Sailing Performance & Handling
Under sail, the Sirius 22 is characterized by its stability and predictable manners, largely due to its high ballast-to-displacement ratio and the placement of that weight in a swing keel. Unlike many light-displacement trailer-sailers that feel "tender" or tippy in a breeze, the Sirius 22 is often described as a stiff boat. The swing-keel design allows for a remarkably shallow draft of approximately 1.5 feet when retracted, making it an ideal choice for gunkholing or exploring thin water, while extending to nearly 5 feet to provide necessary lift and tracking while beating to windward.
The boat typically features a fractional rig, which allows for easier headstay tensioning and more precise mainsail control than a masthead rig of the same era. Anecdotal reports from long-term owners via various owner circles suggest the boat handles heavy air with surprising composure, though like many swing-keel designs, there is a distinct "clunk" if the keel is not properly shimmed or tensioned while at anchor or in a roll. While not a dedicated racer, its hull shape—derived from the van de Stadt lineage—is efficient enough to maintain respectable speeds in light air, provided the hull is kept clean and the sails are not blown out.
Interior Comfort & Variations
For a vessel of its length, the Sirius 22 offers an impressively functional interior that maximizes the 7-foot, 11-inch beam. The transition from the Sirius 21 to the 22 brought aesthetic updates, most notably a more streamlined deck mold that improved headroom and light penetration. The layout generally consists of a V-berth forward, a central salon with opposing settees, and a small galley area. Because Vandestadt and McGruer prioritized safety, the "positive flotation" foam is tucked behind the cabinetry and under the berths, which slightly reduces deep storage but provides immense peace of mind.
The 22 was often finished with more teak and refined upholstery than its smaller sibling, the Siren 17, or the more utilitarian Sirius 21. While the 21-foot predecessor was the high-volume seller with over 3,000 units, the Sirius 22 is often sought after today for its "big boat" feel, which includes better-defined spaces for a chemical or marine head and improved ventilation. It is a true four-berth boat, though it is most comfortable for a couple or a young family.
Popular Mentions & Media
The Sirius 22 benefits from the collective fame of the Sirius line within the Great Lakes and Canadian maritime history. The model line is frequently featured in regional publications like Canadian Yachting, which has historically documented the rise of the Vandestadt and McGruer yard. The Sirius 21/22 lineage is often cited in discussions regarding the safest small cruisers ever built in North America due to its unsinkability—a claim famously tested in marketing materials where the boats remained afloat even when completely swamped.
Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist
Purchasing a Sirius 22 requires a specific focus on the mechanical and structural elements unique to its design:
- Keel Pivot Bolt and Cable: The most critical inspection point is the swing-keel assembly. The pivot bolt can wear over decades, leading to "keel slap," and the lifting cable and winch must be inspected for fraying or corrosion.
- Deck Core Integrity: Like many boats of this era, the Sirius 22 uses a cored deck. Potential buyers should use a moisture meter or perform a "tap test" around the chainplates, stanchion bases, and the mast step to ensure water hasn’t compromised the core.
- Foam Saturation: While the positive flotation is a safety boon, if the boat has had chronic leaks or stood with water in the bilge for years, the buoyancy foam can become saturated, adding significant weight and potentially causing a musty odor that is difficult to remediate.
- Rudder Hardware: The pintles and gudgeons on the transom are known to work loose over time. Check for hairline cracks in the fiberglass around these mounting points.
Community & Resources
The Sirius 22 is supported by a dedicated following, primarily through the Sirius Owners Association, a group that shares technical manuals and restoration tips for the 21, 22, and the larger Sirius 28. Owners often congregate in Great Lakes-centric forums to exchange advice on keel maintenance and trailer configurations.
The Verdict
The Sirius 22 remains a premier choice for sailors who want a "proper" sailboat that can still be towed behind a standard SUV. It strikes an excellent balance between safety, comfort, and performance.
Pros:
- Unsinkable Heritage: Positive flotation provides a safety margin rarely found in this size class.
- Trailability: The swing-keel design makes launching and retrieving from a ramp straightforward.
- Stable Platform: Exceptionally stiff and seaworthy for a 22-foot boat.
Cons:
- Keel Maintenance: The swing-keel trunk and mechanism require more maintenance than a fixed-keel boat.
- Limited Deep Storage: Flotation foam occupies space that would otherwise be used for lockers.
- Age-Related Wear: Most units are now 40 years old and may require significant hardware re-bedding.
