Pied Piper 22 Information, Review, Specs

Standing out in an era of increasingly light and flat-bottomed coastal sailers, the Pied Piper 22 features a full keel with a cutaway forefoot and a substantial ballast-to-displacement ratio. With an overall length of 22 feet and a displacement of approximately 3,250 pounds—nearly half of which is dedicated to its 1,350-pound lead ballast—the vessel occupies a niche similar to the early Pacific Seacraft designs or the Flicka 20. It was designed as a serious coastal voyager that could be trailered, though its weight and fixed keel make it a "destination" trailer-sailer rather than a casual day-launch vessel.

Sailing Performance & Handling

The sailing characteristics of the Pied Piper 22 are defined by its heavy-displacement hull and traditional underwater profile. With a Displacement-to-Length (D/L) ratio typically calculated in the 220–230 range, it sits firmly in the "moderate-to-heavy" category. This weight, combined with the deep-V entry of the Ray Richards hull, allows the boat to punch through chop with significantly less hobby-horsing than lighter 22-footers.

In terms of handling, the full keel ensures excellent directional stability, allowing the boat to track well even in gusty conditions. However, this comes at the cost of a larger turning radius and more deliberate maneuvers in tight marinas. While the Sail Area-to-Displacement (SA/D) ratio is roughly 19—a respectable figure for a cruiser—the Pied Piper 22 is not a light-air performer. It requires a steady breeze to overcome its wetted surface area. Historical design notes from the era suggest the boat truly finds its stride in 12–18 knots of wind, where its stiffness and lead ballast provide a secure, upright sailing experience that inspires confidence in open water.

Interior Comfort & Variations

For a 22-foot vessel, the interior of the Pied Piper is surprisingly functional, utilizing its 7' 6" beam to create a cozy, traditional cabin. The layout generally features a V-berth forward, a small midships galley with a sink and icebox, and two settee berths that extend aft under the cockpit seats. The use of warm teak trim and the simulated lapstrake interior liners give the cabin a classic, wooden-boat feel that is rare in modern fiberglass production.

Headroom is limited, as is common in this size class, but the "pop-top" or high-camber cabin trunk found on some variations helps alleviate the cramped sensation. The Pied Piper 22 was part of a design family that included the smaller Pied Piper 19 and the much larger, ocean-going Pied Piper 28. While the 28 gained more international fame through its association with the Cheoy Lee Association and their specialized Ray Richards designs, the 22-footer retained the same design DNA, offering a scaled-down version of the 28’s offshore capabilities.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers should approach a Pied Piper 22 with the understanding that these are vintage fiberglass vessels, often approaching 50 years of age.

• Deck Core Integrity: Like many boats of this era, the Pied Piper utilized a plywood or balsa core for the decks. Buyers should use a phenolic hammer to check for delamination or "spongy" spots, particularly around the chainplates and stanchion bases where water ingress is most common.
• Chainplate Inspection: The chainplates on the 22 are often original. Because they are under high tension and subject to salt spray, stainless steel fatigue or crevice corrosion can occur where the plates pass through the deck.
• Compression Post: Ensure the deck stepped mast has not caused the cabin top to sag. Check for hairline fractures in the gelcoat around the mast step and inspect the interior compression post for signs of settling or rot at the base.
• Hull-to-Deck Joint: The joint is a critical area on these older boats. While the Pied Piper was generally well-built, decades of stress can lead to leaks. Look for water staining on the interior cabinetry or liners that aligns with the rub rail.

Community & Resources

While there is no longer an active manufacturer, the Pied Piper 22 maintains a small but dedicated following within "Pocket Cruiser" and "Good Old Boat" communities. Technical information is often shared through general Ray Richards design forums or vintage California boat-builder archives. For technical specifications and historical context on the designer's philosophy, the Cheoy Lee Association remains the highest authority on Richards’ hull forms and scantlings, even though they primarily focus on the larger "Piper" siblings.

The Verdict

The Pied Piper 22 is a specialist's boat, appealing to the sailor who values traditional lines, heavy-weather capability, and the aesthetic of a bygone era. It is not a racing boat, nor is it a spacious weekend entertainer for large groups, but as a solo or couple’s coastal cruiser, it remains one of the sturdiest 22-footers ever built.

Pros

• Exceptional Stability: High ballast ratio makes it one of the safest-feeling boats in its size class.
• Classic Aesthetics: The clinker-style hull and Ray Richards lines ensure it stands out in any marina.
• Build Quality: Generally thicker fiberglass layup than modern "entry-level" sailboats.

Cons

• Heavy for Trailering: Requires a substantial tow vehicle and a well-sorted trailer.
• Light Air Performance: Struggles in low wind due to high wetted surface and weight.
• Maintenance: Older hardware and potential for deck core issues require a proactive owner.