Beneteau Evasion 22 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

As a dedicated motorsailer, the Evasion 22 is not designed for light-wind performance or competitive racing. Its hull is characterized by a heavy displacement and a relatively modest sail area, which results in a boat that is stiff and stable but requires a stiff breeze to truly come alive. According to the Beneteau Heritage Archive, the vessel was often equipped with bilge keels (twin keels), a design choice specifically intended to allow the boat to dry out upright in tidal harbors.

Under sail, the Evasion 22 tracks reasonably well due to its longish keel profile, though its high-profile pilot house creates significant windage. This windage can make the boat "skittish" when maneuvering in tight quarters at slow speeds. The steering is typically handled by a tiller in the cockpit, though some versions featured a secondary interior wheel—a rarity for a boat of this size. Owners often report that the boat feels exceptionally seaworthy for its length, behaving more like a small ship than a light daysailer. It is a "momentum boat"; once it settles into a groove, it handles choppy coastal waters with a predictable, albeit slow, motion.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The interior of the Evasion 22 is its primary selling point, offering amenities rarely found on 22-footers from the late 1970s. By utilizing a raised pilot house design, Beneteau created an airy, light-filled cabin with significantly more headroom than the "crawling-room" cabins of contemporary performance boats like the First 22. The layout typically includes a small galley to port, a dinette that converts into a double berth, and a forward V-berth.

Materials reflect the utilitarian-but-sturdy aesthetic of early Beneteau fiberglass production, featuring molded headliners and teak accents. Because it was designed for coastal "trekking," the storage is surprisingly ample. The Evasion 22 had a larger sibling built on a very similar design philosophy, the Evasion 25, which added roughly a meter of length and offered slightly better engine access and a separate head compartment. While the 22 is compact, the use of large windows in the coachroof prevents the claustrophobia common in small sailboats.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers should approach the Evasion 22 with an eye toward the aging systems of a 40-year-old vessel.

• Original Engines: Many units were originally fitted with Renault Marine or early Yanmar diesels. Parts for Renault Marine Couach engines are increasingly difficult to source, often necessitating a full repower with a modern Beta or Yanmar unit.
• Pilot House Window Seals: The large acrylic windows that give the boat its character are notorious for developing leaks as the original bedding compounds dry out. Water ingress here can lead to delamination of the interior woodwork.
• Bilge Keel Integrity: On twin-keel versions, the keel-to-hull joints should be inspected for "smile" cracks or signs of movement, especially if the boat has been frequently dried out on hard or uneven ground.
• Deck Delamination: Like many boats of this era, the deck uses a balsa or plywood core. Using a moisture meter around the stanchion bases and the mast step is critical to identify soft spots.

Community & Resources

While there is no longer a dedicated factory-supported association for the Evasion 22, the model is a staple within the "Amis des Evasion" (Friends of the Evasions) circles in France, where the majority of these boats reside. Technical drawings and original sail plans are preserved within the Beneteau Group’s historical archives, which remain an essential resource for restorers.

The Verdict

The Beneteau Evasion 22 is an idiosyncratic cruiser that prioritizes the "destination" over the "journey." It is an ideal choice for a solo sailor or a couple looking for a rugged, tidal-friendly pocket cruiser that can provide shelter from the elements.

Pros

• Exceptional interior volume and light for its size.
• Bilge keel options allow for drying out in tidal zones.
• Enclosed helm provides protection from wind and spray.
• Robust build quality typical of early Beneteau fiberglass.

Cons

• Underpowered in light winds; relies heavily on the engine.
• High windage makes docking challenging in a crosswind.
• Original engine parts (especially Renault Marine) are scarce.
• Small cockpit compared to modern "Mediterranean-style" day boats.