Designed by respected naval architect Lyle Hess, this compact cruiser represents a thoughtful approach to small boat coastal sailing. Built by Montgomery Boats from 1979 with only twenty hulls completed, the Montgomery 23 has become a relatively rare find in today's used boat market. The boat's most distinctive feature is its swing keel configuration, which reduces draft significantly when raised, making it ideal for exploring shallow waters, beaching, or trailering. This versatility opens up cruising grounds that would be off-limits to deeper-draft vessels. The fiberglass construction and masthead sloop rig provide a traditional sailing experience with modern durability. With a displacement of 3,600 pounds and 1,530 pounds of ballast, the Montgomery 23 offers respectable stability for coastal cruising and weekend adventures. The boat's proportions suggest good sailing manners and adequate interior space for its length. Hess's design philosophy typically emphasized seaworthiness and comfort over pure speed, traits that likely carry through to this design. The limited production run makes finding one challenging, but owners of Lyle Hess designs typically praise their sea-kindly characteristics and solid construction. This boat suits sailors seeking a manageable coastal cruiser with the flexibility of shallow-water capability.
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What is the Montgomery 23's sail area to displacement ratio?
The Montgomery 23 has a Sail Area to Displacement ratio (SA/D) of 17.01. Values between 14–18 are typical cruising sailboats; 18–22 is cruiser/racer; over 22 is performance racing.
What is the Montgomery 23's comfort ratio?
The Montgomery 23 has a Ted Brewer Comfort Ratio of 15.71. A ratio over 30 indicates good offshore comfort; over 40 is very comfortable offshore.
Is the Montgomery 23 safe for offshore sailing?
The Montgomery 23 has a Capsize Screening Formula value of 2.09. Values under 2.0 are considered acceptable for offshore sailing; under 1.8 is ideal.
What is the hull speed of the Montgomery 23?
The theoretical hull speed of the Montgomery 23 is 6.26 kn knots, calculated from its waterline length.
How much does a Montgomery 23 weigh?
The Montgomery 23 has a displacement of 3,600.00 lb and a length overall (LOA) of 23.00 ft.
Who designed the Montgomery 23?
The Montgomery 23 was designed by Lyle Hess, first built in 1979.