Sailing Performance & Handling
Under sail, the Felicity 20 is characterized by stability rather than speed. With a displacement of approximately 2,400 lbs and a modest sail area, the boat is heavily ballasted for its size, providing a sense of security in choppy coastal waters. The design features a relatively high displacement-to-length ratio, which prevents the boat from being tossed about as easily as modern, light-displacement 20-footers.
The most common configuration features twin bilge keels, which allow the vessel to stand upright on the sand or mud at low tide. While these keels simplify mooring in tidal regions, they do impact windward performance. Owners and technical guides from the Hurley Owners Association note that the Felicity is not a close-winded vessel; it requires a generous tacking angle to progress against the wind. However, its long, shallow keels provide excellent tracking, making it a "forgiving" boat that does not require constant attention to the helm. It is frequently described as a "sea-kindly" little ship that punches well above its weight in moderate breezes.
Interior Comfort & Variations
For a 20-foot vessel designed in the early 1960s, the Felicity 20 manages a surprisingly functional, if cramped, interior layout. It was originally marketed as a four-berth cruiser, though modern standards would categorize it more accurately as a comfortable two-person boat or a "weekender" for a small family. The layout typically includes two V-berths in the forward cabin and two settee berths in the main saloon.
Headroom is limited—at roughly 4' 8", most adults will find themselves stooping—but the use of GRP for the interior moldings was a high-tech luxury at the time of its release, providing a cleaner and more waterproof environment than the wooden boats of the era. The galley is rudimentary, usually consisting of a small sliding tray for a spirit or gas stove. Owners should note that the Felicity 20 was the precursor to the Hurley 20; while the hulls share a similar DNA, the Felicity features a more traditional "step" in the coachroof and a more angular aesthetic compared to the sleeker lines of its successor.
Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist
Prospective buyers of a Felicity 20 are looking at a hull that is over 60 years old, which necessitates a rigorous inspection of the fiberglass and structural components.
- Deck Core Integrity: Early Hurley models often used plywood or balsa cores for deck stiffening. Over decades, water ingress through deck fittings (cleats, stanchions, or handrails) can lead to delamination and "soft spots."
- Window Seals: The Felicity used rubber-sealed windows that are prone to perishing. Leaks here are common and can damage the interior timber trim or upholstery.
- Keel Attachment: On bilge-keeled versions, the stress points where the keels meet the hull should be inspected for "smile" cracks or signs of weeping, which may indicate that the internal strengthening or keel bolts require attention.
- Compression Post: Ensure the deck stepped mast has not caused the coachroof to sag. Check the structural support (often a bulkhead or post) beneath the mast step for signs of compression or rot.
- Osmosis: While Hurley hulls were notoriously thick and robust, early GRP layups were not immune to osmosis. A survey should check for blistering below the waterline.
Community & Resources
The primary authority for this model is the Hurley Owners Association, which maintains a deep archive of original brochures, technical drawings, and maintenance logs. Because many Felicity 20s were exported or sailed extensively across the English Channel, there is a dedicated following in both the UK and Northern Europe. The association is instrumental in helping owners source replacement parts and technical advice for Ian Anderson's early designs.
The Verdict
The Hurley Felicity 20 is a rugged, historical "pocket cruiser" that offers an affordable entry into classic fiberglass yacht ownership. While it lacks the speed and interior volume of modern designs, its ability to take the ground and its robust seakeeping make it an ideal choice for coastal gunkholing.
Pros:
- Rugged Construction: Thick, hand-laid GRP hull that has proven to stand the test of time.
- Tidal Versatility: Bilge keels allow for low-cost drying moorings.
- Predictable Handling: Very stable and easy to sail single-handed.
- Low Entry Cost: One of the most affordable ways to own a legitimate cruising yacht.
Cons:
- Limited Headroom: Significant crouching is required for most adults.
- Slow Windward Performance: High drag from bilge keels limits speed and pointing ability.
- Age-Related Maintenance: Buyers must be prepared to address 60-year-old deck seals and potential core issues.
