Aztec 23 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The Aztec 23 entered production in 1977, a period when Sailcraft Ltd., under the leadership of Reg White and Rodney March, was firmly established as a pioneering force in fiberglass multihull construction. The company, founded in 1967, had already made its mark with high-performance racing catamarans like the Olympic-class Tornado and expanded into cruising multihulls through collaborations with designers such as Rod Macalpine-Downie. Macalpine-Downie, celebrated for his groundbreaking work in multihull design, designed the Aztec 23, contributing to Sailcraft's diverse range of catamarans that pushed the boundaries of speed and efficiency. The Aztec 23, like other Sailcraft models of the era, benefited from the company's commitment to fiberglass construction, allowing for consistency and strength in production. Sailcraft Ltd. continued its operations until 1986, implying that the Aztec 23's production run likely concluded around that time.

Sailing Performance and Handling

Designed as a fractional sloop with a reported sail area of 278.0 square feet and a light displacement of 900 pounds, the Aztec 23 is characterized as an ultralight and very high-performing sailboat. With a length overall of 23.0 feet and a waterline length of 21.0 feet, its slender hulls contribute to an estimated hull speed of 6.14 knots. The catamaran configuration, coupled with twin centerboards, allows for a remarkable versatility in draft, ranging from a minimal 0.67 feet with the boards up to 3.0 feet when fully deployed. This shallow minimum draft enables the Aztec 23 to navigate extremely shallow waters and even be beached, offering exceptional access to coves and shorelines inaccessible to deeper-draft vessels. The boat's twin rudders provide responsive steering, typical of catamarans, contributing to its nimble handling.

Accommodations and Layout

Information regarding the specific interior layout and amenities of the Sailcraft Aztec 23 is limited. As a compact 23-foot catamaran, the accommodations would inherently be modest, designed primarily for day trips or weekend cruising. Catamarans of this size typically offer basic shelter within their hulls, often featuring V-berth style sleeping arrangements in each hull, potentially a small galley counter, and a portable or compact head. Given its design and era, the interior finish would likely feature a combination of fiberglass moldings and simple, functional joinery, prioritizing practicality and light weight over extensive luxury. Storage would be distributed throughout the hulls and under seating areas. Due to its dual-hull nature, interior ventilation would be facilitated by hatches and portlights in each hull.