Paceship 20 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

On the water, the Paceship 20 exhibits a distinct sense of "big boat" stability despite its modest length. This is largely due to its substantial ballast-to-displacement ratio; with 800 pounds of iron ballast in a total displacement of 1,800 pounds, nearly 44% of the boat’s weight is situated low in the keel. This configuration results in a vessel that is exceptionally stiff and capable of standing up to its canvas in stiff breezes where other 20-footers might feel tender.

The boat features a fractional rig, a hallmark of Proctor’s design philosophy, which allows for greater control over mast bend and mainsail shape. Technical specifications found on the Paceship 20 Technical Page indicate a sail area of 184 square feet, which, when combined with its 16-foot, 6-inch waterline, provides respectable light-air performance. However, owners frequently note that the boat truly comes alive in 10 to 15 knots of wind. Its handling is characterized by a heavy-weather "seakindliness" often missing in modern lightweight trailer-sailers. Tracking is generally reliable thanks to the fixed fin keel, though the iron construction of the keel requires careful maintenance to prevent the "rust blooms" that can affect hydrodynamic efficiency over time.

Interior Comfort & Variations

For a vessel under 20 feet, the Paceship 20 offers a surprisingly functional interior, though it is strictly a "sit-down" cabin with roughly 4 feet of headroom. The layout typically features four berths: a V-berth forward and two quarter berths that extend aft under the cockpit seats. This "four-sleeper" claim was a staple of 1960s marketing, though, in a modern context, the cabin is best suited for two adults or a small family for weekend trips.

The interior moldings are simple and rugged, reflecting the boat's "hose-and-scrub" design ethos. Most models were equipped with a small area for a portable stove and a dedicated space for a marine head or portable chemical toilet under the V-berth. Within the Paceship lineup, the 20 occupies a middle ground between the open-cockpit Mouette 19 and the larger, more commodious Bluejacket 23. While the Paceship 20 did not see the extensive multi-cabin variations of its larger successor, the PY-26, there were minor evolutionary changes in interior trim and wood accents as the builder refined the model during the late 60s.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers should approach the Paceship 20 with an eye toward its vintage construction methods. As with many fiberglass boats from this era, the deck is a primary area of concern.

• Deck Delamination: The deck is balsa-cored, and moisture ingress through poorly sealed hardware (cleats, stanchions, or the mast step) can lead to soft spots. A thorough "tap test" with a plastic hammer is essential to identify voids or wet core material.
• Iron Keel Maintenance: The ballast is an external iron casting bolted to the hull. These keels are prone to oxidation if the protective coatings fail. Buyers should inspect the "smile"—the joint where the keel meets the hull—for signs of rust or movement.
• Chainplates: The stainless steel chainplates are bolted through the hull/deck joint. Over decades, these can develop leaks that compromise the interior bulkhead or the glass laminate itself.
• Rigging and Spreaders: Because the boat utilizes a fractional rig with a relatively thin mast section, ensuring the standing rigging is tensioned correctly and the spreaders are sound is vital for mast stability in heavy air.

Community & Resources

The primary hub for technical data and historical preservation is the Paceship Owners Site, which maintains a digital archive of original brochures and manual scans. While no longer in production, the Paceship 20 maintains a presence in vintage yacht clubs and "small boat" cruising circles throughout the Pacific Northwest and the Canadian Maritimes.

The Verdict

The Paceship 20 is a robust, overbuilt classic that offers an affordable entry point into keelboat sailing. While it lacks the interior volume of modern 20-footers, its Proctor-designed hull provides a level of safety and stability that remains impressive decades after its launch.

Pros:

• High ballast ratio provides excellent stability and safety for its size.
• Simple, robust fiberglass construction that is easy for owners to maintain.
• Designed by Ian Proctor, ensuring better-than-average sailing manners and rig tunability.
• Compact enough to be trailerable with a dedicated high-capacity trailer.

Cons:

• Limited headroom and cramped interior for long-duration cruising.
• External iron keel requires more diligent maintenance than lead or encapsulated keels.
• Potential for significant deck core issues if hardware has not been re-bedded recently.