Vivacity 20 Information, Review, Specs

The Vivacity 20's story began in 1963, emerging as a redesigned and lengthened version of Russell Marine's earlier Alacrity 19. Russell Marine Ltd., founded by Des Pollard, had established itself building popular racing dinghies before transitioning to cruisers. The company swiftly adopted Glass Reinforced Plastic (GRP) for its hulls, moving away from molded plywood, a decision that enabled more consistent and efficient production. This pioneering approach allowed Russell Marine to produce robust and affordable yachts for a growing market.

Peter Stevenson, a key designer, aimed for a "slightly more speedy hull design" for the Vivacity 20, reflecting a blend of performance and practicality suitable for a small cruiser. True to Russell Marine's design philosophy, the Vivacity 20 was offered with both twin (bilge) keels and a fin keel. The twin keel option was particularly popular in the UK and Europe, allowing the boat to dry out upright on tidal moorings, greatly enhancing its utility for exploring shallow estuaries and rivers.

Sailing Performance and Handling

Given its modest length of 20 feet, the Vivacity 20 is typically not evaluated by the same performance ratios as larger cruising yachts. However, its design principles offer clear insights into its sailing characteristics. The Vivacity 20 is generally described as a strongly built and seaworthy yacht for its size. While not exceptionally fast, owners often note that it "sails better than you would imagine considering the shallow draught and stubby bilge keels" (for the twin keel version).

Its shallow draft and twin keel configuration make it an excellent choice for navigating estuaries and rivers, offering a stable platform for coastal hopping and weekend excursions. The boat is rigged as a masthead sloop, a common and effective setup for a vessel of this size, providing a good balance between sail area and ease of handling.

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of the Vivacity 20, while compact, is designed for practicality within its 20-foot length. Though specific headroom figures are not universally available, the general perception is of a functional, rather than luxurious, space typical of small cruisers of its era. Reviews and owner discussions suggest a simple layout, with the focus on providing essential cruising amenities.

Common interior arrangements for boats of this size would include V-berth accommodation forward, a small salon area, and potentially a basic galley. One detail noted by owners is the placement of a sink on the starboard side at the point of maximum beam. The overall finish, as is characteristic of many boats from Russell Marine, prioritizes durability and functionality, often featuring simple fiberglass mouldings with some wood trim. Owners undertaking restorations often find the interior requires significant work, suggesting a basic original fit-out that prioritizes longevity over intricate detailing.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Vivacity 20 consistently praise its robust construction and seaworthy characteristics, especially for a boat of its size. Many highlight its suitability for river trips, coastal cruising, and exploring shallow waters, attributing this to its effective bilge keel design. The Vivacity 20 is often regarded as an ideal first boat or a reliable platform for those seeking accessible sailing.

However, like any vessel of its age, some recurring issues and considerations are noted by the owner community. One specific point of concern mentioned is the original sink drain installation, which some owners describe as a "subtle, but potentially lethal, trap" if not properly maintained, potentially leading to water ingress. Owners who regularly dry their bilge keel versions on hard or stony moorings have reported that the bottoms of the keels can suffer from pounding. Additionally, some forum discussions suggest that early deck fittings on the Vivacity 20 might be prone to developing leaks over time, requiring re-bedding, and some owners have noted the boat can be "often very wet (salt water)" in the bilges. Despite these potential maintenance items, the enduring presence of many Vivacity 20s on the water today is a testament to their fundamental soundness and the enjoyment they continue to provide.