Windrose 22 S Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Windrose 22 S is characterized by a surprisingly high Sail Area to Displacement (SA/Disp) ratio of approximately 20.9, a figure more commonly associated with performance-oriented boats than budget cruisers. This makes the vessel particularly lively in light air, where it can outpace many of its contemporaries. However, this same ratio suggests the boat can be tender; it is often described as "overrigged," requiring early reefing as the breeze freshens to maintain comfort and control.

The boat’s handling is defined by its versatile hull appendages. Most models were equipped with a 600-pound swing keel that, when fully extended to a depth of 5.5 feet, provides significant righting moment and allows for respectable upwind tracking. The high ballast-to-displacement ratio—roughly 30% to 40% depending on the specific configuration—gives the Windrose 22 S a degree of stiffness that was considered superior to the lighter-ballasted MacGregor or Venture models of the same era. Its fractional rig, a hallmark of Shad Turner’s designs, simplifies headsail handling and tacking, though the boat reaches its theoretical hull speed of roughly 5.8 knots relatively quickly.

Interior Comfort & Variations

For a 22-foot vessel, the interior of the Windrose 22 S is remarkably functional, though headroom is limited to approximately 4 feet 4 inches (52 inches). The layout is optimized for a family of four, featuring a double V-berth forward and two straight settees in the main salon. A hallmark of this design is the optional sliding galley; in many configurations, the kitchenette unit is mounted on rails on the starboard side, allowing it to slide aft under the cockpit seat when not in use to open up cabin floor space.

Storage is located beneath the settees and V-berth, with a chemical head typically housed under the forward cushions. While the Standard "S" model provides better exterior accessibility and a safer walking surface on deck than the Flush Deck version, the FD sibling offers a noticeably more cavernous interior feel at the expense of traditional side decks. Materials inside are typical of the era, consisting of molded fiberglass liners accented with teak trim and marine-grade fabrics.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers should focus their inspections on the specialized hardware and common aging points of the Laguna build process:

• Swing Keel Assembly: The keel pivot bolt, lift cable, and winch are the most critical points of failure. According to owner reports, the lift cable can "sing" or vibrate at speed; while common, a lack of tension or visible fraying indicates an immediate need for replacement. The keel trunk should be inspected for cracks caused by the heavy iron board knocking against the fiberglass housing during transport or heavy seas.
• Mast Step Compression: A known issue in earlier Laguna models is the degradation of the core material beneath the mast step. If the deck feels soft or shows a "dish" around the mast base, the internal support post or the deck core may have rotted, requiring a structural repair to maintain rig tension.
• Hull-to-Deck Joint: The joint is a mechanical fastening often prone to weeping. Water intrusion here frequently manifests as staining or "weeping" along the interior hull carpet or liner.
• Rudder Delamination: The transom-hung rudder is a sandwich construction of fiberglass over foam or wood. It is prone to water absorption and delamination, which can lead to catastrophic failure under the high loads of heavy weather.

Community & Resources

Owners of the Windrose and its successors are supported by a long-standing technical community. The Windrose-Laguna Owners Association serves as the primary repository for original manuals, rigging diagrams, and restoration guides. Because these boats share molds and parts with the Balboa and Classic lines, many components are interchangeable, and the technical wiki maintained by enthusiasts provides specific instructions for the sliding galley repairs and swing keel winch overhauls.

The Verdict

The Windrose 22 S remains a highly regarded pocket cruiser for those who prioritize light-air performance and easy trailering over heavy-weather blue-water capabilities.

Pros

• Light Air Agility: The fractional rig and high sail area make it a joy to sail in light lake breezes.
• Trailering Ease: The swing keel allows for a low profile on the trailer and easy ramp launching.
• Clever Layout: Features like the sliding galley maximize the utility of its limited square footage.

Cons

• Headroom: The 52-inch interior height requires significant crouching for most adults.
• Tender Nature: High sail area necessitates diligent reefing to avoid excessive heeling.
• Maintenance Intensity: The aging swing keel system requires more frequent oversight than a fixed-keel equivalent.