Sportlake 660 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Sportlake 660 is characterized by its light displacement and high maneuverability, traits typical of Andrzej Skrzat’s inland designs. Because the boat was built to navigate shallow lakes and rivers, it features a lifting keel (centerboard) system that allows for a minimum draft of roughly 0.35 meters, making it ideal for beaching or exploring areas inaccessible to fixed-keel vessels. Under sail, the 660 is known for being responsive and relatively quick in light to moderate winds, owing to a generous sail-area-to-displacement ratio that favors performance over heavy-weather slugging.

Handling is generally described as "forgiving" for novice sailors, though the light hull can feel lively or "tender" in gusty conditions. The fractional rig is easy to manage from the cockpit, a design choice intended to facilitate single-handed or short-handed sailing. While technical data from the era is often held in physical Polish archives, contemporary accounts from Polish nautical magazine Żagle suggest the boat tracks well upwind for a centerboarder, provided the board is fully deployed and the sails are properly trimmed to minimize leeway. Its wide beam relative to its length provides a surprising amount of initial stability, which translates to a more comfortable experience for those transitioning from smaller open dinghies to cabin boats.

Interior Comfort & Variations

For a vessel under 22 feet, the Sportlake 660 offers a remarkably functional interior that manages to accommodate up to four berths. The layout typically features a double V-berth forward and two longitudinal settees in the main cabin that serve as additional single berths. The presence of the centerboard trunk is a central feature of the cabin, often integrated into a small folding table.

Variations of the 660 were often customized during the production run, with some versions featuring a rudimentary galley with a single-burner stove and a small sink, while others prioritized seating capacity. Headroom is limited, as is common in pocket cruisers of this size, requiring an "eyes-down" approach to movement, though the use of light-colored gelcoats and large companionway openings helps prevent a claustrophobic feel. The materials used in early Sportlake models were utilitarian, focusing on durable fiberglass liners and mahogany or ash wood trim, which reflected the robust, "no-nonsense" building philosophy of the Kot brothers' early shipyard.

The 660 was often built alongside sibling models like the smaller Sportlake 595 and the larger Sportlake 730. While the 595 was essentially a day-sailer with a cuddy, the 660 was the first in the lineup to feel like a true "cruiser" capable of multi-day expeditions.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers of a used Sportlake 660 should focus their inspection on the specific mechanical stresses associated with light, trailerable cruisers.

• Centerboard Mechanism: The pivot bolt and lifting cable are the most critical points of failure. Inspect the trunk for signs of lateral wear or stress cracks, which can occur if the boat was frequently grounded or sailed hard with the board down in shallow water.
• Mast Step and Compression: Check the deck area around the mast step for "crazing" or slight depressions. Over-tensioning the shrouds on these lighter decks can lead to core compression over several decades.
• Rudder Pintles and Gudgeons: Given the age of these vessels, the hardware connecting the transom-hung rudder often shows signs of play or corrosion. Ensure the mounting points are reinforced and free of water ingress into the transom core.
• Osmosis: Early 1990s fiberglass layups from various Eastern European yards can occasionally exhibit osmotic blistering. A thorough hull inspection below the waterline is recommended, especially for boats that have remained in the water year-round rather than being dry-stored on trailers.

Community & Resources

While there is no longer a dedicated "Sportlake" owners' association, the model is deeply integrated into the broader Delphia Yachts legacy. Technical support and community discussions are frequently found within Polish sailing forums and Facebook groups dedicated to Masurian sailing (Żeglarstwo na Mazurach). Because the 660 was a staple of the Polish charter fleet for years, many former fleet mechanics and local boatyards in the Olecko region retain deep technical knowledge of the hull’s construction and common repair protocols.

The Verdict

The Sportlake 660 is a classic example of the "Masurian School" of yacht design: practical, shallow-draft, and surprisingly spacious for its footprint. It remains an excellent choice for sailors looking for a budget-friendly entry into overnight cruising or those who require a boat that can be easily towed behind a standard family vehicle.

Pros:

• Exceptional Versatility: The lifting keel allows for shallow-water exploration and easy trailering.
• Smart Design: Andrzej Skrzat’s hull provides a good balance of speed and stability.
• Legacy Value: Built by the founders of Delphia, ensuring a certain standard of structural integrity.

Cons:

• Aged Systems: Original electrical and plumbing systems likely require modern updates.
• Tender in Heavy Air: The light displacement requires early reefing when the wind picks up.
• Limited Headroom: Interior height is restricted, typical of the pocket-cruiser category.