[1] The design was built by Watkins Yachts in the United States from 1973 to 1980, with 400 examples completed, but it is now out of production.
It has a masthead sloop rig, a spooned raked stem, a near-vertical transom, a transom-hung rudder controlled by a tiller and a fixed stub keel with a centerboard.
[1][3] The boat is normally fitted with a small 3 to 6 hp (2 to 4 kW) outboard motor for docking and maneuvering.
[6] In a 2010 review Steve Henkel wrote of the 23XL model, "best features: You get basic sailing transportation for very little money.
Worst features: Construction is mediocre, with equipment such as a galvanized boat trailer winch (which can quickly rust in salt water) mounted in the cabin to hoist the centerboard.