Spacesailer 20 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Spacesailer 20 is widely regarded as a "stiff" boat for its size, a characteristic necessitated by the "Fremantle Doctor"—the strong afternoon sea breeze prevalent in its home waters. Unlike many 20-footers of its era that utilized a swing keel for ease of trailering, the majority of Spacesailer 20s were built with a fixed fin keel and a lead bulb. This configuration provides a high ballast-to-displacement ratio, allowing the boat to remain upright and controllable when smaller dinghy-style cruisers are forced to reef.

According to technical specifications maintained by the Space Sailer Association of Western Australia, the hull's generous beam relative to its length provides significant form stability. On the water, this translates to a predictable motion in a chop and excellent tracking ability. While it may not possess the light-air acceleration of a dedicated sportboat, it excels in 15–20 knots of wind, where its displacement helps it punch through waves rather than bouncing over them. Owners frequently note that the boat feels "larger" than its 20 feet, offering a sense of security that is rare in the micro-cruiser category.

Interior Comfort & Variations

Despite its modest 6.1-meter length, the Spacesailer 20 features a surprisingly functional interior that maximized the "space" promised in its name. The layout typically provides four berths: a V-berth forward and two quarter berths extending aft under the cockpit seats. A central feature of many hulls is the "pop-top" coachroof, a design element that allows for standing headroom in the galley and saloon area while at anchor, a luxury rarely found in vessels under 22 feet.

The interior finish is utilitarian but durable, utilizing molded GRP liners and teak trim. The galley is usually minimal, consisting of a small sink and a space for a portable stove, reflecting its design as a weekend overnighter rather than a long-distance cruiser. The Spacesailer 20 was the entry point into a broader family of designs; its larger siblings include the Spacesailer 22, which offers a more dedicated enclosed head, and the Spacesailer 24, which further refined the performance-cruiser balance. The largest of the line, the Spacesailer 27, eventually became one of the most popular production yachts in Australian history.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

When inspecting a Spacesailer 20, the age of the fleet—now spanning four to five decades—requires a diligent focus on structural fatigue. Common areas of concern include:

• Chainplate Reinforcement: The shroud chainplates are bolted through the deck and into the bulkheads. Over time, water ingress can rot the plywood bulkheads, compromising the rig's tension. Buyers should look for staining or "mushiness" in the wood where the chainplates attach.
• Deck Delamination: Like many boats of this era, the deck may be sandwich-constructed with a balsa or foam core. "Soft spots" around the mast step or the foredeck often indicate core rot due to improperly sealed hardware.
• Keel Bolt Condition: On fixed-keel versions, the galvanized or stainless steel bolts securing the lead ballast should be inspected for corrosion, especially if the boat has been kept in a pen rather than on a trailer.
• Window Leaks: The original Perspex windows were often secured with frames that lose their seal over decades. Re-bedding these is a common and necessary maintenance task to prevent interior mold.

Community & Resources

The model benefits from an exceptionally active and well-organized community, primarily centered in Perth. The Space Sailer Association of Western Australia serves as the definitive technical and social hub for the SS20 and its siblings. This association maintains class rules, organizes competitive racing series, and provides a repository of technical knowledge for restoration projects. The longevity of this group is a testament to the boat's enduring appeal among West Australian sailors.

The Verdict

The Spacesailer 20 remains a premier choice for entry-level sailors looking for a robust, seaworthy vessel that punches well above its weight class. While it lacks the modern aesthetics of newer European imports, its build quality and heavy-weather performance make it a reliable companion for coastal exploration.

Pros:

• Exceptional stability and stiffness for a 20-foot boat.
• The "pop-top" feature provides surprising headroom and ventilation.
• Active class association provides excellent support and resale value.
• Simple, robust GRP construction that is manageable for DIY maintenance.

Cons:

• Heavier than many modern 20-footers, requiring a more substantial towing vehicle.
• Fixed-keel versions limit access to very shallow anchorages and require deep-water ramps.
• Aging fleet requires careful inspection for bulkhead rot and deck delamination.