Lion H22 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The H22 is defined by its remarkable stability, derived from an aggressive 44% ballast-to-displacement ratio. For a boat weighing only 770 kg (approximately 1,700 lbs), carrying a 315 kg lead bulb on a 1.5-meter lifting keel provides a righting moment usually found in much larger vessels. This "stiffness" allows the H22 to carry a generous sail plan of 30.5 square meters upwind without requiring a massive crew; H22 One Design specifications indicate that a crew of three can comfortably manage the boat in most conditions.

On the racecourse, the H22 is a dedicated planing hull. Technical data suggests the boat begins to surf in as little as 9 knots of breeze, aided by a 55-square-meter asymmetric gennaker flown from a long, retractable carbon fiber bowsprit. The deck layout, often optimized with Harken hardware, is designed for "winchless" operation, meaning the crew relies on high-purchase blocks rather than heavy mechanical winches to trim the mainsail and jib. This creates a tactile, responsive feel at the helm, which many owners describe as "dinghy-like" despite the presence of a heavy keel bulb.

Popular Mentions & Media

The H22 enjoyed a surge in cultural visibility during the mid-2000s, particularly within the European racing circuit. The Italian H22 fleet was famously sponsored by the Bianchi Group and Warner Brothers, leading to a distinctive visual legacy where racing yachts featured oversized "Looney Tunes" characters on their mainsails. This "character circuit" was a staple of televised sailing in Italy, with the Sailing Channel producing specials on the class during the Volvo Cup in Alassio. The boat's design lineage is also frequently cited in discussions of Rob Humphreys’ career, often compared to his larger America’s Cup and GBR Challenge designs as an exercise in "trickle-down" performance technology.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers of a used Lion H22 should focus on the specific stresses inherent to lightweight sportboats and lifting-keel mechanisms.

• Lifting Keel Mechanism: The H22 uses a retractable keel to facilitate trailering. Inspections should focus on the stainless steel lifting cable and the winch or tackle used to raise the bulb. Signs of "humming" or vibration while sailing may indicate loose tolerances in the keel trunk or a cable that has lost tension.
• Keel Slot Corrosion: Because the keel consists of a carbon-reinforced blade and a lead bulb, galvanic action can occur if the internal bushings or the interface between the keel and the hull are not properly maintained. Check the keel trunk for "rusticles" or calcification that could jam the keel in the up or down position.
• Carbon Bowsprit Seals: The retractable carbon sprit is a high-load component. Inspect the exit point at the bow for hairline fractures in the gelcoat or failing seals, which can lead to water intrusion into the forward cuddy during high-speed planing.
• Deck Hardware Bedding: The H22’s "winchless" design places extreme loads on cam cleats and turning blocks. Check for "crazing" around the mounting points of the jib tracks and the mainsheet traveler, as these areas take the brunt of the sail's power.
• Sandwich Core Integrity: As a sandwich-constructed boat (using Coremat or Airex), moisture ingress is a critical concern. Use a moisture meter or perform a "tap test" around the stanchion bases and the mast step to ensure the core hasn't delaminated or become waterlogged.

Community & Resources

The heart of the H22 community is the Associazione Italiana Classe H22, which manages the one-design rules and organizes the annual H22 Aon Cup. This association provides a vital network for technical support, sail-trimming guides, and a "Buy & Sell" marketplace specifically for the class. Technical specifications and historical design notes are maintained by the original designers at Humphreys Yacht Design.

The Verdict

The Lion H22 is a specialist’s tool—a "pocket rocket" that offers the thrills of a Melges 24 with lower entry costs and simpler logistics. It is an ideal choice for lake sailors or coastal racers who value speed and tactical agility over overnight comfort.

Pros:

• Exceptional Stability: The 44% ballast ratio makes it surprisingly safe and stiff for a 22-foot boat.
• Trailability: The lifting keel and lightweight hull allow for easy transport behind a standard SUV.
• Performance: Reliable planing in moderate breeze and a highly responsive helm.
• Quality Build: Modern GRP sandwich construction provides a more durable and rigid platform than the original plywood kits.

Cons:

• Niche Market: Outside of Italy and parts of Eastern Europe, finding a competitive one-design fleet is difficult.
• Minimalist Interior: The cabin is strictly for gear storage or emergency shelter; it is not a cruising vessel.
• Maintenance Intensive: High-load hardware and a lifting keel require more frequent inspection than a standard fin-keel cruiser.