The boat has a draft of 5.08 ft (1.55 m) with the centerboard extended and 9 in (23 cm) with it retracted, allowing operation in shallow water, beaching or ground transportation on a trailer.[1][3]
The boat is normally fitted with an 8 to 40 hp (6 to 30 kW) outboard motor for cruising, docking and maneuvering. It can cruise at 20 kn (37 km/h) with a 40 hp (30 kW) motor.[1][3]
The design has sleeping accommodation for four people, with a double "V"-berth in the bow cabin and an aft cabin with a double berth under the cockpit. The galley is located above the bow cabin and is equipped with a two-burner stove and an icebox. The enclosed head is located amidships on the starboard side. Cabin headroom is 48 in (122 cm).[1][3]
The design has a hull speed of 5.4 kn (10.0 km/h).[3]
Operational history
In a 2010 review Steve Henkel wrote, "not too many sailboats can go 20 knots under power ... In the case of ... the PowerSailer ... the necessary sacrifices of sailing qualities (sailing speed, stability, manueverability, aesthetics) to attain speed under power will be unacceptable to many, if not most, sailors. Best features: Speed under power, of course, is the main selling feature. In addition, very shallow draft is good for exploring beaches. Her self-bailing cockpit is deep and comfortable. A sizable double berth extending all the way across the boat under the cockpit is about as roomy as you'll get on a 19-foot sailboat—but it's not for folks with claustrophobia, Worst features: Steering the PowerSailer 19 under sail can be very frustrating, especially when attempting to make sharp turns. This is partly because the twin rudders are too small for the job. Excessive side-slip when steering under power can also be a problem unless the centerboard is dropped. Water ballast provides inadequate stability in breezy wind conditions."[3]