Sailart 22 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Sailart 22 is engineered for agility and responsiveness, particularly in light to moderate air. Its hull form, featuring a wide beam carried well aft, allows the boat to remain stable and flat when reaching under its large gennaker. The inclusion of a hard chine serves a dual purpose: it increases initial stability when the boat heels and helps the hull "track" more effectively at higher speeds. With a standard draft of 1.45 meters with the keel down, the boat exhibits a high righting moment for its weight, allowing it to carry its 25.5 square meters of upwind sail area comfortably.

Handling is characterized by precision, often described by testers at Yacht.de as feeling more like a large dinghy than a traditional keelboat. The balance is excellent, with just enough weather helm to provide feedback through the tiller without becoming fatiguing. For sailors looking for higher performance, the shipyard offers a "Sport" variant which often includes a carbon mast and an optimized sail plan, further reducing the weight aloft and improving the boat's motion in a seaway. The lifting keel mechanism—available in both manual and electric versions—allows the draft to be reduced to just 0.60 meters, making it an ideal choice for lake sailors who contend with shallow moorings or those who frequently move their boat via trailer.

Interior Comfort & Variations

Despite its sporty exterior, the Sailart 22 offers a surprisingly functional interior for a 6.6-meter boat. The cabin is designed as a "pocket cruiser" layout, providing four berths: a double V-berth forward and two single settee berths that extend aft under the cockpit seats. While there is no standing headroom—a common trade-off in trailerable performance boats—the sitting headroom is sufficient for adults. The use of light-colored liners and high-quality wood trim prevents the cabin from feeling claustrophobic.

The shipyard offers several variations in interior modularity. Owners can opt for a "Basic" layout focused on weight savings for racing, or a more comfortable cruising setup that includes a chemical toilet tucked under the forward berth and a small, pull-out galley module. The storage is cleverly integrated into a proprietary cabinet system that allows for organized stowage of gear during weekend trips. The Sailart 22 "Sport" sibling utilizes the same hull and interior mold but typically strips away some of the heavier wood finishes in favor of lighter materials to maximize racing potential.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers of a used Sailart 22 should focus their inspection on the specific technical innovations that define the model. While the build quality is generally regarded as high, several areas require scrutiny:

1. Keel Lift Mechanism: The electric lifting keel is a complex system. Buyers should inspect the worm gear or hydraulic pump (depending on the year) for signs of corrosion or strain. Manual overrides should be tested to ensure they haven't seized from lack of use.
2. Rudder Gudgeons: Due to the high speeds this boat can achieve under gennaker, the transom-mounted rudder system experiences significant loads. Check for any hairline cracking in the gelcoat around the gudgeons or play in the rudder bearings.
3. Deck Hardware Sealing: The Sailart 22 uses high-load hardware for its gennaker and jib trimming. Inspect the underside of the deck (where accessible) for signs of moisture ingress or "spidering" in the fiberglass around winch bases and jam cleats.
4. Chine Abrasion: Because the hard chine is a low point when the boat is on a trailer, older models may show gelcoat chips or "dock rash" along this edge if the trailer bunks were not perfectly aligned.

The Verdict

The Sailart 22 is a sophisticated, high-performance daysailer that appeals to the sailor who values German engineering and modern aesthetics. It successfully balances the thrill of a sportboat with the basic amenities required for overnighting, all while remaining easy to transport.

Pros

• Exceptional build quality and "unsinkable" construction.
• Highly versatile due to the deep 1.45m draft when sailing and 0.60m draft for trailering.
• Striking modern design that stands out in a market of traditional small cruisers.
• Lightweight enough to be towed by a standard mid-sized SUV.

Cons

• Premium price point compared to mass-produced competitors.
• Lack of standing headroom may limit its appeal for extended cruising.
• The wide beam and hard chine can lead to a "slappy" motion when anchored in choppy water.