Sandhopper 19 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The Sandhopper 19 entered production in 1970, built by Parker Lift Keel Yachts Ltd. (now known as Parker Yachts). The design emerged from the drawing board of Oliver J. Lee, a British naval architect who conceptualized a small sailboat that offered both performance and practicality. A defining characteristic of the Sandhopper 19 is its direct lineage from the Squib keelboat, also designed by Oliver Lee. The Sandhopper is essentially a shallow-draft, twin-keel version of the Squib. Lee's design philosophy for the Sandhopper focused on creating fine underwater lines to ensure good performance in light airs, complemented by flared sections above the waterline. The goal was to produce an affordable and low-maintenance sailing boat.

Parker Yachts, originating from G. W. Parker & Son, had a strong foundation in craftsmanship and an early history of building high-performance dinghies like the International 505 and 470 in Glass Reinforced Plastic (GRP). This expertise in robust construction and clever designs, particularly an emphasis on shallow-draft capabilities, aligned perfectly with the twin-keel concept of the Sandhopper. While Parker later became celebrated for its innovative lifting-keel yachts, the Sandhopper 19 predates many of these, demonstrating the builder's early commitment to versatile, shoal-draft designs.

Sailing Performance and Handling

While performance ratios are typically applied to larger vessels, the Sandhopper 19's design offers a qualitative insight into its sailing characteristics. With a reported sail area of 172 square feet and a displacement of 1,543 pounds, it is designed for nimble handling. Its hull speed is calculated at approximately 5.52 knots.

The Sandhopper 19 is particularly praised for its "delightful handling qualities," which are akin to those of a racing dinghy, much like its Squib sibling. The fractional sloop rig contributes to its responsiveness. A significant feature is its bilge keel (twin keel) configuration, which provides excellent stability and, critically, allows the boat to be safely beached or left on drying moorings, offering immense versatility for coastal exploration and tidal areas. Owners and reviewers suggest its comfort ratio is above average for similar sailboat designs, indicating a relatively comfortable motion for a boat of its size.

Accommodations and Layout

Given its compact length overall of 19 feet and a beam of 6.17 feet, the Sandhopper 19 features a necessarily modest interior. While specific detailed layouts or headroom figures are not widely documented, a boat of this size typically offers a basic cabin suitable for short overnight stays or sheltered seating. Such arrangements generally include a small V-berth forward, possibly with limited galley or storage space, and often a portable head. The focus of the interior would be on functional simplicity rather than extensive amenities, common for pocket cruisers of its era. Owners often prioritize the sailing experience and the ability to access shallow waters over expansive living spaces in boats of this class.