[1][2][4][5][6] The Echo 12 is a recreational sailboat, built predominantly of fibreglass, with wood trim.

For sailing it has a fractional sloop rig, with aluminum spars, a raked stem, a plumb transom, a transom-hung, kick-up rudder made from mahogany, controlled by a tiller and a retractable mahogany daggerboard.

It displaces 140 lb (64 kg), has a bow storage compartment and may be fitted with a whisker pole.

[1][2] The boat has a motor-mount pad and can be fitted with an outboard motor of up to 5 hp (4 kW).

[2] In a 1994 review Richard Sherwood wrote, "a straightforward beginner's boat, the Echo has been designed for versatility and may also be rowed or powered (with a maximum of five-horsepower outboard).