Salt 19 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Salt 19 is characterized by its significant displacement-to-length ratio, which provides a level of stability and "big boat" feel rarely found in 19-footers. Weighing approximately 2,500 pounds with nearly 800 pounds of internal ballast, the boat tracks with remarkable persistence. Unlike lighter dinghy-based cruisers, the Salt 19 does not accelerate rapidly in puffs; instead, it leans into a steady plane of heel and uses its momentum to punch through chop.

The shoal-draft keel, typically drawing only 2 feet, allows for exceptional access to gunkholes and shallow anchorages. However, this design trade-off results in more leeway when sailing close-hauled compared to deep-finned competitors. Sailors often report that the boat performs best on a reach, where the displacement hull can settle into its groove. The inclusion of a bowsprit extends the sail plan, allowing for a larger headsail which helps pull the heavy hull through light air, though the boat truly finds its balance in 10 to 15 knots of breeze.

Interior Comfort & Variations

For a vessel under 20 feet, the Salt 19 offers a surprisingly functional interior, though it remains a "sitting headroom" cabin. The layout is optimized for a couple or a solo sailor, featuring a classic V-berth forward and two short quarter berths that double as seating. Due to the boat's nearly 8-foot beam, the cabin feels wider than many of its contemporaries, such as the early Com-Pac models.

Construction materials usually involved heavy hand-laid fiberglass with generous use of teak trim, providing a warm, traditional atmosphere that has aged well for well-maintained hulls. Storage is located primarily beneath the berths, though the presence of the internal ballast occupies significant bilge space. While the Salt 19 remained largely consistent throughout its production run, its sibling, the Salt 27, offered a significantly expanded version of this philosophy, including a full galley and standing headroom, effectively serving as the "coastal voyager" version of the 19’s "weekend cruiser" concept.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers should approach the Salt 19 with the scrutiny required for a 40-year-old fiberglass vessel from a boutique builder. Common technical areas for inspection include:

• Deck Core Integrity: Like many boats of this era, the Salt 19 utilizes a balsa-cored deck. Owners in various sailing forums have noted soft spots around the mast step and the chainplates where hardware bedding may have failed over decades, allowing moisture to ingress.
• Compression Post Support: Ensure the support structure beneath the mast step remains rigid. If the deck has compressed or the internal support has shifted, it can lead to rigging tension issues and "door bind" in the cabin.
• Rudder Delamination: The rudder is a composite structure that can trap water. Buyers should check for "weeping" or swelling at the trailing edge when the boat is hauled out.
• Keel-to-Hull Joint: While the ballast is internal, the hull-to-deck joint and the area around the shoal keel should be inspected for stress cracks, which may indicate hard groundings in the shallow waters the boat was designed to frequent.

The Verdict

The Salt 19 is a "plastic classic" that offers an entry point into traditional sailing without the maintenance burden of a wooden hull. It is a boat for the patient sailor who values aesthetic beauty and coastal stability over racing prowess.

Pros

• Shoal Draft: The 2-foot draft is ideal for coastal exploring and easy trailering.
• Classic Aesthetics: The bowsprit and traditional lines turn heads in a sea of modern production boats.
• Heavy Build: Solid construction provides a sense of security in heavy weather.

Cons

• Limited Headroom: The cabin is strictly for sitting and sleeping, not for standing.
• Upwind Performance: The shoal keel and heavy displacement limit its ability to point high into the wind.
• Rarity: With the builder long out of business, finding model-specific replacement parts or technical drawings can be a challenge.