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Inland 20 Scow
Designer: Melges  ·  Builder: Windward Boat Works  ·  First built: 1996
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About the Inland 20 Scow

Built for the protected waters of inland lakes and bays, this distinctive scow represents a classic American sailing design that prioritizes speed and agility over deep-water capability. The shallow-draft hull configuration allows sailors to explore areas inaccessible to traditional keel boats while delivering impressive performance in moderate conditions. Scow designs are renowned for their wide, stable platforms and exceptional hiking capabilities, making them particularly appealing to sailors who enjoy active, athletic sailing. The broad beam provides generous deck space and initial stability, while the centerboard configuration offers easy launching and retrieval from shallow beaches or boat ramps. This design excels in day sailing, club racing, and recreational sailing on inland waters where its shallow draft becomes a significant advantage. The responsive handling characteristics typical of scows make it an engaging platform for sailors seeking immediate feedback and connection with wind and water conditions. While not suited for offshore passages or heavy weather sailing, the Inland 20 Scow offers an authentic sailing experience that emphasizes skill development and pure sailing enjoyment. Its straightforward systems and forgiving nature make it accessible to developing sailors while still providing entertainment for experienced crews seeking spirited performance sailing.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 20.00 ft / 6.10 m
Beam 5.67 ft / 1.73 m
Max Draft 3.67 ft / 1.12 m
Displacement 595.00 lb / 270 kg
Sail Area (Reported) 176.00 ft² / 16.35 m²
Design & Construction
Hull Type Scow Twin Cbrd.
Rigging Type Fractional Sloop
Construction FG
Designer Melges
Builder Windward Boat Works
First Built 1996
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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
39.87
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
2.7
How It Compares

vs. C Scow, Flying Dutchman, Highlander, Nacra 20, Tornado Catamaran

This boat Similar boats
Dimensions
LOA
Inland 20 Scow ★
20.0 ft
C Scow
20.0 ft
Flying Dutchman
20.0 ft
Highlander
20.0 ft
Nacra 20
20.0 ft
Tornado Catamaran
20.0 ft
Beam
Inland 20 Scow ★
5.7 ft
C Scow
7.0 ft
Flying Dutchman
5.9 ft
Highlander
6.7 ft
Nacra 20
8.5 ft
Tornado Catamaran
10.0 ft
Displacement
Inland 20 Scow ★
595 lbs
C Scow
650 lbs
Flying Dutchman
287 lbs
Highlander
830 lbs
Nacra 20
390 lbs
Tornado Catamaran
300 lbs
Sail Area
Inland 20 Scow ★
176 sq ft
C Scow
216 sq ft
Flying Dutchman
Highlander
225 sq ft
Nacra 20
Tornado Catamaran
235 sq ft
Performance
SA / Displacement (higher = more powerful)
Inland 20 Scow ★
39.9
C Scow
Flying Dutchman
Highlander
40.8
Nacra 20
Tornado Catamaran
Comfort Ratio (higher = more comfortable offshore)
Inland 20 Scow ★
C Scow
4.2
Flying Dutchman
2.3
Highlander
5.2
Nacra 20
1.9
Tornado Catamaran
1.2
Capsize Screening (lower = safer)
Inland 20 Scow ★
2.70
C Scow
Flying Dutchman
Highlander
2.84
Nacra 20
4.66
Tornado Catamaran
5.98
Displacement / Length (lower = lighter)
Inland 20 Scow ★
C Scow
59
Flying Dutchman
26
Highlander
Nacra 20
35
Tornado Catamaran
27
Hull Speed
Inland 20 Scow ★
C Scow
5.5 kts
Flying Dutchman
5.5 kts
Highlander
5.9 kts
Nacra 20
5.5 kts
Tornado Catamaran
5.5 kts
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