Ohlson 22 Buyer's Guide
The Ohlson 22 is a 21-foot masthead sloop designed by Einar Ohlson and built by Fisksätra Varv in solid fiberglass between 1970 and 1977, with 444 examples completed. On the used market it presents as a small, shallow-draft coastal cruiser whose two production-era interior variants matter more than most cosmetic differences.
Layouts on the Used Market
Two interior generations exist. The first carries a light mahogany interior that is at least 300 kilograms lighter than the later 1971 version, which switched to a molded GRP interior anchor. Both layouts provide two cabins, four berths, a galley, and a toilet. A buyer choosing between them trades the earlier boat’s lower weight and traditional wood finish against the later hull’s easier-care molded surfaces. The 4.10-foot draft and 8.04-foot beam make either version a straightforward trailer or shallow-marina candidate.
Equipment and Common Upgrades
Auxiliary power on these boats is almost always an outboard. A 3 to 4 horsepower unit is typical for docking and maneuvering, though some owners fit an electric motor in the 73 to 87 pound-thrust range. Beyond propulsion, the rig is a masthead sloop with 270 square feet of sail and a 135 percent genoa option that lifts the sail-area-to-displacement ratio from 15.3 to 18.2 — a genoa and a reasonable sheet system are the upgrades with the most sailing consequence.
What to Inspect
The Ohlson 22 uses two interior materials and a solid fiberglass hull with iron keel. A buyer should confirm which interior generation a specific hull represents, since the weight difference is substantial, and check the iron keel for corrosion at the hull joint. The light early mahogany joinery should be examined for moisture damage that molded GRP interiors avoid.
Availability and Buyer's Takeaway
For a shopper, the practical checklist is short: verify the interior generation and its condition, confirm the outboard or electric thrust specification, and inspect the iron keel attachment. The Ohlson 22 rewards a buyer who wants a simple, shallow-draft coastal sloop with a clear production history rather than a complex restoration project.