Coronado 23 CB Information, Review, Specs

The vessel was produced by Coronado Yachts, a division of the Whittaker Corporation, and was also marketed under the name "Sailcrafter 23" for owners who preferred to finish the boat from a factory kit. The centerboard configuration specifically targeted sailors in regions with shallow coastal waters, such as the Chesapeake Bay or the Florida Keys, where the ability to retract the board reduces the draft from 5.00 feet to a mere 2.56 feet. Technical documentation and original architectural plans for this model, including the interior arrangement and sail plans, are maintained in various archives such as Boatbrochure.com.

Sailing Performance & Handling

Under sail, the Coronado 23 CB is surprisingly nimble for a 1960s-era cruiser. It carries a masthead sloop rig with a total sail area of approximately 240 square feet. With a Sail Area to Displacement (SA/Disp) ratio of roughly 21.4, the boat is considered well-powered for its size, allowing it to remain active and responsive even in light air. This performance is further aided by a relatively low Displacement to Length (D/L) ratio of 137, placing it in the "light" category for vessels of its generation.

The handling characteristics are defined by the stub-keel and centerboard arrangement. While the fixed-keel version carries 1,100 pounds of ballast, the 23 CB carries a reduced ballast of 810 pounds of cast iron to account for the weight of the centerboard assembly. This makes the CB version slightly more "tender" than its fixed-keel sibling, though it remains stiff and stable enough for coastal work. A unique design feature is the outboard motor well located directly in the cockpit at the helmsman’s feet. This placement allows the sailor to manage engine controls without leaving the tiller, though it does occupy significant cockpit floor space and can be prone to "burping" or cavitating in heavy following seas.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The interior of the Coronado 23 CB was designed with a focus on "maximalism" within a 23-foot footprint. The layout typically accommodates four adults across three distinct sleeping areas: a V-berth in the bow, a dinette that converts into a double berth on the port side, and a starboard settee that serves as a quarter berth. Despite the presence of the centerboard trunk, which can often bifurcate a cabin, Crealock managed to integrate the trunk into the furniture layout to maintain a relatively open feel.

Materials used in the interior were typical of the era, featuring fiberglass liners with faux-wood or genuine teak accents. Headroom is modest, as is common in trailerable boats of this size, but the "pop-top" style hatch—found on some variants—can significantly increase standing room when at anchor. In terms of sibling models, the fixed-keel Coronado 23 is the most common variation, sharing the same hull mold but utilizing a deep fin keel for better upwind tracking.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers of a Coronado 23 CB should focus their inspection on the following technical areas:

• Centerboard Trunk and Pivot: The centerboard mechanism is the most critical inspection point. Over time, the pivot pin can wear, or the board itself (if cast iron) can swell due to rust, making it difficult to lower or raise. Inspect the pennant (the line used to lift the board) for fraying and ensure the trunk is free of leaks.
• Outboard Well Compatibility: The original well was designed for 1970s-era two-stroke outboards. Modern four-stroke engines often have larger powerheads that may not fit within the well or allow the engine to tilt forward properly.
• Rub Rail Leaks: The hull-to-deck joint is covered by an H-shaped rub rail extrusion. This is a notorious source of leaks on older Coronado models. Water entering here can cause delamination in the interior cabinetry or mold issues.
• Keel Moisture: The stub keel is often filled with ballast and encapsulated in fiberglass. Owners have reported instances of water becoming trapped inside this encapsulation, which may require drilling and drying to prevent structural damage or "keel blisters."
• Proprietary Hardware: Many deck fittings and cast-metal components were proprietary to Columbia/Coronado. Replacing broken specialized hardware can be difficult, often requiring custom fabrication or sourcing from salvage yards.

Community & Resources

The Coronado 23 CB benefits from a shared legacy with Columbia Yachts. Technical support and historical data are primarily found through the Columbia Yachts owner resources, which provide digitized versions of original manuals and parts lists. Enthusiasts often congregate in digital communities dedicated to "Columbia and Coronado Yachts" to share restoration tips and rigging modifications.

The Verdict

The Coronado 23 CB remains a viable entry-level cruiser for those who prioritize shallow-water access and trailerability.

Pros

• Exceptional versatility due to the 2.5-foot minimum draft.
• Strong light-air performance thanks to a high sail-area-to-displacement ratio.
• Clever interior layout that sleeps four people comfortably for weekend trips.
• Predictable handling and design pedigree from Bill Crealock.

Cons

• The outboard well is cramped and may not accommodate modern engines.
• The centerboard assembly requires more maintenance than a fixed keel.
• Hull-to-deck joints are prone to leaking if not re-sealed.
• Limited standing headroom compared to non-trailerable cruisers.