Tylercraft 22 Information, Review, Specs

The creation of the Tylercraft 22 in 1960 marked an early milestone for Tylercraft, a company founded by Ted Tyler in 1959. Tylercraft was among the first boat builders in the United States to wholeheartedly embrace fiberglass construction for its sailboat line, a material choice that promised durability and reduced maintenance compared to traditional wood., 3] Ted Tyler himself is credited as the designer of the Tylercraft 22, and his design philosophy centered on innovative yet practical features. 1, 2, Builder Article A hallmark of Tylercraft vessels, including the 22, was the incorporation of bilge keels (referred to as twin keels in the specifications), a design choice reportedly influenced by similar successful models from British builders like Westerly. These twin keels were intended to enhance the boat's stability, reduce its tendency to roll, and crucially, allow the boat to sit upright when beached or on a tidal mooring. The Tylercraft 22 features a masthead sloop rig, reflecting common rigging preferences of the time.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Tylercraft 22, with its masthead sloop rig and twin keel configuration, offers a distinctive sailing experience. Its twin keel hull type is specifically designed to provide enhanced stability and reduce rolling, a characteristic valued by cruisers. This design also grants the vessel the practical advantage of being able to be beached in shallow waters, expanding its cruising grounds. While specific performance metrics are not explicitly detailed in anecdotal accounts, its displacement of 3,200 pounds and a length overall of 22 feet suggest a manageable and predictable motion through the water. The maximum draft of 2.0 feet, a direct result of its twin keel design, reinforces its suitability for exploring areas inaccessible to deeper-keeled boats.

Accommodations and Layout

Information regarding the specific interior layout of the Tylercraft 22 is limited in available documentation, reflecting the typical focus on exterior and performance characteristics for smaller sailboats of its era. However, as a 22-foot monohull, the interior would inherently offer a compact and functional arrangement designed for weekend cruising or short coastal trips. Given its designation as a comfortable sailboat for its size, it would likely feature a basic cabin with sleeping accommodations, potentially a small galley area, and some form of a marine head, typical for vessels of this length in the 1960s. Storage would be at a premium, as is common in boats of this size, with clever utilization of space expected. The hull and deck are constructed from solid fiberglass, a durable material choice that characterized Tylercraft's pioneering approach to boat building.

Owner's Perspectives

While extensive, model-specific owner reviews for the Tylercraft 22 are not widely documented, the legacy of Tylercraft boats is kept alive by a dedicated community of owners and enthusiasts. These informal communities, often found on sailing forums and online platforms, are where Tylercraft owners share their experiences, advice, and insights. Generally, owners of Tylercraft vessels appreciate their robust fiberglass construction, which contributes to their reputation as durable and relatively simple cruisers. The practical advantages of their bilge keels, offering the ability to access shallow waters and dry out on tidal moorings, are consistently seen as a significant strength and a defining characteristic that appeals to a specific segment of sailors.