Rubin 23 (Wegu) Information, Review, Specs

The Wegu Rubin 23 was in production from 1978 to 1984. This period aligned with Wegu's focus on creating "small, mostly trailerable, cruising sailboats" designed for affordability and ease of transport. Wegu, with its background in manufacturing molded rubber and plastic components, brought a strong foundation in material science and production techniques to its boat-building division. This expertise was likely instrumental in the fiberglass construction of the Rubin 23, typical for boats of its era. The design philosophy behind the Rubin 23, as with other Wegu models, centered on providing practical cruisers with compact yet functional interiors suitable for short trips. The Rubin 23 features a swing keel, enhancing its versatility for shallow water access and trailering. There is no widely available information suggesting significant variations in the model during its production run.

Sailing Performance and Handling

With a length overall of 23.45 feet and a waterline length of 21.42 feet, the Rubin 23 is characterized by its light displacement. Its Displacement to Length (D/L) ratio of approximately 140.14 suggests a relatively light and performance-oriented hull for its size. The boat's ballast-to-displacement ratio stands at around 32.4% (1000 lbs ballast out of 3085 lbs total displacement). While this ratio indicates reasonable initial stability, it also suggests a lower righting capability if the boat were to capsize, implying a design more suited to coastal cruising rather than demanding offshore conditions.

The reported sail area of approximately 277 square feet (25.75 m²) translates to a Sail Area to Displacement (SA/D) ratio of about 20.44. This relatively high SA/D ratio typically suggests good light-air performance. However, some interpretations describe the Rubin 23 as being "under powered," which might imply that despite the theoretical sail area, its actual performance in certain conditions, or against its displacement, may feel less robust than expected. The swing keel, while offering flexibility for shallow drafts (from 4.26 ft down to 2.5 ft), can sometimes introduce compromises in upwind performance compared to a fixed keel. The hull speed is estimated at 6.2 knots.

Accommodations and Layout

The interior layout of the Wegu Rubin 23 is designed to maximize space within its compact hull, characteristic of trailerable cruisers of its time. While specific details on the typical arrangement are not widely documented, similar boats prioritize essential amenities for weekend cruising. Generally, one would expect a V-berth forward, a compact galley area potentially with a sink and space for a portable stove, and a main salon area that likely converts to additional berths. A small, enclosed head compartment would typically be present. Given the boat's size, interior headroom would be limited, though no specific maximum headroom is listed in the provided data. The construction would primarily feature fiberglass surfaces with some wood trim, offering a functional and durable finish common for production boats of the 1970s and early 1980s. Storage would be modest, consisting of lockers under bunks and possibly some shelving. Ventilation would likely rely on a main hatch and possibly a few portlights.