Leisure 23 Information, Review, Specs

The production of the Leisure 23 commenced in 1972, emerging from the boatyards of Cobramold Ltd., the original builder of Leisure Yachts in the United Kingdom. The company's ethos, established by Managing Director Brian Meerloo, focused on revolutionizing yacht design to create practical and comfortable vessels that maximized interior space, a principle clearly evident in the Leisure 23's development. Frank Pryor's design for the Leisure 23 aimed for serious cruising, offering a larger and more efficient hull compared to earlier models like the Leisure 22, which shared a similar deck and superstructure.

Throughout its production run, the Leisure 23 was notably offered in two keel configurations: a twin keel (bilge keel) version and a deeper fin keel variant. The fin keel version provided a draft of 3.92 feet (1.19 meters). A significant evolution came in 1975 with the introduction of the Leisure 23SL. While sharing the same proven hull as the original 23, the SL model featured a more modern "wedge" deck style, which notably increased interior headroom. These variations underscore Leisure Yachts' commitment to catering to diverse sailor preferences while maintaining a core design of functionality and robust construction.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Leisure 23, while not designed as a racing yacht, is widely regarded for its solid sailing abilities and seaworthiness, particularly given its compact size. Its design incorporates a masthead sloop rig, providing a straightforward and effective sail plan. A key contributor to its stable and stiff performance is its high ballast-to-displacement ratio, reported at 48% for the L23, which allows it to stand up well to wind and sea.

Owners generally describe the Leisure 23 as a dependable cruiser. While upwind performance with the twin keel can sometimes require "a bit of sail tweaking," the boat is praised for its overall docile handling. The twin keel configuration offers the significant advantage of enabling the boat to dry out in shallow harbors and access more confined waterways, albeit with some compromise on upwind efficiency compared to the fin keel variant. Its robust, one-piece molded GRP hull, with interior mouldings and bulkheads bonded in, contributes to exceptional strength and rigidity, ensuring a secure and comfortable motion in a seaway.

Accommodations and Layout

Despite its modest length overall of 22.64 feet, the Leisure 23 is celebrated for its surprisingly spacious accommodations, making it a viable family cruiser. The interior layout is thoughtfully designed to maximize usable space, typically featuring a V-shaped forward cabin that converts into two berths. The main cabin offers ample room, with the Leisure 23SL boasting around 5 feet 10 inches (1.79 meters) of headroom, a notable feature for a boat of this size.

The galley is usually positioned to port in the main cabin, equipped with a sink and a two-burner gas stove, complemented by a good amount of storage for provisions. A Porta Potti typically serves as the head. The saloon area often includes a "massive table" that can be lowered to form an additional berth, further expanding sleeping capacity to accommodate up to five individuals on the Leisure 23SL. The use of interior mouldings and bonded bulkheads not only contributes to the hull's structural integrity but also provides a tidy and low-maintenance finish. Ample deck space and a large, deep cockpit further enhance the boat's liveability, offering comfortable areas for both sailing and relaxation.

Owner's Perspectives

The Leisure 23 enjoys a loyal and active owner community, epitomized by the long-standing Leisure Owners Association, which was formed in 1982. Owners consistently praise the Leisure 23 for its solid construction, seaworthiness, and reliability, often highlighting its suitability as an excellent family boat. Many appreciate its low maintenance requirements and the general lack of pervasive structural issues like osmosis.

However, a frequently mentioned point among owners is the susceptibility of the rudder to developing cracks along its trailing edge, which can lead to water ingress. This is a known maintenance item that prospective buyers often check. Despite this minor recurring issue, the collective sentiment emphasizes the Leisure 23's enduring quality and its practical, enjoyable nature for cruising and pottering along the coast. The strong community support among Leisure owners further solidifies the boat's reputation as a cherished and capable small cruiser.