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Sundance 23
 ·  Builder: El Mar Boat Co.  ·  First built: 1975
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About the Sundance 23

Designed as a compact and approachable daysailer and weekend cruiser, the Sundance 23 offers an entry point into sailing that appeals to beginners and budget-conscious sailors alike. Built with simplicity in mind, this small sloop is well suited to protected coastal waters, lakes, and inland bays where its modest size becomes an advantage rather than a limitation. With limited documentation available on this model, the Sundance 23 remains a somewhat obscure vessel in the broader sailing community, suggesting it was likely produced in smaller numbers and may have had regional popularity rather than widespread national distribution. Boats of this size and era typically emphasized ease of handling, shallow draft for versatility in thin water, and straightforward rigging that keeps maintenance demands low. For the prospective buyer, the Sundance 23 may represent good value as a starter boat or a relaxed weekend getaway vessel. Those considering a purchase should prioritize a thorough survey and direct inspection, as documentation and parts availability can be limited for lesser-known production boats. Connecting with owners through sailing forums may yield the most useful firsthand insights.

Market Price Estimate Beta
Small sample size. This estimate is based on fewer than 5 listings and may not be representative of the true market. Use with caution.
$3,500 – $4,500
typical asking price
Median $4,000  ·  2 listings used
All listings
$3,500 – $4,500 2
Rate a listing price
$
About this estimate
  • Prices are based on recent asking prices from public listings — not actual sale prices, which are typically lower.
  • Condition is not factored in. A well-maintained boat with new sails and engine can be worth significantly more than a project boat of the same model.
  • Location affects price. Boats in landlocked states or areas with fewer buyers often sell for less than those on the coast.
  • Year of manufacture is not filtered. Older examples of this model will generally be priced lower than newer ones.
  • Included equipment varies widely. A boat with a full suite of electronics, dodger, and new standing rigging may command a large premium.
  • Outliers are automatically excluded using statistical filtering to improve accuracy, but some bad data may remain.
Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 22.96 ft / 7.00 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 18.92 ft / 5.77 m
Beam 8.00 ft / 2.44 m
Max Draft 3.50 ft / 1.07 m
Displacement 3,300.00 lb / 1,497 kg
Ballast 1,200.00 lb / 544 kg
Sail Area (Reported) 274.00 ft² / 25.46 m²
Headroom 5.00 ft / 1.52 m
Design & Construction
Hull Type Fin w/spade rudder
Rigging Type Masthead Sloop
Construction FG
Builder El Mar Boat Co.
First Built 1975
Owner Reviews

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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
 234
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
 19.83
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
 15.87
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
 2.15
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. 5.83
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. 540.83
Find a Sundance 23 For Sale
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