Seamaster Sailer 23 Information, Review, Specs

The Seamaster Sailer 23 emerged from the boatyards of Seamaster Ltd., a company that operated from 1955 to 1981 and was instrumental in the burgeoning use of fiberglass in boat construction. During this era, Seamaster established a reputation for building robust and practical fiberglass cruisers, a philosophy clearly embodied by the Sailer 23. The design, penned by Jack Laurent Giles, aimed for a slightly more spacious hull, which contributed to its ability to offer good accommodation for its size.

A notable aspect of the Seamaster Sailer 23's design versatility was its availability with three distinct keel configurations. Buyers could choose between a bilge keel with a draft of 2.75 feet, a fin keel drawing 3.5 feet, or a keel-centerboard arrangement that offered a shallow draft of 2.5 feet when raised and 5.5 feet when lowered. This range of options allowed owners to tailor the boat to their specific cruising grounds, whether shallow inland waterways or more open coastal waters.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Seamaster Sailer 23 is recognized as a well-respected and versatile yacht suitable for both inland and coastal sailing. While not designed as an outright racer, it is considered a well-known and proven design. Owners generally find the Sailer 23 to be a capable cruiser, offering comfortable motion in a seaway, consistent with Seamaster's general reputation for solid construction. Anecdotal evidence suggests that boats of similar design, prioritizing accommodation for their size, may not excel in upwind performance, but are well-suited for their intended cruising purpose. The Sailer 23 was even featured in Sailing Today magazine, where it was compared favorably with other boats of similar size, such as the Westerly Pageant.

Accommodations and Layout

Despite its compact length overall of 23 feet, the Seamaster Sailer 23 is noted for providing good accommodation for its size, designed to offer comfortable cabins. The typical interior layout features sleeping arrangements for up to five individuals across two cabins. A V-berth in the forepeak provides sleeping space that can be converted into a double berth. While specific details on interior finish quality and materials are not extensively documented in general reviews, boats from Seamaster's era and class typically utilized a blend of functional fiberglass moldings and wood trim to create a practical and inviting living space. Storage solutions would have been integrated to maximize space efficiency, crucial for a boat of this size intended for cruising.

Owner's Perspectives

The Seamaster Sailer 23 has fostered a dedicated community of owners, many of whom are active in the Seamaster Club, a self-help group providing support and assistance., 11] Owners frequently praise the boat's robust construction and its suitability as a reliable and accessible cruiser. The strong sense of camaraderie within the club helps owners maintain these classic British boats.

However, common maintenance considerations, typical for boats of this vintage, have been discussed among owners. For example, some owners have reported issues with the original Bukh 10 engine, while others have encountered problems with keels jamming, particularly in the bilge keel variations. Despite these potential challenges, the active owner community provides a valuable resource for troubleshooting and maintaining the Seamaster Sailer 23, ensuring its enduring legacy on the water.