Designed by Eric Maizey and launched in 1968, this compact Australian sailboat carved out a reputation as a versatile coastal cruiser during the height of the small boat sailing boom. Built by Maison Marine and later Peninsula Yachts, the Boomerang 20 represents practical yacht design focused on ease of handling and shallow-water capability. The boat's most distinctive feature is its swing keel configuration, allowing the 4.16-foot draft to be reduced significantly for beaching, shallow anchorages, or trailer launching. This flexibility makes it particularly appealing for coastal exploration and gunkholing in protected waters. The fractional sloop rig with 183 square feet of sail area provides adequate power while remaining manageable for small crews. At 1,830 pounds with 531 pounds of ballast, the fiberglass construction strikes a reasonable balance between stability and trailability. The comfort ratio of 10.49 suggests a relatively stiff motion in choppy conditions, while the capsize screening value of 2.36 indicates this is clearly a boat intended for protected waters rather than offshore passages. With a hull speed of 5.81 knots and moderate sail area-to-displacement ratio, performance is respectable for weekend cruising and casual sailing. The Boomerang 20 appeals to sailors seeking an affordable entry into cruising with the convenience of shallow-draft versatility.
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