Coronado 23-2 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Coronado 23-2 is characterized by its stability and predictable motion, a direct result of William Crealock’s design philosophy. Unlike many modern 23-footers designed for light-air performance, the 23-2 carries a relatively high displacement-to-length ratio, which provides a sense of security in "small craft advisory" conditions that might unsettle lighter dinghy-style cruisers. The hull features a high-volume midsection and a moderately deep fin keel (or an optional shoal-draft keel), which allows it to track reasonably well even when the wind picks up.

The boat is not particularly fast to weather, especially when compared to its contemporary, the Catalina 22, but it excels in comfort. According to original marketing literature and owner accounts from the era, the boat was designed to be "stiff," meaning it resists excessive heeling, a trait that makes it an excellent platform for novice sailors or families with young children. The masthead rig is robust, providing enough sail area to move the heavy hull in moderate breezes, though it can feel underpowered in light air unless a large genoa is employed. Its handling is described as forgiving; the helm is balanced, and the boat tends to want to stay on course rather than twitching or rounding up at the slightest gust.

Interior Comfort & Variations

One of the most distinctive features of the Coronado 23-2 is its interior layout, which was remarkably spacious for a vessel of its size. The 23-2 variant typically included a "pop-top" coachroof—a feature popularized in the 1970s—which allows for standing headroom in the galley and main salon area when at anchor. This effectively bridged the gap between a cramped daysailer and a true cruising yacht.

The interior configuration usually features a V-berth forward, a small enclosed or semi-enclosed head compartment, and a main cabin with a dinette that converts into an additional berth. The use of faux-wood laminates and molded fiberglass liners was standard for the period, offering a clean, if utilitarian, aesthetic. The sibling to this model is the original Coronado 23 (Mark I), which can be distinguished by its shorter cabin trunk and different window geometry. While the hull remained largely the same, the 23-2’s interior refinements and updated deck layout made it feel significantly more modern and livable than the earlier 1960s iterations.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers of a Coronado 23-2 should focus their inspection on the structural integrity of the deck and the mast support system, which are common weak points for boats of this vintage.

• Deck Delamination: Like many Whittaker-era builds, the 23-2 utilized a balsa or plywood core in the deck. Over decades, water intrusion through improperly bedded stanchions or cleats often leads to soft spots. Pay close attention to the area around the mast step and the cockpit sole.
• Compression Post Fatigue: The mast is deck-stepped, and the downward pressure is transferred to a compression post. If the structural block under the post or the deck itself has compressed, it can lead to "standing rigging sag" and difficulty in tuning the mast.
• Chainplate Leaks: The chainplates on Coronados are known to leak if the sealant is not periodically refreshed. Constant moisture in these areas can rot the interior bulkhead to which the chainplates are through-bolted, compromising the rig's safety.
• Keel Bolt Oxidation: On fixed-keel versions, the bolts securing the ballast should be inspected for "weeping" or significant rust, which may indicate the need for a re-torque or, in extreme cases, replacement.

Community & Resources

Owners of the Coronado 23-2 benefit from a dedicated community that shares technical knowledge and historical documentation. The most prominent resource is the Columbia-Coronado Association, which serves as a technical archive for both brands due to their shared manufacturing history under the Whittaker Corporation. While no longer supported by a commercial manufacturer, the simplicity of the boat's systems means that most parts can be sourced from general marine suppliers or fabricated by local shipwrights.

The Verdict

The Coronado 23-2 is an ideal entry-level cruiser for those who value stability and interior volume over raw speed. It is a sturdy, overbuilt vessel that offers a glimpse into the golden age of American fiberglass boatbuilding.

Pros:

• Exceptional interior volume and headroom for its length (especially with the pop-top).
• Stable, predictable handling that builds confidence in new sailors.
• Strong community support and availability of historical data.

Cons:

• Sluggish performance in light winds due to its heavy displacement.
• Susceptible to typical 1970s maintenance issues like deck delamination.
• Aesthetic design is dated, reflecting the "boxier" styling of the mid-70s.