Sportina 682 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Sportina 682 is characterized by its light displacement and high responsiveness, making it an ideal platform for the shifting winds of inland lakes and coastal estuaries. With a displacement of approximately 1,300kg and a sail area of roughly 22 square meters, the boat possesses a healthy sail area-to-displacement ratio that allows it to accelerate quickly in light airs. Handling is notably "dinghy-like," offering immediate feedback through the tiller, which is a hallmark of Andrzej Skrzat’s smaller hull forms.

Under sail, the boat utilizes a swing keel (lifting centerboard) that retracts into a central trunk. When fully deployed to its 1.35-meter depth, the boat tracks reasonably well upwind, though like most centerboarders of this size, it lacks the ultimate stiffness of a fixed-keel yacht. According to archival tests from the Polish sailing magazine Żagle, the 682 is most at home in Force 2 to 4 conditions; in heavier weather, the relatively light 350kg ballast necessitates early reefing to maintain a comfortable heel angle. The boat’s Category C (Inshore) rating underscores its design intent: it is a nimble, shallow-water specialist capable of "beaching" or navigating thin water where deeper yachts cannot venture.

Interior Comfort & Variations

For a vessel under seven meters, the Sportina 682 offers a surprisingly functional interior, optimized for a family of four or two couples for weekend cruising. The layout is typically an open-plan arrangement to maximize the perception of space, featuring a double V-berth forward and two longitudinal settees that serve as single berths. The inclusion of a small, dedicated space for a chemical toilet and a compact galley block with a single-burner stove and sink was a significant selling point for buyers moving up from open dayboats.

Variations in the interior are most evident when comparing the original Sportina 682 builds to the "Clever 23" export versions. The Clever 23 often featured upgraded woodwork and different upholstery choices tailored for the Western European market. While the 682 lacks standing headroom—a physical impossibility for a trailer-sailer of this length—the "pop-top" or sliding hatch design allows for improved ventilation and light. Storage is primarily located beneath the berths, though the intrusion of the centerboard trunk in the middle of the cabin is a necessary trade-off for the boat's shallow-draft capabilities.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers of a used Sportina 682 should focus their inspection on the mechanical and structural components unique to swing-keel vessels.

• Swing Keel Mechanism: The pivot bolt and the lifting cable/winch system are the most common points of failure. Buyers should check for "clunking" sounds while underway, which indicate wear in the pivot pin or the centerboard trunk.
• Deck Delamination: Like many production boats of the 1990s and early 2000s, the balsa or foam core in the deck can suffer from water ingress around poorly bedded deck hardware, particularly the stanchion bases and the mast step.
• Rudder Assembly: The kick-up rudder blade and its housing are prone to stress cracks and play in the pintles. Ensure the locking mechanism holds the blade firmly down when sailing.
• Window Seals: The elongated plexiglass side windows are known to develop leaks over time as the sealant dries and the hull flexes during transport on a trailer.

Community & Resources

The Sportina 682 benefits from a robust secondary market and a dedicated community of owners, particularly in Central Europe. Technical support can often be found through the Polish Delphia Owners circles and broader German "Clever 23" forums. While the manufacturer, Delphia Yachts, has moved away from sailing vessels to focus on electric motorboats, the legacy of their sailing fleet is still recognized within the Groupe Beneteau service network for certain spare parts and historical documentation.

The Verdict

The Sportina 682 is a clever, well-engineered trailer-sailer that excels in the environment for which it was designed: lakes, rivers, and protected coastal waters. It offers a low-barrier entry point for sailors who prioritize mobility and shallow-water exploration over blue-water stability.

Pros:

• Trailerability: Easily towed by a standard SUV, allowing for diverse cruising grounds.
• Shallow Draft: The swing keel allows access to secluded coves and inland waterways.
• Ease of Handling: Simple sail plan and responsive steering make it an excellent solo or short-handed boat.

Cons:

• Headroom: Limited interior vertical space may be restrictive for longer cruises.
• Light Ballast: Requires attentive sail management in gusty or heavy weather.
• Maintenance: The centerboard and its trunk require more maintenance than a fixed-keel counterpart.