Roue 20 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Roué 20 is characterized by its balanced handling and its ability to maintain momentum in a "stiff breeze." With a displacement of approximately 4,700 pounds and a fractional sloop rig, the boat is not a light-air specialist; however, editorial reviews in Atlantic Boating Magazine note that in medium to heavy air, the hull comes alive, tracking with remarkable stability thanks to its fixed long keel.

The boat features a relatively high sail area-to-displacement ratio (estimated near 21.8), which provides the power necessary to overcome its moderate displacement-to-length ratio of 226. Owners frequently describe the boat as "sea-kindly," a trait inherited from Roué’s deep-sea fishing schooner lineage. Its keel-mounted rudder offers a traditional, heavy feel that resists the twitchiness found in modern spade-rudder designs, making it an excellent platform for sailors who prioritize tracking and predictability over raw turning speed.

Interior Comfort & Variations

While primarily a racing design, the Roué 20 includes an enclosed cabin that transforms it into a capable weekend cruiser. The interior layout is compact, typically featuring a V-berth forward, a small dinette, and an icebox. In the later fiberglass versions, such as those built in the early 1980s, the cabin offers approximately five feet of headroom—a modest figure that nonetheless provides significantly more utility than the open-cockpit daysailers of the same era.

The transition from the original 1922 wooden specifications to later fiberglass iterations introduced slight variations in weight and stiffness. While the original wooden boats are prized for their historical authenticity and "soft" motion in a seaway, the fiberglass siblings are favored for their reduced maintenance requirements. Technical records from the William J. Roué Collection at the Canadian Museum of History indicate that the hull design remained remarkably consistent over nearly a century of production, with the 30-to-31-foot LOA providing "lots of room for six people" during day sails, as noted in historical squadron newsletters.

Popular Mentions & Media

The boat's cultural footprint is inextricably linked to the legacy of W.J. Roué and the Bluenose. Because Roué’s design number 17 (the Bluenose) is featured on the Canadian dime, the Roué 20 has benefited from a "halo effect" within Canadian maritime history. The design was featured prominently in the 100th-anniversary celebrations of Roué’s work, and the Canadian Museum of History maintains an extensive archive of the vessel's blueprints and half-hull models, designating the design as a work of "outstanding significance and national importance."

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers must differentiate between the early wooden hulls and the later fiberglass units, as their maintenance profiles are vastly different.

• Cockpit Drainage: A critical "gotcha" for the Roué 20 involves the cockpit scuppers. Because the cockpit is relatively low to the waterline, if the drains become clogged with leaves or debris, heavy rain can quickly fill the cockpit and overflow the companionway, leading to the vessel sinking in its slip.
• Deck Core Integrity: In fiberglass models, particularly those from the late 70s and early 80s, the balsa-cored decks are susceptible to water intrusion around stanchion bases and the mast step. A thorough moisture meter test is essential.
• Wooden Hull Fasteners: For original wooden examples, the condition of the hull fasteners and the structural integrity of the oak ribs are paramount. Many older boats have undergone "sistering" of the ribs, which should be inspected for proper execution.
• Keel Bolts: Given the age of many units, the keel bolts securing the heavy iron or lead ballast should be inspected for "weeping" or corrosion, especially in boats that have spent significant time in saltwater.

Community & Resources

The primary hub for this model is the Royal Nova Scotia Yacht Squadron (RNSYS), which continues to host regattas featuring the Roué 20 and its smaller sibling, the Bluenose Class sloop. Technical drawings and historical specifications are managed and preserved by the Roué family via the official W.J. Roué heritage website.

The Verdict

The Roué 20 is a "sailor’s sailboat" that sacrifices modern interior volume for timeless lines and legendary Atlantic sea-keeping.

Pros

• Historical Pedigree: Designed by the creator of the Bluenose, carrying significant prestige.
• Heavy Weather Prowess: Exceptionally balanced and stable when the wind picks up.
• One-Design Community: Strong heritage support and active racing in Atlantic Canada.

Cons

• Limited Headroom: The 5-foot clearance makes extended cruising uncomfortable for taller sailors.
• Light Air Performance: The heavy, full-keel design can feel sluggish in breezes under 8 knots.
• High Maintenance: Original wooden hulls require specialist shipwright skills and significant annual upkeep.