South Coast 23 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The story of the South Coast 23 begins in 1965, the same year Hollis Metcalf founded South Coast Seacraft Co. in Shreveport, Louisiana. The company's vision was to cater to the burgeoning interest in recreational sailing by producing fiberglass sailboats. The South Coast 23 was one of their initial offerings, alongside the SC 21, both designed by the esteemed Carl Alberg. Alberg's design philosophy emphasized creating boats with graceful lines, long overhangs, and full keels, prioritizing seaworthiness and comfortable motion over extreme speed. His designs, including the South Coast 23, were conceived to be robust and dependable, making them well-suited for a broad range of sailing conditions. South Coast Seacraft's manufacturing ethos focused on building accessible and practical fiberglass vessels that were durable and relatively low-maintenance, perfectly aligning with Alberg's designs.

During its production run, the South Coast 23 was offered with notable variations to suit different sailing preferences. It was available as a dedicated daysailer, for those prioritizing open cockpit space, or in a four-berth configuration, providing modest accommodations for overnight trips and weekend cruising. Furthermore, South Coast Seacraft offered the boat in kit form, allowing owners to complete the build themselves, or as a factory-finished vessel. A related model, the Kittiwake 23 (also known as the Kittiwake 24 or Kenner Kittiwake), shares the same hull as the South Coast 23 but incorporates a "dog house" addition to the coach roof, providing increased interior volume and standing headroom. Approximately 250 units of the South Coast 23 were built, contributing to South Coast Seacraft's total production of over 4,000 sailboats before the company ceased operations in 1981.

Sailing Performance and Handling

With a long keel hull type, the South Coast 23 exhibits predictable and stable handling characteristics, making it a forgiving boat for both new and experienced sailors. The full keel design contributes to a comfortable motion in a seaway and good directional stability, allowing the boat to track well on a course. While not a high-performance racer, its design provides a solid and reliable platform for cruising and daysailing. The boat is generally noted for its ease of handling, even single-handed, offering a balanced helm that instills confidence in various wind conditions. Its modest sail plan, comprising a masthead sloop rig with a total calculated sail area of 246.31 square feet, provides sufficient power for enjoyable sailing without being overwhelming.

Accommodations and Layout

The interior layout of the South Coast 23, particularly in its four-berth variant, is designed to maximize utility within its compact footprint. Typically, these models feature a V-berth forward, providing sleeping accommodations for two. A marine head is often located aft of the V-berth, though details on its exact placement and privacy vary by specific boat and original owner customization. The main cabin commonly includes a small galley area, which might consist of a sink and space for a portable stove, along with limited counter space. Facing settees often double as two additional berths, bringing the total sleeping capacity to four. Storage is generally found under berths and settees, offering space for essential cruising gear. The finish quality, typical of boats from its era, often features a combination of fiberglass liners and wood trim, providing a robust and easy-to-maintain interior. While the exact maximum headroom is not consistently specified across all versions, it is generally considered a "pocket cruiser," implying that standing headroom is limited or non-existent in much of the cabin, particularly for taller individuals.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the South Coast 23 often praise its robust construction and the seaworthiness inherent in its Carl Alberg design. The long keel contributes to a comfortable and stable ride, even in choppy conditions, a quality highly valued by those seeking a secure cruising platform. Many owners appreciate the boat's simplicity and ease of maintenance, making it an ideal choice for those new to boat ownership or looking for a low-fuss sailing experience. The active South Coast Owners' Association (SCOA) is a testament to the strong community and dedication of those who cherish these classic vessels, providing a valuable resource for support and shared knowledge. Common areas of discussion among owners often revolve around routine maintenance for older fiberglass boats, such as re-bedding original deck fittings to prevent leaks or updating aging electrical systems, which are typical considerations for any vessel of this vintage. Overall, owners frequently characterize the South Coast 23 as a reliable and enjoyable sailboat that offers considerable value for its size and vintage.