Jouët 20 Information, Review, Specs

The story of the Jouët 20 begins in 1969, marking its introduction during a transformative period for its builder, Jouët.. Founded by Jean-Pierre Jouët, the company was known for its commitment to crafting seaworthy and well-designed boats, initially in wood, before seamlessly transitioning to fiberglass construction to embrace the efficiencies of the new material. This era also saw a pivotal change in Jouët's corporate structure, as it became a subsidiary of Yachting France in 1970, a consolidation driven by the economic climate of the time. Despite this, the Jouët name, and models like the Jouët 20, continued to be produced under the Yachting France umbrella, with the boats often bearing both designations. The design itself, penned by Philippe H. Harlé, aimed to create a small sailboat offering "performance adaptability," a hallmark of Jouët's philosophy of producing capable and dependable yachts. The nearly identical nature of the Jouët 20 and the Sheriff 600 reflects a common practice of co-branding or shared designs during this period.

Sailing Performance and Handling

For a sailboat of its compact dimensions, the Jouët 20 exhibits characteristics suited for a lively yet manageable sailing experience. With a length overall of just over 20 feet (20.41 ft) and a waterline length of 15.42 feet, she is designed to be nimble and responsive. Her fin keel and transom-hung rudder contribute to precise steering and good upwind performance, typical of such a configuration. The fractional sloop rig, combined with a reported sail area of 220 square feet, suggests a boat that can be easily handled by a single sailor or a small crew, offering a good balance between power and control. The design allows for a theoretical hull speed of approximately 5.26 knots, indicative of her potential for enjoyable day sailing and coastal cruising. Anecdotal evidence suggests that despite her small size, the Jouët 20 is praised for its compact design with performance adaptability, offering a spirited sail.

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of the Jouët 20, typical for a vessel of its 20-foot length, focuses on maximizing the available space for basic cruising comfort. While specific headroom figures are not readily available, it can be inferred that standing headroom is limited, as is common in boats of this size from its era. Jouët, as a builder, generally aimed for "roomy interiors" and "maximized interior volume for cruising comfort" across its range, which would translate to efficient use of space within the Jouët 20's compact hull. The layout likely includes a V-berth forward, a small salon area with settees that could serve as berths, and possibly a rudimentary galley space and a compact head. The focus would have been on functional, no-frills accommodations suitable for weekend trips or extended day sails, with emphasis on robust construction materials like fiberglass for the hull and deck. Due to its age and design, the interior finish would typically feature practical, durable materials, possibly with some wood trim to soften the ambiance.