Hughes 22 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The Hughes 22 emerged from a period of significant growth and innovation at Hughes Boat Works. Founded in 1963 by brothers Howard and Peter Hughes, the company initially focused on smaller dinghies before expanding into larger fiberglass sailboats in the mid-1960s. The move to Centralia (later Huron Park), Ontario, in 1968, provided the facility for Howard Hughes himself to design several new models, including the Hughes 22, 25, and 29.

The design ethos of Hughes Boat Works during this era centered on producing a wide range of vessels that offered both performance and comfortable cruising, often collaborating with renowned naval architects. While many larger Hughes models benefited from Sparkman & Stephens designs, the Hughes 22 was a direct creation of Howard Hughes. The company was also notable for offering boats in kit form, which made sailing more accessible to a wider market. The Hughes 22 features a masthead sloop rig and was built with a keel/centerboard hull type, offering a variable draft that caters to both performance and shallow-water access. A fin keel version with a spade rudder was also available, providing options for different sailing preferences.

Sailing Performance and Handling

As a light sailboat with a length overall of 22 feet, the Hughes 22 is known for being a good performer, offering a spirited experience on the water. Its design as a trailerable cruiser suggests ease of transport and launching, appealing to sailors who desire flexibility in their cruising grounds. While described as stable and stiff under normal sailing conditions, its lighter displacement and keel/centerboard configuration mean it is best suited as a day-boat or for coastal cruising in moderate conditions. The masthead rig, a common choice for its era, provides a straightforward and effective sail plan, contributing to its manageability.

Accommodations and Layout

Given its compact 22-foot length, the interior of the Hughes 22 is designed for efficient use of space, characteristic of small trailerable cruisers of its time. While detailed interior layouts are not extensively documented in widely available resources, one can generally anticipate a cabin that provides basic overnighting capabilities. Typical arrangements for boats of this size would include a V-berth forward, a small galley area, and potentially convertible settees in a main salon, with limited standing headroom. Headroom is not explicitly detailed in the specifications, suggesting it is a boat where most occupants would be seated or stooped while moving around the cabin. Owners have noted that even elements like interior cushions could be in good condition many years after production, hinting at the potential for well-maintained interiors. The emphasis would have been on functional, rather than luxurious, accommodations, utilizing materials like fiberglass and wood trim common in Canadian-built sailboats of the 1970s.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Hughes 22, and Hughes boats in general, often express appreciation for the solid construction and capable performance characteristic of these older fiberglass yachts. The value proposition of these boats is also frequently highlighted, with some owners acquiring well-maintained examples for modest investments, including sails, motor, and trailer. The enduring presence of Hughes and Northstar boats in harbors and cruising grounds, supported by active online forums and owner groups, speaks to a dedicated community that continues to enjoy and maintain these vessels, sharing knowledge and experiences. This collective appreciation reinforces the legacy of Hughes Boat Works as a significant contributor to Canadian boat building.