Schöchl Manta 19 Information, Review, Specs

Constructed with a hand-laid fiberglass hull and deck, the Manta 19 features a distinctive shoal-draft configuration: a shallow fixed stub keel (containing the primary ballast) that houses a retractable galvanized steel centerplate. This design allows the boat to be easily trailered and launched while maintaining better upwind performance than a pure flat-bottomed boat. Its legacy as a "starter yacht" is supported by its manageable dimensions—a length of 5.66 meters (18.57 feet) and a beam of 2.07 meters—which make it one of the few vessels in its class capable of being towed by a standard family car. The model also has a smaller sibling, the Manta 16, and shares many design cues with its larger contemporary, the Sunbeam 22.

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Manta 19 is widely characterized as a "lively" performer that excels in light to moderate air. With a displacement of approximately 680 kg (1,500 lbs) and a masthead sloop rig, it possesses a Displacement/Length (D/L) ratio of roughly 149, placing it firmly in the "light displacement" category. This lightness makes it highly responsive to tiller inputs and allows it to accelerate quickly in puffs. Owner reports from regional technical sites suggest that the boat has a "good turn of speed on all points of sail," though its light weight means it can be "tender" (inclined to heel quickly) as the wind increases.

The boat’s tracking and stability are governed by its 185 kg (408 lb) ballast, primarily located in the cast-iron stub. This configuration provides a significant righting moment for a 19-foot boat, but the high Capsize Screening Formula of 2.38 indicates it is strictly an inshore or coastal cruiser (CE Category C). Under sail, the fine entry of the hull helps it "bounce" over chop rather than being stopped by it, but in steep, short waves, the lack of mass can lead to a loss of momentum. The centerplate, weighing roughly 25-30 kg, is easily operated by a handle in the cockpit and provides the necessary lateral resistance for upwind work; however, some sailors note that the boat remains surprisingly controllable even with the plate fully retracted in shallow reaches.

Interior Comfort & Variations

Despite its 19-foot length, the Manta 19 provides a surprisingly complete interior for weekend cruising. The cabin is equipped with four berths (a V-berth forward and two quarter berths) and a small, often slide-out, galley area. One of the standout features noted in the original manufacturer literature is the use of a moulded interior lining. This secondary GRP skin provides a clean finish and serves as a thermal barrier that significantly reduces the condensation common in single-skin fiberglass boats of this era.

The interior woodwork is typically finished in mahogany, reflecting Schöchl’s origins as a high-end carpentry shop. However, potential owners should be aware that the headroom is limited to approximately 1.26 meters (4.13 feet), necessitating a "sitting only" posture for adults. While the layout remained largely consistent throughout the production run, UK-built Blakes Marine versions sometimes differed in minor hardware choices and interior upholstery compared to the Austrian-built models. Some later units also featured minor variations in the deck layout to accommodate updated reefing systems.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

The Manta 19 is a robustly built vessel, but as most units are now 40 to 50 years old, specific technical areas require scrutiny:

• Centerplate Corrosion & Pivot Bolt: The galvanized steel centerplate is prone to heavy rusting if the coating has been compromised. More critically, the pivot bolt can seize or wear thin. Replacing this often requires lifting the boat onto a gantry, as the bolt is located inside the stub keel.
• Foam Buoyancy Saturation: The boat was marketed as "unsinkable" due to internal foam buoyancy. However, over decades, this foam can become waterlogged if there have been hull leaks or prolonged condensation, adding significant "dead weight" to the boat and compromising its safety rating.
• Deck Hardware & Cleats: Many owners have noted a lack of sufficient midships cleats and fairleads on the original factory build. Check for stress cracks around the existing bow and stern cleats, which may have been overstressed during decades of mooring.
• Rudder Blade Swell: The original rudders were often made of wood or foam-filled GRP; these can delaminate or swell, making the steering heavy or imprecise.
• Window Seals: The wrap-around plexiglass windows are a common source of leaks, which can damage the mahogany interior if left unaddressed.

Community & Resources

The Manta 19 benefits from a dedicated European following, particularly in the UK, Germany, and Austria. The most prominent technical resource is the Manta 19 Trailer Sailer website (miwd.co.uk), which serves as an unofficial owner association and repository for technical drawings, brochures, and maintenance guides. For original spare parts and technical queries regarding the hull’s structure, the Schöchl Yacht Service in Austria remains the authoritative point of contact.

The Verdict

The Schöchl Manta 19 remains one of the most respected small trailer-sailers of the 1970s and 80s, offering a blend of Austrian craftsmanship and versatile sailing characteristics.

Pros:

• Trailerability: Exceptionally easy to tow and launch, making it ideal for exploring inland lakes and coastal estuaries.
• Build Quality: Superior to many of its contemporary rivals due to the moulded interior lining and high-grade mahogany joinery.
• Shallow Draft: The stub keel and centerplate configuration allow for "skinny water" exploration and easy beaching.
• Performance: Lively and engaging to sail in light winds, providing a genuine "yacht" feel in a compact package.

Cons:

• Limited Headroom: The low cabin height makes extended stays uncomfortable for taller sailors.
• Weight Sensitivity: Performance and stability are quickly affected by excessive gear or heavy crew movement.
• Age-Related Maintenance: Issues with the centerplate and pivot bolt can be expensive and labor-intensive to repair.