SPIRIT 23
Specifications
Hull
| LOA | 23 ft |
| LWL | 20 ft |
| Beam | 7.92 ft |
| Draft | 5 ft/ 2 ft min |
| Displacement | 2,800 lb |
| Ballast | 800 lb |
| Hull speed1.34·√LWL | 6.0 kn |
Rig & Sails
| Iforetriangle height | 25 ft |
| Jforetriangle base | 8.67 ft |
| Pmainsail luff | 22.5 ft |
| Emainsail foot | 9.5 ft |
| FLforestay | 8.7 ft |
| Mainsail | 223.8 sq ft |
| Jib (100%) | 108.4 sq ft |
| Spinnaker | 184.2 sq ft |
About the SPIRIT 23
An earlier version was known as the NORTH AMERICAN 23. It was renamed after North American Yachts was sold off by powerboat manufacturer Glastron. The SPIRIT 23 was also available with a fixed keel (See Spirit 23K). Also available with either a standard coach roof or a lifting 'pop top'. Headroom with the "pop top" up = 6.17ft. SPIRIT 23 was built in Austin, Texas, USA.
The Spirit 23 is a compact, masthead sloop designed by Robert Finch and built by Glastron in the USA between 1978 and 1981. With a displacement of 2800.0 lb and a beam of 7.92 ft, it offers a stable platform for its size, though the exact number of hulls built is not definitively recorded in the source data.
- Best for:
- This boat is best suited for coastal cruising, weekend getaways, and single-handers who prioritize ease of handling and low maintenance costs over long-range offshore performance.
- Bluewater capability:
- With a capsize ratio of 2.25 and a comfort ratio of 13.15, the Spirit 23 is not designed for serious bluewater passages, but its full/long keel and 800.0 lb of ballast provide adequate stability for protected coastal waters.
- Comparables:
- Comparable boats include the O'Day 23 and the Cal 23, as they share similar production eras, displacement ranges, and roles as affordable, trailerable coastal cruisers with full keels.
Performance
Pricing
We don't have market pricing data for the SPIRIT 23 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 23ft LOA. Actual costs vary by condition, usage, and local rates.
Known Issues & Pre-Purchase Inspection
12 reported issues across 6 systems for the SPIRIT 23, compiled from owner reports in sailing forums and owner-association material.
Unlock the full inspection report
Thinking of buying a SPIRIT 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 12 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 SPIRIT 23?
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 SPIRIT 23
Checking eBay for sails sized to this boat's rig…