Etap 22I Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The Etap 22I emerged in 1983, following the success of its predecessor, the original Etap 22, and continued production until 1996. Designed by Jacques de Ridder, the 22I carried forward Etap Yachting's core philosophy of prioritizing safety and comfort. The most defining characteristic of its design, shared across the Etap range, is the unique double-hull construction. This innovative method involves an inner and outer fiberglass hull with foam injected between them, providing exceptional buoyancy that makes the boats virtually unsinkable, alongside superior insulation to prevent condensation and enhance interior comfort. Another key design element of the Etap 22I is its lifting keel, which allows for a variable draft, greatly enhancing its versatility for trailerability and access to shallower waters.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Etap 22I is widely regarded as a stable and reasonably good performer for its size, making it an excellent choice for a variety of sailors. Its design prioritizes ease of handling, making it well-suited for both beginners and more experienced sailors alike. While not designed for high-speed racing, owners often describe it as a solid and dependable boat under sail. The fractional sloop rig contributes to its balanced handling. The lifting keel, while offering practical advantages for trailering and shallow-water access, means the boat is not intended for drying out on legs or directly taking to the ground. Its lightweight nature contributes to its responsive feel on the water.

Accommodations and Layout

Despite its compact length overall of just over 22 feet, the Etap 22I offers a practical interior layout designed for comfortable cruising. The cabin is arranged to provide sleeping space for up to four individuals. The internal layout features sitting headroom, which is typical for a boat of this size, making the interior feel more open and usable than some contemporary designs. The double-skinned foam sandwich hull construction not only contributes to the boat's unsinkable quality but also provides excellent insulation, minimizing condensation and contributing to a drier and more comfortable interior environment. While specific details on the galley and head arrangement may vary with individual boats and owner modifications, the design aims to maximize the limited space for essential cruising amenities.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Etap 22I frequently commend the boat for its robust build quality and the inherent safety offered by Etap's unique "unsinkable" hull construction. The boat's ease of handling and stable sailing characteristics are also commonly praised, making it a popular choice for those looking for a reliable and forgiving cruiser. However, some common maintenance points noted by owners pertain to the lifting keel mechanism, with occasional reports of issues where the keel may not fully release down or retract completely without intervention. While older Etap 22 models (the predecessor) sometimes raised discussions about chainplate bondings, the foam-sandwich hull of the 22I generally offers resilience against issues like balsa core rot found in some other constructions.