Back to Search
Puma 23
Designer: Holman & Pye  ·  Builder: Naoglass, S.a. (Esp)  ·  First built: 1971
+ Add to Compare
About the Puma 23

Designed as a compact and accessible sailboat, the Puma 23 occupies a practical niche in the small keelboat category, appealing to sailors looking for an entry-level or daysailing vessel without sacrificing too much in the way of performance. With its manageable size, this boat is well suited to protected coastal waters, lakes, and bays, making it an attractive option for those building confidence on the water or seeking a low-maintenance weekend cruiser. While detailed specification data is limited, boats in this size range typically offer a stable, forgiving platform that rewards newer sailors while remaining engaging enough for more experienced hands. The Puma 23 is likely appreciated for its simplicity and ease of handling, characteristics that make singlehanding or short-handed sailing approachable. For buyers researching this model, it is worth connecting with owners or class associations to gather firsthand accounts of her sailing behavior and any quirks to be aware of. As with many smaller production sailboats, the Puma 23 likely represents solid value as a used purchase for those prioritizing affordability and ease of ownership.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 22.54 ft / 6.87 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 17.67 ft / 5.39 m
Beam 7.25 ft / 2.21 m
Max Draft 3.87 ft / 1.18 m
Displacement 2,970.00 lb / 1,347 kg
Ballast 1,488.00 lb / 675 kg
Design & Construction
Hull Type Fin with rudder on skeg
Rigging Type Masthead Sloop
Construction FG
Designer Holman & Pye
Builder Naoglass, S.A. (ESP)
First Built 1971
Owner Reviews

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

Known Issues & What to Watch For

No known issues documented for this model yet.

Own or have surveyed a Puma 23? Submit a known issue

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
 258
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
 50.1
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
 240.32
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. 2.75 pounds/inch
Rig Dimensions
I (Foretriangle Height) 19.02
J (Foretriangle Base) 10.00 ft / 3.05 m
P (Mainsail Luff) 245.00 ft² / 22.76 m²
E (Mainsail Foot) 240.32
Find a Puma 23 For Sale
Y YachtWorld Brokerage listings S Sailboat Listings Sailboats only C Craigslist National search F Facebook Marketplace Local listings B boats.com Global marketplace