Vision 660 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Vision 660 is characterized by its light displacement and masthead sloop rig, a combination that Bruce Kirby optimized for responsiveness in light-to-moderate air. With a Displacement-to-Length (D/L) ratio of approximately 169, the boat sits firmly in the "light racer" category, enabling rapid acceleration and a lively feel at the helm that many contemporary 22-footers of the 1970s lacked. Its Sail Area-to-Displacement (SA/D) ratio of 19.1 suggests a boat that is relatively "over-rigged" for its size, making it a capable performer in the light winds typical of inland lakes or sheltered coastal waters.

Handling is reported to be dinghy-like, which is unsurprising given Kirby’s background. According to historical sales literature preserved in The Daily Colonist (1975-09-21), the boat was specifically marketed to those who wanted a "Bruce Kirby 22' that trails," emphasizing its portability without sacrificing the designer's signature speed. The 800-pound stub fin provides significant initial stability, while the swing-up centerboard allows for a maximum draft of 4.5 feet, providing the tracking necessary for efficient upwind performance. However, with a Capsize Screening Formula value of roughly 2.39, the Vision 660 is strictly a coastal or inland vessel and is not intended for heavy offshore conditions.

Interior Comfort & Variations

Despite its modest 21.6-foot length, the Vision 660 offers a surprisingly functional interior that maximizes vertical space through an innovative "pop-top" or lifting main hatch. When deployed, this feature provides over six feet of headroom in the main cabin, a rarity for a boat that can be easily trailered. The layout is a standard four-berth configuration, featuring a V-berth forward and two quarter berths that extend under the cockpit seats.

Materials used in the interior reflect the utilitarian but durable standards of 1970s Canadian boatbuilding, typically featuring fiberglass liners with teak accents. The sibling model, the DS 22, is virtually identical in hull and rig but may occasionally be found with varying degrees of finish depending on whether it was sold as a kit or a factory-complete unit. Most versions include a compact galley area and space for a portable head, though the specific configuration can vary among the approximately 47 hulls produced.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers of a Vision 660 should focus their inspection on the specific mechanical and structural points common to vintage trailer sailers:

• Centerboard Pivot and Trunk: The pivoting centerboard mechanism is a primary point of wear. Inspect the pivot bolt for corrosion and the trunk for cracks or leaks, as these can be difficult to repair if the fiberglass has structural fatigue.
• Mast Step Compression: Like many fiberglass boats from this era, the area beneath the mast step should be checked for sagging or "crazing" in the gelcoat, which indicates a compression of the deck core or failure of the internal support post.
• Keel-to-Hull Joint: Although the stub fin is small, it carries significant ballast. Check for the "smile" at the leading edge of the keel-hull joint, which may indicate loose keel bolts or impact damage.
• Deck Core Integrity: Use a moisture meter or perform a "tap test" on the side decks and cabin top. Water intrusion through poorly bedded stanchions or cleats can lead to soft spots in the balsa or plywood core.

Community & Resources

Due to the limited production run, there is no formal international owners' association; however, owners often congregate in broader technical forums. Information regarding Bruce Kirby’s design philosophy for small cruisers can occasionally be found through the archival records of North American yachting publications from the mid-1970s. Technical data and rig dimensions are often documented on regional sailing wikis and historical databases.

The Verdict

The Vision 660 is a "thinking man’s" trailer sailer, offering a level of design sophistication and speed that outclasses more common high-production boats of the same size.

Pros:

• Designed by the legendary Bruce Kirby, ensuring excellent light-air performance.
• The lifting hatch provides exceptional headroom (6ft+) for a 22-foot boat.
• Stub-fin and centerboard combo offers a good balance of stability and shallow-water access.
• Easily trailerable, allowing for versatile cruising grounds.

Cons:

• Extremely limited production (fewer than 50 built), making parts and model-specific advice difficult to find.
• Light displacement makes it tender in heavy weather and unsuitable for blue-water passages.
• Aging 1970s hardware and deck cores require diligent maintenance and likely upgrades.