Stiletto 23 Information, Review, Specs

The Stiletto 23 emerged late in the initial production run of Stiletto Catamarans, with its debut in 1985, just before the primary manufacturing phase concluded around 1986. Stiletto Catamarans, founded in 1975 by John Cloud and Bill Higgins, aimed to create a "trailerable high performance coastwise cruiser." The company established a reputation for pushing design boundaries, utilizing advanced materials like Nomex honeycomb composites to achieve an exceptional strength-to-weight ratio. This commitment to lightweight, robust construction allowed Stiletto catamarans, including the 23, to deliver remarkable performance for their size. While the iconic Stiletto 27 often featured a single centerboard, the Stiletto 23, along with the larger Stiletto 30, was notably equipped with daggerboards in each hull, a design feature that distinguished these later models.

Sailing Performance and Handling

As a high-performance catamaran with a length overall of 23 feet, the Stiletto 23 is designed for spirited sailing. Its fractional sloop rig contributes to its responsiveness and ease of handling. With a minimum draft of just 0.58 feet, it possesses the unique ability to sail very close to shore, enhancing its utility for coastal exploration. Owners and enthusiasts often praise the Stiletto 23 for its strong upwind performance, noting that its in-hull daggerboards provide a significant advantage to weather. Anecdotal reports suggest the boat handles well even in stronger winds, maintaining speed without excessive pitching.

Accommodations and Layout

The Stiletto 23's design prioritizes performance and trailerability, which means its interior accommodations are relatively spartan. Reflecting the builder's focus on speed and practical transport, standard Stiletto models, including the 23, typically featured a "nearly naked interior". Given its 23-foot length and catamaran hull type, the internal volume is limited, and there is no specified maximum headroom. The layout is primarily intended to be functional for day sailing or minimalist overnight trips, emphasizing storage for sails and gear rather than extensive living quarters. The construction utilizes fiberglass for both hull and deck, ensuring durability in a lightweight package.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Stiletto 23 often laud its performance capabilities, particularly its speed and ability to point high to windward. The trailerable nature of the boat is a significant advantage, allowing owners to easily transport it to diverse sailing grounds. However, as with many boats of its vintage, some common maintenance issues have been noted by the owner community. These can include cosmetic concerns such as cracking, crazing, or peeling of the original paint. Structural points like hull/deck joint cracks and issues with original bolts have also been reported, necessitating attention from dedicated owners. Replacing sails is another common task for those looking to maintain optimal performance. Despite these potential maintenance aspects, a vibrant community of Stiletto owners actively shares knowledge and enthusiasm, highlighting the enduring appeal of these innovative catamarans.