Gale Force Wild Wind 20 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Wild Wind 20 is defined by its light-displacement profile, carrying a Displacement/Length (D/L) ratio of approximately 168. This classifies it as a light racer-cruiser in terms of weight, allowing for quick acceleration in light air. The boat features a fractional sloop rig and a swing keel configuration that draws 5.67 feet when fully extended, providing a respectable amount of lift for windward performance. However, technical evaluations in editorial reviews have been polarized. Good Old Boat notes that the design serves well as a large daysailer or a weekender for protected waters, particularly praising the cockpit size.

Conversely, the vessel has faced criticism regarding its directional stability and rudder design. In The Sailor's Book of Small Cruising Sailboats, author Steve Henkel argued that the transom-mounted rudder appears undersized, potentially leading to a loss of steering authority in heavy winds or significant chop. With a Sail Area/Displacement (SA/Disp) ratio of roughly 18.3, the boat has enough power to remain engaging, but its high capsize screening formula of 2.44 suggests it lacks the righting energy required for heavy offshore conditions, reinforcing its role as a coastal or inland "fair-weather" sailor.

Interior Comfort & Variations

For a 20-foot hull, the Wild Wind 20 offers a surprising amount of sleeping capacity, though the accommodations are strictly "weekender" in nature. The cabin layout includes a double V-berth in the bow and two straight settee berths in the main salon. Interior volume is maximized by a 7.92-foot beam, but headroom is restrictive at approximately 51 inches, meaning most movement inside the cabin must be done from a seated or kneeling position.

Construction throughout the interior is predominantly fiberglass with minimal wood trim, a choice by the builder to simplify maintenance for trailer-sailor owners. There are no known major layout variations, such as galley-up or aft-cabin versions, as the hull's dimensions left little room for deviation. The sibling models, the Gale Force 20 and Rinker 20, share identical interior specifications, with differences mostly limited to branding and minor cosmetic trim choices.

Popular Mentions & Media

The Wild Wind 20’s most significant media footprint comes from its inclusion in major small-boat compendiums. The most cited critique of the model is found in the aforementioned The Sailor's Book of Small Cruising Sailboats, where it was famously reviewed with a critical eye toward its aesthetics and rudder geometry. This review has become a touchstone for the model, often cited by prospective buyers in sailing communities as a cautionary reference regarding the boat's handling in heavy air.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective owners should pay close attention to the following technical areas:

• Swing Keel Mechanism: The pivot pin and lifting cable are the primary failure points. Any "clunking" while underway or resistance during lifting indicates the need for immediate service of the ballast system.
• Rudder Effectiveness: Due to the narrow profile of the original rudder, many owners have found it beneficial to retrofit a deeper or higher-aspect blade to improve control, especially when sailing on a reach in gusty conditions.
• Deck Core Integrity: Like many 1980s-era fiberglass boats, the deck uses a core that is susceptible to delamination if hardware—such as the mast step or chainplates—was not properly bedded. Check for "spongy" spots underfoot.
• Transom Stress: The transom-mounted rudder and outboard bracket put significant stress on the stern. Inspect the fiberglass around these mounting points for spider-cracking or signs of structural flexing.

Community & Resources

While there is no formal class association, owners often find technical support and historical brochures through the historical archives related to Rinker Boats. Because the sailboat was a product of a powerboat manufacturer, some technical components like the rub-rails and deck hardware may share commonality with Rinker’s powerboat models of the same era.

The Verdict

The Gale Force Wild Wind 20 is a niche trailerable cruiser that offers a simple, low-cost entry point into sailing for those who prioritize ease of transport and cockpit space.

Pros:

• Easily trailerable with a minimum draft of just 2.0 feet.
• Generous cockpit size for a 20-foot boat, comfortably seating four adults.
• Low-maintenance fiberglass construction with minimal exterior wood.

Cons:

• Rudder design can lead to handling difficulties in heavy weather.
• Extremely limited interior headroom and Spartan amenities.
• Not suitable for offshore use due to its light weight and high capsize screening value.