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Sailboat Specifications

Ds 20

Fractional Sloop · Swing Keel

Designed by Diller & Schwill · Built by Schwill Yachts Inc. (Can) · First built 1972

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LOA 20.42 ft  ·  Beam 7.58 ft  ·  Displacement 1,850.00 lb  ·  Sail Area 170.00 ft²  ·  Fractional Sloop  ·  Swing Keel
About the Ds 20 Sailboat

Built by Schwill Yachts in Canada from 1972 to 1983, this compact cruiser represents thoughtful design work by Diller & Schwill for sailors seeking versatility in a trailerable package. The swing keel configuration stands as the boat's defining feature, allowing draft reduction from 4 feet to just inches for shallow water exploration and easy launching. With its fractional sloop rig and fiberglass construction, the DS 20 delivers respectable performance for coastal cruising and weekend adventures. The 170 square feet of sail area provides adequate power for its 1,850-pound displacement, while the 650-pound ballast ensures stability when the keel is deployed. The boat's 18.09 sail area-to-displacement ratio suggests lively sailing characteristics in moderate conditions. The DS 20 excels as a versatile coastal cruiser, equally at home exploring shallow bays or sailing open waters. Its swing keel design makes it particularly appealing for sailors who value the ability to beach the boat or navigate waters where fixed-keel boats cannot venture. The 20-foot length offers genuine cruising accommodations while remaining within trailerable limits, making it an excellent choice for sailors seeking adventure without marina dependencies. This combination of shallow draft capability and seaworthy design created a practical small cruiser well-suited for exploring diverse coastal waters.

Dimensions & Specifications
LOA (Length Overall) 20.42 ft / 6.22 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 18.07 ft / 5.51 m
Beam 7.58 ft / 2.31 m
Max Draft 4.00 ft / 1.22 m
Min Draft 1.83 ft / 0.56 m
Displacement 1,850.00 lb / 839 kg
Ballast 650.00 lb / 295 kg
Sail Area (Reported) 170.00 ft² / 15.79 m²
Design & Construction
Hull Type Swing Keel
Rigging Type Fractional Sloop
Construction FG
Designer Diller & Schwill
Builder Schwill Yachts Inc. (CAN)
First Built 1972
Last Built 1983
Related Sailboats San Juan 21 · Holder 20 · Cal 21 · Santana 20 · Newport 20
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Engine & Accommodations
Water Capacity 20 gals / 76 L
Frequently Asked Questions

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

The Ds 20 has a Sail Area to Displacement ratio (SA/D) of 18.09. Values between 14–18 are typical cruising sailboats; 18–22 is cruiser/racer; over 22 is performance racing.

What is the Ds 20's comfort ratio?

The Ds 20 has a Ted Brewer Comfort Ratio of 10.25. A ratio over 30 indicates good offshore comfort; over 40 is very comfortable offshore.

Is the Ds 20 safe for offshore sailing?

The Ds 20 has a Capsize Screening Formula value of 2.47. Values under 2.0 are considered acceptable for offshore sailing; under 1.8 is ideal.

What is the hull speed of the Ds 20?

The theoretical hull speed of the Ds 20 is 5.70 kn knots, calculated from its waterline length.

How much does a Ds 20 weigh?

The Ds 20 has a displacement of 1,850.00 lb and a length overall (LOA) of 20.42 ft.

Who designed the Ds 20?

The Ds 20 was designed by Diller & Schwill, first built in 1972.