Hotfoot 20 Information, Review, Specs

Hotfoot Boats, rooted on Vancouver Island, established itself by focusing on performance-oriented sailing yachts, a philosophy deeply embedded in Doug Hemphill's designs. The Hotfoot 20 followed the successful Hotfoot 27, aiming to deliver a similar performance-driven experience in a smaller, more accessible size. Constructed from fiberglass, the Hotfoot 20 embraced modern boat-building techniques of its era, emphasizing lightweight construction to enhance speed and handling. Hemphill's focus on spirited sailing is evident in the boat's characteristics, leading to its description as a "light air performer that can plane in a breeze," a significant attribute for a boat of its size. The Hotfoot 20's design proved influential, with its concepts later refined into the Ultimate 20, a subsequent design whose owner met with Doug Hemphill.

Sailing Performance and Handling

True to its design brief, the Hotfoot 20 is celebrated for its dynamic sailing characteristics. With a hull speed of 5.69 knots, it offers impressive speed potential for a 20-foot boat. Owners frequently laud the Hotfoot 20 as a "tough little" and "quality build" vessel, capable of withstanding various conditions. Its fractional sloop rig and lightweight fiberglass hull contribute to its responsiveness and quick acceleration. The boat's design also features a lifting keel, allowing for a minimum draft of 1.5 feet, which expands its cruising grounds and facilitates easy trailering and shallow-water access, while still providing a maximum draft of 5.0 feet for enhanced upwind performance.

Accommodations and Layout

Given its primary purpose as a performance-oriented day sailer or weekender, the Hotfoot 20 offers simple, yet functional accommodations below deck. While specific interior layouts are not extensively detailed in general reviews, the designer's choice of a "significantly more spacy hull design" suggests a conscious effort to maximize usable interior volume within its compact footprint. Typically, boats of this size from the mid-1980s would feature a basic V-berth forward, a simple main cabin area that might include bench seating or minimal galley facilities, and possibly a small portable head. Interior finishes would likely be practical, favoring fiberglass liners with some wood trim accents, focusing on durability and ease of maintenance rather than elaborate luxury. Storage would be limited but efficient, designed for essential cruising gear.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Hotfoot 20 consistently express enthusiasm for their boats, praising the quality of construction and the exciting sailing experience it provides. Many describe the boat as robust and capable, highlighting its ability to deliver spirited performance. There is a community of Hotfoot owners who actively engage with one another, sharing insights and appreciation for these Canadian-built boats. The Hotfoot 20 is widely regarded as an enjoyable and capable vessel, whether used for racing around buoys or for coastal cruising.