Built by Southern Sails Inc. between 1978 and 1981, this compact 20-footer represents a practical approach to small boat cruising and day sailing. The Skipper 20's shoal draft fin keel configuration draws just two feet, making it ideal for exploring shallow waters, gunkholes, and trailer sailing adventures where deeper keels fear to venture. With 800 pounds of ballast in her 2,000-pound displacement, the boat carries 40% of her weight low for stability while maintaining reasonable performance under her fractional sloop rig. The 143 square feet of sail area provides adequate power for leisurely coastal cruising without overwhelming novice sailors. Her moderate beam of 6.67 feet offers decent interior space for a pocket cruiser while keeping her trailerable. The fiberglass construction typical of late 1970s production boats ensures durability with straightforward maintenance requirements. Her comfort ratio of 14.95 suggests quick motion in a seaway, characteristic of lighter displacement designs, while the capsize screening value indicates she's best suited for protected waters and mild coastal conditions rather than serious offshore work. This makes the Skipper 20 an excellent choice for weekend sailors, sailing students, or anyone seeking an affordable entry into the cruising lifestyle with shoal water capabilities.
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What is the Skipper 20's sail area to displacement ratio?
The Skipper 20 has a Sail Area to Displacement ratio (SA/D) of 14.45. Values between 14–18 are typical cruising sailboats; 18–22 is cruiser/racer; over 22 is performance racing.
What is the Skipper 20's comfort ratio?
The Skipper 20 has a Ted Brewer Comfort Ratio of 14.95. A ratio over 30 indicates good offshore comfort; over 40 is very comfortable offshore.
Is the Skipper 20 safe for offshore sailing?
The Skipper 20 has a Capsize Screening Formula value of 2.12. Values under 2.0 are considered acceptable for offshore sailing; under 1.8 is ideal.
What is the hull speed of the Skipper 20?
The theoretical hull speed of the Skipper 20 is 5.19 kn knots, calculated from its waterline length.
How much does a Skipper 20 weigh?
The Skipper 20 has a displacement of 2,000.00 lb and a length overall (LOA) of 20.00 ft.
How much does a used Skipper 20 cost?
Based on 3 recent market listings, used Skipper 20 sailboats typically sell for between $4,500 and $4,500, with a median asking price of $4,500. Price varies significantly based on year, condition, location, and included equipment.