Barnegat 20 Information, Review, Specs

The Barnegat 20 emerged from the esteemed Graves Yacht Yard, a builder with a history tracing back to 1895 in Marblehead, Massachusetts. The sailboat was designed by James E. Graves himself, the visionary founder of the yard, whose earlier work included crafting precision racing dories. Production of the Barnegat 20 began in 1960 and concluded in 1970, with approximately 40 units built during this decade.

While specific design philosophies for the Barnegat 20 are not extensively documented, Graves Yacht Yard was known for its dedication to quality and traditional boatbuilding methods, even when transitioning to fiberglass construction as seen with the Barnegat 20's hull and deck, which utilized a fiberglass-plywood core. This approach likely aimed for a robust and durable vessel, consistent with the yard's reputation for enduring craftsmanship. There is no readily available information suggesting significant variations, such as MkI or MkII versions, or different rig configurations, were offered during its production run.

Sailing Performance and Handling

As a 20-foot masthead sloop with a long keel, the Barnegat 20 is characterized by its inherent stability and steady tracking. This hull type typically provides a comfortable motion in a seaway and excellent directional stability, making it forgiving for both novice and experienced sailors. While specific anecdotal accounts of its handling are not widely documented, a long keel generally contributes to a boat that tracks well and is less prone to hobby-horsing in chop. Its moderate sail area combined with its displacement and hull form would suggest a balanced helm and predictable performance in various wind conditions, favoring stability over raw speed.

Accommodations and Layout

Given its compact 20-foot length, the Barnegat 20's interior accommodations are, by necessity, simple and functional. The design is that of a masthead sloop, and while precise interior layouts vary based on individual vessel modifications over the decades, a boat of this size from the 1960s would typically feature a basic cabin suitable for day sailing and potentially overnighting for one or two individuals. Common arrangements for similar-sized boats of the era included a V-berth forward, serving as sleeping quarters, and possibly minimal seating or storage. Headroom would be limited, as indicated by the absence of a maximum headroom specification, a common characteristic for sailboats in this length range. Interior finishes would likely reflect the builder's reputation for quality, with a focus on durable materials, though extensive wood trim might be less prominent in a production fiberglass boat compared to Graves' custom wooden vessels. Storage would be modest, consisting primarily of under-berth lockers. Ventilation would typically rely on a main companionway and potentially a forward hatch, if fitted.