Friendship 22 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

Under sail, the Friendship 22 reflects the design philosophy of Koopmans Yacht Design, prioritizing seaworthiness and balance over raw racing speed. With a displacement of approximately 1,150 kg and a ballast of 450 kg, the boat boasts a ballast-to-displacement ratio of nearly 40%. This high ratio makes the boat remarkably "stiff" and forgiving, allowing it to carry its sail plan longer than many modern light-displacement 22-footers before requiring a reef.

The boat was typically rigged as a fractional sloop, which provides the helmsman with greater control over mast bend and mainsail shape. In light airs, the hull's relatively wide beam (2.50 meters) provides a stable platform, though the wetted surface area means it is not a "light-air flyer." However, once the breeze refreshes to Force 4, the Friendship 22 settles into a groove, tracking exceptionally well thanks to its deep transom-hung rudder and well-profiled keel. It was produced in two primary underwater configurations: a fixed fin keel with a draft of 1.25 meters for coastal stability, and a lifting keel (kielmidzwaard) version drawing only 0.60 meters when retracted. The latter version is particularly prized for navigating the shallow Frisian Lakes and the Wadden Sea.

Interior Comfort & Variations

For a vessel under 7 meters, the interior of the Friendship 22 is notably voluminous. The layout typically features four berths: a double V-berth in the forward section and two longitudinal settee berths in the main cabin. Unlike many of its contemporaries that utilized cramped "quarter berths" tucked under the cockpit, the Friendship 22 maximizes its midships beam to keep the living area feeling open.

While the cabin height is approximately 1.45 to 1.50 meters—precluding full standing headroom for most adults—the "big boat" sensation is enhanced by the use of warm teak joinery and a functional, albeit compact, galley block. In many versions, the galley is designed to slide away or is situated near the companionway for ventilation. The sibling models, such as the slightly later Friendship 23, offered minor tweaks to the deck mold, but the 22 remained the purist's choice for its balance of weight and agility. A "Sport" variant was also produced, which often featured a taller rig and upgraded hardware for club racing, though the internal layout remained largely consistent with the "Classic" cruiser.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers should approach the Friendship 22 with the scrutiny required for any fiberglass vessel of its vintage, specifically focusing on its unique Dutch construction traits.

• Rudder Gudgeons and Bushings: Because the Friendship 22 uses a transom-hung rudder, the mounting hardware is under constant stress. Buyers should check for excessive play in the bushings and signs of stress cracking around the transom mounting points.
• Window Gaskets: The original aluminum-framed windows or rubber-set acrylics are notorious for developing leaks over four decades. Evidence of water staining on the interior teak cabinetry is a high-signal indicator that the seals require replacement.
• Lifting Keel Mechanism: On the "kielmidzwaard" (lifting keel) versions, the internal pivot pin and hoisting cable are critical failure points. If possible, the boat should be inspected out of the water to ensure the keel does not "clunk" laterally, which indicates wear in the trunk shims.
• Deck Delamination: While Jachtwerf Meijer used robust hand-laid fiberglass, the sandwich construction in the deck can suffer from moisture ingress around the stanchion bases and the mast step. A "tapping test" with a phenolic hammer or a moisture meter check is recommended in these high-load areas.

Community & Resources

The Friendship 22 benefits from a highly organized and dedicated owner base. The International Friendship Club (IFC) serves as the primary technical repository for the model. This association maintains a wealth of historical documentation, original brochures, and a technical forum where owners share specific solutions for refitting these Dutch classics. Their annual meetings and "Friendship Days" in the Netherlands ensure that parts availability and communal knowledge remain high for the 22 and its larger siblings.

The Verdict

The Friendship 22 is an over-engineered pocket cruiser that offers a level of security and build quality rarely found in modern boats of this length. It is an ideal vessel for a couple or a small family looking to transition from dinghies to coastal cruising.

Pros

• Exceptional Stability: High ballast ratio makes for a safe, predictable ride in heavy weather.
• Dutch Build Quality: Robust hand-laid fiberglass and quality teak interiors that age gracefully.
• Versatile Draft: The lifting keel variant opens up shallow cruising grounds and inland waterways.
• Active Support: Strong owner association provides a safety net for maintenance and parts.

Cons

• Headroom: Lack of full standing headroom may be a drawback for extended live-aboard cruising.
• Weight: At over 1,000 kg, it requires a substantial towing vehicle if used as a trailer-sailer.
• Age-Related Maintenance: Potential for window leaks and deck core issues typical of the late 70s and 80s.