[1][3] The design was built by Jack A. Helms Co., Jibetech and more recently, by Turner Marine in the United States, but it is now out of production.

The hull features a vertical transom, a transom-hung rudder controlled by a tiller and a retractable steel or aluminum centerboard.

[1][3] The boat has a draft of 4.00 ft (1.22 m) with the centerboard extended and 6 in (15 cm) with it retracted, allowing beaching or ground transportation on a trailer.

It may also be optionally equipped with built-in suction bailers, barber haulers, transom flaps and hiking straps.

[3] In a 1994 review Richard Sherwood wrote, "The Y Flyer has a hard chine and flat bottom and is unusually stable.