Built during the 1970s sailing boom, this compact cruiser from Coastal Recreation represents classic American small boat design philosophy. The Peter Barrett and Stan Miller collaboration resulted in a versatile 23-footer that maximized interior space while maintaining respectable sailing characteristics. The swing keel configuration stands as the boat's defining feature, allowing access to shallow anchorages and easy trailering while providing 4.58 feet of draft when deployed for upwind performance. This versatility made the design particularly appealing to coastal cruisers seeking gunkholing capabilities without sacrificing sailing ability. The substantial 815-pound ballast ratio ensures adequate stability for coastal and protected water sailing. Construction follows period standards with fiberglass hull and balsa-cored deck, providing good insulation and stiffness-to-weight ratio. The fractional sloop rig delivers manageable sail handling for small crews, while the 218 square feet of canvas provides adequate power for the 2,280-pound displacement. With a comfort ratio of 10.35, this design leans toward the sportier side of small cruisers, making it well-suited for day sailing and weekend coastal cruising rather than extended offshore passages. The reasonable sail area to displacement ratio of 20.18 suggests lively performance in moderate conditions, appealing to sailors who want responsive handling without overwhelming power.
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What is the Aquarius 23's sail area to displacement ratio?
The Aquarius 23 has a Sail Area to Displacement ratio (SA/D) of 20.18. Values between 14–18 are typical cruising sailboats; 18–22 is cruiser/racer; over 22 is performance racing.
What is the Aquarius 23's comfort ratio?
The Aquarius 23 has a Ted Brewer Comfort Ratio of 10.35. A ratio over 30 indicates good offshore comfort; over 40 is very comfortable offshore.
Is the Aquarius 23 safe for offshore sailing?
The Aquarius 23 has a Capsize Screening Formula value of 2.41. Values under 2.0 are considered acceptable for offshore sailing; under 1.8 is ideal.
What is the hull speed of the Aquarius 23?
The theoretical hull speed of the Aquarius 23 is 6.17 kn knots, calculated from its waterline length.
How much does a Aquarius 23 weigh?
The Aquarius 23 has a displacement of 2,280.00 lb and a length overall (LOA) of 22.67 ft.
How much does a used Aquarius 23 cost?
Based on 1 recent market listings, used Aquarius 23 sailboats typically sell for between $1,500 and $1,500, with a median asking price of $1,500. Price varies significantly based on year, condition, location, and included equipment.
Who designed the Aquarius 23?
The Aquarius 23 was designed by Peter Barrett / Stan Miller, first built in 1969.