Hawk 20 Buyer's Guide
The Hawk 20 on the used market is a 20-foot GRP centreboard dayboat and Cruiser developed by Reid Marine with Chris Hawkins, built as a dedicated dayboat then followed by a cabin version on the same hull. Both are unsinkable, self-draining and self-righting, easy to trail and quick enough to surf downwind, and a buyer is choosing between an open boat with an enormous cockpit and a Lidded Hawk whose cabin costs almost no performance.
Layouts on the Used Market
The dayboat carries a 2.5-metre cockpit with side lockers and a sole above the waterline; the Cruiser shortens that cockpit by 15 centimetres to fit two 2.03-metre bunks, a slide-out single-burner cooker shelf and chemical-toilet space under 90 centimetres of headroom. The cabin uses volume already present, so weight matches the dayboat and the two race on equal terms. A used-hull shopper should decide purely on whether shelter or maximum cockpit length matters more day to day.
Equipment and Common Upgrades
A spinnaker is often seen on these boats, and its kite deploys through a self-launching Spiro pole arrangement that keeps the drill uncomplicated; on the Cruiser it launches from a bag on the port bulkhead. Beyond that, the original build already specified Harken deck hardware, Seldén spars and Sanders sails, an Easykick rod kicker and topping lift, and an outboard well for a 2.5–6 hp motor with fairing plugs — so most buyer attention goes to condition of those systems rather than additions.
What to Inspect
Check the aluminium centreplate and its Delrin pivot in the case for abrasion, fouling and any sign of electrolysis at the hinge, since the foil is the most exposed moving structural element. Examine the timber rudder blade for softness or failed finish where it meets the substantial aluminium stock, as it is the only wooden structural part in an otherwise glass hull. Confirm the self-bailers at the aft cockpit and the cockpit sole above the waterline are clear, and verify the polyurethane foam blocks enclosed beside the outboard well and below cabin bunks are intact, preserving unsinkability. Test the 6:1 mainsheet and 2:1 jib sheet purchases and the centreplate lift purchase to the swivel cam for free operation. At a viewing, hoist the kite from its bag or pole to confirm the self-launching Spiro pole system still runs free and the sock or bag shows no UV damage.
Availability and Buyer's Takeaway
These boats typically appear in the United Kingdom and Ireland. Before you commit, run this short list:
- Inspect the centreplate pivot and foil for wear
- Probe the timber rudder blade for rot
- Verify foam buoyancy blocks are present and sealed
- Confirm self-bailers and cockpit drainage are clear
- Test mast hinge and outboard well fairing plugs
- Check Harken and Seldén hardware for corrosion
Price & volume trends
Monthly asking-price and listing-volume trends for the Hawk 20. The line shows the median ask each month; the bars show how many listings appeared.
Monthly breakdown · 6 rows
| Month | Listings | Median ask | Δ vs. last mo. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Feb 26 | 3 | $11,897 | — |
| Mar 26 | 5 | $13,597 | +14.3% |
| Apr 26 | 5 | $37,392 | +175.0% |
| May 26 | 3 | $14,277 | -61.8% |
| Jun 26 | 2 | $7,478 | -47.6% |
| Aug 26 | 2 | $13,087 | +75.0% |
Where they're listed
Hawk 20 listings appear across 2 countries. United Kingdom has the most listings with 19 (95.0%), followed by Ireland.
Country view
20 listings · 2 countries| Country | Median ask | Listings · 12 mo | Active · 90 d | Share |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| United Kingdom | $14,277 | 19 | 4 | 95.0% |
| Ireland | $11,650 | 1 | 0 | 5.0% |