MATILDA 20
Specifications
Hull
| LOA | 19.5 ft |
| LWL | 16.33 ft |
| Beam | 7.92 ft |
| Draft | 4.16 ft/ 0.75 ft min |
| Displacement | 1,550 lb |
| Ballast | 299.9 lb |
| Hull speed1.34·√LWL | 5.4 kn |
Rig & Sails
| Iforetriangle height | 23.5 ft |
| Jforetriangle base | 8 ft |
| Pmainsail luff | 20.8 ft |
| Emainsail foot | 8 ft |
| FLforestay | 8 ft |
| Mainsail | 183.9 sq ft |
| Jib (100%) | 94 sq ft |
| Spinnaker | 159.8 sq ft |
About the MATILDA 20
Photo courtesy of Adam Hunt.
The Matilda 20 is a compact, lightweight masthead sloop designed by Robert Tucker and built by Ouyang Boat Works in Canada in 1971. With a displacement of 1550.0 lb and a LOA of 19.5 ft, it represents a specific era of small, trailerable cruising designs, though the exact number of hulls built remains unconfirmed.
- Best for:
- This boat suits coastal cruisers and trailerable boat owners seeking a low-maintenance, easy-to-handle package for protected waters. Its light displacement and small footprint make it ideal for those with limited storage space or who prioritize ease of transport over heavy offshore performance.
- Bluewater capability:
- With a capsize ratio of 2.74 and a comfort ratio of 8.8, the Matilda 20 is not suited for serious bluewater passage-making due to its light displacement and small size. It is best restricted to coastal and inland waterway cruising where weather exposure is limited.
- Comparables:
- Comparable boats include other 1970s trailerable sloops like the O'Day 23 or Catalina 22, which share similar roles as entry-level cruisers. The Matilda 20 distinguishes itself with its specific Canadian construction and slightly lighter displacement compared to many fiberglass contemporaries.
Performance
Pricing
We don't have market pricing data for the MATILDA 20 yet. If you own one, help other buyers — what did you pay for it? Reports build a community price estimate over time.
Estimated Cost of Ownership
Based on 19.5ft LOA. Actual costs vary by condition, usage, and local rates.
Known Issues & Pre-Purchase Inspection
6 reported issues across 5 systems for the MATILDA 20, compiled from owner reports in sailing forums and owner-association material.
Unlock the full inspection report
Thinking of buying a MATILDA 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 6 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 MATILDA 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 — is it one of these?
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Used sails that fit the MATILDA 20
Checking eBay for sails sized to this boat's rig…