North American 23 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The North American 23 was engineered as a versatile trailerable cruiser that could hold its own in club racing. Its technical profile reveals a boat that leans toward stability and sea-kindliness rather than raw speed. With a Displacement-to-Length (D/L) ratio of approximately 350, the vessel is relatively heavy for its size compared to contemporary ultra-light racers, giving it a secure, "big boat" feel in choppy conditions. This weight, combined with a modest Sail Area-to-Displacement (SA/D) ratio of roughly 17.9, ensures it is not overly sensitive to gusts, making it an approachable choice for novice sailors.

The boat was offered in two primary underwater configurations: a stub keel with a retractable centerboard and a fixed fin keel. The centerboard version is particularly favored by "gunkholers" for its ability to navigate shallow bays with a minimum draft of just 2 feet, while the fixed keel variant (often designated as the 23K) provides superior upwind tracking and a stiffer ride due to its 1,150 lbs of lead ballast. Under sail, owners report that the boat is well-balanced, though it requires timely reefing as the high freeboard and cabin trunk can create significant windage in heavy air.

Interior Comfort & Variations

For a 23-foot vessel, the North American 23 offers surprising volume, largely due to its nearly 8-foot beam and high topsides. The layout is a standard four-berth arrangement featuring a forward V-berth and two salon settees. One of the most distinctive features of the Glastron-era Spirit 23 variant was the optional "pop-top" companionway hatch. When deployed, this fiberglass structure significantly increases standing headroom in the galley area, a rare luxury for a boat of this length.

Materially, the interior reflects the aesthetic of the late 1970s, utilizing a blend of molded fiberglass liners and teak trim. Later Spirit models often featured a "different cabin layout" than the original North American builds, with adjustments to the galley cabinetry and storage bins to maximize the utility of the compact space. While the boat is officially rated to sleep four, most cruisers find it optimized for a couple or a small family for weekend stays.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Synthesized reports from technical owner circles and maintenance archives highlight several areas requiring close inspection:

• Centerboard Mechanism: In the centerboard models, the lifting cable and winch system are prone to corrosion. Inspect the conduit pipe for blockages and ensure the fiberglass board moves freely without excessive lateral play.
• Deck and Portlight Leaks: Like many boats of this era, the North American 23 is susceptible to deck core saturation near the chainplates and stanchions. Particular attention should be paid to the "unusual front hatch shape," which owners have noted as a potential weak point for water ingress.
• Rudder Integrity: The original rudders—specifically the kick-up versions found on centerboard models—may suffer from wear in the pivot gudgeons. Owners on forums like SailNet frequently recommend reinforcing these attachments for coastal work.
• Bulkhead Rot: The chainplate bulkheads are critical structural components. Check the lower sections of the bulkheads where they meet the hull liner for signs of delamination or soft wood caused by long-term deck leaks.

Community & Resources

Despite being out of production for over four decades, the model maintains a loyal following. The Minnesota Classic Glastron Owners Association occasionally archives material related to the Spirit line, and technical wikis dedicated to the "Spirit 23" offer a wealth of original brochures and modification guides.

The Verdict

The North American 23 remains a stout, handsome, and capable entry-level cruiser for those who prioritize build quality over modern amenities.

Pros:

• Robust, heavy-displacement feel for a 23-foot hull.
• Excellent versatility with the centerboard and pop-top options.
• Aesthetic appeal with classic 70s lines and a distinctive reverse transom.

Cons:

• The centerboard assembly requires more maintenance than a fixed keel.
• High windage can make close-quarters maneuvering under power challenging.
• Older models are frequently prone to deck leaks and cosmetic gelcoat crazing.