Paceship P2-20 Information, Review, Specs

The Paceship P2-20 began its production run in 1962, marking an early chapter for Paceship Yachts Ltd., which had been founded in the same year. Paceship's genesis traced back to the Industrial Shipping Company Limited of Mahone Bay, Nova Scotia, which, after a devastating fire in 1956, rebuilt its plant to become one of the first manufacturers to extensively use fiberglass for small runabouts and sailboats. The company began marketing its sailboat line under the Paceship name around 1962, embracing fiberglass as a modern and durable material.

Designer G. William McVay envisioned the P2-20 as a vessel prioritizing responsive sailing and easy handling. This aligns with Paceship's broader manufacturing ethos of creating practical, accessible sailboats for a wide market. The boat features a fin keel and a transom-hung rudder, contributing to its maneuverability. While Paceship Yachts produced many models, the P2-20 was among its foundational designs, with its construction primarily in fiberglass. There is no widely available information suggesting significant variations or different marks during its production run.

Sailing Performance and Handling

Despite its compact size, the Paceship P2-20 is known for being a light sailboat that delivers a reasonably good performance on the water. Its design emphasizes stability and stiffness, making it a reliable and comfortable boat in various conditions. Owners and reviewers often describe the P2-20 as nimble and responsive, making it an enjoyable vessel to sail, particularly for those who appreciate easy handling. With a hull speed of approximately 5.52 knots, it offers a spirited sailing experience for a boat of its dimensions. The P2-20's fin keel configuration aids in its upwind performance and overall tracking, while the transom-hung rudder provides direct and immediate steering control.

Accommodations and Layout

Given its length overall of 19.25 feet, the Paceship P2-20 offers a fundamental interior, typical of compact cruising sailboats of its era. Detailed information regarding its specific interior layout is limited in available documentation, reflecting its primary design as a smaller, more performance-oriented or weekending vessel rather than an extensive cruiser. Prospective owners can generally expect a basic arrangement, likely featuring a V-berth forward, and possibly two settees in a main cabin area, with minimal galley or head facilities. For boats of this size and vintage, the emphasis would have been on maximizing usable space and providing shelter, with finishes generally leaning towards practical fiberglass liners complemented by some wood trim. Storage would be modest, consisting of under-berth lockers. Ventilation would typically come from a forward hatch and possibly a few portlights.