Sailing Performance & Handling
Under sail, the Flicka 20 behaves with a deliberate, seakindly motion more typical of a 30-foot full-keeled cruiser. This is largely due to its ultra-heavy displacement-to-length (D/L) ratio, which sits at approximately 425—a figure that places it firmly in the heavy-displacement category. With a total displacement of 5,500 to 6,000 lbs and a ballast-to-displacement ratio of roughly 31%, the boat is exceptionally stiff. Practical Sailor notes that the Flicka tracks remarkably well, a virtue attributed to its long keel and transom-hung rudder, allowing it to hold course for hours with minimal helm input.
However, this stability comes at the cost of light-air performance. With a modest sail area-to-displacement (SA/Disp) ratio of approximately 14.6, the Flicka requires at least 10 to 12 knots of breeze to "wake up" and overcome its own wetted surface and mass. Its theoretical hull speed is roughly 5.7 knots, and while it is not a weatherly racer—averaging a tacking angle of 110 to 120 degrees—owners frequently report that it can maintain a steady 5-knot pace in a stiff breeze. As noted in 48° North, the boat’s natural balance allows it to self-steer effectively when the sail plan is properly trimmed, a critical feature for the single-handed voyagers who favor the design.
Interior Comfort & Variations
The most startling aspect of the Flicka 20 is its interior volume. Despite a 20-foot length on deck, Bruce Bingham managed to incorporate 5' 11" of standing headroom throughout the main cabin. This was achieved by utilizing high topsides and a nearly plumb bow and stern. The layout generally includes a V-berth forward, a compact galley, and two quarter berths, though configurations varied over the 25-year production run. Early models were often sold as "sailaway kits" for owner completion, leading to significant diversity in interior finish and cabinetry.
Pacific Seacraft-built models are celebrated for their high-quality joinery and bronze hardware. Later iterations, particularly those built after 1980, frequently included an enclosed head, a rarity in this size class. The hull's 8-foot beam provides a sense of spaciousness that rivals many 26-to-28-footers. The Flicka also has a larger sibling, the Allegra 24, which was developed directly from the Flicka’s lines to provide additional waterline and speed while maintaining the same "mini-tank" design philosophy.
Popular Mentions & Media
The Flicka 20’s cultural footprint is outsized compared to its physical dimensions. It gained significant notoriety through designer Bruce Bingham’s own book, The Sailor's Sketchbook, which featured the Flicka in detailed, hand-drawn technical illustrations. The model’s blue-water reputation was further solidified by Wayne Dewell’s book, Kawabunga's South Seas Adventure, which chronicles a successful voyage from San Diego to Tahiti and back in a Flicka. Small Craft Advisor has frequently highlighted the boat’s "bulletproof" reputation, documenting dozens of instances where Flickas have successfully crossed major oceans, earning it a permanent place in the pantheon of legendary cruising yachts.
Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist
- Deck Core Integrity: Unlike many production boats that use balsa, Pacific Seacraft often utilized plywood coring for the Flicka's deck. While robust, this core can rot if deck fittings (stanchions, handrails, or cleats) were not properly re-bedded over the decades. Buyers should use a phenolic hammer to sound the deck for dull thuds indicating delamination.
- Bowsprit and Mast Compression: The wooden bowsprit is a known area for rot, especially at the attachment points. Additionally, some owners have reported delamination in the overhead compression arch where the mast steps. If the cabin door or head door no longer closes squarely, it may indicate a settling mast step.
- Rudder Pintles and Gudgeons: The transom-hung rudder is a simple, rugged design, but the bronze pintles and gudgeons are subject to wear. Excessive "slop" or play in the rudder should be inspected for metal fatigue or bushing wear.
- Chainplate Leaks: Like many older yachts, the chainplates passing through the deck can be a source of persistent leaks. If left unaddressed, this moisture can damage the interior bulkheads and the deck core.
Community & Resources
The Flicka 20 is supported by a passionate and technically proficient owner community. The "Flicka Friends" organization has published newsletters and technical manuals for decades, much of which is archived at the Flicka 20 Owners Association (flicka20.com). This resource serves as a vital repository for original Pacific Seacraft brochures, wiring diagrams, and owner-led modification guides.
The Verdict
Pros:
- Exceptional Seaworthiness: Capable of handling conditions that would overwhelm most small boats.
- Remarkable Headroom: 5' 11" of clearance is unmatched in the 20-foot category.
- High Build Quality: Pacific Seacraft versions feature premium bronze hardware and heavy-duty fiberglass layups.
- Strong Resale Value: The "cult" status of the Flicka ensures it remains a highly sought-after model on the used market.
Cons:
- Light Air Performance: The heavy displacement makes the boat sluggish in winds under 10 knots.
- Cramped Cockpit: The massive interior volume comes at the expense of cockpit space, which can feel tight for more than two adults.
- Price Premium: Expect to pay as much for a well-maintained Flicka as you would for a much larger, less specialized cruiser.
