Balboa 23 Information, Review, Specs

The Balboa 23's production commenced in 1969 under Coastal Recreation Inc., a company that quickly gained recognition for its fiberglass sailboats in the burgeoning recreational market. The design is primarily attributed to Peter Barrett, with some sources also mentioning Stan Miller in connection with its predecessor, the Aquarius 23. Indeed, the Balboa 23 is notably the same design as the Aquarius 23, later re-introduced under the Balboa line. Coastal Recreation Inc. itself focused on producing practical and accessible fiberglass cruisers, a mission evident in the Balboa 23's design, which emphasizes a balance of performance and comfort for the recreational sailor. The company remained active in production until 1981, when it ceased operations after a 13-year period.

A key design feature of the Balboa 23 is its swing keel, allowing for a variable draft from a shallow 1.08 feet to a deeper 4.58 feet. This characteristic significantly enhances its appeal as a trailerable sailboat, enabling access to shallow waters and facilitating land-based storage and transport. Furthermore, the boat was equipped with a pop-up hatch, a design choice common in smaller cruisers to maximize interior volume.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Balboa 23 was designed with recreational sailing in mind, aiming for a balance of performance and comfort. Its swing keel not only offers the advantage of shallow draft and easy trailering but also contributes to its sailing characteristics by providing adjustable stability and performance in varying conditions. Owners generally find the boat to be manageable and suitable for coastal cruising and day sailing. While not intended as a high-performance racer, its design allows for enjoyable recreational sailing. Some anecdotal accounts from owners of similar small cruisers by Coastal Recreation suggest that characteristics like trim ballast (crew weight) can noticeably affect performance, and some might experience a tendency towards excessive weather helm, though this is not exclusive to the Balboa 23. The boat's overall appeal lies in its affordability and accessibility, rather than a focus on cutting-edge performance or traditional elegance.

Accommodations and Layout

Despite its compact size, the Balboa 23 offers accommodations designed for weekend cruising. A notable feature is its variable headroom, which stands at 4.92 feet typically but extends to an impressive 6.17 feet with the pop-up hatch in its raised position. The interior layout, while subject to variation between individual boats and owner modifications, generally provides basic amenities for overnight stays. Common arrangements would include a V-berth forward, a small galley area, and potentially space for a portable head. Given its dimensions, some owners have noted that the main cabin beam can present challenges for standing headroom in certain areas, even with the pop-top engaged. The finish quality and materials typically reflect the builder's focus on accessible and practical vessels, often featuring a more utilitarian approach with fiberglass and some wood trim. Specific detailed interior walkthroughs are not widely documented, suggesting a straightforward and functional, rather than luxurious, cabin design.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Balboa 23 generally praise its attributes as an affordable and capable small cruiser. Its trailerability, facilitated by the swing keel, is consistently highlighted as a major advantage, allowing for diverse cruising grounds and reduced dockage fees. The boat's ease of handling and suitability for recreational sailing also receive positive feedback, aligning with Coastal Recreation's goal of democratizing sailboat ownership.

However, like many older vessels, common maintenance considerations and potential weaknesses have been noted. For Coastal Recreation boats in general, issues such as water leaks around deck fittings, particularly under the mast step, which can lead to deck core rot, have been reported by owners of similar models like the Balboa 26. While specific to another model, this suggests a potential area for inspection on the Balboa 23 as well. Additionally, due to their age and original construction style, some Balboa interiors, particularly those with plywood components, may show signs of moisture damage over time, necessitating repairs. Owners seeking to optimize sailing performance might look to address factors like weather helm, which can be a common characteristic in some smaller fractional sloops. Overall, the Balboa 23 remains a sought-after choice for those looking for an economical and functional small cruiser, provided they are prepared for typical maintenance associated with boats of its vintage.