Home/ Boats/ Nor'star Fiberglass Yachts/Pacific Seacraft (Usa)/ Flicka 20/ Known Issues
Known Issues

Flicka 20 Known Issues

Common problems, survey red flags, and what to inspect before buying a Flicka 20.

+ Add to Compare

These are the most commonly reported problems on the Flicka 20, compiled from surveys, owner reports, and marine forums. Use this list as a pre-purchase inspection checklist — especially the high-severity items.

10
Known Issues
4 High 5 Medium 1 Low
Accommodations
Low
The interior teak and holly sole and joinery on Nor'Star-built boats used relatively thin veneers over plywood substrates that are susceptible to delamination when bilge moisture or leaks go unaddressed. Check the sole and lower joinery panels carefully for soft spots and bubbling veneer.
Nor'Star-built models
Engine
Medium
The engine compartment on the Flicka 20 is extremely tight, making routine maintenance very difficult. Many boats have had multiple engine swaps over their lifetime; verify proper mounting, alignment, and that exhaust and cooling systems were correctly reinstalled after any engine change.
Hull/Deck
High
Early Nor'Star-built Flickas (pre-1978) used a balsa-cored deck in some sections that is prone to water intrusion and rot around deck hardware, chainplates, and stanchion bases. Probe all deck hardware mounting points carefully for soft spots.
pre-1978 Nor'Star models
Medium
The deck-to-hull joint on Nor'Star-built boats was mechanically fastened and bedded but not glassed over on all examples. This joint can open and allow water intrusion; inspect carefully from both inside and outside.
pre-1978 Nor'Star models
Medium
The portlights on many Flickas are set into the hull with frames that are difficult to rebед once they begin leaking. Chronic leaking around portlights leading to interior woodwork damage is a commonly reported issue across the production run.
Medium
The bowsprit, a prominent feature of the Flicka design, is a common source of deck leaks where it is through-bolted to the hull. Water intrusion at the bowsprit root can go undetected and cause delamination or rot in any coring present at the bow.
Keel
High
The external lead keel is attached with bronze keel bolts that can suffer galvanic corrosion, particularly where the bilge is damp or has standing water. Keel bolt inspection is critical as the long keel design can mask early movement.
High
Some Flickas have shown keel-to-hull joint cracking and bedding compound deterioration at the garboard area, allowing water to wick into the laminate. Look for rust staining or soft laminate at the keel-hull interface.
Rigging
High
The chainplate backing plates on early boats are often undersized aluminum or mild steel plates that corrode and lose holding strength. Access to inspect them requires removing interior joinery, and they are frequently found in poor condition.
Nor'Star-built models
Medium
The mast partner and mast step area on deck-stepped examples is prone to stress cracking and delamination due to the high compression loads on a relatively small hull. Inspect the mast step area from below for delamination or cracking.
Know of an issue we're missing?
Help fellow sailors — share survey findings, recurring problems, or things you wish you'd known before buying.
✉️ Submit an Issue