Atoll 23 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

Under sail, the Atoll 23 is characterized by its balance and responsiveness, largely due to its fractional rig and a relatively high ballast ratio. With a displacement of approximately 1,500 kg and a lead-ballasted keel, the boat exhibits a level of stiffness that is reassuring for a vessel of its size. The sail plan is manageable for a single-hander, with the fractional configuration allowing for a smaller, more easily handled headsail while maintaining a powerful mainsail for light-air performance.

The hull features a moderately deep V-shape forward that transitions to flatter sections aft, a design choice intended to reduce pounding in a chop while providing enough lift for respectable off-wind speeds. Owner reports frequently mention that the boat tracks well and is less prone to the "skittishness" common in lighter 20-footers. While it is not a dedicated racing machine, its ability to maintain momentum through a seaway makes it a capable coastal hopper. The rudder is transom-hung, providing direct feedback to the tiller, though this configuration requires careful inspection of the gudgeons and pintles as they age.

Interior Comfort & Variations

For a 23-foot sailboat designed in the early 1980s, the Atoll 23 offers a surprisingly functional interior. The layout typically features a V-berth forward, followed by a compact saloon with two longitudinal settees that double as berths. A small galley area and a dedicated space for a portable or chemical head are standard, making it viable for weekend excursions. Headroom is modest, as is expected in this size class, but the use of white gelcoat and large windows helps to mitigate the "cave-like" feel found in other pocket cruisers of the period.

MultiGlass produced the Atoll 23 with minor variations over its production run, primarily involving the interior woodwork and the transition from wood to fiberglass liners. The boat shares significant DNA with the Rio 20, a slightly smaller sibling also built by MultiGlass. While the Rio 20 served as the entry-level option, the Atoll 23 offered the extra waterline and volume necessary for families. Some later units might be found with modified cockpit layouts or updated deck hardware, but the core hull and rig remained consistent throughout the production cycle.

Popular Mentions & Media

The Atoll 23’s legacy is deeply tied to the "amateur builder" movement in Brazil. Roberto Barros, through his firm, advocated for accessible sailing, and the Atoll 23 served as the production-line proof of his design philosophies. The boat is frequently mentioned in Brazilian sailing literature and magazines like Náutica as a "school boat" for a generation of sailors. Its designer, Roberto Barros (often known by his nickname "Cabinho"), famously used his designs to promote long-distance voyaging, which gave the Atoll 23 a reputation for being tougher than the average daysailer.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers of an Atoll 23 should focus their inspections on the structural longevity of 1980s fiberglass construction. While MultiGlass used robust laminates, the following areas are common points of concern:

• Deck Core Integrity: Like many boats of this era, the Atoll 23 uses a cored deck. Inspect for "soft spots" around the stanchion bases and chainplates, which can indicate water intrusion and delamination.
• Chainplate Anchors: The chainplates are bolted to internal bulkheads. Ensure these bulkheads are dry and show no signs of rot or "tea staining," which suggests the deck seals have failed.
• Transom-Hung Rudder: Check the pintles and gudgeons for play. Excessive wear in these fittings can lead to vibration and poor steering response.
• Hull-Deck Joint: The joint is a traditional "shoebox" style. Look for evidence of leaks in the interior liner, particularly near the bow and stern, which may require re-bedding the rub rail fasteners.
• Keel Bolts: As these boats are now over 40 years old, the condition of the keel bolts and the internal grid should be verified to ensure no significant oxidation has occurred.

Community & Resources

The primary resource for technical data and historical context is the designer’s own portal, B&G Yacht Design, which maintains archives on their early production models. In Brazil, the Atoll 23 community remains active through regional sailing clubs and informal "Atollistas" groups, where owners share tips on modernizing the rig and interior.

The Verdict

The Atoll 23 is a rugged, honest pocket cruiser that punches above its weight in terms of seaworthiness. It is an ideal choice for the budget-conscious sailor who values structural integrity and design pedigree over modern amenities.

Pros:

• Proven Roberto Barros design with excellent stability.
• Fractional rig is easy to manage for solo sailors or couples.
• Strong secondary market and community support in South America.
• Capable of coastal cruising beyond protected bays.

Cons:

• Limited headroom for taller sailors.
• Standard 1980s deck hardware may require significant upgrading.
• Interior volume is tight for more than two adults on extended trips.