Bahia 22 (Jeanneau) Information, Review, Specs

The Bahia 22 emerged from Jeanneau's facilities during a period when the company was well-established in fiberglass boat production, having successfully transitioned from its wooden boat origins decades prior. Jeanneau, founded by Henri Jeanneau in 1957, had already cemented its place in the sailing world with popular models like the Sangria in the 1970s, showcasing an ethos of embracing new technologies and efficient manufacturing techniques to produce boats for the mass market. The Bahia 22, produced between 1983 and 1987, continued this tradition of creating accessible and capable sailboats.

Designed by Philippe Harlé, the Bahia 22 was conceived as a light, high-performance sailboat, offering a relatively spacious hull design for its length. This model was offered with a choice of keels, available both as a centerboard version, which significantly reduced its draft for easy beaching and trailerability, and a fixed keel option for those seeking a more traditional sailing experience. Some iterations, such as the Bahia 22 GL, also featured a sliding cockpit roof, enhancing its versatility.

Sailing Performance and Handling

As a light sailboat, the Jeanneau Bahia 22 is known for being a high performer, making the most of lighter breezes. Its design suggests it is reasonably stable and stiff, allowing it to stand up to moderate winds effectively. However, due to its light displacement, it is noted to have a lower righting capability if capsized, a characteristic typical of many smaller, performance-oriented designs. Anecdotal accounts suggest the boat handles well in light to moderate conditions, performing capably in winds described as "force 2 to 3." Its fractional sloop rig contributes to ease of handling and good control over sail shape, making it an engaging boat to sail for both experienced and novice sailors.

Accommodations and Layout

Despite its compact dimensions, the Jeanneau Bahia 22 is recognized for making efficient use of its interior volume. Classified as a "sailing cabin boat," it typically features an open interior layout without separate, enclosed cabins, maximizing the available space below deck. While specific details on the original finish and materials are scarce, Jeanneau's general practice for boats of this era would involve functional fiberglass liners complemented by some wood trim, prioritizing durability and practicality over luxury in a trailerable cruiser of this size. The "spacy hull design" would likely translate to a V-berth forward, a small convertible dinette or settee in the main saloon area, and possibly a space for a portable head. Storage would typically be found under berths and in small lockers.