Snapdragon 670 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Snapdragon 670 is widely regarded as a "stiff" and forgiving boat, a characteristic derived from its generous beam and relatively high displacement-to-length ratio. While it lacks the pointing ability of a dedicated fin-keel racer, its bilge keel configuration is exceptionally well-suited for coastal cruising and navigating shallow waters. On the water, the 670 feels secure; it does not heel excessively in a breeze, making it an excellent platform for nervous novices or families with small children.

Handling is predictable, though sailors should note that like many short-waterline cruisers of this era, the 670 can exhibit a tendency to "hobby-horse" when punching into a short, steep chop. However, the Snapdragon Mirage and Invaders Association highlights that the model’s design philosophy was rooted in seaworthiness rather than speed, providing a dry ride in conditions that might swamp a more performance-oriented dinghy-style cruiser. The rudder is typically transom-hung and robust, providing sufficient leverage to control the high-volume hull even when heavily loaded for a weekend trip.

Interior Comfort & Variations

For a vessel of only 22 feet, the interior of the Snapdragon 670 is surprisingly capacious. Thames Marine utilized the boat’s 8-foot beam to create a layout that often includes four or five berths. The typical configuration features a V-berth in the forward cabin, a central saloon with a dinette that converts into a double berth, and a single quarter berth to starboard. One of the standout features of the 670 compared to its competitors is the inclusion of a separate, enclosed head compartment—a luxury rarely found on 22-footers of the late 1960s.

The materials used are reflective of the era’s "honest" fiberglass construction: molded GRP liners paired with teak or mahogany trim. While the headroom is not full standing for a tall adult, it is generous for its class, reaching nearly 5'10" under the main hatch. The 670 is a direct "metric" successor to the Snapdragon 21, and it shares much of its DNA with the Snapdragon 23 and the later Snapdragon 747. The primary difference between these siblings lies in the cockpit length and the configuration of the coachroof, with the 670 offering a more modernized window profile than the early "V-shaped" windows found on the original 23s.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers of a Snapdragon 670 should focus their inspection on the structural integrity of the aging fiberglass and the specific quirks of Thames Marine’s construction methods.

• Deck Core Saturation: Like many production boats of the 1970s, the 670 uses a sandwich construction for the deck. Over decades, hardware such as stanchion bases and cleats can leak, leading to water ingress into the balsa core. Buyers should check for "spongy" sections on the side decks and coachroof.
• Keel Attachment: While the bilge keels are generally robust, the 670’s keels are bolted through the hull. It is vital to inspect the internal glasswork around the keel floors for signs of stress cracking or "panting," which can occur if the boat has been allowed to drop heavily onto its keels on a hard mooring.
• Window Seals: The aluminum-framed windows are prone to leaking as the original bedding compound dries out. Evidence of water staining on the interior woodwork usually indicates that the windows or the deck-to-hull joint requires re-sealing.
• Chainplates: The U-bolts and chainplates that secure the standing rigging should be checked for "crevice corrosion," particularly where they pass through the deck, as failure here can lead to rig loss.

Community & Resources

Owners of the 670 benefit from one of the most dedicated vintage yacht communities in Europe. The Snapdragon Mirage and Invaders Association serves as the primary repository for technical manuals, rigging diagrams, and historical data. This association is an invaluable resource for sourcing spare parts or seeking advice on restoring the original gelcoat and woodwork.

The Verdict

The Snapdragon 670 remains a quintessential entry-level cruiser for those who value practicality and internal volume over modern aesthetics or racing prowess. It is a "pocket cruiser" in the truest sense—capable of modest cross-channel hops in the right hands while remaining small enough to be maintained on a modest budget.

Pros:

• Exceptional interior volume and a separate head for its length.
• Bilge keels allow for affordable drying moorings and shallow-water exploration.
• Extremely stable and forgiving handling characteristics.
• Strong, active owner association providing technical support.

Cons:

• Pedestrian upwind performance, especially in light winds.
• Prone to "hobby-horsing" in a head sea due to its hull shape.
• Common age-related issues such as deck core rot require careful inspection.