Bayfield 23 Information, Review, Specs

Conceived during an era when fiberglass was expanding the pleasure craft industry, the Bayfield 23 offered a blend of old-world charm and modern materials, appealing to sailors who appreciated a yacht with character that was also practical and comfortable.

History and Design

The Bayfield 23 began its production run in 1973, marking a significant milestone as the inaugural Ted Gozzard design to emerge from Bayfield Boat Yard Ltd.. Ted Gozzard, who believed sailing was a vital part of life, founded the company in 1970 and initially focused on repairs and small craft before transitioning to fiberglass sailboat production. The Bayfield Boat Yard's manufacturing ethos, even in its early years, emphasized creating boats with "miniature traditional ship looks" using modern fiberglass techniques, prioritizing cruising comfort and ample headroom below decks.

The model underwent an evolution shortly after its introduction; by 1975, it was marketed as the Bayfield 23/25, and a year later, it became known simply as the Bayfield 25. This progression highlights the builder's continuous refinement of successful designs. While optimized to provide significant interior space for a boat of its modest dimensions, the designer also opted for a hull design intended to offer a degree of speed.

Sailing Performance and Handling

With a total sail area of 289 square feet and a displacement of 3,000 pounds, the Bayfield 23 exhibits a Sail Area to Displacement (SA/D) ratio of approximately 22.13. This relatively high ratio suggests that the boat is well-powered for its weight, indicating a sprightly performance, particularly in lighter wind conditions. Her ballast of 950 pounds, comprising 31.6% of her displacement, contributes to moderate stability, allowing her to stand up to a reasonable breeze.

The Bayfield 23 features a long keel, a hallmark of traditional designs. This contributes significantly to excellent directional stability, making her track well on a course and providing a comfortable motion in a seaway. With a Displacement to Length (D/L) ratio of around 394.52, the Bayfield 23 is categorized as a heavy displacement vessel for its waterline length of 19.67 feet. This heavy displacement, combined with a hull speed of 5.94 knots, translates to a solid, stable ride, although it means she is not designed for blistering speeds. Owners have noted that the boat can be slow under motor, sometimes achieving only 2.5 knots compared to its theoretical hull speed, which might suggest a need for careful propeller and engine maintenance.

Accommodations and Layout

Despite its modest length overall of 25 feet, the Bayfield 23 was designed with a strong emphasis on maximizing interior space and comfort, a common characteristic of Bayfield boats which were known for offering more headroom below decks than many competitors. While specific detailed layouts for the Bayfield 23 are not extensively documented in widely available public resources, the general approach of Ted Gozzard's designs for small cruisers typically included an arrangement suitable for weekend and short-term coastal cruising.

The interior of a Bayfield 23 would likely feature a forward V-berth, convertible settees in a main salon area, a basic galley, and often a marine head. Given the builder's traditional aesthetic, the finish quality would typically include warm wood trim and practical fiberglass surfaces. Storage, while compact, would be integrated to optimize the available volume. The boat carried small capacities for both fuel and water, each at 8 gallons, reinforcing its role as a pocket cruiser intended for shorter excursions rather than extensive offshore voyages.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of Bayfield 23s, and its closely related successor the Bayfield 25, frequently praise the boats for their solid construction and distinctive traditional appearance. The emphasis on interior volume within a compact footprint is also a commonly appreciated characteristic. These vessels are often seen as reliable and charming platforms for coastal cruising and gunkholing, thanks to their shoal draft long keel.

However, like many older boats, potential owners should be aware of common maintenance aspects that may arise. Some discussions among owners touch upon challenges like slow performance under motor, which could point to issues with the original engine or propeller setup. The enduring community of Bayfield owners, active on online forums, attests to the lasting appeal and practical nature of these Canadian-built yachts, with many sharing insights on maintenance and upgrades.