CB Maxus 22 Sailboat Review, Specs, and Listings

The boat's structural integrity and design philosophy received ultimate validation through the exploits of Polish solo sailor Szymon Kuczynski. Aboard his production Maxus 22 named Atlantic Puffin, Kuczynski completed a solo circumnavigation between 2014 and 2016. He then followed it with a historic, non-stop solo circumnavigation via the three Great Capes from 2017 to 2018, establishing a record for the smallest yacht to complete such a voyage unassisted. While the vessel used for this extreme voyage was heavily modified for ocean survival, the feat cemented the Maxus 22 in maritime lore, demonstrating that its fundamental hull lines and structural engineering were incredibly robust.

Design Brief & Intent

The core mission of the Maxus 22 was to deliver genuine, multi-day cruising accommodations within a package that could be easily trailered, launched, and rigged by a couple. Designed to comply with CE Category C (Inshore/Coastal) parameters, the boat targeted sailing families and club racers looking to transition from open dayboats to cabin cruisers without the associated financial burden of permanent marina slips. In comparison to regional competitors of the era, such as the Phobos 22 or the Antila 22, the Maxus 22 stands out for its superior space management and contemporary aesthetics. While some traditionalists might find its high-sided profile and upright cabin trunk somewhat blocky, this design choice was entirely intentional, maximizing interior volume while maintaining a road-legal beam of 8.14 feet.

Stepping below deck, the interior is where the Maxus 22 truly distinguishes itself from competing designs. The cabin boasts an impressive headroom of 1.73 meters (5.67 feet), which is remarkably rare for a boat of this length. The joinery and fit-out rely on a combination of low-maintenance molded fiberglass liners and warm wood veneers, providing a clean, bright, and surprisingly upscale aesthetic. The layout is open-plan but highly functional, featuring four permanent berths divided between a double V-berth forward and a spacious athwartships double berth tucked beneath the cockpit sole. A compact kitchenette with a single-burner stove and sink sits to port, while a dedicated, private compartment to starboard can house a chemical or marine toilet—a luxury that is often sacrificed in the 22-foot class.

Variations & Configurations

Throughout its production run from 2013 until its discontinuation around 2022, the Maxus 22 was offered in multiple configurations to suit different sailing environments. The most prevalent model on the market is the Centerboard (CB) version, also known as the swing-keel or dinghy version. This layout features a low-aspect iron centerboard that retracts fully into a shallow hull trunk. In this configuration, the boat draws a mere 1.0 foot (0.30 meters) with the board up, making it ideal for navigating shallow lagoons, launching from sandy ramps, or beaching. When fully lowered, the centerboard extends the draft to 4.10 feet (1.25 meters), providing the necessary lateral resistance for upwind sailing.

For sailors operating in deep-water coastal environments where trailering is less of a priority, Northman produced a Fin Keel (FK) variant. The fin-keel model utilizes a fixed cast-iron fin with an aerodynamic bulb, drawing 4.33 feet (1.32 meters). This variant carries a heavier ballast load of 926 pounds (420 kg) compared to the centerboard's 650 pounds (295 kg) of internal and board ballast, raising the boat's total displacement to 3,219 pounds (1,460 kg). While the centerboard model utilizes a dual transom-hung rudder system to maintain steerage when heeled in shallow water, the fin-keel model is typically equipped with a single, deeper transom-hung rudder. Propulsion configurations are highly standardized, relying on a stern-mounted pantograph bracket for outboards in the 2.5 to 6 horsepower range, though later factory configurations and dealer packages introduced electric pod and outboard options.

Sailing Performance & Handling

Under sail, the Maxus 22 behaves with the spirited agility of a large dinghy, yet it retains the reassuring righting momentum of a true cabin boat. With a sail area to displacement ratio of 19.83, the fractional sloop rig carries plenty of canvas for the boat's 2,822-pound displacement. This generous sail plan enables the Maxus 22 to accelerate rapidly in light-to-moderate breezes, making it a joy to sail when larger, heavier cruising designs are forced to motor. The helm is highly communicative, providing immediate feedback and allowing the skipper to easily find the groove when sailing close-hauled.

However, the boat's physical dimensions and ratios dictate specific handling boundaries. The capsize screening ratio of 2.3 indicates that the Maxus 22 relies significantly on its form stability—derived from its wide beam and hard hull chines carried far aft—rather than a deep, heavy ballast bulb. With a ballast-to-displacement ratio of 23.03% on the centerboard version, the boat is stiff initially but will heel quickly to its chine before digging in. For optimal performance and comfort, the Maxus 22 should be sailed relatively flat; experienced owners recommend reefing early, typically when true wind speeds exceed 12 to 14 knots. In heavy air, the dual rudders on the centerboard model are a massive asset, ensuring that at least one blade remains deeply immersed even when the boat is pressed, thereby eliminating the risk of sudden, uncontrollable spin-outs.

Known Issues & Triage

While the Maxus 22 is a structurally sound vessel, the complexities of its trailer-sailer systems require regular inspection and triage to prevent structural damage. On the centerboard version, the swing-keel pivot pin and the internal trunk are the primary wear points. Over time, the fiberglass inside the trunk can suffer from localized wear, and the nylon or bronze bushings on the pivot bolt can deteriorate, resulting in an audible clunking noise when sailing downwind or resting at anchor. If left unaddressed, this play can wear away the structural fiberglass of the trunk. Triage involves hoisting the boat on a crane or trailer, dropping the board, and replacing the pivot pin and bushings.

The stainless steel lift cable that controls the centerboard must also be treated as a consumable item. Because it operates in a marine environment inside a tight trunk, it is highly susceptible to crevice corrosion and fraying. Proactive replacement of the lift cable every three to four seasons is a simple DIY task that prevents the catastrophic scenario of a snapped cable leaving the board permanently jammed down. Additionally, the mast-lowering system, which utilizes a pivoting mast step and an A-frame or gin pole, must be operated with care. If the mast is raised or lowered without proper lateral guide shrouds (bridle wires) in place, the mast can sway sideways, putting immense torsional stress on the mast step hinge and potentially cracking the surrounding deck laminate.

Modernization & Upgrades

As the fleet of Maxus 22 models matures, veteran owners have embraced modernization to enhance both performance and comfort. One of the most significant trends is the transition from gasoline outboards to clean electric propulsion. Because the boat is highly trailerable and often used for short weekend trips, swapping a noisy, high-maintenance gas engine for a lightweight electric outboard is highly viable. These systems provide near-silent motoring in harbors and canals, and the battery banks can be easily charged at dockside or via solar power.

To complement electric propulsion and modern marine electronics, many owners are retrofitting their battery systems. Replacing heavy, legacy lead-acid batteries with high-capacity Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4) packs is a highly effective upgrade. This conversion not only provides a stable, long-lasting power supply for modern chartplotters, VHF radios, and low-draw tiller pilots, but it also sheds significant weight from a vessel that is highly sensitive to overall displacement. Other common upgrades include retrofitting the standard dacron sails with high-aspect, fully battened main and furling headsail options, and installing a removable bowsprit to fly a gennaker or code zero, maximizing the boat's performance in light downwind conditions.

Market Snapshot & Economics

The Maxus 22 occupies a strong, highly stable niche on the European brokerage market. Because it was produced by a respected builder like Northman and boasts a highly versatile, trailerable design, clean used models command a steady premium and sell quickly when they appear. The boat is particularly abundant in Poland, Germany, and the Netherlands, where the lake districts and tidal shallows make its variable draft highly desirable.

From an economic perspective, the Maxus 22 is an exceptionally cost-effective boat to own. Because its beam of 8.14 feet and dry weight of 2,822 pounds allow it to be legally towed behind a standard mid-sized SUV or crossover, owners can entirely bypass the exorbitant costs of winter marina storage and professional haul-out services. The boat can simply spend the off-season on its trailer in a driveway or yard. Refit economics are similarly favorable; because the sails, rigging, and hardware are scaled for a 22-foot boat, replacement parts, new canvases, and running rigging are highly affordable, making the Maxus 22 a practical choice for budget-conscious sailors who refuse to compromise on modern comfort.

The Verdict

The Maxus 22 is a masterclass in small-boat ergonomics and versatile engineering. Naval architect Jacek Daszkiewicz took a footprint that would normally feel cramped and claustrophobic and turned it into a genuine family cruiser capable of overnighting in comfort. While its standard CE Category C rating means it is fundamentally designed for coastal and inland waters, its structural design is tough enough to have carried Szymon Kuczynski around the globe. For the sailor who wants a modern, easily trailered cabin boat that responds beautifully on the helm and fits in a driveway, the Maxus 22 remains one of the finest pocket cruisers of its era.

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