Inland 20 Scow Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

Sailing an Inland 20 Scow is an exercise in balance and hydrodynamic efficiency. Because scows are designed with a wide, flat hull, they are remarkably stable when stationary but require a specific technique when under sail. The boat is intended to be sailed at a 15 to 25-degree angle of heel; this lifts the windward side of the flat hull out of the water, effectively turning the boat onto its side where the curved bilge becomes the new, narrow "hull." This drastically reduces wetted surface area, allowing the boat to accelerate rapidly.

The handling is defined by its twin "bilge boards" rather than a single centerboard. According to the Inland 20 Class Association, these boards are angled so that when the boat is heeled, the leeward board is perfectly vertical, providing maximum lift and tracking. This configuration, combined with a modern fractional sloop rig and a powerful asymmetrical spinnaker, allows the Inland 20 to reach planing speeds easily in moderate breeze. Owners often describe the sensation as "gliding" rather than cutting through waves. The boat is typically campaigned by a crew of two or three, making it significantly easier to manage than the 28-foot E-Scow, which often requires four or five.

Popular Mentions & Media

The Inland 20's cultural footprint is deeply embedded in the "Scow Country" of Wisconsin and the surrounding Great Lakes region. It is frequently highlighted in regional yachting publications as the "logical next step" for sailors graduating from the smaller Butterfly or MC Scow classes. The model received significant editorial attention during its debut for being a "one-design class built for the 21st century," emphasizing its simplified asymmetrical spinnaker system which replaced the older, more cumbersome symmetrical poles found on vintage scow designs. It has also been featured in technical reviews within regional magazines like Lake Michigan Sailboat Racing Association (LMSRA) newsletters, which praise its ability to remain competitive on the race course while remaining "cottage-friendly."

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

When inspecting a used Inland 20, the primary concern is the integrity of the bilge board trunks. Because scows are frequently sailed in shallow inland lakes, these trunks and the boards themselves are prone to impact damage.

1. Board Trunks: Inspect the fiberglass surrounding the bilge board slots for stress cracks or water intrusion. Leaks here are difficult to repair and can soften the hull structure.
2. Mast Step and Rotation: The Inland 20 often utilizes a rotating mast to improve aerodynamic efficiency. Ensure the rotation mechanism is smooth and that the deck around the mast step shows no signs of compression or "crazing" in the gelcoat.
3. Internal Buoyancy: Older models or those that have seen heavy racing should be checked for "wet foam." Some scows use internal foam flotation that can absorb water over decades if the hull seal is compromised, leading to a significantly heavier and slower boat.
4. Foil Condition: The twin rudders and bilge boards should be checked for "delamination" at the trailing edges. High-performance sailing puts significant stress on these components.

Community & Resources

The heart of this model's longevity is the Inland 20 Class Association, which maintains the one-design rules to ensure that older boats remain competitive with newer builds. This association is the primary source for technical manuals, tuning guides, and the annual racing calendar, which includes the prestigious Inland 20 Championship. For parts and factory-spec repairs, Windward Boatworks remains the authoritative technical resource, offering everything from replacement rudders to specialized hardware specifically for the I-20 rig.

The Verdict

The Inland 20 Scow is a specialized high-speed instrument that excels in the environment it was built for: flat-water lakes and moderate-to-high winds. It offers a level of "bang-for-your-buck" performance that few other 20-footers can match, provided the sailor is comfortable with the unique handling characteristics of a scow hull.

Pros:

• Exceptional planing performance and speed-to-length ratio.
• Simplified asymmetrical spinnaker setup makes it accessible for smaller crews.
• Strong class association ensures high resale value and active racing.
• Trailerable and relatively easy to launch from a hoist.

Cons:

• Not suitable for rough, open-ocean conditions due to the flat scow bow.
• Requires specific "heeled" sailing technique that may have a learning curve for traditional monohull sailors.
• The open cockpit offers no protection from the elements, making it a "wet" ride in heavy air.