Built between 1971 and 1976 by Canada's Grampian Marine Ltd., this compact cruiser represents an era when trailerable sailboats prioritized versatility over pure performance. Designer Alex Mcgruer created a practical coastal cruiser that could handle both weekend adventures and seasonal sailing programs. The swing keel configuration is this boat's defining characteristic, retracting to allow launching from most boat ramps while providing the stability needed for confident sailing. With a displacement of 3,200 pounds and moderate ballast ratio, the design strikes a reasonable balance between stability and transportability. The masthead sloop rig delivers 241 square feet of working sail area, providing adequate power for coastal conditions without overwhelming novice sailors. At 23.25 feet overall with an 8-foot beam, the hull offers respectable interior volume for weekend cruising while remaining manageable for a small crew. The fiberglass construction has proven durable over the decades, with many examples still actively sailing. The comfort ratio of 14.33 suggests a relatively quick motion in waves, typical of lighter displacement designs, while the capsize screening value of 2.17 indicates suitability for protected waters and moderate coastal sailing rather than extended offshore passages. With 450 hulls produced during its five-year run, the Grampian 23 developed a loyal following among sailors seeking an affordable, trailerable cruiser capable of genuine sailing performance.
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What is the Grampian 23's sail area to displacement ratio?
The Grampian 23 has a Sail Area to Displacement ratio (SA/D) of 17.8. Values between 14–18 are typical cruising sailboats; 18–22 is cruiser/racer; over 22 is performance racing.
What is the Grampian 23's comfort ratio?
The Grampian 23 has a Ted Brewer Comfort Ratio of 14.33. A ratio over 30 indicates good offshore comfort; over 40 is very comfortable offshore.
Is the Grampian 23 safe for offshore sailing?
The Grampian 23 has a Capsize Screening Formula value of 2.17. Values under 2.0 are considered acceptable for offshore sailing; under 1.8 is ideal.
What is the hull speed of the Grampian 23?
The theoretical hull speed of the Grampian 23 is 6.13 kn knots, calculated from its waterline length.
How much does a Grampian 23 weigh?
The Grampian 23 has a displacement of 3,200.00 lb and a length overall (LOA) of 23.25 ft.
Who designed the Grampian 23?
The Grampian 23 was designed by Alex Mcgruer, first built in 1971.