Designed by Paul Lindh and built by Kells Corporation starting in 1971, this 22-foot masthead sloop represents practical coastal cruising in a compact package. The swing keel configuration makes her particularly appealing for shallow water exploration and easy trailering, while the outboard rudder provides positive helm control and simplified maintenance. With a displacement of 1,850 pounds and 525 pounds of ballast, the Kells 22 strikes a reasonable balance between stability and performance for her size. Her beam of 7.58 feet provides adequate interior space while maintaining trailerable width, and the 181 square feet of sail area delivers respectable performance in light to moderate conditions. The hull speed of 5.69 knots makes her well-suited for leisurely coastal cruising rather than aggressive racing. The boat's comfort ratio of 10 indicates a relatively quick motion in seaways, typical of smaller cruising boats, while the capsize screening formula of 2.47 suggests reasonable stability for protected waters. Her GRP construction offers durability and low maintenance, important considerations for weekend sailors. This design works best for day sailing, short coastal hops, and introducing new sailors to cruising, particularly in areas where shallow draft capabilities are valued.
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