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Vivacity 20
Designer: Peter Stevenson/D.c. Pollard  ·  Builder: Russel Marine Ltd. (Uk)  ·  First built: 1963
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About the Vivacity 20

A compact and characterful British pocket cruiser, the Vivacity 20 earned a loyal following during its production years as an accessible and practical small sailboat. Designed with the budget-conscious weekend sailor in mind, this little vessel became a familiar sight on UK coastal waters and inland lakes throughout the 1970s and beyond, offering an affordable entry point into keelboat sailing without sacrificing the charm of a genuine cruising experience. With its beamy hull and sturdy construction, the Vivacity 20 is well suited to sheltered coastal passages and weekend cruising, providing a surprising amount of accommodation for its modest size. Its forgiving nature and stable platform make it a popular choice for first-time buyers and those returning to sailing after a break. The boat's simplicity is one of its greatest strengths — easy to maintain, straightforward to handle, and inexpensive to keep. For buyers researching the used market, the Vivacity 20 represents a practical and economical way to enjoy coastal sailing, and its enduring popularity means that a reasonable community of owners and parts knowledge still exists today.

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.
$1,800 – $1,800
typical asking price
Median $1,800  ·  1 listing used
All listings
$1,800 – $1,800 1
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) 20.00 ft / 6.10 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 17.50 ft / 5.33 m
Beam 7.00 ft / 2.13 m
Max Draft 2.33 ft / 0.71 m
Displacement 1,800.00 lb / 816 kg
Ballast 680.00 lb / 308 kg
Ballast Type Lead
Design & Construction
Hull Type Twin Keel
Rigging Type Masthead Sloop
Construction FG
Designer Peter Stevenson/D.C. Pollard
Builder Russel Marine Ltd. (UK)
First Built 1963
Owner Reviews

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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
294
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
37.78
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
149.94
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. 2.62 pounds/inch
Rig Dimensions
I (Foretriangle Height) 18.96
J (Foretriangle Base) 5.90 ft / 1.80 m
P (Mainsail Luff) 175.00 ft² / 16.26 m²
E (Mainsail Foot) 149.94
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