Kells Coaster 23 Information, Review, Specs

The model is often discussed alongside its siblings, the smaller Kells 22 and the significantly more substantial Kells 28. While the Kells 22 was frequently seen in a "Fisherman" or open-style configuration, the Coaster 23 was firmly dedicated to the cruising market. Its hull design is heavily influenced by the "pocket cruiser" philosophy of the time—maximizing waterline length while maintaining a retractable keel system to facilitate shallow-water exploration and easy trailering.

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Kells Coaster 23 is characterized by its predictable, forgiving handling, making it an ideal entry-level boat for those transitioning from dinghies to cabin cruisers. The defining feature of its performance is the swing-keel (retractable keel) mechanism. With the keel fully extended to its roughly 4.5-foot depth, the boat exhibits a respectable amount of stiffness and tracks well for a light-displacement vessel. However, with the keel retracted to its 1.5-foot minimum draft, the Coaster 23 becomes one of the more capable "gunkholers" in its class, able to navigate tidal creeks and estuaries that are inaccessible to fixed-keel competitors.

While it is not a high-performance racing machine, the masthead sloop rig provides enough sail area to move the hull efficiently in moderate breezes. Owners often describe the boat as having a "big boat" feel, which is likely a result of the ballast-to-displacement ratio being concentrated low in the swing keel. This design helps dampen the jerky motion often found in smaller, lighter boats. In heavy air, the boat tends to round up predictably rather than behaving erratically, though the relatively high freeboard can lead to significant windage when maneuvering under power in tight quarters.

Interior Comfort & Variations

For a 23-foot boat designed in the mid-1970s, the Coaster 23 offers a remarkably functional interior layout. The cabin typically provides accommodations for four adults via a forward V-berth and two elongated quarter berths that extend aft under the cockpit seats. The "Coaster" branding was specifically used to highlight its overnighting capabilities compared to more spartan daysailers.

The interior is characterized by a "main salon" area that includes a small, often slide-out galley and a dedicated space for a portable head, usually located beneath the V-berth. Headroom is modest, generally hovering around 4' 8" to 5', which requires most adults to move about while seated or hunched, a common trade-off for the boat's low-profile, trailerable aesthetic. Some variations of the Kells 23 featured different woodwork packages; earlier models relied heavily on fiberglass liners with teak accents, while later versions attempted to warm the cabin with more extensive wood trim. The sibling Kells 22 model lacks this interior volume, emphasizing just how much additional utility the Coaster 23's hull shape provided for coastal cruising.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers of a Kells Coaster 23 should prioritize a technical inspection of the following areas, which are common points of failure for fiberglass boats of this vintage:

• Swing Keel Mechanism: The pivot bolt and the stainless steel lifting cable are the primary "gotchas" for this model. Owners on various technical forums have noted that the pivot hole in the cast-iron keel can become "egged out" over time, leading to a distracting clunking sound (known as "keel slap") while at anchor or under sail.
• Keel Trunk Leaks: Because the keel is housed in a trunk that protrudes into the cabin, any stress cracks or failures in the fiberglass layup around the pivot pin can lead to persistent leaks that are difficult to repair without dropping the keel entirely.
• Deck Core Integrity: Like many boats from the 1970s, Kells used a balsa or plywood core for the decks. Buyers should check for soft spots, particularly around the mast step, chainplates, and bow pulpit, where water intrusion is most likely to have rotted the internal wood core.
• Rudder Hardware: The pintles and gudgeons on the transom are known to develop play. Given the age of these vessels, the internal foam core of the rudder itself should also be checked for water saturation, which can lead to delamination or excessive weight.

The Verdict

The Kells Coaster 23 remains a sought-after vintage pocket cruiser for sailors who value simplicity and the ability to explore shallow waters. While it requires the typical maintenance associated with 50-year-old fiberglass, its robust construction and ties to the Bristol Yachts heritage make it a solid choice for coastal adventures.

Pros

• Shallow Draft: The swing-keel design allows for effortless beaching and thin-water navigation.
• Trailerability: Easily hauled by a standard SUV, allowing for a wider range of sailing venues without expensive slip fees.
• Interior Layout: Excellent use of space for a 23-foot hull, providing genuine overnighting capability for a small family.

Cons

• Keel Maintenance: The mechanical complexity of the swing keel requires regular inspection and occasional heavy hardware replacement.
• Limited Headroom: The low cabin trunk prioritizes aesthetics and trailering over standing room.
• Aging Systems: Most examples will require updates to original wiring, plumbing, and window seals.