The boat was conceived as a slightly cheaper competitor to the yard’s best-selling N22. It drew directly on the larger yacht’s design language while cutting costs. Its most recognizable feature is the patented lifting roof, which became a trademark of both the model and the builder’s larger boats.
Design and Construction
The hull and deck are solid fiberglass with an inner shell, built using the hand lay-up method. White was the standard hull color, with yellow or green hulls available on request. Foam filling around the mast base and in the running surfaces provides local structure without a cored laminate.
The lifting roof defines the boat. When lowered, it is secured from inside with hooks. Its plastic edge is pulled tightly against the deck so that waves cannot find their way inside. When raised, the roof locks into place from outside with two brackets—a job best handled by two people. The patented mechanism remained unchanged throughout the production run.
The centreboard gives the boat a variable draught of 0.50–1.00 m. It is raised in front of the bridge deck with a line pull and secured with a curry cleat.
Rig, Performance, and Handling
The Neptun 20 has a masthead sloop rig with few trimming options. The only adjustment comes from movable hoist points for the foresheet, while a mainsheet traveler was a factory option rather than standard equipment.
Under way, the boat sails like a comfortable dinghy. It is unproblematic and relatively agile in manoeuvres, and it can absorb gusts of 5 to 6 Beaufort without immediately laying over.
In light to weak breeze, it manages just under 4 knots through the water under spinnaker. Downwind under main and genoa, the GPS reads 3.7 knots. Upwind sailing is not a strength, however: the compass shows a tacking angle of 120 degrees.
With its low lateral plan, the Neptun 20 doesn’t like short, steep waves. In those conditions, spray quickly enters the self-draining cockpit over the flat superstructure.
Cockpit and Accommodation
The lifting roof transforms the interior, providing almost standing headroom when raised. With the roof lowered, there is about 1.40 metres between the floorboard and cabin ceiling. YACHT’s used-boat test compared the roof to that of the cult VW T1 bus, and the extra volume makes the Neptun 20 feel roomy for its length.
Unlike the Neptun 22, the 20 was built exclusively with two longitudinal berths and no dinette. The berths are 210 centimetres long and 68 centimetres wide, narrowing to 60 centimetres at the bulkhead. The forward berth tapers at the feet to only 180 centimetres long amidships and is about 160 centimetres wide at shoulder height. The test described its length as quite short.
Equipment can be stowed in swallow’s nests along the side wall and in 90-by-37-centimetre compartments within each berth. A swivelling saloon and cockpit table completes the layout. The original upholstery and wall panelling were orange and brown.
The cockpit is another strong point. Its 1.79-metre thwarts accommodate two to four crew, while the coamings are higher than those on many current 32-footers. Spacious lockers provide additional stowage.
Known Issues
When viewing a boat, prospective buyers should pay particular attention to the lifting-roof scissors, back box covers, window seals, and the centreboard itself.
The Verdict
The Neptun 20 is a good-natured, trailerable entry-level boat, equally suited to shallow inland waters and coastal day sailing. Its lifting roof provides headroom and cabin volume that few 20-footers can match. The simple rig and forgiving handling make it an easy boat to learn on, while the centreboard and modest 900 kg weight keep launching and storage straightforward.
Its weaknesses are inherent in the concept. Upwind performance is poor, the boat sits low and dislikes short, choppy waves, and the forward berth is cramped for taller sailors.
Pros
- Patented lifting roof provides almost standing headroom and unmistakable character
- Trailerable centreboard and variable 0.50–1.00 m draught suit shallow water
- Agile, good-natured handling with tolerance for fresh gusts
- Long longitudinal berths
- Deep, secure cockpit with spacious lockers
Cons
- Poor upwind performance, with a 120-degree tacking angle
- Low freeboard and uncomfortable motion in short, steep waves
- Forward berth is only 180 cm long amidships
- Few rig-trimming options; the traveler was a paid factory option
