Marshall 22 Sloop Information, Review, Specs

The Marshall 22 was conceived by Breck Marshall, the founder of Marshall Marine Corporation, who sought to translate the virtues of traditional wooden catboats into the durable, low-maintenance medium of fiberglass. Production of the Marshall 22 commenced in 1965, and the design remains in production today, with nearly 800 units of both the cat-rigged and sloop-rigged versions built over its lifespan. Marshall Marine is known for its steadfast commitment to handcrafted quality and robust construction, employing solid fiberglass for hulls and side decks, and incorporating integral centerboard trunks, ensuring exceptional durability.

While the Marshall 22 is fundamentally rooted in the catboat design, featuring a wide beam and shallow draft, the sloop-rigged variant, known as the Marshall 22 Sloop, was introduced to appeal to those desiring greater sail area and more traditional sail handling. This version includes a bowsprit, a club-footed jib, and running rigging, distinguishing it from its cat-rigged sibling.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Marshall 22 Sloop exhibits a sail area to displacement ratio of approximately 21.81, indicating a boat with ample canvas for its displacement, suggesting good performance in lighter winds and a responsive feel at the helm. With a displacement to length ratio of around 261, she falls into the category of a moderately heavy cruiser for her size, a characteristic consistent with her reputation as a sturdy, sea-kindly vessel. Despite a ballast to displacement ratio of about 0.15, which might seem modest for a monohull, the Marshall 22 Sloop's inherent stability largely stems from her significant beam of 10.18 feet and robust hull form, a hallmark of Marshall Marine's design philosophy.

Her design, featuring a shallow draft ranging from 2.0 feet with the centerboard up to 5.18 feet with it down, allows for extensive exploration of shallow bays and gunkholes, while the centerboard provides enhanced windward performance when deployed. Owners consistently describe the Marshall 22 as a capable and stable boat, comfortable in various sea states, underscoring its design as a reliable pocket cruiser.

Accommodations and Layout

Below deck, the Marshall 22 Sloop is noted for offering accommodations comparable to those found in larger vessels. While specific headroom figures are not consistently documented, the interior layout typically features an open plan designed to maximize usable space. Early models often included a pull-out double berth. Owners can find descriptions of typical interior arrangements, which usually comprise a forward V-berth, a head, a salon area, and a galley, providing sufficient comfort for weekend cruising or extended trips. The emphasis is on practical, comfortable living, consistent with the boat's cruising intent. Marshall Marine focuses on solid construction, and this extends to the interior, with robust joinery and a functional design optimized for its compact size.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Marshall 22 Sloop frequently praise its solid construction and seaworthiness, often highlighting its ability to handle challenging conditions with composure. Many owners appreciate the boat's shallow draft, which expands cruising grounds and allows access to areas inaccessible to deeper-keeled boats, a key advantage for gunkholing. The sturdy fiberglass hull is well-regarded, with reports indicating that hull blisters have been an infrequent problem, contributing to the boat's reputation for durability.

While the sloop rig offers more sail handling and increased sail area, some owners discuss the nuances of managing the club-footed jib, which requires a specific approach to trimming. The strong and active owner community, supported by organizations like the Sandpiper Class Association, further enhances the ownership experience, fostering camaraderie and providing a network for advice and shared experiences.