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146data points analyzed by Sailpages.com to compile this ENSENADA 20 buyer’s report
ENSENADA 20

ENSENADA 20

Coastal Recreation Inc.🇺🇸· Design: Lyle C. Hess
$3,300 avg$3,300 – $3,300 (1 listings)1972–1981
$600 – $1.6K est. annual maintenance
DaysailermonoFractional SloopFinVariable

Specifications

Hull

LOA20 ft
LWL17.5 ft
Beam7.08 ft
Draft4 ft/ 1.75 ft min
Displacement1,600 lb
Ballast550.1 lb
Hull speed1.34·√LWL5.6 kn

Rig & Sails

Iforetriangle height20.71 ft
Jforetriangle base8.79 ft
Pmainsail luff24.93 ft
Emainsail foot8.67 ft
FLforestay8.8 ft
Mainsail207.7 sq ft
Jib (100%)91 sq ft
Spinnaker154.7 sq ft

About the ENSENADA 20

Also Known as the RK 20. RK Industries was subsidiary of Coastal Recreation. The hull is the same as the BALBOA 20.

Sailpages Buyer's Take

The Ensenada 20 is a compact coastal cruiser designed by Lyle C. Hess and built by Coastal Recreation Inc. (USA) from 1972–1981. With a displacement of 1600.0 lb and a fractional sloop rig, it offers a lightweight, responsive sailing experience, though the exact number of hulls built is unknown.

Best for:
This boat is best suited for coastal cruising and weekend getaways, appealing to sailors who prioritize ease of handling and trailerability over heavy offshore endurance.
Bluewater capability:
With a low displacement of 1600.0 lb and a comfort ratio of 9.99, the Ensenada 20 is designed for protected waters and lacks the heavy displacement and structural robustness required for serious bluewater passagemaking.
Comparables:
Comparable boats from this era include the O'Day 23 and Pearson 23, which share similar fractional sloop rigs and target the same market of entry-level cruisers seeking manageable size and moderate performance.

Performance

Comfort10.0
Capsize2.42
SA/Disp21.1
Disp/Len133
Bal/Disp34.4

Market Price

Low
$3,300
Average
$3,300
High
$3,300
Based on 1 listings across 1 marketplace

Estimated Cost of Ownership

Based on 20ft LOA. Actual costs vary by condition, usage, and local rates.

$/ft/mo
Annual Maintenance
$600 – $1.6K
Hull, rigging, sails, engine service
Annual Docking
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Annual Insurance
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Known Issues & Pre-Purchase Inspection

17 reported issues across 8 systems for the ENSENADA 20, compiled from owner reports in sailing forums and owner-association material.

5 critical7 major5 minor
Hull3Structural3Rigging3Keel2Deck2Rudder2Safety1Engine1

Unlock the full inspection report

Thinking of buying a ENSENADA 20? 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 17 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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Which engine powers your ENSENADA 20?

We haven't confirmed the engine for this model yet. If you own or know one, tell us — as owners report in, we build an accurate picture over time.

Brands sometimes mentioned for this model: Yanmar, Westerbeke, Volvo Penta, Atomic 4 — is it one of these?

Already know your engine? Search all engines → to find its exact parts.

Used sails that fit the ENSENADA 20

Checking eBay for sails sized to this boat's rig…