The Maxus 22 is a 6.50-meter Polish sailboat that offers an impressively spacious interior for a boat of its size. This clever cruiser has even evolved to offer different versions tailored to every sailor’s needs.
The Maxus 22 is a 6.40-meter monohull sailboat, designed by Polish naval architect Jacek Daszkiewicz and built by the Northman shipyard in Poland since 2013. Intended for coastal cruising and trailerable sailing, it is part of a range of modular sailboats, suitable for both family outings and more ambitious adventures (one sailor even completed a world tour with it). The Maxus 22 stands out for its ease of launching, robustness, and surprising habitability for a boat of this size, while remaining accessible to a wide audience of sailors.
Key Points
- Architect: Jacek Daszkiewicz
- Shipyard: Northman (Poland)
- Production Period: Since 2013
- Length: 6.40 m
- Program: Coastal cruising, trailerable sailing, offshore adventure
- Versions: Swing keel, fixed keel, twin keel
- Strengths: Transportability, habitability, build quality, versatility
- Points to Watch: Limited interior space for long stays, moderate performance in challenging conditions
History of the Maxus 22
The Maxus 22 was born from Northman Shipyard’s desire to offer a trailerable, robust sailboat adapted to the varied programs of European sailors. Designed by Jacek Daszkiewicz, a renowned Polish naval architect known for balancing performance and habitability, the Maxus 22 is part of a range of modular sailboats from 6 to 8 meters, designed to be easy to transport and launch. The boat arrived at a time when many Polish shipyards were aiming to enter the European market, having long served as subcontractors for French giants, among others. Northman would become one of the shipyards to most successfully make this transition.
The Maxus 22 quickly won over sailors with its ability to combine ease of use and seafaring qualities, proven notably by the feat of Szymon Kuczyński, who completed a non-stop solo circumnavigation aboard a Maxus 22 between 2017 and 2018. This achievement demonstrated the model’s reliability and robustness, even in extreme conditions.
The Maxus 22 competes with boats like the First 22, Etap 22i, or Django 750, with the advantage of careful construction and an attractive quality-price ratio. Its ongoing production is a testament to its success among sailors seeking a versatile, trailerable, and seaworthy sailboat.
Interior Layout
The Maxus 22 offers an optimized interior layout for a 6.40-meter boat. The cabin, though compact, provides a functional space with a double berth, a small saloon, and a basic galley area. The headroom allows for comfortable seating, and the storage is well thought out for short cruises.
The standard version includes a fold-down table, a stove, and a sink, while the light wood finishes create a sense of space and brightness. Some owners highlight the quality of the materials and the robustness of the fittings, although comfort remains that of a small coastal cruiser.
Sailing Qualities
The Maxus 22 is renowned for its sea handling and ease of maneuvering. Its hull, designed to offer a good balance between stability and performance, allows it to sail safely in various conditions. Owners appreciate its responsiveness at the helm and its ability to handle the sea, even in fresh winds.
Szymon Kuczyński’s feat highlighted the robustness of the Maxus 22, capable of crossing oceans without stopping. On coastal cruises, it proves reassuring and pleasant to sail, both solo and with a small crew. Its swing keel or fixed keel, depending on the version, provides good upwind performance and easy beaching.
Owners’ Reviews
Owner feedback is generally very positive. Many highlight the build quality, careful finish, and versatility of the Maxus 22, which is suitable for both day trips and longer cruises. Some, however, note the need to organize the space well for extended stays.
“The build quality of the Maxus is no longer in question. The finish and care put into the boats make them highly sought-after models, even on the second-hand market!” (Owner sailing in Brittany) “The Maxus 22 is a trailerable sailboat that fears no sea. I was able to verify the quality of the construction after a cruise in the Bay of Biscay: nothing had moved.” (Owner who sailed in challenging conditions) “It’s a boat that delivers on its promises: easy to transport, seaworthy, and comfortable for its size.” (Owner review)
Maxus 22 Technical Specifications
| Category | Data |
|---|---|
| Architect | Jacek Daszkiewicz |
| Shipyard | Northman (Poland) |
| Launch Year | 2013 |
| Length Overall | 6.40 m |
| Beam | 2.48 m |
| Draft (max) | 1.45 m (fixed keel version) / 0.30 m (centerboard version) |
| Displacement | 1,280 kg |
| Ballast | Depending on version |
| Headroom | Approx. 1.60 m |
| Number of Berths | 2 (standard version) |
| CE Certification | Class C (coastal navigation) |
| Sail Area | Mainsail: 18.5 m² – Genoa: 12 m² (depending on rig) |
| Material | Polyester (fiberglass/GRP) |
| Engine | Optional (outboard) |
| Versions | Swing keel, fixed keel, twin keel |
Conclusion
The Maxus 22 stands out as a modern trailerable sailboat, combining robustness, habitability, and seafaring qualities. Its world circumnavigation proved its reliability, while its ease of launching and optimized layout make it a wise choice for sailors seeking a versatile and accessible boat. Despite its necessarily limited interior space, it wins over with its quality-price ratio and its ability to adapt to a wide variety of programs, from coastal outings to offshore adventures.