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Independent 20
 ·  Builder: Independent Yachts  ·  First built: 1978
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About the Independent 20

With limited specifications available, the Independent 20 represents a modest-sized sailboat that likely targets the small cruiser or daysailer market segment. Based on its 20-foot length designation, this vessel would typically appeal to sailors seeking an accessible entry point into sailing or those wanting a manageable boat for weekend adventures. Boats in this size range generally excel at coastal sailing and protected water cruising, offering enough space for short overnight trips while remaining trailerable and easy to handle. The Independent 20 would likely feature a simple but functional layout optimized for its compact dimensions, possibly including basic cabin accommodations and straightforward sail handling systems. The limited available data suggests this may be a lesser-known model or one produced in smaller numbers, which could indicate either a boutique builder focused on quality over quantity, or a design that didn't achieve widespread market penetration. Without extensive documentation, potential buyers would benefit from hands-on inspection and sea trials to evaluate build quality, sailing characteristics, and overall condition. For sailors considering the Independent 20, the focus should be on assessing the boat's suitability for intended use and verifying the integrity of its construction and systems.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 20.00 ft / 6.10 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 18.00 ft / 5.49 m
Beam 6.80 ft / 2.07 m
Max Draft 4.50 ft / 1.37 m
Displacement 2,000.00 lb / 907 kg
Sail Area (Reported) 219.00 ft² / 20.35 m²
Design & Construction
Hull Type Keel/Cbrd.
Rigging Type Masthead Sloop
Construction FG
Builder Independent Yachts
First Built 1978
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
242
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
22.12
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
12.92
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
2.16
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. 5.69
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
4.01
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. 437.35
Rig Dimensions
I (Foretriangle Height) 27.8
J (Foretriangle Base) 8.5
P (Mainsail Luff) 23.5
E (Mainsail Foot) 8.6
SA Fore 118.15
SA Main 101.05
How It Compares

vs. Balboa 20, Ensenada 20, Ranger 20

This boat Similar boats
Dimensions
LOA
Independent 20 ★
20.0 ft
Balboa 20
20.0 ft
Ensenada 20
20.0 ft
Ranger 20
20.0 ft
LWL
Independent 20 ★
18.0 ft
Balboa 20
17.5 ft
Ensenada 20
17.5 ft
Ranger 20
16.0 ft
Beam
Independent 20 ★
6.8 ft
Balboa 20
7.1 ft
Ensenada 20
7.1 ft
Ranger 20
7.9 ft
Displacement
Independent 20 ★
2 lbs
Balboa 20
1 lbs
Ensenada 20
1 lbs
Ranger 20
1 lbs
Ballast
Independent 20 ★
Balboa 20
450 lbs
Ensenada 20
550 lbs
Ranger 20
550 lbs
Performance
PHRF Rating (lower = faster)
Independent 20 ★
242 s/nm
Balboa 20
276 s/nm
Ensenada 20
291 s/nm
Ranger 20
240 s/nm
Ballast / Disp (higher = stiffer)
Independent 20 ★
Balboa 20
26.5 %
Ensenada 20
34.4 %
Ranger 20
36.7 %
Displacement / Length (lower = lighter)
Independent 20 ★
Balboa 20
141
Ensenada 20
133
Ranger 20
163
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