Montgomery 23 Information, Review, Specs

In addition to the original Montgomery Marine production, a later iteration known as the Montgomery 23 Offshore Cutter was introduced in the early 2000s by Bob Eeg and Nor’Sea Yachts. This variant often featured a fixed bowsprit, a boomkin, and an inboard diesel engine, further leaning into the "little ship" aesthetic popularized by Hess’s other famous designs, such as the Flicka 20 and the Dana 24. Within the broader family, the 23 shares its fiberglass lapstrake hull styling with its smaller siblings, the Montgomery 15 and the ubiquitous Montgomery 17, though it offers significantly more internal volume and stability.

Sailing Performance & Handling

The sailing characteristics of the Montgomery 23 reflect its design as a "moderate-displacement" cruiser. With a displacement of approximately 3,600 pounds and a ballast-to-displacement ratio of roughly 42%, the boat is notably stiffer and more stable than most trailer-sailers in its size class. It typically employs a masthead sloop rig with a sail area of approximately 249 square feet. According to a 1980 review by Cruising World, the boat utilizes a shoal-draft fixed keel with a centerboard, a configuration that allows for a respectable draft of 4'11" with the board down for upwind performance, yet retracts to just 2'5" for beaching or trailering.

On the water, the Montgomery 23 is praised for its directional stability, aided by a heavy triangular centerboard that enhances tracking. Its Capsize Screening Formula of 2.09 places it right on the cusp of the traditional 2.0 limit for offshore racing, suggesting a level of safety and righting moment rarely found in 23-foot boats. While not a "light air bomb" like the racing-oriented "Flush Deck" variants of the Montgomery 17, the 23 is a capable passage-maker that carries its momentum through a chop, making it an ideal choice for the steep waves of the Sea of Cortez or the San Juan Islands.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The interior of the Montgomery 23 provides a significant jump in livability over the smaller M17. With a headroom of approximately 5'4" (64 inches), it accommodates four adults in a layout featuring a double V-berth forward and two straight settee berths in the main saloon. The galley is generally located to starboard at the base of the companionway, configured in an L-shape with a two-burner stove and a sink. A dedicated area for a portable or marine head is situated to port, just aft of the V-berth.

Prospective buyers should note that many Montgomery 23s were sold as "owner-completion" kits. This has resulted in a wide variation in interior finishes; factory-finished boats feature high-quality teak joinery and a full fiberglass liner, whereas kit boats may range from basic plywood utility to exquisite custom woodwork. Later "Offshore Cutter" versions built by Nor'Sea updated the interior with even more robust amenities, including 120-volt shore power systems and increased tankage for extended cruising.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

• Centerboard Maintenance: The 320-pound centerboard and its lifting mechanism (often a worm gear or winch) should be inspected for corrosion and smooth operation. Because the board is a heavy component of the boat's performance profile, any binding in the trunk can be a major repair.
• Kit Build Quality: For non-factory finished hulls, inspect the structural tabbing of bulkheads to the hull. Some amateur-finished boats may lack the "over-engineered" standard that Jerry Montgomery and Lyle Hess intended.
• Compression Post & Deck Core: Like the Montgomery 17, the 23 utilized end-grain balsa coring in the deck. Check for soft spots around the mast step and chainplates, as water intrusion here can lead to core rot and structural compromise of the compression post.
• Trailering Weight: While the boat is technically "trailerable," its dry weight plus a trailer and gear often exceeds 5,500 to 6,000 pounds. Buyers should verify that their tow vehicle is rated for a substantial load, as the M23 is much heavier than typical 23-foot daysailers.
• Keel Bolts: On older models, particularly those that have spent time in saltwater, the bolts securing the shoal keel stub should be inspected for "weeping" or rust, which may indicate a need for re-bedding.

Community & Resources

The primary hub for technical data and owner history is the Montgomery Sailboat Owners Group (MSOG), which maintains an extensive archive of original brochures, designer notes from Jerry Montgomery, and registries for the limited number of hulls produced.

The Verdict

The Montgomery 23 is a rare "pocket cruiser" that offers the pedigree of a world-class designer in a package that can still be hauled to remote cruising grounds. It is an exceptional choice for the solo sailor or couple who wants a boat that feels like a 30-footer in a gale but fits in a driveway.

Pros

• Lyle Hess design pedigree ensures excellent seaworthiness and aesthetics.
• True "little ship" feel with a stable, heavy-ballasted hull.
• Lapstrake construction adds hull stiffness and effectively deflects spray.
• Strong resale value due to extreme rarity and a dedicated cult following.

Cons

• Limited headroom for taller sailors (5'4").
• Heavy towing weight requires a dedicated tow vehicle.
• Kit-built interiors can vary wildly in quality and ergonomics.
• Difficult to find on the market due to low production numbers.