San Clemente 23 Information, Review, Specs

While the boat is often compared to the Balboa 23 or the Aquarius 23 due to its era and regional origin, it distinguishes itself with a relatively light displacement and a "pop-top" cabin design that was a hallmark of 1970s pocket cruisers. It was produced alongside the San Clemente 19, a smaller sibling that shared the same utilitarian aesthetic and trailer-friendly characteristics.

Sailing Performance & Handling

The San Clemente 23 is characterized by its masthead sloop rig and a fin keel configuration with a rudder mounted on a skeg. With a displacement-to-length (D/L) ratio of approximately 171, it is categorized as a light displacement cruiser. This lightness, paired with a Sail Area-to-Displacement (SA/Disp) ratio of roughly 19.4, suggests a boat that performs well in light to moderate air, accelerating more quickly than many of its heavier contemporaries.

In terms of sea-kindliness, the boat has a Motion Comfort Ratio of about 14.3, which is typical for a 23-foot vessel but indicates it will feel active and lively in a seaway. Owners often report that the boat is tender initially but stiffens up once it reaches a certain degree of heel, a trait common in Crealock’s early fiberglass designs. Its Capsize Screening Formula sits around 2.2, signaling that while it is an excellent coastal and lake boat, it lacks the ultimate stability required for blue-water or serious offshore racing. The skeg-mounted rudder provides better tracking and protection for the steering gear than a spade rudder, though it may sacrifice a small degree of maneuverability in tight quarters.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The defining feature of the San Clemente 23’s interior is its "pop-top" companionway hatch. When raised, this fiberglass shell provides standing headroom (typically up to 6 feet) in the galley and salon area, a luxury rarely found in 23-foot boats of this vintage. When the top is lowered and secured, the boat maintains a sleek, low-profile cabin trunk suitable for trailering and sailing.

The layout is a standard "four-berth" configuration:

• Forward Cabin: A V-berth that can accommodate two adults, though it is often used for sail storage.
• Main Salon: Features two straight settees that double as berths, with a small, removable table.
• Galley: Usually located near the companionway for ventilation, often equipped with a simple sink and space for a portable stove.

Construction materials include teak or mahogany trim over a molded fiberglass liner, which makes the interior easy to clean but can feel a bit "plastic" compared to higher-end wooden cruisers. The boat was occasionally offered in a fixed-keel version, though the swing-keel variant remains the most common for those utilizing its trailerable design.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers should approach the San Clemente 23 with the caution required for any 50-year-old fiberglass boat. Technical reports and owner discussions highlight several specific areas for inspection:

1. Deck Core Delamination: The decks are generally balsa or plywood-cored. Soft spots around the chainplates, stanchions, and the mast step are common indicators of water intrusion and rot.
2. Pop-Top Integrity: The lifting mechanism and the canvas/vinyl "curtain" that seals the pop-top when raised often suffer from UV damage and mechanical wear. Replacing the custom seals can be a difficult DIY task.
3. Swing Keel Hardware: If the boat is a swing-keel model, the pivot bolt and the lifting cable/winch system are critical failure points. Inspect the cable for fraying and the trunk for "keel clunk," which indicates a worn pivot pin.
4. Rudder Attachment: The skeg-to-hull joint and the rudder gudgeons should be checked for stress cracks, as these boats were often used for beaching or in shallow-water environments.

The Verdict

The San Clemente 23 is a classic example of the "Spanish Village by the Sea" aesthetic—a practical, accessible boat for the weekend adventurer.

Pros:

• Standing Headroom: The pop-top provides exceptional interior volume for a 23-footer.
• Designer Pedigree: William Crealock’s hull designs are balanced and predictable.
• Trailerability: Easy to transport and store, reducing the need for expensive slip fees.

Cons:

• Stability Limits: Not suitable for offshore use due to its high capsize screening ratio.
• Age-Related Wear: Most units require significant cosmetic and structural updates to the deck and rigging.
• Niche Market: Finding replacement parts for the specific San Clemente hardware can be challenging.