Friendship 23 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Friendship 23 is rigged as a masthead sloop, a configuration that provides a balanced and manageable sail plan for short-handed crews. With a total mass of roughly 1,200 kg and a sail area of 21.6 square meters, the boat possesses a Sail Area-to-Displacement ratio of approximately 19.1. This indicates a surprisingly lively performance for a small cruiser, allowing it to move efficiently in light airs. As noted in technical descriptions on Wikipedia, the hull features a relatively flat bottom that assists with speed on a reach or downwind.

On the water, the boat is known for its stability, largely due to a cast-iron bulb keel that accounts for nearly a third of the vessel's total weight. This low center of gravity makes it a forgiving platform for beginners. However, owners frequently report that the 23 can become "loefgierig" (weather-heavy) when pressed hard on a beat, requiring early reefing to maintain a balanced helm. Its draft of exactly 1.00 meter is specifically optimized for the shallow lakes of the Netherlands, yet its seaworthiness allows for confident crossings of the IJsselmeer and Dutch Wadden Sea.

Interior Comfort & Variations

While the shipyard marketed the Friendship 23 as having five berths, modern standards suggest it is most comfortable for a couple or a small family with two children. The layout is impressively efficient for a hull of this size, utilizing a V-berth in the forepeak and two "dog berths" that extend aft under the cockpit benches. A distinctive design feature of the Friendship 23 is its double-walled cabin roof, which was specifically engineered to eliminate the dripping condensation often found in single-skin fiberglass boats of that period.

The interior finish typically consists of lacquered mahogany and plywood with thick veneers, a hallmark of the Meijer shipyard’s long-tenured craftsmen. The galley is ingeniously tucked under the bridge deck, allowing the cook to stand with nearly full headroom when the companionway hatch is open. While the Friendship 22 (its smaller sibling) often featured more modular or "open" interiors to feel spacious, the 23 retained a more traditional cabin structure with permanent cabinetry and dedicated storage lockers, emphasizing its role as a true cruiser rather than a daysailer.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers should approach a Friendship 23 with a specific focus on the structural "nodes" where different materials meet. Because original parts are no longer manufactured, several high-priority areas require inspection:

• Rudder Assembly: The rudder is supported by a 25mm steel stock within a 38mm stainless steel pipe. Over decades, moisture can penetrate the rudder blade or the bronze bushings, leading to "play" in the helm or internal rot within the rudder box.
• Keel Bolts: The cast-iron keel is secured by only three 20mm steel bolts. These must be checked for corrosion (often called "weeping" at the joint) and should be retightened or replaced if the sealant has failed.
• Deck and Hull Stiffeners: The boat relies on mahogany floors and bulkheads that are glassed into the hull for rigidity. If water has sat in the bilge for extended periods, the "tabbing" (where the wood meets the fiberglass) can delaminate, compromising the hull's stiffness.
• Mast Support: The mast sits on the cabin roof, supported internally by a stainless steel pole that rests on the keel. Inspect the deck for "crazing" or compression around the mast step, which may indicate that the internal support has shifted or the core has softened.

Community & Resources

The primary technical and social hub for this model is the Friendship Club (Netherlands), which maintains an extensive archive of original brochures, trim manuals, and technical tips for owners across the entire Friendship range, from the 22 up to the 35 and 38-foot variations.

The Verdict

The Friendship 23 remains a quintessential entry-level cruiser for sailors who value Dutch build quality and classic lines over modern "caravan-style" volume. It is a sturdy, predictable vessel that punches above its weight in coastal conditions.

Pros:

• Robust Construction: The double-walled cabin roof and thick GRP layup are superior to many modern budget cruisers.
• Shallow Draft: At 1.00m, it is the ideal boat for exploring coastal shallows and inland lakes.
• Ease of Maintenance: Simple systems and a masthead rig make it a low-cost vessel to keep in sailing trim.

Cons:

• Limited Headroom: Aside from the companionway area, the interior requires a "crawling" lifestyle.
• Weather Helm: It requires active sail management and early reefing to stay balanced in a breeze.
• Age-Related Wear: Most units are now 40+ years old and require careful inspection of the rudder and keel attachments.