Sundance 23 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Sundance 23 is characterized by a moderate-to-heavy displacement for its size, weighing in at approximately 3,300 pounds with 1,200 pounds of ballast. This results in a ballast ratio of roughly 36%, providing a degree of stability and "stiffness" often lacking in lighter 23-foot competitors like the early Catalina 22. With a Displacement-to-Length (D/L) ratio of 217, it sits firmly in the category of a light-to-moderate cruiser, offering a more predictable motion in a seaway.

Under sail, the masthead sloop rig is simple and manageable. Owners frequently report that the boat tracks well and maintains its composure in 15–20 knot winds, often out-sailing comparable cruisers when the water gets rough. The standard fin keel draws 3.5 feet, though a shoal draft version of 2.25 feet was also produced for shallower inland waters. Its theoretical hull speed of 5.83 knots is easily achieved in a moderate breeze, and while it is not a racing machine, its ability to punch through 3-foot waves without excessive slamming makes it a favorite for family outings.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The interior of the Sundance 23 was designed to maximize the utility of its 8-foot beam. The most significant variation in the model line is the inclusion of a "pop-top" cabin on models produced from 1976 onwards. When raised, this feature significantly increases the standing headroom in the main salon, which otherwise sits at a modest 5 feet. The layout is a classic four-to-five berth configuration: a forward V-berth, a small galley area usually situated to starboard, and a settee that converts into a double berth.

Materials used in the cabin are typical of the mid-70s, featuring molded fiberglass liners and wood accents that give the interior a warmer feel than many "all-plastic" boats of the time. The 1976 model year also saw the introduction of an optional inboard engine, a rarity for 23-footers of that period, which further solidified its reputation as a "mini-cruiser" rather than just a day boat. Its smaller sibling, the Sundance 20, shared many of these design cues but lacked the same interior volume and was primarily geared toward weekend camping rather than extended stays.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

• Deck Core Delamination: Like many boats of this vintage, the Sundance 23 used a balsa-cored deck. Buyers should inspect the areas around the chainplates, stanchion bases, and the pop-top mechanism for "soft spots" or brown staining, which indicates water intrusion and potential rot.
• Keel-to-Hull Joint: For models with the 3.5-foot fin keel, the joint should be inspected for the "smile"—a hairline crack at the leading edge of the keel—which may indicate loose keel bolts or past groundings.
• Pop-Top Gaskets: On 1976 and later models, the vinyl or rubber gaskets on the pop-top cabin often degrade over decades. Ensuring these are still watertight is critical to preventing interior mildew and wood damage.
• Rudder Bushings: The transom-hung or spade rudders (depending on the specific production year) can develop significant play in the bushings. A "thumping" sensation while under power or sail is a common sign that the bushings require replacement.

Community & Resources

The primary hub for technical support and owner networking is the El Mar Boat Company Sailboats Facebook Group. This community is particularly active in sharing scans of original sales brochures and technical diagrams, which are otherwise difficult to locate due to the company's dissolution. Owners also frequently congregate on regional sailing forums in the Michigan and Great Lakes areas, where the boat’s history is most deeply rooted.

The Verdict

The Sundance 23 is a sturdy, "big-feeling" small cruiser that prioritizes safety and seakeeping over raw speed or trailerability.

Pros:

• Heavy displacement provides a stable, comfortable ride in heavy air.
• Pop-top cabin variant offers excellent ventilation and headroom.
• Solid fiberglass hull construction is exceptionally durable.

Cons:

• Relatively heavy for frequent trailering compared to swing-keel competitors.
• Limited standing headroom when the pop-top is closed.
• The builder is long defunct, making model-specific replacement parts difficult to source.