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South Coast 23
Designer: Carl Alberg  ·  Builder: South Coast Seacraft Co.  ·  First built: 1965
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About the South Coast 23

Designed for accessible coastal sailing, the South Coast 23 is a compact and approachable sailboat that appeals to beginners and budget-conscious sailors looking for an entry point into the sport. Built with simplicity in mind, this small cruiser is well suited to day sailing and light coastal passages, offering a manageable platform for those developing their skills on the water. The South Coast 23 carries the practical character typical of production sailboats from its era, prioritizing ease of handling over performance. Its modest size makes it straightforward to single-hand or sail with a small crew, and its relatively simple systems mean maintenance demands are generally low. While it won't turn heads at a racing start line, it provides a stable and forgiving sailing experience that has made it a trusted choice for weekend sailors and inland or sheltered water cruising. For buyers researching a first boat or an affordable weekend escape, the South Coast 23 represents a no-fuss option. As with any older production boat, a thorough survey is advisable to assess hull condition and rigging before purchase.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 23.00 ft / 7.01 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 17.50 ft / 5.33 m
Beam 7.25 ft / 2.21 m
Max Draft 2.83 ft / 0.86 m
Displacement 3,750.00 lb / 1,701 kg
Ballast 1,475.00 lb / 669 kg
Sail Area (Reported) 246.00 ft² / 22.85 m²
Design & Construction
Hull Type Long Keel
Rigging Type Masthead Sloop
Construction FG
Designer Carl Alberg
Builder South Coast Seacraft Co.
First Built 1965
Related Sailboats Pearson 23 · San Juan 23 · Irwin 23 · Paceship 23 Cc · Crown 23
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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
270
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
16.35
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
21.61
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
1.87
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. 5.61
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
1.61
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. 453.34
Rig Dimensions
I (Foretriangle Height) 27.5
J (Foretriangle Base) 8.75
P (Mainsail Luff) 24.0
E (Mainsail Foot) 10.5
SA Fore 120.31
SA Main 126.0
How It Compares

vs. Crown 23, Irwin 23, Paceship 23 Cc, Pearson 23, San Juan 23

This boat Similar boats
Dimensions
LOA
South Coast 23 ★
23.0 ft
Crown 23
23.0 ft
Irwin 23
23.0 ft
Paceship 23 Cc
23.0 ft
Pearson 23
23.0 ft
San Juan 23
23.0 ft
LWL
South Coast 23 ★
17.5 ft
Crown 23
19.5 ft
Irwin 23
18.5 ft
Paceship 23 Cc
19.0 ft
Pearson 23
20.0 ft
San Juan 23
20.3 ft
Beam
South Coast 23 ★
7.3 ft
Crown 23
7.7 ft
Irwin 23
8.0 ft
Paceship 23 Cc
8.0 ft
Pearson 23
8.0 ft
San Juan 23
8.0 ft
Displacement
South Coast 23 ★
3 lbs
Crown 23
3 lbs
Irwin 23
3 lbs
Paceship 23 Cc
2 lbs
Pearson 23
3 lbs
San Juan 23
2 lbs
Ballast
South Coast 23 ★
1 lbs
Crown 23
1 lbs
Irwin 23
1 lbs
Paceship 23 Cc
900 lbs
Pearson 23
1 lbs
San Juan 23
960 lbs
Sail Area
South Coast 23 ★
246 sq ft
Crown 23
Irwin 23
256 sq ft
Paceship 23 Cc
Pearson 23
238 sq ft
San Juan 23
Performance
PHRF Rating (lower = faster)
South Coast 23 ★
270 s/nm
Crown 23
258 s/nm
Irwin 23
228 s/nm
Paceship 23 Cc
Pearson 23
240 s/nm
San Juan 23
236 s/nm
SA / Displacement (higher = more powerful)
South Coast 23 ★
16.4
Crown 23
Irwin 23
18.9
Paceship 23 Cc
Pearson 23
16.6
San Juan 23
Ballast / Disp (higher = stiffer)
South Coast 23 ★
Crown 23
40.8 %
Irwin 23
Paceship 23 Cc
39.1 %
Pearson 23
37.1 %
San Juan 23
35.6 %
Comfort Ratio (higher = more comfortable offshore)
South Coast 23 ★
21.6
Crown 23
Irwin 23
15.6
Paceship 23 Cc
Pearson 23
16.3
San Juan 23
Capsize Screening (lower = safer)
South Coast 23 ★
1.87
Crown 23
Irwin 23
2.17
Paceship 23 Cc
Pearson 23
2.11
San Juan 23
Displacement / Length (lower = lighter)
South Coast 23 ★
Crown 23
228
Irwin 23
Paceship 23 Cc
149
Pearson 23
195
San Juan 23
143
Hull Speed
South Coast 23 ★
5.6 kts
Crown 23
Irwin 23
5.8 kts
Paceship 23 Cc
Pearson 23
6.0 kts
San Juan 23
Speed Number (higher = faster)
South Coast 23 ★
1.6
Crown 23
Irwin 23
2.7
Paceship 23 Cc
Pearson 23
2.6
San Juan 23
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