Goosander 23 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Goosander 23 was designed with a focus on coastal stability and predictable handling rather than outright racing speed. It features a traditional long keel, which provides exceptional directional stability and makes the vessel easy to steer for long periods, though it requires more space for maneuvering in tight marinas compared to modern fin-keel boats. The rig is a simple masthead sloop, which keeps the sail area's center of effort relatively low, reducing the heeling moment and contributing to a "stiff" and powerful feel in a breeze.

Editorial accounts from the period, including test sails conducted by former Yachting Monthly editor Des Sleightholme, described the hull as "sure and obedient to her helm." With a Displacement/Length (D/L) ratio typically in the moderate-to-heavy range, the boat has enough mass to slice through short coastal chops without losing momentum. Its ballast-to-displacement ratio of roughly 30% ensures that the boat stands up well to its canvas, making it a reliable choice for the unpredictable weather of the North Sea or the English Channel.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The interior of the Goosander 23 is efficiently laid out for its size, though it reflects the designer’s early philosophy of prioritizing sailing performance over maximum headroom. The cabin typically provides four berths: two adult-sized settee berths in the main saloon and two quarter berths aft, which are often better suited for children or for use as storage on the 23-foot model.

Materials vary significantly between examples due to the boat's "plan-built" heritage; while mahogany and marine plywood are standard, the level of finish depends on the original builder. For those seeking more comfort, the larger sibling, the Goosander 27, was developed specifically to address the 23’s lack of standing room, offering a full six feet of headroom and a broader beam. The 23 remains a "pocket cruiser" in the truest sense, featuring a small galley and a basic arrangement for a chemical or marine toilet, usually tucked under the forward V-berth.

Popular Mentions & Media

The Goosander 23 gained its primary reputation through the pages of Yachting Monthly, which promoted the design as part of its effort to encourage affordable coastal cruising. Its designer, Colin Faggetter, was a respected figure in the UK sailing community whose personal voyages in the larger 27-foot version—including a three-year cruise to Greece—vouchsafed the seaworthiness of the hull form. Technical drawings and history of the model are preserved by the Eventide Owners Group, which continues to support the legacy of Faggetter’s plywood and GRP designs.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

As a predominantly wooden-built vessel, the primary concern for any prospective buyer is the integrity of the hull and frames.

• Frame Rot: High-signal reports from the designer's own records indicate that "soft patches" can develop in the wooden frames if the boat is not kept meticulously dry. Particular attention should be paid to the areas where the frames meet the chine.
• Plywood Delamination: Inspect the double-chine joints and the transom for signs of water ingress or "spongy" sections, which suggest the marine plywood core has been compromised.
• Deck-to-Hull Joint: On older amateur builds, the seal between the deck and hull can become a source of persistent leaks, often hidden behind interior trim.
• Keel Bolts: If the boat has been stored in a damp environment, the condition of the ballast keel bolts should be verified, as corrosion in these hidden fasteners can be a major structural "gotcha."

Community & Resources

The definitive resource for the Goosander 23 is the Eventide Owners Group, an association dedicated to Colin Faggetter’s designs and other classic British plywood yachts. They provide access to technical wikis, historical plans, and a community of owners who specialize in the maintenance of these specific hull types.

The Verdict

The Goosander 23 is a sturdy, traditional cruiser that offers a high level of seaworthiness for its size, provided its wooden structure has been well-maintained.

Pros:

• Excellent tracking and directional stability due to the long keel.
• Proven seaworthiness with a "stiff" feel in heavy weather.
• Strong community support for technical advice and original plans.

Cons:

• Limited headroom compared to modern 23-footers.
• Requires consistent maintenance of the wooden hull and frames.
• Maneuvering in reverse can be challenging with the long keel configuration.