Daimio 23 Information, Review, Specs

The Daimio 23 emerged during a period when CNSO, founded by Otto Tiefenbach in 1960, was establishing itself as a significant builder of robust and comfortable cruising sailboats in France. The company became known for producing accessible vessels, often characterized by their names inspired by martial arts, hinting at their sturdy construction. The Daimio 23, with its production run from 1974 to 1979, was a product of this ethos. Designer François Sergent notably opted for a hull design that was considered "slightly more speedy" than many contemporary sailboats of its size, being slimmer than 66% of comparable designs. The boat features a fin keel and a transom-hung rudder, a common configuration for cruisers of its era, and is rigged as a masthead sloop.

Sailing Performance and Handling

Despite its compact size, the Daimio 23 is regarded as a light sailboat with "very high" performance characteristics. Its design contributes to it being "very stable / stiff," making it capable of standing up to a good breeze for its class. The boat's masthead sloop rig is known for its simplicity, which can be an advantage for ease of handling. With a hull speed of approximately 6.04 knots, the Daimio 23 offers respectable speed for a cruiser of its length. Furthermore, its modest maximum draft of around 3.61 feet allows it to access shallower waters and marinas that might be inaccessible to deeper keeled vessels. Owners often describe the Daimio 23 as a "small and manageable cruiser," highlighting its ease of operation and overall enjoyable sailing experience.

Accommodations and Layout

Given its length overall of just under 23 feet, the Daimio 23 offers a surprisingly functional interior designed for overnight cruising. While specific headroom details vary, the layout of a compact cruiser of this size typically includes a forward V-berth for sleeping, a small galley area usually equipped with a sink and space for a portable stove, and a compact head compartment, often without standing headroom. The interior would generally feature basic, durable materials, reflecting the pragmatic and robust construction philosophy of CNSO. Storage would be modest but sufficient for weekend trips or short coastal voyages, with an emphasis on maximizing the available space within the hull. Ventilation would typically be provided through an overhead hatch and potentially some opening ports.