Islander 23 (Wakefield) Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The lineage of the Islander 23 (Wakefield) traces back to 1966, when it was first introduced as the Imperial 23. Two years later, in 1968, it was rebranded and commenced production as the Islander 23, built by Russell Marine Ltd. Russell Marine, under the leadership of founder Des Pollard, established a reputation for embracing Glass Reinforced Plastic (GRP) construction, delivering consistent quality and efficiency in their small cruiser offerings. This manufacturing philosophy ensured the Islander 23 benefited from the robust and practical build characteristics for which the yard was known. The boat's production continued into the late 1970s, likely concluding around 1980 when Russell Marine Ltd. ceased its boatbuilding operations.

The design by L. Wakefield prioritized practicality and ease of use, evident in its twin keel hull form. This choice of keel type was a hallmark for many Russell Marine vessels, particularly popular in regions with tidal waters, as it allows the boat to dry out upright, simplifying maintenance and expanding mooring options.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Islander 23 (Wakefield), measuring 22.5 feet (6.86 meters) overall, is designed primarily as a cruiser, offering a stable and predictable sailing experience. Its hull form, while intended for cruising, is noted by some as being "slightly more speedy" and slimmer than many comparable designs of its era, suggesting a decent turn of speed for its size. The twin keels are described as "proper asymmetric foil keels," indicating a design intended to provide efficient hydrodynamic lift and minimize drag, rather than just serving as beaching legs. This design choice contributes to the boat's inherent stability and its ability to handle various sea states with a comfortable motion. Owners appreciate the confidence that comes with a boat capable of standing upright when the tide recedes, a significant advantage for exploring shallow waters and utilizing drying berths.

Accommodations and Layout

Below deck, the Islander 23 (Wakefield) offers a simple yet functional layout typical of small cruisers of its time. The interior is designed to maximize the available space within its relatively compact dimensions, primarily functioning as a cabin boat suitable for day trips and short overnight stays. Standard accommodations typically include sleeping for up to four individuals and a basic head. While specific details on headroom are not readily available, the design would have focused on providing comfortable sitting or stooping headroom in key areas. Notably, the interior layout does not feature a dedicated chart table, emphasizing its role as a more straightforward cruising vessel. Due to its age and the general lack of extensive online resources specifically detailing the interior, precise descriptions of finish quality or material use beyond typical fiberglass construction are limited.

Owner's Perspectives

Information regarding specific owner reviews and common issues for the Islander 23 (Wakefield) is relatively scarce. This model is not considered a common boat, though examples do periodically appear for sale. While the broader "Islander" brand might have an active owner community, detailed collective viewpoints specific to the L. Wakefield-designed, Russell Marine-built Islander 23 are not widely documented. As such, comprehensive summaries of frequently mentioned strengths or weaknesses are difficult to synthesize from available public information. Owners who value its twin keel design for ease of drying out and its robust Russell Marine construction are likely to appreciate its practical cruising capabilities.