The Flicka 20 Sailboat

The Design Ratios indicate that the Flicka 20 is a heavy and stable boat that can handle rough seas and strong winds. It is not a fast or agile boat, but rather a comfortable and safe one. It has a low sail area to displacement ratio, which means it has less power to overcome its weight and drag. It also has a high ballast to displacement ratio, which means it has more stability and resistance to heeling. The capsize screening formula and the comfort ratio are both below the recommended thresholds for offshore sailing, which means the boat has a low risk of capsizing and a high level of comfort for its crew.

The Flicka 20 is no longer in production. The last boat was built by Pacific Seacraft in 1998. According to the Home of the Flicka 20 Sailboat, about 400 Flickas were built in total, including those sold as kits or plans for amateur construction.

The Flicka 20 can sleep up to four people in its cabin. There are two quarter berths aft, one on each side of the companionway. There is also a V-berth forward, which can be converted into a double berth by inserting a filler cushion. The dinette table can be lowered to create another single berth on the port side.

The Flicka 20 has received mostly positive reviews from the sailing press over the years. Some of the praises include:

• "The Flicka is one of those rare boats that transcends mere function and becomes an object of art." John Kretschmer, Sailing Magazine

• "The Flicka is an extraordinary little ship that can take you anywhere you want to go." Tom Dove, Practical Sailor

• "The Flicka is not just another small boat; it is an expression of individuality and independence." John Vigor, Good Old Boat

Some of the criticisms include:

• "The Flicka is slow and wet in light airs." John Vigor, Good Old Boat

• "The Flicka is expensive for its size and offers limited living space." Tom Dove, Practical Sailor

• "The Flicka is not for everyone; it requires a certain mindset and lifestyle." John Kretschmer, Sailing Magazine

Owners of the Flicka 20 are generally very fond of their boats and often form a close bond with them. They tend to value the boat's quality, character, and capability over its speed, space, and convenience. They also enjoy the boat's versatility, as it can be used for day sailing, coastal cruising, or ocean voyaging. Some of the testimonials from owners include:

• "The Flicka is a joy to sail. She is well balanced, responsive, and forgiving. She can handle any weather and any sea state. She is also easy to maintain and repair." Bob Horne, owner of Flicka 20 #1

• "The Flicka is a dream come true. She is beautiful, comfortable, and seaworthy. She has taken me to places I never thought I would see. She is also a great conversation starter and a source of pride." Ann Hill, owner of Flicka 20 #50

• "The Flicka is a lifestyle choice. She is not just a boat; she is a home, a friend, and a companion. She has taught me a lot about sailing, living, and myself. She has also given me a lot of happiness and adventure." Roger Olson, owner of Flicka 20 #207

The Flicka 20 was built by two different companies: Nor'Star Fiberglass Yachts and Pacific Seacraft:

• Nor'Star Fiberglass Yachts was founded by Bill Crealock in California in 1974. The company specialized in building high-quality fiberglass sailboats designed by Crealock and other renowned naval architects, such as Bruce Bingham, Robert Perry, and Gary Mull. Some of the models produced by Nor'Star include the Nor'Star 40, the Nor'Sea 27, the Dana 24, and the Flicka 20. Nor'Star ended production in 1977 due to financial difficulties and sold its molds and tooling to Pacific Seacraft.

• Pacific Seacraft was founded by Mike Howarth and Henry Mohrschladt in California in 1976. The company continued the tradition of building high-quality fiberglass sailboats designed by Crealock and other renowned naval architects, such as W.I.B. Crealock, Carl Schumacher, and Robb Ladd. Some of the models produced by Pacific Seacraft include the Pacific Seacraft 25, the Pacific Seacraft 31, the Pacific Seacraft 34, the Pacific Seacraft 37, the Pacific Seacraft 40, and the Flicka 20. Pacific Seacraft moved to North Carolina in 1990 and ceased production in 2007 due to bankruptcy. The company was revived in 2009 by Stephen Brodie and resumed production in Washington, North Carolina.

The average cost of a secondhand Flicka 20 depends on several factors, such as the year of manufacture, the condition of the boat, the equipment and accessories included, and the location and market demand. According to YachtWorld, a website that lists boats for sale worldwide, the average asking price for a Flicka 20 in 2023 is $32,500. However, this price may vary significantly depending on the individual boat and seller. Some Flickas may sell for as low as $15,000 or as high as $50,000 or more.