Coronado 23 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

Under sail, the Coronado 23 is characterized by its stiffness and predictable motion. With a displacement of approximately 2,300 to 2,800 pounds (depending on the specific keel configuration), it carries significant momentum for a 23-foot boat. The design features a high ballast-to-displacement ratio, which allows it to remain upright and manageable when gusts might cause lighter boats to heel excessively. However, the trade-off for this stability is a higher wetted surface area and a high freeboard, which can make the boat susceptible to "leeway" or drifting sideways in light winds and choppy seas.

The boat was offered in both a fixed-keel version and a retractable swing-keel variant. The swing-keel model is particularly popular for sailors in shallow-water regions like the Florida Keys or the Chesapeake Bay, though it requires more maintenance to ensure the pivot bolt and cable remain seaworthy. On the wind, the Coronado 23 tracks reasonably well, though it is not a "pointy" boat; sailors should expect to tack through approximately 90 to 100 degrees. In his design philosophy, William Crealock often prioritized sea-kindliness, and the 23 reflects this through its ability to handle moderate coastal chop without the "pounding" common in flat-bottomed trailer sailers.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The Coronado 23 was a pioneer in maximizing "living inches" within a small footprint. The most notable feature of many units is the "pop-top" cabin roof, a design element also seen on its siblings like the Coronado 25. When raised at anchor, the pop-top provides standing headroom in the main cabin, a luxury rarely found in vessels under 25 feet. The interior layout typically follows a standard "four-sleeper" configuration: a V-berth forward, a small settee that converts into a berth, and a quarter berth tucked under the cockpit.

Interior materials are a mix of molded fiberglass liners and teak trim, which was standard for the era. The galley is rudimentary, often featuring a small sink and space for a portable stove. Over the production run, two primary variations emerged: the original Coronado 23 and the later Coronado 23-2 (Mark II). The Mark II featured a revised deck mold and slightly different interior appointments to bring it in line with the aesthetic of the larger Coronado 27 and 35. The 23-2 is often preferred by modern buyers for its slightly more contemporary styling and improved hardware placement.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers of a Coronado 23 should focus their inspection on the structural integrity of the aging fiberglass and the specific hardware unique to this model.

• Deck Delamination: Like many boats from the 1970s, the Coronado 23 used a plywood or balsa core in the deck. Over decades, water can seep through loosely bedded stanchions or cleats, rotting the core. Owners should check for "soft spots" or a "spongy" feel when walking on the foredeck.
• Mast Step Compression: The mast is deck-stepped, supported by a wooden compression post or a reinforced bulkhead inside the cabin. If water has reached the base of this post or the bulkhead, the deck may begin to sag under the tension of the rig, causing the rigging to feel perpetually loose and creating "frown lines" or stress cracks around the mast step.
• Swing Keel Maintenance: On retractable keel models, the pivot bolt is a primary point of failure. If the bolt or the hole in the cast-iron keel has worn out, the keel may "clunk" or vibrate while sailing. Furthermore, the cable and winch system must be inspected for corrosion, as a cable failure can lead to the keel dropping violently, potentially damaging the fiberglass trunk.
• Chainplate Leaks: The chainplates (where the shrouds attach to the hull) are known to leak if not re-bedded periodically. If left unchecked, this water can rot the bulkheads they are bolted to, compromising the structural integrity of the rig.

Community & Resources

The Coronado 23 benefits from its shared DNA with Columbia Yachts, allowing owners to tap into the Columbia Yacht Owners Association, which hosts a wealth of historical brochures, technical drawings, and maintenance logs relevant to both brands. Additionally, the Bill Crealock design pedigree ensures the boat is often discussed in technical sailing forums such as the Plastic Classic Forum (though links to such forums should be used for research rather than direct citation, they remain vital for troubleshooting).

The Verdict

The Coronado 23 is a robust, overbuilt pocket cruiser that offers more comfort and security than typical modern daysailers of the same length. It is an ideal choice for a budget-conscious couple or a small family looking to transition from dinghy sailing to overnight coastal cruising.

Pros:

• Designed by the renowned William Crealock, ensuring seaworthy hull lines.
• Pop-top cabin provides exceptional headroom for a 23-foot boat.
• Heavy displacement provides a stable, "big boat" feel in moderate conditions.
• Trailerable versions allow for easy transport and winter storage.

Cons:

• High freeboard makes the boat difficult to maneuver in tight marinas during high winds.
• Aged deck cores and swing keel mechanisms require diligent maintenance.
• Slow performance in light air compared to modern sport-boats.