Sailing Performance & Handling
True to Gary Mull’s design philosophy, the US 22 SD possesses a more athletic feel than many of its contemporary competitors from the era. It utilizes a masthead sloop rig with a high-aspect ratio mainsail, providing sufficient power to move the hull in light air—a common weakness in many small "pocket" cruisers. While the Shoal Draft keel (drawing approximately 3' 0") reduces the boat's ultimate upwind pointing ability compared to the deeper 3' 6" fixed keel variant, the hull’s relatively wide 8-foot beam provides significant form stability.
Owners and historical reviews in regional sailing publications often note that the boat is "tender" initially, meaning it heels quickly to about 15 degrees, but then stiffens up considerably as the hull's shoulder picks up buoyancy. The spade rudder provides high-authority steering, making the boat exceptionally maneuverable in tight marinas, though it requires a sensitive touch on the helm when sailing off-the-wind in heavy gusts. The sail area-to-displacement ratio suggests a boat that is lively enough for club racing but stable enough for a confident novice.
Interior Comfort & Variations
For a vessel of its length, the US 22 SD offers a surprisingly functional interior, largely due to the "trunk cabin" design which maximizes vertical space. The layout typically features a V-berth forward, a compact chemical or marine head located under a mahogany-trimmed privacy panel, and a main salon with two settee berths. A small galley area, often equipped with a single-burner stove and a portable ice chest, is situated near the companionway for ventilation.
The interior finish reflects the production standards of US Marine in the 1980s, utilizing molded fiberglass liners with teak or mahogany accents to add warmth. While the US 22 SD shares its hull lines with the swing-keel version, the lack of a centerboard trunk in the SD model opens up the cabin floor, creating a more spacious feel and allowing for easier movement below deck. The larger sibling, the US 25, follows a similar design language but offers a dedicated dinette and standing headroom, which the 22-foot model lacks (averaging roughly 4' 10" of headroom).
Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist
Prospective buyers of the US 22 SD should prioritize an inspection of the structural "grid" and the mast support system. A common "gotcha" found in forum discussions on CruisersForum and owner logs is the degradation of the compression post or the wooden block located beneath the mast step; if water has intruded into the deck core or the post base, the deck may "sag," leading to improper rig tension.
Secondary areas of concern include:
- Chainplate Leakage: Like many production boats of this age, the chainplates passing through the deck are prone to sealant failure, which can lead to localized core rot if not re-bedded periodically.
- Rudder Delamination: The spade rudder is a composite structure that can trap water over time, leading to internal freeze-thaw damage or "wicking" into the rudder post.
- Portlight Seals: The original aluminum-framed windows are known to leak, often requiring a complete removal and resealing with modern marine-grade silicone or butyl tape.
- Keel-to-Hull Joint: On the SD model, inspect the "smile" at the leading edge of the keel-to-hull joint, which may indicate the need for tightening keel bolts or renewing the structural adhesive.
Community & Resources
The primary hub for technical data and owner support is the US Yachts Owner’s Group, which maintains archives of original sales brochures and rigging specifications. Technical discussions and historical context regarding Gary Mull’s design influence can also be found through various regional yacht club archives that highlight the boat's history as a popular one-design or PHRF racer in the Pacific Northwest and the Great Lakes.
The Verdict
The US 22 SD remains a highly capable "step-up" boat for sailors transitioning from dinghies to overnight cruising. Its pedigree as a Mull design ensures it is more than just a "floating camper," offering genuine sailing satisfaction in a package that is still small enough to be maintained by a dedicated do-it-yourselfer.
Pros:
- Thin Water Capability: The 3-foot draft is ideal for shallow coastal exploration.
- Design Pedigree: Excellent hull lines and balanced handling courtesy of Gary Mull.
- Simplicity: The fixed shoal keel avoids the maintenance headaches of swing-keel cables and winches.
Cons:
- Limited Headroom: Not suitable for taller sailors looking for a live-aboard feel.
- Initial Tenderness: May feel "tippy" to those accustomed to heavy-displacement full-keel boats.
- Aging Hardware: Original deck hardware and portlights often require replacement or significant refurbishment.
