MERIT 22
Specifications
Hull
| LOA | 22 ft |
| LWL | 18 ft |
| Beam | 8 ft |
| Draft | 4 ft/ 2 ft min |
| Displacement | 2,000 lb |
| Ballast | 600 lb |
| Hull speed1.34·√LWL | 5.7 kn |
Rig & Sails
| Iforetriangle height | 28 ft |
| Jforetriangle base | 8.25 ft |
| Pmainsail luff | 23 ft |
| Emainsail foot | 9.6 ft |
| FLforestay | 8.3 ft |
| Mainsail | 234.7 sq ft |
| Jib (100%) | 115.5 sq ft |
| Spinnaker | 196.4 sq ft |
About the MERIT 22
Designed by Paul Yates and built by Merit Marine Inc. (USA) from 1981, the Merit 22 is a compact coastal cruiser with a production run of 600 hulls. Its lightweight displacement of 2000.0 lb and high sail area-to-displacement ratio of 22.93 indicate a boat optimized for performance and ease of handling rather than heavy-weather stability.
- Best for:
- This boat suits coastal cruisers and weekend sailors who prioritize easy single-handed handling and trailerability over long-range offshore passage-making. It is ideal for owners seeking a low-maintenance, high-performance day sailor that can serve as a tender or coastal hopper.
- Bluewater capability:
- With a capsize ratio of 2.54 and a comfort ratio of 10.09, the Merit 22 is not suited for extended bluewater cruising due to its light displacement and narrow beam (8.0 ft). Its design favors protected coastal waters where its performance advantages outweigh the lack of heavy-weather stability found in heavier displacement hulls.
- Comparables:
- Comparable boats include the Catalina 22 and O'Day 23, which share similar length overall (22.0 ft) and coastal cruising roles. However, the Merit 22's significantly lower displacement (2000.0 lb vs. ~3000+ lb for competitors) and higher SA/D ratio (22.93) make it notably faster and lighter than these heavier-displacement contemporaries.
Performance
Market Price
Estimated Cost of Ownership
Based on 22ft LOA. Actual costs vary by condition, usage, and local rates.
Known Issues & Pre-Purchase Inspection
25 reported issues across 9 systems for the MERIT 22, compiled from owner reports in sailing forums and owner-association material.
Unlock the full inspection report
Thinking of buying a MERIT 22? 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 25 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 MERIT 22?
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Used sails that fit the MERIT 22
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