Designed by Wayne Vetterlein and built by Threestrokes Ltd. in the UK starting in 1969, this compact 20-footer represents classic British small boat craftsmanship from the golden age of fiberglass construction. The King Shark 20's most distinctive feature is its triple keel configuration, an unusual arrangement that provides exceptional stability in shallow waters while maintaining surprisingly good sailing characteristics. With its masthead sloop rig carrying 190 square feet of sail area, this boat delivers spirited performance for coastal cruising and daysailing. The generous beam of 6.83 feet creates a remarkably stable platform, while the shallow 2-foot draft opens up countless anchorages and beaches that deeper-keeled boats cannot access. The triple keel design also allows for easy beaching and launching from trailers. At 2,000 pounds displacement with 725 pounds of ballast, the King Shark strikes a practical balance between portability and seaworthiness. The comfortable cockpit and modest accommodations make it ideal for weekend adventures or learning to sail. While not suited for serious offshore work, this sturdy little cruiser excels in protected waters, estuaries, and coastal exploration where shoal draft is advantageous. Its reliable construction and forgiving sailing characteristics have earned it a loyal following among small boat enthusiasts.
No owner reviews yet — be the first to share your experience with this boat.
What is the King Shark 20's sail area to displacement ratio?
The King Shark 20 has a Sail Area to Displacement ratio (SA/D) of 19.19. Values between 14–18 are typical cruising sailboats; 18–22 is cruiser/racer; over 22 is performance racing.
What is the King Shark 20's comfort ratio?
The King Shark 20 has a Ted Brewer Comfort Ratio of 12.56. A ratio over 30 indicates good offshore comfort; over 40 is very comfortable offshore.
Is the King Shark 20 safe for offshore sailing?
The King Shark 20 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 King Shark 20?
The theoretical hull speed of the King Shark 20 is 5.76 kn knots, calculated from its waterline length.
How much does a King Shark 20 weigh?
The King Shark 20 has a displacement of 2,000.00 lb and a length overall (LOA) of 20.25 ft.
Who designed the King Shark 20?
The King Shark 20 was designed by Wayne Vetterlein, first built in 1969.