Sailart 20 Sailboat Review, Specs, and Listings

Design and Construction

Sailart’s hand-laid approach pairs NPG gelcoat with Divinycell foam cores in both hull and deck, producing a structure the builder describes as light yet robust anchor. The low trailer weight of 820 kg — 1,200 kg with trailer — was achieved through consistent light sandwich structures and ideal ballast placement at the keel bomb, with 180 kg of lead ballast (about 22 percent of mass) seated low in a wing keel that swings for a 0.60 m alternative draught against the 1.40 m working draft. Foam volume renders the boat unsinkable and, as a side effect, insulates the interior well. A reinforcement is laminated into the deck at the mast base, and the mast foot itself is reinforced with wood. The yard’s exclusive material selection is reflected in high value retention, and the open stern and timeless styling round out a small cruiser intended for CE category C waters.

Rig and Handling

The fractional sloop rig carries a powerful, flared main of 12.2 m² over a self-tacking jib of 5.8 m², with no traveller or backstay to complicate the cockpit. A standard self-tacking jib, TBS-coating on all tread surfaces, and high hull stability let the boat be sailed single-handed even in rough weather, while a ballast airbag helps keep the six-metre hull upright when needed. Writing in YACHT, test sailors found that in 12 to 14 knots of wind the cruiser delivered around five knots at a tacking angle of less than 90 degrees anchor. A bowsprit supports an optional 24 m² gennaker for offwind passages. The swivelling keel’s halyard tackle runs in the mast support, and the outboard motor (with a 10-litre fuel tank) completes the drive package.

Accommodations

Below, the Sailart 20 is bright and spacious for its length, with a large cabin and four full-size bunks enabling the entire family to stay aboard. The foredeck berth runs two metres long and 1.83 metres wide amidships, narrowing to just 44 centimetres at the forward end; aft, the starboard side holds a 2.45 metre by 75 centimetre berth, with the port counterpart equally wide but 50 centimetres shorter to clear the small kitchen cupboard. A “Momo” unit bundles cooking utensils, a small cooker, sink with mini water tank, and a cool box, while a chemical WC stores under the ladder or in the companionway space. Optional table or wardrobe kits add living comfort, and the table doubles between cockpit and cabin. A premium version brings teak in the cockpit and mahogany below, and buyers could choose one or two superstructure windows, one opening.

Known Issues

The swivelling-keel halyard formerly used a wire leader that sometimes made the tackle twist and stiffen; the shipyard developed a fix for this. At the mast base, moisture can enter if screws are loose or plugs fitted incorrectly, since the laminated deck reinforcement there can go soft. Neither condition undermines the boat’s need for no cockpit bilge pump, but both deserve a close look when surveying.

Refits and Ownership

Owners can tailor the boat through flexible components such as the table/wardrobe options and the two-window or premium trim variants. The foam-core hand build and documented value retention suit a keeper, and the ready-to-go specification means most examples need only routine gear updates. The 10-litre fresh water tank and chemical holding tank define the modest utility scale; trailering with a midsize car keeps storage and launch simple.

The Verdict

The Sailart 20 packs genuine family cruising space and safe single-handed manners into a trailerable six-metre hull, backed by a hands-on builder and steady production. Its foam-core construction and low weight are real strengths, though the narrow forepeak and open stern will not suit everyone.

Pros