Sirocco 22 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Sirocco 22 is characterized as a light, responsive sailboat with a fractional rig, which utilizes a smaller headsail to facilitate easier tacking and handling for solo or short-handed crews. With a Displacement/Length (D/L) ratio of 183.72, technical assessments categorize the boat as a moderate racer, providing a balance between acceleration and stability. Its Sail Area-to-Displacement (SA/Disp) ratio of 16.55 suggests it is capable in light winds, though owners often suggest the use of a gennaker or spinnaker for optimal downwind performance.

Under sail, the boat feels stiff due to its 33% ballast ratio, though its Motion Comfort Ratio of 12.67 indicates it is subject to the lively motion typical of small monohulls in choppy water. The lifting keel allows for a minimum draft of 2.0 feet, making it an excellent choice for shallow-water exploration, while extending to 4.0 feet to provide the necessary lateral resistance for upwind tracking. However, with a capsize screening value of 2.32, it is strictly intended for coastal and inland waters rather than offshore passages.

Interior Comfort & Variations

For a boat of the late 1960s, the Sirocco 22 was marketed as having a "spacy" interior, a claim supported by its beam-to-length ratio which is wider than many contemporary peers. The cabin provides essential accommodations for weekend cruising, typically featuring a V-berth in the bow and two quarter berths or settee berths in the main salon. Headroom is limited, as is standard for 22-footers of this vintage, but the layout is maximized by the absence of a fixed keel trunk extending into the living space—instead, the lifting keel mechanism is often integrated into the table or a compact housing.

While the Sirocco 22 served as the mid-range offering, Sirocco Boatworks also produced the Sirocco 26 and the open-cockpit Sirocco 15. The 22 is often compared to its sibling, the Sirocco 31, which adopted a more robust skeg-hung rudder and fin keel for offshore capabilities. Variations of the 22 itself are rare, as most were produced with the standard lifting keel to serve the trailer-sailing market.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers of a Sirocco 22 should prioritize a few specific technical areas that are common "gotchas" for fiberglass boats of this era:

• Keel Lifting Mechanism: The "drop" or lifting keel relies on a cable, winch, and pivot pin. These components are prone to corrosion and wear. Inspect the cable for fraying and ensure the winch operates smoothly without binding.
• Deck Delamination: Like many boats from the late 1960s and early 70s, the Sirocco 22 often uses a balsa or foam core in the deck. Check for "spongy" sections around the chainplates and mast step, which indicate water ingress and rot.
• Rudder Bushings: Technical forums often note that the rudder assembly on older Sirocco models can develop "slop" or vibration. Inspect the pintles and gudgeons for wear.
• Rigging Age: Given the boat's age, the original standing rigging is likely past its service life. Check swage fittings for hairline cracks or rust "bleeding," which signals imminent failure.

The Verdict

The Sirocco 22 remains a charming and capable entry-level cruiser for sailors who value the flexibility of a trailerable boat without sacrificing the aesthetics of a classic Angus Primrose design.

Pros

• Shallow Draft: The lifting keel allows for beaching and access to restricted marinas.
• Ease of Handling: The fractional rig and small headsails make it very manageable for beginners.
• Internal Volume: Offers more perceived space and beam than many 21-footers of the same era.

Cons

• Coastal Only: Not suitable for heavy weather or blue-water crossings due to its capsize screening.
• Maintenance Intensive: Older lifting-keel systems require regular servicing to prevent jamming.
• Limited Headroom: Taller sailors will find the cabin cramped for anything longer than a weekend stay.