RS Sailing RS 300 1998 boat specs
RS Sailing
RS Sailing RS 300 1998
1998
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VS
RS Sailing RS 500 S 2006 boat specs
RS Sailing
RS Sailing RS 500 S 2006
2006
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RS Sailing RS 300 1998 vs RS Sailing RS 500 S 2006 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The RS Sailing RS 300 1998 vs RS Sailing RS 500 S 2006 comparison sits squarely in the category of decisions where specs alone won't tell the whole story — intended use, storage, and long-term ownership costs all factor in.

On paper these two are close siblings in the size department — RS Sailing RS 300 1998 at 13,9 ft versus RS Sailing RS 500 S 2006 at 14,3 ft. At 128 lbs and 220 lbs respectively, both sit in a similar weight class — either should pair comfortably with most mid-size SUVs and half-ton trucks, though always confirm your specific tow rating with the motor added.

Both boats are rated for 4 passengers — a good fit for a family of four or five plus guests. Comfort at capacity is another matter; the longer hull typically means more seat options and better weight distribution.

Both boats sit in a similar displacement bracket — 128 lbs for the RS Sailing RS 300 1998 and 220 lbs for the RS Sailing RS 500 S 2006. Comparable displacement means broadly similar seakeeping behaviour and load capacity, though hull form and ballast ratio will still produce noticeably different sailing characteristics.

The RS Sailing RS 300 1998 uses fractional_rig_sloop rigging.

Both the RS Sailing RS 300 1998 and RS Sailing RS 500 S 2006 are listed as trailerable, which opens up the freedom to explore different sailing grounds without paying for a permanent berth.

Bottom line: The RS Sailing RS 300 1998 and RS Sailing RS 500 S 2006 are closely matched on paper. A sea trial on both in representative conditions is the only reliable way to find which one suits your sailing style, home port, and intended cruising ground.
Measurements / Dimensions
Length overall - Detail13.90 ft
Length overall - Detail14.30 ft
Length - Feet13.9
Length - Feet14.3
Length overall - Meters4.24
Length overall - Meters4.36
Length overall - Inches167
Length overall - Inches172
Beam6.50 ft
Beam5.20 ft
Beam - Meters1.98
Beam - Meters1.58
Beam - Inches78
Beam - Inches62
Displacement127.80 lbs
Displacement220.00 lbs
Draft [max] - Detailnot available
Draft [max] - Detail3.80 ft
Draft [max] - Metersnot available
Draft [max] - Meters1.16
Draft [max] - Inchesnot available
Draft [max] - Inches46
Body / Hull
Rudder1 transom hung rudder
Rudder1 transom hung rudder
Helm1 tiller
Helm1 tiller
Operational Info
TrailerableYes
TrailerableYes
Riggingfractional_rig_sloop
Riggingfractional_rig_sloop
Mast ConfigurationDeck stepped mast
Mast ConfigurationDeck stepped mast
Boat typeSail
Boat typeSail

RS Sailing RS 300 1998 vs RS Sailing RS 500 S 2006 — Common Questions

Which is the larger boat — the RS Sailing RS 300 1998 or the RS Sailing RS 500 S 2006?
The RS Sailing RS 500 S 2006 is the longer of the two at 14,3 feet overall. The RS Sailing RS 300 1998 comes in at 13,9 feet, making it roughly 0,4 ft shorter — a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.
Which is easier to trailer — the RS Sailing RS 300 1998 or the RS Sailing RS 500 S 2006?
For trailering, the RS Sailing RS 300 1998 has the edge at 128 lbs dry weight versus 220 lbs for the RS Sailing RS 500 S 2006. Add a motor (typically 300–500 lbs for an outboard in this class), gear, and a partial fuel load and the difference grows. Lighter is friendlier on smaller tow vehicles and on fuel economy while hauling.
How many people can each boat hold?
The RS Sailing RS 300 1998 is Coast Guard rated for 4 passengers, while the RS Sailing RS 500 S 2006 is certified for 4. Note that legal capacity and comfortable capacity aren't always the same thing — on a full day out, most experienced boaters aim for about 80% of the rated number to keep things comfortable.
Is the RS Sailing RS 300 1998 or the RS Sailing RS 500 S 2006 better suited for offshore sailing?
For offshore work, displacement and construction are the primary indicators. The RS Sailing RS 500 S 2006 at 220 lbs displacement is the heavier, more load-carrying design — generally better suited to extended passages where seakeeping and provisioning capacity matter most. The RS Sailing RS 300 1998 at 128 lbs will typically be livelier and more responsive in lighter conditions.
Can the RS Sailing RS 300 1998 and RS Sailing RS 500 S 2006 be trailered?
Yes — both the RS Sailing RS 300 1998 and RS Sailing RS 500 S 2006 are listed as trailerable, which means you can store either at home, launch at different ramps, and avoid marina fees entirely. Confirm rig height against your route's bridge clearances before the first trip.
Which boat is wider, and does it affect trailering?
The RS Sailing RS 300 1998 measures 78" wide, compared to 62" for the RS Sailing RS 500 S 2006. The US standard-width towing limit is 8’6" (102") in most states — anything over that may need a wide-load permit. Confirm your specific route requirements with each state's DOT.
Are the RS Sailing RS 300 1998 and RS Sailing RS 500 S 2006 from the same manufacturer?
Yes — both the RS Sailing RS 300 1998 and the RS Sailing RS 500 S 2006 are built by RS Sailing. That means shared dealer networks, common parts availability, and consistent build quality across the line. The choice between them is essentially a question of how much boat you need, not which brand you trust.