Jouët 23 (Calife) Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

Production of the Jouët 23 (Calife) commenced in 1969 and continued until 1976. This period marked a significant transition for the Jouët shipyard, which, founded by Jean-Pierre Jouët in 1925, transitioned from traditional wooden boat building to the revolutionary fiberglass construction. In 1970, Jouët, along with other builders like Lanaverre, became a subsidiary of Yachting France. This consolidation, often driven by the challenging economic climate of the era, meant that boats like the Jouët 23 continued to be produced under the Jouët name, albeit as part of a larger entity.

Designer Philippe Harlé's philosophy for the Calife was to create a "spacious" hull design that offered both excellent speed performance and good form stability. This vision is reflected in its specifications, including a generous beam of 8.2 feet and a relatively shallow maximum draft of 3.25 feet, contributing to its cruising capabilities. The Jouët 23 was built with a solid fiberglass hull and deck, aligning with Jouët's reputation for crafting robust and seaworthy vessels.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Jouët 23 is a fin-keel, masthead sloop with a transom-hung rudder, a common and effective configuration for its size and intended use. Designed with a cruising philosophy, it aims to deliver dependable performance and good stability for its length. Its design suggests a boat that can be responsive and manageable for a small crew, yet offer enough stability for comfortable cruising. While specific anecdotal handling characteristics for the Jouët 23 are not extensively detailed, Jouët boats, in general, are known for their seaworthy nature and solid construction, often praised for feeling safe under sail. Its compact size, combined with a design focused on stability, would likely make it a forgiving boat for both novice and experienced sailors tackling coastal waters.

Accommodations and Layout

Despite its modest length overall of just under 23 feet, the Jouët 23 (Calife) was designed as a cabin cruiser, with Philippe Harlé aiming for a "spacy hull design" to maximize interior volume. While detailed interior layouts vary between individual boats due to owner modifications over decades, a typical arrangement for a boat of this size from the 1960s and 70s would include a forward V-berth, a small salon area with settees that could convert into berths, a compact galley with basic amenities like a sink and perhaps a stove, and a dedicated marine head. The emphasis would be on functional use of space, often featuring simple, durable finishes characteristic of the era, potentially including wood trim and fiberglass surfaces. Storage solutions would be integrated throughout the cabin to accommodate gear for weekend trips or short cruises.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of Jouët sailboats frequently commend the brand for its robust construction and seaworthiness. While specific reviews for the Jouët 23 (Calife) are less common in public forums due to its age and relatively smaller production run compared to larger models, the general sentiment regarding Jouët vessels is positive, highlighting their enduring quality and design. These boats are often appreciated for their solid build, comfortable motion in a seaway, and suitability for coastal cruising. As with any older vessel, potential owners might look for common maintenance considerations typical of boats from this era, such as ensuring original fittings are well-sealed or checking the condition of older engine installations. However, the foundational design and build quality of the Jouët 23 continue to make it a classic choice on the used boat market for those seeking a dependable and charming compact cruiser.