San Juan 23-2 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The San Juan 23-2 is widely regarded in the sailing community as a "quick" boat for its class, often outperforming contemporaries like the Catalina 22 or O'Day 23 in light to moderate air. With a Displacement/Length ratio typically hovering in the low 180s and a Sail Area/Displacement ratio near 18, the boat feels responsive and lively. It tracks well due to its relatively deep fin keel or its weighted swing keel (depending on the configuration), though like many light-displacement boats of this era, it can become tender once the wind exceeds 15 knots.

Handling is characterized by a high degree of maneuverability. The boat responds instantly to the tiller, a trait inherited from Don Clark’s experience with high-performance one-designs. According to historical reviews in publications like Sailing Magazine, the San Juan 23 series was noted for its ability to point high into the wind, a necessity for the competitive IOR-influenced market of the late 70s. Owners frequently report that the 23-2 feels most balanced with a slight amount of weather helm, providing the sailor with excellent tactile feedback. The 23-2 was offered in both a standard and a "tall rig" version; the latter is particularly sought after in regions with lighter air, such as the Chesapeake Bay or the Pacific Northwest, though it requires earlier reefing to maintain composure.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The transition from the original San Juan 23 to the 23-2 brought significant improvements to the living spaces. The Mark II deck mold provided a more streamlined exterior profile while maximizing usable volume below deck. The layout typically features a traditional V-berth forward, followed by a small head area (often equipped with a portable toilet) and a main salon with settee berths on both the port and starboard sides. A compact galley area is situated near the companionway, usually featuring a sink and a space for a recessed stove.

Materials in the 23-2 were an upgrade over earlier Clark models, often utilizing more extensive teak trim and improved fiberglass liners that gave the cabin a finished, "big boat" feel. One of the primary variations of the 23-2 hull was the choice of keel. The fixed-keel version offers superior upwind performance and stability, while the shoal-draft swing-keel version—highly popular for its trailerability—allows the boat to be launched from standard ramps and explored in shallow anchorages. Sibling models include the original 23-1, which featured a more upright cabin trunk, and the larger San Juan 26, which shared a similar design language but offered standing headroom.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers of a San Juan 23-2 should prioritize a few specific technical areas that are common to the aging fiberglass fleet of the 1970s and 80s.

1. Swing Keel Mechanism: On models equipped with the retractable keel, the pivot pin and the lifting cable/winch assembly are critical failure points. Wear at the pivot can cause a "clunking" sound while underway, and the cast iron keel itself requires regular maintenance to prevent rust-jacking.
2. Deck Core Integrity: Like many boats of this era, Clark used balsa-cored decks. Moisture often intrudes through poorly bedded hardware, such as stanchion bases or the forestay chainplate, leading to soft spots and delamination.
3. Chainplate Bulkheads: The chainplates on the 23-2 are bolted to interior bulkheads. If deck leaks have gone unaddressed, these wooden bulkheads can rot, compromising the structural integrity of the rig.
4. Rudder Delamination: The original kick-up or fixed rudders were often constructed of two fiberglass halves bonded together. Over time, water can enter the seam, leading to internal foam degradation and eventual failure under load.

Community & Resources

The San Juan 23-2 benefits from a dedicated and long-standing owner community. The San Juan 21/23 Class Associations remain the primary repository for technical manuals, original brochures, and tuning guides. While the manufacturer is no longer in business, these owner groups have archived critical data regarding rig dimensions and replacement parts. Technical wikis maintained by these enthusiasts are the best source for DIY repair guides specific to the San Juan's unique deck-stepped mast and keel configurations.

The Verdict

The San Juan 23-2 remains one of the most balanced trailerable cruisers ever produced in North America. It successfully marries the performance DNA of the Clark Boat Company with the creature comforts required for weekend cruising. While it requires the typical maintenance of a vintage fiberglass vessel, its ease of handling and spirited performance continue to earn it a loyal following.

Pros:

• Excellent light-air performance and windward ability.
• Highly trailerable, especially in the swing-keel configuration.
• Clean, timeless aesthetics with a well-finished interior for its size.
• Strong community support and availability on the used market.

Cons:

• Requires early reefing due to its relatively light displacement and tender nature.
• The balsa-cored deck is prone to saturation if maintenance has been neglected.
• The swing keel trunk can be a source of leaks and mechanical complexity.