Back to Search
Kiwi 22
Designer: Ron Holland  ·  Builder: Kiwi Boats  ·  First built: 1977
+ Add to Compare
About the Kiwi 22

Originally designed as an affordable entry-level sailing yacht, this compact 22-footer carved out a niche among recreational sailors seeking a manageable yet capable daysailer. The Kiwi 22 emerged from New Zealand's rich maritime tradition, reflecting the country's emphasis on practical, seaworthy designs that could handle varied conditions. While detailed specifications remain scarce, the boat's proportions suggest it was engineered for coastal sailing and weekend adventures rather than extended cruising. The design appears to prioritize ease of handling and stability, making it particularly appealing to novice sailors or those stepping up from smaller dinghies. Its modest size allows for single-handed operation while still providing enough space for small crews to enjoy comfortable day trips. The Kiwi 22's reputation centers on its forgiving sailing characteristics and straightforward rigging, qualities that have made it a popular choice for sailing schools and yacht clubs. Despite limited production numbers, those familiar with the type often praise its honest sailing performance and robust construction. For sailors seeking an unpretentious boat that delivers reliable performance in protected waters and moderate coastal conditions, the Kiwi 22 represents solid value in the smaller yacht category.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 21.00 ft / 6.40 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 17.50 ft / 5.33 m
Beam 7.00 ft / 2.13 m
Max Draft 4.00 ft / 1.22 m
Displacement 1,800.00 lb / 816 kg
Sail Area (Reported) 205.00 ft² / 19.05 m²
Design & Construction
Hull Type Fin Keel
Rigging Type Fractional Sloop
Construction FG
Designer Ron Holland
Builder Kiwi Boats
First Built 1977
Owner Reviews

No owner reviews yet — be the first to share your experience with this boat.

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
210
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
22.22
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
11.22
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
2.3
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. 5.61
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
4.08
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. 437.71
Rig Dimensions
I (Foretriangle Height) 22.8
J (Foretriangle Base) 7.5
P (Mainsail Luff) 25.8
E (Mainsail Foot) 9.3
SA Fore 85.5
SA Main 119.97
How It Compares

vs. Amf 2100, Irwin 21 Free Spirit, Mistral T 21

This boat Similar boats
Dimensions
LOA
Kiwi 22 ★
21.0 ft
Amf 2100
21.1 ft
Irwin 21 Free Spirit
21.0 ft
Mistral T 21
21.0 ft
LWL
Kiwi 22 ★
17.5 ft
Amf 2100
17.6 ft
Irwin 21 Free Spirit
16.5 ft
Mistral T 21
18.7 ft
Beam
Kiwi 22 ★
7.0 ft
Amf 2100
8.0 ft
Irwin 21 Free Spirit
8.0 ft
Mistral T 21
8.2 ft
Displacement
Kiwi 22 ★
1 lbs
Amf 2100
2 lbs
Irwin 21 Free Spirit
1 lbs
Mistral T 21
2 lbs
Ballast
Kiwi 22 ★
Amf 2100
850 lbs
Irwin 21 Free Spirit
750 lbs
Mistral T 21
770 lbs
Sail Area
Kiwi 22 ★
205 sq ft
Amf 2100
209 sq ft
Irwin 21 Free Spirit
202 sq ft
Mistral T 21
280 sq ft
Performance
PHRF Rating (lower = faster)
Kiwi 22 ★
210 s/nm
Amf 2100
240 s/nm
Irwin 21 Free Spirit
215 s/nm
Mistral T 21
SA / Displacement (higher = more powerful)
Kiwi 22 ★
22.2
Amf 2100
19.8
Irwin 21 Free Spirit
21.9
Mistral T 21
23.2
Ballast / Disp (higher = stiffer)
Kiwi 22 ★
Amf 2100
38.6 %
Irwin 21 Free Spirit
41.7 %
Mistral T 21
28.5 %
Comfort Ratio (higher = more comfortable offshore)
Kiwi 22 ★
11.2
Amf 2100
11.4
Irwin 21 Free Spirit
9.8
Mistral T 21
13.2
Capsize Screening (lower = safer)
Kiwi 22 ★
2.30
Amf 2100
2.46
Irwin 21 Free Spirit
2.63
Mistral T 21
2.35
Displacement / Length (lower = lighter)
Kiwi 22 ★
Amf 2100
180
Irwin 21 Free Spirit
178
Mistral T 21
185
Hull Speed
Kiwi 22 ★
5.6 kts
Amf 2100
5.6 kts
Irwin 21 Free Spirit
5.4 kts
Mistral T 21
5.8 kts
Speed Number (higher = faster)
Kiwi 22 ★
4.1
Amf 2100
3.3
Irwin 21 Free Spirit
3.6
Mistral T 21
3.1
Find a Kiwi 22 For Sale