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20 Bluewater Cruising Sailboats Under $100,000

January 5, 2021 by Travis Turgeon 2 Comments

Choosing the right bluewater yacht for your needs requires a ton of research. With so many designs and features available, it can be overwhelming trying to narrow down your options. The process gets even more complicated when you begin to consider the personal opinions of other sailors. 

So how do you know where to start? Every person’s definition of comfortability will vary when it comes to onboard living. What suits a family of four won’t necessarily suit a couple or a single-handed sailor. Your budget, style, and needs are all unique to you and your situation, so it’s essential to know just what to look for when buying a new or used vessel . 

To start you off in the right direction, we put together a list of our top choices for bluewater cruising yachts under $100,000.

Allied Princess 36

Built as a long-keel ketch or cutter, the Allied Princess 36 was in production from 1972 to 1982. Around 140 vessels were manufactured in total, so you can occasionally find them on the used market. 

While these cruisers’ design and construction are considered sufficient, the excessive use of fiberglass makes the design a bit bland. Although they may not have the most appealing design, these bluewater yachts certainly tick a lot of boxes.

With the full-keel measuring just four-foot six inches, it’s a design that holds steady on its course without pointing as high as a fin-keel design. 

Overall, the Allied Princess 36 is a wonderful option for bluewater sailing.

Prices range between $30,000 and $60,000.

Cabo Rico 38

The Cabo Rico 38 is at the top of its class, constructed with a long-keel cutter rig design that gives it outstanding bluewater capabilities for its price point. The vessel was produced in two models – Pilothouse, and Trunk Cabin – although the Pilothouse design is less common.

Cabo Rico i s consistently successful with it s 38 models, and t hey remain one of the most prominent cruising boats on the water.

Internally, this boat has various features required for a bluewater cruiser: Large water and fuel tanks, a solid design with balsa wood cores for thermal and noise insulation, and an overall seaworthy design.

While this boat wasn’t m eant to win races, it is a fantastic choice for a crui sing vessel.

Prices range between $30,000 and $80,000.

Celestial 48

The Celestial 48 is the largest boat on our list and is commonly sought after by the cruising fraternity. The problem is, these vessels are scarce on the used market. 

The Celestial 48 is a ketch rig with a shoal-draft, fin-keel design, and a center-cockpit configuration that is comfortable and ideal for bluewater sailing. One of our favorite features is the six-foot, two-inch headroom in the cabin, along with high-capacity water and fuel tanks.

The Celestial 48 was built in China by the Xiamen boatyard, although it’s no longer in production.

If you can find one, the Celestial 48 will make an excellent bluewater cruiser.

Prices start near our $100,000 mark.

The Corbin 39 is manufactured in two designs, aft or center cockpit. Designed and built in Canada by Robert Dufour and Marius Corbin, the 39 is now (sadly) out of production. This cruiser remains a favorite of many and is still commonly searched for on the used market.

One thing to note is that most of the boats were sold as unfinished kits, leaving owners to complete the interiors themselves. For this reason, the standard of interior design finish will vary, so it’s worth checking and comparing with other vessels carefully.

When found, the Corbin 39’s present a very reasonable price tag, but a full survey is essential.

Prices range between $40,000 and $60,000.

The Freedom 36 is one of the smaller yachts on our list, but it has an exciting design that attracts cruisers. The wide beam and long waterline design allow for a much larger interior than most other boats of similar length. As a cruiser, space is a top priority, so this cruiser should be on your list of considerations.

A unique feature of this Freedom yacht is the stayless carbon fiber mast. It looks a little odd for most, with no forestay or backstay and a mast that flexes alarmingly in the wind. It’s a proven design, though, and gives clean lines just like an aircraft wing.

The Freedom 36 is certainly an exciting cruiser to keep an eye on.

Prices range between $40,000 and $80,000.

Gulfstar 44

Known as a capable cruiser or live-aboard boat, the Gulfstar 44 is a spacious yacht that can take you around the world.

Designed with a fin-keel and skeg-rudder, the Gulfstar is comfortable and well built.

Internally, you’ll find a large galley, king-size aft cabin, and spacious fore cabin, with ample room in the saloon. Earlier Gulfstar vessels suffered from inconsistent build quality, but from around 1976 onwards, the company made huge improvements.

For a spacious bluewater sailboat with excellent heavy-weather handling characteristics, the Gulfstar 44 is a great choice.

Prices start around $60,000.

Hans Christian 38

If you’re considering cruising the world in a bluewater yacht, then the Hans Christian 38-T should be added to your shortlist of candidates. 

With a full-length keel design and laden with solid teak, this boat weighs in at 12.5 tons, making it a heavy displacement vessel that you can rely on to take you through some of the harshest conditions.

Manufactured in Taiwan, these cruisers can be a chore to acquire. One of the most common downfalls of the Hans 38-T is electrical problems, so be sure to get the wiring checked out by a professional. 

Outside of electrical issues, this boat is a proven winner in the cruising world. 

Prices start around $70,000 but expect to pay well over $100,000 for the more admirable models.

Hinckley Bermuda 40

The Hinckley Bermuda 40 was in production for over 30 years, from 1959 until 1991, but only 203 boats were manufactured in total. Many Bermuda 40s were used as racing vessels throughout their production, winning the Northern Ocean Racing Trophy in 1964. 

The design also gained many admirers in the cruising world thanks to the long keel and centerboard, which allows the boat to maneuver through shallow waters. The Hinckley Bermuda 40 is hard to beat for versatility, combining classic looks with the shallow draught and generous interior space.

Early models from the 60s and 70s start around $80,000, but later models land well above our $100,000 threshold.

Island Packet 35

Although only in production for six years, 178 Island Packet 35s made their way onto the market. These vessels have become justifiably popular with coastal cruisers and bluewater sailors alike.

These cruisers are available in two designs; long-keel or long-keel with centerboard – both of which come with cutter rigging. 

The design is conservative and built for comfort rather than speed. Inside space is very generous, with a 12-foot beam, a v-berth cabin in the forepeak, and a double cabin on the aft port side.

Island Packet 35’s appear on the used market regularly, so locating one shouldn’t be too much of a hassle.

Prices start at around $65,000.

The Niagara 35 is a popular cruiser available in two exciting models, each one coming with a fantastic interior design. 

The original model features a center galley and marine toilet that separates the fore and aft areas. The saloon is completely closed off, making it useful during extended passage journeys.

The later model has a double-berth forward, separated from the saloon by the head and shower. Both models include a spacious cockpit design. Through its 12 years of production, 260 Niagara 35’s went on the market – so you can regularly find them for sale.

Early models start around $30,000, with later models coming in closer to $70,000.

Only 32 of the Robert Perry-designed Nordic 40s went through production, making them exclusive and difficult to find. If you do manage to get your hands on one, however, you won’t be disappointed.

The fin-keel and skeg-mounted rudder design allow for up to six people to stay comfortably, including extra storage space for luggage and provisions. 

The Perry design is recognized for the quality of its fittings, including rod-rigging and full hull insulation on early models. After 1987, they cut back on a few design features, but it’s still a quality boat. 

If you can manage to find a Nordic 40, it will make an excellent investment.

While it may be rare to find one below our $100,000 mark, it is possible.

Passport 40

Built in Taiwan, the Passport 40 is another excellent design by Robert Perry. Sporting a fin-keel and a skeg-mounted rudder, the design is known for its well-balanced performance. 

Originally supplied with a sloop-rig, the majority have an inner stay, fitted to allow a double headsail. This cutter-style rig makes the Passport 40 even more suitable for ocean crossings.

The interiors are well designed – as you’d expect from a Robert Perry – and make for comfortable living during long passages.

Peterson 44

The Peterson 44 was designed and built as a performance cruiser, combining sufficient speed and sea-kindly handling. 

A low center-cockpit, 10,000 pounds of lead ballast, and a long fin keel allow this vessel to take turbulent conditions in stride without sacrificing the crew’s comfort. 

Internally, there is plenty of space in the well-designed cabin. For long passages, there’s a 132-gallon water tank and a 117-gallon fuel tank.

Finding a Peterson 44 may be your only problem. They manufactured about 200 boats, but owners rarely like to part with them – adding to their intrigue and value.

Prices for these yachts vary widely. Expect to pick up an older model between $50,000 and $75,000.

Prout Snowgoose 37

As the only catamaran on our list, the Prout Snowgoose 37 is a proven boat for circumnavigation on the bluewater trail. 

A standout feature of the early Snowgoose models is its narrow beam, which allows them to navigate canals easily. These boats are popular in Europe and are common on the journey between Spain and France on the Mediterranian. Additionally, the Prout Snowgoose 37 can fit into a single-hull marina, reducing berthing costs when compared to most other catamarans. 

If you have never considered a catamaran in the past, the Prout Snowgoose 37 may change your mind.

Prices start near $45,000, with later models reaching over $100,000.

The Shannon 38 comes in two styles, with either an aft cockpit or pilothouse. Shannon Yachts are known for their build quality and attention to detail, and the 38 is no exception. The boat is available as either a ketch or cutter rig, but it’s renowned for its performance at sea in both forms.

Only 100 were built, with the final boat launched in 1988. If you can find one on the used market, it will make a competent bluewater cruiser.

Prices start at $40,000 for older models, with newer models inching closer to our $100,000 mark.

Only 80 of the Tartan 41s were manufactured, although they produced a similar Tartan 43 with the same molds. It is a fin keel design, with a skeg-mounted rudder and sloop-rigging. In its day, it was considered a fast cruiser, but now they’re mostly made for comfort.

If you’re looking at a Tartan 41, check out the keel dimensions. The keel was undersized on earlier models, which caused heavy-weather steering issues. The boatyard redesigned the later models, and some retrofitting has been done on the originals.

Prices start around $45,000 and reach upwards of $70,000.

No list of bluewater sailboats would be complete without the Tayana 37. It’s a beautiful boat designed by Robert Perry that comes in three variants; cutter, ketch, and pilothouse. 

Built to compete against the popular Westsail 32, the 37 became a good seller – with almost 600 launched to date. Today, they are manufactured in limited numbers, as the traditional teak-heavy design is now less popular.

If you can find a good Tayana 37, cruising the oceans will be a pleasure in this sturdy and robust vessel.

Early models cost around $45,000, with newer or retrofitted models topping $75,000.

Another boat designed by Robert Perry, the Valiant 40 is one of the most sought-after bluewater cruisers on the used market. By the end of production, two manufacturers were able to put out around 200 boats, so it’s certainly possible to get your hands on one.

With a fin keel, reasonably heavy displacement, and solid build, open ocean cruising is made comfortable in the Valiant 40.

The Valiant’s trademark is the canoe stern, something Perry has carried over into many of his designs. The boat’s performance sets it apart from the more traditional heavy-cruisers, and it still has many admirers.

Expect to pay upwards of $45,000 for an early Valiant, but well-maintained vessels will command much higher prices.

Wauquiez Pretorien 35

When the weather gets rough, most people prefer bigger, heavier cruisers. Small boats generally don’t perform as well in harsh conditions, but the Pretorien 35 is an exception.

Built to IOR specifications, it’s a short, wide-beam design, with a ballast in the keel that makes up half of the displacement. It may be disappointing in light winds, but as the breeze picks up, the Pretorien comes alive.

Wauquiez built boats are known for their quality finish, so you shouldn’t hold any doubts when buying a used Pretorien.

Prices start around $39,000.

Westsail 32

At just 32 feet, the Westsail might be a surprising inclusion on our list. However, the design has proven itself many times over and remains popular with many cruisers.

With a long keel, transom-mounted rudder, and heavy displacement, these are seaworthy yachts.

The flipside to this is that the performance can be underwhelming. The Westsails are known for being slow, safe boats that will get you wherever you need to go – making them perfect for leisurely cruising. 

Over 800 vessels entered the market between 1971 and 1981, so there should be plenty available if you look hard enough. The other point to remember is that they sold them as owner-completion kits, so the internal fitments, in particular, will vary in quality.

With so many available, the prices remain reasonable – with an early Westsail 32 fetching around $29,000 and well-maintained older models coming in closer to $50,000.

Remember: When buying a bluewater cruising yacht for less than $100,000, compromise is inevitable. 

If you’re looking for a seaworthy, heavy-displacement design, you’ll have to compromise on the boat’s age. Choosing a modern, light design will allow you more for your money.

The best advice for buying a boat is to be truly honest with yourself by defining your needs and separating them from your desires. 

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Reader Interactions

November 15, 2021 at 6:30 pm

You guys didn’t mention Cape dory or pacific seacraft. How long have you been sailing?

February 18, 2022 at 1:37 pm

Very nicely done. There will always be people who disagree with your list but they reserve the right to comment without creating any value which is what you provided. Thanks for putting this together.

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Best Bluewater Yachts Under 100K

Published by oceanwave on september 6, 2023 september 6, 2023.

By “blue water yachts,” we mean a particular class of sailboats that are built and intended for extended offshore cruising. These boats are built to survive the rigors of open ocean trips, allowing sailors to confidently explore distant locations.

Inexpensive blue water yachts are particularly appealing to prospective explorers and sailors. They provide the promise of affordably realizing fantasies of exploring remote paradises and wide-ranging oceans. These boats offer a doorway to a world of discovery, excitement, and independence.

This article will explore the world of affordable bluewater boats without breaking the bank. Our goal is to assist you in navigating the challenges involved in selecting a reasonably priced blue water yacht by offering insightful analysis, important factors, and a selection of exceptional choices. This guide is your road map to reasonably priced blue water yachts, regardless of your sailing experience level or desire to do a first-time bluewater excursion.

Key Features of Affordable Blue water Yachts

1. Seaworthiness on a Budget

Seaworthiness is the fundamental component of any bluewater yacht, regardless of price. Your ship needs to be able to withstand the erratic difficulties of the open sea. This section will discuss how to choose according to sailing boat data to handle challenging circumstances and rough seas while being reasonably priced.

2. Comfort vs. Cost

For lengthy bluewater trips, comfort is just as important as affordability. We’ll talk about how to find the ideal compromise between affordable choices and the conveniences required for a comfortable life at sea.

3. Maintenance and Refit Expenses

Expenses associated with boat ownership are continuous and include refits and maintenance. Learn how to efficiently manage these expenses without sacrificing the safety or performance of your vessel.

4. Sourcing Options (New vs. Used)

Is a used bluewater yacht a better option than a brand-new one? Together with you, we’ll assess the benefits and drawbacks of each choice so you can decide on the best course of action for your money and tastes.

5. Notable Features to Look for

In an effort to help you make the best decision possible, we’ll go over the key elements and qualities you should look for in a reasonably priced blue water yacht. When you’re sailing the wide waters, these amenities will increase your safety, comfort, and general enjoyment.

Follow us as we explore the world of reasonably priced bluewater sailboats in further detail, offering you professional advice and a selection of our best choices to help you go on bluewater adventures without going over budget.

Top Picks: Blue water Yachts Under $100K

1. catalina 36.

For those looking for reasonably priced bluewater sailboats, the Catalina 36 is a well-liked option. Spacious internal living areas make it very livable. It is excellent for both novice and experienced sailors due to its straightforward rigging, which makes it easy to handle.

Depending on age and condition, used Catalina 36 bluewater boats can be purchased for between $30,000 and $70,000. The market for used boats has a large selection of them.

• Roomy interior with lots of headroom.
• It is manageable and appropriate for sailing alone.
• The price of bluewater sailboats is reasonable.
• For offshore crossings, some sailors might want greater performance.
• Upgrades and refitting may be necessary for older models.

2. Island Packet 31

The sturdy construction and seaworthiness of the Island Packet 31 are well-known. With a roomy cockpit and tastefully decorated interior, it provides a pleasant and secure sailing experience. Its fully designed-keel offers stability.

Depending on the condition and equipment used Island Packet 31 bluewater sailboats are typically found for between $40,000 and $70,000. The market for used boats has a fair number of them.

• Demonstrated durability and seaworthiness.
• Pleasant interior design.
• Ideal for extended-distance travel.
• Reduced speed in mild breezes.
• For some, the design might be more conventional.

3. Pearson 424

The Pearson 424 is renowned for its well-built exterior and roomy interior. It provides a secure feeling at sea thanks to its center cockpit design. Living aboard cruisers say it’s a comfortable vessel.

Price Range and Availability: Depending on age and condition, used Pearson 424 bluewater sailboats may be purchased for anywhere from $50,000 to $80,000. The market for used boats has them available.

• Powerful and well-made.
• Light-filled interior with cozy living areas.
• Designing a center cockpit improves safety.
• Possibly slower than some other bluewater sailboats.
• Upgrades and refits might be necessary for older versions.

4. Tayana 37

The Tayana 37 is a conventional bluewater sailboat with long-distance sailing capability. Its cabin is well-appointed and comfy, making it ideal for long trips.

Depending on age and condition, used Tayana 37 bluewater sailboats can range in price from $50,000 to $100,000. The market for used boats has them available.

• A solid history of success when cruising offshore.
• A cozy environment with a classic design.
• High potential for resale.
• Performance that is slower than that of more recent designs.
• It can be expensive to maintain older models.

5. Bristol 35.5

The high caliber of construction used in Bristol yachts is well known. With its roomy cockpit and elegant interior, the Bristol 35.5 provides a pleasant cruise. It is regarded as a traditional bluewater sailboat.

Depending on age and condition, used Bristol 35.5 bluewater sailboats are typically found for between $30,000 and $70,000. The market for used boats has a fair number of them.

• Superior building and craftsmanship.
• Roomy and pleasant interior.
• Classic design with a strong following.
• In comparison to more contemporary designs, performance could be sluggish.

6. Westsail 32

Often linked with long-distance travel, the Westsail 32 is a tough and seaworthy cruiser. It has a conventional interior design with a full keel for stability.

Depending on age and condition, used Westsail 32 bluewater sailboats are typically found for between $30,000 and $60,000. The market for used boats has a fair number of them.

• Evidence of bluewater sailboats’ established seaworthiness.
• Roomy interior with a classic vibe.
• The cockpit area is less than on some comparable cruisers.

7. Pacific Seacraft 34

The offshore capabilities and fine craftsmanship of Pacific Seacraft boats are well-known. A well-liked bluewater sailboat with a cozy interior and seaworthy construction is the Pacific Seacraft 34 .

Depending on age and condition, used Pacific Seacraft 34 bluewater sailboats are typically found for $50,000 to $90,000. The market for used boats has a fair number of them.

• Superior structure for sailing offshore.
• Slower performance than sailboats designed for racing.
• It could be necessary to maintain and upgrade older models.

8. Ericson 38

Designed for bluewater cruising, the Ericson 38 delivers a comfortable and performance-oriented combination. With its roomy cockpit and luxurious interior, it’s perfect for long flights.

Depending on age and condition, used Ericson 38 bluewater sailboats are typically found for between $40,000 and $80,000. The market for used boats has them available.

• A good mix between comfort and performance.
• Roomy interior and cockpit.
• Well renowned for its bluewater prowess.
• Updates and refitting may be necessary for older models.
• Not as quick as some yachts designed for racing, perhaps.

9. Tartan 37

Tartan yachts are renowned for their high caliber, and the Tartan 37 is a popular bluewater sailboat with a roomy interior and seaworthy construction.

Depending on age and condition, used Tartan 37 bluewater sailboats are typically found for $50,000 to $90,000. The market for used boats has a fair number of them.

• Excellent construction and craftsmanship.
• Pleasant and luxurious interior.
• Its performance might not be on par with sailboats for racing.
• Updating and maintaining older models might be necessary.

10. Morgan Out Island 41

Although most well-known for their roomy interiors, some Morgan Out Island 41s are affordable and have been used for blue water boating . They provide lots of storage space in addition to cozy living accommodations.

Depending on age and condition, used Morgan Out Island 41 bluewater sailboats are typically found for between $30,000 and $60,000. The market for used boats has a fair number of them.

• Plenty of storage for long trips.
• Cost-effectiveness in contrast to several other bluewater choices.
• Might not perform as well as devoted bluewater cruisers.
• Some sailors might want more contemporary conveniences.

The exhilaration of bluewater sailing is not exclusive to individuals with limitless finances. You can fully experience the beauties of the open ocean without being limited by your budget by taking a thrifty and creative approach.

We strongly advise prospective bluewater sailors to investigate the wide range of reasonably priced choices out there. Everyone can enter the world of blue water boating , whether it’s selecting the ideal used blue water yacht or engaging in frugal cruising.

When searching for affordable bluewater experiences, keep in mind that your greatest resources may be preparation, ingenuity, and relationships with locals. Be conscious of your budget as you set out with confidence, rise to the obstacles, and savor the unique experiences that bluewater sailing has to offer. Experience the thrill of exploring blue water yachts; the journey starts today.

Visit our sailing destinations page for some incredible ideas and places to explore if you’re feeling motivated to organize your sailing holiday. Start preparing for your upcoming sailing excursion right away with Ocean Wave Sail !

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10 Best Solo Bluewater Catamarans and What Makes Them Great!

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Finding the best solo bluewater catamaran is hard, I have been looking for the right balance of lightweight, sturdy, spacious, and compact. But what are the best solo bluewater catamarans on the market?

The ten best solo bluewater catamarans have unique designs, are about 40 feet (12.2m) long, boast an autopilot, all lines to the cockpit, and can provide a safe ocean passage with only one sailor on board. Popular short-handed bluewater cat models include the Manta 42, Dolphin 42, and the FP Belize 43.

Whether you’re looking to buy a brand new catamaran or refit an older one, I know one thing, there’s a solo sailing boat out there for you. Read on to learn about the best models available on the market today, this article is a synergy of my own knowledge together with the experience of expert sailors.

Table of Contents

What To Look For in a Solo Bluewater Catamaran

If you’re sailing single-handed (aka shorthanded or solo), you’ll want an easy-to-maintain boat that allows you to stay at the helm for the bulk of your trip. Typically, you’ll want a catamaran that’s about 40 feet in length (and with a beam to length ratio above 53%) too big of a boat, and it will be hard to handle, and too small it becomes unable to sail large waves and strong winds safely. Sail size plays a big part in how easy your reefing and winching will be.

If your boat has an autopilot , which a well-outfitted bluewater boat definitely should, you will have an easier time managing sails and navigation. With autopilot mode enabled, you can cruise along without having to worry about adjusting the course since the autopilot will do this for you. These systems can be standalone or tied into a GPS and make a great asset for single-handed sailors. 

Remember that autopilot works better under power than under sail because of the amount of electric power it needs to work. You can increase performance under sail, however, by trimming correctly for a neutral helm. 

Autopilot functions can sometimes be managed with a remote controller that you can wear on your wrist or a lanyard for added convenience.

Having a furling headsail can save you effort on the foredeck, and in-mast or in-boom furling makes the job of mainsail reefing more simple. However, this comes with a tradeoff in performance. 

A slab-reefed main takes longer to reef, but it’s easier to handle than others because of the lines led aft. The only thing you need to worry about in this case is adding lazy jacks, which will prevent the main from blocking your vision. 

Handling & Safety

One of the riskiest things a solo sailor can do is leave the cockpit , so choosing a ship with quick and easy sail handling is of great importance. This is especially crucial near harbors, where there’s likely to be lots of other boat traffic. The best bluewater catamarans for solo sailors will have lines that run into the cockpit so that you don’t have to abandon your position at all. 

Even if you don’t run all your lines to the cockpit, you should at least take the main halyard back with you to the cockpit . This ensures that you’ll be able to stay in control of the boat without having to scramble quickly between stations.

When mooring by yourself, you might find midships cleats valuable in that they provide an anchoring point that keeps your ship from drifting away before it’s been completely secured. 

The Manta 42 is a classic multihull catamaran built in the late 1990s to 2000s in Florida. It was designed by French naval architect Eric Lerouge and can be identified by its high bows and curved crossbeam. A Manta 42 is relatively light and has room for added features, like solar panels or dinghies. 

What Makes It a Good Solo Sailing Cat

The Manta 42 is great for single-handed sailing because it’s lightweight and easy to handle. It also has pinned aluminum crossbeams rather than conventional aluminum crossbeams, which means that the bows’ twisting forces will be absorbed. But note that this can lead to stress cracks in the bow area. 

For more information about the Manta 42, see this video walkthrough:

The Brazil-made Dolphin 42 comes equipped with a daggerboard for stability, which allows it to point higher. This also reduces the amount of wetted surface and allows you to anchor in shallower water. The Dolphin 42 also has a foam core for reduced weight and a lower chance of developing a wet core.

This catamaran is 41 ft. (12.5 m) long, with a displacement of 24,255 lbs (11,001.88 kg). It has two 60 horsepower engines, six feet (1.83 m) four inches (10.16 cm) of headroom, and comes with a built-in GPS-integrated autopilot system and a fully battened mainsail. Additionally, this ship has several household comforts, like hot water, air conditioning, a TV set, and a computer built-in, as well as a refrigerator. 

The Dolphin 42 is lightweight, stable, and compact, great for short-handed sailing. Dolphins have been known to perform successful circumnavigations comfortably and safely and are very reliable. However, you should be sure to choose a model that has not had any major modifications to the structure post-production.

Privilege 435

The Privilege 435 is a heavier cruiser meant for long-distance trips , designed according to the French tradition of multihull ships. These have been on the market for about 30 years and are made by large producers like Lagoon and Nautitech. The Privilege 435 can be purchased as an owner version or with four cabins and four head/showers. 

This catamaran is low-slung and has low wind resistance. Its windows come with internal shades and optional outdoor shades, but without “eyebrow” overhangs, the saloon can become quite hot in the tropics. Still, this boat is of very high quality and has a solid, stylish finish. 

The Privilege 435 is a luxurious choice, built for long-distance cruising . This catamaran is well-made, will not give in easily to stress, and has low wind resistance for increased efficiency. If you’re looking for a high-end boat with a stylish design, this could be the choice for you. 

Fountaine Pajot Belize 43

The Fountaine Pajot Belize 43 is perhaps the most popular catamaran on the market today. It has a full-length owner suite with a clever design that pairs a curvaceous saloon with a wraparound dinette and nav area. The galley comes with wraparound windows, and the outer deck is easy to walk on. 

The Fountaine Pajot Belize 43 has a foam core, which means it’s lightweight and unlikely to develop a wet and soon rotten core. It makes for a great solo sailing boat due to its ease of use, stability, and comfortable design. This catamaran is especially good for long travels due to its comfortable and spacious layout. It would make for a great single-handed sailing trip for a family.

Nautitech 44

The Nautitech 44 was one of the first catamarans with an integrated hardtop bimini , one of the many ways this design set the trend for short-handed sailing catamarans. It has two modes, one that allows single-wheel steering at the bulkhead and another that allows twin wheel steering closer to the stern. The Nautitech 44 also has slim hulls, which means more speed.

This ship is produced out of Rochefort sur Mer, a hub for naval architecture and shipbuilding. Nautitech was the first luxury boating company to introduce the concept of open living onboard, combining the saloon and cockpit to make one functional and spacious living area. 

Because the Nautitech 44 has two modes for steering, it allows each sailor to choose the steering method that best fits their wants and needs. Both modes have their advantages, but many prefer the sailing sensation of the two-wheel approach. This ship’s design also allows the saloon door to be left open even in the heavy rain, without fear that water will leak inside.

The combined saloon and cockpit also make for a comfortable trip for the single-handed sailor, allowing you to enjoy your leisure room without leaving your ship’s control room. 

The Lagoon 440 has a lot of volume for a single-handed sailing catamaran and a signature squared-off structure. This ship isn’t lightweight, but the saloon is spacious and accommodating to furniture. One version of the Lagoon 440, the flybridge version , is a difficult ship for shorter sailors to operate, simply because of a high boom position.

The Lagoon 440 is a good solo sailing boat if you’re looking to go on a long-distance trip, spending lots of time out at sea. It isn’t particularly fast, but it’s very stable, easy to use, and has lots of room for furniture and supplies. Several versions of this model are available on the market, all of which have slightly different layouts.

This catamaran is 49 ft. (14.94 m) long , bigger than most solo sailing ships. However, it does come with an autopilot system that makes solo sailing easier, as well as a GPS, radio, and built-in radar detector.

The Leopard 45 is a South African-made multihull ship on the market since the late 1990s. Most Leopard 45s on the market are four-cabin versions, although a three-cabin version of the ship also exists. It also has a large, open-plan saloon with a large galley and a trademark rear arch. 

See the Leopard 45 in action in the following video:

What Makes It a Good Solo Sailing Boat

The Leopard 45 is a good solo sailing boat because it has a sturdy fractional rig for stability and is easy to use. It also has an open cockpit, which makes circulation easy. And you’ll find the engine access points on the outside of the ship, which makes maintenance easier. 

The Voyage 44 is a South African-made catamaran with a rugged design, considered a cost-effective option with superior sailing performance relative to other ships sold at the same price point. This boat has a particularly wide beam, which makes for more stability and more space. However, it also has a very exposed low bridge deck to be aware of.

The Voyage 44 makes a great single-handed sailing boat because it’s so stable with its ultra-wide beam. It makes the ship very easy to steady, even for beginners. While it’s not particularly lightweight, it’s built with an aerodynamic design, enough so that it can move along at a steady clip.

What is the largest boat one person can sail?

Outremer 45

The Outremer 45 is a product of La Grande Motte in the South of France, built with a well-executed, smart design. The hulls and deck are made with vinylester and a divinycell core, and its high-load areas are suited with carbon for extra durability and rigidity. You’ll find secure glassing at the joints of the ship rather than glue that could come undone.

The Outremer 45 has a classic multihull structure, small volume, and incredible responsiveness to the helm. It has a high bridge deck clearance , as well as well-proportioned bows. It also has a balanced weight distribution to prevent pitching and encourage steady motion forward. This is a pricier option, but an option with many great features. 

The Outremer 45 is a good solo sailing ship because it’s very compact and easy to manage. Its proportionate design means more stability and less pitching. It’s a very light ship, so it’s likely to move faster through the water than its competitors.

The Prout 45 is built for long distances rather than speed. It’s a heavy, sturdy boat that you’ll have an easy time guiding without worrying about pitching. 

The Prout 45 has space for a small stateroom in the center of the boat and comes in both owner and four-cabin versions. It has next to no bridge deck clearance due to a “nacelle” that runs along the main deck from end to end. This adds headroom and buoyancy and adds drag that can take away from the experience by slowing you down and creating noise.

If you want to better understand the difference between a solid foredeck and a net, a.k.a. trampoline, then I suggest you read my article comparing the two.

The Prout 45 has smaller, more manageable sails than other options and allows easy access to the rigging, which runs right into the cockpit. It’s a heavier ship and one that’s easy to keep stable. It’s a great ship for a solo sailor because you can do most of your work right from the cockpit, and it’s a sturdy catamaran that’s unlikely to pitch.

Tips for Single-Handed Sailing

Sailing solo is a great way to get to know your boat and is necessary for many people. The idea is to be able to cruise, whether it be close to coasts or at high seas, without needing a crew on board. It’s a challenge, so it’s best not to embark on a trip single-handed unless you have a good amount of experience and feel confident doing so. 

Before heading out single-handed, you should test yourself with an inactive crew. Go together when the weather is nice and have them be your backup while you try solo sailing and see how it feels. 

Make sure that you’ve also physically trained for the level of fitness you’ll need to operate the ship, especially if you’ll be going out on a longer excursion than you’ve done in practice. Taking care of a ship is demanding work, and you can quickly burn out if you’re not ready for it. 

Preparation 

Prepare yourself thoroughly for the sail, study the route, read sailing guides for every area you’ll be in, and make yourself aware of any dangers that may arise. Become aware of possible shelters, and know where you’ll be entering and exiting the harbors. It’s a great idea to save these locations as waypoints on your GPS, just in case. 

I asked catamaran sailors what their favorite books are, Here is the list: 15 Best Books about Cruising Cats!

A great way to prepare yourself for possible situations is by reading books, I have bought plenty of books and I list some of my favorite on this page . So far I haven’t found any good solo bluewater books that I would recommend, but here are two catamaran cruising books that I have read and that I feel comfortable recommending. I suggest you get both of them since they complement each other.

Multihull seamanship is very informative but offers boring graphics, and Cruising guide for sailors is inspirational with beautiful pictures.

Make sure you choose a good weather window. Avoid sailing a few hours ahead of a forecast gale at all costs. Instead, seek a time with a reasonable breeze and a calm sea. You can gradually introduce yourself to different weather conditions, but remember not to challenge yourself too much too quickly.

All lines To The Cockpit

The cockpit layout plays a big role in determining whether a catamaran can work for solo sailing . You’ll need to see a chartplotter on deck so that you can keep course without needing to go to reference chart tables. Having a visible battery monitor is also important, especially if you’re going to use autopilot, which pulls significant power from the battery. 

Don’t forget to also bring sunscreen, water, and a compass, which you should have on hand at all times. Having a good communication system available in the cockpit is also a good idea. In case of emergency, you should have a radio that you can use to call for help, as well as flares and binoculars.

The ten best solo bluewater catamarans each offer a positive and unique experience for the sailor, and the best one for you depends on your needs, wants, and preferences. Those looking to make a longer trip will need something different than those looking for speed, but every solo sailor has some common needs, like the need for a stable and easy-to-manage vessel.

Owner of CatamaranFreedom.com. A minimalist that has lived in a caravan in Sweden, 35ft Monohull in the Bahamas, and right now in his self-built Van. He just started the next adventure, to circumnavigate the world on a Catamaran!

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10 Affordable Cruising Catamarans

• By Phil Berman
• Updated: May 24, 2024

So, you want to get a catamaran , sail off into the sunset, and capture some magic with your lover or family for a few years. You have no ambition to sail around the world or to live aboard forever, but think a one- or two-year sabbatical might be life-changing. You’d like to sail the US East Coast, the Bahamas, the Caribbean, perhaps the Med—or up and down the West Coast and on to Mexico and Central America. You have $300,000 or less to spend and want a catamaran you can sell at the end of the journey without consuming a bottle of Tylenol to blunt the pain. 

The good news is that this is quite achievable. The bad news is that there is a vast wave of baby boomers who are all looking for the same thing—and for right around the same price. This makes finding a good deal on a great used catamaran a lot of work, even working with a broker. But, it’s possible. You just need to keep an open mind.

The other good news, which might seem surprising, is that an older catamaran, besides being more affordable, might sail just as well—or even better—than the same-size new cat that will cost considerably more. Yes, the older model might have less room inside and lack the latest condo-on-the-water styling, but it was designed and built before the current trend to supersize the newer generations of multihulls at the expense of sailing performance.

Here’s my advice to the cat hunter on a budget: Don’t get too hung up on the length of the boat. Instead, focus on the spatial and payload requirements you seek and which can be achieved within your budget. And best not get too focused on must-have features—what I jokingly call “surround-sound beds.” Catamaran designs and interiors have gone through massive changes in the past 10 to 20 years, and most older designs simply cannot compete with the new ones in terms of space and high-end amenities.

None of the cool cats I have in mind are over 47 feet. This is not because there aren’t bargain boats out there that are 47 feet and longer, but because any larger multihull that you can buy for $300,000 or less will most assuredly need a significant refit or is either very old or very odd. Buying a fixer-upper is, to my mind, the most dangerous thing a budget-minded consumer can do. It’s just too easy to underestimate the cost of yacht refits and repairs due to the extremely high prices charged in most boatyards. 

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Nearly any cat you buy over 10 years old is fully depreciated. What we were selling a Lagoon 440 for eight or 10 years ago is nearly the same as what they sell for today. The difference between a good deal and a bad deal is tied solely to a yacht’s condition and refit history. As they joke in private-equity circles, “Any idiot can buy; you deserve congratulations only when you sell.”   

So, when your search gets underway, focus on ­condition—it is far more important than the year, brand or features you might crave. And when you find the cat of your dreams, the best way to remove financial-downside risk is to get a great survey and to choose the newest, smallest cat that will work for your agenda, not the oldest and biggest.

– CHECK THE WEATHER – The weather changes all the time. Always check the forecast and prepare for the worst case. Safety Tip Provided by the U.S. Coast Guard

And a word of caution: Your problem will be knowing a good deal from a bad one after the survey is over if you are not well-schooled in pricing. Besides steering you toward potential boats to consider, this is where a broker, working on your behalf, can provide knowledgeable advice. It’s been my experience that this is the point when so many yacht sales come apart: a dispute over the value of a given yacht when the survey results come in. All too commonly we see buyers reject yachts they should have accepted and purchase cats they should have rejected. Remember, a used yacht is a used yacht—not a perfect yacht. A catamaran need not be perfect to remain a perfectly good deal. Here, then, are 10 cool cats to ­consider in the ­$300,000-or-less range:

1. Fountaine Pajot Orana 44 (above)

Fountaine Pajot had the misfortune of tooling up this boat just before the global financial crisis, so not that many of them were built between 2007 and 2012. But these were the first of the larger-space charter cats in this size, but not yet so porky that they still could not sail decently. In the three-­cabin owner’s version, they designed the living space very nicely; even in the four-cabin version, the aft starboard bed was very well-done. 

During this period, Fountaine Pajot had problems with the resin it was using, which led to blistering on the hulls and undersides. Affected models therefore had new bottoms done at approved shipyards throughout the world. Make sure the one you are considering had this done or that it doesn’t show evidence of significant blistering. Honestly it is only cosmetic, but it will impact resale if not repaired. Many consumers think blisters are the end of the world; frankly, they are not.

2. Catana 431

Built in France by a long-­standing yard, the Catana 431 was always a very viable vessel because it is big enough to go anywhere, but not too large for a competent owner to handle. And because the 431 has good underwing clearance and daggerboards, it sails smartly to windward. 

That said, there are a few things to watch for. The primary bulkheads on many of these boats were not tabbed on the outer ends, and over time tended to distort. Often this led, or will lead, to a costly replacement of some bulkheads. So be careful to survey these areas properly. 

The 431′s furniture is all foam-cored and handmade, but the banding on the outer edges in some cases slowly starts to peel, which allows moisture to infect the wood veneer. This can create a somewhat unsightly appearance in the cabinets and drawers. It is only a cosmetic issue, but it can make the interior feel a bit worn out. 

During the period when the 431 was being built, Catana used a distributive electrical card system, and the boats had several modules, each a zone, to which electricity was run. If one thing in a zone stops working, the only solution is to jury-rig a wire from that nonworking item back to the main breaker panel. Replacing the modules or getting them repaired can be done, but it is getting harder by the year. For this reason, the best 431 is a boat that someone else had rewired at some point along the way.

3. Lagoon 470

If you need a larger escape pod, the Lagoon 470 is one of our favorites. This model of older Lagoons was built at CNB’s yard in Bordeaux, France, and the build quality was high. The 470 was the first design to have the more-vertical windows that are a Lagoon signature, and ample saloon headroom. The 470s are also old enough that the hulls were not so supersize that it compromised sailing performance. They have decent underwing clearance, so they are not persistent pounders to windward. Many were built with a galley-down layout, some in galley-up style. You will always pay more for an owner version of this or any model. 

The big thing you have to concern yourself with on Lagoons of this vintage is that the hulls and decks are made with a balsa core, so it is not uncommon to find moisture problems, especially around deck fittings or hatches. This can sometimes require rebedding or recoring areas, and this sort of repair, in North America, can be a costly undertaking. Make sure you get good moisture-meter readings near all deck fittings and, of course, on the hulls. Hulls, however, tend less often to have moisture issues because there are few fittings through which water can enter the core. Were that to happen below the waterline, it is a real mess that must be repaired immediately and properly.

– CARRY A BEACON – Satellite beacons such as EPIRBs or PLBs allow boaters to transmit distress signals and their exact coordinates from anywhere on the planet, no cell service required. It may be the best $400 you ever spend. Safety Tip Provided by the U.S. Coast Guard

4. Privilège 435

Back when the Privilège 435 was built, Privilège catamarans were constructed by Alliaura Marine in France, and they were truly the Mercedes of the multihull world at that time. While not a performance cat by any means, the 435 was a super-solid yacht, built with great care and the finest components. The 435 is large enough to go anywhere but small enough to handle easily. 

The largest negative of this model—and many cats of this vintage—is that the saloon windows slope dramatically, so the interior gets very hot unless the windows are covered most of the time. When they legalize growing pot on catamarans, here’s the perfect greenhouse for it! Seriously, if you should buy a used 435, you really have to get strong sunblocking external UV covers, as well as interior blinds or shades to inhibit heat buildup. 

Some of the 435s were laid out with the galley down in one hull, and these days most people want a galley-up arrangement, where cooking and food preparation are done in the saloon. A three-cabin galley-up owner version will be far more sought after and cost more than a four-cabin galley-down version. 

5. Leopard 46

This was the first of the Morrelli & Melvin collaborations with South African builder Robertson and Caine and the charter companies owned at the time by TUI Marine to create a catamaran that could be sold both into charter under the Moorings brand and also privately as a Leopard, so effort was made to design a boat with good sailing performance. Gino Morrelli did a good job creating a lot of underwing clearance, the 46 has a powerful rig, and yet its interior still offers spacious sleeping areas and nice flow from the cockpit to the saloon. These can be bought as ex-Moorings charter boats for less than $300,000 but are more costly in the sought-after Leopard owner version.

Because these are balsa-­cored boats, you must inspect deck fittings carefully for moisture incursion. Some of the earlier ones also experienced structural problems on the aft bulkhead and over-door-frame areas between saloon and cockpit. Also, during this period, the windows in the main saloon had a tendency to leak and, when they did, required rebedding or replacement. This was a costly job, so check this out carefully during survey.

6. St. Francis 44/Knysna 440

If you wish to spend under $250,000, the older Saint Francis 44 and Knysna 440 are worth a look.

Back in 1990, Duncan Lethbridge started St. Francis Catamarans in South Africa with the St. Francis 43. The boat was meant to be a fast, strong bluewater voyager—and it was. The 43 was made with foam core, keeping the structure light, and it was very strongly built, with a powerful rig. The 43 loved to sail. And so too did the St. Francis 44, an updated version of the original. 

The boat did have a couple of negatives, however, the first being its sloped windows that built up interior heat. And the boat wasn’t a great fit for tall people, having less than 6-foot-2-inch headroom in the hulls. Also, the engines were installed amidships, which made the boat noisy inside under power. It also made the amidships areas of the hulls too narrow to have centrally located heads and showers, which in turn meant the only layout available was a four-­cabin, four-head design. In the forward cabins, the heads and showers had to be far forward; in the aft cabins, the heads and showers were located far aft.

St. Francis sold the tooling for the 44 to Knysna Yachts in 2004, and Knysna raised the headroom in the saloon and moved the engines aft to each stern. The hulls remained fundamentally the same, but the design was improved nicely. 

The largest negative of both the Saint Francis 44 and the Knysna 440 is that they have very low underwing clearance. Things can get pretty noisy when pushing against ­washing-machine seas. 

But you cannot have it all and still pay less than $250,000 in a midsize cat; compromises must be made. And these boats do sail quite smartly compared with many in their size range.

7. Lagoon 440

This was the most popular catamaran ever made, and it started the catamaran flybridge craze, which helped to convert many powerboaters to sailors. 

What I like about the 440 is that it is an infinitely better sailer than some of its peers, and has decent underwing clearance, vertical windows, and nice cabins for sleeping and living. While the aft cockpit is rather small, the saloon is quite large.

Flybridges are a bit of a love-hate thing. There is no question that in a cat of this size, the windward performance suffers a bit due to the boom positioned so high off the water. When piloting, the skipper is separated from those on the bridgedeck. Part of the reason flybridges are so popular in charter is that most of the parties take place up there while sailing and at anchor. In private ownership, however, it is seldom that everyone is hanging out on the flybridge during a long passage. 

As always with Lagoons, these are balsa-cored boats, so a careful survey is in order. Pay attention also to bulkhead ­tabbing to make sure they have not separated from the hulls.

Because so many of the 440s were built to go into charter, there are a lot of four-cabin, four-head models for resale. These will sell for considerably less on the ­brokerage market than a ­coveted three-cabin, ­private-owner model.

– CHECK THE FIT – Follow these guidelines to make sure your life jacket looks good, stays comfortable and works when you need it. Safety Tip Provided by the U.S. Coast Guard

8. Leopard 40

When you get into the 40-foot size range, a four-cabin layout can become pretty cramped and claustrophobic below, but the three-cabin owner version of the Leopard 40 is a very nice pocket cruiser. A Morrelli & Melvin design, the 40 has good underwing clearance and nicely shaped hulls. Not a large cat, per se, and less-suited for significant distance sailing than others because its payload is limited, the 40 is still well-suited for a couple and a child or two for near-coastal and ­island-hopping action.

9. Manta 42

If you are searching for a cat in the $200,000 range, the Manta 42s were well-built in Florida, and their electrical systems were very well-done compared with many other multihulls of that era. While many of the features on the boat are quite dated, these Mantas sail very well, and easily, and have been popular with coastal cruisers for two decades. 

The largest negative of the Mantas is that people taller than 6 feet will find the saloon headroom right on the edge, and the berths are not especially large. Also, forward visibility from the saloon windows is not particularly panoramic, so the interiors are a bit darker inside than current-­generation catamarans.

10. Lagoon 410

The Lagoon 410 was quite a popular cat in its prime, and for good reason. It offers lots of visibility thanks to its vertical windows, good headroom for a cat of its size, nice berths, and a workable, though smallish, galley-up design. The 410 has decent underwing clearance, can sail nicely over the waves, and its singlehanded operation is super easy. In the three-cabin owner’s configuration, it’s just a very cool little cat.

As always, a balsa-core boat must be surveyed carefully, especially on deck, for moisture incursion near fittings and hatches. It can be costly to repair rotted core and to rebed deck fittings. But find a dry one, and it should definitely be counted as a contender for a buyer with a limited budget. 

Phil Berman is the president of the Multihull Company and the founder of Balance Catamarans. He has managed the sale of more than 900 catamarans.

• More: catamaran , lagoon , leopard , multihulls , print june july 2020 , Sailboats
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Large Multihulls

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• Lagoon 410 S2 (Panama)
• Nautitech 475 (Caribbean)
• Catana 411 (Pacific)

Pocket Catamarans

Fountaine pajot mahe 36 (new england), prout 35 snowgoose (chesapeake bay), lagoon 37 tpi (florida).

• Hirondelle 7M MK II (Atlantic)
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• Fountaine Pajot 35 Tobago (Florida)
• Fountaine Pajot 35 Tobago (Bahamas)
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• Endeavour Victory 35 (Mexico Pacific)
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• Gemini Legacy 35 (Caribbean)
• Gemini 105M (Florida)

Power Catamarans

• Lagoon 43 PC (New England)
• Endeavour TrawlerCat 44 (Georgia)
• Leopard 39 PC (Chesapeake Bay)
• Aquila 48 Powercat (Atlantic)
• Leopard 46 Lion PC (South Carolina)
• Lagoon 43 PC (Florida)
• Endeavour 44 TrawlerCat (Florida)
• Lagoon 44 PC (Caribbean)
• Aquila 44 Yacht (South Carolina)
• Lagoon Seventy 8 (Asia)
• Aquila 44 (Asia)
• Fountaine Pajot Summerland 40 (Atlantic)
• FP Ipanema 58 Power (Caribbean)
• Nautitech 47 Power (Puerto Rico)
• Malcolm Tennant 68 Power (Washington)
• Gold Coast 70 Wave Piercer (Caribbean)
• Gemini Freestyle 399 Power (Chesapeake Bay)
• Custom 102 Power Cat (Europe)

Sale Pending

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• Gemini 105M (California)
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All Catamarans For Sale

The only Bali 4.4 used owners version catamaran on the market!

What attracted us to the Bali’s are its unique features not found on other catamarans, the garage style door creating a harmonious massive indoor outdoor living area, the solid deck providing so much more lounging space, the comfort of home with an upright fridge freezer and open space galley. Having owned and lived on two different Bali’s, and sailed on many more, the 4.4 hits the sweet spot of delivering the best sailing performance, living comfort and ease of handling in the Bali range.…

440 charter layout with refinished salon and fresh ICW rig and sails with roller furling main. All new cold spaces, nav electronics, watermaker, ground tackle, canvas and tender. Motors are serviceable.

The Lagoon 440 was first introduced in 2004 at the Miami boat show and immediately received glowing accolades and became one of the builder’s best selling catamarans. The Lagoon 440 started a revolution in catamaran design with her raised helm, forward cockpit, and spacious layout.

This successful design continues to be a sought after vessel with a reputation for solid performance combined with tremendous cruising comfort.…

Zephyr is a beautiful example of the highly regarded Catana brand. She has the very desirable 3 cabin Owner’s Version layout and she is a factory upgraded Carbon Infusion model. The size of the Catana 42 is easily managed by a cruising couple or singlehanded sailor but still large enough to entertain guests. She sports daggerboards and a powerful sail plan for fantastic performance under sail. Zephyr is a proper blue water cruising catamaran that achieves an uncommon balance of performance and livability.

The Carbon Infusion designation means that the factory included extensive use of carbon fiber in her construction coupled with a resin infusion layup, which results in a lighter and stiffer boat.…

The Mahe 36 is designed for easy handling, making it suitable for both experienced sailors and those new to catamaran sailing. It’s known for its good performance in light winds and comfort in rougher seas. This Mahe 36 is exceptionally well maintained and equipped for long off-grid cruising: big solar array, lithium batteries, a watermaker, induction and gas stove, a brand new mainsail, a Parasailor, a hypalon rib with 15 hp 2 stroke outboard, starlink internet and much more, she is ready for your adventure! In 2021 we started our sailing adventure in Germany, sailed KISS to the Mediterranean, Caribbean, Bahamas and up the US East Coast.…

If you are looking for it all in a mid-forty foot catamaran and don’t want to compromise – Search no further! You have found it all in Carpe Aura.

Carpe Aura is a 2018 Fountaine Pajot Helia 44, designed by Berret Racoupeau, and as such is amongst the last of this model to be built, making her one of the newer and more desirable Helia 44s available.

The hulls are constructed of vacuum-bagged solid fiberglass and resin below the waterline and balsa-cored sandwich above the waterline. The hulls flare out above the water line to maximize sailing performance in the water and provide comfortable living space above the waterline.…

Bicho Papao is a 44-foot Lagoon catamaran, built in 2009, and fully set up for offshore cruising and long-term living. It’s been lovingly maintained by our family and a careful captain! This model is known for its quality, with around 420 units made, and our boat is hull number 390. Bicho Papao has four double cabins, three bathrooms, and a laundry room. The saloon is spacious and filled with light. The outdoor space is connected to the kitchen with sliding windows, and there’s plenty of room for relaxing with friends and family—whether on the flybridge or the seating area by the trampolines up front.…

S/V Antevasin is a 2016 Fountaine Pajot Helia 44 Evolution catamaran, for sale by owner. Antevasin is hull number #126, an Evolution model launched in early 2016. She comes with 3 cabins and 3 heads, an owner’s edition, which is perfect for liveaboards like us. The Helia is a well proven catamaran that is a perfect mix between comfort and performance. Antevasin has so many upgrades that you cannot find on other Helias or similar sized catamarans. We have been sailing Antevasin since May 2021, up and down the east coast of America and the entire Eastern Caribbean.…

The Leopard 48 is celebrated for its superior design, sailing performance, and comfort. Designed by Simonis Voogd and built by Robertson & Caine, this model has become a benchmark for luxury catamarans, perfectly balancing comfort, performance, and practicality. With its impressive storage, fuel, and water capacities, its ideal for extended cruising, while its versatile interior layout makes it a fantastic option for charter operations.

We have purchased Mizzi in 2018 on Antiqua. It was damaged by hurricane Maria. I had it moved to Trieste Italy where I with help of my friends from the Slovenian Region Gorenska that is known for boat-builders like Elan and Greenline helped me repair and refit the vessel in a very high standard for myself.…

The perfect couples cruiser at an unbeatable price!

Escape was purchased new by a retired captain of 45 years. He enjoyed years of cruising and applied his professional knowledge to the upkeep and care of Escape. Now on her 3rd owner, Escape is ready to set sail!

The Lagoon 39 is designed to be easy to sail and provide class-leading living space. The hull features vertical beveled bows, a beveled deck off the hull and a chine on each of the outboard aft hulls. The patented gull wing underbody makes for less deck slap and a movement of water away from the craft.…

Now available FOR SALE BY OWNER is a beautiful 2000 Manta 42 Sailing Catamaran. I am finishing my cruising time on “Galileo” and she is ready for more adventures with new owners. Galileo is a meticulously maintained and extensively updated vessel. During my ownership, I have strived to completely upgrade or repair all identified deficiencies to bring her to an outstanding and highly reliable level of quality systems, equipment and workmanship. 

The US/Florida built Manta Catamaran Sailboats have an excellent reputation as proven, quality blue water cruising catamarans. These yachts are known for their durable construction and excellent performance.…

Beautiful, meticulously-maintained Lagoon 420 with highly desirable Owners (3-cabin, 3-head) Layout and multiple upgrades. Panoramic views from the salon and large windows in the spacious cabins add to the comfort and livability. The raised helm station adjacent to the cockpit, with all lines leading back to it, makes this boat a pleasure to sail. Perfect for coastal or blue-water cruising!

The Lagoon 420s are large and spacious. The hard bimini allows for plenty of breeze yet protection from the elements. The cockpit is slightly below deck level to allow for movement around the perimeter of the boat.…

Description The Leopard 44 represents Robertson and Caine’s latest innovative developments with modern features not yet seen on production catamarans, while remaining committed to the tried and tested features that have made the Leopard line one of the most sought after brands of catamarans globally. FORWARD COCKPIT One of the many intriguing features this yacht offers is the forward cockpit with direct access from the saloon. While a forward cockpit is conventional on the modern cruising catamaran, the Leopard 44 distinctively offers an integral hardtop bimini, protecting the forward and aft cockpit, while also creating a comfortable outdoor living space.…

S/V Nils is a 2021 Fountaine Pajot 40 Isla catamaran, designed for offshore sailing and comfort. 

Since 2022, Nils has been welcoming our little family, taking us safely around the world and across the oceans.

Featuring 3 cabins and 3 bathroom, she was equipped for a world tour in 2022. One of our heads was converted to storage.

As the boat is new, and as we were the first owner, everything works perfectly and is kept in very good condition.

✅️ Mum is delighted with the comfort offered by the boat, the children are enjoying the diving and fishing, and the captain is delighted with the boat’s performance thanks to a judicious choice of sails and hardware.…

2015 Leopard 48 Catamaran Review and Listing

Comfort & Accommodations:

This Leopard 48 features a 3-cabin layout, ideal for family cruising or chartering, with the option to convert the portside forepeak into an additional skippers cabin.…

*PRICE DROP. After a busy few months for us settling into land life, Orion is once again available for viewings. We shall list her with a broker at the end of September so have discounted her to reflect a reduction based on brokers commission until then. 

S/V Orion II is a fully equipped, 2007 Catana 471 (hull #86) catamaran, currently in Florida. She’s a beautifully maintained owner’s version with many recent upgrades  including new dinghy, water maker, batteries, solar panels, electronics, windlass and trampoline all bought within the last 2 years.…

ZANY, a 2018 Nautitech 46 Open, is a fully loaded and customized Owner-Version catamaran in turnkey condition and ready for your next sailing adventure. This luxury live-aboard boasts a massive list of added options, some of which include an extra large engine, powerful air conditioning with individual room controls, a full Flexiteak cockpit, solar panels, dimmable LED lighting throughout, an extensive Garmin suite, custom sunshades, and more. The interior accommodates up to six guests in three staterooms, each with a private head. The saloon and cockpit have been merged to create the epitome of open-concept living.…

S/V Perspective is a 2016 Lagoon 400 S2 Owner’s version – this the highly sought out and desirable 3 cabin / 2 head model. This is not only a U.S.A. flagged boat, but she is also 110V (not 220V), located in the U.S., and owned under an LLC. If you’re not familiar with the advantages of buying an LLC owned boat versus personal owned – it has huge tax savings advantages because: “When the business entity is the owner of the boat there is no change in the title or ownership of the company’s asset, in this case, the boat.…

If you are dreaming about setting sail on a safe, comfortable and proven blue water cruising catamaran – do not miss this opportunity!

This 1999 St. Francis 44 MKII is designed by renowned naval architect, Angelo Lavranos, and built by St. Francis Marine in South Africa as a sailing machine. Constructed with solid fiberglass below the water line and vinyl ester resin infused core cell foam sandwich above the water line, Majestic is strong and capable.

A testament to its sailing performance, a St. Francis 44 won the 1994 Cape to Rio Race.…

Designed as a family cruiser by Phil Southwell for the builder’s own family, this boat is roomy, sturdy, comfortable, thoughtfully well constructed with fine joinery and able to cruise the world if you wish.

It is a semi custom built 3 cabin owners version with the owners suite to starboard which includes queen size berth, office, full length closet, among others, head with double sinks, shower and actual tub. Port hull aft berth is also queen sized, with a shared roomy head/shower, a smaller berth and a storage section. Headroom in the saloon is 7′ and throughout most of the boat.…

Have you dreamed of owning and operating a catamaran charter business in the Virgin Islands?

So many of us have. Some have even tried, only to hit roadblock after roadblock: finding the right boat, navigating the local licensing & permitting, finding a mooring to keep the boat, getting a vehicle to the islands; each its own monumental undertaking, only to arrive at the same conclusion: I t’s far too difficult to start from scratch. I f it was easy, everyone would do it.

But what if it was easy?

The Multihull Company is excited to present this one-of-a-kind opportunity: the sale of a fully-established charter business in St.…

ELIXIR is one of the first Balance 442 to hit the pre-owned market!

This is a rare opportunity to purchase a gorgeous example of the award-winning Balance 442 catamaran. ELIXIR is fully equipped and ready to go sailing today. She was originally launched in Cape Town, South Africa in late 2023 and is hull #9 of this coveted high-performance brand. Earlier this year, ELIXIR made her maiden voyage across the southern Atlantic from Cape Town to Grenada. She is now strategically positioned just south of the hurricane belt and ready to jump off for a full season of Caribbean cruising.…

Built with the cruising couple in mind, the Manta Mk-II is a US built Bluewater vessel with an excellent reputation. Established as a serious Offshore liveaboard catamaran that can easily be singlehanded. Mantas have a strong loyal following and are very well built vessels that were constructed in Florida. We purchased this fine vessel from Bill, the original owner when Covid hit so we can save rent and cruise all around Hawaii. This is the perfect platform to live aboard and cruise to the most remote places in Hawaii and anywhere in the world.…

Over the course of four decades, the Catana shipyard has created and developed a long line of very successful and proven blue water cats that emphasize performance and dynamic comfort (i.e under way). With this latest model, the Catana 50 Ocean Class, the yard innovates like never before to push the boundaries of comfort and utility to a new level. The Catana 50 OC offers more interior volume, headroom, payload capacity, galley counter space, engine room space, than any of its predecessors. It boasts superb ergonomics on deck and vastly improved sail-handling with a raised helm that brings all lines to a large cockpit.…

A self-contained, capable, independent catamaran is truly Bliss. This Seawind 1190 Sport was conceived, constructed, and fitted for maximum self sufficiency, performance, and freedom. She has an extensive 1000 watt solar array charging new lithium house batteries and low electrical loads for quiet independence. It is sized to run her Spectra watermaker for unlimited fresh water on passages. She has diesel-fired hydronic heat for year-round comfort and no heating loads.

She has narrow and easily driven hulls for quick acceleration and great light wind performance. Her carbon bowsprit carries large furling light air sails.…

Clapotis (lapping waves in French) is a 2015 Lagoon 450F located in San Carlos, Sonora, Mexico, which is on the Mexican mainland side of the Sea of Cortez roughly 300 miles due south of Tucson, Arizona. For those not familiar with the area, the SOC is one of the best cruising areas on the planet, especially if you are used to crowded anchorages and seaways. There is still little pressure here as compared to other popular cruising areas.  Our primary reason for selling is that we are getting older and think it is about time to go back to a 45 to 50 foot trawler.  …

We are selling our 1997 owners version Catana 44 catamaran which has been our family home for the last year. Designed by Lock Crowther and custom built at the French Catana yard, she is the only Catana with a factory-built, protected inside third helm station. She is a well built, high performance, ocean proven vessel. Her daggerboard design allows for greater performance when sailing upwind, and reduced drag when cruising downwind. An additional benefit of her shallow draft is the ability to drop anchor close to shore or navigate shallow cuts.…

Back for sale, S/V Raja is an exceptional catamaran, fast and reliable, ideal for traveling with the family with 3 double cabins. Spacious interior. Exceptional performance, astonishing upwind performance and reassuring seakeeping. Plan and construction by naval architect Patrick Lüscher. Made in France.

There are Loopings from 42 to 60 foot sailing around the world, and the designs have a reputation as fast, seaworthy ocean crossing yachts.

Patrick Luscher´s background is in aeronautics and he is a specialist in light structures with shapes that offer the least resistance to flowing water or air.…

ERA, this 2022 Lagoon 42 Owner’s Version is an exceptional opportunity for anyone looking to step into a well-maintained, fully equipped cruising catamaran. Never chartered and meticulously cared for by her Swiss owners, this vessel is presented in pristine condition and is ready for her next adventure. She was lightly used during the summers and has ONLY 450 working hours on her engines.

Boat comes factory debugged, she has been stored on dry every winter, meticulously serviced.

This Lagoon 42 has been stored on the hard every winter, with all maintenance up to date.…

S/V Other Goose is a 1980 Prout 35 Custom Snowgoose, built in Britain and sailed over by the first owner to the southern Caribbean. We are the second owners and have sailed her from the southern Caribbean to the head of the Great Lakes and back to the Bahamas several times.

She is stable, solid and reliable in any conditions. 35 feet long by 16.5 foot beam. Weight 13000lbs., [ solid fibreglass hull and decks – no coring]. She has a kevlar t rampoline, not a hard front deck.

Boat is in great condition with new rig, main sail and 3YM Yanmar diesel [2200 hours].…

Welcome to Nomadic, one of the most beautiful and meticulously kept Owner’s version Lagoon 450F. This vessel has never been in charter. The boat has been cruising the US east coast as well as the Caribbean in comfort and style. She is set up for sailing and cruising single or double handed with ease.

Replacing an icon is never easy, but when the Lagoon 450 replaced the 440, a new benchmark was created. The Lagoon 450 has taken several items ideas from its predecessor, enhanced them through owner feedback, and created a larger sail area for favorable cruising speeds.…

S/V Reunited – ICW Friendly Mast, 1650 AH Lithium, Meticulously Maintained. Reunited is an ICW Friendly 2017 – 3 Cabin/3 Head Owner’s Version. Her 25K in recent upgrades include a NEW Large Roach Mainsail, NEW Stackpack and 1650 AH Lithium Batteries. Always privately owned, never chartered, US Duty paid and never in a named storm. As a couple, we’ve enjoyed sailing Reunited comfortably and safely with her ease of handling and spacious accommodations. Her reduced mast allowed us the pleasure of visiting places otherwise not accessible. Always ahead of maintenance, Reunited is Bluewater ready and waiting to embark on her next adventure.…

Unique Opportunity to purchase a 2015 Fountaine Pajot Helia 44. This is a 3 Cabin Owners Version that certainly is one of the most popular models ever built by Fountaine Pajot.

“Freedom” is a two owner U.S. Coast Guard Documented boat that has spent her entire life in the US and a couple trips to the Bahamas. She has never been in a hurricane and always stored in secure Florida locations. She is also registered and duty paid licensed catamaran in Florida!

Extensive improvements and upgrades, Freedom is ready to travel.…

3 Cabin/ 3 head catamaran, custom designed by Nigel Irens for luxury crewed charter.

Old world charm best describes this uniquely appealing vessel — SANDPIPER is a twin mast sailing catamaran, a unique 19.5m (65ft) schooner. She was conceived as a ‘classic catamaran’, her architecture is based on the Wharram design, a catamaran style from Polynesia, with improved construction design and style.

The sails are gaff-rigged giving her elegance and power and together with state of the art navigation and entertainment systems, this yacht is both modern and classic. A fast (easily attaining 10 kts) and comfortable long distance cruiser, this yacht is capable of serious offshore sailing and equipped with every imaginable commodity for high end overnight and day charters.…

This yacht will be available to be seen during the Fort Lauderdale Boat Show from October 29 – November 3. 

This Lagoon Sixty 7 is a pristine luxury power catamaran featuring a 4-cabin, 4-head layout with two bow crew cabins, each equipped with heads and showers. The expansive owner’s cabin includes a private deck entrance for easy access to swimming off the back. Galley-down, port side aft layout.

This nearly-new vessel has only been used for 5 weeks by its current owner, who, due to a new family addition, no longer has the time to fully enjoy it.…

FULL MOON II is 2016 FP Helia 44 with 4 cabin 4 head layout. This is the updated Evolution model and includes the raised lounge deck on the coach roof area. Perfect for lounging and sunning. Built new to US specifications for electrical power. Always well maintained and upgraded. Very well equipped for cruising with highly desirable options including solar, water-maker, invertor, generator, A/C, new tender, electric winch, electric heads, Garmin electronics, and inverter.…

The Fountaine Pajot Elba 45 is a 45-foot sailing catamaran designed by Olivier Racoupeau and launched in 2019. It’s intended to be a comfortable, productive, and easy-to-manage yacht that’s suitable for solo sailors, families, friends, and long sailing trips. The Elba 45 has a waterline length of 13.45 meters, which is said to provide great average speeds, and a beam of 7.55 meters, which is intended to provide comfort.

The Elba 45 opens the door to a world previously reserved for a privileged few: cruising without limits or any constraints. When you’re sailing in unrivalled comfort, the only question remaining is where you’re going.…

Sweet Escape is a blue water capable, fully equipped cruising catamaran for sale by owner. She comes with everything you will need to go cruising now. You will not find a better cruising cat under $350K.

Sweet Escape will be cruising the Chesapeake Bay this Fall and will be available to tour at the Annapolis Sailboat Show in October. Interested parties should contact the owners directly or contact Melanie Neale @ Sunshine Cruising Yachts. 

***Buy this boat before the Annapolis Boat Show & receive a Starlink system FREE!***

This is a rare opportunity to own one of the best cats available, a 40′ 3-cabin (owner’s version) Leopard catamaran, with everything you need to go on an extended cruise.…

Dreamin’ is a 1995 Lagoon 37 TPI Jeanneau Catamaran, Ready to cross the Atlantic. This boat is set up for a Full-time live Aboard couple with over $100,000.00 in upgrades. This boat has crossed the Atlantic twice and is rigged and ready to cross again.

The boat condition overall is at 85% of new condition. The Luxury items found on this boat are normally found on boats costing twice as much. The electric and water systems are built around the idea of unlimited Electricity and Unlimited Water.

Comfort is paramount to the current owners of this boat.…

S/V Journey is a USA registered 2015 Maverick 440 Catamaran for sale by owner. This owners version 3-cabin / 2 head interior layout is well thought out to be ergonomic in a yacht that is easy to sail & operate as a couple or family. The stylish, elegant décor has a timeless quality with a warm appeal. The Maverick 440 is designed for a couple or family who wish to sail around the world in comfort, whilst having the ability to do all the things they love and enjoy the places they visit.…

S/V OCEAN TRADER is a 2000 Voyage 380 Maxim catamaran, for sale by owner. She is an easy-handling cruising catamaran in a good condition with 3 cabin’s, master cabin has a luxury shower. She is registered (tax paid) in Kenya and has the right documentation.

This model can be called a Voyage 38 or a Maxim 38 because Maxim Yachts, from Durban South Africa, provided Voyage Yachts with the Voyage 38. These performance cruisers were built in South Africa by Maxim and distributed through Voyage Yachts. The Maxim 380 was the winner of the 2005 Cruising World Best New Catamaran under 40 Ft .…

Supergirl is the very first Balance 442 to hit the pre-owned market!

This is a rare opportunity to purchase a gorgeous example of the award-winning Balance 442 catamaran. Supergirl is fully equipped and ready to go sailing today. She was originally launched in Cape Town, South Africa in late 2022 and is hull #4 of this coveted high-performance brand. Supergirl has recently returned to the US after an exciting season of cruising the Caribbean and has just received her annual regular off-season maintenance.

The original design premise for the Balance 442 was to create a catamaran that had wonderful sailing characteristics with luxurious and comfortable accommodations but was also set up to be easily operated by a retired couple.…

HAZBIE was the last NEW Lagoon 450F showed at the Annapolis boat show!

1 Owner, never chartered. Immaculately maintained, Blue Water Sailing READY! 3-Cabin Owner’s Version.

Bulkheads were inspected and found no damage or buckling problems. Bulkheads were reinforced to Lagoon standards by a Lagoon authorized service center.

Are you ready to set sail on a luxurious and impeccably maintained catamaran? Look no further! We are excited to offer a stunning 2019 Lagoon 450F that is the epitome of elegance and performance on the water. The Lagoon 450F has the most comfortable cabins and heads in it’s class!…

Our unique Catana 471 has had one owner/operator from new and never chartered or damaged. Panic Attack is a well maintained, owner’s version catamaran, hull no 37. Three cabins, two heads and an upstairs galley with great visibility.

Catanas are the premium brand for well experienced cat sailors. Panic Attack has had regular, yearly engine services , excellent rigging and has Banks Hydronet sails. The Volvo engines were replaced in 2013 and the Hydronet sails were also replaced at the same time. The spinnaker is new and unused.

It’s a fast sailing cat which has done transatlantics with great comfort.…

Tecolote is an aggressively-priced, one-owner, never-chartered, massively-equipped, meticulously-maintained, bulkheads-fixed, recently-surveyed, solar-lithium, 4-cabin, 220V-50Hz, VAT-not paid, 2020 Lagoon 450S lying in Marseille, France. Ready to cruise the Med and sail across the Atlantic to the Caribbean and beyond.

Replacing an icon is never easy, but when the Lagoon 450 replaced the 440, a new benchmark was created. The Lagoon 450 has quickly become the most successful cruising catamaran ever built, with over 1,000 hulls delivered.  It hits the sweet spot with a perfect balance of safety and seaworthiness, comfort and livability, ease of use, and surprisingly impressive performance.  …

TicLuna is an immaculate luxury ocean cruiser. The owners have spared no expense in maintaining the vessel. Lifted and bottom painted each winter. The engines and the generator have been serviced by authorized Yanmar and Onan technicians. She is equipped with safety gear that complies with all international standards and meets ARC requirements. Her rigging has been periodically professionally inspected and tuned (Moderne Marine, Turkiye; Alisios Sailing, Gran Canaria, FKG St Maarten). The owners have sailed TicLuna across the Atlantic Ocean, 4 continents and at least 7 seas, and 15 countries.…

Step into the pinnacle of luxury and performance with the Leopard 51 Powercat, a marvel of modern marine engineering. This sleek catamaran effortlessly combines sophistication with practicality, featuring a spacious open-plan salon and galley that seamlessly integrates with a generous outdoor cockpit, perfect for both entertaining and relaxation.

Accommodating three beautifully appointed staterooms including a spacious owners version side, each with its own private head, the Leopard 51 ensures unparalleled comfort and privacy. The innovative hull design and powerful engines deliver exceptional stability and impressive speed, making every voyage both smooth and exhilarating.…

2015 Lagoon 52 Owners Version catamaran for sale listed exclusively with The Multihull Company.

Wild Things is a sight to behold. She is a 5 Cabin owners version model, with only 1000 hours on her Yanmar 75 HP Engines, and only 2000 on her Cummins Onan 17.5 KW Generator.

The Lagoon 52 represents a new direction in big boats for this respected French catamaran builder. Using new performance criteria, VPLP Design has created a family of faster vessels that also happen to have dramatic looks and great strength.

The 52 marks a whole new era in the design of cruising catamarans, as indeed did its predecessor, the famed 500.…

Sippin Pretty features a 3 cabin-3 head layout. The 3 cabin layout includes 2 cabins in the port hull one with a bunk, AC and outlets the other with shower, head and sink, the starboard hull is entirely dedicated to the owner”s suite, complete with work station and large private washroom.

She was outfitted at Just Catamarans with an extensive list of after purchase additions, including lithium batteries, solar panel array, inverter and victron system, freshwater toilets, custom dive tank racks, multiple camera installations, Starlink and custom enclosures and cushions from creative canvas.…

The VPLP architects, together with Lagoon and the Nauta design office, succeeded beautifully in developing a new 45 catamaran to replace the famous Lagoon 440.

Of course, the irreplaceable qualities of the Lagoon 440 have been retained as a starting point: a steering station on the fly bridge accessible from both sides of the cockpit, a forward cockpit, performance under sail and an incomparable comfort in the saloon and the cabins.

Larger and with a bigger sail area, this Lagoon 450 is 4 cabin version, and also benefits from important improvements in terms of safety, performance and cruising comfort.…

Sail Far Live Free

Blue water on a budget: 5 budget cruisers for crossing oceans.

Excellent post, I agree! I could never afford these boats listed in SAIL mag and truthfully wouldn't buy one if I could afford one. The 5 boats you have listed can take you anywhere with some minor "blue water" upgrades.

Also looked at 1966 Pearson Wanderer, They've got the right hull and start at around $6,500 up to 10k for a really clean one. I've been talking about doing this far to long. I currently reside in China and would love to take myself and my filipino future wife over to the states and sail down the coast all around the Gulf of Mexico and then head to the bahamas. Damn.. stop talking.!!!

Classic sailboats are like classic cars in that they look really cool.....but they have obsolete technology, simple, systems and obsolete technology means spending more than it's worth and you still will have maintenance issues...........I've owned a PEARSON ARIEL 26 ....1966 model year (small version of the Triton) It had on outboard in a well behind the tiller. super cool idea......pushed her along at 5 knots. I bought her in 1988 for $5000. I sailed her from Maine to New Jersey. I've also owned a Cal 28 inboard diesel, 1986 model. Sailed her back and forth from Chesapeake Bay to Florida. Paid $ 23,000 in 2001. Do you want a project boat? or a boat to sail & relax? I've done both, but the less maintenance the better.... ..Best of luck....keep in touch tonysmith101.com

Outstanding... Don't forget a liferaft & GPIRB will add around $6-8K to all of these. There are passel more in the <$50K range including some Cal 40s. Cheers - Tim

Good reminders, Tim. As many experienced folks say, your bluewater outfitting budget should realistically be about half of the purchase price for the boat. This varies, obviously, but the point is it's expensive to add all the offshore goodies like a liferaft, etc.

Thank you for this post and insight into the cheaper option of blue-water cruising. I am in the market for a boat and read avidly all comments, posts and mentions of possible boats that are out there. My budget is realistically around the £30,000 mark, though that is to have it ready to sail with all bells, flutes and whistles in place ;-) Keep up the good work. Loving this blog.

Darren - Thanks for compliment and being a reader here at SFLF. I'm always inspired by people who can look past the big fancy and expensive sailboats to still make their bluewater cruising dreams come true. Best of luck with your search for cruiser!

Please stop it! These budget cruisers are a well-fed thread of myth. They have been sailed by sailors up to the challenge of navigating the oceans with minimal gear, extreme discomfort and hopeful optimism. An average used production cruiser of 36 to 40 feet would be a more sensible bet. This choice of boat would require the same upgrades and attention as those old tiny classics like a Contessa. If you have ever been aboard a Contessa you will come around. If you want to cross oceans you will need $35,000 for the boat, another $12,000 in upgrades, boatyard expenses and new gear (like a windvane) and another $10,000 in cash reserve as you sail the world. Sell everything. You can do it!

Thank you for the experienced perspective, O Trader! I agree to some extent, but boat choices aren't also practical decisions. Emotion, history, "myth" and more all play a role. In any case, I think you raise some good points and I appreciated you sharing them here.

Doesn't cost of upkeep for a boat increase with the size of the boat? And not linearly?

Sorry, that is not true. 24 foot boats have sailed the world safely and comfortably, and are still doing it. EPIRB's are ok, but not mandatory. Argh!

Sorry O Trader but I cannot agree. My wide and I sailed a Pearson Triton from Texas to Australia. It was great fun. We took 8 years doing it and met many boats under 30ft on our way. There is great beauty in keeping life simple.

I get sea sick. Would a submarine be a better bet for me? Or would I still get sea sick? As for crossing the ocean in a say 36 footer, once I get my sea legs would I still get sea sick? I was in Typhoon Karen back in the early 60's and was so sick I wanted to die.

Hi Joe. The sub will help with seasickness, but what about claustrophobia? At least that would be my concern!

LOL I wunder how fast your pet whale could drag it. ;)

every one can get seasick, there is a wave length for everyone.

Best cure for seasickness.: Stand under a tree

There are so many good old boats that have or can cross oceans, some needing extensive mods, some not that many, that it really pays to do your homework. My old "sailing instructor", the late Jean LaCombe, had crossed the Atlantic no less than 5 times singlehanded in boats from 18' ( Hippocamp. a wooden double ender he designed and built) to the Lapworth 23 I was on. He also sailed a 21' Golif in an early OSTAR (singlehanded transatlantic race). He later designed and built a 25'er (Yang) that he cruised to Europe and back. Most people today think a larger boat is the way to go, but so do the costs. For a couple, boats from around 24' - 25' and up seem to have done the job. There are so many old fiberglass boats around I think a little work would make a lot of them suitable for long distance cruising. For those who get seasick, try sailing on a trimaran or catamaran, although they'll be perhaps more expensive. The old British Heavenly Twins 26 / 27 has circumnavigated for example, and has twin aft double cabins. Searunner trimarans, or Tri-Stars (31' and up) make excellent long distance cruisers too, even though most are made of wood. They have excellent safety records too. Know that the movement on a multihull can be somewhat different from a monohull... they tend to move more at the ends, but you'll never have a long roll as with some monohulls, or much of a hobby horse motion. You'll also have access to some very shallow areas that monohulls may not be able to get into.

I bought a southern cross 31 in Carolina Beach NC, for 8500 dollars, sailed it to Bermuda Antigua, Montserrat, Guada loop, back to Bermuda, and then on to Scotland, Ok the boat is now pretty trashed, and out of the water, but it was pretty trashed when I got it, its now just more trashed.

i love reading these comments. one day i will have 30ft cruiser

Damn. I lost my Catalina 27 in Hurricanne Katrina and have now just decided to replace it. Thanks for this post, it has me thinking.

Thinking is good! Hope you get to replace your C27 soon.

As a x commercial fisherman who used to curse at the sailboats and there dainty fenders i now love sailing and am planning a transatlantic crossing back to Scotland from Virginia hence looking at affordable boats to do the job. Thanks for the information.

Skote - Thanks! Best wish for finding just the right boat that checks the boxes and stirs your soul.

I am currently in the market for a Whitby Alberg 37 which I plan to sail with y wife and 3 year old around the world. These boats are the perfect blend of affordability and seaworthiness. They are beautiful and can be had well equipped for off shore cruising at under $55k (USD). Actually almost any Carl Alberg design will get you there beautifully.

Hello to all, a great sailing boat for me is the one that is all paid for, ocean going and that i can do 45 mph on the road with it. I sail a Albin Vega 27, there will be no other boat. David

How is trailering your Vega 27? It must sit really high on trailer. Do you lift it on? I have a 23 foot swing keel Venture of Newport 23 cutter that keel tucks up to 18 inches, I just nudge it up a ramp with trailer winch and a bit of engine thrust. Your fixed keel would raise trailer center of gravity a lot. I'd like to trailer to inland lakes like Thousand Islands NY yet also sail down US East Coast. Thanks, Bud R, Virginia March 19, 2021

I understand cats when they flip over can't be righted again very easily? But mono sailboats do right themselves again? I would think the mono sailboat would be safer. Especially with the world wide weather patterns changing so drastically now days. Do they make a blue water sailboat that if knocked down doesn't get any water inside the boat? And if the mono sailboat can float again after a knock down can one get away with no life raft? I hear there is an unsinkable sailboat made that the name starts with a B but it is very expensive? The danger of running into a cargo container or floating tree would be less if the hull was steel too, are they more prone to upkeep and maintenance or other trouble? Finally Sterling Hayden use to come back to the USA when he ran out of money and star in another movie. This way he could continue sailing. He had no money problems then. He was quite a guy and one of my hero's and his book is a good read.

a good unsinkable proper cruiser is the Sadler 32/34, the 34 is one that i am very keen on

It's virtually impossible to "flip" a catamaran in winds under 100 knots. There are hundreds of articles out there clearing the air about this myth. People like to equate fast racing cats that are racing way over powered in massive seas and winds. These boats will flip very easily. Production cats made for the public are very underpowered and by most counts far safer than monohulls in equally bad weather given the fact they are positively buoyant and will not sink. PLEASE do more research before spreading the ignorant myth that catamarans aren't safe and will flip easily. With radar and better charts and the ability for most catamarans to reach twice the speed as mono's it's plausible to never be in bad weather and deadly seas at all. The only, although slightly, negative point about a catamaran is they can tend to be a bit rough going into the wind. However with the introduction of daggerboards this "problem" is all but eliminated and the cat will reach just as high into the wind at equal or higher speeds as a mono.

You are quite wrong. Most capsizing, mono or multihull, is due to wave action and not wind speed. It is very possible to "flip" a catamaran in winds under 100 knots if the waves are big enough.

I strongly suggest that anyone seriously contemplating buying a bargain boat and living aboard or cruising should read this book! https://www.google.com/aclk?sa=L&ai=DChcSEwiw7O7dxvnzAhUFobMKHRAUBTgYABADGgJxbg&ae=2&sig=AOD64_1ULeKMesmAbLC0XtFFeXRcueri8A&ctype=5&q=&ved=2ahUKEwix_-DdxvnzAhVYoXIEHbIpBmMQwg96BAgBEBM&adurl=

Paid for is a really good characteristic. Buy cheap. Outfitted - sails, rigging, engine, rudder, all the practical hardware, not new, just working. PFDs, flares, paper charts, VHF, lights, battery, oar. Food, water, release docklines, go locally even if its just on engine Mine is 23 feet, not ocean going but its sailing, coastal, solo. An ocean trip i would need a companion. Yes i love looking at the photos and specs and look at under 28 feet, e.g. Nor'Sea 27, Flicka. Im not in a hurry but do like rugged, solid and rugged salty look Hans Christian ($!) You have great boats here. Sail it, dont paint it. Sail it, dont install new cushions. Sail it, dont work on anything not absolutely needed to sail locally. No sails? Motor it. No motor? Sail it away from dock shakedown ancome back to a mooring easily under sail. Your shakedowns may show you there are lots of things you do Not need. Fair winds, Kahuna

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Sailing alone in racing or time on the water is a great experience. Finding the best single-handed blue water sailboat for those needs can be a tough task.

Regardless if you have a cruiser or racing sailboat, a single-handed one can offer many opportunities versus larger boats. So what are some of the best ones on the market?

The Hunter Channel 31, J/109, and West Wight Potter 19 are great budget-friendly, single-handed sailboats. Moving up in price, you can look at Hanse 371, Jeanneau Sunfast 3200, and even a Dehler 29. Depending on the size and the amount of features it has will determine what they are worth.

While the budget will play a role in finding the right single-handed boat for you, there are plenty of other factors to consider. These range between comfort, stability, and useful features.

According to experts in sailing, most prefer comfort over price as long as it is justifiable with the amount you are paying. As long as it is not too far over your budget, you could consider a slightly higher-priced boat if it has a few more bells and whistles to make your life easier.

Table of contents

‍ 12 Single-Handed Sailboats to Consider

Whether you are planning to cruise around or going out for the day sailing, there are a handful of sailboats to consider. You want to choose one that is best operated alone and would not need additional hands to make it work.

{{boat-info="/boats/rs-sailing-rs-aero"}}

For a fun day out at sea, it is hard to pass up on a quality dinghy . This one, in comparison to other dinghies, is fairly light and takes hardly any time to set up.

The RS Aero is one of the more technologically advanced dinghies for one individual to use. This one in particular has amassed a handful of awards for the best performance overall.

Due to its popularity and quality, these range between $10,000 to $15,000. If you find it any cheaper than that, it could be worth the investment.

2. Beneteau Oceanis 62

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If you are feeling a bit adventurous or feel confident in your ability to handle a large boat by yourself, then try out the Beneteau Oceanis 62 . This boat is slightly over 60 feet, so it is recommended that you have all your ducks in a row before setting sail.

Thankfully, the boat was designed with ease of use in mind. So this could easily be operated by one person if they have some experience with it.

If you purchased this one for the family, then you can still have the added benefits of taking people with you. But if you decide you want to be by yourself, that is an option too.

This boat is valued around $600,000, so it is arguably one of the more expensive options for just a single handed sailboat. But if you are looking for a family boat, you are killing two birds with one stone.

3. Hunter Channel 31

{{boat-info="/boats/hunter-channel-31"}}

This British made sailboat debuted in 2001 with a twin keel, making it a great choice for solo sailing. While it has a rich history in racing, the design has gone through slight adjustments over the years to make it a solid cruiser.

With its incredible handling and quick turns, this sailboat has excellent handling. The hull structure allows it to have a low center of gravity and provide it with increased stability compared to other racing boats.

The deck layout, in combination of the self-tacking jib and tiller steering, allow this boat to be one of the best on the market if you can find it.

You can usually sail these fractionally rigged and reef with ease from the cockpit. For around $35,000, you are getting a great deal on a boat that has everything you need.

{{boat-info="/boats/j-boats-j109"}}

If you are not quite ready to venture out alone or want the availability to take people out with you, then the J/109 is a great sailboat to look into. These were first built in 2004, so you should be able to still find them today.

If you decide that you want to take it out by yourself, you could look into going offshore and into areas where other boats have difficulty reaching. You might be able to get it to plane on open water, but it is a little heavy.

With its asymmetric spinnaker, you should be able to jib from the cockpit with light wind. Even in heavier winds, this boat offers great stability.

Due to its high standards of construction and long term stability, these boats are still valued around $60,000. If you can find one a little less for that, it could be a steal.

5. West Wight Potter 19

{{boat-info="/boats/west-wight-potter-19"}}

This boat design has been around since 1979, which prioritized safety and handling. Those factors alone make it a quality solo handling boat.

This sailboat has grown on many over the last three decades. People have probably overlooked it due to its name, but you should definitely check it out if you find one.

The slight design changes over the years have turned this into a tough little boat. It has a Bermuda rigged sloop and can handle various conditions.

With its lifting keel, it allows it to navigate shallow waters. This boat might be one of the more versatile options out there if you plan on sailing in shoal drafts.

For the price, it is hard to beat something less than $10,000. If you are wanting a newer version with upgraded features, you could be spending around $25,000.

6. Hanse 371

{{boat-info="/boats/hanse-371"}}

For a mid-sized cruiser, it will be hard to pass up a Hanse 371 if you come across it. This boat design is geared towards single handed sailing, with a perfect mix of older and newer technology.

It has a furlong and self-tacking jib, along with an autopilot feature making it easy to use for one person. For a boat that was built around 2000, it was well ahead of its time.

Even though the boat is a bit larger than some others for solo sailing, you will have plenty of space to move around. With the large galley and quite a bit of cabin room, you will feel like you are in a mansion.

The look and handle of this boat is favored by many, which is why it still holds its value. You can potentially find ones for sale around $60,000.

7. Jeanneau Sunfast 3200

{{boat-info="/boats/jeanneau-sun-fast-3200"}}

From the first glance at this boat, you can see that it has a traditional look compared to other sailboats. Since it is smaller and lighter, it makes it easy to handle through many conditions.

The boat was originally designed to be a racer, so you have stability and strength in addition to speed. These were built around 2008, but still offer some of the best technology you will find today.

For space, you will have plenty of room just for yourself. There are two double cabins, galley, and a head compartment.

This fractional sloop, along with the keel, can provide easy sailing in either direction of the wind. You can comfortably have the mast around 60 percent to reach a comfortable speed.

This boat is still modern, so you will see these a little bit more often than some others. You will likely find them for about $160,000 but you get all of the latest technology and a boat that is built to last.

8. Tartan 3700

{{boat-info="/boats/tartan-3700"}}

The Tartan 3700 is another quality boat that you can live on and comfortably cross the sea with. Thanks to the self-tacking jib, it allows the boat to be used easily by one person.

This boat was originally designed in the 1970’s, but still has value today. It has been proven to be a great boat to cover long distances and with multiple people on board.

Even though this one might be a little bit older in comparison to other single handed boats, the price still ranges close to $150,000. Rest assured, there is still quality and reliability with this sailboat.

9. Dehler 29

While this boat is not as popular in America, the Dehler 29 is a popular German sailboat. This boat is starting to become popular as more sailors look for single handed boats.

In 1998, this boat earned the honors for boat of the year and sailing boat of the year in the Cruising World Magazine. Since then, it still performs with quality since day one.

Since it is equipped with a tiller, you can steer this boat with ease. This offers one of the best opportunities to steer a boat without having to have an extra set of hands.

For the price, you can still find these on the market for slightly under $60,000. This is what you will pay for top quality German sailboats.

10. Rhodes 19

{{boat-info="/boats/oday-rhodes-19"}}

The Rhodes 19 is another classic style sailboat that many will gravitate to when they see it. Not only is it perfect for solo sailing, but you can have a few people on board if you enjoy family time.

The hull design is meant to be forgiving on the water, allowing it to easily handle heavier conditions. Since day one, this boat’s design has stood the test of time whether you are experienced or a newbie when it comes to sailing.

You can sprit rig this boat or simply use a Bermuda rig to help push you along with the wind. Since it has a low center of gravity, you do not have to worry about stability with this one.

Depending on your location, you can still find these for about $20,000. Assuming it is in good condition, you might find them slightly higher priced.

11. Pacific Seacraft Flicka 20

{{boat-info="/boats/pacific-seacraft-flicka-20"}}

This boat has a strong history of solo sailing , simply because having more than one or two people would be uncomfortable. These were very common around the 1980’s and there were roughly 400 of these built. If you can find one that was built in the late 90’s, that would be your best bet.

The reason this boat deserves some attention is that you can potentially find it for a great price and live on it. This boat is also towable, making it easy to take with you no matter where you go. For just under $20,000, you can find plenty in good condition.

{{boat-info="/boats/vanguard-laser"}}

The Laser is a specific boat that you have probably seen in the Olympics. This small boat is simple and ready to go exploring for solo sailing.

This is arguably one of the most popular single handed boats out there. If you want the simplest option for sailing by yourself, look no further than a Laser.

This boat can use various rig types, so whichever method you prefer. Most use cat rigging since there is no headsail and just one mainsail. It also helps that this boat is easy to set up, making it desirable for solo handlers.

For the price point, you cannot beat $7,000 compared to other single handed boats. Due to its popularity and quality, you might have to pay a little more.

Why You Should Solo Sail

Solo sailing is an experience like no other and even replicates similar adrenaline rushes in other sports. If you are not seeking the thrill, there are boats drained to take it a little bit slower on the water.

Regardless of your skill level, you should consider the experience at least once in your life. The beautiful thing about this is, it does not have to be the perfect boat to get it done.

There are even plenty of sailors that have sailed on much larger boats or ones that were designed for more people. It all depends on the adventure you are trying to seek, but there is clearly not another like it when sailing on your own.

Features to Look for in Single-Handed Boats

When solo sailing, there are plenty of features that can separate one boat from another. These can make a big difference in how your adventure goes for the day.

The conditions at sea are often unavoidable and something that everyone has to deal with. Whether you are solo saling or with a crew, everyone has to be aware of tough conditions.

If you sail alone, you are required to do everything in order to make it back safely. Having something with an automation system will be huge for solo sailors.

If you have a quality boat, the next best thing would be automation systems on board to help your life sailing much easier. Some of these systems include autopilot, electric windlass, roller furling, and even a radar.

Other sailors might want lines that run to the aft, a wind vane, or a hydraulic system for the bow or stern. Basically anything that you can do with a click of a button to reduce manual labor.

While this is an obvious option, you do not want to forget about stability. No matter how fast the boat is or how many cool features it has, those will be useless if you have issues with handling.

You want a boat that has wide beams and shorter waterlines. While this limits some speed, that is a much better trade off than having nothing at all.

Easy to Use

When picking out your single handed sailboat, you want one that is easy to use. If there are too many features that are required to get it going, you either need more experience or that boat is not right for you.

Try finding one that only requires a few steps in comparison to other ones. You might have to pick one that is a bit smaller in order to get used to it all, which is all you really need since your are by yourself.

Many sailors will have their preferred sails when going out on the water. A unique sail design that you could look for is the Bermuda sail with a gaff sail.

This allows you to have more sail area on a shorter mast. It also allows you to have better control and less heeling force that is common for longer sails.

It does make sense to choose the one that is right for your boat and what is most comfortable to you. After you find the right boat for you, you should strongly consider the sails it has.

Rigging Type

When it comes to solo sailing, the gaff rig is one of the best rig types. Even though the Bermuda is the most common, you lose some windward capabilities since it is lower.

The gaff rig makes the most sense because it is easier to use and has the best downwind performance. Each sailor will have their preferred rig type, but in solo sailing, the gaff stands out the best.

Price Point Makes a Difference

You do not have to break the bank when deciding what boat is best for solo sailing. There are boats that can fit within any budget, and you just have to know what you are looking for.

Just because a boat is priced over $100,000, does not guarantee that it is the best on the market. Depending on the brand, how many features it has, and how big the boat is will determine the price.

Some of the best single handed sailboats are priced less than $20,000. It all depends on the type of adventure you are seeking and how much money you are willing to spend.

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Daniel Wade

I've personally had thousands of questions about sailing and sailboats over the years. As I learn and experience sailing, and the community, I share the answers that work and make sense to me, here on Life of Sailing.

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