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342data points analyzed by Sailpages.com to compile this HOTFOOT 20 buyer’s report
HOTFOOT 20

HOTFOOT 20

Hotfoot BoatsπŸ‡¨πŸ‡¦Β· Design: Doug Hemphill
from 1985
$600 – $1.5K est. annual maintenance
Performance RacermonoFractional SloopVariable

Specifications

Hull

LOA20 ft
LWL18 ft
Beam8.5 ft
Draft5 ft/ 1.5 ft min
Displacement1,000 lb
Ballast400 lb
Hull speed1.34·√LWL5.7 kn

Rig & Sails

Iforetriangle height25 ft
Jforetriangle base6.5 ft
Pmainsail luff28 ft
Emainsail foot10.25 ft
FLforestay6.5 ft
Mainsail236.2 sq ft
Jib (100%)81.3 sq ft
Spinnaker138.1 sq ft

About the HOTFOOT 20

Sailpages Buyer's Take

The Hotfoot 20 is a lightweight, performance-oriented fractional sloop designed by Doug Hemphill and built by Hotfoot Boats in Canada, with production records indicating a single build year of 1985. With a displacement of 1000.0 lb and a high sail area-to-displacement ratio of 36.07, this vessel prioritizes speed and agility, though the exact total hulls built remains unconfirmed in available data.

Best for:
This boat is best suited for coastal day-sailors, club racers, or single-handers seeking a responsive, easy-to-trailer package, as its light displacement and fractional rig favor quick acceleration and manageable handling in protected waters.
Bluewater capability:
With a capsize ratio of 3.4 and a comfort ratio of 4.8, the Hotfoot 20 is not designed for bluewater passage-making, as its light displacement and shallow draft limit its stability and seakeeping in open-ocean conditions.
Comparables:
Comparable boats include the O'Day 22 and the Catalina 22, which share similar fractional sloop rigs and trailerable footprints, though the Hotfoot 20 distinguishes itself with a significantly lighter displacement and higher performance ratios tailored for racing rather than heavy cruising.

Performance

Comfort4.8
Capsize3.40
SA/Disp36.1
Disp/Len77
Bal/Disp40.0

Pricing

We don't have market pricing data for the HOTFOOT 20 yet. If you own one, help other buyers β€” what did you pay for it? Reports build a community price estimate over time.

Estimated Cost of Ownership

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

$/ft/mo
Annual Maintenance
$600 – $1.5K
Hull, rigging, sails, engine service
Annual Docking
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Annual Insurance
N/A
No price data available

Known Issues & Pre-Purchase Inspection

27 reported issues across 10 systems for the HOTFOOT 20, compiled from owner reports in sailing forums and owner-association material.

8 critical14 major5 minor
Structural8Deck4Rigging4Keel3Rudder2Engine2Safety1Interior1Hull1Plumbing1

Unlock the full inspection report

Thinking of buying a HOTFOOT 20? This is an in-depth report on the faults this model is known for β€” so you know exactly what to check when you walk the boat. For the price of a coffee.

  • βœ“ All 27 specific issues β€” severity, symptoms & fixes
  • βœ“ Model-specific pre-purchase inspection checklist
  • βœ“ Downloadable PDF to take to your surveyor β€” yours to keep

One-time $2.99 Β· secure checkout by Stripe Β· instant access Β· 30 days online, PDF yours to keep

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Which engine powers your HOTFOOT 20?

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

Already know your engine? Search all engines β†’ to find its exact parts.

Used sails that fit the HOTFOOT 20

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