Snapdragon 23 Sailboats for Sale

Hull Type

Monohull · centerboard

Rig

Masthead Sloop

LOA

23' · 7.01 m

Disp.

2,950 lbs · 1,338 kg

First year

1962

The Snapdragon 23 represents the quintessential British "pocket cruiser" of the mid20th century. Designed by Ray Walsh and launched in 1962, it was the vessel that transitioned Thames Structural Plastics from a manufacturer of fiberglass industrial components into a cornerstone of the UK’s recreational marine industry. Built with heavy, handlaid GRP, the 23footer was engineered specifically for the challenging, tidal, and often shallow waters of the Thames Estuary and the English East Coast. Its primary appeal was its accessibility; it offered a robust, seaworthy platform that families could afford, often serving as the first "real" yacht for a generation of sailors moving up from dinghies.