MERIT 23
Specifications
Hull
| LOA | 23 ft |
| LWL | 19 ft |
| Beam | 8 ft |
| Draft | 4.7 ft |
| Displacement | 1,700 lb |
| Hull speed1.34·√LWL | 5.8 kn |
Rig & Sails
| Iforetriangle height | 25.8 ft |
| Jforetriangle base | 8.8 ft |
| Pmainsail luff | 21.7 ft |
| Emainsail foot | 8.9 ft |
| FLforestay | 8.8 ft |
| Mainsail | 217.8 sq ft |
| Jib (100%) | 113.5 sq ft |
| Spinnaker | 193 sq ft |
About the MERIT 23
Designed by Paul Yates and built by Merit Marine Inc. in the USA, the Merit 23 is a compact coastal cruiser with a production run dating to 1984. While the exact hull count is unknown, this masthead sloop offers a lightweight displacement of 1700.0 lb and a beam of 8.0 ft, prioritizing ease of handling and trailering over heavy offshore stability.
- Best for:
- This boat is best suited for coastal cruisers, weekend warriors, and single-handers who prioritize easy trailering and low maintenance over long-range bluewater passage making. Its light displacement and modest sail area make it accessible for novice sailors or those with limited storage space.
- Bluewater capability:
- With a low displacement of 1700.0 lb and a capsize ratio of 2.68, the Merit 23 is not designed for serious bluewater voyaging but is capable of protected coastal cruising and short offshore passages in moderate conditions.
- Comparables:
- Comparable boats include the Catalina 22 and O'Day 23, as they share similar length overall (23.0 ft) and target the same market of affordable, trailerable coastal cruisers from the 1980s. The Merit 23 distinguishes itself with a slightly wider beam (8.0 ft) and a fin keel design, offering different handling characteristics compared to the keel-stepped or fractional rigs often found on these rivals.
Direct variant of the MERIT 23
Near-identical models — same hull, builder and designer, re-badged or lightly changed. Specs and owner-reported issues are typically shared across the group, so a sister model's page may carry detail this one doesn't.
Performance
Market Price
Estimated Cost of Ownership
Based on 23ft LOA. Actual costs vary by condition, usage, and local rates.
Known Issues & Pre-Purchase Inspection
7 reported issues across 6 systems for the MERIT 23, compiled from owner reports in sailing forums and owner-association material.
Unlock the full inspection report
Thinking of buying a MERIT 23? 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 7 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
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Used sails that fit the MERIT 23
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