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Hughes 22
Designer: Howard Hughes  ·  Builder: Hughes Boatworks Ltd.  ·  First built: 1971
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About the Hughes 22

Built during the late 1970s and early 1980s, this compact sailboat represents a classic example of affordable coastal cruising design from that era. With its modest proportions, the Hughes 22 was designed to offer accessible sailing for small crews and weekend adventures. The boat features traditional construction methods typical of production sailboats from its period, with a focus on practical sailing rather than racing performance. Its size makes it well-suited for protected waters, day sailing, and short coastal hops, though experienced sailors have taken them on longer passages with proper preparation. Like many boats in this size range from the late 1970s, the Hughes 22 offers a reasonable balance of stability and handling characteristics that make it approachable for newer sailors while still providing an engaging sailing experience. The cockpit and cabin layout prioritize functionality over luxury, reflecting the era's emphasis on straightforward, no-nonsense design. While detailed specifications remain limited, owners generally praise the boat's seaworthiness relative to its size and its ability to provide an authentic sailing experience without the complexity of larger vessels. For sailors seeking an entry-level cruiser or those downsizing to simpler sailing, the Hughes 22 offers honest performance and classic sailboat character.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 22.00 ft / 6.71 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 19.60 ft / 5.97 m
Beam 7.58 ft / 2.31 m
Max Draft 6.00 ft / 1.83 m
Min Draft 1.67 ft / 0.51 m
Displacement 2,200.00 lb / 998 kg
Ballast 835.00 lb / 379 kg
Sail Area (Reported) 210.00 ft² / 19.51 m²
Design & Construction
Hull Type Keel/Cbrd.
Rigging Type Masthead Sloop
Construction FG
Designer Howard Hughes
Builder Hughes Boatworks Ltd.
First Built 1971
Owner Reviews

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Performance Ratios
PHRF Rating PHRF (Performance Handicap Racing Fleet) is a national racing handicap measured in seconds per nautical mile. Lower values indicate faster boats. Ratings are sourced from US Sailing's national database (median across 60+ regional fleets).
Under 0 — Ultralight racer0–90 — Performance racer90–150 — Cruiser/racer150–210 — Typical cruiserOver 210 — Heavy/slow cruiser
258
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
19.91
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
11.26
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
2.33
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. 5.93
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
4.11
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. 530.85
Rig Dimensions
I (Foretriangle Height) 26.58
J (Foretriangle Base) 7.92
P (Mainsail Luff) 22.0
E (Mainsail Foot) 9.5
SA Fore 105.26
SA Main 104.5
How It Compares

vs. Alberg 22, Columbia 22, South Coast 22

This boat Similar boats
Dimensions
LOA
Hughes 22 ★
22.0 ft
Alberg 22
22.0 ft
Columbia 22
22.0 ft
South Coast 22
22.0 ft
LWL
Hughes 22 ★
19.6 ft
Alberg 22
16.0 ft
Columbia 22
20.1 ft
South Coast 22
17.5 ft
Beam
Hughes 22 ★
7.6 ft
Alberg 22
7.0 ft
Columbia 22
7.8 ft
South Coast 22
7.1 ft
Displacement
Hughes 22 ★
2 lbs
Alberg 22
3 lbs
Columbia 22
2 lbs
South Coast 22
1 lbs
Ballast
Hughes 22 ★
835 lbs
Alberg 22
1 lbs
Columbia 22
1 lbs
South Coast 22
505 lbs
Sail Area
Hughes 22 ★
210 sq ft
Alberg 22
236 sq ft
Columbia 22
232 sq ft
South Coast 22
228 sq ft
Performance
PHRF Rating (lower = faster)
Hughes 22 ★
258 s/nm
Alberg 22
285 s/nm
Columbia 22
269 s/nm
South Coast 22
276 s/nm
SA / Displacement (higher = more powerful)
Hughes 22 ★
19.9
Alberg 22
17.4
Columbia 22
22.0
South Coast 22
24.7
Ballast / Disp (higher = stiffer)
Hughes 22 ★
Alberg 22
Columbia 22
50.0 %
South Coast 22
28.1 %
Comfort Ratio (higher = more comfortable offshore)
Hughes 22 ★
11.3
Alberg 22
20.8
Columbia 22
10.8
South Coast 22
10.9
Capsize Screening (lower = safer)
Hughes 22 ★
2.33
Alberg 22
1.90
Columbia 22
2.39
South Coast 22
2.33
Displacement / Length (lower = lighter)
Hughes 22 ★
Alberg 22
Columbia 22
121
South Coast 22
149
Hull Speed
Hughes 22 ★
5.9 kts
Alberg 22
5.4 kts
Columbia 22
6.0 kts
South Coast 22
5.6 kts
Speed Number (higher = faster)
Hughes 22 ★
4.1
Alberg 22
1.4
Columbia 22
4.6
South Coast 22
4.4
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