Salty Pup 23 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Salty Pup 23 is a displacement hull designed for stability rather than velocity. Featuring a long keel and a relatively heavy ballast ratio, the boat exhibits remarkable directional stability, allowing it to track straight with minimal helm correction even in choppy coastal waters. According to design notes from the Colvic Watson Owners Association, the Alan Hill-designed hull was intended to handle the rigorous conditions of the English Channel, prioritizing a dry ride over pointing ability.

Under sail, the Pup 23 feels deliberate. Its high displacement-to-length ratio means it requires a decent breeze to get moving, and it is not a boat that will "ghost" along in light airs. However, when the wind picks up, the boat remains upright and composed long after lighter yachts have begun to reef. The handling is characterized by a heavy, positive feel on the tiller, providing the helmsman with significant feedback. Most Pup 23s were rigged as masthead sloops, though their performance is often supplemented by a chunky inboard diesel engine, leading many owners to treat the vessel as a motorsailer. The hull shape is particularly forgiving in a following sea, where the full sections aft prevent the rhythmic rolling common in narrower vintage designs.

Interior Comfort & Variations

For a 23-foot vessel, the interior of the Salty Pup 23 is surprisingly cavernous, a result of Alan Hill’s clever use of the boat’s 8’6” beam. The layout typically features a classic four-berth configuration: a double V-berth in the forward cabin and two settee berths in the main saloon. Because many Salty Pups were sold as "hull and deck" packages for home completion, the quality of the cabinetry and the specific layout can vary significantly from one hull to the next.

Standard factory-finished versions usually included a compact galley to port and a dedicated heads compartment—a luxury for a boat of this length. The headroom is notable, often exceeding 5'10" in the main cabin, which contributes to an airy, less claustrophobic atmosphere than its contemporaries. Variations of the design included different cockpit configurations; while most featured a deep, protected aft cockpit, some were fitted with a small "doghouse" or fixed windscreen to further bridge the gap between a traditional yacht and a motorsailer. The Salty Pup 23 shared much of its DNA with the Salty Dog 27, and while the 27 offered an additional cabin and more waterline length, the 23-footer remained the preferred choice for single-handed sailors or couples due to its manageable scale and lower mooring costs.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

When inspecting a Salty Pup 23, the primary concern is the legacy of its construction. As many were amateur-finished, the quality of the electrical wiring, plumbing, and engine installation must be scrutinized.

• Osmotic Blistering: Like many GRP hulls from the 1970s, Colvic moldings are known to be robust but can be susceptible to osmosis if they haven't been treated with an epoxy barrier coat. A moisture meter test on the hull is essential.
• Chainplate Reinforcement: On home-finished models, check that the rigging chainplates are properly backed and tied into the hull structure. Insufficient reinforcement here can lead to deck lifting or structural failure under high shroud tension.
• Window Seals: The large cabin windows are a hallmark of the design but are prone to leaking over time. Look for water staining on the interior woodwork or "clouding" of the acrylic panels.
• Engine Serviceability: Because the engine is often tucked deep under the cockpit sole to maintain a low center of gravity, access for maintenance can be tight. Verify that the stern gland and cooling sea cocks are still accessible and functional.

Community & Resources

The Salty Pup 23 benefits from a dedicated following, largely integrated into the broader Colvic community. The most prominent resource for technical data and historical records is the Colvic Watson Owners Association, which maintains archives on Alan Hill’s designs and offers a forum for owners to discuss restoration projects. While the boat does not have a "one-design" racing association, it is a frequent sight at classic boat rallies and coastal cruising club events across Northern Europe.

The Verdict

The Salty Pup 23 is a stout, dependable cruiser that offers the interior volume of a much larger boat. It is an ideal choice for the budget-conscious sailor who values structural integrity and sea-kindliness over modern styling or racing performance.

Pros:

• Exceptional interior headroom and volume for a 23-foot boat.
• Solid, heavy GRP construction capable of handling rougher coastal conditions.
• Stable and predictable handling characteristics, ideal for novice sailors.
• Large beam provides a steady platform at anchor.

Cons:

• Slow performance in light winds and poor upwind pointing ability.
• Interiors vary in quality due to many being home-finished.
• Heavy displacement makes it difficult to trailer without a heavy-duty vehicle.
• Older GRP hulls require careful monitoring for osmosis.