This is reflected in its Portsmouth Yardstick of 805[1] and D-PN of 76.3[2] The Dart 18 was designed and built by Panthercraft, which was formed in 1969 The first Dart 18, designed and built in Falmouth, Cornwall, is now owned by the National Maritime Museum Cornwall.

Up to the present, a number of improvements have been made, but the original concept was preserved through strict class rules.

Both hulls are filled with flotation inserts to preserve buoyancy in case of damage.

The two rudders are removable without tools, retract on impact with the beach, and can be locked in the up position.

The mainsail does not have a boom, has nine full battens, and is controlled by a main sheet with a 7:1 mechanical advantage.