Rhodes 22 Continental Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The Rhodes 22 Continental began its production journey in 1968, a design by the prolific Philip Rhodes. While the provided data associates C&C Yachts as a builder, the Rhodes 22 has been produced by a number of manufacturers over its long history, most notably General Boats in the USA, who became the primary and long-term builder. Philip Rhodes designed the vessel with a clear intention: to create a capable cruiser in a trailerable package. This ethos resulted in a shoal keel with a retractable centerboard, a key feature that grants the boat both shallow-water access and enhanced upwind performance when deployed. General Boats, a significant builder of the Rhodes 22, has been noted for their commitment to a "purpose-built" approach, consistently refining the design with detail improvements over decades of production. The long production run, seeing over 1,000 units built, speaks to the enduring success of Rhodes' original concept.

Sailing Performance and Handling

Despite its compact size, the Rhodes 22 Continental is praised for its responsive and balanced handling, making it both easy and enjoyable to sail. Its keel/centerboard configuration contributes significantly to its performance profile; the shallow fixed keel allows for excellent shallow-water access and easy beaching, while the retractable centerboard can be lowered to improve stability and tracking when sailing to windward. Owners often describe the boat as feeling solid and tracking well, even in varying sea states. With its masthead sloop rig, the Rhodes 22 is generally well-powered, offering good performance in lighter winds without feeling overwhelmed in a breeze, a characteristic valued by cruisers who may encounter a range of conditions.

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of the Rhodes 22 Continental is remarkably spacious and functional for a boat of its length, designed to maximize liveability. The cabin layout is described as roomy, open, and airy, providing a comfortable environment for overnighting or extended cruising. Typical arrangements include a V-berth forward, which often serves as the primary sleeping area, and a main salon with settees that can double as berths. Many models offer an enclosed head compartment, a significant convenience on a boat of this size. While specific headroom figures can vary, the design prioritizes efficient use of space. Owners frequently appreciate the generous storage options found throughout the cabin, crucial for provisioning on longer trips. The interior typically features a functional, rather than luxurious, finish, often with a mix of fiberglass liners and some wood trim, prioritizing durability and ease of maintenance.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners consistently praise the Rhodes 22 Continental for its solid construction and its comfortable motion, particularly for a boat of its modest dimensions. The ability to trailer the boat easily is a frequently cited advantage, opening up a wide range of cruising grounds and simplifying storage. The shoal draft combined with the centerboard mechanism is also a major highlight, allowing access to anchorages often inaccessible to deeper-draft vessels. Many owners appreciate the boat's "purpose-built" nature, recognizing that its design prioritizes practical cruising and ease of use over pure racing performance. While generally well-regarded, some new owners have noted the need to acclimate to the boat's stopping distances due to its two-ton displacement. Overall, the Rhodes 22 fosters a dedicated community, with owners actively sharing insights and continuing to sail these resilient vessels, a testament to their enduring quality and design.