Pacific Seacraft Flicka 20 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

Under sail, the Flicka 20 behaves like a much larger, traditional full-keel cruiser. With a Displacement/Length (D/L) ratio often exceeding 400 and a high ballast ratio, it is exceptionally stable but requires a stiff breeze to truly come alive. In light air, the boat can be sluggish, a trait common to heavy-displacement vessels with significant wetted surface area. However, as noted in Sail Magazine, the Flicka shines when the weather turns foul. Its modified full keel and heavy displacement provide a "big boat" motion that is remarkably seakindly, avoiding the jerky, nervous motion of lighter 20-footers.

The boat tracks exceptionally well, allowing the helmsman to leave the tiller for short periods, and it responds predictably under a variety of sail plans. While many Flickas were rigged as sloops, a significant number were delivered as cutters, which allows for better sail handling in heavy weather by bringing the center of effort lower and further aft. Because it is a heavy-displacement hull, it does not plane; it reaches its theoretical hull speed of roughly 5.7 knots and stays there, maintaining momentum through chop that would stop other small boats in their tracks.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The interior of the Flicka 20 is a triumph of marine engineering, famously offering nearly six feet of standing headroom—a feat virtually unheard of in a twenty-foot hull. This was achieved through a high freeboard and a cleverly designed cabin trunk. The layout typically features a V-berth forward (which often doubles as a seating area), a small galley to port, and a settee or storage to starboard. Pacific Seacraft utilized high-quality joinery, including teak bulkheads and cabinetry, which gives the cabin the warm, substantial feel of a classic yacht.

Variations in the interior are largely limited to the evolution of the model's production run. Early models often featured a more open "studio" layout, while later iterations maximized storage for long-distance voyaging. Some owners have customized the space to include a small marine head, though many rely on a portable toilet to save space. The use of bronze opening portlights—a signature Pacific Seacraft touch—provides excellent ventilation and reinforces the boat's "bulletproof" aesthetic.

Popular Mentions & Media

The Flicka 20 enjoys a cult-like status in the sailing world, bolstered by Bruce Bingham’s own advocacy in his book, The Sailor’s Sketchbook. The boat’s reputation for offshore capability is supported by high-profile voyages, such as those documented by the Flicka 20 Association, which tracks the histories of individual hulls. The model has been featured in numerous "Best Used Boat" lists by major sailing publications, frequently cited as the gold standard for solo sailors or couples seeking a minimalist, blue-water capable vessel.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Despite its legendary build quality, the Flicka 20 is not immune to the passage of time. Prospective buyers should focus on the following high-signal areas:

• Deck Coring: Like many boats of its era, the Flicka uses a cored deck. Inspect the areas around the chainplates, stanchions, and bowsprit for soft spots or moisture intrusion, which can lead to delamination.
• Chainplates: The stainless steel chainplates are robust, but on older hulls, they should be inspected for crevice corrosion where they pass through the deck.
• Engine Maintenance: Flickas were powered by either an outboard in a well or an inboard diesel (commonly a Yanmar 1GM10). Inboard engines in such a small space can be difficult to service; check the engine mounts and the exhaust riser for corrosion.
• Bowsprit Integrity: The wooden bowsprit is a critical structural component for the headstay. Look for signs of rot or "checking" in the wood, particularly where hardware is bolted through.
• Rudder Hardware: The massive, transom-hung rudder puts significant stress on the pintles and gudgeons. Check for excessive play or ovaling of the bolt holes.

Community & Resources

The Flicka 20 is supported by one of the most dedicated owner communities in the maritime world. The Flicka 20 Association serves as the primary technical repository, offering original blueprints, owner-modified layout diagrams, and a comprehensive registry of nearly every hull produced. For technical support regarding Pacific Seacraft’s specific construction methods, the builder—now located in North Carolina—remains a resource for parts and historical data.

The Verdict

The Pacific Seacraft Flicka 20 is an uncompromising vessel designed for a very specific type of sailor: one who values safety, craftsmanship, and seaworthiness over raw speed or modern "condo-maran" interior volume. It remains one of the few boats under 25 feet that can be confidently recommended for offshore passage-making.

Pros:

• Exceptional seaworthiness and "big boat" feel in heavy weather.
• Unrivaled interior headroom and build quality for its length.
• High resale value and a very active, knowledgeable owner community.
• Simple systems that are easy for a solo sailor to maintain.

Cons:

• Poor performance in light air and a lack of pointing ability compared to modern fin-keel designs.
• High price point on the used market relative to other 20-foot boats.
• Limited storage for extended provisioning if more than one person is aboard.