Balt 23 Information, Review, Specs

The Balt 23 entered production in 1990, a significant period for its builder, Balt Yacht. Founded in the same year by Benedykt Kozłowski, Balt Yacht rapidly developed its manufacturing capabilities and quality standards, benefiting from collaborations as a contract builder for renowned companies like Jeanneau, Brunswick Marine, and X-Yachts during the 1990s and early 2000s. This experience instilled a strong ethos of functional and well-constructed recreational vessels, a philosophy evident in the design of the Balt 23.

Jacek Centkowski's design philosophy for the Balt 23 focused on creating a practical and easily managed cabin yacht. The boat features a simple construction of polyester-glass laminate for both its hull and deck, ensuring durability and ease of maintenance. A defining characteristic of the Balt 23 is its centerboard keel, complemented by internal ballast, allowing for exceptional versatility in varying water depths. This design enables a minimum draft of just 0.98 feet (0.30 meters) for shallow water access or beaching, while extending to a maximum draft of 4.76 feet (1.45 meters) for enhanced sailing performance.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Balt 23 is rigged as a fractional sloop, a common configuration that contributes to its manageable sail plan and ease of handling. Described as a "light sailboat," the Balt 23's design prioritizes a nimble feel on the water. The combination of its fractional rig and the versatile centerboard allows for decent performance in a range of conditions, making it suitable for both casual day sailing and longer family cruises. The ability to vary its draft significantly enhances its accessibility to various cruising grounds, from shallow lakes to coastal areas, offering flexibility that a fixed-keel boat cannot match. Its design as a cabin-sailing yacht for family tourism and charters further suggests a stable and predictable handling experience.

Accommodations and Layout

Despite its compact overall length of just over 23 feet, the Balt 23 is designed as a cabin yacht intended for overnight stays and family tourism. The interior layout, while functional, is characterized by a "below average" maximum headroom of 4.76 feet (1.45 meters), which is typical for boats of this size and era. The design prioritizes maximizing space and comfort within its footprint, offering basic living amenities suitable for a small family or group on weekend getaways or short charters. While specific details on the number of berths or a dedicated head compartment are not extensively detailed in general reviews, its designation as a "cabin-sailing yacht good for family tourism" implies essential sleeping arrangements and basic facilities for convenience during a cruise.