Leisure 23 Buying - What To Look Out For

Note that the Leisure 23 (pre-SL version) and the earlier Leisure 22 share the same deck/superstructure moulding, so at first sight look the same, but have different hulls. The Leisure 23 hull is reckoned to be a significant improvement on the 22 hull. (Not that I'm suggesting that one couldn't have a lot of fun in a 22.)

It is not unknown to find Leisure 22s being sold as Leisure 23s.

Perhaps the most easily spotted difference in the hulls is that the 22 transom slopes forward as it goes downward, whereas the 23 hull slopes aft as it goes downward.

Just to complete the tale, both the pre-SL and SL version of the Leisure 23 share the same hull.
 
If you've not done so, joining the Leisure Owners Association is highly recommended.
£10 one-off joining fee, then just need to log into their forums once a year to keep your membership 'alive'.
Lots of useful tips and easy reach of a few spare parts - discounted from members.

Things to look for - tiller head - these can crack & break off at just the wrong time - replacements are available, though.
Check windows and stanchion bases for leaks as well as the usual running & standing rigging age-related damage. Likewise consider the age of the electrics and any through-hull seals.

I've not had any real problems with mine other than the rather strange stern tube seal arrangement a previous owner had bodged up - easily replace and not a problem if you don't have an inboard engine, of course.

Really, it's mainly the age of the boat & how well the previous owner(s) have looked after it.

I really like mine - small enough to be easy to sail on my own and yet more room inside than some 30 footers.
Better looking than the SL, too.
However, I may be bias.
 
When I had one the tiller moved and the rudder didn’t! The metal tangs inside the rudder had corroded and come away from the stock so I split the rudder and fixed it. Don’t know how common this is but worth a look.
 
I have had my L23SL for 15 years, with no problems at all. I have also been a member of the Owners Association for all that time. The main area to check is the rudder, from the head, which can crack, through the skeg attachment to the hull, to the metal shoe at the bottom of the skeg that locates the rudder.

I wouldn't dismiss an outboard version. I have one, and it has the following advantages:-

The engine is cheaper to replace.
You can remove it for security or servicing.
When close manoeuvring, you can steer with the outboard, and spin the boat within its own length.

There are advantages to an inboard, as well, of course.
 
A well engineered boat I have had two the 23 and 23sl,never heard of problems with the keels and faults are mainly what others have said but by now probably fixed by previous owners.A spacious and easily handled 23 footer with a waterline of 20ft the inboard version is worth looking for.
 
Leisure 22/23. - what a clever, clever yacht. Companion way off to Port, therefore a full size dining table off to sbd.
If you really are going to sea, as how I used her, get an inboard engine.
 
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