Design and Construction
The Kells 23 measures 22.58 feet on deck, with an 18-foot waterline and a 7.75-foot beam. Its manageable proportions suit trailering, trading outright size for ease of handling on the road.
Kells Corp. built the boat primarily of fiberglass with wood trim. The hull is solid fiberglass, while the deck has a balsa core, keeping weight down for trailering while preserving a recognizable molded finish. A distinctive feature is the no-frills molded hull-keel joint, intended to minimize leaks. The boat also has a glassed-in, 750-pound shoal-draft keel.
The swing-keel arrangement gives the boat a draft of only 0.92 feet on the trailer and 5 feet while sailing. That range provides shallow-water access a fixed-keel 23-footer couldn’t match. A fixed-keel sister model was sold as the Coaster 23.
Rig and Handling
The masthead sloop rig has an I measurement of 23 feet and a J measurement of 9.75 feet. It carries a mainsail of just under 100 square feet and a 115-percent jib of about 112 square feet. For lighter air, a 150-percent genoa of nearly 174 square feet and a 354-square-foot spinnaker were available.
The sail-area-to-displacement ratio is 20.09. Although modest, the sail plan combines with the boat’s 1,980-pound displacement and 525 pounds of iron ballast to provide responsive performance in light to moderate winds. The swing-keel form and 26.5 percent ballast ratio keep the boat upright without requiring more crew than a family. Its 5.69-knot hull speed sets a realistic ceiling in flat water.
Cockpit and Accommodations
The spacious cockpit is roomy for a 23-footer and forms the social center of the boat. It’s well suited to daysailing with children or casual guests.
Below, the small cuddy cabin sleeps as many as four. That layout fits the Kells 23’s intended role as a weekend boat rather than an extended cruiser. Simplicity is the theme throughout: there are no elaborate systems, just enclosed sleeping space and a large, open cockpit.
Refits and Ownership
Owning a Kells 23 means taking on a small, approachable boat from a limited production run, though examples exist on trailers and in yards where the builder operated.
The leak-minimizing hull-keel joint and glassed-in keel are useful features when weighing the risk of leaks against the convenience of a swing keel. The wood trim is the most obvious place for age to show first.
The Verdict
The Kells 23 is a purpose-built little coastal sailboat that meets Lindh and Kells Corp.’s original aim: an affordable, trailerable, family-friendly daysailer and weekend cruiser. Its hull-keel joint was designed with leak prevention in mind, while its shallow draft opens access to quiet coves.
It isn’t meant for ocean passages, but within its intended scope, the Kells 23 is a coherent and usable boat.
Pros
- Trailerable, with a very shallow trailered draft and a 5-foot sailing draft for shoal-water access
- Molded hull-keel joint and glassed-in keel intended to minimize leaks
- Spacious cockpit and a cuddy that sleeps four
- Responsive in light to moderate winds, with a simple masthead rig
Cons
- Limited production of roughly 100–200 boats from 1971 to 1980 means examples are scarce and aged
- Small cuddy cabin limits use beyond weekend outings
- Modest sail plan and 5.69-knot hull speed cap outright performance
