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15data points analyzed by Sailpages.com to compile this KELLS 23 buyer’s report
KELLS 23

KELLS 23

Kells Corp.πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡ΈΒ· Design: Paul A. Lindh
1971–1980
$800 – $2.1K est. annual maintenance
DaysailermonoFractional SloopFinVariable

Specifications

Hull

LOA22.58 ft
LWL18 ft
Beam7.75 ft
Draft5 ft/ 0.92 ft min
Displacement1,980 lb
Ballast525.1 lb
Hull speed1.34·√LWL5.7 kn

Rig & Sails

Iforetriangle height22.6 ft
Jforetriangle base8.8 ft
Pmainsail luff21 ft
Emainsail foot9.5 ft
FLforestay8.8 ft
Mainsail207.2 sq ft
Jib (100%)99.4 sq ft
Spinnaker169 sq ft

About the KELLS 23

Sister to the The Kells 23, The Kells 23.5 has 0.5 ft more draft. Kells Corp. was located in Tiverton, RI, USA. Little else is known about the company.

Sailpages Buyer's Take

Designed by Paul A. Lindh and built by Kells Corp. (USA) from 1971–1980, the Kells 23 is a compact fractional sloop with a displacement of 1980.0 lb. While the exact number of hulls built is unknown, this model represents a specific era of American trailerable cruising yachts.

Best for:
This boat suits coastal cruisers and trailerable boat owners seeking a manageable 22.58 ft LOA vessel with a fractional sloop rig for easy handling.
Bluewater capability:
With a low displacement of 1980.0 lb and a comfort ratio of 10.32, the Kells 23 is designed for coastal and protected waters rather than heavy offshore passage-making.
Comparables:
Comparable to other 1970s trailerable cruisers like the O'Day 23 or Pearson 23, it shares similar dimensions and a focus on ease of transport and single-handed sailing.

Performance

Comfort10.3
Capsize2.47
SA/Disp20.1
Disp/Len152
Bal/Disp26.5

Pricing

We don't have market pricing data for the KELLS 23 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 22.58ft LOA. Actual costs vary by condition, usage, and local rates.

$/ft/mo
Annual Maintenance
$800 – $2.1K
Hull, rigging, sails, engine service
Annual Docking
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Annual Insurance
N/A
No price data available

Known Issues & Pre-Purchase Inspection

8 reported issues across 4 systems for the KELLS 23, compiled from owner reports in sailing forums and owner-association material.

2 critical5 major1 minor
Keel3Structural2Rudder2Rigging1

Unlock the full inspection report

Thinking of buying a KELLS 23? 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 8 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

Similar Sailboats

Which engine powers your KELLS 23?

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 KELLS 23

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