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Rob Roy 23
Designer: Ted Brewer  ·  Builder: Marine Concepts (Usa)  ·  First built: 1980
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About the Rob Roy 23

Designed by renowned naval architect Ted Brewer, this compact fractional yawl represents a thoughtful approach to small-boat cruising with offshore capability. Built by Marine Concepts from 1980 to 2001, the Rob Roy 23 attracted sailors seeking a seaworthy pocket cruiser that could handle both coastal adventures and extended passages. The design's most distinctive feature is its keel/centerboard configuration, which combines the tracking stability of a fixed keel with the shallow-water versatility of a retractable centerboard. This dual system allows access to thin-water anchorages while maintaining excellent windward performance. The fractional yawl rig provides balanced sail handling and versatility, with the mizzen offering additional options for heavy weather sailing and harbor maneuvering. With moderate displacement and a comfort ratio of 11.14, this boat strikes a practical balance between performance and seaworthiness. The relatively high ballast-to-displacement ratio contributes to good stability, while the hull's traditional lines reflect Brewer's emphasis on seakindly motion offshore. Despite measuring just over 28 feet overall, the design has earned respect among small-boat voyagers for its robust construction and well-proportioned accommodations. Limited to 85 hulls during its production run, the Rob Roy 23 remains a sought-after choice for sailors prioritizing quality over quantity in the pocket cruiser market.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 28.67 ft / 8.74 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 20.83 ft / 6.35 m
Beam 6.92 ft / 2.11 m
Max Draft 4.25 ft / 1.30 m
Min Draft 1.50 ft / 0.46 m
Displacement 2,200.00 lb / 998 kg
Ballast 650.00 lb / 295 kg
Sail Area (Reported) 264.00 ft² / 24.53 m²
Design & Construction
Hull Type Keel/Cbrd.
Rigging Type Fractional Yawl
Construction FG
Designer Ted Brewer
Builder Marine Concepts (USA)
First Built 1980
Last Built 2001
Number Built 85
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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
25.03
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
29.55
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
108.67
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
11.14
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
2.13
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. 6.12 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. 515.04 pounds/inch
Rig Dimensions
Mast Height (DWL) 29.50 ft / 8.99 m
Engine & Accommodations
Engine Type Outboard well
Horsepower 8
Fuel Capacity 12 gals / 45 L
Water Capacity 15 gals / 55 L
LOD 22.67 ft / 6.91 m
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