Merit 23 Sprint CB Information, Review, Specs

The Merit 23 Sprint CB commenced production in 1984, emerging from the workshops of Merit Marine Inc. Paul Yates, the visionary behind the Merit Marine line, focused on creating sailboats that were competitive on the racecourse while remaining accessible to a wider audience. This philosophy is evident in the Merit 23 Sprint CB, which features a keel/centerboard hull, allowing for versatile sailing in varying depths. Merit Marine, during this era, was known for its fiberglass construction, producing durable and lightweight hulls essential for performance, a hallmark that would have extended to the 23 Sprint CB. While no significant variations like MkI or MkII iterations are widely documented for this specific model, its design emphasizes efficiency and handling for its size.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Merit 23 Sprint CB exhibits characteristics indicative of a lively performer on the water. With a Sail Area to Displacement ratio (SA/Disp) of 25.78, she possesses ample sail power relative to her weight, suggesting strong performance in lighter wind conditions. This ratio is quite high, often found in boats designed for speed and responsiveness. Further underscoring its performance aspirations is a very low Displacement to Length ratio (Disp/Len) of 110.65, classifying it as a very light, performance-oriented vessel. This combination implies the boat is quick to accelerate and agile. The keel/centerboard configuration contributes to its versatility, allowing for both deeper draft for upwind performance and reduced draft for access to shallower waters, making it suitable for a range of coastal and inland sailing. Anecdotal reports classify the Merit 23 Sprint CB as a day-boat, reinforcing its design for lively, shorter outings where handling and speed are prioritized. Due to a lack of available data, a qualitative assessment of its ballast-to-displacement ratio cannot be provided.

Accommodations and Layout

Given its designation as a "day-boat" and compact length of just over 23 feet, the Merit 23 Sprint CB features relatively modest interior accommodations, primarily geared towards short excursions rather than extended cruising. The boat's 8.0-foot beam provides some interior volume for its size. Details regarding the exact interior layout are not extensively documented in publicly available information; however, typical arrangements for sailboats of this size and purpose often include a forward V-berth for sleeping, a small compact galley area, and potentially a portable or enclosed head, offering basic comfort for day use or simple overnight stays. The emphasis in its design, consistent with Merit Marine's focus, would likely be on functional, light-weight interior components rather than extensive cruising amenities.