Nash 20 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Nash 20 is characterized by its stability and "stiffness," a byproduct of its generous ballast-to-displacement ratio. With a displacement of approximately 1,900 pounds and 550 pounds of ballast, the boat carries nearly 29% of its weight low in the hull, allowing it to stand up well to a stiff breeze without the excessive healing common in lighter dinghies. The masthead sloop rig provides a versatile sail plan; however, technical data suggests the boat excels in moderate air, where its 190 square feet of sail area can overcome the hull's wetted surface area.

The keel/centerboard configuration is the defining feature of its handling. With the board up, the Nash 20 can navigate extremely shallow waters, making it an ideal choice for "gunkholing" in coastal marshes or inland lakes. When the board is deployed, the boat tracks with surprising precision for a 20-foot hull. According to historical notes from owners in the Ontario region, the boat exhibits a neutral helm when properly balanced, though it requires early reefing to maintain optimal performance once the wind exceeds 15 knots. Because the Nash 20 was designed with input from Hughes—who was known for producing reliable, predictable hulls—it lacks any "twitchy" behavior, making it an excellent platform for novice sailors learning the nuances of sail trim.

Interior Comfort & Variations

For a 20-foot vessel, the Nash 20 offers a surprisingly functional cabin, though it strictly adheres to the "sitting headroom" limitations of its class. The interior layout typically follows the standard pocket cruiser arrangement: a V-berth forward that serves as the primary sleeping quarters, and two short settees or quarter-berths flanking the companionway. The use of fiberglass liners in the interior was a hallmark of Nash’s production, providing a clean, low-maintenance aesthetic that was easier to keep dry than the wood-heavy interiors of previous generations.

While the Nash 20 remained relatively consistent throughout its production life, its larger sibling, the Nash 26, represented the natural evolution of Joe Nash’s design philosophy. The 26-foot variant expanded significantly on the interior volume, offering more dedicated galley space and improved accommodations for four adults. In contrast, the Nash 20 is best viewed as a solo or couple’s cruiser, where the interior serves primarily as a refuge from the elements rather than a long-term living space. The materials found in the Nash 20 were selected for durability, with most surviving examples featuring teak trim over a molded fiberglass base.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers of a Nash 20 should focus their inspection on the structural integrity of the hull and the specific mechanical components of the centerboard system. As with many fiberglass boats from the 1970s, the Nash 20 utilized a balsa-cored deck; water intrusion around stanchions, cleats, and the mast step is a common issue that can lead to delamination.

1. Centerboard Trunk and Pivot: The centerboard mechanism is a high-wear area. Inspect the pivot pin for corrosion and ensure the trunk itself does not show signs of stress cracking or leaking where it joins the hull.
2. Transom and Rudder Gudgeons: The transom-hung rudder puts significant stress on the stern. Check for spider-cracking in the gelcoat around the gudgeons and ensure the pintles are not bent.
3. Chainplates: Because the Nash 20 uses a masthead rig with significant tension, the chainplates should be checked for signs of "crevice corrosion" where they pass through the deck, as well as for any signs of movement in the bulkheads to which they are attached.
4. Rigging Age: Many Nash 20s still carry their original 1970s standing rigging. Given the age of these components, a full replacement of the stainless steel wire is highly recommended before any serious coastal cruising.

Community & Resources

While there is no longer a formal manufacturer support system, the Nash 20 community is active within broader Canadian sailing circles. Information is often shared through regional yacht clubs in Ontario, particularly those around the Strathroy and Sarnia areas where the boats were originally built. Owners often find technical commonality with Hughes sailboat associations, given the shared design DNA between the Nash 20 and contemporary Hughes models.

The Verdict

The Nash 20 is a stout, honest sailboat that offers a low-cost entry point into the world of cruising. While it lacks the speed of modern sportboats or the luxury of larger yachts, its stability and shallow-draft capability make it a highly practical choice for exploring protected waterways.

Pros:

• Stiff and Stable: High ballast ratio for a boat of its size provides a secure feel in choppy water.
• Shallow Draft: The keel/centerboard design allows for exploration of areas inaccessible to fixed-keel boats.
• Ease of Transport: Its size and weight make it manageable for trailering behind a mid-sized SUV.

Cons:

• Limited Headroom: The cabin is strictly for sitting and sleeping, which may be restrictive for taller sailors.
• Aging Hardware: Original components often require significant updates to meet modern safety standards.
• Light-Air Performance: The moderate displacement can make the boat feel sluggish in very light winds.