Rob Roy 23 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Rob Roy 23 is frequently lauded for its balanced handling, a direct result of its yawl (or occasionally ketch) sail plan and Ted Brewer’s focus on "sensible" motion. With a displacement of approximately 2,800 pounds and a ballast-to-displacement ratio that leans toward stability, the boat feels significantly more substantial than its 23-foot length suggests. Its full keel with a shallow 2’ 6” draft—often augmented by a small centerboard—allows for excellent tracking and the ability to navigate thin water that would be inaccessible to most keelboats.

In terms of sail handling, the split rig is the boat’s defining characteristic. By utilizing a "jigger" or mizzen sail, the Rob Roy 23 offers exceptional flexibility in heavy weather; dropping the mainsail and sailing under "jib and jigger" keeps the boat balanced and manageable when the wind picks up. According to owner accounts and technical reviews, the double-ended hull shape allows for a clean release of water at the stern, reducing drag and preventing the "squatting" common in flat-transom boats of this size when pushed hard. While it is not a light-air racer, its momentum and hull shape allow it to punch through a chop with a degree of comfort rarely found in trailer-sailers.

Interior Comfort & Variations

Despite its narrow 6’ 11” beam—mandated by the desire for easy trailering and the tapering requirements of a double-ender—the interior of the Rob Roy 23 is remarkably functional for solo sailors or couples. The cabin typically features a V-berth forward and two short settee berths in the main salon. Given the boat's "canoe" shape, the interior tapers at both ends, which limits footroom but creates a cozy, secure environment at sea.

Marine Concepts utilized a clean fiberglass liner for the interior, accented with teak trim to maintain the traditional aesthetic. Most models were equipped with a small slide-out galley and a portable or marine head tucked beneath the V-berth. While there is not full standing headroom—an impossibility in a 23-foot double-ender—the sitting headroom is generous for its class. Variation in the model was primarily found in the rigging; while most were built as yawls to capitalize on the aesthetic and balance of the design, a few were configured with alternative sail plans to suit specific owner preferences for simplicity or performance.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers should approach the Rob Roy 23 with the same scrutiny required for any 1980s-era fiberglass vessel, specifically focusing on the composite integration handled by Marine Concepts.

• Deck Coring: Like many boats of this vintage, the Rob Roy 23 uses a cored deck. High-moisture readings around the chainplates, stanchion bases, and the tabernacle for the mast are common "gotchas" that can indicate delamination or rot.
• Centerboard Trunk: For models equipped with the centerboard, the trunk and the pendant (the cable used to raise/lower the board) require careful inspection. Marine growth inside the trunk can jam the board, and the pivot pin can wear over decades of use.
• Rudder Hardware: The transom-mounted rudder on a double-ender is exposed to significant stress. Check the pintles and gudgeons for play or hairline fractures in the fiberglass where the hardware mounts to the hull.
• Mizzen Step: The mizzen mast is often stepped on the cockpit sole or a small bridge deck. Ensure the compression post or support structure beneath this step remains rigid and free of water damage.

Community & Resources

The primary hub for technical support and owner camaraderie is the Sea Pearl and Rob Roy Owners group, often hosted through various small-boat heritage platforms. Because Marine Concepts built both the Sea Pearl 21 and the Rob Roy 23, the two communities are closely linked. Technical drawings and original specifications are frequently sourced through the archives of Ted Brewer Yacht Design, which continues to provide support for his classic fiberglass designs.

The Verdict

The Rob Roy 23 is a "sailor's sailboat," trading the cavernous interiors of modern cruisers for timeless beauty and exceptional handling.

Pros

• Trailerability: Easy to transport and store, expanding cruising grounds significantly.
• Seaworthiness: The double-ended hull and split rig offer security in varying weather conditions.
• Aesthetics: One of the most visually striking pocket cruisers ever produced in fiberglass.
• Shallow Draft: Perfect for exploring estuaries and beaching in protected coves.

Cons

• Interior Volume: The narrow beam and double-ended design result in a cramped cabin compared to modern 23-footers.
• Light Air Speed: The heavy displacement and full keel make it a slower performer in light winds.
• Complexity: Managing three sails (jib, main, mizzen) on a small boat can be more labor-intensive than a simple sloop rig.