SB20 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The journey of the SB20 began with its design by Tony Castro, with the boat first launched in 2002. Production under its original name, the Laser SB3, commenced around 2004, with Laser Performance marketing and distributing the boat under license from the designer. Castro's vision was to create a wide-appeal, affordable, and competitive sportboat suitable for teams of three or four, emphasizing simplicity and exciting performance.

A significant transition occurred in 2012 when the class officially changed its name from Laser SB3 to SB20. This shift coincided with a change in the boat's builder and sales structure, with Sportsboat World taking over marketing and distribution, and White Formula initially handling production. More recently, Devoti Sailing has become the new builder, continuing the legacy of this popular class. The design features a robust fiberglass foam core hull and deck, ensuring durability while maintaining a light displacement crucial for its performance characteristics. A key design element is its lifting bulb keel, which provides excellent stability while also facilitating easy launching and recovery from a slipway. The class rules are strict, imposing a crew weight limit and prohibiting hiking, further reinforcing its one-design integrity and focusing on crew skill.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The SB20 is celebrated for its engaging sailing performance, described as being effective in both light airs and heavy winds. Its design prioritizes excitement and competitive tactical racing, particularly upwind and downwind. With a length overall of just over 20 feet and a displacement of 1,510 pounds, it is a lightweight and responsive vessel. The lifting bulb keel, comprising 721 pounds of ballast, contributes significantly to its stability, allowing the boat to stand up to a good breeze. Sailors often praise the SB20 for its ability to deliver an adrenaline-pumping experience without being overly difficult to handle, making it a popular choice for those looking for competitive one-design racing. Its fractional sloop rig, coupled with its light displacement, ensures lively acceleration and responsive steering, translating into a fun and tactical race experience.

Accommodations and Layout

As a dedicated sportboat designed primarily for racing, the SB20 features an "open keelboat" layout, meaning its interior accommodations are minimal. The design focuses on a functional deck layout to facilitate crew movement and sail handling during racing, rather than comfort or extensive living spaces. While specific headroom details are not provided in the specifications, the boat is not intended for overnight cruising. There is typically limited, secure access hatch storage available for essential gear, such as an outboard motor and bracket, emphasizing its racing-focused utility over interior amenities.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners consistently commend the SB20 for being an affordable, competitive, and highly exciting boat to sail. The one-design racing format is a significant draw, fostering a vibrant and friendly fleet where the emphasis is on skill and camaraderie rather than equipment advantage. Many appreciate the boat's ability to be both exhilarating and accessible, proving that high-performance sailing doesn't necessarily equate to excessive complexity or cost. While detailed discussions on common maintenance issues are difficult to distinguish from reviews of unrelated products in broader searches, the general consensus among sailboat owners points to a robust and enjoyable platform for competitive sailing.