Creekmore 22 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Creekmore 22 is a stiff, sea-kindly pocket cruiser that reflects Raymond Creekmore’s background as a competitive racer. With a hull form designed to handle the steep chop of the Gulf Stream, the boat tracks with remarkable precision for a 22-footer. While specific displacement-to-length ratios vary due to the semi-custom nature of the builds, the model generally carries a high ballast ratio, providing a sense of stability that exceeds many modern ultralight 22-footers.

On the water, the Creekmore 22 is noted for its ability to carry sail well into a freshening breeze. Owners and historical accounts from the MORC era suggest that while it may not have the light-air "flickability" of a dedicated flat-water dinghy, it excels in offshore conditions where its momentum and narrow entry allow it to punch through waves rather than hobby-horsing. The steering is typically responsive, though the heavy fiberglass layup means the boat requires more sail area to reach hull speed in light air compared to its contemporary, the Columbia 22.

Interior Comfort & Variations

Given its primary identity as a racer-cruiser, the interior of the Creekmore 22 is functional rather than luxurious. The layout typically features a classic "pocket cruiser" arrangement: a V-berth forward, two short settees in the main cabin, and a small area for a galley or navigation station near the companionway. Because the Creekmore yard often accommodated owner requests, variations in the interior joinery are common; some hulls feature basic fiberglass liners, while others are finished with extensive teak or mahogany trim.

Headroom is limited, as is standard for a boat of this length and vintage, requiring a "seated life" approach to cabin activities. However, the use of wide portlights in many configurations helps to mitigate the "cave-like" feeling found in other early GRP designs. The boat was often marketed alongside its larger siblings, such as the Creekmore 30 and the Creekmore 7-meter (approximately 23 feet), which offered more substantial accommodations for coastal cruising.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers should approach a Creekmore 22 with the understanding that these are vintage vessels. While the hulls are famously thick—often described as "bulletproof" by the builder’s community—the age of the boat necessitates a thorough inspection of several key areas:

1. Chainplate Attachments: On early Creekmore models, the chainplates were often glassed directly into the hull or attached to plywood bulkheads. Check for signs of moisture intrusion or rot in the bulkheads that could compromise the rig’s tension.
2. Deck Core Integrity: While the hulls are solid fiberglass, the decks typically utilize a balsa or plywood core for stiffness. Standard moisture testing and "tap testing" with a phenolic hammer are required to identify delamination, especially around the mast step and stanchion bases.
3. Rudder Post and Bearings: Given the age of these boats, the internal rudder structure and the bushings at the cockpit floor and keel should be checked for excessive play or osmotic blistering on the rudder blade itself.
4. Hardware Bedding: Many Creekmore 22s still feature original bronze or early stainless steel deck hardware. Expect to re-bed all cleats and tracks to prevent slow leaks that can degrade the interior woodwork.

Community & Resources

While there is no formal national class association for the 22, the Creekmore brand enjoys a dedicated following among classic plastic enthusiasts. Technical history and builder context are preserved by the Creekmore Yachts organization, which remains a primary touchstone for owners looking to understand the construction methods used by Raymond and Lee Creekmore.

The Verdict

The Creekmore 22 is a "sailor’s sailboat," offering a level of build quality and offshore capability rarely found in the 20-to-25-foot range. It is an ideal choice for a purist looking for a historical vessel that can handle more than just a protected lake.

Pros:

• Exceptional Durability: Overbuilt hull construction that far exceeds modern entry-level standards.
• Seaworthy Design: Capable of handling offshore conditions and heavy weather better than most 22-footers.
• Historical Pedigree: A true "classic plastic" designed by a pioneer of the Florida yachting scene.

Cons:

• Limited Interior Volume: Tight quarters and low headroom make it less suitable for extended family cruising.
• Age-Related Maintenance: Buyers must be prepared to address 50+ years of wear on standing rigging and deck cores.
• Niche Market: Finding specific replacement parts may require custom fabrication or sourcing through vintage marine chandleries.