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Ultimate 20
Designer: Jeff Canepa/Jim Antrim  ·  Builder: Ultimate Sailboats International  ·  First built: 1994
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About the Ultimate 20

Designed with performance and accessibility in mind, the Ultimate 20 is a compact one-design keelboat that has earned a loyal following among sailors who want spirited racing without the complexity of a larger yacht. Built for competitive day sailing and one-design racing, this boat delivers an exciting, responsive experience on the water that appeals to both experienced racers and sailors looking to sharpen their skills in a fleet environment. The Ultimate 20 is known for its lively handling and well-balanced design, making it an engaging boat to sail in a variety of conditions. Its manageable size means launching, rigging, and trailering are straightforward, which adds to its appeal for sailors who want maximum time on the water with minimal hassle. The boat is well suited to inland lakes, bays, and protected coastal waters where its performance characteristics can truly shine. With an active class association and a history of competitive fleet racing across North America, the Ultimate 20 offers buyers a ready-made community and a proven platform for those looking to get serious about one-design competition without stepping onto a significantly larger and more demanding vessel.

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.
$15,000 – $15,000
typical asking price
Median $15,000  ·  2 listings used
All listings
$15,000 – $15,000 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) 20.83 ft / 6.35 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 18.00 ft / 5.49 m
Beam 8.00 ft / 2.44 m
Max Draft 5.00 ft / 1.52 m
Min Draft 0.67 ft / 0.20 m
Displacement 1,100.00 lb / 499 kg
Ballast 450.00 lb / 204 kg
Sail Area (Reported) 243.00 ft² / 22.58 m²
Design & Construction
Hull Type Lifting Keel
Rigging Type Fractional Sloop
Construction FG
Designer Jeff Canepa/Jim Antrim
Builder Ultimate Sailboats International
First Built 1994
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Known Issues & What to Watch For

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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
 144
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
 36.56
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
 5.65
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
 3.1
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. 5.69
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
 7.27
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. 514.53
Rig Dimensions
I (Foretriangle Height) 26.08
J (Foretriangle Base) 6.96
P (Mainsail Luff) 27.32
E (Mainsail Foot) 10.25
ISP (Spinnaker Luff) 27.58
SPL/TPS 12.79
SA Fore 90.76
SA Main 140.02
Find a Ultimate 20 For Sale
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