Gazelle 22 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Gazelle 22 is defined by its spirited performance, largely a result of its C&C Design Group heritage and a favorable Sail Area to Displacement (SA/Disp) ratio of approximately 20.5. With a Displacement/Length ratio of 168, the boat sits firmly in the light racer-cruiser category, allowing it to accelerate quickly in light Great Lakes breezes. Its fractional sloop rig is a hallmark of the design, featuring smaller, more manageable headsails that make the boat particularly forgiving during short-handed tacking.

Handling is characterized by precision, thanks to an internally mounted spade rudder and a deep fin keel. Unlike many of its contemporaries that utilized iron ballasts, Ontario Yachts opted for lead, which, being denser, allowed for a lower center of gravity and a slimmer keel profile. This choice enhances the boat’s stability and pointing ability, though its draft of roughly 3.7 feet requires some attention when navigating shallow marinas. While its Motion Comfort Ratio (approximately 11.7) suggests a more active ride in a chop compared to heavier cruisers, the lead keel and 44% ballast-to-displacement ratio ensure it remains stiff and predictable when the wind freshens.

Interior Comfort & Variations

For a 22-foot vessel, the Gazelle 22 offers a surprisingly functional "overnighter" layout, derived from the space-saving innovations of George Cuthbertson’s earlier designs. The interior typically features a V-berth forward and two quarter berths extending aft under the cockpit seats, providing sleeping accommodations for four. Though headroom is limited to sitting height, the cabin is often finished with the refined teak joinery for which Ontario Yachts became famous.

The sibling relationship between the Gazelle 22 and its predecessors is noteworthy; while the hull shares DNA with the Viking 22 and the Grampian-built Classic 22, the Gazelle variant benefited from more advanced fiberglass layup techniques and superior deck hardware. Unlike some variations of the 22-foot hull that were marketed strictly as daysailers, the Gazelle 22 was outfitted for short-range cruising, often including a compact galley area and space for a chemical head tucked beneath the V-berth.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers should approach the Gazelle 22 with the typical scrutiny required for 1980s balsa-cored fiberglass boats. While Ontario Yachts had a superior reputation for composite work, the transition of the marine industry into cored decks means that any poorly sealed hardware—such as stanchion bases or traveler tracks—may have led to localized core saturation.

• Deck Core Integrity: Use a plastic hammer to "tap-test" the side decks and areas around the chainplates for dead thuds that indicate delamination or rot.
• Rudder Port and Bearing: The internally mounted spade rudder should be inspected for play or "slop" in the bearings, which can lead to vibration under load.
• Keel Bolts: Given the lead fin keel’s weight, the stainless steel keel bolts and the internal hull grid should be inspected for signs of weeping or "smile" cracks at the hull-to-keel joint.
• Rigging Age: Many Gazelle 22s still carry their original fractional spars; check for any corrosion at the spreader roots and the condition of the standing rigging swage fittings.

Community & Resources

Owners of the Gazelle 22 often find technical support within the broader community of Ontario Yachts enthusiasts. While no dedicated single-model association exists, the Ontario Yachts Facebook Page serves as a modern touchpoint for connecting with the builder’s legacy and sourcing advice on refits. Furthermore, because of its C&C design pedigree, technical specifications and sail plans are frequently archived within regional PHRF (Performance Handicap Racing Fleet) databases, where the boat remains a competitive participant in club racing.

The Verdict

The Gazelle 22 is an exceptional choice for the discerning sailor who wants a high-quality, "big boat" feel in a 22-foot package.

Pros:

• Superior build quality and lead ballast from a premium Canadian builder.
• High-performance C&C design that excels in light to moderate air.
• Fractional rig allows for easy headsail changes and tacking.
• Easier to maintain and store than its larger sibling, the Ontario 32.

Cons:

• Relatively rare, making it difficult to find on the used market.
• Limited standing headroom may be a deterrent for multi-day cruising.
• Spade rudder and deep fin keel limit its utility as a beachable trailer sailor.