Aquarius 23-2 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The Aquarius 23-2's production run spanned seven years, from 1970 to 1977, emerging from the Costa Mesa, California facilities of Coastal Recreation Inc.. Coastal Recreation Inc. established itself in the American yachting landscape by focusing on democratizing sailboat ownership, specializing in fiberglass vessels that balanced performance with the comfort sought by recreational sailors. The Aquarius 23-2, designed by Peter Barrett, is a derivative model of the earlier Aquarius 23. While specific design philosophies for this particular model aren't widely detailed, it aligns with Coastal Recreation's broader ethos of creating practical and accessible fiberglass sailboats for the cruising market. The boat was primarily offered with a fin keel and spade rudder, though some documentation notes an alternative masthead rig option.

Sailing Performance and Handling

For a boat of its modest size, the Aquarius 23-2 offers manageable and straightforward sailing characteristics, making it particularly well-suited for new sailors or those seeking a relaxed experience. Owners often describe it as an "easy to sail" and "fun as hell for a weekender boat". Its design prioritizes stability and ease of handling over outright performance, leading some to affectionately liken it to "a really big canoe with a sail". The fin keel combined with a spade rudder typically provides good directional stability and maneuverability for a boat of this type. It is generally considered a roomy trailerable boat with moderate performance, fitting its role as a coastal cruiser.

Accommodations and Layout

Despite its compact length overall of 22.67 feet, the Aquarius 23-2 is noted for its surprisingly spacious interior, making it a comfortable weekender. While detailed specifications on internal headroom are not consistently available, the layout is designed to maximize usable space. Many models feature a practical lateral galley arrangement. Interiors often showcase a blend of fiberglass and wood trim, typical of boats from this era, providing a classic nautical feel. Some versions of the Aquarius 23-2 also came equipped with a "pop top" roof, which would significantly enhance interior standing room and ventilation when at anchor.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Aquarius 23-2 frequently highlight its ease of sailing and low maintenance requirements as significant strengths, affirming its suitability as a fun weekend cruiser. Its relatively roomy interior for its length is also a commonly praised feature. However, prospective owners should be aware of some recurring issues common to boats of its age and construction methods. Reports of "cheap construction" in some areas have led to problems. Specifically, the balsa-cored fiberglass deck is susceptible to water intrusion and can develop soft spots over time, requiring repairs. Similarly, original deck fittings may develop leaks and often need re-bedding to ensure watertight integrity.