Design and Construction
The Sunbeam 23 reflects mature fiberglass construction practice, with a solid-fiberglass hull and deck and no core. She has a spade rudder and a fin keel carrying a bulb. The bulb lowers the center of gravity, increasing righting moment and reducing draft.
The boat has an 8.2-foot beam and displaces 2,976 pounds. Ballast is 992 pounds, for a ballast ratio of 33.33. Draft varies with load from about 3.94 to 4.24 feet, and the immersion rate is about 651 pounds per inch.
With a length-to-beam ratio of 2.78 and roughly 172 square feet of wetted surface, the hull is beamy. A comparison places her roomier than 66% of similar designs.
Rig and Handling
The Sunbeam 23 carries a fractional sloop rig. Mast height is 31.17 feet, while sail area is 285.24 square feet, giving a sail-area-to-displacement ratio of 19.14.
Rigging estimates specify 10 mm sheets. The jib and genoa sheets are 22.8 feet, the mainsheet is 57 feet, and the spinnaker sheets are 50.2 feet.
Her capsize screening value is 2.28, which excludes her from ocean racing. This is a sheltered-water coastal cruiser, not a bluewater boat.
Accommodations
Below, the Sunbeam 23 provides two cabins, five berths, a galley, and a toilet facility. The beamy hull allows five berths to fit within a 22.8-foot boat, while the enclosed toilet distinguishes her from more basic daysailers.
Known Issues
The capsize screening value of 2.28 excludes the Sunbeam 23 from ocean racing. Her draft also depends on load, so a laden boat sits deeper than 3.94 feet.
The solid-fiberglass hull and deck have no core to saturate.
Refits and Ownership
With 279 boats built and solid construction, refits center on rigging and cosmetics. Owners should budget for replacing the 10 mm sheets and servicing the drive. The shallow draft aids trailering.
The Verdict
The Sunbeam 23 is a thoughtfully proportioned small cruiser that trades ocean-racing eligibility for interior volume and stability.
Pros
- Bulb keel lowers the center of gravity, increasing righting moment and reducing draft
- Roomier than 66% of similar designs
- Solid-fiberglass hull and deck with no core
- Two cabins, five berths, galley, and toilet
Cons
- Capsize screening value of 2.28 excludes her from ocean racing
- Sail-area-to-displacement ratio of 19.14 is modest in light air
- Load-dependent draft of 3.94–4.24 feet
