Rated 4.9 out of 5 by our customers
Rated 4.9 out of 5 by our customers
90 Day Risk Free Returns
Price Match Promise
5 Star Rated by Sailors
Over 68,000+ Orders Shipped
The SB20 keelboat has earned a passionate following around the world for its perfect balance of performance, simplicity and competitive one-design racing. Whether you’re a seasoned racer stepping into your first SB20 campaign or a keen sailor exploring what makes this class so special, you’re bound to have questions.
At Sailing Chandlery, as the UK SB20 keelboat dealer, we hear a consistent set of queries from sailors and prospective owners about everything from handling and tuning to buying and maintaining an SB20 keelboat. To help you get the answers you need quickly, we’ve pulled together the most frequently asked questions about the SB20, along with clear, practical answers from experienced sailors and SB20 experts.
Read on to discover what makes the SB20 such a favourite on the race course, how it performs across all wind conditions, what you need to know before buying, and tips for getting the most out of your time on the water.
The SB20 keelboat has a maximum crew weight of 270 kg.
Based on your sailor's weight you could have 3 or 4 sailors onboard as long as you don't go over the 270 kg top weight.
The SB20 keelboat has an all up weight of around 1,000kgs which includes the boat, trailer, rig, sails and spares.
Although the SB20 keelboat looks like a large boat on the trailer it is relatively light and tows very well behind an average family car. Many sailors have towed an SB20 with a 1.6 litre car with no problems.
The keel set up helps to keep the weight low creating less windage.
An approx all up weight of the boat, parts and trailer is 1,000kgs.
There are two options for launching your SB20 keelboat, either by hoist directly from the trailer into the water or by driving the trailer into the water.
The easiest way is by putting the trailer into the water and rolling the boat backwards off of the trailer.
In certain locations there are hoists which can lift the boat up and directly put it into the water. This is preferred by many sailors as it avoids the road trailer having to be put into salt water.
Hoisting the boat in takes a little more prep ensuring the lifting straps are connected correctly and that the backstay and other rigging won't catch on the hoist/crane.
Building the boat from road trailer to ready to sail can be as quick as 30 minutes for an experienced team. We would recommend allowing 2 hours to be on the safe side, packing down is slightly quicker.
The advantage of the SB20 keelboat is you have at least 3 crew members, if they're all there and helping many hands make light work.
From your SB20 keelboat being in the water to ready to sail can be easily completed within 15 minutes.
The majority of the SB20 keelboat fleet in the UK are on the South coast around Hamble. There are also boats at Sussex Yacht Club, Wales, Lake District, Holyhead, Marconi Sailing Club and Weymouth.
Yes, there is an active racing calendar for the SB20 keelboat every year.
Explore the list of events on the UK SB20 class association website.
At the time of writing it's an exciting time for the UK fleet as the World Championships are coming to the UK in 2027.
Yes, every year there are SB20 keelboat National, European and World Championships planned.
The UK national championships typically attracts 25-40 boats each year.
More information can be found on the SB20 class association website.
Sailing Chandlery are the UK dealer for SB20 keelboat parts and new boats.
Sailing Chandlery stock a wide range of SB20 parts including sails, parts and accessories.
Explore SB20 parts through the Sailing Chandlery website.
New SB20 keelboats are available to buy from Sailing Chandlery who are the UK dealer.
Sailing Chandlery import new boats from Devoti who are the Worldwide builder based in Poland.
Sailing Chandlery offer various SB20 keelboat new boat packages based on your requirements along with added extras we recommend for smooth sailing, docking and set up.
Explore a new SB20 today, arrange your perfect boat package and book your build slot.
There are a few options when buying a new SB20 keelboat from boat only through to our packages which include collection of the boat and parts through to full setup build and delivery of your new boat.
Explore the SB20 boat package today for the latest pricing and options.
Useful accessories include a dock bag, fenders, engine bracket, 3:1 jib sheet upgrade and more.
Talk to our team about your type of sailing and we'll be able to make recommendations.
In the UK the best place to search for a pre owned or used SB20 keelboat is the UK Class Association Website.
The class association keep the list of active and for sale boats up to date.
Review our used SB20 keelboats today.
Have you got a question about the SB20 which we haven't answered?
Get in touch with the friendly team at Sailing Chandlery, we're a team of passionate sailors who are keen to help and support you in your SB20 keelboat sailing journey.
You can drop us an email to info@sailingchandlery.com or give us a call on 01268 222912.
