BELLONA 23
Specifications
Hull
| LOA | 23.13 ft |
| LWL | 18.54 ft |
| Beam | 8 ft |
| Draft | 4.36 ft |
| Displacement | 2,866 lb |
| Ballast | 1,852 lb |
| Hull speed1.34·√LWL | 5.8 kn |
About the BELLONA 23
The Bellona 23 is a compact, lightweight cruiser designed by Peter Pfab and built by Glasfiberbåt (SWE) between 1976 and 1980, with a total production of 173 hulls. Its low displacement of 2866.0 lb and high sail area-to-displacement ratio of 19.72 characterize it as a nimble, performance-oriented day sailor rather than a heavy displacement cruiser.
- Best for:
- This boat is best suited for coastal cruising, day sailing, and trailerable use, appealing to owners who prioritize ease of handling and storage over heavy offshore capability. Its light weight and manageable dimensions make it ideal for single-handers or couples seeking a low-maintenance, accessible sailing experience.
- Bluewater capability:
- With a low displacement of 2866.0 lb, a capsize ratio of 2.26, and a fin keel, the Bellona 23 is not well-suited for extended bluewater passages, as its light weight offers limited motion comfort and reserve buoyancy in heavy weather.
- Comparables:
- Comparable boats include the O'Day 23 and the Cal 23, as they share similar era, size, and trailerable cruiser roles. However, the Bellona 23 distinguishes itself with a significantly lighter displacement and a more performance-focused hull form compared to the heavier, more comfort-oriented designs of its contemporaries.
Performance
ORC Performance Data(1 certificate)
Measured performance data from ORC (Offshore Racing Congress) certificates.
Polar Diagram
Boat speed (kn) vs. true wind angle. Source: ORC
Racing Ratings
Triple Number
ORC Measured
Sail Areas (ORC)
Speed Table (kn)
| TWA \ TWS | 6 | 8 | 10 | 12 | 14 | 16 | 20 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 52° | 3.9 | 4.7 | 5.2 | 5.4 | 5.5 | 5.6 | 5.7 |
| 60° | 4.1 | 4.8 | 5.3 | 5.5 | 5.7 | 5.8 | 5.9 |
| 75° | 4.2 | 5.0 | 5.4 | 5.7 | 5.9 | 6.0 | 6.2 |
| 90° | 4.4 | 5.2 | 5.7 | 5.9 | 6.1 | 6.2 | 6.4 |
| 110° | 4.5 | 5.3 | 5.8 | 6.1 | 6.3 | 6.5 | 6.9 |
| 120° | 4.3 | 5.2 | 5.7 | 6.0 | 6.3 | 6.6 | 7.1 |
| 135° | 4.0 | 4.9 | 5.5 | 5.8 | 6.1 | 6.4 | 7.0 |
| 150° | 3.4 | 4.3 | 5.0 | 5.5 | 5.8 | 6.1 | 6.6 |
| Beat VMG | 2.6 | 3.1 | 3.5 | 3.8 | 3.9 | 4.0 | 4.0 |
| Run VMG | 3.0 | 3.7 | 4.3 | 4.9 | 5.4 | 5.7 | 6.3 |
Pricing
We don't have market pricing data for the BELLONA 23 yet. If you own one, help other buyers — what did you pay for it? Reports build a community price estimate over time.
Estimated Cost of Ownership
Based on 23.13ft LOA. Actual costs vary by condition, usage, and local rates.
Known Issues & Pre-Purchase Inspection
10 reported issues across 7 systems for the BELLONA 23, compiled from owner reports in sailing forums and owner-association material.
Unlock the full inspection report
Thinking of buying a BELLONA 23? This is an in-depth report on the faults this model is known for — so you know exactly what to check when you walk the boat. For the price of a coffee.
- ✓ All 10 specific issues — severity, symptoms & fixes
- ✓ Model-specific pre-purchase inspection checklist
- ✓ Downloadable PDF to take to your surveyor — yours to keep
One-time $2.99 · secure checkout by Stripe · instant access · 30 days online, PDF yours to keep
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