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Sailboat Specifications

Cruisette 20 Paceship

Fractional Sloop · Fin Keel

Designed by G. William Mcvay · Built by Paceship Yachts · First built 1963

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LOA 19.50 ft  ·  Beam 6.83 ft  ·  Displacement 1,100.00 lb  ·  Sail Area 185.00 ft²  ·  Fractional Sloop  ·  Fin Keel
About the Cruisette 20 Paceship Sailboat

Designed as an accessible entry point into sailing, this compact cruiser from the Paceship yard represents thoughtful engineering scaled for smaller waters and modest budgets. The Cruisette 20 emerged during an era when builders focused on creating seaworthy pocket cruisers that could offer genuine sailing experiences without the complexity of larger vessels. Built with a traditional approach to small boat design, the hull strikes a balance between stability and performance that makes her suitable for coastal day sailing and weekend adventures. Her modest dimensions don't compromise her ability to handle typical coastal conditions, though she's clearly intended for protected waters rather than offshore passages. The cockpit and cabin arrangement prioritize functionality over luxury, providing essential amenities for short-term cruising while maintaining the boat's role as primarily a day sailer. Her design reflects the practical Canadian boatbuilding philosophy that Paceship was known for during their production years. For sailors seeking an affordable introduction to cruising or a simple coastal companion, the Cruisette 20 offers honest sailing characteristics without pretension. She represents the kind of straightforward, well-built small cruiser that can provide years of reliable service for those who appreciate traditional sailing values.

Dimensions & Specifications
LOA (Length Overall) 19.50 ft / 5.94 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 18.17 ft / 5.54 m
Beam 6.83 ft / 2.08 m
Max Draft 3.42 ft / 1.04 m
Displacement 1,100.00 lb / 499 kg
Ballast 325.00 lb / 147 kg
Sail Area (Reported) 185.00 ft² / 17.19 m²
Design & Construction
Hull Type Fin Keel
Rigging Type Fractional Sloop
Construction FG
Designer G. William McVay
Builder Paceship Yachts
First Built 1963
Last Built 1970
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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Cruisette 20 Paceship's sail area to displacement ratio?

The Cruisette 20 Paceship has a Sail Area to Displacement ratio (SA/D) of 27.83. Values between 14–18 are typical cruising sailboats; 18–22 is cruiser/racer; over 22 is performance racing.

What is the Cruisette 20 Paceship's comfort ratio?

The Cruisette 20 Paceship has a Ted Brewer Comfort Ratio of 7.08. A ratio over 30 indicates good offshore comfort; over 40 is very comfortable offshore.

Is the Cruisette 20 Paceship safe for offshore sailing?

The Cruisette 20 Paceship has a Capsize Screening Formula value of 2.65. Values under 2.0 are considered acceptable for offshore sailing; under 1.8 is ideal.

What is the hull speed of the Cruisette 20 Paceship?

The theoretical hull speed of the Cruisette 20 Paceship is 5.71 knots, calculated from its waterline length.

How much does a Cruisette 20 Paceship weigh?

The Cruisette 20 Paceship has a displacement of 1,100.00 lb and a length overall (LOA) of 19.50 ft.

Who designed the Cruisette 20 Paceship?

The Cruisette 20 Paceship was designed by G. William Mcvay, first built in 1963.