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Kittiwake 23
Designer: Carl Alberg  ·  Builder: South Coast Seacraft/Kenner Boat Co.  ·  First built: 1972
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About the Kittiwake 23

Named after the graceful seabird known for its coastal prowess, this 23-foot sailboat represents a thoughtful approach to small boat design. While detailed specifications remain elusive, the Kittiwake 23 appears to be positioned in the popular small cruiser segment that emerged during the sailing boom of recent decades. The boat's modest size suggests it was designed primarily for coastal cruising and day sailing, making it an appealing choice for sailors seeking manageable performance without sacrificing seaworthiness. At 23 feet, this vessel likely offers a comfortable cockpit for small crews while maintaining the simplicity that attracts both new sailors and experienced skippers looking for an uncomplicated sailing experience. Given the naming convention and size class, the Kittiwake 23 probably emphasizes ease of handling and trailer ability, allowing owners to explore different sailing grounds. The design likely incorporates practical accommodations suitable for weekend adventures, balancing comfort with the space constraints inherent in a sub-25-foot platform. For prospective buyers researching smaller cruising sailboats, the Kittiwake 23 represents the type of vessel that prioritizes sailing enjoyment over complex systems, making it potentially well-suited for those seeking straightforward coastal exploration and recreational sailing.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 23.58 ft / 7.19 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 17.75 ft / 5.41 m
Beam 7.42 ft / 2.26 m
Max Draft 2.83 ft / 0.86 m
Displacement 3,700.00 lb / 1,678 kg
Ballast 1,500.00 lb / 680 kg
Sail Area (Reported) 247.00 ft² / 22.95 m²
Design & Construction
Hull Type Long Keel
Rigging Type Masthead Sloop
Construction FG
Designer Carl Alberg
Builder South Coast Seacraft/Kenner Boat Co.
First Built 1972
Last Built 1978
Owner Reviews

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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
16.56
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
20.31
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
1.92
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
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
1.75
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. 470.6
Rig Dimensions
I (Foretriangle Height) 27.5
J (Foretriangle Base) 8.8
P (Mainsail Luff) 24.0
E (Mainsail Foot) 10.5
SA Fore 121.0
SA Main 126.0
How It Compares

vs. Achilles 24, Pearson 24, Precision 23

This boat Similar boats
Dimensions
LOA
Kittiwake 23 ★
23.6 ft
Achilles 24
23.8 ft
Pearson 24
23.5 ft
Precision 23
23.4 ft
LWL
Kittiwake 23 ★
17.8 ft
Achilles 24
19.5 ft
Pearson 24
18.5 ft
Precision 23
20.0 ft
Beam
Kittiwake 23 ★
7.4 ft
Achilles 24
7.1 ft
Pearson 24
8.0 ft
Precision 23
8.5 ft
Displacement
Kittiwake 23 ★
3 lbs
Achilles 24
2 lbs
Pearson 24
4 lbs
Precision 23
2 lbs
Ballast
Kittiwake 23 ★
1 lbs
Achilles 24
1 lbs
Pearson 24
1 lbs
Precision 23
850 lbs
Sail Area
Kittiwake 23 ★
247 sq ft
Achilles 24
210 sq ft
Pearson 24
Precision 23
248 sq ft
Performance
PHRF Rating (lower = faster)
Kittiwake 23 ★
Achilles 24
Pearson 24
252 s/nm
Precision 23
243 s/nm
SA / Displacement (higher = more powerful)
Kittiwake 23 ★
16.6
Achilles 24
17.8
Pearson 24
Precision 23
21.9
Ballast / Disp (higher = stiffer)
Kittiwake 23 ★
Achilles 24
50.5 %
Pearson 24
41.9 %
Precision 23
Comfort Ratio (higher = more comfortable offshore)
Kittiwake 23 ★
20.3
Achilles 24
14.2
Pearson 24
Precision 23
10.4
Capsize Screening (lower = safer)
Kittiwake 23 ★
1.92
Achilles 24
2.06
Pearson 24
Precision 23
2.53
Displacement / Length (lower = lighter)
Kittiwake 23 ★
Achilles 24
156
Pearson 24
303
Precision 23
Hull Speed
Kittiwake 23 ★
5.7 kts
Achilles 24
5.9 kts
Pearson 24
Precision 23
6.0 kts
Speed Number (higher = faster)
Kittiwake 23 ★
1.8
Achilles 24
3.4
Pearson 24
Precision 23
4.3
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