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Cascade 23
Designer: Robert Smith  ·  Builder: Yacht Constructors Inc./Cascade Yachts (Usa)  ·  First built: 1977
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About the Cascade 23

Designed by Robert Smith and first launched in 1977, this compact fractional sloop represents a thoughtful approach to small boat cruising with versatility as its hallmark. Built by Yacht Constructors Inc. and later Cascade Yachts, the Cascade 23 features a distinctive lifting keel system that transforms it from a capable coastal cruiser to a shoal-water explorer. The boat's lifting keel design is its defining characteristic, allowing sailors to venture into skinny waters and trailer launch with ease while maintaining respectable sailing performance when the keel is deployed. With a displacement of 2,500 pounds and 700 pounds of ballast, the boat strikes a reasonable balance between stability and portability. The fractional sloop rig provides versatility in sail handling and reduces loads on the mast. At just under 23 feet overall with a 20-foot waterline, this fiberglass construction boat delivers a theoretical hull speed of 6 knots and maintains decent sailing characteristics with a sail area to displacement ratio of 20.72. The comfort ratio of 12.23 suggests a relatively quick motion in seaways, typical of smaller coastal cruisers. Best suited for coastal cruising, daysailing, and protected water exploration, the Cascade 23 appeals to sailors seeking adventure in shallow venues while maintaining trailerable convenience for those wanting to explore different sailing grounds.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 22.92 ft / 6.99 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 20.08 ft / 6.12 m
Beam 7.67 ft / 2.34 m
Max Draft 5.83 ft / 1.78 m
Min Draft 1.67 ft / 0.51 m
Displacement 2,500.00 lb / 1,134 kg
Ballast 700.00 lb / 318 kg
Sail Area (Reported) 238.00 ft² / 22.11 m²
Design & Construction
Hull Type Lifting Keel
Rigging Type Fractional Sloop
Construction FG
Designer Robert Smith
Builder Yacht Constructors Inc./Cascade Yachts (USA)
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
 20.72
Ballast/Displacement Ballast to Displacement ratio shows what percentage of the boat's total weight is ballast. Higher values generally mean better initial stability and stiffer sail carrying.
30–35% — Typical cruiser35–45% — Stiff performance boatOver 45% — Racing oriented
 28
Displacement/Length Displacement to Length ratio measures how heavy a boat is relative to its waterline length. Lower values mean a lighter, faster boat.
Under 100 — Ultralight racer100–200 — Light cruiser/racer200–300 — Moderate cruiser300–400 — Heavy cruiserOver 400 — Very heavy
 137.85
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
 12.23
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
 2.26
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. 6.00 kn
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
 4.09
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. 550.31 pounds/inch
SA/Displacement (Calc) Calculated Sail Area to Displacement ratio using actual measured sail dimensions rather than reported values. More precise than the reported SA/Disp figure. 20.69
Rig Dimensions
I (Foretriangle Height) 26.75 ft / 8.15 m
J (Foretriangle Base) 9.50 ft / 2.90 m
P (Mainsail Luff) 26.00 ft / 7.92 m
E (Mainsail Foot) 8.50 ft / 2.59 m
SA Fore 127.06 ft² / 11.80 m²
SA Main 110.50 ft² / 10.27 m²
SA Total (100%) 237.56 ft² / 22.07 m²
Est. Forestay Length 28.39 ft / 8.65 m
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