Ohlson 22 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Ohlson 22 is widely regarded as a "sailor’s boat," emphasizing agility and responsiveness over raw volume. Utilizing a 7/8 fractional rig, the boat offers significant control over sail shape, allowing for high performance across a variety of wind ranges. With a relatively high sail area-to-displacement ratio for a cruiser of its size, it excels in light air, where its narrow beam and fine entry allow it to point exceptionally high into the wind.

Handling characteristics are often described as dinghy-like but with the added stability of a fixed keel. According to technical assessments found through the Swedish Maritime Museum's archives, the boat's design lineage from the 5.5-meter class is evident in its balance and tracking. It is stiff enough to handle a stiff breeze, though it requires early reefing to maintain an upright posture due to its relatively light displacement. The spade rudder provides immediate feedback, making it an excellent trainer for those looking to master sail trim and helm sensitivity.

Interior Comfort & Variations

For a 22-foot vessel, the interior is predictably compact but efficiently organized. The cabin typically features a V-berth forward and two settee berths in the main salon, providing sleeping quarters for four adults, though it is most comfortable for two. Headroom is limited—a common trait for performance-oriented Swedish boats of this vintage—requiring a "crawling" posture for most adults.

Materials used in the interior reflect the era's transition from traditional woodcraft to fiberglass, often featuring teak trim against white gelcoat liners. While there are no major structural siblings built on the exact same 22-foot hull, the Ohlson 22 is often compared to its larger sister, the Ohlson 29, which shares the same design philosophy but offers standing headroom and a more robust galley. Some variations in the 22 exist regarding the cockpit layout; early models featured a more "bridge-deck" style, while later iterations focused on maximizing seating area for daysailing.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers should approach an Ohlson 22 with an eye toward its age and structural integrity. High-signal technical discussions among owners highlight three primary areas of concern:

1. Mast Step Compression: The Ohlson 22 features a deck-stepped mast. Over decades, the support structure beneath the step can compress or the deck core can soften, leading to rig tension issues.
2. Deck Core Delamination: Like many boats of this period, the Ohlson 22 utilizes a sandwich construction in the deck. Water intrusion through poorly sealed hardware (stanchions, cleats, or tracks) can lead to soft spots. A thorough "tap test" or moisture meter reading of the foredeck is essential.
3. Rudder Play: The spade rudder is mounted on a stainless steel shaft. Owners have reported wear in the rudder bushings, which can lead to a "clunking" sensation or vibration while under sail or motor.
4. Keel Bolt Integrity: While the fin keel is generally robust, the galvanized or stainless steel bolts should be inspected for "bleeding" or corrosion where the keel meets the hull stub.

Community & Resources

The Ohlson 22 maintains a dedicated following, particularly in Scandinavia and Germany. Technical support and historical documentation are often spearheaded by the Ohlson Yacht owners' circles, which maintain records of hull numbers and original sail plans. Detailed technical drawings and historical context are frequently archived by the Swedish sailing community via resources like the Sjöhistoriska Museet.

The Verdict

The Ohlson 22 remains a premier choice for sailors who prioritize sailing sensations and classic lines over interior volume. It is a boat that rewards those who enjoy "tinkering" with sail trim and provides a level of seafaring elegance rarely found in modern 22-footers.

Pros:

• Exceptional light-wind performance and pointing ability.
• Classic Einar Ohlson aesthetics that have aged gracefully.
• Easily handled by a single-handed sailor or a small crew.
• Strong build quality typical of 1970s Swedish manufacturing.

Cons:

• Cramped interior with very limited headroom.
• Aging deck cores may require expensive "soft spot" repairs.
• The fractional rig requires more active tuning than a simple masthead rig.