Misil I (Hallberg-Rassy) Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The creation of the Misil I falls within a pivotal period for Harry Hallberg's boatyard. Having established his yard in Kungsviken in 1943, Hallberg was known for his serial production of wooden boats like the Nordic Folkboat. By 1963, he began to embrace fiberglass, combining GRP hulls with wooden superstructures. The Misil I, launched in 1964, was an early fruit of this transition. A total of 120 Misil I units were built before production ceased in 1972.

The vessel was penned by the prolific Swedish yacht designer Olle Enderlein, known for shaping many of the early Hallberg-Rassy models 1, 2, Builder Article. The Misil I's hull design was considered "very modern for her age" and retains an attractive appearance even today. A notable aspect of its production was the material evolution: the first 12 hulls were constructed entirely from mahogany, after which the builder transitioned to fiberglass hulls with mahogany superstructures. This blend of traditional craftsmanship and modern materials was characteristic of Harry Hallberg's approach during this era. The Misil I also served as a forerunner to the later, more widely known Hallberg-Rassy 24 - Misil II, sharing "almost the same hull".

Sailing Performance and Handling

Despite its compact length overall of just over 24 feet, the Misil I garnered praise for its sailing characteristics, often being described as behaving like a significantly larger boat. This can be attributed to its well-proportioned design by Olle Enderlein, which endowed it with a good balance and rigidity. While direct performance data for the Misil I is anecdotal, its successor, the Misil II—which shared a similar hull—was noted for being "fast for its size and very nicely balanced on the rudder so that the helmsman can leave his hand from the tiller when sailing". Owners also praised the Misil line for being capable of offshore sailing, a testament to their robust construction and seaworthiness. With a hull speed of approximately 5.97 knots, the Misil I offered respectable performance for a cruiser of its size.

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of the Misil I reflects the practical and quality-focused approach of Harry Hallberg's yard, characterized by its mahogany superstructure and distinct layout. While specific detailed diagrams for the Misil I are less common, information suggests a well-thought-out design for a boat of its size. Early designs by Olle Enderlein for similar boats, such as the Misil I, involved careful consideration of the galley placement, with at least one drawing indicating the designer "moved the galley backwards" to optimize the use of space.

Given the builder's reputation for quality Swedish craftsmanship, it is reasonable to infer that the interior would have featured high-quality mahogany joinery, providing a warm and inviting atmosphere. Typically, a 24-foot sailboat of this vintage would offer a functional layout including a V-berth forward, a small salon area, and basic galley facilities, often with four proper berths. Though lacking in modern amenities, the emphasis would have been on robust construction, practical storage solutions, and adequate ventilation for coastal cruising or extended weekends.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Hallberg-Rassy Misil I often highlight its enduring quality and delightful sailing experience. Accounts from individuals who have sailed these boats extensively praise their solid construction and the surprising comfort and stability they offer for a vessel of their dimensions. The Misil I is considered a "beautiful classic boat," appealing to those who appreciate its traditional lines and the heritage of early Hallberg boatbuilding. The design's ability to handle like a much larger yacht is a consistently appreciated characteristic among those familiar with the model. While comprehensive owner forums or extensive lists of common problems are not readily available, the general sentiment points to a well-regarded and reliable small cruiser that continues to be cherished by enthusiasts.