Paceship Cruisette 20 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Cruisette 20 is distinguished by its heavy-displacement feel relative to its length, a byproduct of the thick laminate schedules used during its era. Unlike modern, light-displacement 20-footers that plane, the Cruisette 20 is a true keelboat that tracks with surprising authority. With a displacement of approximately 2,000 pounds and a significant portion of that dedicated to ballast, the boat exhibits high initial stability.

In terms of handling, the C&C design influence is evident in its balanced helm. According to technical archives at the Paceship Owners Site, the boat was designed to be stiff and forgiving, making it an ideal trainer for those graduating from dinghies. While it lacks the light-air finesse of a racing sportboat, it excels when the breeze freshens, maintaining its composure and resisting the urge to round up in gusts. Its relatively deep, fixed keel ensures that it points well to weather, though its wetted surface area means it requires a decent breeze to reach its theoretical hull speed.

Interior Comfort & Variations

For a vessel of its vintage and size, the Cruisette 20 offers a surprisingly functional "weekender" interior. The layout is centered around a traditional V-berth configuration that can accommodate two adults. Because the boat was built during a time when "pocket cruisers" were a burgeoning market segment, the interior is Spartan but durable, typically featuring molded fiberglass liners and minimal wood trim that has stood the test of time.

There are slight variations in the interior fit-out depending on the specific year of production. Earlier models often featured more mahogany brightwork, while later iterations moved toward lower-maintenance fiberglass surfaces. While there is no standing headroom—a physical impossibility in a 20-foot keelboat of this profile—the sitting headroom is adequate for most sailors. The Cruisette 20 is often compared to its sibling, the Paceship 20 (often referred to simply as the P20), which shared the same fundamental hull but sometimes featured different deck moldings and cockpit layouts to appeal to more racing-oriented buyers.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers of a Paceship Cruisette 20 should approach the vessel with an awareness of its age, specifically focusing on the evolution of fiberglass technology in the 1960s.

• Deck Delamination: Like many boats from this era, the Cruisette 20 uses a cored deck (often balsa). Over five decades, moisture can penetrate through improperly bedded deck hardware, leading to soft spots. A thorough "tap test" with a plastic hammer is essential to identify voids or delamination.
• Keel-to-Hull Joint: As a fixed-keel boat, the joint where the ballast meets the hull is a high-stress area. Inspect for "smiles" or cracking at the leading edge of the keel, which could indicate loose keel bolts or historical grounding.
• Window Leaks: The original plexiglass windows and their rubber gaskets are frequently prone to failure. Many owners report that the seals have hardened and cracked, leading to cabin moisture that can damage the interior cushions and liners.
• Rigging Points: Check the chainplates where they disappear into the deck. Because these are early fiberglass designs, the reinforcement in these areas is generally robust, but the sealant is almost certainly past its prime.

Community & Resources

The primary hub for technical data and historical preservation is the Paceship Owners Site, which hosts scanned original brochures and technical drawings for the Cruisette 20. This community is particularly active in the Canadian Maritimes and the Great Lakes region, where many of these hulls are still in active service.

The Verdict

The Paceship Cruisette 20 is a rugged, honest pocket cruiser that offers a historical connection to the early days of C&C design. While it lacks the speed of modern trailersailers, its seaworthiness and "small ship" feel make it a rewarding project for the traditionalist.

Pros

• Exceptional stability and "big boat" feel for a 20-footer.
• Timeless aesthetic designed by the legendary Cuthbertson & Cassian.
• Extremely robust hull construction that resists osmotic blistering better than many 1970s counterparts.

Cons

• Heavy displacement makes it more difficult to trailer than modern water-ballasted competitors.
• Cabin is strictly for sleeping/storage; lacks amenities for extended cruising.
• Prone to deck core issues if hardware has not been re-bedded.