Montego 20 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The Montego 20's story begins in 1976, marking its production start year, and continued until approximately 1985. Designed by Jopie Helsen, the founder of Universal Marine Corp., the vessel reflects his philosophy of crafting practical, trailerable sailboats for a broader audience. Universal Marine Corp., based in Saint Petersburg, Florida, specialized in fiberglass construction, a choice that emphasized efficiency, durability, and a comfortable cruising experience within the boats' size class.

Notably, the Montego 20 shares its hull with the Montego 19, with the primary distinction being their keel configurations; the Montego 19 featured a swing keel for enhanced trailerability, while the 20 typically utilized a fixed keel. This design allowed for a cohesive product line, appealing to various needs for shallow water access versus slightly deeper draft performance. The Montego 20 later evolved and was rebranded as the Sovereign 20, further extending the legacy of its versatile hull design. The Sovereign 20, also designed by Johannes Helsen (in collaboration with Sovereign Design Group), continued to be built into the 1990s by Sovereign Yachts.

Sailing Performance and Handling

With a length overall of 19.5 feet and a waterline length of 17.75 feet, the Montego 20 is designed as a manageable and responsive sailboat. Its hull speed is calculated at 5.65 knots. Constructed from solid fiberglass, it has a displacement of 1,700 pounds, with 600 pounds of ballast in its fin keel, providing stability.

While the Montego 20, with its shoal keel, is not expected to offer the upwind performance of a dedicated racer like a J/24, it is widely considered a good boat for learning to sail. 1st search result 3 The designer appears to have opted for a slightly more speedy hull design for its class. 1st search result 2 Its fractional sloop rig, with a main sail area of 89.25 sq ft and a foretriangle area of 76.65 sq ft, contributes to a balanced sail plan. The transom-hung rudder allows for responsive steering, making it a suitable choice for recreational sailing in various conditions.

Accommodations and Layout

As a compact pocket cruiser, the Montego 20 offers basic accommodations typical of its size and era, focusing on functionality over extensive amenities. While specific interior layout diagrams are not widely detailed in available records, boats of this size often feature an open-plan cabin. This typically includes a V-berth forward, which might convert into a seating area, and possibly two small quarter berths or settees further aft, providing sleeping space for two to four individuals. Given its design as a trailerable cruiser, storage solutions would likely be integrated throughout the cabin, though space would be at a premium. The general finish quality would align with other fiberglass production boats of the 1970s and 80s, emphasizing practicality and durability.