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Independent 20 2
 ·  Builder: Independent Yachts (Can)  ·  First built: 1978
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About the Independent 20 2

Built by Independent Yachts in Canada starting in 1978, this compact 20-footer represents solid value in the small cruiser market. Despite her modest size, the Independent 20 2 offers respectable accommodations and seaworthiness that belie her diminutive stature. The fiberglass construction features a fin keel configuration with moderate draft, making her suitable for exploring shallow harbors and protected waters. Her masthead sloop rig provides adequate power for coastal cruising, while the relatively high sail area-to-displacement ratio suggests spirited performance in light to moderate conditions. The boat's beam provides good initial stability and reasonable interior volume for weekend getaways or short coastal passages. With a comfort ratio indicating she's designed more for daysailing and short-term cruising rather than extended offshore work, the Independent 20 2 excels in her intended role as an affordable entry point into cruising. The capsize screening numbers suggest reasonable stability for coastal conditions, though prudent seamanship remains essential in any small vessel. Her hull speed capabilities make her competitive with similar boats in this size range, while the straightforward rig keeps maintenance manageable for budget-conscious sailors seeking adventure without complexity.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 20.00 ft / 6.10 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 18.42 ft / 5.61 m
Beam 6.80 ft / 2.07 m
Max Draft 3.80 ft / 1.16 m
Displacement 1,800.00 lb / 816 kg
Sail Area (Reported) 210.00 ft² / 19.51 m²
Design & Construction
Hull Type Fin Keel
Rigging Type Masthead Sloop
Construction FG
Builder Independent Yachts (CAN)
First Built 1978
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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
 22.76
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
 128.57
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
 11.45
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
 2.24
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. 5.75 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
 4.55
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. 447.55 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. 22.74
Rig Dimensions
I (Foretriangle Height) 28.30 ft / 8.63 m
J (Foretriangle Base) 8.30 ft / 2.53 m
P (Mainsail Luff) 23.10 ft / 7.04 m
E (Mainsail Foot) 8.00 ft / 2.44 m
SA Fore 117.45 ft² / 10.91 m²
SA Main 92.40 ft² / 8.58 m²
SA Total (100%) 209.85 ft² / 19.50 m²
Est. Forestay Length 29.49 ft / 8.99 m
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