Sailing Performance & Handling
The Hood 20 is defined by its remarkable stability and "big boat" feel, a direct result of its high ballast-to-displacement ratio, which often approaches 50 percent. With a displacement of approximately 2,400 pounds—heavy for a 20-foot boat—it tracks with a level of authority that lighter fiberglass daysailers cannot match. This mass allows the boat to punch through chop without losing momentum, a trait frequently praised in historical retrospectives in Yachting magazine.
Its sail area-to-displacement ratio (SA/D) typically hovers around 20, providing enough power to keep the boat lively in light air, while the heavy lead keel ensures it remains upright and composed when the breeze freshens. Unlike many small boats that require aggressive hiking to stay flat, the Hood 20 rewards a more relaxed style of sailing. The helm is reported to be balanced and communicative, providing just enough weather helm to let the sailor feel the lift of the deep fin keel. Owners often note that the boat behaves like a much larger 30-foot cruiser, particularly in its predictable response to gusts and its ability to maintain steerage way in a seaway.
Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist
While the Hood 20 was built to a high standard, the age of the fleet and the complexity of its "miniature yacht" systems necessitate a thorough inspection. Prospective buyers should focus on the following high-signal areas:
- Keel-to-Hull Joint: Due to the high ballast ratio and the leverage exerted by the deep fin, the "smile" or hairline cracking at the leading edge of the keel joint is a common find. This often indicates the need for re-torquing keel bolts or, in extreme cases, dropping the keel to replace the bedding compound.
- Deck Hardware Bedding: The Hood 20 features high-quality stainless steel and often teak accents. However, after decades of service, the bedding for the stays, cleats, and winches can fail. Because these boats often utilized cored decks for stiffness, any moisture ingress can lead to localized delamination.
- Rudder Post and Bearing Wear: The spade rudder on some versions can develop play in the bearings. Buyers should check for excessive vibration or "slop" in the tiller while under sail, which may indicate that the bushings require replacement.
- Standing Rigging: Many of these boats still carry their original or second-generation wire rigging. Given the stresses of a high-ballast design, a professional rig survey is essential to check for swage cracks or "meat hooks" in the shrouds.
The Verdict
The Hood 20 is a connoisseur’s daysailer, appealing to those who value pedigree, aesthetics, and sea-kindly motion over raw speed or interior volume. It remains a rare find on the used market, often held by long-term owners who appreciate its unique position as a shrunken-down classic yacht.
Pros
- Exceptional stability and "big boat" handling characteristics in a 20-foot package.
- Timeless design by Ted Hood that retains aesthetic value and "dock appeal."
- High-quality construction and hardware compared to mass-market daysailers.
- Excellent light-air performance combined with heavy-weather composure.
Cons
- High displacement makes it more difficult to trailer and launch than lighter competitors.
- Complete lack of interior amenities limits its use strictly to daysailing.
- Rare model with limited availability of specific replacement parts or owner templates.
