Sailing Performance & Handling
The Allmand 22.5 is a masthead sloop that prioritizes stability and forgiveness over raw speed. Given its relatively high displacement for its length (approximately 3,000 lbs), it behaves more like a "big boat" in a seaway than most 22-footers. The design typically features a shallow-draft fixed keel of roughly 2 feet 8 inches, which provides a low center of gravity and allows for exploration of thin-water anchorages, though at the cost of some upwind pointing ability.
Under sail, the boat is known for a balanced helm, provided the mainsail is reefed early. Its Sail Area/Displacement ratio is modest, meaning it requires a stiff breeze to truly come alive. In light air, the heavy hull can feel sluggish, but as the wind rises to 12–15 knots, the Scott-designed hull finds its groove, tracking remarkably well for a short-waterline vessel. Handling anecdotes from the era suggest the boat is exceptionally "sea-kindly," resisting the hobby-horsing motion common in lighter trailer-sailers when encountering significant chop.
Interior Comfort & Variations
For a boat of its size, the Allmand 22.5 offers a surprisingly voluminous interior, a hallmark of the Scott/Allmand collaboration. The layout is optimized for a cruising couple or a small family, featuring a standard V-berth forward, a compact galley area with a sink and storage, and two long settee berths in the main cabin. Unlike many of its contemporaries that utilized a "pop-top" to achieve standing room, the Allmand 22.5 relies on its high freeboard and cabin trunk design to provide respectable, if not full-standing, headroom.
The boat was built during the same era as its larger siblings, the Allmand 26, the widely popular Allmand 31, and the flagship Allmand 35. While the 31-foot model became famous for its "tri-cabin" layout, the 22.5 utilized a more traditional open-plan arrangement to maximize the sense of space within its smaller footprint. The use of teak trim and molded fiberglass liners was standard, giving the interior a finished, durable quality that has allowed many units to survive decades of use without significant structural degradation of the furniture.
Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist
Prospective buyers of an Allmand 22.5 should focus on the specific aging characteristics of 1970s-era Florida fiberglass construction. While the hulls are generally overbuilt, the following areas require scrutiny:
- Deck Core Saturation: Like many boats of this vintage, the Allmand 22.5 uses a plywood or balsa core in the deck. Inspections often reveal soft spots around the chainplates, stanchion bases, and the mast step. If water has ingressed through unsealed hardware, the core may be rotted, requiring a labor-intensive "drill and fill" or skin-peel repair.
- Mast Step Compression: The load of the masthead rig is transferred to the keel via a compression post. Owners have reported instances where the supporting structure beneath the post has settled or compressed over time, leading to rig tension issues and a visible "sag" in the deck or cabin sole.
- Rudder Bushings: The transom-hung or spade-style rudders (depending on the specific production year) are prone to developing "slop" or play in the bushings. This can lead to vibration under sail and a less responsive feel at the tiller.
- Chainplate Leaks: The attachment points for the shrouds are known to leak if the sealant is not maintained. Because these are often hidden behind interior cabinetry, the first sign of trouble is often localized wood rot in the bulkheads rather than a visible drip.
The Verdict
The Allmand 22.5 is a sturdy, "miniature" cruising yacht that offers a sense of security and interior volume rarely found in the trailerable category. While it lacks the performance edge of a racing dinghy, it excels as a predictable platform for coastal exploration and weekend gunkholing.
Pros:
- Trailerability: The 8-foot beam makes it easy to transport and store on land.
- Construction: Heavy fiberglass layup provides durability and a steady motion in rough water.
- Internal Volume: Features more storage and sleeping space than many modern 22-footers.
Cons:
- Light Air Performance: The heavy displacement makes it slow in light breezes.
- Pointing Ability: The shallow-draft keel limits its ability to sail close to the wind.
- Aging Systems: As a boat from the late 70s, many units require significant hardware and electrical updates.
