was very impressed with the boat and its lively, but stable, performance and responsiveness, and ease of use.  I later e-mailed Dave at American Sail, somewhat reluctantly, to tell him I had bought an American Sail boat finally, even though it wasn’t the new one he had been promoting.  When I mentioned that no instructions were with it, he promptly mailed me a packet of information that would have come with the boat.  From my initial inquiries about American Sail boats, through my shopping online for used models [American Sail and various other manufacturers of similar-sized boats] folks at American Sail [especially the president] have treated me with first-class consideration and assistance.  Even after acquiring a used American Sail 14.6 boat in a private sale,  American Sail has responded to numerous additional questions and communications from me as though I had bought their most expensive model new from their plant.  The willingness of the staff [from the President on down] to answer questions and provide repeated assistance in helping me at every turn has been highly impressive.  Although selling me one of their new boats was naturally their goal, what seems to matter most to them is that I am an American Sail owner. Period. They treat me with the same regard as if I had purchased new from them directly.  That type of service and respect goes a long way to instilling high confidence in having chosen the right product and manufacturer, and commends them highly to me for future boating needs. It also gives me great confidence in recommending them and their products to anyone else who is trying to decide in which direction to go.  Thanks so much for your most helpful assistance.

Lee H., Wingate, NC

(American 14.6)  We bought our boat from Dave Stanton at a boat show in 2000 and have sailed it summers in Niantic Bay, CT.  This bay is nationally known as a challenging sailing venue for its frequently changing winds and waves.  The boat handles well in light and strong wind and is relatively easy to launch and retrieve off a beach using a dolly.  The rigging/unrigging is quick and easy and the origninal equipment has held up extremely well through use and outside storage in the winter.  Recently I ordered new battens and received them two days laster at (surprise!) the same price listed on my 2000 parts list!  We are very pleased with out American Sail 14.6 and get lots of "that's a great looking boat" comments and would recommend it to anyone looking for a small daysailer.

Frank C., Niantic, CT

(American 14.6) I currently have a 14.6 American Sail and it is a real winner for "pickup and take a sail".  I've owned several sail boats and by and large the 14.6 is the easiest to trail, launch in shallow water and "Sail off to Key Largo".  It sails exceptionally well in light air and is very stable in "spanking" breezes.  The rigging, halyards, and jib/main sheets are easily accessible and work flawlessly.  The key is thier simplicity and color coordination of lines.  Mine is powered by a long shaft 4HP Merc outboard which is more than ample.  While the gas outboard is better for longer range, an electric motor would be sufficient for creek or small lake sailing.  Innovative storage in the forward area is more than adequate.  The 14.6 is a joy and great value all of which are backed up by a company that is customer focused, responsive to owners needs with a solid reputation obtained the old fashioned way..."They earned it" 

George P., Aquia Creek, VA

(Pennant)  What a great little boat!!!  My children wanted a boat that was "theirs", one they could take out on their own and maybe take a friend.  I wanted something that was fun and easy to sail but stable.  The Pennant fit the bill perfectly.  It's incredibly easy to sail.  It's a good performer, and it's A LOT of fun!!!  At the same time, the hull is incredibly stable.  I feel good about the children sitting "in" the boat rather than on top of it, and it handles the watkes of the skiers and go fast boats perfectly.  The sail plan is large enough to offer good performance, but small enough that I don't worry about it being overpowering for the children.  I'm not sure it's possible for the wind to knock it down.  The other thing that I was looking for in a boat was a sail plan that would translate to our Catalina 30.  My children are learning to work a jib and main to the point that when we went out on the 30 this last weekend, I told my 11 year old that I would him set the trim throughout the trip without my interference.  He sailed her perfectly.  The only issus I've had with the Pennant is that I haven't gotten to use my 30 as much as I would like.  When I say, "do you want to go sailing?" I always get the same response.  "Yeah!!, Can we take the Pennant?"  Dave and the staff at American Sail are wonderful to work with.  They build a relationship with you and work with you to build your dream, not just make a sale.  Given the opportunity, I would make the same decision over and over again.

Les, G., Colonial Beach, VA

(American 14.6)  I have just completed my first summer of owning an American 14.6. I had not sailed in about 25 years and at that time I sailed a penguin. I had been casually looking for a sailboat and discovered the American boat at the (Chesapeake) Bay Bridge Boat Show. It was important for me to find a comfortable boat that supported my back as I have some medical problems with my lower back. The boat was just what I wanted. It was comfortable and supported my back and was very stable. The high boom was a plus providing good visibility and no need to duck the boom. I sailed the boat by myself with both the jib and the main and also with the main alone. It was no problem to step the mast and rig the boat by myself. I liked to sail in the stronger winds as the boat moved pretty fast and heeled in the wind for some fun and challenge. While I kept the boat on a jet ski lift at my dock and only launched and retrieved it once, I was pleasantly surprised at the ease in which it winched back onto the trailer. Much easier than my power boat. 

I am glad I bought this boat and would recommend it and American Sail without hesitation.   

Elizabeth S., Royal Oak, MD

(American 14.6)  A novice with an interest in sailing. That's me, then and now.  I spent 20 years in the Air Force bouncing around in transports and helicopters, but have always been interested in sailing.  I live in a great area for it, with lakes, rivers, large bodies of water (Long Island Sound and the North Shore).  The conditions vary greatly.  I needed a boat that could get in and out of dock at low tide and still handle the rough water and was simple to use.  I was lucky to have purchased the American 14.6 as my first boat.  You can read my adventures as I teach myself and learn to sail at http://mysailboat.angelfire.com/blog/ . I can not think of a better first boat.  We all love the fact that we can pull up on beaches in deserted areas and have a picnic, then just pack up and leave as easy as can be.  And the fact that its trailerable means no expensive mooring fees.  We just take it home and park in the driveway when we are not using it on the water.

Thanks for a great product and great customer support.

Terry W., Kings Park, NY

(American 14.6)  We absolutely love the boat.  My wife stays dry and comfortable on the boat, so thank you very much for that added bonus.  Our experience with boats this size left us damp and sore (that was just getting the boat in the water!).  The American 14.6 handles fantastic in light winds or stiff breeze.  This sailboat is the perfect solution for a boat that is easy to trailer, rig, and sail.  It is wonderful to spend more time sailing than rigging and trailering.  It is nice to be back on the lake. Thank You.

Lee E., Troutman, NC