Etap 20 For Sale
Scat Laboy
Etap 20: A Compact and Unsinkable Sailboat
If you are looking for a small, safe and easy-to-handle sailboat, you might want to consider the Etap 20. This boat is designed by the Belgian company Etap Yachting, which is known for its unsinkable boats with double-skinned hulls. The Etap 20 is one of their smallest models, measuring 6.56 meters in length and 2.4 meters in beam. It has a lifting keel that allows it to sail in shallow waters and a retractable rudder that makes it easy to trailer.
The Etap 20 has a simple and functional layout, with a small cabin that can sleep up to four people, a galley area with a sink and a stove, and a chemical toilet. The cockpit is spacious and comfortable, with a tiller steering and a self-tacking jib. The boat is equipped with a masthead rig and a mainsail with two reefs. The sail area is 18.5 square meters, which gives the boat good performance in light winds. The boat can also be fitted with an outboard engine of up to 6 hp.
The Etap 20 is a popular boat among beginners and experienced sailors alike, as it offers stability, safety and fun. It is also a versatile boat that can be used for cruising, racing or day sailing. The boat has been produced since 1978 and has undergone several improvements over the years. The latest version is the Etap 20i, which has a more modern design and features.
If you are interested in buying an Etap 20, you can find new and used boats for sale on various websites, such as Band of Boats, TheYachtMarket or Apollo Duck. The prices vary depending on the year, condition and equipment of the boat, but you can expect to pay between Â5,000 and Â15,000 for a used Etap 20.
Some of the advantages of owning an Etap 20 are:
- It is unsinkable, thanks to its double-skinned hull that is filled with closed-cell foam. This means that even if the boat is damaged or flooded, it will not sink and will remain afloat.
- It is easy to sail, thanks to its self-tacking jib and its simple rigging. The boat can be sailed single-handedly or with a small crew. It is also easy to maneuver and dock, thanks to its lifting keel and retractable rudder.
- It is low-maintenance, thanks to its durable and resistant materials. The hull is made of fiberglass reinforced polyester, which is resistant to corrosion and osmosis. The deck and cabin are made of polyurethane foam sandwiched between two layers of fiberglass, which provides insulation and strength.
Some of the drawbacks of owning an Etap 20 are:
- It is small, which means that it has limited space and comfort. The cabin is cramped and has no standing headroom. The galley area is minimal and has no refrigeration. The toilet is a chemical one that needs to be emptied regularly.
- It is slow, compared to other boats of its size. The boat has a low sail area to displacement ratio, which means that it needs more wind to move. The boat also has a lot of drag due to its double-skinned hull and its lifting keel.
- It is expensive, compared to other boats of its size. The boat has a high initial cost, as it is made with high-quality materials and technology. The boat also has a high resale value, which means that it can be hard to find a bargain on the second-hand market.