Neptun 22 Back Decker Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Neptun 22 Back Decker is defined by its stability and predictable "gutmütig" (docile) handling rather than raw speed. With a length-to-beam ratio of approximately 2.78, the hull is relatively wide for its length, providing high initial stability that appeals to family sailors and beginners. Most Back Decker models were delivered as "Kielschwerter" (swing-keelers), featuring a shallow fixed keel containing internal ballast and a retractable galvanized steel centerboard. This allows for a minimum draft of just 0.55 meters, making it ideal for shallow-water exploring and easy ramp-launching from a trailer.

Under sail, the boat tracks reasonably well due to its relatively long lateral plane, though it is not known for its pointing ability upwind compared to more modern, fin-keeled designs. Technical assessments from the period, such as those featured in historical reviews by Yacht Magazine, often highlight its heavy-weather resilience. Despite a displacement-to-length (D/L) ratio that suggests a light-displacement vessel (approximately 149), real-world weights often exceed the original brochure estimates of 1,200kg, frequently reaching 1,500kg or more when fully equipped. This mass, combined with the masthead sloop rig, gives the boat a solid feel in a breeze, though it can feel under-canvassed in very light air unless equipped with a large genoa.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The "Backdecker" design was a revelation for the 22-foot class, offering interior volume that rivaled many 25-footers of the era. The most iconic feature of the interior is the "Hubdach" or pop-top roof. When raised, this fiberglass section provides roughly 1.85 meters of standing headroom in the salon, transforming a cramped cabin into a functional living space.

Interior layouts generally fell into two categories: the "Dinette" version and the "L-Pantry" version. The Dinette variant featured a table and seating on the port side that could be converted into a double berth, with a small galley opposite. The L-Pantry version favored a more traditional longitudinal seating arrangement. The raised deck construction allowed the berths to extend further outboard, providing more shoulder room. Sibling models built on similar principles include the smaller Neptun 20 and the larger Neptun 25, 26, and 27, many of which also featured the signature pop-top and raised-deck styling.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers should approach the Neptun 22 with a focus on structural moisture and mechanical wear.

• Window Seals: The large, flat acrylic windows of the Back Decker are prone to leaking as the original rubber gaskets perish over time. Water ingress here often damages the interior wood veneers.
• Deck Delamination: Because the Back Decker lacks traditional side decks, the large expanse of the cabin top is a structural element. Buyers should check for "soft spots" or flexing, which often indicates the balsa or foam core has delaminated from the fiberglass skins.
• Swing Keel Mechanism: The pivot pin and the lifting cable for the centerboard are critical failure points. If the centerboard clanks loudly while at anchor, the pivot hole may have become elongated, requiring a specialized repair.
• Actual Towing Weight: A common "gotcha" for this model is its weight. While early marketing materials suggested a 1,200kg towing weight, a Back Decker on a galvanized trailer often exceeds 1,800kg to 2,000kg once loaded with an outboard, batteries, and cruising gear.

Community & Resources

The Neptun 22 enjoys one of the most robust owner communities in Europe. The Neptun-Yachten yard in Rheda-Wiedenbrück remains active, providing a rare level of manufacturer support for a vintage boat, including the sale of original spare parts, replacement pop-top canvases, and rudder blades. In Germany, the "Neptun-Forum" serves as the primary technical repository for DIY refits and regional meetups.

The Verdict

The Neptun 22 Back Decker is the quintessential "pocket cruiser"—overbuilt, immensely practical, and surprisingly spacious. While it lacks the performance edge of a racing dinghy, it offers a level of safety and comfort that is difficult to match in a trailerable 22-foot package.

Pros

• Exceptional interior volume and headroom for its size.
• Highly trailerable with a shallow draft for beaching or shallow harbors.
• Strong manufacturer support and a deep pool of available used parts.
• Forgiving and stable sailing characteristics in heavy air.

Cons

• Sluggish performance in light wind.
• Often exceeds standard weight limits for smaller towing vehicles.
• Prone to window leaks and deck-core moisture issues.
• High windage due to the raised deck and pop-top structure.