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American 23
Designer: Arthur S Henry  ·  Builder: American Mariner Industries  ·  First built: 1977
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About the American 23

Built during the late 1960s and early 1970s, this compact fiberglass sailboat emerged during an era when manufacturers were exploring affordable options for weekend sailors and small boat enthusiasts. The design represents a practical approach to recreational sailing, offering manageable size and straightforward handling characteristics that appealed to both novice sailors and those seeking an uncomplicated sailing experience. With its modest dimensions, this boat naturally lends itself to protected waters, day sailing, and coastal exploration. The design philosophy emphasizes simplicity and ease of handling, making it particularly well-suited for sailors who prioritize straightforward operation over complex systems. Its size makes it an ideal choice for those with limited storage space or smaller budgets for maintenance and docking fees. The boat's construction reflects the manufacturing standards of its era, utilizing solid fiberglass layup techniques common to production boats of the period. While not designed for extensive offshore passages, it provides a stable platform for learning sailing fundamentals and enjoying afternoon excursions on lakes, bays, and protected coastal waters. Its unpretentious nature and honest sailing characteristics have earned it a place among reliable small boat options for recreational sailors seeking authentic sailing experiences without unnecessary complexity.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 23.00 ft / 7.01 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 21.00 ft / 6.40 m
Beam 7.98 ft / 2.43 m
Max Draft 2.33 ft / 0.71 m
Displacement 2,800.00 lb / 1,270 kg
Ballast 900.00 lb / 408 kg
Sail Area (Reported) 220.00 ft² / 20.44 m²
Headroom 6.00 ft / 1.83 m
Design & Construction
Hull Type Fin (shoal draft)
Rigging Type Masthead Sloop
Construction FG
Designer Arthur S Henry
Builder American Mariner Industries
First Built 1977
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Performance Ratios
SA/Displacement Sail Area to Displacement ratio measures how much sail power a boat has relative to its weight. Higher values mean more performance and speed.
Under 14 — Heavy cruiser, slow14–18 — Cruising sailboat18–22 — Cruiser/racerOver 22 — Performance racer
17.76
Comfort Ratio Ted Brewer's Comfort Ratio predicts how comfortable a boat will feel in offshore conditions. Higher values mean a steadier, more comfortable motion in a seaway.
Under 20 — Uncomfortably rough20–30 — Acceptable coastal30–40 — Good offshore comfortOver 40 — Very comfortable offshore
12.59
Capsize Screening Formula The USHS Capsize Screening Formula estimates offshore capsize risk. Lower is safer — values under 2.0 are considered acceptable for offshore sailing.
Under 2.0 — Safe for offshore2.0–2.2 — Borderline offshoreOver 2.2 — Coastal use recommended
2.27
Hull Speed Hull Speed is the theoretical maximum speed of a displacement hull, calculated from waterline length. Most cruising sailboats reach this speed in moderate conditions. 6.14
S# (Speed Number) The Speed Number (S#) is a quick performance index. Higher values indicate a faster, more powerful design relative to its size.
Under 3.0 — Slow cruiser3.0–5.0 — Average cruiser5.0–7.0 — Performance cruiserOver 7.0 — Racer
3.63
Pounds/Inch Immersion Pounds per Inch Immersion (PPI) tells you how much weight is needed to sink the boat one inch. Useful for calculating how additional gear and stores affect waterline. 598.78
Rig Dimensions
I (Foretriangle Height) 23.5
J (Foretriangle Base) 10.2
P (Mainsail Luff) 23.3
E (Mainsail Foot) 8.0
SA Fore 119.85
SA Main 93.2
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