Santana 20 Information, Review, Specs

The Santana 20 began production in 1976, marking its introduction as a design by W. Shad Turner. Turner conceived the Santana 20 with a multifaceted purpose: to serve as a user-friendly day sailer, a competitive one-design racer, and a modest pocket cruiser. This design philosophy resulted in a boat that offers plenty of lines to tweak, appealing to those with a racing inclination.

W.D. Schock, the builder, was well-established by this era as a prolific manufacturer of fiberglass sailboats on the U.S. West Coast. Their manufacturing ethos revolved around crafting robust and forward-thinking designs, a reputation built on models like the Lido 14 and carried through to the Santana series. A notable modification occurred in 1996, when W.D. Schock Corporation redesigned the deck of the Santana 20, incorporating an opened transom and a roomier cockpit. This alteration was specifically noted to not impact the boat's performance characteristics, distinguishing between what owners refer to as "classic" and "new deck" versions. Earlier models reportedly had a "mast post compression problem" that was addressed in later builds.

Sailing Performance and Handling

Despite its compact size, the Santana 20 is celebrated for its engaging sailing characteristics. Owners and enthusiasts frequently praise its ease of handling, even allowing for super easy single-handed sailing. The boat is described as stable and capable of pointing well, making it a responsive vessel for its length.

Designed with racing in mind, the Santana 20 offers ample control lines for fine-tuning performance, which appeals to competitive sailors. It is known to excel particularly in light air and flat water, offering a lively and rewarding experience. However, some owners note that it can become more challenging to handle in choppy seas, waves, or heavy air conditions. Achieving optimal performance also depends on maintaining a smooth and fair keel, rudder, and hull bottom, as well as proper headstay tension. The boat is capable of a theoretical hull speed of approximately 5.36 knots.

Accommodations and Layout

Given its primary roles as a day sailer and racer, the Santana 20 features a relatively modest interior. While specific headroom figures are not commonly detailed, the cabin provides basic shelter, typical of a pocket cruiser of its size. The interior layout often includes a wooden mast post inside the cabin. Due to its compact nature, the interior is generally configured for essential overnighting or shelter, rather than extended cruising comfort. Owners have used the boat for multi-day trips, suggesting the space, while limited, is functional for a solo sailor or a couple. Common observations from owners include issues with flaking interior paint and broken hatches, suggesting these areas may require attention on older models.

Owner's Perspectives

The Santana 20 enjoys a dedicated following, particularly within its active one-design racing fleets across the country. Owners consistently express affection for the boat, describing it as "really fun" to sail. Its ability to be easily single-handed is a frequently praised attribute, expanding its appeal beyond racing crews to casual daysailors. The robust construction, characteristic of W.D. Schock's fiberglass yachts, contributes to its lasting popularity in the used boat market.

However, owners also highlight a few recurring considerations. As mentioned, the boat can be a handful in heavier weather or choppier conditions. Common maintenance issues reported include the tendency for original hatches to break and interior paint to flake. Additionally, some owners find that lifelines, if present, can interfere with genoa trimming, a minor design quirk for those focused on racing. Despite these points, the strong community and the boat's inherent sailing qualities ensure its continued enjoyment by enthusiasts.