Schock 23 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The story of the Schock 23 is rooted in W.D. Schock's long-standing commitment to innovative fiberglass boat building. The company, founded by William "Bill" D. Schock in 1958, established its reputation by producing accessible and competitive sailing yachts, largely driven by the adoption of fiberglass as a primary construction material. During the era of the Schock 23's design and production, W.D. Schock maintained its ethos of practical design and robust construction, often collaborating with notable naval architects.

The Schock 23 itself was designed by Steven Schock, a member of the founding family, in 1987. Its defining feature, the wing keel, was specifically engineered by Reijo Salminen. This design choice suggests a focus on combining good upwind performance with a shallower draft, beneficial for coastal cruising and trailerability. The hull design aimed for a "slightly more spacy" interior, hinting at a balance between performance and livability. Classified as a masthead sloop, the boat was primarily intended as a racing boat, underscoring its performance aspirations. While the provided data lists a production start year of 1999, earlier versions of a "Schock 23 WK" (Wing Keel) were produced between 1987 and 1991, indicating an evolution or different iterations of the "23" model over time.

Sailing Performance and Handling

With an overall length of just over 23 feet and a waterline length exceeding 20 feet, the Schock 23 is characterized by a design that prioritizes performance. Its calculated hull speed of 6.08 knots suggests a capable and responsive vessel for its size. Generally, Schock-built boats are known for being light and responsive, traits likely inherited by the Schock 23. As a masthead sloop with a reported total sail area of 262 square feet, it is well-powered for its displacement. Its design as a "racing boat" indicates it is engineered to be quick and agile on the water. The wing keel, a key design element, would contribute to good stability and lift, enhancing upwind performance while offering a shallower draft compared to a traditional fin keel.

Accommodations and Layout

Due to its compact size, the Schock 23's interior accommodations are designed for efficiency and practicality, typical of a performance-oriented daysailer or weekender. While specific details on the interior layout are not widely published, such boats generally feature a V-berth forward for sleeping, a small salon area, and possibly basic galley facilities or a porta-potty. Given the builder's reputation for quality fiberglass construction, the interior finish would likely be functional and durable. Owners of boats in this class often prioritize sailing performance over extensive interior amenities, making the cabin a comfortable, albeit compact, space for overnight stays or shelter from the elements.