Windrose 22 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Windrose 22 is characterized by a fractional sloop rig, a choice that differentiates it from many of its masthead-rigged contemporaries like the Catalina 22. This setup allows for easier headsail handling and more precise mainsail trimming. With a Sail Area/Displacement (SA/D) ratio of approximately 20.9 and a Displacement/Length (D/L) ratio of 148, the boat is technically categorized as a light-displacement high-performer. On the water, this translates to a boat that is notably responsive in light air but can become "tender" or prone to heeling quickly as the breeze freshens.

The primary hull appendage is a 600-pound cast-iron swing keel. When fully extended to its 5.5-foot depth, the boat tracks well and shows respectable pointing ability. When retracted to its 1.4-foot minimum draft, the vessel becomes an ideal platform for "gunkholing" or beach launching. However, because a significant portion of the ballast is moved upward when the keel is retracted, the boat's stability profile changes significantly; it is strictly intended to be sailed with the keel locked in the down position for safety.

Interior Comfort & Variations

For a 22-foot vessel, the Windrose offers a surprisingly functional interior, largely due to its generous 8-foot beam. The layout typically features a V-berth forward, a central salon with twin settee berths, and a dual drop-leaf table centered over the keel trunk. One of the model's most innovative features is the "sliding galley," which allows the stove and sink unit to be tucked under the cockpit sole when not in use, freeing up significant floor space.

Headroom is a modest 4 feet 4 inches under the fixed deckhouse, but many units were equipped with a "pop-top" companionway hatch. When raised and fitted with a canvas enclosure, this feature provides approximately 6 feet of standing headroom in the main cabin.

The model saw several variations during its lifespan. The "Windrose 22 S" was a fixed-keel version drawing 2 feet 11 inches, offering a stiffer ride at the expense of trailerability. When Laguna Yachts rebranded the line in 1983, the Laguna 22 variant introduced a modified deck mold and updated interior finishes, though it retained the original Turner-designed hull.

Popular Mentions & Media

The Windrose 22 has maintained a steady presence in the "good old boat" community for decades. A 1979 model named Regardless II was famously featured on the cover of Good Old Boat Magazine (Issue 135), where it was highlighted for its enduring utility as a budget-friendly cruiser. Additionally, the model is frequently cited in regional publications like Latitude 38 as a staple of the West Coast trailer-sailing scene, particularly in the San Francisco Bay and Delta regions.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

• Swing Keel Assembly: The most critical inspection point is the keel pivot bolt and the stainless steel lifting cable. Years of use in salt water can lead to "volcanoing" of the pivot hole or fraying of the cable. A snapping cable can cause the 600-pound keel to slam down, potentially compromising the fiberglass keel trunk.
• Deck Core Delamination: Like many boats of this era, the Windrose 22 uses a plywood or balsa core. Buyers should check for "soft spots" around the mast step and chainplates, where water intrusion often leads to rot.
• Mast Step Compression: The load from the mast is transferred through the deck to a compression post. If the deck core has softened or the post has shifted, the deck may "sink," making it impossible to maintain proper rig tension.
• Hull-to-Deck Joint: The joint is a traditional "shoebox" fit. Over time, the sealant can dry out, leading to leaks that manifest as water damage behind the interior carpet lining or under the settees.

Community & Resources

The Windrose/Laguna community is largely decentralized but remains active through technical repositories and owner groups. The Windrose/Laguna Owners Association (often found through technical wikis) provides archived manuals and rigging diagrams. For specialized hardware like swing keel components or pop-top gaskets, many owners rely on cross-referenced parts from the Balboa 22 community, as the boats share significant structural commonalities.

The Verdict

Pros:

• Excellent light-air performance due to high SA/D ratio.
• Highly trailerable with a shallow minimum draft.
• Creative interior solutions like the sliding galley and pop-top headroom.
• Broad beam provides more interior volume than many 22-foot competitors.

Cons:

• Light displacement makes for a "lively" (sometimes nervous) motion in heavy chop.
• High maintenance requirements for the swing keel mechanism.
• Original build quality is "production-grade" rather than "yacht-grade," requiring diligent upkeep of the deck and hull joints.