Back to Search
Noelex 22
Designer: Alex Trethewey/Noel Honey  ·  Builder: Marten Marine Industries Ltd.  ·  First built: 1968
+ Add to Compare
About the Noelex 22

Designed by the collaborative efforts of Alex Trethewey and Noel Honey, this compact 22-footer emerged in 1968 as a versatile small cruiser built by Marten Marine Industries Ltd. The fractional sloop rig and centerboard configuration make it an ideal choice for shallow-water exploration and trailer sailing, while still maintaining respectable sailing performance with 189 square feet of sail area. The fiberglass construction delivers durability without excessive weight, as evidenced by the relatively light 1,601-pound displacement supported by 428 pounds of ballast. The centerboard trunk design allows draft flexibility, making this boat particularly well-suited for coastal cruising, lake sailing, and accessing shallow anchorages that deeper-draft vessels cannot reach. With a comfort ratio of 9.63, the Noelex 22 leans toward the sportier end of the spectrum rather than heavy cruising comfort, suggesting responsive handling and good performance in moderate conditions. The capsize screening formula of 2.45 indicates reasonable stability for coastal sailing, though like most boats in this size range, it's best kept closer to shore rather than venturing into serious offshore conditions. This design appeals to sailors seeking an affordable, manageable boat for weekend cruising and day sailing adventures.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 21.59 ft / 6.58 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 17.35 ft / 5.29 m
Beam 7.17 ft / 2.19 m
Max Draft 4.00 ft / 1.22 m
Min Draft 0.84 ft / 0.26 m
Displacement 1,601.00 lb / 726 kg
Ballast 428.00 lb / 194 kg
Sail Area (Reported) 189.00 ft² / 17.56 m²
Design & Construction
Hull Type Centerboard (Trunk)
Rigging Type Fractional Sloop
Construction FG
Designer Alex Trethewey/Noel Honey
Builder Marten Marine Industries Ltd.
First Built 1968
Associations Noelex 22 Trailer Yacht Owners (NZ)
Owner Reviews

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

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
22.14
Ballast/Displacement Ballast to Displacement ratio shows what percentage of the boat's total weight is ballast. Higher values generally mean better initial stability and stiffer sail carrying.
30–35% — Typical cruiser35–45% — Stiff performance boatOver 45% — Racing oriented
26.73
Displacement/Length Displacement to Length ratio measures how heavy a boat is relative to its waterline length. Lower values mean a lighter, faster boat.
Under 100 — Ultralight racer100–200 — Light cruiser/racer200–300 — Moderate cruiser300–400 — Heavy cruiserOver 400 — Very heavy
136.85
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
9.63
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
2.45
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. 5.58 kn
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. 444.49 pounds/inch
Find a Noelex 22 For Sale