
FLICKA 20
Specifications
Hull
| LOA | 24 ft |
| LWL | 18.17 ft |
| Beam | 8 ft |
| Draft | 3.25 ft |
| Displacement | 5,500 lb |
| Ballast | 1,800.1 lb |
| Hull speed1.34·√LWL | 5.7 kn |
Rig & Sails
| Iforetriangle height | 27.9 ft |
| Jforetriangle base | 10.5 ft |
| Pmainsail luff | 23.3 ft |
| Emainsail foot | 8.9 ft |
| FLforestay | 10.5 ft |
| Mainsail | 258.5 sq ft |
| Jib (100%) | 146.5 sq ft |
| Spinnaker | 249 sq ft |
| SA total | 288 sq ft |
Engine
| Commonly | Yanmar, Nanni, Beta Marine, Mitsubishi, Johnson, Kubota, Vetus, BMW |
About the FLICKA 20
Pacific Seacraft also reports a displacement of 6,000 lbs and ballast of 1,750 lbs for their "Model A" version of the Flicka Gaff rig sail area: 288 sqft An article by Bruce Bingham in The Small Boat Journal lists rig measurements as: I = 28.17 ft J = 10.5 ft P = 24 ft E = 9.5 ft Began as plans available for amateur builder.(Over 200 sets sold) The designer began building a plug for a Flicka of his own, but circumstances forced its sale to Nor'star Marine, CA, USA, before completion. By 1975, Nor'star was building Flicka's, either as owner-finished kits, or boats completed under contract by Westerly Marine of Cosa Mesa. In 1977 Nor'star ceased production. In 1978 Pacific Seacraft bought the tooling and built it's version until 1998. Over the years other Flicka's have been built from varying materials. Decks, interiors and rigs can differ widely.
Designed by Bruce Bingham and built by Nor'Star Fiberglass Yachts/Pacific Seacraft (USA) from 1974–1999, the Flicka 20 is a robust 24-foot cutter with 400 hulls produced. Its heavy displacement of 5500.0 lb and full keel design prioritize stability and comfort over speed, making it a classic choice for safe, manageable cruising.
- Best for:
- This boat is ideal for coastal cruisers and couples seeking a low-maintenance, stable platform that is manageable for short-handed sailing. Its cutter rig and moderate sail area (288.0 sq ft) make it particularly suitable for those prioritizing safety and ease of handling over high-performance racing.
- Bluewater capability:
- With a capsize ratio of 1.82 and a comfort ratio of 26.73, the Flicka 20 is well-suited for offshore passages, offering exceptional stability and motion comfort in heavy weather despite its modest size.
- Comparables:
- Comparable boats include the Cal 2-36 and O'Day 23, which share similar full-keel, heavy-displacement characteristics from the same era. These vessels are comparable because they all prioritize seaworthiness and interior volume within the 20-25 foot range, appealing to buyers seeking traditional cruising aesthetics.
Performance
Liveaboard Score
How suitable the FLICKA 20is for living aboard full-time, by crew. “Not recommended” means the design is too cramped for that crew — not just short on length.
- ✓Affordable to own & maintain
- ✓Sea-kindly & settled at anchor
- ✓Shoal draft — easy anchoring & outdoor living
- !Basic sanitation & poor ventilation
Images
Estimated Value
Limited DataEstimated Cost of Ownership
Based on 24ft LOA. Actual costs vary by condition, usage, and local rates.
Known Issues & Pre-Purchase Inspection
26 reported issues across 9 systems for the FLICKA 20, compiled from owner reports in sailing forums and owner-association material.
Unlock the full inspection report
Thinking of buying a FLICKA 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 26 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
Similar Sailboats
Which engine powers your FLICKA 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, Nanni, Beta Marine, Mitsubishi — is it one of these?
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Used sails that fit the FLICKA 20
Checking eBay for sails sized to this boat's rig…

























