RS Sailing RS 800 2001 boat specs
RS Sailing
RS Sailing RS 800 2001
2001
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RS Sailing RS Venture Sport 2010 boat specs
RS Sailing
RS Sailing RS Venture Sport 2010
2010
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RS Sailing RS 800 2001 vs RS Sailing RS Venture Sport 2010 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The RS Sailing RS 800 2001 vs RS Sailing RS Venture Sport 2010 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 800 2001 at 15,8 ft versus RS Sailing RS Venture Sport 2010 at 16,4 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the RS Sailing RS Venture Sport 2010 tips the scales at 562 lbs — 319 lbs less than the RS Sailing RS 800 2001 at 243 lbs. That difference is meaningful if you're working within a half-ton or three-quarter-ton truck's tow rating, especially once you factor in a motor, gear, and fuel.

For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The RS Sailing RS Venture Sport 2010 is rated for 5 passengers, while the RS Sailing RS 800 2001 caps at 4. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the RS Sailing RS Venture Sport 2010 could be the deciding factor.

Both boats sit in a similar displacement bracket — 243 lbs for the RS Sailing RS 800 2001 and 562 lbs for the RS Sailing RS Venture Sport 2010. Comparable displacement means broadly similar seakeeping behaviour and load capacity, though hull form and ballast ratio will still produce noticeably different sailing characteristics.

Both boats draw a similar depth — 3,1 ft and 3,1 ft respectively. Marina access and anchorage options should be broadly equivalent between the two.

The RS Sailing RS 800 2001 uses fractional_rig_sloop rigging.

Both the RS Sailing RS 800 2001 and RS Sailing RS Venture Sport 2010 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 800 2001 and RS Sailing RS Venture Sport 2010 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 - Detail15.80 ft
Length overall - Detail16.40 ft
Length - Feet15.8
Length - Feet16.4
Length overall - Meters4.82
Length overall - Meters5
Length overall - Inches190
Length overall - Inches197
Beam9.60 ft
Beam6.80 ft
Beam - Meters2.93
Beam - Meters2.07
Beam - Inches115
Beam - Inches82
Draft [max] - Detail3.10 ft
Draft [max] - Detail3.10 ft
Draft [max] - Meters0.94
Draft [max] - Meters0.94
Draft [max] - Inches37
Draft [max] - Inches37
Displacement243.00 lbs
Displacement562.00 lbs
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 800 2001 vs RS Sailing RS Venture Sport 2010 — Common Questions

Which is the larger boat — the RS Sailing RS 800 2001 or the RS Sailing RS Venture Sport 2010?
The RS Sailing RS Venture Sport 2010 is the longer of the two at 16,4 feet overall. The RS Sailing RS 800 2001 comes in at 15,8 feet, making it roughly 0,6 ft shorter — a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.
Which is easier to trailer — the RS Sailing RS 800 2001 or the RS Sailing RS Venture Sport 2010?
For trailering, the RS Sailing RS 800 2001 has the edge at 243 lbs dry weight versus 562 lbs for the RS Sailing RS Venture Sport 2010. 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 800 2001 is Coast Guard rated for 4 passengers, while the RS Sailing RS Venture Sport 2010 is certified for 5. 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.
Which boat has the deeper draft — the RS Sailing RS 800 2001 or the RS Sailing RS Venture Sport 2010?
The RS Sailing RS Venture Sport 2010 has the deeper draft at 3,1 ft, versus 3,1 ft for the RS Sailing RS 800 2001. A deeper draft generally means better upwind performance and stability, but limits access to shallow anchorages and some marina berths. Always check the controlling depth of your home port and favourite cruising grounds before committing.
Is the RS Sailing RS 800 2001 or the RS Sailing RS Venture Sport 2010 better suited for offshore sailing?
For offshore work, displacement and construction are the primary indicators. The RS Sailing RS Venture Sport 2010 at 562 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 800 2001 at 243 lbs will typically be livelier and more responsive in lighter conditions.
Can the RS Sailing RS 800 2001 and RS Sailing RS Venture Sport 2010 be trailered?
Yes — both the RS Sailing RS 800 2001 and RS Sailing RS Venture Sport 2010 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 800 2001 measures 115" wide, compared to 82" for the RS Sailing RS Venture Sport 2010. 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 800 2001 and RS Sailing RS Venture Sport 2010 from the same manufacturer?
Yes — both the RS Sailing RS 800 2001 and the RS Sailing RS Venture Sport 2010 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.