Santana 22 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The defining characteristic of the Santana 22's performance is its ballast-to-displacement ratio, which hovers near an extraordinary 47%. With 1,230 pounds of lead in its fin keel against a total displacement of 2,600 pounds, the boat possesses a righting moment far superior to most contemporary 22-footers. This "stiffness" makes it a favorite in blustery venues like San Francisco Bay, where it was originally conceived to handle 25-knot gusts with confidence. According to performance evaluations in Sailing Magazine, the boat features a masthead sloop rig that provides a balanced sail plan, allowing it to point well upwind and remain controllable off the wind thanks to a deep spade rudder located well aft.

While the boat is not a "light air flyer" in the same vein as the later, more athletic Santana 20, its Sail Area/Displacement ratio of 18.49 ensures it remains responsive in moderate breezes. The helm is notably communicative; it offers the tactile feedback of a smaller daysailer while the heavy layup of the hull provides the sea-kindly motion of a much larger vessel. This blend of stability and agility has made it a premier platform for teaching and one-design racing for over five decades.

Interior Comfort & Variations

For a 22-foot boat designed in the 1960s, the Santana 22 offers a surprisingly functional "pocket cruiser" layout. The interior provides sleeping accommodations for four, consisting of a V-berth in the bow and two straight settee quarter berths in the main cabin. The cabin headroom is understandably modest at approximately 46 inches, reflecting its era and low-profile deckhouse. The galley is split across the forward end of the main cabin, typically featuring a sink to port and a space for a small stove to starboard.

The most significant variation of this hull occurred in 2001, when W.D. Schock reintroduced the model as the "Santana 22 Retro." While this version utilized the original hull and keel molds to remain class-legal for racing, it featured updated fiberglass materials, a redesigned hull-to-deck joint, and modernized deck hardware. Some later production runs also experimented with different interior liners; while these provided a more "finished" look, they added weight compared to the original, simpler "Mk I" versions, leading the class to eventually favor the lighter, more utilitarian original configuration for competitive racing.

Popular Mentions & Media

The Santana 22 has a storied history in the Pacific sailing community, frequently appearing in the pages of Scuttlebutt Sailing News and Latitude 38 due to its longevity and the fierce competitiveness of its fleets. It is often cited in nautical literature as the "quintessential San Francisco Bay boat," a reputation solidified by its durability in the "Big Boat Series" and its active participation in the Yacht Racing Association (YRA) One Design Class Association.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers should focus on several technical areas common to 1960s and 70s fiberglass construction:

• Keel Bolt Integrity: The original boats were often fitted with galvanized iron keel bolts. Given that many of these vessels are now over 50 years old, these bolts have a high probability of corrosion. Modernized "Retro" models or well-maintained older hulls often feature stainless steel replacements.
• Deck Core Delamination: Like many Schock-built boats of this era, the decks are balsa-cored. Owners report that hardware bedded decades ago can leak, leading to soft spots, particularly around the mast step and chainplates.
• The "Smile": A common technical issue is a hairline crack or separation at the leading edge of the keel-to-hull joint, often called the "Santana Smile." While often cosmetic, it can indicate the need for tightening or replacing the keel bolts.
• Rudder Play: The spade rudder is mounted on a stainless steel shaft. Over time, the internal bushings can wear down, leading to "play" or vibration in the tiller.
• Mast Support: On older hulls, the deck-stepped mast can cause the coachroof to sag if the internal support post or the compression block beneath it has succumbed to rot or compression.

Community & Resources

The boat is supported by one of the most active small-boat communities in North America, the Santana 22 Class Association. This organization maintains strict one-design rules that have kept the boat affordable and competitive, preventing "equipment wars" from pricing out new sailors. The association serves as a technical wiki for owners, providing detailed guides on everything from rudder rebuilding to sail tuning.

The Verdict

The Santana 22 remains a benchmark for what a small, affordable fiberglass sailboat can achieve. It is a "big" boat in a small package, trading ultimate light-air speed for a level of seaworthiness and stability rarely found in its size class.

Pros:

• Exceptional Stability: A 50% ballast ratio makes it one of the safest 22-footers in heavy air.
• Active Class Support: Strong one-design fleets ensure the boat’s value and provide a wealth of technical knowledge.
• Affordability: Used models are among the best "value-per-dollar" entries into the sport of sailing.

Cons:

• Dated Ergonomics: The cockpit coamings can be uncomfortable for long-distance cruising.
• Limited Headroom: The "pocket cruiser" interior is tight for anyone over average height.
• Maintenance Intensity: Older hulls require diligent inspection of galvanized hardware and cored decks.