Kells 22 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

Production of the Kells 22 commenced in 1971, placing it firmly within the era when fiberglass construction had become the industry standard, valued for its durability and reduced maintenance compared to traditional wood. The design is attributed to Paul Lindh, an individual also credited with designing the Kells 23, a closely related model. Kells Corp., under the direction of Raymond F. Kells, embraced fiberglass construction and developed a reputation for producing relatively compact, yet capable, masthead sloops.

While detailed accounts of Lindh's specific design philosophy for the Kells 22 are limited, the builder's general approach was to create accessible options for the cruising and recreational sailing market. Kells Corp. often engaged in in-house or collaborative design efforts, as evidenced by other models. During its production run, a notable variation, the Kells 22 MK II, emerged, featuring a generous sail plan engineered for excellent light-air performance. Although the primary Kells 22 model, as detailed in specifications, features a wing keel and masthead sloop rig, some discussions online suggest the existence of swing keel or cutter-rigged variants, highlighting potential diversity within the Kells 22 lineage.

Sailing Performance and Handling

With a sail area to displacement ratio (SA/D) of approximately 18.98, the Kells 22 suggests a good capability for sailing in lighter wind conditions. This is corroborated by descriptions of the Kells 22 MK II, which note its generous sail plan delivers excellent light-air performance.

The ballast to displacement ratio (B/D) stands at around 0.28. While a lower ratio generally implies a more tender boat that might require earlier reefing in stronger winds, it also contributes to a lighter overall displacement, making the boat more agile. The displacement to length ratio (D/L) of approximately 141.6 further categorizes the Kells 22 as a lighter-displacement vessel for its length. This combination of a relatively high SA/D and a lower D/L suggests a boat designed for nimble performance and ease of handling in moderate conditions, rather than heavy offshore stability. The wing keel design, as specified, would typically contribute to a shallower draft for exploring thinner waters while still providing good lift and stability compared to a full keel of similar draft. The outboard rudder configuration generally offers responsive steering.

Accommodations and Layout

Specific detailed information regarding the interior layout of the Kells 22 is sparse in available documentation. However, given its length overall of just over 22 feet and a beam of 7.58 feet, the interior of the Kells 22 would typically be arranged to maximize living space within a compact footprint, common for pocket cruisers of its era.

For a boat of this size, a common layout would include a V-berth forward, serving as the primary sleeping area, followed by a small main salon. The salon often features settees on either side, which might convert into additional berths. A basic galley area, usually comprising a sink and perhaps space for a portable stove, would be positioned either to port or starboard. A dedicated, enclosed head compartment would be a desirable, though not universally present, feature on boats of this size. Storage would be primarily under settees and V-berths, with minimal hanging locker space. The use of fiberglass for the hull and deck implies a relatively simple, robust interior finish, often complemented by wood trim to add warmth, a characteristic of many production boats from Kells Corp.'s era. Although maximum headroom details are not widely documented, it would likely be limited, as is typical for 22-foot sailboats, particularly those without a pop-top design.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of Kells sailboats, including the Kells 22 and its closely related Kells 23, frequently highlight the solid fiberglass construction and overall affordability of these classic vessels, 8]. The Kells 22 continues to appeal to those seeking a manageable and accessible sailboat for recreational use.

However, as with many vintage fiberglass boats, some owners have noted common maintenance challenges. Forum discussions mention instances of leaks in older Kells 22 models, suggesting that original deck fittings or hull-to-deck joints may require re-bedding over time as the boats age. While specific, organized owner communities are less common for niche builders like Kells Corp., informal online forums and groups dedicated to vintage sailboats often serve as a resource for owners to share experiences and maintenance tips.