Design and Construction
This 23-footer reflects a mature fiberglass practice: a solid fiberglass hull and deck with no core, a spade rudder, and a fin keel carrying a bulb. The bulb lowers the center of gravity, which increases righting moment and reduces draft anchor. The boat draws about 3.94 to 4.24 feet depending on load, while 992-pound ballast (33.33 ratio) keeps her planted. With a length-to-beam ratio of 2.78 and wetted surface of roughly 172 square feet, the hull is beamy, and the comparison placing her roomier than 66% of similar designs bears that out anchor. Immersion rate is about 651 pounds per inch.
Rig and Handling
The Sunbeam 23 is a fractional sloop with mast height 31.17 feet and sail area 285.24 square feet, giving a sail-area-displacement ratio of 19.14. Rigging estimates show 10 mm sheets: jib and genoa 22.8 feet, mainsheet 57 feet, spinnaker 50.2 feet anchor. Capsize screening value is 2.28, excluding her from ocean racing anchor; a sheltered-water coastal cruiser, not bluewater.
Accommodations
Below, the Sunbeam 23 provides two cabins, five berths, a galley, and a toilet facility. The beamy hull lets five berths fit in 22.8 feet, with the enclosed toilet distinguishing her from bare daysailers.
Known Issues
The capsize screening value excludes her from ocean racing, and load-dependent draft means a laden boat sits deeper than 3.94 feet. The solid hull leaves no core to saturate.
Refits and Ownership
With 279 built, her solid construction means refits center on rigging and cosmetics. Budget for 10 mm sheet replacement and drive servicing. Shallow draft aids trailering.
The Verdict
A thoughtfully proportioned small cruiser trading ocean eligibility for volume and stability.
Pros
- Bulb keel lowers center of gravity, increasing righting moment and reducing draft anchor
- Roomy, exceeding 66% of similar designs anchor
- Solid hull and deck with no core
- Two cabins, five berths, galley, toilet
Cons
- Capsize screening 2.28 excludes ocean racing anchor
- SA/D 19.14 modest in light air
- Load draft 3.94–4.24 feet
