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Merit 22
Designer: Paul Yates  ·  Builder: Merit Marine Inc.  ·  First built: 1981
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About the Merit 22

With limited specifications available, the Merit 22 represents a compact sailing vessel that likely falls into the small cruiser or day sailor category based on its size designation. This boat would typically appeal to sailors seeking an accessible entry point into cruising or those who prefer manageable single-handed sailing adventures. Merit sailboats generally earned recognition for practical design elements that prioritize seaworthiness and sailing performance over luxury amenities. The 22-foot length suggests this model strikes a balance between trailer-ability and onboard comfort, making it suitable for coastal exploration and weekend getaways. Given the typical characteristics of boats in this size range, the Merit 22 would be well-suited for day sailing, short coastal hops, and learning advanced sailing skills in a forgiving platform. The boat likely features a simple rig configuration that reduces complexity while maintaining good sailing characteristics. For prospective buyers researching smaller cruising sailboats, the Merit 22 would appeal to those prioritizing sailing quality and seaworthiness over spacious accommodations. This vessel represents the kind of honest, no-nonsense design that builds confidence in new cruisers while providing enough performance to keep experienced sailors engaged on coastal waters.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 22.00 ft / 6.71 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 18.00 ft / 5.49 m
Beam 8.00 ft / 2.44 m
Max Draft 4.00 ft / 1.22 m
Min Draft 2.00 ft / 0.61 m
Displacement 2,000.00 lb / 907 kg
Ballast 600.00 lb / 272 kg
Sail Area (Reported) 227.00 ft² / 21.09 m²
Design & Construction
Hull Type Lifting Keel
Rigging Type Masthead Sloop
Construction FG
Designer Paul Yates
Builder Merit Marine Inc.
First Built 1981
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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
213
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
22.93
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
10.09
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
2.54
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. 5.69
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
4.09
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. 514.53
Rig Dimensions
I (Foretriangle Height) 28.0
J (Foretriangle Base) 8.25
P (Mainsail Luff) 23.0
E (Mainsail Foot) 9.6
SA Fore 115.5
SA Main 110.4
How It Compares

vs. Cal 22, S2 69, Starwind 22

This boat Similar boats
Dimensions
LOA
Merit 22 ★
22.0 ft
Cal 22
22.0 ft
S2 69
22.0 ft
Starwind 22
22.0 ft
LWL
Merit 22 ★
18.0 ft
Cal 22
19.5 ft
S2 69
18.8 ft
Starwind 22
19.0 ft
Beam
Merit 22 ★
8.0 ft
Cal 22
7.8 ft
S2 69
8.0 ft
Starwind 22
7.8 ft
Displacement
Merit 22 ★
2 lbs
Cal 22
2 lbs
S2 69
2 lbs
Starwind 22
2 lbs
Ballast
Merit 22 ★
600 lbs
Cal 22
775 lbs
S2 69
770 lbs
Starwind 22
775 lbs
Sail Area
Merit 22 ★
227 sq ft
Cal 22
223 sq ft
S2 69
228 sq ft
Starwind 22
Performance
PHRF Rating (lower = faster)
Merit 22 ★
213 s/nm
Cal 22
246 s/nm
S2 69
Starwind 22
273 s/nm
SA / Displacement (higher = more powerful)
Merit 22 ★
22.9
Cal 22
21.8
S2 69
21.6
Starwind 22
Ballast / Disp (higher = stiffer)
Merit 22 ★
Cal 22
36.9 %
S2 69
35.0 %
Starwind 22
29.8 %
Comfort Ratio (higher = more comfortable offshore)
Merit 22 ★
10.1
Cal 22
10.5
S2 69
10.8
Starwind 22
Capsize Screening (lower = safer)
Merit 22 ★
2.54
Cal 22
2.42
S2 69
2.46
Starwind 22
Displacement / Length (lower = lighter)
Merit 22 ★
Cal 22
126
S2 69
148
Starwind 22
169
Hull Speed
Merit 22 ★
5.7 kts
Cal 22
5.9 kts
S2 69
5.8 kts
Starwind 22
Speed Number (higher = faster)
Merit 22 ★
4.1
Cal 22
4.5
S2 69
4.0
Starwind 22
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