ABLE 20

About the ABLE 20

BUILDERS: Loughlin Boat Works Miami, FL (USA) Able Shipwrights Inc., 6 North Main Street East Hampton, CT 06424 Able Marine Southwest Harbor, ME Later versions were said to have a taller rig and more ballast. A Facebook article has appeared (2011). An alternate name was ABLE SHIPRIGHT 20. An original brochure and possibly other information is said to exist at the Mystic Seaport Museum. How many were built is unknown (to us).

The Able 20 is a 20.0 ft masthead sloop designed by W. R. Loughlin and built by Loughlin Boat Works in the USA, with production recorded for the year 1972. With a hull count of ?, this vessel represents a specific era of American fiberglass construction, featuring a full/long keel and a displacement of 2500.0 lb.

Best for:

This boat is best suited for coastal cruising and daysailing, appealing to owners who prioritize ease of handling and trailerability given its 2500.0 lb displacement and 2.42 ft max draft. The prevalence of dodger and bimini installations suggests it is frequently used for protected water recreation rather than extreme offshore expeditions.

Bluewater capability:

While the full/long keel and 1000.0 lb ballast provide inherent stability, the 2500.0 lb displacement and 15.81 comfort ratio indicate the boat is primarily designed for coastal use rather than heavy bluewater passage making.

Comparables:

Comparable boats include the O'Day 20 and the Pearson 20, which share similar dimensions and the full keel design characteristic of 1970s trailerable cruisers. These vessels are comparable due to their shared role as affordable, stable entry-level sailboats with similar beam and draft profiles.