Impala 20 Buyer's Guide
Shopping for an Impala 20 on the used market means coming to terms with a 20-foot Danish design from the late 1970s that was sold both finished and as a home-completion kit. That lineage matters more than any single specification, because the quality of each boat may vary depending on who built it.
Layouts on the Used Market
The Impala 20 is a fin-keel masthead sloop just over 20 feet long with a beam near 8.9 feet and a plywood hull carrying a galley and toilet below. Home-completed examples will show the widest range in joinery, core integrity, and systems, while factory-finished boats should be more uniform. The chined hull form gives initial stability that a first-time viewer will feel as a steady, flat-bodied little cruiser-racer.
Equipment and Common Upgrades
Buyers should focus on the systems that affect safety and sailing ability rather than creature comforts. The original sail plan runs on a masthead rig with jib, genoa, mainsheet, and spinnaker sheets all specified at 3/8-inch diameter, so inspect the running rigging for age and UV damage. The wetted bottom surface of about 172 square feet means antifouling and hull fairness are ongoing owner concerns. Beyond those basics, the boat's small size limits meaningful upgrades; look for a serviceable galley and toilet rather than elaborate added gear.
What to Inspect
Because the Impala 20 was sold to be home-completed, the single most important survey task is assessing build quality across the plywood hull and cored deck for water intrusion or uneven fabrication. Verify the chined hull structure and the fin keel attachment, and confirm the stated draft of 3.94 to 4.24 feet matches the load condition. Check the galley and toilet installation for amateur workmanship where the boat was owner-finished.
Availability and Buyer's Takeaway
Regional availability information is not characterized for this model. For a shopper, the takeaway is straightforward:
- Confirm whether the boat was factory- or home-completed
- Survey plywood hull and deck core for moisture
- Inspect fin keel joint and chine structure
- Test galley and toilet systems for sound installation
- Review all 3/8-inch sheet lines for wear
Price & volume trends
Monthly asking-price and listing-volume trends for the Impala 20. The line shows the median ask each month; the bars show how many listings appeared.
Monthly breakdown · 1 row
| Month | Listings | Median ask | Δ vs. last mo. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 25 | 1 | $15,898 | — |