Creekmore 23 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Creekmore 23 was designed to be a competitive contender under the MORC rating rule, which prioritized seaworthiness and speed in a compact package. Historically, the model has been noted for its surprising agility in light air, a trait often attributed to its relatively clean underbody and efficient sail plan. According to accounts shared within the Sailing Anarchy community, the boat is regarded as a "fun, manageable" vessel that excels in the light-to-moderate breezes typical of the Florida coast and the Gulf of Mexico.

Under sail, the boat exhibits the characteristic stiffness of an early fiberglass design with a healthy ballast-to-displacement ratio. While it may not point as high as modern fin-keel racers, it tracks reliably thanks to its integrated keel design. Early versions of the hull featured a daggerboard configuration to optimize off-wind performance and facilitate gunkholing in shallow Florida waters, though many were later converted to fixed keels to comply with evolving racing rules or to simplify maintenance for cruising owners.

Interior Comfort & Variations

For a vessel of its size, the Creekmore 23 offers a functional, albeit utilitarian, interior designed for short-range cruising and overnighting. The layout typically features a classic V-berth forward, followed by two settee berths in the main cabin. Because many Creekmores were finished out to the specifications of their original owners, interior materials can range from basic gelcoat surfaces to extensive teak trim.

Headroom is limited—a trade-off for the boat’s sleek, low-drag cabin house—but the "flush-deck" feel of some variants provides an expansive area on deck for sail handling. Sibling models, such as the Creekmore 22, often featured a more minimalist "quarter-ton" style layout, while the 23-foot 7-meter variant provided slightly more volume for storage. The cabin sole is typically level with the waterline, a design choice intended to maximize the sense of space in a narrow-beamed hull.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers should approach a Creekmore 23 with the understanding that these are vintage vessels built during the infancy of fiberglass technology. While the hulls are famously thick, several age-related areas require scrutiny:

• Deck Core Integrity: Like many boats of this era, the Creekmore 23 utilizes a balsa or plywood core in the deck. Soft spots around the mast step and chainplates are common and usually indicate water intrusion that has compromised the core.
• Chainplate Corrosion: The stainless steel chainplates are often glassed into the hull or bolted through the deck. Over decades, "crevice corrosion" can occur where the metal is hidden from view, necessitating a thorough inspection or replacement.
• Osmotic Blistering: Early Creekmore hulls may exhibit "osmosis" or hull blisters. While rarely structural on a laminate this thick, they can be a significant maintenance project.
• Standing Rigging: Many extant models still carry original or decades-old rigging. Given the boat's performance orientation, the spreaders and tangs should be checked for fatigue.

Community & Resources

Support for these niche Florida classics is primarily driven by a dedicated group of enthusiasts and the designer’s descendants. The Creekmore Owners Group, often active on platforms like SailNet, serves as a repository for technical drawings and historical anecdotes. Lee Creekmore, son of the designer and an accomplished sailor in his own right, has been known to provide technical insight and original design specifications to owners engaged in restorations.

The Verdict

The Creekmore 23 is a "sailor’s sailboat," offering a level of build quality and historical pedigree rarely found in the 20-to-25-foot range. It is best suited for an owner who appreciates the aesthetics of the MORC era and desires a stout, capable pocket cruiser with racing roots.

Pros:

• Robust Construction: Heavy hand-laid fiberglass provides a sense of security in heavy weather.
• Light Air Performance: Efficient hull shape allows for movement when heavier cruisers are becalmed.
• Historical Pedigree: A true piece of Florida maritime history designed by a legendary builder.

Cons:

• Limited Headroom: The low-profile design necessitates a "crawling" interior experience.
• Age-Related Maintenance: Buyers must be prepared to address decades of wear on deck cores and rigging.
• Niche Market: Finding parts or specific model documentation can be challenging compared to production brands like Catalina or Hunter.