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Independence 20
Designer: Gary Mull  ·  Builder: Freedom Yachts/Pearson Yachts Usa  ·  First built: 1999
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About the Independence 20

With limited specifications publicly available, the Independence 20 represents one of the more elusive entries in the 20-foot sailboat category. This modest-sized vessel appears to have been designed primarily for recreational day sailing and weekend coastal adventures, making it an accessible option for sailors seeking an uncomplicated sailing experience. Based on its size classification, the Independence 20 likely features a simple yet functional layout optimized for ease of handling. The boat's proportions suggest it would be well-suited for protected waters, small lakes, and near-shore coastal sailing where conditions remain relatively mild. Its compact dimensions make it an attractive choice for sailors with limited storage space or those seeking a boat that can be easily trailered to different sailing venues. The scarcity of detailed information about this model indicates it may have had limited production numbers or a relatively short manufacturing run. This creates both challenges and opportunities for potential buyers – while finding detailed performance data or extensive owner reviews may prove difficult, those who do locate an Independence 20 in good condition might discover a capable small sailboat that offers straightforward sailing pleasures without unnecessary complexity.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 20.50 ft / 6.25 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 17.75 ft / 5.41 m
Beam 8.00 ft / 2.44 m
Max Draft 4.00 ft / 1.22 m
Displacement 2,080.00 lb / 943 kg
Ballast 900.00 lb / 408 kg
Sail Area (Reported) 230.00 ft² / 21.37 m²
Design & Construction
Hull Type Fin w/transom hung rudder
Rigging Type Frac. Sloop (Free standing)
Construction FG
Designer Gary Mull
Builder Freedom Yachts/Pearson Yachts USA
First Built 1999
Owner Reviews

No owner reviews yet — be the first to share your experience with this boat.

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
22.64
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
10.84
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
2.51
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. 5.65
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. 507.38
How It Compares

vs. Cal 21, First 210 Beneteau, San Juan 21

This boat Similar boats
Dimensions
LOA
Independence 20 ★
20.5 ft
Cal 21
20.5 ft
First 210 Beneteau
20.3 ft
San Juan 21
20.5 ft
LWL
Independence 20 ★
17.8 ft
Cal 21
16.7 ft
First 210 Beneteau
19.7 ft
San Juan 21
17.0 ft
Beam
Independence 20 ★
8.0 ft
Cal 21
6.7 ft
First 210 Beneteau
8.1 ft
San Juan 21
7.0 ft
Displacement
Independence 20 ★
2 lbs
Cal 21
1 lbs
First 210 Beneteau
2 lbs
San Juan 21
1 lbs
Ballast
Independence 20 ★
900 lbs
Cal 21
360 lbs
First 210 Beneteau
772 lbs
San Juan 21
400 lbs
Sail Area
Independence 20 ★
230 sq ft
Cal 21
196 sq ft
First 210 Beneteau
237 sq ft
San Juan 21
190 sq ft
Performance
PHRF Rating (lower = faster)
Independence 20 ★
Cal 21
261 s/nm
First 210 Beneteau
San Juan 21
258 s/nm
SA / Displacement (higher = more powerful)
Independence 20 ★
22.6
Cal 21
29.5
First 210 Beneteau
22.3
San Juan 21
26.3
Ballast / Disp (higher = stiffer)
Independence 20 ★
Cal 21
32.7 %
First 210 Beneteau
34.7 %
San Juan 21
Comfort Ratio (higher = more comfortable offshore)
Independence 20 ★
10.8
Cal 21
7.6
First 210 Beneteau
10.6
San Juan 21
8.0
Capsize Screening (lower = safer)
Independence 20 ★
2.51
Cal 21
2.59
First 210 Beneteau
2.50
San Juan 21
2.60
Displacement / Length (lower = lighter)
Independence 20 ★
Cal 21
106
First 210 Beneteau
130
San Juan 21
Hull Speed
Independence 20 ★
5.7 kts
Cal 21
5.5 kts
First 210 Beneteau
5.9 kts
San Juan 21
5.5 kts
Speed Number (higher = faster)
Independence 20 ★
Cal 21
6.0
First 210 Beneteau
4.5
San Juan 21
5.4
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