PT-22 1/4 Ton Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The PT-22 is defined by its competitive DNA, offering a sailing experience that is far more reactive and rewarding than the average 22-foot coastal cruiser. Its most distinctive technical feature is the bulb keel—a design element that was remarkably advanced for a production boat of the early 1970s. This keel configuration concentrates ballast low in the water column, providing the vessel with a high righting moment relative to its modest displacement. On the water, this translates to a boat that "punches above its weight class" in heavy air, remaining stiffer and more weatherly than its flat-bottomed contemporaries.

In light air, the PT-22 utilizes a generous sail-area-to-displacement ratio common to Quarter Tonners, allowing it to accelerate quickly out of tacks. Owners frequently report that the boat tracks exceptionally well upwind, a testament to Bludworth’s clean entry lines and the lift generated by the keel. However, as a light-displacement racer, the PT-22 requires active trimming and weight placement to maintain its optimal heel angle. It is a "driver’s boat," rewarding those who pay attention to the tell-tales and rig tension. While it lacks the ultimate sea-kindliness of a heavy-keel offshore boat, its ability to plane or "surf" in following seas makes for an exhilarating downwind experience that many modern sportboats seek to emulate.

Interior Comfort & Variations

Consistent with its "1/4 Ton" designation, the interior of the PT-22 is Spartan and strictly functional. The cabin was designed to meet the minimum requirements of offshore racing rules of the era rather than to serve as a luxury weekend retreat. The layout typically features a small V-berth in the bow and two narrow quarter berths extending aft under the cockpit seats. Headroom is significantly restricted, requiring most adults to move about in a crouched position, which is a common trade-off for the boat's low-profile, aerodynamic cabin house.

The materials used in the interior are utilitarian, often featuring molded fiberglass liners with minimal wood trim to save weight. Ventilation is basic, usually provided by the companionway and a small forward hatch. While the Mustang 22 variant sometimes included modest additions like a portable head or a rudimentary galley slide-out, the primary focus remained on weight distribution and racing efficiency. For modern owners, the interior serves best as a dry storage area for sails or as a "hard tent" for occasional overnight stays at a yacht club dock.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers should approach a PT-22 with the understanding that these vessels were built during the infancy of fiberglass composite technology. A primary area for inspection is the deck core; Plastrend utilized balsa-coring in many areas to achieve the stiffness required for racing, and decades of hardware mounting can lead to moisture intrusion and soft spots. The "tap test" with a phenolic hammer is essential around the chainplates and the mast step.

The keel attachment point is another critical high-signal area. Because the bulb keel creates significant leverage, the internal floor timbers and keel bolts must be inspected for any signs of "keel smile" (gapping at the hull-keel joint) or stress cracking in the fiberglass laminate. Furthermore, the rudder assembly—often a high-aspect-ratio spade design—should be checked for play in the bushings and potential delamination of the blade itself. Lastly, since many PT-22s were campaigned hard in club racing, the standing rigging and mast step should be evaluated for fatigue, particularly if the boat has been sailed with high rig tension.

Community & Resources

The legacy of the PT-22 is preserved primarily through regional sailing associations in the Southern United States, where the boat was most popular. While no longer supported by a factory, the "Plastrend" and "Mustang 22" lineages are frequently discussed within technical forums such as CruisersForum and SailNet, where former owners share tuning guides and restoration tips. Technical data regarding Martin Bludworth's designs can occasionally be found through the Texas sailing historical archives, reflecting the boat's status as a significant piece of Lone Star State maritime history.

The Verdict

The PT-22 is an iconic "pocket rocket" that offers a vintage racing experience with surprisingly modern performance characteristics. It is an ideal choice for the sailor who values speed and technical handling over interior volume.

Pros:

• Exceptional Performance: The bulb keel and Bludworth hull design provide superior pointing ability and speed.
• Unique Heritage: A rare example of early American Quarter Ton design with a distinct "Texas" pedigree.
• Trailerable: Its size and weight make it manageable for transport to different racing venues.

Cons:

• Spartan Accommodations: The interior is cramped and lacks the amenities found in dedicated cruising models.
• Aging Composite: Potential for deck core issues requires a thorough pre-purchase survey.
• Niche Market: Finding replacement parts specifically for the Plastrend-designed hardware may require custom fabrication.