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Neptun 23
 ·  Builder: Neptun Yachts  ·  First built: 1983
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About the Neptun 23

A compact and capable pocket cruiser, the Neptun 23 is a Scandinavian-designed sailboat that earned a loyal following across Northern European waters. Built with the challenging conditions of the Baltic Sea in mind, this little vessel carries a reputation for being sturdy, seaworthy, and well-suited to coastal cruising and weekend adventures on sheltered to semi-exposed waters. While detailed specifications can be limited in widely available sources, the Neptun 23 is generally regarded as a practical and approachable boat for sailors stepping up from dinghies or those seeking an affordable entry point into keelboat cruising. Its design reflects the no-nonsense Scandinavian philosophy of building small boats that can handle real conditions without sacrificing comfort or reliability. For buyers researching an entry-level cruiser with genuine blue-water character in a compact package, the Neptun 23 presents an interesting option. Its strong regional following and enduring presence on the used boat market speak to a design that has proven itself over time. Those considering this boat would be wise to seek out owner communities and class associations for the most detailed insights into its performance and quirks.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 23.62 ft / 7.20 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 20.34 ft / 6.20 m
Beam 8.20 ft / 2.50 m
Max Draft 2.79 ft / 0.85 m
Displacement 3,306.93 lb / 1,500 kg
Ballast 992.08 lb / 450 kg
Sail Area (Reported) 301.39 ft² / 28.00 m²
Design & Construction
Hull Type Fin Keel
Rigging Type Masthead Sloop
Construction FG
Builder Neptun Yachts
First Built 1983
Last Built 1995
Owner Reviews

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Known Issues & What to Watch For

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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
21.78
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
14.53
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
2.2
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. 6.04
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. 595.95
How It Compares

vs. American 24, Balboa 24, Laguna 24S

This boat Similar boats
Dimensions
LOA
Neptun 23 ★
23.6 ft
American 24
23.7 ft
Balboa 24
23.6 ft
Laguna 24S
23.6 ft
LWL
Neptun 23 ★
20.3 ft
American 24
22.0 ft
Balboa 24
20.0 ft
Laguna 24S
20.0 ft
Beam
Neptun 23 ★
8.2 ft
American 24
7.9 ft
Balboa 24
8.3 ft
Laguna 24S
8.3 ft
Displacement
Neptun 23 ★
3 lbs
American 24
4 lbs
Balboa 24
2 lbs
Laguna 24S
2 lbs
Ballast
Neptun 23 ★
992 lbs
American 24
1 lbs
Balboa 24
900 lbs
Laguna 24S
900 lbs
Sail Area
Neptun 23 ★
301 sq ft
American 24
Balboa 24
220 sq ft
Laguna 24S
220 sq ft
Performance
SA / Displacement (higher = more powerful)
Neptun 23 ★
21.8
American 24
Balboa 24
18.7
Laguna 24S
18.7
Ballast / Disp (higher = stiffer)
Neptun 23 ★
American 24
27.9 %
Balboa 24
34.6 %
Laguna 24S
34.6 %
Comfort Ratio (higher = more comfortable offshore)
Neptun 23 ★
14.5
American 24
Balboa 24
11.3
Laguna 24S
11.3
Capsize Screening (lower = safer)
Neptun 23 ★
2.20
American 24
Balboa 24
2.43
Laguna 24S
2.43
Displacement / Length (lower = lighter)
Neptun 23 ★
American 24
180
Balboa 24
145
Laguna 24S
145
Hull Speed
Neptun 23 ★
6.0 kts
American 24
Balboa 24
6.0 kts
Laguna 24S
6.0 kts
Speed Number (higher = faster)
Neptun 23 ★
American 24
Balboa 24
3.7
Laguna 24S
3.7
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