CHESAPEAKE 20

About the CHESAPEAKE 20

Sailed mainly on the West River of Chesapeake Bay (US). The first 40 boats were built by the designer from 1939-1943. A fiberglass version was first available in 1989. Current racing rules allow a trapeze but no spinnaker. See class web site for more details.

The Chesapeake 20 is a historic 20-foot fractional sloop designed by Ernest H. Hartge and built by Ernest H. Hartge (USA) between 1939, with a total production of 250 hulls. As a vintage vessel with a displacement of 950.0 lb, it represents a classic era of American small-boat design, requiring careful evaluation of its age-related structural integrity.

Best for:

This boat is best suited for coastal day-sailing and light cruising, appealing to owners who value classic aesthetics and manageable size over heavy offshore capability. Its light displacement and small footprint make it ideal for trailerable use and access to shallow waters.

Bluewater capability:

With a low displacement of 950.0 lb and a comfort ratio of 7.06, the Chesapeake 20 is not designed for bluewater cruising and is strictly limited to protected coastal waters due to its light ballast and vintage construction.

Comparables:

Comparable boats from this era include other 1930s-1940s trailerable sloops like the Pearson 16 or early O'Day models, which share similar fractional rig configurations and light displacement characteristics. These vessels are comparable due to their shared role as accessible, entry-level cruising platforms designed for local waters.