Friendship 23 Information, Review, Specs

Friendship Yachts, under the leadership of Anton and Hetty Meijer since 1968, established a strong reputation for its sturdy construction and functional designs. The Friendship 23 stands as a testament to this ethos, offering a blend of seaworthiness and thoughtful design that has allowed it to maintain a presence in the used boat market for decades.

History and Design

The Friendship 23 emerged during a pivotal era in boat building, as fiberglass became the material of choice for its durability and low maintenance. Friendship Yachts, embracing this transition, commenced production of the 23 in 1973, adding it to a growing line of popular models. The company's overarching design philosophy, which guided the creation of vessels like the Friendship 23, centered on practical, seaworthy boats tailored for comfortable cruising. This approach prioritized ease of handling, inherent stability, and maximizing interior volume, making their yachts appealing to families and cruisers.

While specific design goals for the Friendship 23 by A.H. Meijer are not widely detailed, the boat's characteristics align perfectly with Friendship Yachts' broader mission to produce accessible, well-built sailing yachts that offer both comfort and reliable performance. The builder's success with models like the Friendship 22, which saw significant production numbers due to widespread appeal, laid the groundwork for the 23's positive reception. There is no widely documented evidence of significant variations such as MkI or MkII versions, or different rig configurations, during the production run of the Friendship 23.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Friendship 23 is rigged as a masthead sloop and features a fin keel with a bulb and a spade rudder, a configuration generally associated with good maneuverability and responsiveness. Owners often describe the Friendship 23 as a forgiving boat to sail, making it suitable for both experienced sailors and those newer to the sport. Discussions among owners highlight its stable nature and predictable handling, particularly in varying sea states. While compact, its design promotes a comfortable motion, instilling confidence in its crew. The combination of its hull design and rigging provides a balanced helm and a pleasant sailing experience, making it a capable vessel for coastal cruising and day sailing.

Accommodations and Layout

Despite its modest length of 22.31 feet, the Friendship 23 is designed to offer functional interior accommodations. While specific headroom figures are not readily available, the layout typically includes a V-berth forward, serving as the primary sleeping area. The main salon usually features settees that can often convert into additional berths, alongside a compact galley area for basic meal preparation. A dedicated space for a marine head, often located between the V-berth and the main salon, provides essential facilities.

Online reviews and owner discussions suggest that the interior finish generally reflects the practical and sturdy build quality characteristic of Friendship Yachts. Materials tend to be robust and durable, designed for longevity and ease of maintenance rather than luxurious appointments. Storage solutions are integrated where possible, considering the boat's size, and basic ventilation is typically provided through deck hatches and portlights. The interior layout is optimized to provide maximum utility and comfort for its size, making it a viable option for weekend excursions or short cruising trips.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Friendship 23 frequently praise its solid construction and seaworthy characteristics, consistently noting its ability to handle various conditions with composure. Many appreciate its ease of handling, which makes it an enjoyable boat for both single-handed sailing and family outings. The robust build quality of Friendship Yachts generally contributes to a positive ownership experience, with many vessels still actively sailing decades after their initial launch.

However, like many boats of its era, the Friendship 23 can present some common maintenance challenges. A frequently mentioned concern among owners pertains to the rudder stock or rudder box, which can be prone to rot and may require inspection and potential refurbishment. Despite such common issues associated with older boats, the active owner community, particularly through forums, indicates a strong loyalty to the Friendship 23, with owners often sharing advice and resources for maintenance and improvements.