Sailing Performance & Handling
The Sunmaid 20 is defined by a high ballast-to-displacement ratio of approximately 40%, a figure more common in fixed-keel yachts than in trailerable swing-keelers. With 272 kg of lead ballast housed in a fixed skeg and an additional 60 kg in the galvanised steel centreplate, the boat exhibits exceptional stiffness. According to technical documentation from the Sunmaid Association, the design is self-righting to Australian Yachting Federation (AYF) standards even with the centreplate raised, provided the sails are sheeted in.
On the water, the 15/16 fractional rig provides a balanced sail plan that is easily managed by a solo sailor or a small family. Reviewers of the period, including noted maritime author Jeff Toghill, frequently referred to the boat as the "Mercedes Benz of trailer sailers" due to its refined handling and ability to "thumb its nose" at savage gusts. The hull's medium displacement and aerofoil rudder allow it to track reliably in offshore chop, though the designer noted the boat could be slightly heavy by the stern if the cockpit was overloaded. Its draft ranges from a shallow 0.38 meters with the plate up—ideal for beaching—to 0.99 meters with the plate down for windward performance.
Interior Comfort & Variations
Despite its 20-foot length, the Sunmaid 20 provides a surprisingly functional interior layout that accommodates four adults across a double V-berth and two generous quarter berths. The cabin offers a headroom of roughly 1.37 meters (4' 6"), which is complemented by an organized galley area. Standard features typically included a 126-litre insulated icebox, a methylated spirit stove, and a 55-litre inbuilt water tank.
Several variations exist due to the boat's long production run and multiple builders. Early models (pre-Sail No. 200) featured an external sliding main hatch, while later units utilized a more streamlined internal envelope hatch. When Bolwell Fibreglass took over production in 1981, they introduced a rare five-berth version utilizing a folding dinette on the starboard side. The boat also has a close New Zealand relative, the Coronet 20, built by Salthouse Brothers, which shares the same hull lines but occasionally differs in internal finish and rig specifications. A larger sibling, the SunBird 25, was later developed for those seeking standing headroom and dedicated motor-sailing capabilities.
Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist
Prospective buyers should prioritize a structural inspection of the deck and cockpit, as these areas utilize a foam and timber sandwich construction that can degrade over time.
- Deck & Cabin Top Softness: The 45-year-old foam core in the cabin top can become "powdery" or delaminate, leading to a spongy feel underfoot.
- Cockpit Floor Integrity: Many units have experienced rot in the plywood core of the cockpit floor, often requiring a complete cutout and replacement with modern composites.
- Gelcoat Crazing: Some production runs exhibit extensive "dried-up creek bed" crazing on the deck. While often cosmetic, deep cracks may indicate the gelcoat was applied too thickly and has become brittle.
- Keel Winch & Cable: The swing keel is raised via a cockpit-mounted winch. The galvanized cable and pivot pin are critical wear items; a failure here can result in the keel dropping and potentially damaging the casing.
- Transom Strength: Check for stress cracks around the outboard mount. Older two-stroke engines are heavy, and modern four-stroke replacements may require additional reinforcement of the transom.
Community & Resources
The Sunmaid Association serves as the primary technical repository for the class, offering historical newsletters (Sunlogs), original drawing plans, and class rules. Owners are also heavily represented within the Trailer Sailer Association of Australia, which provides a community for those cruising the diverse coastal and inland waters of Victoria, South Australia, and New South Wales.
The Verdict
The Sunmaid 20 is a "heavyweight" among pocket cruisers, trading ultimate trailering ease for superior seaworthiness and build quality. It remains a premier choice for sailors moving up from dinghies who want a boat capable of overnighting and handling unpredictable coastal conditions.
Pros:
- High ballast ratio provides excellent stability and safety for a trailer yacht.
- Quality of GRP work on most hulls exceeds contemporary standards.
- Well-supported by a dedicated owner association.
- Seaworthy enough for moderate offshore passages and JOG racing.
Cons:
- Heavier than many modern 20-footers, requiring a robust towing vehicle (approx. 1,450 kg towed mass).
- Potential for significant restoration work regarding core rot in older decks.
- The "stub keel" design makes it more difficult to launch on very shallow ramps compared to flat-bottomed trailer sailers.
