Leisure 22 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

Under sail, the Leisure 22 is characterized by high initial stability and a predictable, if conservative, motion. With a displacement of approximately 3,300 lbs and a ballast ratio often exceeding 40%, the boat is notably "stiff," meaning it resists heeling even in fresh coastal breezes. Most units were delivered in a twin-keel (bilge keel) configuration, a design choice specifically tailored to the tidal estuaries of the UK’s East Coast. These twin keels allow the boat to dry out upright on sandy or muddy bottoms, though they do sacrifice some tacking angles compared to the rarer fin-keel variants.

The masthead sloop rig is simple and robust. Because the boat features a relatively wide beam for its length (7' 10"), it offers a surprising amount of form stability. While it is not a "light-air" performer and may struggle to keep pace with modern fin-keelers in winds under 8 knots, it comes into its own when the whitecaps appear. Steering is via a transom-hung rudder, which provides direct feedback, though owners often note that the boat can become heavy on the helm if over-canvassed. The Leisure Owners Association notes that the boat’s sea-kindliness is its primary virtue, making it an excellent "confidence builder" for those new to yachting.

Interior Comfort & Variations

For a 22-foot vessel designed in the early 1970s, the interior of the Leisure 22 was considered remarkably spacious. The layout typically features four or five berths: a double "V-berth" in the forward cabin, a dinette that converts to a double in the saloon, and a single quarter berth extending aft under the cockpit. The use of a dinette layout—rather than the traditional opposing settees—was a modern touch at the time, prioritizing social space and dining comfort over sea-berth functionality.

Headroom is approximately 5' 8", which was generous for the era but remains the primary reason the model was eventually replaced by the 23-foot version, which offered full standing headroom for most sailors. The galley is rudimentary but functional, usually equipped with a two-burner gimballed stove and a small sink. Storage is tucked under the berths and within the locker spaces of the dinette. Throughout its production run, the Leisure 22 saw minor variations in woodwork, with later models featuring more extensive teak or mahogany trim compared to the more utilitarian early builds.

Sibling Models & Evolution

The Leisure 22 is part of a lineage that defined the UK trailer-sailer market. Its smaller sibling, the Leisure 17, remains one of the most famous small boats in history due to John Adam’s Atlantic crossing. Its larger sibling, the Leisure 27, targeted the offshore cruising market. However, the most relevant sibling is the Leisure 23. In 1975, Cobramold modified the Leisure 22 hull to create the 23, extending the waterline slightly and raising the coachroof. This change was so successful that it effectively ended the production of the 22, as the 23 became the definitive small family cruiser of the late 70s.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers should approach a Leisure 22 with an eye toward the common aging pains of 50-year-old GRP vessels. While the hulls are famously "bulletproof" in terms of thickness, specific technical areas require scrutiny:

• Keel Bolts and Stubs: On bilge keel models, the interface where the iron keels meet the GRP stubs is a high-stress area. Inspect for "smile" cracks or rust bleeding, which may indicate that the keel bolts require tightening or replacement.
• Window Seals: The original windows were often set in rubber gaskets that perish over decades. Leaks here are the primary cause of interior bulkhead rot.
• Rudder Bushings: The transom-hung rudder relies on pintles and gudgeons that can develop significant "slop" or play. While repairable, it often requires custom machining of new bushings.
• Deck Delamination: While the 22 used solid glass in many areas, some deck sections may have a balsa or foam core. Soft spots around the mast step or stanchion bases indicate moisture ingress and core rot.

Community & Resources

The primary hub for technical support is the Leisure Owners Association, an exceptionally active organization that maintains original brochures, rigging guides, and a "knowledge base" specifically for the 22. They provide detailed guidance on DIY repairs and historical context that is unavailable elsewhere.

The Verdict

The Leisure 22 remains a stalwart of the used boat market, offering an affordable entry point for coastal cruising.

Pros:

• Exceptional stability and safety for its size.
• Twin-keel configuration is ideal for drying moorings and tidal exploration.
• Robust construction that stands up well to decades of use.
• Active and supportive owner association.

Cons:

• Limited headroom compared to the later Leisure 23.
• Pointing ability (upwind performance) is modest in bilge-keel versions.
• Most examples now require significant cosmetic and systems updating.