9 Small Sailboats Under 30 Ft We Love
Our editorial staff selected 9 small sailboats under 30′ from all over the world. Today small sailboats have electronics for navigation and entertainment, an engine for light wind and accomodations to sleep onboard. Which is your preferred one between these 9 small sailboats?
Albin Vega 27
The Albin Vega 27 is a fiberglass sailboat that was produced by the Albin Motor Boat Company in the 1970s. It is a small, versatile vessel that is popular with sailors due to its good performance and comfortable interior. The Albin Vega 27 has a length of 27 feet (8.2 meters) and a beam (width) of 8.1 feet (2.46 meters). It is designed to be sailed single-handed, but can accommodate up to six people.
- Hull Type: Long fin keel
- Hull Material: GRP (fibreglass)
- Length Overall: 27′ 1″ / 8.25m
- Waterline Length: 23′ 0″ / 7.01m
- Beam: 8′ 1″ / 2.46m
- Draft: 3′ 8″ / 1.12m
- Rig Type: Masthead sloop
- Displacement: 5,070lb / 2,300kg
- Designer: Per Brohall
- Builder: Albin Marine AB (Sweden)
- Year First Built: 1965
- Year Last Built: 1979
- Number Built: 3,450
Alpin Ballad
- Hull Type: Fin with skeg-hung rudder
- Length Overall: 29′ 11″ / 9.12m
- Waterline Length: 22′ 7″ / 6.88m
- Beam: 9′ 8″ / 2.95m
- Draft: 5′ 1″ / 1.55m
- Rig Type: Masthead Sloop
- Displacement: 7,276lb / 3,300kg
- Designer: Rolf Magnusson
- Builder: Albin Marine (Sweden)
- Year First Built: 1971
- Year Last Built: 1982
- Number Built: 1500
The Bristol 24 has a length of 24.6 feet (7.5 meters) and a beam (width) of 8 feet (2.4 meters). It is designed to be sailed by a small crew, but can accommodate up to four people. The boat has a displacement of 4,920 lb (2,685 kilograms) and is equipped with a standard keel.
- Hull Type: Long Keel
- Hull Material: GRP (Fibreglass)
- Length Overall: 24′ 6″ / 7.5m
- Waterline Length: 18′ 1″ / 5.5m
- Beam: 8′ 0″ / 2.4m
- Draft: 3′ 5″ / 1.0m
- Displacement: 5,920lb / 2,685kg
- Designer: Paul Coble
- Builder: Bristol Yachts inc (US)
- Year First Built: 1969
- Year Last Built: 1972
- Number Built: 800
Contessa 28
The Contessa 24 is a fiberglass sailboat that was designed by David Sadler and produced by the Contessa Yachts company in the 1970s. The Contessa 24 has a length of 27.8 feet (8.43 meters) and a beam (width) of 9.5 feet (2.87 meters). It is designed to be sailed by a small crew, but can accommodate up to four people. The boat has a displacement of 3,162 kilograms and is equipped with a fin keel, which provides stability and improves its performance in a range of wind and sea conditions.
- Hull Type: fin keel with spade rudder
- Hull Material: GRP (Fiberglass)
- Length Overall: 27′ 8″ / 8.43m
- Waterline Length: 22′ 0″ / 6.71m
- Beam: 9′ 5″ / 2.87m
- Draft: 4′ 10″ / 1.47m
- Rig Type: Masthead sloop
- Displacement: 6,970lb / 3,162kg
- Designer: Doug Peterson
- Builder: Jeremy Rogers
- Year First Built: 1977
The Dufour 29 is a fiberglass sailboat that was produced by the Dufour Yachts company in the 1970s. The Dufour 29 has a length of 29.4 feet (8.94 meters) and a beam (width) of 9.8 feet (2.95 meters). It is designed to be sailed by a small crew but can accommodate up to six people. The boat has a displacement of 7,250 pounds (3,289 kilograms) and is equipped with a fin keel.
- Length Overall: 29′ 4″ / 8.94m
- Waterline Length: 25′ 1″ / 7.64m
- Draft: 5′ 3″ / 1.60m
- Displacement: 7,250lb / 3,289kg
- Designer: Michael Dufour
- Builder: Dufour (France)
- Year First Built: 1975
- Year Last Built: 1984
Great Dane 28
The Great Dane 28 is a fiberglass sailboat that was produced by the Great Dane Yachts company in the 1970s. The Great Dane 28 has a length of 28 feet (8.5 meters) and a beam (width) of 10.4 feet (3.2 meters). It is designed to be sailed by a small crew, but can accommodate up to six people. The boat has a displacement of 8,500 pounds (3,856 kilograms) and is equipped with a fin keel.
- Hull Type: Long keel with transom-hung rudder
- Length Overall: 28′ 0″ / 8.5m
- Waterline Length: 21′ 4″ / 6.5m
- Beam: 10′ 4″ / 3.2m
- Draft: 4′ 6″ / 1.4m
- Displacement: 8,500lb / 3,856kg
- Designer: Aage Utzon in conjunction with Klaus Baess
- Builder: Klauss Baess, Copenhagen (Denmark)
- Year Last Built: 1989
- Number Built: 300
The Sabre 27 is a fiberglass sailboat that was produced by the Sabre Yachts company in the 1970s. The Sabre 27 has a length of 27 feet (8.2 meters) and a beam (width) of 9 feet (2.6 meters). The boat has a displacement of 6,800 pounds (3,084 kilograms) and is equipped with a fin keel.
- Hull Type: Fin and skeg-hung rudder
- Hull Material: GRP (fibreglass)
- Length Overall: 27′ 0″ / 8.2m
- Waterline Length: 22′ 2″ / 6.8m
- Beam: 9′ 0″ / 2.7m
- Displacement: 6,800lb / 3,084kg
- Designer: Alan Hill
- Builder: Marine Construction Ltd (UK)
- Number Built: 400
- Hull Type: Long keel with transom-hung rudder
- Length Overall: 28′ 3″ / 8.6m
- Waterline Length: 21′ 6″ / 6.6m
- Beam: 8′ 1″ / 2.5m
- Draft: 5′ 0″ / 1.5m
- Rig Type: masthead sloop
- Displacement: 9,968lb / 4,521kg
- Designer: Kim Holman
- Builder: Uphams (UK) and Tyler (UK)
- Year First Built: 1964
- Year Last Built: 1983
- Number Built: 200
Westerly 22
The Westerly 22 is a fiberglass sailboat that was produced by the Westerly Yachts company in the 1970s. The Westerly 22 has a length of 22 feet (6.8 meters) and a beam (width) of 7.6 feet (2.3 meters).
- Hull Type:~ Bilge keel and skeg-hung rudder
- Hull Material:~ GRP (fibreglass)
- Length Overall:~ 22′ 3″ / 6.8m
- Waterline Length:~ 18′ 4″ / 5.6m
- Beam:~ 7′ 6″ / 2.3m
- Draft:~ 2′ 3″ / 0.7m
- Rig Type:~ Masthead Sloop
- Displacement:~ 4,150lb / 1,429kg
- Sail Area/Displacement Ratio: ~ 16.95
- Displacement/Length Ratio: ~ 228
- Designer:~ Denis Rayner
- Builder:~ Westerly Marine Ltd (UK)
- Year First Built:~ 1963
- Year Last Built:~ 1967
- Number Built:~ 332
Beneteau Introduces the New First 30… the Planing Cruiser
1936. voyage around cape horn by schooner wanderbird, grand soleil 52 performance: new life to the myth, the 7 most beautiful bays in the mediterranean sea, live your passion, subscribe to our mailing list.
WTH?!? why there is no boat which started it all? Pearson Triton 1959 first GRP production boat? many circumnavigated I with mine singlehandedly crossed Atlantic few times.
And no Westsail 28? :O who made this list must do better homework! ! your list is garbage!
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14 Great Pocket Cruisers in 2023
- By Victor Tan
- Updated: July 20, 2023
Pocket cruisers and mini yachts are generally vessels under 50 feet in length overall, and can include express cruiser designs, flybridge yachts as well as either monohull or catamaran hull forms. They are cruising boats easily handled by a small, or even shorthanded, crew. Pocket cruisers generally have wave-taming hull designs and have the ability to take on sporty seas, offer comfortable accommodations belowdecks with one or two staterooms for extended voyages, “homelike amenities,” and the ability to cruise as slowly or as quickly as an owner desires with inboard- and outboard-power options. These pocket-cruising boats have the range for longer voyages , can pull up in skinny water at the sandbar thanks to shallow drafts, and head over the horizon where cruising adventure awaits. Pocket cruisers are true multitasking yachts. When it comes to family and couples cruising, it’s hard to beat a well-built and well-equipped and pocket cruiser.
Best Cruising Boats Under 50-Feet
The following 14 pocket cruisers and mini yachts are all vessels we’ve seen, been aboard, and tested. They are listed in no particular order.
- Hood 35 LM: high-tech, family-friendly pocket cruiser
- Galeon Yachts 375 GTO: mid-size boat with plenty of below-deck space
- Aquila 42: sleek power catamaran ready to entertain
- Azimut Verve 42 : small, yet mighty yacht ready for open water
- Hinckley Yachts 35: luxury picnic cruiser with range
- Beneteau Gran Turismo 45: sleek cruising yacht with all the amenities
- Solaris Power 48 Open: eye-catching power yacht with 360-degree views
- Cruisers Yachts 42 GLS: luxury cruiser yacht with powerful outboard options
- Back Cove 34O: modern outboard power combined with classic Downeast styling
- Picnic Boat 40: speedy and fuel-efficient vessel with great looks
- Aquila 36: comfortably seat up to 20 guests for fun on the salt
- Boston Whaler 350 Realm: multitasker built for fishing and entertaining
- MJM 35z: sporty, aesthetically pleasing, cruising-conscious features and elegant lines
- Greenline 39: sturdy-looking lines and environmentally-friendly power
When Android co-founder, Rich Miner, wanted a new family-friendly pocket cruiser , he turned to a custom-penned C.W. Hood design and a Lyman-Morse-built 35-footer, which has a timeless Down East profile matched to seriously modern technology under the hood.
This yacht looks like a traditional, cold-molded Down East dayboat, but actually, it has everything, from Hamilton HJX Series water-jet drives to a planned Sea Machines autonomous command-and-control system . Top speed: 40-plus knots.
Quick Specifications
34’10” | |
11’6″ | |
350 Gal. | |
60 Gal. | |
19,000 lbs. |
Galeon Yachts 375 GTO
Even the remnants of Hurricane Ian, couldn’t dissuade the Galeon Yacht 375 GTO from its cruising mission. The small yacht’s wave-splitting hull form is paired to torque-filled 600 hp Mercury Verado outboards , giving this fun-in-the-sun boat a 47-knot top hop.
The 375 GTO is a speedster, to be sure, but it’s also so much more. Just about every aspect of the main deck seating is transformable and multifunction, from the aft seating to the alfresco dining abaft the helm, and beyond. It also has a family-size and eminently cruise-worthy belowdecks space for four guests, all while providing a foredeck entertaining lounge too.
The Galeon Yachts 375 GTO ticks all the boxes for an easy-to-handle and sporty cruiser.
37’9″ | |
12′ | |
396.25 Gal. | |
53 Gal. | |
27,270 lbs. |
Aquila 42 Yacht Power Catamaran
Following the success of its 44-, 54- and 70-foot power catamaran models, Aquila has launched the stable-as-a-table, owner-operator-ready Aquila 42 Yacht Power Catamaran .
The Aquila 42 is the entry point into the builder’s yacht line and is noteworthy for its ability to accommodate anywhere from a two- to four-stateroom layout, depending on the owner’s cruising requirements. There are alfresco spaces to manage the sunset cruise with friends and family, including a foredeck lounge area that can be accessed via centerline steps from the flybridge. The Aquila 42 is available with several Volvo Penta diesel-engine options .
41’6″ | |
21′ | |
290 Gal. | |
132 Gal. | |
41,895 lbs. |
Azimut Verve 42
Want to cruise from Florida to Bimini in about an hour? The Azimut Yachts Verve 42 can do that thanks, in part, to triple 450 hp Mercury Racing outboards and a hull designed to dice-and-slice a seaway. Top hop: 45 knots. The Verve 42 also has style for miles with a fine entry, raked hardtop, and a razorlike sheerline accented by sweeping hull glass from bow to stern. It’s striking.
With accommodation for a family of four, the Verve 42 is also solid under the hull tokeep everyone safe on those passages. The Verve 42’s hull is built of fiberglass and uses vinylester resins for blister protection. The yacht’s deck and hardtop are comprised of carbon fiber for strength without added weight. This all means that the Azimut Verve 42 is built to CE Classification Type A , making it suitable for sea voyages where winds can exceed 45 mph and seas to 13 feet.
42’4″ | |
12’11” | |
462 Gal. | |
66 Gal. | |
30,865 lbs. |
Hinckley Yachts 35
The Hinckley Yachts 35 takes everything that yachtsmen like about this pedigreed-brand’s classic profile and infuses today’s modern outboard power to create 40 knots of sheer fun wrapped in sheer luxury.
This 35-foot Hinckley is built on a Michael-Peters-penned hull form with a fine entry, wider-than-average chines and a moderate deadrise. While the boat is built to sprint when desired, it’s also a relatively economical cruiser. For instance, a comfortable 24-knot cruise the Hinckley Yachts 35 has a 276-nautical-mile range.
It also has a tech-build thanks to vacuum-infused carbon-fiber composites and epoxy resin. An integrated interior structure is infused with the hull adding rigidity. The hull is then post-cured in an 80-foot oven, further strengthening the structure.
38’8″ | |
11′ | |
250 Gal. | |
35 Gal. | |
13,174 lbs. |
Beneteau Gran Turismo 45
The Beneteau Gran Turismo is the flagship of the builder’s four-model GT series, which also includes 32-, 36- and 41-foot models.
The Gran Turismo 45 ’s cruise-centric layout includes two staterooms and two heads belowdecks, as well as a galley down. There is also a dinette for meals and a settee for rainy-day lounging. Entertaining guests and enjoying the sun is the primary mission of the main deck.
48’6″ | |
13’9″ | |
238 Gal. | |
106 Gal. | |
24,782 lbs. |
Solaris Power 48 Open
The Solaris Power 48 Open was the first powerboat from this longtime builder known for its sailing yachts, ranging from 40 to 110 feet length overall. The Solaris Power 48 Open is notable for its wave-slicing plumb-bow design, high freeboard forward and 32-knot-plus speed. Power is twin 480 hp Volvo Penta IPS650 diesels.
The high freeboard keeps the deck dry and help creates sizable volume belowdecks with an average 6-foot-6-inch headroom. This enables real estate for either one or two staterooms. With the single-stateroom setup, there is a forepeak master stateroom while an L-shaped settee converts to sleeping accommodations for family or occasional guests. Interior wood options are oak or walnut.
48’8″ | |
15’10” | |
396 Gal. | |
114 Gal. | |
37,037 lbs. |
Cruisers Yachts 42 GLS
Outboard-power cruising aficionados will appreciate the triple-engine options for the Cruisers Yachts 42 GLS . The 42 GLS we got aboard had the triple 400 hp Mercury Verados , which produced a top hop of 45 knots, but triple 450 hp Verados are available. Triple 350 hp Mercury Verados are the standard engine option. No matter the power arrangement, this express cruiser can easily be used for wakeboarding and tube towing. The 42 GLS is designed to handle the rough stuff too, with a fine entry and 21-degree transom deadrise.
For cruising enthusiasts, the 42 GLS has a master stateroom with an athwartships and a nearly queen-size berth, and the lower salon’s U-shaped dinette converts to a queen-size berth for the kids.
42′ | |
13′ | |
403 Gal. | |
50 Gal. | |
27,000 lbs. |
Back Cove 34O
Combining modern outboard power with classic Downeast styling, the Back Cove 34O touts award-winning standards with cruising in mind. The 34O is equipped with twin 300 hp Yamaha outboards, engines that allow the Newport International Boat Show’s 2018 Best Powerboat Under 35 Feet winner to travel up to 214 nautical miles at 24 knots on a 250-gallon fuel tank.
Belowdecks, the 34O has an island double berth and a split-head arrangement with the toilet to port and a separate shower stall to starboard. On the main deck, a U-shape dinette to port accommodates four or more guests on the Back Cove Yachts vessel. The 34O’s galley is equipped with a Cuisinart microwave, a two-burner Kenyon electric cooktop and a Vitrifrigo fridge and freezer.
38’11” | |
11’10” | |
242 Gal. | |
60 Gal. | |
17,000 lbs. |
Picnic Boat 40
Hinckley Yachts unveiled its first Picnic Boat more than two decades ago. Now, after two previous, sub-40-foot models, the Maine-based boatbuilder has developed its largest and most advanced model to date: the Picnic Boat 40.
Twin 480 hp Cummins diesel engines paired to twin Hamilton 322 jet drives propel the yacht to a 30-knot cruising speed and 34 knots on the pins. With optional twin 550 hp Cummins diesels, cruise and top-end speeds jump to 35 and 38 knots, respectively.
There is an L-shaped settee with a table and a wet bar on the main deck to port. The helm station is forward and to starboard with a benchseat for two. There is also a companion seat across from the helm. Belowdecks, there is 6-foot-2-inch headroom, and the dinette table drops to form a California-king berth for overnights and weekending.
42′ | |
12’10” | |
375 Gal. | |
80 Gal. | |
25,000 lbs. |
Aquila Power Catamarans started its line with 44- and 48-footers, and now the builder’s Aquila 36 takes the line into the midsize market.
The 36 features a single, main-living area from bow to stern, helped in part by the vessel’s 14-foot, 7-inch beam. The boat can comfortably seat up to 20 guests for fun on the salt. Several Mercury Verado engine options are available for the Aquila 36, including twin 250-, 300- and 350-hp four-strokes. With the 350s, the Aquila has a top-end speed of 37 knots.
Other notable features include a fiberglass hardtop, a dinette, a cooktop, a fridge, a sink and a smokeless grill. Belowdecks, there are two staterooms with nearly queen-size berths, en suite heads and 6-foot-6-inch headroom in each.
36′ | |
14’7″ | |
330 Gal. | |
52 Gal. | |
21,572 lbs. |
Boston Whaler 350 Realm
From fishing and entertaining guests to diving and overnight cruising, Boston Whaler ‘s 350 Realm is a multitasker. And it’s fast, too. It’s powered with either triple 300 hp or triple 350 hp Mercury Verados. The 350 Realm can reach a top speed of 46 knots.
At the helm, two Raymarine displays provide vital navigation data. The captain can take in the displays’ view from a doublewide helm seat. There’s a flip-down platform for standing when needed and a footrest when desired.
There is a V-shaped berth that converts into a double berth with a filler cushion. The separated head has a VacuFlush MSD and a hot-and-cold shower. Owners also have the option to add a microwave and a flat-screen TV.
35’6″ | |
10’10” | |
385 Gal. | |
45 Gal. | |
18,830 lbs. |
The MJM 35z can reach a top speed of 44 knots and a cruising speed of 33 knots on its optional 350 hp Mercury Verado outboards; twin 300 hp outboards are standard on this MJM Yachts vessel. Additionally, the 35z can travel up to 304 nautical miles on its 250-gallon fuel tank.
The 35z has a flush-deck layout and to port is space for an electric grill, a baitwell, a sink, an ice maker and a fridge. There are two Stidd helm seats—one for the helmsman and the other for a copilot—that rotate to face the rest of the seating aft. In the cabin is V-shaped seating forward that can be converted to a berth.
Owners also have the option of adding a Seakeeper 3 gyrostabilizer and a full-length Bimini top to shade the cockpit.
38’3″ | |
11′ | |
250 Gal. | |
58 Gal. | |
13,279 lbs. |
Greenline 39
Greenline Yachts ‘ vessels are aptly named for their environmentally friendly means of moving about; the Greenline 39 is no different. The Slovenian yacht manufacturer produces two types of this model: hybrid and solar.
If owners opt for the latter, the 39’s four solar panels atop the salon power all of the vessel’s systems for three hours. With the power of the sun, the 39 can achieve a max speed of 6.5 knots and a cruising speed of 4 knots. The hybrid type uses those same panels to help power a 220 hp Volvo Penta D3 with a Mahle electric-drive system. Owners have the option of replacing the standard engine with a 370 hp Yanmar 8LV diesel.
Belowdecks, scissor berths provide accommodations for long weekends.
39’5″ | |
12’4″ | |
185 Gal. | |
105 Gal. | |
15,432 lbs. |
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Home » Blog » Buy a boat » 5 best small sailboats for sailing around the world
5 best small sailboats for sailing around the world
By Author Fiona McGlynn
Posted on Last updated: April 19, 2023
A small sailboat can take you big places
Small sailboats are the ticket to going cruising NOW — not when you retire, save up enough money, or find the “perfect” bluewater cruising boat. In fact, it’s the first principle in Lin and Larry Pardey’s cruising philosophy: “Go small, go simple, go now.”
Small yachts can be affordable, simple, and seaworthy . However, you won’t see many of them in today’s cruising grounds. In three years and 13,000 nautical miles of bluewater cruising, I could count the number of under 30-foot sailboats I’ve seen on one hand (all of them were skippered by people in their 20s and 30s).
Today’s anchorages are full of 40, 50, and 60-foot-plus ocean sailboats, but that’s not to say you can’t sail the world in a small sailboat. Just look at Alessandro di Benedetto who in 2010 broke the record for the smallest boat to sail around the world non-stop in his 21-foot Mini 6.5 .
So long as you don’t mind forgoing a few comforts, you can sail around the world on a small budget .
What makes a good blue water sailboat
While you might not think a small sailboat is up to the task of going long distances, some of the best bluewater sailboats are under 40 feet.
However, if you’re thinking about buying a boat for offshore cruising, there are a few things to know about what makes a small boat offshore capable .
Smaller equals slower
Don’t expect to be sailing at high speeds in a pocket cruiser. Smaller displacement monohulls are always going to be slower than larger displacement monohulls (see the video below to learn why smaller boats are slower). Therefore a smaller cruiser is going to take longer on a given passage, making them more vulnerable to changes in weather.
A few feet can make a big difference over a week-long passage. On the last leg of our Pacific Ocean crossing, our 35-foot sailboat narrowly avoid a storm that our buddy boat, a 28-foot sailboat, couldn’t. Our friend was only a knot slower but it meant he had to heave to for a miserable three days.
Small but sturdy
If a pocket cruiser encounters bad weather, they will be less able to outrun or avoid it. For this reason, many of the blue water sailboats in this list are heavily built and designed to take a beating.
Yacht design has changed dramatically over the last 50 years. Today, new boats are designed to be light and fast. The small sailboats in our list are 30-plus year-old designs and were built in a time when weather forecasts were less accurate and harder to come by.
Back in the day, boat were constructed with thicker fiberglass hulls than you see in modern builds. Rigs, keels, rudders, hulls and decks – everything about these small cruising sailboats was designed to stand up to strong winds and big waves. Some of the boats in this post have skeg-hung rudders and most of them are full keel boats.
The pros and cons of pocket cruiser sailboats
Pocket cruiser sailboats present certain advantages and disadvantages.
More affordable
Their smaller size makes them affordable bluewater sailboats. You can often find great deals on pocket cruisers and sometimes you can even get them for free.
You’ll also save money on retrofits and repairs because small cruising sailboats need smaller boat parts (which cost a lot less) . For example, you can get away with smaller sails, ground tackle, winches, and lighter lines than on a bigger boat.
Moorage, haul-outs, and marine services are often billed by foot of boat length . A small sailboat makes traveling the world , far more affordable!
When something major breaks (like an engine) it will be less costly to repair or replace than it would be on a bigger boat.
Less time consuming
Smaller boats tend to have simpler systems which means you’ll spend less time fixing and paying to maintain those systems. For example, most small yachts don’t have showers, watermakers , hot water, and electric anchor windlasses.
On the flip side, you’ll spend more time collecting water (the low-tech way) . On a small sailboat, this means bucket baths, catching fresh water in your sails, and hand-bombing your anchor. Though less convenient, this simplicity can save you years of preparation and saving to go sailing.
Oh, and did I mention that you’ll become a complete water meiser? Conserving water aboard becomes pretty important when you have to blue-jug every drop of it from town back to your boat.
Easier to sail
Lastly, smaller boats can be physically easier to sail , just think of the difference between raising a sail on a 25-foot boat versus a 50-foot boat! You can more easily single-hand or short-hand a small sailboat. For that reason, some of the best solo blue water sailboats are quite petite.
As mentioned above small boats are slow boats and will arrive in port, sometimes days (and even weeks) behind their faster counterparts on long offshore crossings.
Consider this scenario: two boats crossed the Atlantic on a 4,000 nautical mile route. The small boat averaged four miles an hour, while the big boat averaged seven miles an hour. If both started at the same time, the small boat will have completed the crossing two weeks after the larger sailboat!
Less spacious
Living on a boat can be challenging — living on a small sailboat, even more so! Small cruising boats don’t provide much in the way of living space and creature comforts.
Not only will you have to downsize when you move onto a boat you’ll also have to get pretty creative when it comes to boat storage.
It also makes it more difficult to accommodate crew for long periods which means there are fewer people to share work and night shifts.
If you plan on sailing with your dog , it might put a small boat right out of the question (depending on the size of your four-legged crew member).
Less comfortable
It’s not just the living situation that is less comfortable, the sailing can be pretty uncomfortable too! Pocket cruisers tend to be a far less comfortable ride than larger boats as they are more easily tossed about in big ocean swell.
Here are our 5 favorite small blue water sailboats for sailing around the world
When we sailed across the Pacific these were some of the best small sailboats that we saw. Their owners loved them and we hope you will too!
The boats in this list are under 30 feet. If you’re looking for something slightly larger, you might want to check out our post on the best bluewater sailboats under 40 feet .
Note: Price ranges are based on SailboatListings.com and YachtWorld.com listings for Aug. 2018
Albin Vega 27($7-22K USD)
The Albin Vega has earned a reputation as a bluewater cruiser through adventurous sailors like Matt Rutherford, who in 2012 completed a 309-day solo nonstop circumnavigation of the Americas via Cape Horn and the Northwest Passage (see his story in the documentary Red Dot on the Ocean ).
- Hull Type: Long fin keel
- Hull Material: GRP (fibreglass)
- Length Overall:27′ 1″ / 8.25m
- Waterline Length:23′ 0″ / 7.01m
- Beam:8′ 1″ / 2.46m
- Draft:3′ 8″ / 1.12m
- Rig Type: Masthead sloop rig
- Displacement:5,070lb / 2,300kg
- Designer:Per Brohall
- Builder:Albin Marine AB (Swed.)
- Year First Built:1965
- Year Last Built:1979
- Number Built:3,450
Cape Dory 28 ($10-32K USD)
This small cruising sailboat is cute and classic as she is rugged and roomy. With at least one known circumnavigation and plenty of shorter bluewater voyages, the Cape Dory 28 has proven herself offshore capable.
- Hull Type: Full Keel
- Length Overall:28′ 09″ / 8.56m
- Waterline Length:22′ 50″ / 6.86m
- Beam:8’ 11” / 2.72m
- Draft:4’ 3” / 1.32m
- Rig Type:Masthead Sloop
- Displacement:9,300lb / 4,218kg
- Sail Area/Displacement Ratio:52
- Displacement/Length Ratio:49
- Designer: Carl Alberg
- Builder: Cape Dory Yachts (USA)
- Year First Built:1974
- Year Last Built:1988
- Number Built: 388
Dufour 29 ($7-23K)
As small bluewater sailboats go, the Dufour 29 is a lot of boat for your buck. We know of at least one that sailed across the Pacific last year. Designed as a cruiser racer she’s both fun to sail and adventure-ready. Like many Dufour sailboats from this era, she comes equipped with fiberglass molded wine bottle holders. Leave it to the French to think of everything!
- Hull Type: Fin with skeg-hung rudder
- Length Overall:29′ 4″ / 8.94m
- Waterline Length:25′ 1″ / 7.64m
- Beam:9′ 8″ / 2.95m
- Draft:5′ 3″ / 1.60m
- Displacement:7,250lb / 3,289kg
- Designer:Michael Dufour
- Builder:Dufour (France)
- Year First Built:1975
- Year Last Built:1984
Vancouver 28 ($15-34K)
A sensible small boat with a “go-anywhere” attitude, this pocket cruiser was designed with ocean sailors in mind. One of the best cruising sailboats under 40 feet, the Vancouver 28 is great sailing in a small package.
- Hull Type:Full keel with transom hung rudder
- Length Overall: 28′ 0″ / 8.53m
- Waterline Length:22’ 11” / 6.99m
- Beam:8’ 8” / 2.64m
- Draft:4’ 4” / 1.32m
- Rig Type: Cutter rig
- Displacement:8,960lb / 4,064 kg
- Designer: Robert B Harris
- Builder: Pheon Yachts Ltd. /Northshore Yachts Ltd.
- Year First Built:1986
- Last Year Built: 2007
- Number Built: 67
Westsail 28 ($30-35K)
Described in the 1975 marketing as “a hearty little cruiser”, the Westsail 28 was designed for those who were ready to embrace the cruising life. Perfect for a solo sailor or a cozy cruising couple!
- Hull Type: Full keel with transom hung rudder
- Hull Material:GRP (fibreglass)
- Length Overall:28′ 3” / 8.61m
- Waterline Length:23’ 6” / 7.16m
- Beam:9’ 7” / 2.92m
- Displacement:13,500lb / 6,124kg
- Designer: Herb David
- Builder: Westsail Corp. (USA)
- Number Built:78
Feeling inspired? Check out the “go small” philosophy of this 21-year-old who set sail in a CS 27.
Fiona McGlynn is an award-winning boating writer who created Waterborne as a place to learn about living aboard and traveling the world by sailboat. She has written for boating magazines including BoatUS, SAIL, Cruising World, and Good Old Boat. She’s also a contributing editor at Good Old Boat and BoatUS Magazine. In 2017, Fiona and her husband completed a 3-year, 13,000-mile voyage from Vancouver to Mexico to Australia on their 35-foot sailboat.
Saturday 1st of September 2018
Very useful list, but incomplete - as it would necessarily be, considering the number of seaworthy smaller boats that are around.
In particular, you missed/omitted the Westerly "Centaur" and its follow-on model, the "Griffon". 26 feet LOA, bilge-keelers, weighing something over 6000 pounds, usually fitted with a diesel inboard.
OK, these are British designs, and not that common in the US, but still they do exist, they're built like tanks, and it's rumored that at least one Centaur has circumnavigated.
Friday 31st of August 2018
This is a helpful list, thank you. I don't think most people would consider a 28' boat a pocket cruiser, though!
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Best cruising boats under 30 feet: Is this the ideal size for a yacht?
- Peter Poland
- April 14, 2022
Peter Poland picks out some of the best cruising boats under 30ft, arguably the ideal size for coastal and occasional offshore sailing
Cruising boats of around 30ft can often become a ‘boat for life’. Having graduated from dinghies to small cruisers, many sailors decide that something around 30ft will give them enough space, headroom, comfort and seagoing ability to see out their sailing days.
Sometimes a crew of young children may push them into something bigger for a while, but many sailors find that around 30ft is an ideal size for coastal and occasional offshore sailing.
Budget is also usually an important factor. Some GRP cruising boats around 30ft date back to the 1960s. But times change and precious few new models of this size are being built today.
A Hunter Horizon 30, Aljara , in Torbay – a lift up tiller gives a roomy cockpit. Photo: Duncan Kent
So if you want a 30-foot cruising boat you’ll probably end up with a second-hand yacht and can be looking at age differences of up to 60 years; with correspondingly different prices. Some sailors relish the process of renovating an older yacht, while others want one that is in good condition and raring to go.
When you start looking for a good second-hand cruising boat around 30ft, the choices are wide and varied. There are so many options that it’s easy to become confused. Not only were a lot of different models built, the variations between types, styles and levels of performance became more defined around the 30ft mark.
The options below are from all across Europe, but we’ve also covered the best 30ft French boats , the best 30ft British boats , the best 30ft German boats and the best 30ft boats from Scandinavia .
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Best cruising boats under 30 feet: Focusing the search
As time passed three different types evolved: middle of the road family cruisers ( fin, twin and lifting keel ); older style long keeled cruisers ; and lighter cruiser-racers (often IOR-influenced after the late 1970s).
So it becomes ever more important to have a clear idea of what size and type of cruiser you want. As we often said to clients who were considering buying one of our Hunters, you need to answer some basic questions before deciding on your ideal yacht: what sort of sailing are you planning?; where?; with whom?; and how often? We reckoned that many people ended up by buying bigger boats than they actually needed.
Three of the earliest GRP production yachts built fell into the 28-30ft bracket and – even if a degree of restoration work is necessary – all are excellent designs.
The Pionier 9 is a good seagoing yacht. Photo: SailingScenes.com
The Dutch 9.10m Pionier 9 – often spelt Pioneer 9 in English – was designed by van de Stadt and the first production GRP yacht in Europe. More than 600 were built after the first was launched in 1959. UK versions were moulded by Tylers and finished by Southern Ocean Shipyard in Poole.
The Pionier’s hull configuration of a fin keel and separate spade rudder was well ahead of the game at that time. With a beam of just 2.4m she’s not spacious by modern standards but a practical four berth layout, generous cockpit, displacement/length ratio (DLR) of 235 and sail area/displacement (SA/Disp) ratio of 19.1 combine to make the Pionier a good seagoing yacht and a delight to sail.
A well maintained example makes an excellent performance cruiser, as confirmed by one owner on a discussion forum who wrote: ‘The Pionier 9 is a strong and seaworthy boat. Aziz was sailed single-handed non-stop from UK to US [from Milford Haven to Newport in 1971 in 45 days] by Nicolette Milnes-Walke r – the first woman to achieve this…
‘My father and I have owned our Pionier 9 for about 32 years now and she still sails well against more modern boats and the quality of build means they suffer very few problems.’
The Elizabethan 29, built by Peter Webster, has a graceful counter. Photo: SailingScenes.com
Best cruising boats under 30 feet: Long keel designs
The great British designer Kim Holman was responsible for two other exceptional yachts in this early GRP era; the 1960 Elizabethan 29 and 1964 Twister 28. Unlike the Pionier, both of these have traditional long keels.
The Elizabethan (built by Peter Webster) has a graceful counter while the Twister (moulded by Tylers and finished by various builders such as Uphams and Universal Shipyard) hangs its rudder on a transom stern, and the latter is a smidge wider (8ft 1in), longer on the waterline, (21ft 6in) and heavier (9,968lb). Both have four berth layouts with amidships heads and both are a delight to sail.
I was lucky enough to be a regular crew on an Elizabethan in the 1960s, and enjoyed regular sailing on a Twister this century. If I had to risk a comparison I’d say the latter has few equals when slicing upwind in a blow into a chop, while the former is one of the most slippery ladies I have ever steered downwind. Both sail in classic regattas and are snug and practical to live aboard – albeit without stern cabins.
A delight to sail, the Twister 28 has a traditional long keel and hangs its rudder on a transom stern. Photo: Graham Snook/Yachting Monthly
Both attract admiring looks wherever they sail. They’re high on my list of all-time favourites and make great buys if you don’t want a floating caravan and don’t mind a bit of maintenance work from time to time.
Earlier Twisters have a high-maintenance wooden coachroof, while later ones are all GRP. And – as with any elderly yacht – look for one with a replacement engine and renewed rigging.
Elizabethan 30
Peter Webster came up with another timeless yacht in 1968. The Elizabethan 30 (and later 9m sister, both designed by the great David Thomas) were fast cruisers inspired by the Half Ton Cup.
With a beam of 9ft 3in, it offers reasonable space down below while a generous ballast ratio of 48%, SA/Disp ratio of 19.2 and moderate DLR of 235 ensure excellent performance and easy handling; especially when compared to modern cruisers with wide sterns and towering topsides. What’s more, it is a lovely looking yacht.
The Elizabethan 30 Mistweave . Photo: SailingScenes.com
Hugo Morgan-Harris of consulting surveyors Saunders Morgan Harris told me; “I brought my Liz 30 in 1998 as a classic GRP cruising/racing boat. She had an old RCA Dolphin petrol engine, rotten alloy mast, tired rigging and no deck fittings.
“The interior was a mess and all of the systems were original. As I was boatbuilding at the time I thought that I’d have a go! Now we have a new Yanmar 2GM, electrics, nav gear, Lewmar windows, toilet, fridge, wireless auto helm, boom, vang etc.”
If you can buy a tired boat cheaply enough, this sort of investment is worth the money. Having owned and loved the boat for some 20 years, Hugo sold her and bought and restored (in his garden!) a tired Sigma 38. So, like many others, he has stuck to David Thomas designs.
Spinnaker drop during Round the Island 2010 for Nicholson 303 Nutcracker . Photo: SailingScenes.com
Best cruising boats under 30 feet: Wide beam accommodation
As the 70s got under way, the high profile Half Ton Cup seemed to cast its spell over ever more 30ft cruisers. The Nicholson 30, Ron Holland-designed Nicholson 303, Doug Petersen-designed Contessa 28 and Contention 30, Fred Parker Javelin 30, Dick Carter-designed Carter 30, S&S-designed She 31 and Kim Holman-designed Hustler 30 and UFO 31 all offered wide beam accommodation, fin keels and well above average performance.
Some were better built than others. For my money the Tyler-moulded and Landamores-finished Hustler 30 or Nicholson 303 are the pick of this bunch if you are in the market for a 30-footer that sails well (albeit twitchily on a heavy weather reach or run with too much canvas aloft), has a good seagoing layout and looks classy.
Reverting to more classic long-keelers built around the same time, I came across an internet thread that sparked a flurry of interesting comments. The opening post was: “I am looking to make a first yacht purchase and would appreciate thoughts on the variations between a Victoria 30, a Halmatic 30 or a Nicholson 31. I am keener on the more classic style of yacht than on newer boats and [want] a long keel; with a view to longer or ocean trips in the future.”
The John Sharp-designed Halmatic 30. Photo: SailingScenes.com
Those looking for a boat of this character should have these three on their list. The John Sharp-designed Halmatic 30 (and similar Barbican 30) is 22ft 10in on the waterline, has 9ft 6in beam, draws 4ft 6in, displaces 9,000lb with a 50% ballast ratio, 338 DLR and 15.95 SA/Disp ratio.
The Chuck Paine-designed Victoria 30 has a canoe stern and similar dimensions but is appreciably lighter at 8,867lb with a 31% ballast ratio and DLR of 311. Raymond Wall’s classy Nicholson 31 (30ft 6in), on the other hand, is a little longer, wider (10ft 3in) and heavier (13,005lb) with a ballast ratio of 37% and DLR of 411. Like the Halmatic 30, it has a transom-hung rudder giving the look of an elegant overgrown Folkboat or Twister.
Personal preference
My favourite from this trio would be a well-maintained Nicholson 31. One owner put it well, responding to the thread: “I can’t give an unbiased opinion, because I’ve owned my Nic 31 from new in 1982…
A well-maintained Nicholson 31 is an exceptional yacht. Photo: SailingScenes.com
“She has sailed transatlantic (Maine to Ireland, averaging just over 5 knots for the entire, comfortable, passage) and was great for living aboard for six seasons (cruising three months at a time) in northern European waters. Fabulous boat… Almost any used boat will need to be updated. Just start with a good foundation.” Which about says it all.
He later told me “We had a variety of weather conditions [on the transatlantic trip] and the combination of full keel and great sail balance allowed the wind vane to steer straight in all but the lightest air, even downwind… She’s the perfect small blue water (for two to four crew) and coastal cruising (for two) boat.”
However as designs progressed and production methods evolved, going offshore ceased to be the sole preserve of old fashioned-style long-keel boats. Many modern family boats such as a Westerly, Hunter, Sadler, Moody, or more recent Beneteaus, Jeanneaus and Bavarias in the 28-32ft size range offered ample scope for coastal and offshore cruising.
The advantage of this type of boat is that it tends to be newer, more spacious, easy to handle and can also be easier to sell when the time comes to move on. There is a much wider choice because they were made in the hundreds. Once again condition and equipment are important.
Paradise Seeker , a Moody 31 sailing on the River Tay near Dundee. Photo: Dundee Photographics/Alamy
The Bill Dixon-designed Moody 31 (LOA 30ft 9in) Mk1 and Mk2 models (with fin or twin keels) were built from 1983 to 1991 and are good examples. A beam of 10ft 6in, weight of 9,966lb, ballast ratio of 37%, DLR of 270 and SA/Disp ratio of 15 put it firmly in the camp of modern, capable and roomy family cruisers.
Despite highish freeboard, it looks sleek and well styled. And of course its modern layout with aft heads, stern cabin and practical L-shaped galley was an instant hit with cruising families. One owner said “I had always fancied a Contessa 32 but after a trial sail, my wife was not impressed. Too uncomfortable! At the Boat Show we saw the Moody 31. My wife liked the space and comfort and it looked a good sea boat to me. Not as fast as the Contessa perhaps but I wasn’t really a racing man.”
This owner later proved his Moody 31’s ability offshore by joining a Royal Cornwall YC rally to the Azores. On the racing front, I used to crew on a fin keel Moody 31 Mk1 that picked up plenty of pots in Hamble-based handicap races.
A member of the Moody Owners Association endorsed the Moody 31’s qualities saying he had owned his 31from new in 1990, adding: “We have sailed the local rivers and across to Holland, Belgium and France. The boat is almost a member of the family and… it’s large enough to accommodate six but can be sailed single-handed.
“It’s a sturdy boat that will hold up against many faster types if sailed correctly. The oversized 28hp engine will push it through a steep chop at 6 knots. Over a quarter of a century, I discovered how well the boat has been made… It has never let me down and I love sailing her.”
Saloon of the ever-popular Laurent Giles-designed Konsort 29. Photo: Bob Aylott/myclassicboat.com
Westerly Konsort 29
Westerly came up with one of its most successful 28-30ft cruisers in the 1980s. Over 700 of the ever-popular Laurent Giles-designed Konsort 29 were built and these tough cruisers are still much sought after.
Its vital statistics of 10ft 9in beam, 8516lb weight, 37.5% ballast ratio, 229 DLR and 15 SA/Disp ratio are on a par with many of its contemporaries.
The Konsort’s conventional accommodation – featuring amidships heads and aft galley and nav area – is practical and solidly finished, making it an archetypical middle-of-the-road family cruiser.
And for those who prefer a deck saloon offering panoramic views from the warm and dry, the Duo version also has many attractions.
A former commodore of the Westerly Association told me that when he bought his twin keel Konsort he sought out a boat that incorporated the revised hull reinforcement system Westerly adopted after early production.
He added that: “The boat sails well provided there is sufficient breeze to get her going. A cruising chute helps in light airs. When the wind pipes up the performance is good, with a reef in the main around Force 5. The Konsort is very much a cruising boat so we have never expected her to point high, but you sail according to the characteristics of your boat. When required the 24hp Bukh diesel will take care of any lack of wind.
“We sail in the English Channel, the Channel Islands and adjacent coast of France. We have had no unexpected problems with the boat… a choice well made and never regretted.”
The later 30ft 6in Westerly Tempest, designed by Ed Dubois, was a very different concept. Its unusual accommodation featured two double cabins aft and a heads compartment in the eyes of the yacht. By Westerly standards, its sales total of 107 wasn’t a runaway success. But it has a lot to offer; as does its revamped Regatta 310 near sister.
Unusually for a 30ft 6in yacht, the Westerly Tempest has two double cabins aft and a heads in the forepeak. Photo: SailingScenes.com
The Sadler 29 was another winner from the 1980s. Martin Sadler told me: “The 29 appeared at the 1981 Earls Court boat show. She was offered with fin or twin keels and the mix was about 60/40 in favour of the latter.
“Our demonstration boat had twins and it surprised people how well she sailed [understandable because these twins are shapely, well positioned and draw 3ft 8in]. The design concept of the 29 was to achieve a larger internal volume for overall length than the Sadler 25 and 32, and she has accommodation very similar to the 32.”
Designer David Sadler got the balance between comfort and performance right: 28ft 5in overall, waterline 22ft 10in, beam 9ft 6in, weight 8,200lb, 41.5% ballast ratio, 307 DLR and 14.68 SA/Disp ratio. Sailors loved her and around 400 were built.
‘Another winner from the 80s’; the Sadler 29. Photo: Patrick Eden/Alamy
Her spacious accommodation with amidships heads, good galley and chart table and cosy quarter berth appealed to traditionalists and modernists alike. What’s more the inner mouldings conceal enough foam buoyancy to make the boat float and sail if flooded, if the foam’s still sound.
One Sadler 29 owner summed up what to look for, saying: “The advice when buying boats of this age is to spend a bit more on one that has been sorted, ie recent new engine, sails, standing rigging, cushions etc, rather than getting a tatty boat cheaper, and then spending a fortune.
“We like the foam filled construction, not least because it massively reduces condensation compared to other boats I’ve sailed (and slept) on. The downside is the boat is rather smaller than other 29-footers down below.”
The later Stephen Jones-designed Sadler 290 never achieved the same number of buyers. Its builders folded after around 40 were produced. But that does not detract from this exceptional boat’s performance. Both twin and fin versions have lead keels and sail superbly. If you see one for sale, take a look. But it won’t be cheap.
Timothy Long sailed his Impala 28, Alchemy, solo around the UK; here between Ardrishaig and Tarbert. Photo: Peter Jeanneret/Hunter Association
Best cruising boats under 30 feet: Sportier cruisers
And what about the sportier cruisers of the 1980s and 90s? The Hunter Impala 28 (1977 onwards) has many fans to this day – Timothy Long became the youngest sailor to circumnavigate Britain solo in 2020 sailing an Impala. Designed as an Offshore One Design by David Thomas, the Impala still makes a competitive racer.
But don’t overlook its attributes as a fast cruiser. The interior is practical and simple: twin berth forepeak, enclosed heads to port amidships, galley aft of the main bulkhead to starboard and two settee berths with two pilot berths outboard in the saloon. Originally Impalas came with an outboard in a well; but most now have inboards.
The later Hunter Horizon 30 is an elongated cruising version of the Impala, with a new deck and counter stern. The interior is dramatically different, with twin berth forepeak, saloon settees and aft galley, heads compartment and double aft cabin.
Hunter Horizon 30 – an elongated cruising version of the Impala
Thanks to the superb performance of Thomas’s twin keels (3ft 10in draught with bulbed bases), most buyers chose this option. Its moderate 9ft 3in beam gives good handling and its 43% ballast ratio, 234 DLR and SA/Disp ratio of 19.8 provide sparkling performance. Indeed a twin-keeler took third overall in its CHS class against racy fin-keelers in one Round the Island Race.
Those looking for a beamier fin keel cruiser-racer might find the Thomas-designed Sigma 292 of interest. It didn’t sell in large numbers, compared to the Sigma 33, but shares many of its qualities. The Thomas-designed Hunter Channel 31 (30ft 9in) is an exceptionally quick twin-keeler and a delight to sail and live aboard; but sadly only a few were built.
And finally, going back a few years, Chris Butler’s Achilles 9m also sold well and excelled in the 1984 OSTAR, finishing in 30 days. This sporty fin-keeler has a DLR of 190, SA/Disp ratio of 15.5 and a 43% ballast ratio. A tidy example makes an excellent budget cruiser-racer.
Soulmate, a Hunter Channel 31, owned by Robin Jeavons. Photo: Sven Petersen/Hunter Association
Best cruising boats under 30 feet: Lifting keel options
If you prefer a lifting keel boat around the 30ft mark, the Tony Castro-designed Parker 31 that was built by Parker Yachts between 1987 and 1993 is worth a look. For a high performance yacht, it offers good accommodation with double berth cabins in the forepeak and aft as well as a spacious heads.
Its vertically lifting keel has a wide wing at its base giving a low centre of gravity, a ballast ratio of 32.86% and a draught of 2ft (keel up) and 6ft (keel down). Yachting Monthly said ‘… the performance and handling are remarkable. She is very fast, unexpectedly stable and finger light on the tiller.’ The drawback is that Parker only built 30 before introducing the larger 325 and 335 models then ceased trading in 2009.
The Dick Carter-designed Southerly 95 also offers variable draught, albeit in a heavier and less performance-oriented 31ft 7in cruiser. Its cast iron grounding plate and pivoting keel give a ballast ratio of 46% and a draught of 1ft 10in (keel up) and 5ft 2in (keel down).
So with its transom-mounted rudder and its keel lifted, the 95 is ideal for drying out in secluded creeks. Down below, it offers two berths in the forepeak, a U-shaped saloon settee (convertible to a double berth), an aft heads and aft quarter berth. Most unusually, it also has an inside wheel steering position in addition to a tiller in the cockpit. It was first built in 1980.
As a general rule however, any lifting keel system on an elderly yacht needs close inspection before buying. Whether it pivots, swings or moves vertically up and down it is prone to a lot more stress and strain than a fixed keel. It can also suffer from impact damage. A thorough survey is advisable.
Class association benefit
One big advantage of these British built yachts around 30ft is that almost all have active and helpful class associations. When you are considering the purchase of a yacht whose original builder is no longer active – as is sadly the case with all these British-built yachts – a well run association is a treasure trove of helpful information and advice.
Why not subscribe today?
This feature appeared in the May 2022 edition of Practical Boat Owner . For more articles like this, including DIY, money-saving advice, great boat projects, expert tips and ways to improve your boat’s performance, take out a magazine subscription to Britain’s best-selling boating magazine.
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- Articles and Guides
11 Best Small Sailboat Brands: How to Choose Your Next Daysailer or Pocket Cruiser
12th oct 2023 by samantha wilson.
Sailing is a relaxing, invigorating pastime that allows you to harness wind and waves in a unique and historic way without requiring a 50-foot yacht to enjoy what’s special about the experience. In fact, small sailboats allow a delightful back-to-basics experience that often gets lost on larger, systems-heavy sailboats.
On a small sailboat you can connect with the sea, feeling the boat move beneath you. The boat is typically easy to rig, simple to sail, and can even be sailed solo. Small sailboats give you the freedom to trailer your or car-top your boat and go anywhere, and they’re perfect for learning the nuances of sailing. There are many excellent brands and models of small sailboat, each with their own appeal, and here we narrow down some of our favorite in the daysailer and pocket cruiser categories under 30 feet.
Difference Between a Daysailer and a Pocket Cruiser
While there are many different types of sailboat on the market and there is no single definition of either a daysailer or a pocket cruiser, they are used in a particular way, as the names imply. The term daysailer covers a huge array of sailboats, smaller and sometimes larger, and is generally defined as any day boat used for local sailing, with a simple rig, and easy to get underway. A pocket cruiser typically offers a cabin and head, and adequate accommodations for an overnight stay and sometimes longer cruises. Having said that, there is a large overlap between the two in many instances, so the lines may become blurred.
What Size is a Small Sailboat?
Small is a relative term of course, but in general—and for the purposes of this article—a small sailboat is one that could be sailed by a small crew, often with one or two people aboard. It will have a simple rig and be trailerable, and it might be either a daysailer or pocket-cruiser style vessel as above. Within those categories, there are many models and styles, but when it comes to length we consider a sailboat as small when it’s under 30 feet in overall length.
The Best Sailboats Under 30 Feet
Pocket cruiser: Beneteau First 27. The Beneteau First 27 is a modern example of a pocket cruiser, earning Cruising World ’s Boat of the Year award in the Pocket Cruiser category in 2022. With space for up to six people accommodated in a separated bow-cabin and open saloon, it offers families the chance to go farther, explore more, and cruise in comfort. There is a galley with freshwater and a head, adding to the interior home comforts. The sailboat itself is modern, fast, and stable, designed by Sam Manuard, and has been designed to be incredibly safe and almost unsinkable thanks to its three watertight chambers. The handling is also refreshingly intuitive, with a well-designed cockpit, simple deck controls, and double winches allowing it to be sailed solo, by two people, or a small crew.
Photo credit: Beneteau
Daysailer: Alerion 28. You’ll certainly turn heads cruising along in an Alerion 28, a daysailer whose forerunner by the same name was designed by Nathanael Herreshoff in 1912 and then updated with a modern underbody for fiberglass production by Carl Schumacher in the late 1980s. This pretty daysailer manages to combine a traditional silhouette and classic feel, with very modern engineering creating an excellent package. Over 470 of these sailboats were built and sold in the past 30 years, making it one of the most popular modern daysailers on the water. With a small cabin and saloon, complete with miniature galley area, it offers respite from the sun or wind and the option for a night aboard. The cockpit offers a beautiful sailing experience, with plenty of space for the whole family.
Photo credit: Alerion Yachts
The Best Sailboats Under 25 Feet
Pocket cruiser: Cornish Crabber 24. British manufacturer Cornish Crabber has been producing beautiful, traditional style small sailboats for decades, ensuring they honor their heritage both in the construction style and appearance of their boats. The Cornish Crabber 24 is the most iconic of their range and dates back to the 1980s. It offers a simple yet surprisingly spacious interior layout with cabin, galley, and head, and a good sized cockpit, as well as seating for up to six people. It’s the perfect family sailboat, with clever use of storage as well as just under 5000 pounds of displacement providing stability and easy tacking. Aesthetically the 24 is simply beautiful, with a traditional silhouette (combined with modern engineering), finished in hardwood trims.
Photo credit: Cornish Crabber
Daysailer: Catalina 22 Capri. Catalina sailboats need little introduction, and are one of the world’s best-known, most-respected brands building small sailboats. The Catalina 22 Capri (also available in a sport model) is a great example of what Catalina does so well. While we’ve classified it as a daysailer, it could easily cross into the pocket cruiser category, as it offers excellent sailing performance in almost all conditions as well as having a small cabin, galley, and head. Loved for its safety, stability, ease of handling and simple maintenance, it makes for a good first family boat for getting out onto the bay or lake.
Photo credit: Catalina
The Best Sailboats Under 20 Feet
Pocket cruiser: CapeCutter 19. This is another model that combines the beauty of the traditional silhouettes with modern-day advancements. The design originates from the classic gaff cutter work boats, but today offers excellent performance—in fact it’s one of the fastest small gaffers in the world. The interior is cleverly spacious, with four berths, two of which convert into a saloon, as well as a simple galley area. With quick rigging, it can be sailed solo, but is also able to accommodate small groups, making it a capable and hugely versatile pocket cruiser.
Photo credit: Cape Cutter 19
Daysailer: Swallow Yachts’ BayRaider 20. Classic looks with modern performance are combined in Swallow Yachts’ beautiful BayRaider 20. This is one of the most capable and safest daysailers we’ve seen, but also incredibly versatile thanks to the choices of ballast. Keep the ballast tank empty and it’s light and fast. Fill the tank up and you’ve got a stable and safe boat perfect for beginners and families. While it’s got an eye-catching traditional style, the engineering is modern, with a strong carbon mast and construction. While this is a true daysailer, you can use the optional spray hood and camping accessories to create an overnight adventure.
Photo credit: Swallow Yachts
The Best Sailboats Under 15 Feet
Pocket Cruiser: NorseBoat 12.5. Can we truly call the NorseBoat 12.5 a pocket cruiser? Yes we can! The sheer versatility of this excellent little sailboat has convinced us. These beautiful hand-crafted sailboats offer exceptional performance and are described by the manufacturer as ‘the Swiss Army Knives of sailboats’. The traditionally styled 12.5 can be sailed, rowed, and motored. It can be trailered, easily beached, and even used as a camp cruiser, allowing for overnight adventures. There is no end to the fun that can be had with this easy-to-sail and easy-to-handle boat, which makes it a dream to learn in. With positive flotation, lots of clever storage, and a full-size double berth for camp cruising, it really is the perfect mini pocket cruiser.
Photo credit: NorseBoats
Daysailer: Original Beetle Cat Boat 12: All across the bays of the US east coast cat boats have long been part of the ocean landscape. Able to access shallow rocky coves yet also withstand the strong coastal winds, these traditional New England fishing boats have an iconic shape and gaff-rigged mainsails. Beetle Cat have been producing elegant wooden cat boats for over 100 years – in fact they’ve made and sold over 4,000 boats to date. Their 12 foot Cat Boat 12 is one of their finest models, offering lovely daysailing opportunities. It has a wide beam and centerboard that lifts up, allowing it to access shallow waters, as well as a forward mast and single sail gaff rig in keeping with the traditional cat boats. To sail one of these is to be part of the heritage of New England and Cape Cod, and to honor the ancient art of hand-made boat building.
Beetle Cat official website
Photo credit: Beetle Cat
The Best Small Sailboats for Beginners
When it comes to learning to sail, it’s important to have a boat that is easy to handle. There’s no quicker way to put yourself or your family off sailing than to start off with a boat that is either too big or too complicated. When choosing your first boat we recommend the following characteristics:
- Small: The benefits of starting off with a small boat are many, as we’ve seen above. They’re easier to control as well as to moor, and they react more quickly to steering and sails. They can be trailered and launched easily, and the loads generated are much lower than on bigger, heavier boats.
- Easy to sail: You want a boat that is stable and forgiving of mistakes, doesn’t capsize easily, and isn’t too overpowered in a stronger breeze. Keep things simple and learn as you go.
- Simple sail configuration: Choosing a boat that can be rigged by one person in a few minutes, and easily sailed solo, makes it easier to take along inexperienced crews. With regards to the rig, all you need are a halyard to hoist the mainsail and a sheet to control the mainsail.
- Tiller steering: We recommend boats with tiller steering over wheel steering when starting out. The tiller allows you to get a real feel for the boat and how the rudder works as it moves through the water.
For more information on choosing the best beginner sailboat check out our full guide. There are many popular brands of beginner boats including Sunfish, Laser, and Hunter Marlow. Some of our favorites include;
Hobie 16: The classic Hobie catamaran has been a well-loved beginner sailboat for years, and the Hobie 16 started life back in 1969. Since then they’ve made and sold over a staggering 100,000 of the 16s. It has twin fiberglass and foam hulls, a large trampoline, and a pull-up rudder so it can be sailed straight onto the beach. The basic package comes with an easy to handle main and jib with plenty of extras available too such as a spinnaker and trailer. The Hobie 16 promises a great learning experience and lots of fun in a very nifty and inexpensive package.
Photo credit: Hobie
Paine 14: You’ll immediately fall in love with sailing when you step into a beautiful Paine 14. Made from seamless epoxy cold-molded wood, the P-14 is simply beautiful and offers the classic sailing experience with the design and innovation of a more modern hull and rig. Two people will be able to enjoy getting out on the water together and learning the ropes. The Paine 14 has a lead ballast keel that accounts for nearly half her weight, giving her the feel of a much larger boat, but is still trailerable and easy to manage offering the best of both worlds.
Photo credit: Chuck Paine
High-Performance Small Sailboats
Small sailboats generally become high performers if they are light, have a lot of sail area, or they have more than one hull. More recently, some of have been designed with foiling surfaces, as well. For the purposes of this article, we’d like to close by pointing out one model that is super fast and has versatile pocket-cruising capabilities.
Corsair 880 trimaran : The Corsair 880 trimaran is the grandchild of the company’s F27, a model that launched the popularity of trailerable leisure trimarans about 40 years ago. The 880 has taken the model to new heights and exemplifies the incredible space benefits you can achieve in a 29-foot sailboat. We’re talking an aft cabin, room to sleep 5 people, an enclosed head, and standing headroom in the galley and main saloon. It brings many of the opportunities that a much larger yacht plus the ability to cruise in extremely shallow water. Whether you want to cruise to the Bahamas or enjoy a high-adrenaline race, the Corsair 880 offers incredible performance and unlimited adventures in a truly pocket size.
Photo credit: Corsair
Written By: Samantha Wilson
Samantha Wilson has spent her entire life on and around boats, from tiny sailing dinghies all the way up to superyachts. She writes for many boating and yachting publications, top charter agencies, and some of the largest travel businesses in the industry, combining her knowledge and passion of boating, travel and writing to create topical, useful and engaging content.
More from: Samantha Wilson
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Better Sailing
Best Sailboats Under 30 Feet
Small sailboats are attractive for many reasons, one of them being is that they are not as expensive and out of your budget. They are also great for learning how to sail as they are easily maneuverable. However, sailboats around the 30 feet mark provide the best of both worlds as they are both great and easy for sailing but are also big enough for you to spend a few days onboard for a weekend sailing trip, for example. If you are looking to buy a sailboat that will fit this bill, this list of the best sailboats under 30 feet with the amenities available in a large vessel.
Here are the best sailboats under 30 feet in no particular order.
The Hunter 27 is one of the most popular sailboats under 30 feet and has the numbers to prove it with over 2000 of these boats sold. The Hunter 27 is a series of sailboats, built by Marlow Hunter in Florida, USA, since 1974. Variations of the Hunter 27 are still being produced today. This sailboat is great under sail but is also powered by a 14 HP Yanmar engine. If you are looking for a small, affordable sailboat that can accommodate a couple or a small family for a few days out on the water, then look no further than a Hunter 27. Finally, you can find used Hunter 27 in good condition from the early ’80s for around 10k and newer models from the 2010s’ for up to 50k.
It is a comfortable and speedy sailboat with ample space below the deck. It is open and airy. Named after its designer, Alan Andrews, he is known for creating fast race boats and lights. This is a 28-footer sailboat that is definitely suited for club racing. It has a galley, 6 berths, head, and nav area. This boat is so spacious that you would forget that this is a sailboat under 30 feet. It has a retractable keel, which makes it easy to launch and haul. This ensures it to be a racer as well as a daysailer. Finally, a used Andrews 28 in good condition is going for around $25,000-40,000.
This is a multi-aspect sailboat that tries to bridge a gap between a family, comfortable, safe, and competitive racer. It is done quite well in doing so. This sailboat was able to win the 1970 IOR North America Half-Ton Cup, which proves that it not only has the looks but speed too. Speed is not the only strength of the ranger 26 as it also has a spacious cockpit which is over 7 feet. It has a good balance of cabin height and freeboard, giving it a great profile that hasn’t been sacrificed for standing headroom. Also, the Ranger 26 is one of the largest trailable sailboats. Finally, a used Ranger 26 from the 70s’ in good condition is going for around $10,000-15,000.
>>Also Read: Best Sailboats Under 100k
This sailboat is one of the most innovative and unusual boats in the whole bunch. It has a contemporary profile topside and also an inviting floor plan below the deck; this boat is both comfortable and stylish. The Etap uses a double hull construction method that makes the ship almost unsinkable. This sailboat has 6 berths, a nav area, and a galley, but you will not feel crowded in the back. The back area is equipped with many hatches and ports that make extend the space. Finally, a used Etap 28s in good condition is going for around $20,000-60,000 depending on the age of the boat.
>>Also Read: Etap 24i Review
This boat came started its production in the year 1971, and it was an instant success in the local racing scenes. As this is a modest 27-footer, the Newport 27 has a great spacious interior and has over 6 feet of standing headroom. It has 4 berths, nav station, galley, and head. It has all the amenities that you will find in a bigger boat but in a compact package. This boat is quick in light air; however, the tiller steering starts to get out of control once the breeze increases and the weather leads to end your sail early. Finally, a used Newport 27 from the 70s’ or 80s’ in good condition is going for around $6,000-11,000.
Catalina 275 Sport
The Catalina is known for their large cruising boats, but they also have small boats too. The Catalina 275 offers both great performance and an enjoyable sailing experience packed on a 27’6 trailable sailboat. This boat has a hand-laminated fiberglass hull and is extremely versatile. Like most boats that are built by Catalina, this boat has a huge self-bailing cockpit. It also a nice saloon below deck, which transforms into a comfortable v berth. Also, it has a nice galley with a big cooler drawer to pack your essentials for your sailing trip. The standard equipment has a tiller extension and hiking straps. This boat will convince you that you do not need a sailboat over 300 feet to enjoy a nice weekend sailing adventure. A new Catalina 275 starts at around $75,000, and a recent-year used one for around $60,000.
>>Also Read: Best Sailboats to Live On
Catalina 22 Capri and Catalina 22 Sport
The Catalina 22 is extremely comfortable, safe at sea, and easier to handle and maintain than any boat in its class. The beautiful deck profile is flat across the stern. It has wider cockpit curves for optimum sailing comfort during and after sailing. These are very popular trailer sailers that are widely used in both ocean sailing and lake sailing, and daysailors swear by both models. The Catalina 22 was first built in 1969, and it is still being produced in the US. The Catalina 22 is one of the most produced boats in its size range and has achieved huge commercial success. Finally, you can purchase a new Catalina 22 starts at around $25,000, but since this model has been around since the 60s’ you can still pick an early-year model up from the 70s’ for as low as $3,000.
Island Packet 27
This is an American-made sailboat first built in the 1980s’. The Island Packet 27 is a recreational keelboat made out of fiberglass, with beautiful teak trim and holly cabin sole plywood. It is a Cutter-rigged sloop, with a spooned raked stem, a vertical transom, a keel-mounted rudder, and a full keel. It has a displacement of 8,000 lb and carries 3,000 lb of ballast. Keep in mind that the Packet 27 is a cruiser and not suitable for racing. The broad beam gives an unusually spacious interior for a sailboat under 30 feet. This boat sails very well, it has a big boat feel to it, it is very solid, and you won’t get thrown around in it; what else do you need? Finally, a used Island Packet 27 in good condition is going for around $30,000-45,000 depending on the age of the boat.
>>Also Read: Best Pocket Cruisers Under 20 Feet
This boat was first introduced in the year 1969; the Balboa 26 continues to dominate in the budget-friendly cruisers. This boat is heavy and sturdy; the boat’s stress points are reinforced. The cockpit can take 4 adults at a time. It is self-bailing, making sure that the sailors remain dry. This beautiful sailboat is only 26 feet. Still, the balboa 26 still has room for a double berth, a freshwater pump, galley with a stove, and an optional V-berth or marine head. It can adjust five people for sleeping, but the ideal number would be two or three. When the Balboa is under sail, it is maneuverable and fast. It will also prove handy in the heavy breeze when the weather helm increases. Finally, a used Balboa 26 from the 70s’ is going for around $3,000-6,000.
Cape Dory 28
The teak accents and sleek lines of the Cape Dory 28 is an eye-catcher; the performance of this boat is also remarkable. This boat comes with almost all the amenities a bigger boat is equipped with. It comes with 2 settees, V-berth, and ahead. This boat is sound, safe, and comfortable while being capable of speed. The Cape Dory 28 is quick in light wind and capable and sturdy in heavy air. This boat deserves its praise when it comes in off the wind. It has a balanced helm and also the ability to cut through chop and still be able to tack easily. Finally, a used Cape Dory 28 in good condition is going for around $20,000 depending on the age of the boat.
Islander Bahama 28
While this remains an eye-catcher, along with the 5-foot-6inch draft and with the 3,300 pounds of ballet, this boat sails swiftly and beautifully while responding quickly to the helm. This boat is inspired by the International Offshore Rule; this boat is unusually wide and offers stability in the breeze without sacrificing the lines and sheer, which makes it attractive. The Bahamas below its deck has plenty of berth and storage space with a galley complete with stove, sink, and icebox. Finally, a used Cape Dory 28 in good condition is going for around $9,000-15,000 depending on the age of the boat.
Contessa 26
This boat was released in the year 1965, and it then and there proved to be a strong, lightweight cruise boat. This boat has been proving itself since its first sail and a great choice for two people. Even though the boat is sturdy, the upwind came sometimes disturbs the direction. This boat does have much standing headroom, but it performs well as a daysailer. Finally, a used Contessa 26 in good condition is going for around $10,000 depending on the age of the boat.
Final Thoughts
Sailboats under 30 feet are great because they are affordable and provide the best of everything. Almost all of them handle great, they are easy to maintain and provide all the necessary amenities for trips up to a few days long. Sailboats under 30 feet are not ideal for passages but make if you are willing to increase your budget and go a little bigger then these are the best small sailboats for circumvention .
Remember, if you are looking for a small sailboat under 30 feet for your summer or weekend sailing expeditions, then any of the above mentioned will do the trick.
Peter is the editor of Better Sailing. He has sailed for countless hours and has maintained his own boats and sailboats for years. After years of trial and error, he decided to start this website to share the knowledge.
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My Cruiser Life Magazine
What Is a Pocket Cruiser Sailboat? – Best Small Boats Under 30 feet 2022
If you want to go on a daysail this week, a week-long vacation over the holidays, and then sail to the Caribbean next year, a pocket cruiser might be the boat for you. Pocket cruisers provide big-boat features with all of the comforts of home but in a small package. Go the distance in a small, easy-to-handle, budget-friendly yacht.
Table of Contents
What is a pocket cruiser sailboat, what makes a great pocket cruiser, budget-friendly pocket cruiser sailboats.
- Functionality
- Pacific Seacraft Flicka 20
Falmouth Cutter 22
- Pacific Seacraft Dana 24
Cape Dory 25D
Contessa 26.
- Morris Frances 26
Albin Vega 27
Sail away in a pocket cruiser.
Different articles and authorities list different requirements for pocket cruisers. In any case, a pocket cruiser is small, capable, and suitable for the cruising couple who puts a focus on simplicity. A pocket cruiser is a tiny cruising sailboat that can take you out for the weekend or a season.
In many ways, the pocket cruiser is to sailboats what the tiny house is to home-ownership. It has all the same parts as a regular-sized house, but everything is smaller and requires a different mindset to enjoy.
For this article, I’m choosing to define a pocket cruiser as a boat with these features.
- Under 30 feet
- Seaworthy, ocean-going vessel
- Sleeping accommodations
- Enclosed Head / Toliet facilities
A pocket cruiser should look salty and ready to take on the world’s oceans. The best pocket cruiser sailboats look like they would be home in a postcard sent from the Caribbean, South Pacific, or wherever the boat took her crew. Often these salty sailboats were inspired by hardworking historical vessels and modernized.
Pocket cruisers often feature opening bronze windows, opening hatches, and teak trim. Lyle Hess designs like the Falmouth Cutter and Nor’Sea 27 have beautiful nautical details. However, some pocket cruisers are more stripped down and focused on speed and easy maintenance.
Pocket cruisers should have all the necessities for cruising life. These necessities include comfortable sleeping accommodations for at least two people, a functional galley, and a head.
Pocket cruisers should be at home daysailing or blue water sailing.
Is a Pocket Crusier Right for You?
If you are just getting started in cruising, a pocket cruiser can give you a taste of the good life. These smaller boats are affordable, functional, and just plain fun to sail.
The best small cruising sailboat designs are budget-friendly and can fit in a less expensive slip. The purchase price on an older 25-foot boat is likely much less than a comparably maintained but much bigger boat. Everything about a smaller boat is less expensive. For example, replacing an engine or rigging will be more affordable. In addition, the smaller size and fewer complexities make it more likely you can handle maintenance and projects yourself.
Maintenance on a boat becomes exponentially more challenging and expensive the longer the boat gets. If your pocket cruiser needs to have its portlights re-bedded, you might be able to tackle that project right away and complete it in the weekend. If a cruising boat twice the size needed the same attention, the project might stretch out for weeks.
Many marinas have a waitlist for slips that can accommodate full-size cruising boats with deeper draft requirements. But those same marinas often have a few slips for smaller boats with shallow drafts. These “less appealing” slips are often available without a waitlist and at attractive prices.
Instead of saving for years to afford a larger cruising boat , you might be able to afford a smaller cruising boat sooner and start having fun right away.
Functionality
Pocket cruisers are small and delightful, and you’ll want to take your boat out for daysails, weekends away, or long-term cruises. Bigger boats are harder to maneuver in small marina fairways. Bigger cruising boats often don’t leave the slip for a daysail because it seems like too much trouble. However, if you have a small boat, you’re more likely to take her out for the day. This functionality and usability mean you’ll use and enjoy your boat more.
Pocket cruisers are easy to provision and take out for longer jaunts too. Because pocket cruisers have all the comforts of home, there’s no reason you can’t take your micro cruiser long distances. A pocket cruiser is like a Swiss Army Knife or a Tardis. like the perfect sailing knife . It can do anything and take you anywhere.
Best Small Boats Under 30 feet
The biggest requirement for a pocket cruiser is its small size. While cruising boats are getting bigger and bigger, these pocket cruisers retain their charm and functionality. Boats under 30 feet might not suit those who travel with an entourage or need a walk-in closet. However, they are just the ticket for those seeking a simple life on the open water.
Pacific Seacraft Flicka 20
At 20 feet, the Pacific Seacraft Flicka is the smallest bluewater sailboat on our list. This boat is built solidly and has crossed the world’s oceans. The first Flicka’s were home-built from plans, and Pacific Seacraft built the later models. Pacific Seacraft built their Flickas with fiberglass. The mast can be easily removed for trailering.
The Flicka is 24 feet long overall, has an 18-foot-long waterline, and a three-foot, three-inch draft. Most Flicka’s have a nine-horsepower Yanmar diesel inboard.
The Flicka features a v-berth forward, a settee opposite the functional galley, and a head.
As a small, heavy displacement boat, the Flicka isn’t a racer. She usually cruises between four and five knots but can go six knots in the right conditions. Some sailors report the boat pitches and can have a lot of onboard motion in challenging conditions.
The Flicka is an attractive boat that fits all the attributes cruisers look for in a pocket sailboat.
View this post on Instagram A post shared by Marco Coda (@carpediemsailtraining)
The Falmouth Cutter 22 is so small it could be considered in the micro cruiser sailboats category. This yacht is built to go anywhere, and you’ll want to go everywhere in it. It looks like a traditional sailboat and would be perfectly at home in a period-piece movie.
While the Falmouth Cutter has traditional looks, the boat’s hull is fiberglass. This construction lends modern strength and durability to the boat’s classic looks. The Falmouth Cutter was designed by Lyle Hess, famous for designing small bluewater boats. Lyle Hess designed the 22-foot boat Seraffyn for Lin and Larry Pardy. These legendary sailors and authors Lin and Larry Pardy sailed around the world in the 1970s. Lin and Larry’s book Cruising in Seraffyn made Lyle Hess’ pocket sailboat designs immensely popular.
- Used Book in Good Condition
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The Falmouth Cutter was inspired by traditional working sailboats operating in the challenging waters around Falmouth, Cornwall in England. These cutters had to be small, fast, and carry large loads as they worked the challenging shores.
The forward cabin features a double berth, a hanging locker, and a head. The galley is aft with a two-burner stove, sink, and icebox. The aft area also houses a chart table. The saloon has two settees. Some owners install an outboard engine to free up interior space used by the standard inboard engine.
The Falmouth Cutter was first built in 1980. It’s 22 feet long on deck with a 20.5-foot waterline. The length overall is 30.5 feet when you include the impressive bowsprit. It has a three-and-a-half-foot draft. Most come with a seven-horsepower Yanmar diesel inboard.
The Falmouth Cutter offers a comfortable ride. They are beloved by their owners, and few are on the market at any one time. Used Falmouth Cutters are pricey when compared to other 22-foot sailboats. However, if you want to be the most popular small seaworthy boat in the anchorage, these pocket cruisers are worth the price.
View this post on Instagram A post shared by VanBerkum Sail Co (@vbsailco)
Pacific Seacraft Dana 24
The Pacific Seacraft Dana 24 was designed by Bill Crealock. The boat debuted in 1984, and over 200 Dana’s have been built since then. The Dana is 27’3″ long overall, 24′ 2″ on deck, and has a waterline length of 21′ 5″. This sturdy boat has an eight-foot, seven-inch beam and over six feet of standing headroom in the cabin.
The Dana has a v-berth forward, an inviting salon, an efficient galley, and a private head. The floor plan is open, and the interior feels spacious. The interior features rich teak panels for a cozy feel.
Bill Crealock designed boats that were “ designed to deliver crews to their destinations in comfort, good shape, and refreshed .” While Crealock designed dozens of the world’s best cruising sailboats, the Dana is one of his best pocket cruiser sailboat designs.
The Dana is cutter rigged and can sail at speeds up to six-and-a-half knots in the right conditions. The Dana 24 is a beautiful example of a pocket cruiser built to go bluewater sailing in comfort and style.
View this post on Instagram A post shared by Seabear (@dana24_seabear)
The Cape Dory 25 is a daysailer and weekender boat designed by George Stadel. The Cape Dory 25D is one of the best pocket cruiser sailboats designed by Carl Alberg.
The Cape Dory 25D features a large head in the forward area instead of a v-berth. The salon is comfortable and spacious and features a 5’11” headroom. Each salon settee can be used as a berth, or the cushions can be arranged to make a large double berth. A quarter berth rounds out the sleeping accommodations. The galley is small but functional.
The Cape Dory 25D has excellent ventilation with opening brass ports and overhead hatches.
The Cape Dory 25D is 25 feet long, and has an eight-foot beam, a 19-foot waterline length, and a three-and-a-half-foot draft. It has an inboard Yanmar seven-and-a-half horsepower engine.
The Cape Dory 25D is popular with Carl Alberg fans looking for small cruising sailboats.
View this post on Instagram A post shared by ⛵️ S/V Delilah ⛵️ (@sailingdelilah)
The Contessa 26 is another small boat that’s famous for its offshore capability. Tania Aebi circumnavigated in a Contessa 26 and described her experiences in her book, Maiden Voyage.
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The Contessa 26 was designed by Jeremy Rodgers and David Salder in the 1960s. Around 650 Contessa 26 sailboats are cruising today. In 1984, the boat became known as the J.J. Taylor 26, but most people stick with the Contessa 26 moniker regardless of the production date.
The Contessa 26 is 25.5 feet long with a 21-foot waterline. It has a seven-foot, six-inch beam and a four-foot draft. The Contessa 26 has a six-and-a-half or seven horsepower inboard engine. The Contessa 26 was hand-built using fiberglass and known to be strong and sturdy.
The Contessa 26 has three interior layout options. Each layout features v-berth sleeping accommodations, a head, galley, chart table, and salon seating. The interior is small but safe. The cockpit is suited for offshore work.
The Contessa is easy to single-hand and is popular with cruisers looking for a bluewater sailboat in a small package.
View this post on Instagram A post shared by B E N S A X T O N 🇬🇧OLY (@saxton_ben)
Morris Frances 26
The Morris Frances 26 is a beautiful pocket cruiser, perfect for taking the family on a day sail or cruising long-term. Like all Morris yachts, the Frances was designed by legendary designer Chuck Paine.
Chuck Paine wanted to design a boat “ capable of yearly cruises to and among the Caribbean islands, small enough to fit my limited budget, but large enough to survive a gale at sea. ” This description perfectly describes the best qualities of pocket cruisers.
The Morris Frances 26 is 26 feet overall, with a 21.25-foot waterline length. She has an eight-foot, four-inch beam and a three-foot, 10-inch draft. The Frances 26 was built in America by Morris Yachts. The Frances 26 was built by Victoria Marine in England, later called Victoria Yachts. The Frances 26 had a flush deck, while later Victoria 26 versions had a larger coachroof and greater interior space.
The Frances 26 has accommodations for four. It is usually Bermuda rigged as a cutter or sloop.
The Nor’Sea 27 is another Lyle Hess-designed boat. This rugged cruiser has completed at least four circumnavigations and hundreds of ocean crossings. About 450 Nor’Sea 27 sailboats have been built. The Nor’Sea is a trailerable sailboat, making it possible to move the boat to new cruising areas without sailing the whole way.
The Nor’Sea 27 was originally built in 1977 by Heritage Marine. The company was sold and renamed Nor’Sea. The 27 ft long boat has an eight-foot beam and a three-foot, ten-inch draft. The length overall increases to 31 feet when you include the bowsprit.
The Nor’Sea is available in two layouts. Buyers can choose between the popular center cockpit boat with an aft cabin or an aft cockpit with a convertible dinette. In the popular aft cabin model, there’s a forward dinette, a small galley, a private head, and an aft cabin with two berths.
The Nor’Sea 27 is hand-laid and molded-in lapstrakes giving this small yacht a traditional look. If you can’t get enough of Lyle Hess-designed small cruising boats, check out the Bristol Channel Cutter 28.
The Albin Vega 27 is a well-known ocean voyager. Over 3,000 Vegas were built, and several have circumnavigated. John Neal sailed his Vega from Seattle to the South Pacific and wrote about the voyage in Log of Mahina .
The Albin Vega 27 is 27 feet long, with a 23-foot waterline, eight-foot beam, and three-foot, ten-inch draft. Vegas is equipped with 10 or 13-horsepower diesel inboard engines.
The Albin Vega 27 features a v-berth, head, and salon with two single bunks. The galley is located over the companionway steps. The interior is small but seaworthy and will suit a couple or a small family.
The Albin Vega 27 is an affordable cruising boat that can cross oceans while keeping its crew safe and comfortable.
Albin Vega 27 Boat Sails into the Record Books
Jarle Andhoy sailed a Vega to the Arctic and shared his voyage on Norweigan TV. Matt Rutherford circumnavigated the Americas in a Vega and created a documentary film, Red Dot on the Ocean , about his solo voyage.
During his cruise, Rutherford earned several Guinness World Records.
Pocket cruisers are so appealing — you’ll want to sail away in one. The good news is, that these boats were built to do just that.
In the words of several famous sailors– go simple and go now .
Matt has been boating around Florida for over 25 years in everything from small powerboats to large cruising catamarans. He currently lives aboard a 38-foot Cabo Rico sailboat with his wife Lucy and adventure dog Chelsea. Together, they cruise between winters in The Bahamas and summers in the Chesapeake Bay.
Great review of pocket cruisers, Matt! It’d be cool if factories produced a few of these today. Cheers.
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13 Best Liveaboard Sailboats (under 30 & 50 ft)
Choosing a boat to live on is a big deal — something you definitely want to get right. There are plenty of options to pick from, which can make the choosing process a bit daunting. So to help you navigate those deep waters (no pun intended), here is an article summarizing the 13 best liveaboard sailboats under 30 and 50 feet.
So what are the 13 best liveaboard sailboats?
Catalina 30, pacific seacraft flicka 20, nonsuch ultra 30, aventura 34, island packet 35, peterson 44, prout snowgoose 37, gulfstar 44, beneteau oceanis 50.
Beautiful lineup, isn't it? Let me explain what makes these so special.
Picking the Right One Matters
Picking a liveaboard sailboat belongs among those kinds of decisions that require months, if not years of research and testing.
It is not like choosing a car - those are more or less the same, and although they vary widely in terms of comfort, feeling, and performance, rarely you would encounter one that wouldn't get you from point A to B reasonably.
The same goes for a house or an apartment. Regardless of if you get a 200 square foot condo or a 30,000 square feet mansion, it will most of the time provide a warm shelter with a shower and a kitchen and a bed, fulfilling its basic functions.
But this is only the case because there is extensive infrastructure in place helping cars and houses. A car can only get you from A to B thanks to roads. A house can only have a shower and a kitchen if it is connected to a grid.
But on a boat, you are on your own.
The sea doesn't adjust its waves for your comfort. If something breaks, there is usually not a repair shop nearby. You aren't always connected to water or electricity. And if you don't like what you see around yourself, it's not like you can just leave.
So a liveaboard boat needs to provide what a house does, what a vehicle does, and more, plus it needs to provide this regardless of if you are docked in a marina or in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. That is a lot to ask, especially if we are talking about boats around 30 or 50 feet.
Fortunately, every single boat on this list is an all-star that ticks all the right boxes. Let's see why.
I know, I hear you, it isn't exciting enough as it doesn't perform that well. Sure. But we are talking about a boat that is supposed to be a house too. So why is it on the list?
This boat has been in production since 1975, which means that it has been extraordinarily well-refined according to the suggestions of thousands of owners. And this manufacturer is known for listening to the sailors' feedback. It is a very popular model, so finding spare parts for it will always be easy. Its famous well thought through the salon, and cabin layout is generous and spacious, so Catalinas are comfortable boats to live on. Plus, the boat has quite a wide beam, great ballast/displacement ratio as well as low sail area/displacement ratio, making it a stiff boat under sail, which adds to stability and comfort.
Good condition MkIII Catalinas can be found for about $35,000, but given the volume of these on the market, you can find a usable one even for around $15,000.
This one is a hero. I'd be hesitant to call such a small boat a comfortable liveaboard if it wasn't for this model. For its size, the interior is very spacious. It is also made for comfort since it seems to be inspired by the aforementioned Catalina 30. In fact, after reading some reviews, I am confident in saying that you will not find a significantly more comfortable 27 footer out there.
It also has a talent very uncommon for liveaboard boats - you can put it on a trailer, which can make your life easier when it comes to certain trips. But most importantly, it is a beauty. Just look at it.
Pricing this boat is a tricky task. You can buy nearly new ones (2015) for around $140,000, but even for $50,000, you can stumble upon models from both the 80s and the 2000s. This means the condition is a big factor, and you gotta inspect your choice well. The good news is that whatever your price in that range, you will find a boat for that money. The bad news is that the cheaper you go, the more effort will the potential repairs take.
I thought the Nor'Sea 27 is gonna be it, but let's push the size limit even more with the 20 foot Flicka, this tiny, towable, but seaworthy beast that accomplished several circumnavigations. Upon entering, you will be amazed at how spacious and equipped with amenities the interior is. Its designer lived on this boat with his partner (who too was a naval architect) for years and cruised all around the world - and what a proof of confidence in his own design that is.
Truth be told, there is a lack of deck space, but underneath it has the comfort and size of a boat a few meters larger, a space you can comfortably live in. Due to its size, it is easy to operate, tow, and sails better than what you would expect from a boat this length.
This boat is incredibly charming, and so its owners rarely sell it. In fact, it has amassed quite a following since it was designed into existence. So expect to spend quite some time searching for one for sale. Once you do find one, it will cost you around $30,000 - $40,000.
This one's a weird one. But because of it, a very spacious one. It is structured as a catboat, that is, with the mast being all the way on the front of the boat, which makes for impressive space below the deck. It has all the necessary amenities, including a shower, so for the liveaboard lifestyle, this boat definitely deserves to make this list.
The single sail catboat design also means it is easy to handle single-handed, which makes for great solitary passages.
Expect to pay around $40,000 to $60,000 for this one.
Though I am trying to keep this list in lower price ranges, I have to put this one in. If you don't mind the price tag of around $170,000, this boat is marketed as the currently cheapest liveaboard catamaran. As previously mentioned, cats offer the most in terms of space, and this model is a brand new one. Thus when it comes to service troubles and costs, you wouldn't pay much. The look is modern, relatively minimalistic and sleek, so for those of you who would like to give the liveaboard lifestyle a go but get cold feet upon seeing boats from the 80s, this is a way to make sure things remain stylish.
The modernity, space, and attention to practicality when it comes to using this as your home, make this a great entry-level liveaboard choice.
Again, this is no performance vehicle. Rather it focuses on the usual cruiser aspects - space, stability, sturdiness, and convenience, which makes it an ideal candidate for your choice when looking for a new floating home. Aside from the spacious interior, this boat also has an unusually large cockpit, great for those lunches on the deck.
As if the designers knew this might be used by the liveaboard people, this boat is easy to handle, which means even under sail, you won't have issues focusing on what you came for in the first place - sea living.
This boat can be found on the market for around $75,000 - $100,000.
The great thing about the Hunter 33 is that it was designed as more of a house than a sailboat. The attention to accommodation details is great here; there is plenty of space for sleeping the owners as well as the occasional visitors, it has a fantastic headroom throughout the boat and one of the most spacious and comfortable dining spaces seen on boats this size.
Food preparation and consumption was probably high on the priority list of the makers; the kitchen has an L shape, which adds to the convenience.
The price spread on these is quite large, with the bottom around $55,000 for the 2004 models and the top around $95,000 for the 2013 models.
This one is for those who don't mind sacrificing luxury for space. If in the middle of the ocean, it makes sense that one would want as much of usable space as possible, so if you are okay with the simplicity that will inevitably come with a system like this, you have found your match.
An undeniable advantage of such a design approach is that the storage space is maximized. Long passages with the need for plenty of room for equipment and provisions won't be a problem here. The simplicity of this boat is not just in terms of design, but even the electrics and plumbing. Thus if something breaks, you will have an easier time fixing it.
This being an older model, you can get your hands on one for around $30,000.
Since we are mostly looking at cheaper boats here, most of them aren't new - in fact, they likely have quite a few years behind them. The build quality is thus important. You want to go for builds that will last. Peterson is known for this, so it's gotta be on the list. As far as this list goes, it is quite a large boat. Moreover, it is one that has been built with spaciousness in mind, both when it comes to living spaces and storage.
A neat thing about this boat is its attention to performance. It isn't a racer; rather, it fits in the performance cruiser category, but they haven't made too many speed-related compromises here.
Peterson 44 can usually be found for $80,000 - $100,000.
There needs to be a catamaran on this list - they are, by definition, more spacious than monohulls, providing a large living area, which is, of course, an attractive characteristic for a liveaboard boat. Especially if they have a solid bridge deck, creating yet more square feet of usable space, which Snowgoose has. Unfortunately, they tend to be costly. While it is easy to recommend a bunch of half a million dollar cats, to make this list more within reach of the average sailor, I've found this beauty that you can get for around $100,000.
Aside from the extra space, this model is a true bluewater cruiser, meaning you won't be limited by its abilities when planning your journeys.
Those of you who had the pleasure of sailing this boat know why it needs to be here. It was built for a liveaboard lifestyle. Its wide body makes for one spacious interior which is well ventilated, (a very important aspect) with a beautiful galley and it has a large aft cabin with a huge bed. It was made with comfort, practicality, and convenience in mind.
Not to sound like a salesman, but believe me when I say this boat is a genuine pleasure to be on. If you want the homey feeling, you don't get much closer than this in this size range.
Expect to pay around $80,000 - $100,000 for this one, though some digging around and 'fixing her up' can knock this number down significantly.
This is another easy choice, space being the reason. Not only does it have an extra-large main cabin and salon with a kitchen, many small Parisian apartments could envy, but it is also very generous in terms of storage space. Stocking up for longer crossings will be a pleasure on this one.
Also, it was built as a racer-cruiser, so you won't be making many compromises in terms of performance, as is often the case with comfortable boats.
All of this comes for a price, though. You might be able to find one for around $100,000 if you put some time into your search and won't mind a bit of travel to see it, but otherwise, the average price is around $130,000.
Let's end this list by stretching the ceiling too with this fifty-footer. It was designed as a holiday cruiser, and it is a popular choice among charter companies. The designers know that there are places in Europe where it is very easy to get a sailing license, so many inexperienced people who don't want to give up the comforts of their home end up on these boats. Oceanis 50 is thus comfortable, spacious, easy to sail, and the attention to accommodation details, amenities, and practicality, is very high.
As such, it is designed to house whole families, so if you live there as a couple, you will have a floating house for yourself, and if kids come, no need to buy a new boat. Even on the deck, this boat is designed for pleasure cruises, so as far as that goes, you will be taken care of. As far as their seaworthiness goes, some consider Beneteau an entry-level holiday brand, and some models are indeed more designed for coastal hopping than large crossings. But that can be fixed with some proper fitting.
If you fancy a new one, you will find yourself paying above the $500,000 mark, but older models start a bit above $100,000. Which is something a person who just sold all their possessions to escape to the sea is more likely to have. Just be a bit careful with boats sold by charter companies. Their previous owners serviced them regularly, but you can be sure the hundreds of sailors that touched the helm weren't necessarily skilled or kind to them.
So there you have it. $15,000 - $50,0000 range, 20 - 50-foot sizes, from cozy towable boats to large sailing houses. A range anybody can choose from to pursue the liveaboard dream. Nothing is stopping you now, so hit the yachtworld.com website and start browsing.
Know though that if you really want to take advantage of the boat market, you might have to travel quite a bit. If you are an American, the strong dollar will make it enticing to look for a boat in European countries without the EUR currency. Or you might find plenty of cheap models in Turkey, for instance. It requires more effort, but in return, it might save you tens of thousands of dollars.
Fair winds!
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Popular Cruising Yachts from 30 to 35 Feet Long Overall Their Physical Properties & Key Performance Indicators
Welcome to this ever-growing gallery of some of the most popular cruising yachts between 30 and 35 feet (9.1m to 10.7m) long overall.
30'-35' Cruising Yachts featured on this page...
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Medium sized cruising yachts like these are capable of serious offshore passage making, whilst being reasonably economic to maintain and operate.
And for competitive types, 30-35 foot cruising yachts are a popular size for club racing under handicap rating rules.
Behind each of the cruising yacht images there's a lot more information, including:
- Dimensions & Specifications;
- Design Ratios;
- A summary analysis of the boat's predicted sailing characteristics in terms of performance, stiffness, heaviness, comfort in a seaway and resistance to capsize.
To see it all, just click on the relevant image...
Catalina 34
Westerly Discus 33
Wauquiez Centurion 32
Beneteau Oceanis Clipper 311
Pearson 303
Pearson 323
Allied Seawind MkII Cutter
Jeanneau Sun Light 30
Grand Soleil 343
Feeling 850
Westerly Tempest 31
Bavaria 31 Cruiser
Westerly Kestrel 35
Westerly Berwick 31
Dehler 35 CWS
Westerly Vulcan 34
Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 32-1
Elizabethan 33
Westerly Seahawk 35
Nicholson 32
Westerly Ocean 33
Hunter Channel 323
Island Packet 350
Corvette 31
Beneteau Oceanis Clipper 343
Hallberg-Rassy 94
Many thanks to Richard Stuckey for the great pic of his cruising yacht 'Tango II' , shown here at anchor off Porqeurolles Island in the Mediterranean South of France.
Wauquiez Gladiateur 33
Jeanneau Attalia 32
Thank you Paul Wright , for submitting this pic of your cruising yacht 'Tallulah'.
The owner of 'Second Star' tells us...
"This one is my Hunter 33e (now Marlow-Hunter 33e) "Second Star". The "e" stands for extended cockpit. It has a drop-down, walk-through transom that opens up the cockpit significantly and serves as a helm seat when up. I bought the boat new in 2014 and my longest cruise to date was from Annapolis MD to its slip in Alexandria, VA with my daughter. Of course, my intent is to take it on longer cruises like circling the DELMARVA peninsula, which would give me offshore time off the Delaware coast. It's a very comfortable cruising yacht of moderate size."
Aphrodite 101
With their long, narrow and light hull and tall fractional rig these elegant sailboats have had many successful single and double-handed victories in distance races both coastal and offshore.
The owner of 'Averisera ' tells us:
"She has a very narrow hull with two good sea berths amidships. The galley is just aft of the berths, sink to starboard and cooker to port. Step down from companionway just aft of galley; seating to change into or out of wet gear without making sleeping area wet. Head all the way forward is OK but not great. Low free board means sink does not drain on port tack. Hull form is very, very sea kindly. Beautiful sailor, easy to steer in wide range of conditions and points of sail. For a small boat she is a competent cruising yacht."
Beneteau First 30E
Westerly 33
Have you got a cruising yacht in this size range?
If so, and you'd like to see an image of her on this page, please click here to send your pic to sailboat cruising.com and we'll do the rest.
Albin Nova 32
Contessa 32.
Nicholson 32 (Mark 10)
The Nicholson 32 Mk 10 cruising yacht in the pic is very dear to me; 'Jalingo 2' she's called - and I used to own her. Dick McClary, previous owner.
Westsail 32
Southern Cross 31
Thank you, Vern Bastable , for submitting this pic of your cruising yacht 'Mischief'.
Willard 30/8t
Vancouver 32
Nauticat 33
Thank you Phillip Caputo , for submitting this pic of your cruising yacht ' See Life ' .
Allied Seawind 30
Recent articles.
The CSY 44 Mid-Cockpit Sailboat
Sep 15, 24 08:18 AM
Hallberg-Rassy 41 Specs & Key Performance Indicators
Sep 14, 24 03:41 AM
Amel Kirk 36 Sailboat Specs & Key Performance Indicators
Sep 07, 24 03:38 PM
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These pocket cruisers offer the amenities of a big boat and the versatility of a small boat, all without breaking the bank. ... It's a small trailerable sailboat, typically under 30 feet in length, that's ideal for cruising big lakes, bays, coastal ocean waters, and occasionally bluewater cruising. Pocket cruisers are usually more ...
A true, versatile cruiser/racer, the Beneteau Oceanis 30.1 was named the year's Best Performance Cruiser. Jon Whittle . Sailed as part of the 2020 Boat of the Year sea trials, the 31-foot-3-inch Beneteau Oceanis 30.1 was the compact yacht best-equipped and spec'd out as a dedicated cruising boat, and not coincidentally, it was also awarded the title of Best Performance Cruiser for 2020.
The Sabre 27 is a fiberglass sailboat that was produced by the Sabre Yachts company in the 1970s. The Sabre 27 has a length of 27 feet (8.2 meters) and a beam (width) of 9 feet (2.6 meters). The boat has a displacement of 6,800 pounds (3,084 kilograms) and is equipped with a fin keel. Hull Type: Fin and skeg-hung rudder.
Best Cruising Boats Under 50-Feet. The following 14 pocket cruisers and mini yachts are all vessels we've seen, been aboard, and tested. ... Twin 480 hp Cummins diesel engines paired to twin Hamilton 322 jet drives propel the yacht to a 30-knot cruising speed and 34 knots on the pins. With optional twin 550 hp Cummins diesels, cruise and top ...
Welcome to this ever-growing gallery of some of the most popular production cruiser yachts under 30 feet (9.1m) long overall - but as you'll see, it's more than just a gallery. Small cruising boats like these are ideal for pottering along the coast but, properly equipped and in the right hands of course, are capable of impressive offshore passages.
Vancouver 28. Photo credit: YachtFathom.co.uk. A sensible small boat with a "go-anywhere" attitude, this pocket cruiser was designed with ocean sailors in mind. One of the best cruising sailboats under 40 feet, the Vancouver 28 is great sailing in a small package. Hull Type:Full keel with transom hung rudder.
But that skepticism turned into appreciation as soon as they stepped below, and they were downright enamored with how the boat sailed. As a result, the Beneteau First 30 was named the Best Small Cruiser, 30 Feet and Under. It's not easy to include all the accommodation features that make for comfortable cruising—standing headroom, full-size ...
Best cruising boats under 30 feet: Focusing the search. As time passed three different types evolved: middle of the road family cruisers (fin, twin and lifting keel); older style long keeled cruisers; and lighter cruiser-racers (often IOR-influenced after the late 1970s).So it becomes ever more important to have a clear idea of what size and type of cruiser you want.
The Best Sailboats Under 30 Feet. Pocket cruiser: Beneteau First 27. The Beneteau First 27 is a modern example of a pocket cruiser, earning Cruising World's Boat of the Year award in the Pocket Cruiser category in 2022. With space for up to six people accommodated in a separated bow-cabin and open saloon, it offers families the chance to go ...
The Hunter 27 is one of the most popular sailboats under 30 feet and has the numbers to prove it with over 2000 of these boats sold. The Hunter 27 is a series of sailboats, built by Marlow Hunter in Florida, USA, since 1974. Variations of the Hunter 27 are still being produced today. This sailboat is great under sail but is also powered by a 14 ...
The Nor'Sea is a trailerable sailboat, making it possible to move the boat to new cruising areas without sailing the whole way. The Nor'Sea 27 was originally built in 1977 by Heritage Marine. The company was sold and renamed Nor'Sea. The 27 ft long boat has an eight-foot beam and a three-foot, ten-inch draft.
30' - 32' Express Cruisers: We Pick 4 of the Best. Sep 21, 2016. Express cruisers in this size range give you room to play with and play in. You have some choices to make: The Formula 310 FX5 trades volume below decks (she sleeps two, with just 5'4" (1.63 m) of headroom) for a sportboat-style cockpit and low, sleek profile.
The Pardeys are icons of small sailboat cruising. Having sailed over 200,000 nautical miles and circumnavigated both east and westbound on their home-built, engine-free, sub-30-feet cutters, they are among the most recognized sailors in the world. They're also known as "America's first couple of cruising.".
Restricting boats to categories and labels—such as Best Cruising Monohull 30-40 feet and Best Performance Monohull 40-50 feet—doesn't bring our readers the full picture. ... with more opening portlights and improved ventilation. Under sail the X4.3 is fast and nimble, with a newly designed rudder that grips the water tenaciously even when ...
Choosing a boat to live on is a big deal — something you definitely want to get right. There are plenty of options to pick from, which can make the choosing process a bit daunting. So to help you navigate those deep waters (no pun intended), here is an article summarizing the 13 best liveaboard sailboats under 30 and 50 feet.
Westerly Seahawk 35; Westerly Kestrel 35; Westsail 32; Willard 30/8t; X-332; X-342; Medium sized cruising yachts like these are capable of serious offshore passage making, whilst being reasonably economic to maintain and operate. And for competitive types, 30-35 foot cruising yachts are a popular size for club racing under handicap rating rules.
Preowned sailboats for sale under 30 feet preowned sailboats for sale by owner. Home. Register & Post. View All Sailboats. ... 30' J Boats Tillotson Pearson Kinsale, Virginia Asking $6,500. 46' Kelly Peterson KP46 ... Passport | PDQ | Pearson | Performance Cruising | Precision | Privilege ...
Click here to read why the Beneteau First 30 won Best Small Cruiser, 20 feet and Under in 2011. Presto 30. Presto 30 Billy Black. ... Click here to read why the Dehler 38 won Best Cruising Sailboat Under 38 Feet in 2014. Hunter 38. Hunter 38 Courtesy Hunter. Better-than-expected performance, good design ideas, and follow-through in their ...
TRAILERABLE. With an overall size of under 30 X 10 ft and a weight of 8,000 lbs, the Oceanis 30.1 can be trailered by road, without the issues of an extra-wide load. With the lifting keel and rotating tabernacle mast version, the cruiser can sail along canals and rivers to its sailing grounds.
The Cape Dory 30 is a great boat for coastal cruising, ocean passages, and extended cruising. She has all the features that you need to make your journey comfortable while still being able to handle a variety of sailing conditions. The estimated price for the Cape Dory 30 ranges from $12,000 to $32,000.
A true, versatile cruiser/racer, the Beneteau Oceanis 30.1 was named the year's Best Performance Cruiser. Jon Whittle . Of the five boats in this collection, the 31-foot-3-inch Beneteau Oceanis 30.1 was the compact yacht best-equipped and spec'd out as a dedicated cruising boat, and not coincidentally, it was also awarded the title of Best Performance Cruiser for 2020.
The best catamarans under 30 feet (9.14 m) include the TomCat 6.2, Cadillac 27and 30, Gemini 30, Endeavour 30, and Maine Cat. These time-tested cruising cats are easy to handle, premium built, and are great for daytime sailing, overnight trips, and some even suitable for long-range sea passages. In this article, you'll find a list of the best ...
Any list of bluewater cruising sailboats must include a Robert Perry design. I could have easily put together nine Perry boats for this list. The Nordic 40 may surprise some, especially because 40 feet is an iconic length, bringing to mind such boats as the Valiant 40, Hinckley Bermuda 40, Bristol 40, Pacific Seacraft 40, Passport 40 and others.