D&M 22 Information, Review, Specs

The D&M 22 emerged in 1971, a pivotal year for its builder, Douglass & McLeod. Founded by Ray McLeod and Gordon "Sandy" Douglass in 1951, the Ohio-based company had established itself by initially finishing molded plywood hulls before pioneering fiberglass construction in 1961 with the successful Tartan 27. The D&M 22, designed by Sparkman & Stephens (S&S design #2090), represented a continuation of Douglass & McLeod's commitment to performance-oriented sailboats. Tragically, 1971 also saw the destruction of Douglass & McLeod's primary manufacturing facility by fire, leading to the company's cessation as a standalone entity and the subsequent formation of Tartan Marine. This timeline suggests the D&M 22 was either one of the last designs produced by Douglass & McLeod, or its initial production run under that name was brief before the builder transitioned.

Sparkman & Stephens, a firm celebrated for its elegant and capable yacht designs, conceived the D&M 22 specifically for the then-popular IOR Quarter Ton racing class. This design brief aimed for a fast, responsive boat capable of competitive racing under the demanding IOR handicap system. During its production, some D&M 22 versions featured a keel/centerboard configuration, in contrast to the fixed fin keel, offering greater versatility for shallow water cruising. The rudder design also saw modifications over time, with at least one notable version allowing the rudder to slide up a long pin, providing a safeguard against grounding.

Sailing Performance and Handling

As an IOR Quarter Ton racer, the D&M 22 was engineered for speed and responsiveness, balancing a relatively light displacement of 2,775 pounds with a generous sail area. With a calculated hull speed of 5.8 knots, she is known to be sturdy and fast for her size. The boat's design promotes a lively sailing experience, reflecting the performance-oriented ethos of Sparkman & Stephens and Douglass & McLeod. For versions equipped with a keel/centerboard, the D&M 22 offers excellent flexibility, allowing sailors to navigate both deeper coastal waters and shallower inland areas with ease. The innovative rudder design, which permits the rudder to slide up upon impact, further enhances its adaptability for exploring diverse cruising grounds and provides a measure of protection against unexpected encounters with the bottom.

Accommodations and Layout

Despite her compact length overall of 22 feet, the D&M 22 is noted for a surprisingly spacious hull design. Reviews indicate that the cabin offers standing headroom, a significant advantage for a boat of this size, enhancing comfort during longer periods aboard. While specific detailed interior layouts are less documented, typical arrangements for a 22-foot racer-cruiser of this era would generally include a V-berth forward, a small enclosed head, and a main salon area that often converts into additional berths, alongside a basic galley setup. Given Douglass & McLeod's reputation, the interior finish would likely have been functional and robust, utilizing common marine materials like fiberglass and possibly some wood trim for warmth and durability. Storage solutions, though limited by the boat's size, would have been integrated to maximize utility for weekend trips or short cruises.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the D&M 22 frequently commend the boat for its solid construction and impressive speed relative to its size. The design, stemming from the collaboration between Sparkman & Stephens and Douglass & McLeod, appears to have resulted in a robust and capable small yacht. A particularly appreciated feature among owners is the adaptable rudder design found on some versions, which allows it to slide up, mitigating potential damage when encountering shallow areas. This thoughtful design detail, coupled with the boat's overall sturdy build and performance characteristics, contributes to a positive ownership experience for those seeking a spirited yet practical sailboat for racing or coastal cruising.