Laguna 22 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Laguna 22 is characterized by a light-to-medium displacement of approximately 2,200 pounds, paired with a sail area of roughly 206 square feet. This results in a Sail Area-to-Displacement (SA/Disp) ratio of approximately 19.4, suggesting a boat that is surprisingly spirited in light air compared to its heavier contemporaries. However, as a swing-keel design, its ultimate stability relies on the 650-pound cast-iron foil. When the keel is fully deployed, the boat tracks reasonably well and exhibits a forgiving motion in chop, though it is not a "pointing" machine; owner reports generally indicate that the boat performs best on a reach rather than hard-pressed against the wind.

The Displacement-to-Length (D/L) ratio sits around 148, placing it firmly in the light-displacement category. This makes the Laguna 22 responsive to helm inputs but also sensitive to weight distribution. In heavier gusts, the boat tends to round up if not reefed early, a common trait for Turner’s designs of this era which often favored a generous beam to create initial form stability. Because it was designed for coastal and inland waters, its sea-kindliness is best described as "predictable," though it lacks the heavy-weather momentum required for serious offshore work.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The interior of the Laguna 22 is remarkably spacious for a 22-foot hull, largely due to the "pop-top" feature—a common design element of the era that allowed the cabin roof to be raised while at anchor. With the top up, the boat offers standing headroom near the galley and companionway, a luxury rarely found in vessels under 25 feet. The layout typically includes a V-berth forward, a small chemical toilet or "porta-potti" tucked beneath the cushions, and twin quarter berths that extend aft under the cockpit seats.

Materials are utilitarian, featuring extensive use of molded fiberglass liners with teak accents. The galley is rudimentary, usually consisting of a small sink and a space for a single-burner alcohol stove. The Laguna 22 exists alongside its identical twin, the Windrose 22, and share many DNA markers with the larger Laguna 26. While the hull remained consistent, later models produced by Classic Yachts often featured updated interior fabrics and minor tweaks to the deck hardware layout. The 4-berth configuration makes it a viable weekender for a small family, though the presence of the swing-keel trunk in the center of the cabin does bifurcate the living space.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers should approach a Laguna 22 with a specific focus on the mechanical and structural integrity of the swing keel system.

• Swing Keel Pivot and Cable: The cast-iron keel is prone to rust if the epoxy coating has failed. The pivot pin and the lifting cable/winch assembly are the most frequent failure points. A snapped cable can lead to the keel swinging violently, potentially damaging the fiberglass trunk.
• Compression Post Stress: The mast sits atop the cabin house. If the internal compression post—often a wooden or metal support hidden near the bulkhead—has rotted or shifted, the deck may "oil-can" or sag, leading to rig tension issues and hairline cracks in the gelcoat around the mast step.
• Deck Delamination: Like many boats of this vintage, the Laguna 22 uses a balsa or plywood core in the deck. Inspect for "soft spots" around the chainplates and stanchions, where water ingress often compromises the core over decades of use.
• Rudder Transom Fatigue: The transom-mounted rudder exerts significant leverage on the stern. Buyers should check for stress cracking around the gudgeons and pintles, especially if the boat was frequently used with a high-horsepower outboard motor.

Community & Resources

The Laguna 22 benefits from a shared community with the Windrose and Balboa lines, as these boats were often built by the same hands under different corporate banners. The most active technical resource for these vessels is the Laguna and Windrose Owners associations, which operate primarily through decentralized owner groups. These communities are vital for sourcing specifications on the W. Shad Turner designs and for advice on retrofitting modern keel winches.

The Verdict

The Laguna 22 remains a stalwart of the used boat market for sailors who prioritize trailerability and weekend comfort over racing prowess. It is a forgiving, easy-to-maintain entry point into cruising.

Pros

• Trailerability: At 7' 11", it is easy to transport and store on land, saving significantly on slip fees.
• Headroom: The pop-top design provides exceptional vertical space for its size class.
• Light Air Performance: The generous sail-to-weight ratio keeps the boat moving when others are becalmed.

Cons

• Keel Maintenance: The swing keel requires regular inspection and is susceptible to corrosion and cable failure.
• Interior Obstruction: The keel trunk takes up significant floor space in the main cabin.
• Limited Offshore Capability: Its light displacement and swing-keel configuration make it unsuitable for rough, open-ocean passages.