Reinell 22 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Reinell 22 is a masthead sloop designed with a focus on stability and forgiveness rather than raw speed. Built with a relatively heavy displacement for a 22-foot trailer-sailer, it exhibits a "big boat" feel on the water, tracking better than many of its lighter contemporaries in the "pocket cruiser" category. The boat was typically equipped with a swing keel (retractable) to facilitate easy trailering and shallow-water gunkholing, though this configuration results in some leeway when sailing close-hauled compared to fixed-keel alternatives.

Handling is characterized as predictable, with a sail plan that is manageable for solo sailors or small families. Given its heritage from Arthur S. Henry—who also designed the American 25 and 26—the Reinell 22 prioritizes safety and upright sailing. The hull carries significant beam across its midsection, providing a generous reserve of secondary stability. While it is not a "light air" specialist, it performs capably in a breeze, remaining stiff and composed when smaller, lighter dinghies might require early reefing. Owners often note that the boat requires a firm hand on the tiller in gusty conditions, a trait common to high-volume hulls of this era.

Interior Comfort & Variations

For a vessel of its length, the Reinell 22 offers an exceptionally spacious interior, a hallmark of Arthur S. Henry's design philosophy. By maximizing the beam and utilizing a high-profile trunk cabin, the boat provides headroom that was often superior to its 22-foot rivals. The layout generally features a standard V-berth forward, a small chemical head compartment, and a main salon with opposing settees.

The connection to American Mariner Industries is most evident in the cabinetry and liner work. The Reinell 22 utilizes a fiberglass inner liner which, while making the boat easier to clean, can limit access to the hull for certain repairs. Variations of this hull were also marketed as the American 23; the primary difference often lay in the labeling and regional distribution rather than any structural deviation. The cabin is typically finished with teak trim and basic laminate surfaces, reflecting the utilitarian "weekend warrior" aesthetic of the 1970s. Because it was intended for trailering, the galley is modest, usually consisting of a small sink and a designated space for a portable stove.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers should approach the Reinell 22 with the typical scrutiny reserved for 1970s fiberglass boats, specifically focusing on the transition period of Reinell’s manufacturing.

• Swing Keel Assembly: The most critical inspection point is the swing keel trunk and the lifting mechanism. The cable, winch, and pivot pin are prone to corrosion and wear. A "clunking" sound while underway usually indicates a worn pivot pin or a widened hole in the keel itself, which can lead to structural stress on the trunk.
• Deck Core Delamination: Reinell used sandwich construction for the decks. Over decades, hardware such as stanchions, cleats, and the mast step can develop leaks, leading to saturated balsa or plywood cores. Check for "soft spots" or "oil-canning" when walking on the foredeck.
• Chainplates and Bulkheads: Inspect the points where the stays meet the deck. Water intrusion at the chainplates often migrates into the wooden bulkheads below, causing rot that compromises the structural integrity of the rig.
• Rudder Integrity: The kick-up rudders found on many Reinell 22s are prone to delamination or hardware failure at the pivot point. Ensure the casting is free of hairline fractures.

Community & Resources

While there is no longer a formal factory-supported association for Reinell sailboats, the community is closely integrated with the American Mariner Owners groups. Because the Reinell 22 is structurally synonymous with the American 23, technical data, rigging diagrams, and restoration advice are frequently shared among owners of both brands. Technical discussions often take place within regional trailer-sailing clubs in the Pacific Northwest, where the Reinell name remains a cultural staple.

The Verdict

The Reinell 22 is a robust, high-volume pocket cruiser that offers an affordable entry point into the world of "big boat" sailing for those who require the flexibility of a trailer. While it lacks the racing pedigree of a Catalina or a Santana, its Arthur S. Henry design ensures a safe, stable platform for family outings.

Pros:

• Generous interior volume and headroom for its class.
• Easily trailerable, allowing for diverse cruising grounds.
• Solid fiberglass hull construction provides a sense of security in coastal chop.
• Shares parts and technical commonality with the widely produced American 23.

Cons:

• Heavy displacement makes it sluggish in light wind conditions.
• The swing keel mechanism requires frequent and meticulous maintenance.
• Aging 1970s deck hardware and core materials often require significant "sweat equity" to restore.
• Limited name recognition in the sailing world compared to dedicated sailboat builders.