best 35 foot sailing yacht

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Popular Cruising Yachts from 35 to 40 Feet Long Overall Their Physical Properties & Key Performance Indicators

Welcome to this ever-growing gallery of some of the most popular cruising yachts between 35 and 40 feet (10.7m to 12.2m) long overall.

Cruising Yachts featured on this page...

Medium sized cruising yachts like these are often the sailboat of choice for short-handed crews, and if properly equipped and maintained, will take long offshore voyages in their stride.

Sailboats at the top of this size range, those above 12m long overall, will find that they are charged considerably more in marinas than those that fall just under 12m LOA. Something worth bearing in mind perhaps?

Amel Kirk 36

Grand Soleil 37

Nicholson 35

Island Packet 37

Beneteau Oceanis Clipper 361

Bavaria 37 Cruiser

Wauquiez Centurion 40

Contest 38S

Westerly Oceanranger 38

Jeanneau Sun Fast 39

Islander 37 MS

Beneteau First 35s5

Amel Sharki

Dehler 38 (Van de Stadt)

Dehler 39 CWS

Finnsailor 35

Bolero 35.5

Dehler 37 CWS

Hunter 36 Legend

Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 35

Beneteau First 375

Challenger 35

Starlight 35

Starlight 39

Cabo Rico 38

Westerly Typhoon 37

Southerly 110

Sweden Yachts 390

Pearson 365

Jeanneau 'Sun Fast' 37

Hallberg-Rassy 37

Gulfstar 36

Beneteau Oceanis 381

Catalina 36

Undeniably, with her gentle sheer, clipper bow and 'moustache' nameplate, the Mariner 40 ketch is a very attractive cruising yacht. Her long keel and very heavy displacement suggest she'll be a steady, comfortable performer in a seaway but passage times will suffer as a result.

Cavalier 39

Many thanks to the owner of 'Kiwa' for this pic of his Cavalier 39 cruising yacht.

Vancouver 36

Bayfield 40

Island Packet Estero 36

Beneteau 393

Tashiba 40 (aka Baba 40 and Panda 40)

Oyster Heritage 37

Many thanks to Andy Thomson for this pic of  'Spellbinder',  his Oyster Heritage 37 cruising yacht  ...

Southerly 115 Mk1

Colvic Countess 37

Shearwater 39

Island Packet 38

Island Packet 380

Pearson 39-2

Many thanks to Crystal and Rob Bleecher for this pic of their Pearson 39-2 cruising yacht.

Many thanks to Barry Bateman for this great pic of 'New World' , his Valiant 40 cruising yacht. 

Westerly Conway 36

'Weohgi' , a ketch-rigged Westerly Conway 36 cruising yacht, winter-sailing off the south coast of England. Many thanks to owner Geoffrey Mills for the pic.

Reefed down, 'Transcendence' - a Cascade 36 sloop - is making good progress into a short chop. Many thanks to owner Michael McLaughlin for the pic.

Tradewind 35

Thank you, Han van der Stap, for submitting this pic of your stunning yacht 'SysterSol' . As you say, she is "a beautiful Swedish boat, sure and fast, for long distance cruising."

Allied Princess 36

Many thanks to David Humphreys for submitting this great pic of  'Gabriel', his ketch-rigged Allied Princess 36 Mk2. The Mk2 version was introduced in 1980, unlike its predecessor, sporting a bowsprit. Both versions were available as either ketch or cutter rigs.

David tells us that 'Gabriel'  (hull #130) has been well maintained and up-graded since her commissioning in 1980. She's based in Annapolis MD and spends her days sailing to local destinations with a few over-nighters.

Pacific Seacraft 37

Next ~ Cruising Yachts 40-45ft LOA >>>>

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13 Best Cruising Sailboats in 2023 & Why They're Better

If you're interested in long-distance exploration at sea, cruising sailboats are a popular choice. The best cruising sailboats are designed to provide comfort, durability, and seaworthiness. From high-performance cruisers with heirloom-quality materials to versatile boats, there's something in this lineup for your skill level and preference. These boats have raised the bar and are set to provide memorable sailing experiences.

The best cruising sailboats are:

Beneteau Oceanis Yacht 54

Jeanneau sun odyssey 490, x-yachts x49, dufour grand large 460, hallberg-rassy 340, tartan 4300, island packet 420, fountaine pajot saona 47, lagoon 450f, bavaria cruiser 46.

One aspect that sets these sailboats apart is their focus on innovation and performance. Let's take a closer look at the 13 best cruising sailboats of 2023 and explore what makes them stand out from the rest.

• These cruising sailboats feature spacious interiors, sturdy hulls, and versatile sail configurations.
• These sailboats are equipped with navigation and communication systems, as well as additional features such as watermakers, generators, and refrigeration systems.
• You can buy these boats for anything between $250,000 and $1.4 million or more.
• A cruiser is a type of sailboat that is generally larger and more comfortable than a racing sailboat.

On this page:

Best cruising sailboats, why these sailboats are better, the most popular cruising sailboat.

In this section, we'll explore the 13 best cruising sailboats of 2023, highlighting their unique features and reasons why they stand out in the market.

Comfortable living space : A cruising sailboat should have a comfortable living space that can accommodate the crew for an extended period of time. This includes a spacious cabin, galley, head, and berths.

Seaworthiness : A cruising sailboat should be able to handle rough seas and adverse weather conditions. It should have a sturdy hull, a well-designed keel, and a balanced rigging system.

Sailing performance : A cruising sailboat should have good sailing performance, which includes speed, stability, and ease of handling. It should be able to sail efficiently in different wind conditions.

Safety features : A cruising sailboat should have safety features such as a reliable navigation system, adequate safety equipment, and a strong anchoring system.

Storage space : A cruising sailboat should have enough storage space for provisions, equipment, and personal belongings. This includes storage lockers, shelves, and compartments.

Energy efficiency : A cruising sailboat should have an energy-efficient system that can provide power for lighting, electronics, and other equipment without relying on shore power.

Durability : A cruising sailboat should be built to last and withstand the wear and tear of extended cruising. This includes using high-quality materials and construction techniques.

The Amel 50 is known for its luxurious and comfortable accommodations, and excellent seaworthiness. Its unique features include a spacious interior with modern design, an innovative cockpit layout, and a powerful yet easy-to-handle sailing system.

The Amel 50 has a unique feature called the "Amel Easy Docking" system, which allows for easy and precise maneuvering in tight spaces. It also has a unique "Amel Silent Block" system, which reduces noise and vibration for a more comfortable ride.

The Oyster 565 is known for its high-quality construction, attention to detail, and luxurious accommodations, as well as its excellent safety features. It provides you with exceptional performance and comfort. Its sleek hull design offers fast, stable sailing, while the spacious, high-quality interior ensures you'll enjoy your time onboard.

The Oyster 565 has a unique feature called the "Oyster Deck Saloon," which provides 360-degree views and adequate natural light in the living space. It also has a unique "Oyster DNA" system, which allows for customization of the boat to suit the owner's preferences.

With its cutting-edge design and performance, the Beneteau Oceanis Yacht 54 lets you sail in style. Its chined hull, twin rudders, and easy handling make it a pleasure to sail, while the spacious, modern interior ensures your comfort on longer voyages.

The Beneteau Oceanis Yacht 54 has a unique feature called the "Dock & Go" system, which allows for easy and precise maneuvering in tight spaces. It also has a unique "Beneteau Smart Sailing" system, which includes a suite of electronic and navigational tools for easy and safe sailing.

The Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 490 is known for its hard chine design, and excellent performance and stability. It offers innovative design and functionality. Its walk-around decks, unique cockpit layout, and high-quality interior make it ideal for cruising in comfort.

The Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 490 has a unique feature called the "Walk-Around Deck," which allows for easy and safe movement around the boat. It also has a unique "Jeanneau Sun Loft" system, which provides a flexible and customizable living space.

The X-Yachts X49 combines performance, luxury, and comfort. It is known for its high-performance hull design, excellent speed and stability. With its fast hull, advanced sailing systems, and plush interior, the X49 is perfect for both racing and cruising.

The X-Yachts X49 has a unique feature called the "X-Yachts Pure X" system, which includes a suite of performance-enhancing features such as a carbon fiber mast and boom, a racing-inspired sail plan, and a deep lead keel.

The Dufour Grand Large 460 provides you with both comfort and performance. It is known for its innovative design, featuring a self-tacking jib and retractable bow thruster for easy handling. Its spacious interior, ergonomic deck layout, and powerful sailing capabilities make it an excellent choice for long-distance cruising.

The Dufour Grand Large 460 has a unique feature called the "Dufour Easy" system, which includes a suite of tools for easy and safe sailing, such as a self-tacking jib and retractable bow thruster. It also has a unique "Dufour Grand Large Lounge" system, which provides a flexible and customizable living space.

Experience easy handling and modern style with the Hanse 458. It is known for its sleek and modern design, self-tacking jib, large swim platform. Its innovative self-tacking jib, efficient deck layout, and comfortable accommodation make it perfect for family cruising.

The Hanse 458 has a unique feature called the "Hanse Easy Sailing" system, which includes a suite of tools for easy and safe sailing, such as a self-tacking jib and retractable bow thruster. It also has a unique "Hanse Individual Cabin Concept" system, which allows for customization of the living space to suit the owner's preferences.

Known for its quality and craftsmanship, the Hallberg-Rassy 340 offers you comfort and performance in a compact package. It is known for its classic design, long waterline, spacious cockpit, and comfortable and practical accommodations. With its stable hull, efficient sailplan, and well-designed interior, it's ideal for long-range cruising on a smaller scale.

The Hallberg-Rassy 340 has a unique feature called the "Hallberg-Rassy Hardtop," which provides protection from the elements and a spacious cockpit area. It also has a unique "Hallberg-Rassy Quality Concept" system, which includes high-quality construction materials and techniques for durability and longevity.

The Tartan 4300 delivers a perfect balance of performance and comfort. It is known for its high-quality construction, cored hull and deck for added strength and durability. Its epoxy-infused hull provides lightweight strength, while the spacious, beautifully crafted interior ensures a luxurious cruising experience.

The Tartan 4300 has a unique feature called the "Tartan Infusion Molding Process," which allows for precise and consistent construction of the hull and deck for added strength and durability. It also has a unique "Tartan Smart Sailing" system, which includes a suite of electronic and navigational tools for easy and safe sailing.

For those who value comfort and classic design, the Island Packet 420 won't disappoint. It is known for its full keel design, excellent stability and seaworthiness. Its spacious, well-appointed interior and solid construction make it a reliable choice for long voyages.

The Island Packet 420 has a unique feature called the "Island Packet Full Foil Keel," which provides excellent stability and seaworthiness. It also has a unique "Island Packet Anchoring System," which includes a powerful windlass and a custom-designed anchor roller for easy and safe anchoring.

The Fountaine Pajot Saona 47 catamaran offers you the perfect combination of speed, stability, and space. Its sleek hulls and spacious, well-designed living areas make it an excellent choice for cruising with friends and family.

The Fountaine Pajot Saona 47 has a unique feature called the "Fountaine Pajot Helmsman's Position," which provides excellent visibility and control of the boat. It also has a unique "Fountaine Pajot Lounge Deck" system, which provides a spacious and comfortable living space.

Cruise in style on the Lagoon 450F, known for its spacious accommodations and excellent performance under sail. With its distinctive flybridge, comfortable cabins, and efficient sailing system, it's ideal for multi-day getaways.

The Lagoon 450F has a unique feature called the "Lagoon Flybridge," which provides excellent visibility and control of the boat. It also has a unique "Lagoon Spacious Cockpit" system, which provides a comfortable and practical living space.

The Bavaria Cruiser 46 is a versatile and stylish cruiser that offers excellent performance and comfort. It is known for its innovative design, featuring a drop-down transom for easy access to the water. Its user-friendly sailing systems, attractive interior, and practical deck layout make it an ideal choice for a wide range of cruising adventures.

The Bavaria Cruiser 46 has a unique feature called the "Bavaria Hybrid Propulsion System," which allows for energy-efficient sailing and propulsion. It also has a unique "Bavaria Smart Storage" system, which provides enough storage space for gear and supplies. Additionally, the Bavaria Cruiser 46 has a unique "Bavaria Vision" design concept, which includes a spacious and comfortable living space with plenty of natural light and ventilation.

Cruising Gear Essentials

Key features to look for

Versatile hull design.

This allows your sailboat to navigate in various conditions, making it ideal for long-distance cruising.

Efficient sail plan

By having a well-designed sail layout, your boat provides better control, handling, and propulsion.

High-quality construction

Top-quality materials and craftsmanship not only increase the boat's durability, but also enhance its performance.

Comfortable accommodations

When you spend extended periods at sea, you want your sailboat to feel like home, with adequate living space and modern amenities. For an extended sailing trip, you are going to need these 41 sailboat cruising essentials .

How they improve sailing experience

Easier boat handling.

Advanced rigging systems, self-tacking jibs, and other innovative technologies make it easier for you to manage your boat, allowing for more time spent enjoying the sea.

Increased safety

State-of-the-art navigation equipment and weather forecasting systems help you anticipate environmental changes, ensuring a safe voyage.

Sustainable power options

Many sailboats in 2023 come with solar panels, hydro generators, or hybrid propulsion options, reducing your environmental impact and providing more sustainable choices while out at sea.

Integrated connectivity

These boats boast digital systems that allow you to stay connected, monitor your journey, and update your friends and family with your adventures.

Their advantages over others

Better performance.

These boats have been designed with speed, stability, and maneuverability in mind, ensuring top-notch sailing experiences.

Longevity and value

Since they're built with high-quality materials and expert craftsmanship, these boats are certain to last, making them a wise investment.

Customization options

Many of these sailboats offer customizable features, allowing you to tailor the boat to your specific needs and preferences.

Award-winning designs

Several of these boats have received prestigious awards for their innovative features and performance, making them the ultimate cruising sailboats for any passionate sailor.

The Island Packet 420 and Lagoon 450F are the two most popular cruising sailboats known for their comfort, seaworthiness, and versatility.

The Island Packet 420 is a well-regarded cruising sailboat that has a loyal following. It is known for its spacious interior, comfortable accommodations, and good sailing performance.

The Island Packet 420 features a full keel and a cutter rig, which makes it a stable and seaworthy vessel that can handle a variety of weather conditions. The sailboat has a large master cabin, a well-equipped galley, and a comfortable salon area, making it a popular choice for those who enjoy extended periods of time at sea.

The Lagoon 450F is a popular choice for those who want to explore the world by boat. It is known for its spacious interior, stable platform, and good sailing performance.

The Lagoon 450F features a catamaran hull design, which provides a stable and comfortable platform that is ideal for long-distance cruising. The sailboat has a spacious cockpit, multiple sleeping quarters, and a well-equipped galley, making it a popular choice for those who want to travel with family or friends.

The best size cruising sailboat

The best size cruising sailboat is in the range of 40 to 50 feet. Sailboats in this size range are large enough to provide comfortable accommodations for an extended period of time at sea, yet small enough to be easily handled by a small crew or even single-handed.

Sailboats that are too small may lack the necessary amenities and space for long-distance cruising, while sailboats that are too large may be difficult to handle and require a larger crew. Ultimately, the best size cruising sailboat will depend on individual preferences, needs, and intended use, and it's important to consider factors such as comfort, safety, and ease of handling when choosing a cruising sailboat.

The safest cruising sailboat

Hallberg-Rassy 340, and Island Packet 420 are considered among the safest cruising sailboats. These sailboats are known for their sturdy construction, well-designed hulls, and reliable systems. They are also known for their ability to handle a variety of weather conditions and their comfortable accommodations. However, safety can also depend on the boat maintenance, and the skill and experience of the crew.

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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

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.

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 .

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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Yachting World

• Digital Edition

Best family yacht: our pick of the best yachts for sailing with the family

• Toby Hodges
• March 7, 2024

Toby Hodges takes a look at all the nominees and the winner of the best family yacht category in the European Yacht of the Year Awards

There are many categories in the European Yacht of the Year awards, from the  best luxury yachts  to  performance yachts . But some of the most hotly-anticipated options come when it is time to choose the nominees and winner in the best family yacht category.

The European Yacht of the Year awards are selected by a broad panel of expert judges from across the globe. These are people who spend their professional lives sailing and comparing yachts, so you can be certain that the yachts which stand out in this field are truly the best of the best on the market for those looking to set out with the whole family in tow.

A crop of the latest 35-45ft mainstream production yachts, including the ultra spacious Dufour 41 and the smaller sister to the award-winning Hanse 460, plus a couple of less well known yachts, made for a dynamic grouping this year when it comes to picking the best family yachts 2024.

In this, the most competitive size bracket for volume production yachts, there was plenty to like, but two models stood out: the RM and the Bavaria. The former because it’s different and fills an interesting niche that crosses fast cruising with family sailing, from coastal and shoal draught to bluewater sailing ability; the Bavaria because it masters that mix of deck and interior space, performance and handling in a well finished package.

Winner of the best family yacht 2024 – Bavaria C46

The Bavaria and Cossutti Yacht Design relationship continues to flourish and produce standout results in its second generation. The C46’s modern, full shape brings vast deck and accommodation space yet manages to do so on a hull which really performs for its size, and rewards the helmsman with direct feedback.

During my trial we had a good mix of conditions and were able to push the boat, a voluminous hull which becomes reactive once the breeze threatens double figures. We were able to press it during a rain squall, hitting 12 knots in 18 under gennaker, and maintained lengthy double digit spells during some enjoyable sporty sailing. Bear in mind this is a single-rudder boat, yet it still didn’t overpower or lose its grip. It’s impressive, especially given the exceptionally low ballast ratio (20%), which shows the reliance on form stability.

“The chine is a bit higher than the C42 and we tried to make the wetted surface as small as possible,” Maurizio Cossutti told me during our trial. The keel is also comparatively lighter, slimmer and deeper for a sporty feel. It’s clear the German yard has really poured its engineering energy and might into this build – from design to engineering to finish quality, the perceived richness of the C46 stands out (although dressed with over €200,000 of options, this is still no mean feat in a mass production size and brand). So much so that other big yards may struggle to compete.

You could argue the Dufour 41 does that to some extent, but here the emphasis is slightly more skewed towards volume, while it doesn’t quite match the Bavaria for the overall engineering and finish quality. Felci somehow managed to swell the forward sections enough to allow the Dufour to be the first 40-footer to offer four cabins, including two doubles forward. We then learned in September that Dufour had signed a new contract to supply Sunsail charter yachts, which helps explain the draw of all this extra accommodation space.

The price for this is extra weight. Although equipped with a tall rig, the 41 only becomes reactive once the breeze is up to the mid teens, where it can lean onto a chine and employ its generous form stability. But for those after volume, max deck lounging space and a bright spacious interior for multiple guests, it’s a hard model to compete with at this size (full report in YW September 2023 and online).

On paper the Hanse 410 should perhaps have challenged the Bavaria more. It’s the latest in Hanse’s new collaboration with Berret-Racoupeau, follows on from the larger sister 460 which won this category in 2022, and shares that appealing modern hull shape. It showed respectable performance and figures, and proved easy to manage short-handed, thanks to the self-tacking jib and winches positioned to hand.

A halyard issue with the mainsail and a tangled sock for the kite curtailed my sail trials somewhat. We also found the cockpit quite busy, particularly the winch layout, although it is nice and deep for protecting its crew. It makes you query why you need two tables on a 40-footer – until you see them lowered to create sun beds, that is!

Stand out features from the interior were the number of stowage solutions, particularly on the two-cabin test boat. Offered as two or three cabins with one or two heads, the former provides a huge amount of stowage accessible from the cockpit or interior. There’s more in the galley and a multifunction space in the saloon, which can be a full length sofa berth, a proper chart table, or a standing desk with storage below.

Beneteau Oceanis 37.1

The Beneteau Oceanis 37.1 is also all about easy sailing and handling, and proved to be a fun, manageable sized cruiser, particularly the First Line option we tried, which increases sail area with a square-top main and flat deck furler. While certainly an accessible yacht, it perhaps comes across as a little basic. This is the last Oceanis in the new generation eight-boat range between 30ft and 60ft, so the focus is more on evolution than the revolution of its early predecessors. Hence the two- or three-cabin interior seemed a little unremarkable when viewed against the opposition.

The same could not be said for the RM 1380, particularly when you step down the companionway – which doesn’t really feel like going below decks on a conventional monohull as it’s so naturally bright in the raised saloon and helps you appreciate your surroundings. So much so it’s more like being on a multihull. The doorways are a little tight, but the double cabins are of good size thanks in part to the generous beam. The standard two-cabin layout has a practical utility space in place of the optional third cabin.

I’ve long appreciated the plywood epoxy technique RM uses for its hulls, together with the powerful form stability Lombard’s design brings. This comes with the choice of keels, including the shoal draught options of a lifting centreboard or efficient twin keels. We tried the latter and the result on the water is in keeping with the sporty looks: it’s an enjoyable mid-displacement cruiser to sail from the aft quarters. Then there’s the superb winch layout, which sees the primaries positioned inboard for use standing under the protection of the coachoof and sprayhood. For offshore sailing the open transom can be closed off with a platform. It’s not perfect, but the RM is intriguing and versatile.

Elan Impression 43

Another memorable interior is to be found on the Elan Impression 43. The rustic knotted oak finish is unique, the only option Elan offers and something the Slovenian yard wanted style gurus Pininfarina to maintain to identify it from the sportier ranges. Personally, I like the strong focus on timber as it helps showcase Elan’s heritage, but appreciate it won’t suit all tastes.

These mid size Impressions are the mainstay of Elan’s sailing range, the family and charter staples for the Med. This Humphreys-designed update has a modernised shape, but retains the older style and the hull rocker to keep a soft, smooth sailing experience. It’s rigged with a genoa or self tacker and two to four winches. Although somewhat unremarkable in terms of sailing performance, it fits its purpose, while the increased aft beam allows for larger aft cabins and a service tunnel between them.

In an age where we need to focus on making things last, my preconceptions of the Maxus 35 revolved around questioning the need for a lower budget Polish build. Why not just buy a proven second-hand yacht? That said, the Northman shipyard has done a respectable job on this, the largest Maxus yet, in terms of the build and finish for the price. It feels solid throughout, the interior is light and inviting and it is worth consideration as an entry level yacht with reasonable accommodation.

I can also see some appeal of the centreboard design for lake sailing. However there was little to take home with regards to the design or sailing experience, so my conclusions mirror my first thoughts.Best family yacht 2023

Best family yacht 2023

Best family yacht winner – linjett 39.

This is quite possibly the best boat you haven’t heard of. The 39 offers easy, fast family cruising and occasional racing in luxurious comfort and proves that classic needn’t be old fashioned.

Linjett exudes Scandi heritage: a third generation 50-year-old brand, it’s run by three brothers and has built 900 yachts from its Rosättra yard in Sweden, which dates from to the 19th Century. Its business model is based on long production runs – think evergreen rather than trendy. Linjett not only designs, engineers and builds its own boats, but services and maintains them too, with 220 in winter storage. It also now produces the high performance Shogun Yachts in carbon epoxy, which hints at the skill levels of its infusion techniques.

A telling result at sea is how quiet the yacht is. Sturdy and stable, it instils instant confidence and proved a delight to sail. We had some very pleasant upwind beats, pointing high, and some lively reaching, hitting double figures a few times while pushing it under 150m2 gennaker in waves. The Linjett is set up to easily short-hand it too, with two winches and a bank of clutches each side positioned aft in reach of the helm.

The interior is offered with two or three cabins and the latter we saw had an excellent layout, including separate shower/wet hanging compartment aft. Joiner work is first class, with traditional mahogany used as standard, or the more contemporary European Oak on the test boat.

This is a premium yacht, but you get what you pay for. It will surprise most and ensure everyone steps ashore smiling. See our full review next month.

The Dufour 37 may be shorter than the old 360, but Dufour was reluctant to brand this 37 as smaller because its modern, broadened hull shape has resulted in an enlarged deck space, cockpit and owner’s cabin. Felci has designed a clever hull that sails well with good performance for its (34ft) size. The aft quarters behind the helms feel compact to maximise cockpit size, but proved comfortable enough to sail from. The primaries are in reach of the helm and we liked the lightweight, low friction jib sheet adjusters.

The 37 is offered in Easy (two winch), Ocean (cruising), or Performance versions and with a two- or three- cabin layout. The test boat was the most popular Ocean model, although it had €100,000 worth of optional extras including sails, engine and bow thruster, resulting in an expensive yacht for its length.

For those who recognise the Bente name, we previously featured it in detail in 2015 when it burst onto the scene with an innovative and affordable new 24-footer (around 150 of which have been built in Poland). We then tested its 39 in 2019, a year before the yard then filed for bankruptcy. But it’s now back under new ownership with this really impressive and more refined Bente 28, again by Judel/Vrolijk.

It’s a fun yacht to sail, easy to short-hand, with sprightly performance, especially when reaching. The coachroof is part of the deck structure and proves crucial in providing light, space and headroom below in an ergonomic interior that has been very well thought out.

All in all it’s a great compact, entry-level cruiser, with a practical, well protected cockpit.

If you enjoyed this….

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• Cabin Cruiser Boats

The Best Cabin Cruiser Boats in 2024

We gave our Boating Team one job: To find the best and most popular cabin cruisers and review them.

Our writers and editorial team conducted interviews, researched specs and drew upon our collective expertise to write unbiased reviews.

A cabin cruiser is a great choice for families and those who want to cruise a little further . For those of us who love being on the water and by the water, this type of vessel is great for entertaining and getting away.

It hits the mark between an RV and a floating luxury hotel room. Although they give you many comforts of larger yachts, they cost much less and are easier to operate.

In this guide, we’ve rounded up the best cabin cruisers money can buy in 2024.

Notice the different sizes and pay attention to some of the really smart features. Check out some videos in the guide at the bottom.

See our quick top 15, or go further down and read our in-depth reviews.

The Top 5 Cabin Cruiser Boats in 2024

All the cabin cruiser boats we've tested, sea ray slx 400 ob.

Where to buy:

Where to buy sea ray slx 400 ob:.

Sea Ray’s flagship is the SLX 400 OB, a 42-foot platform with outstanding use of space and basic accommodations, that embodies bowrider performance and social options with cabin cruiser comfort.

All told, this boat has seating for up to 22 people and can reach 60 mph.

The SLX 400 is “The Entertainer,” dubbed for the copious space for lounging and hanging out on deck. The starboard side features a fold-down swim terrace extending the boat’s beam by three feet and adding room to the swim platform. A well-appointed wet bar galley with electric grills stands opposite a huge L-shaped settee and table.

If you’re worried that driving this 20,000-pound boat might feel sluggish, think again. The Mercury V-8s get the boat to plane in just under five seconds. The ride is solid and comfortable, with automatic trim tabs and an optional Seakeeper gyro stabilizer. When it comes time to head home, the Mercury joystick steering makes even the trickiest docking scenarios easy as cake.

• Length: 42 feet, 2 inches
• Beam: 12 feet, 1 inch
• Draft: 45 inches max, 32 inches engines up
• Weight: 20,678 pounds dry
• Capacity: Yacht Certified
• Fuel Tank: 375 gallons
• Water Tank: 50 gallons
• Engine: 3x Mercury 300 Verado V-8 outboards with joystick (upgradable to twin 600-hp V-12s )
• Top Speed: 45 knots (51.8 mph)

Things we like:

Things we don't like:, axopar 45 xc.

Where to buy Axopar 45 XC:

The latest boat from Finnish builder Axopar is nothing short of a bigger, better adventure machine. The Axopar 45 XC Cross Cabin features a glorious upper pilothouse and salon, terrace seating, a customizable aft deck, and the option for two cabins and two heads.

A wave-cutting V-hull shape puts the performance of this adventure boat in focus, but the surprising amenities crammed into this platform impress equally as much.

Dive into the in-depth to investigate the details surrounding the Axopar 45 XC, and see why these boats are becoming so popular worldwide.

• Length: 45 feet, 7 inches/13.9 meters
• Beam: 13 feet, 6 inches/4.11 meters
• Draft: 3 feet, 3 inches/1.0 meters
• Weight (without engines): 15,433 pounds/7,000 kg
• Power: 3x Mercury Verado V-8 300 outboards
• Passengers/CE: Certification B:12/C:16

Tiara Yachts

Tiara 43 LE

Where to buy Tiara 43 LE:

The Tiara 43 LE is the first in the company’s new series of performance cabin cruisers. If it looks fast, it’s because it is fast. This boat, powered by twin Mercury V12 outboards churning out a combined 1,200 horsepower, gets up to 30 in about 11 seconds and tops out around 54 miles per hour.

As is expected from a brand like Tiara, this small motor yacht is beautifully appointed and well-equipped. The entire port gunwale opens into a large swim platform, opening up the cockpit space for water-fun or entertaining.

Down below, the boat has a large island berth forward and a separate double stateroom to midship. The pilothouse is enclosed with tempered glass all around and provides awesome visibility and all-season comfort.

All in all, the Tiara 43LE is a cabin cruiser that drives with power and elegance. Unlike other vessels in the class, however, this boat lacks a common area to work and eat, like a large cockpit table or a dinette in the pilothouse. The seating arrangements work great for socializing on the water, but you might want to look at the 48LE for overnights or longer-distance voyaging.

• Length Overall (LOA): 43'6"
• Dry Weight: 23,300 lbs.
• Draft: 3'5"
• Fuel Tank: 400 gal.
• Water Tank: 60 gal.
• Holding Tank: 40 gal.
• Power: 2x Mercury 600 Verado V12 Outboards
• Top Speed: 47.4 knots (54.6 mph)
• Cruising Speed: 37.4 knots (43.1 mph)
• Fuel Burn at Cruise: 61.6 gph
• Range at Cruise: 219 nm (252 mi)
• Grand Banks

Eastbay Yachts

The Grand Banks Eastbay 44

Where to buy The Grand Banks Eastbay 44:

The Eastbay 44 from Grand Banks is the company’s smallest Downeast cabin cruiser. It’s one of the first boats released by the brand under the leadership of CEO Mark Richards.

In a world filled with production boats, here is a moving work of art—a boat built as good as it looks that can carry you and your family to distant shores with comfort and ease.

A joystick control and widely-spaced engines make docking in tight spaces easy. Responsive throttles and the deep-vee hull make shooting even the roughest inlet a non-event.

But the resounding virtue of the Eastbay 44 is its build quality. This brand prides itself on pursuing perfection, and the Eastbay 44 might be the closest thing to it in the small motor yacht or cabin cruiser categories.

The Eastbay draws on the heritage of the Maine lobster boat. She’s beamy for a spacious interior and a stable ride. Her attractive, low-profile design contrasts the angular and tall flybridge offerings of her competition. And her beautifully appointed pilothouse is perfectly sheltered from the elements when you want to be. But, with the push of the button, the windows open, and the space has as much fresh air as you’d ever want.

• Length Overall: 48'10"
• Length On Deck: 43'7"
• Beam: 14'7"
• Displacement: 36,883 lbs.
• Engine: 2x Volvo Penta D6-IPS 650S (480 hp, six-cylinder, pod-drive diesels)
• Top Speed: 33 knots (38 mph)
• Cruise Speed: 28 knots (32 mph) at 27 gallons per hour
• Cruise Range: 492 nautical miles
• Fuel Tank: 581 gal.
• Water Tank: 194 gal.
• Holding Tank: 41 gal.

Jeanneau US

Jeanneau Worldwide

Jeanneau Merry Fisher 1295

Where to Book:

Where to book jeanneau merry fisher 1295:.

All new for 2023, Jeanneau has introduced the Merry Fisher 1295 Fly, also called the NC Weekender 1295 Fly. At just over 40 feet, this true three-level yacht boasts three staterooms, two heads, tons of comfortable seating and lounge space, and enough storage to bring all your stuff with you.

Beyond helm features for easier docking, this cabin cruiser is designed to carry you and your family comfortably. There’s not really another 40-foot flybridge that offers as much as the 1295 for the same price point.

The spacious salon level features sliding glass doors that open onto the aft cockpit. The aft galley is fully appointed and allows for the perfect flow for socialization during meals and hanging out. The cockpit features a walkthrough boarding door to port and a large fold-down swim terrace to starboard.

Finally, the staterooms and heads are large and comfortable, with plenty of storage and headroom below.

• Length: (Overall/Hull) 41 feet, 2 inches/12.56 meters; 39 feet, 1 inch/11.92 meters
• Beam: 12 feet, 6 inches/3.80 meters
• Draft: 2 feet, 6 inches/0.76 meters
• Hull Weight: 18,031 pounds/8,181 kilograms
• Bridge Clearance: 16 feet, 5 inches/5.0 meters
• Fuel Capacity: 310 gallons/1,174 liters
• Engines: 3x 300 horsepower Yamaha outboards
• CE Category: B10/C12

Rinker Boats

Rinker 270 Express Cruiser

Where to buy Rinker 270 Express Cruiser:

The Rinker boat company may have gone the way of the dinosaurs, but the 270 Express Cruiser will be around for a while. Polaris has assumed ownership and support for these agile cruisers.

Enjoy 6’5” cabin headroom, a fully equipped galley, a head with wet shower, and sleeping quarters that can stretch 4 people if it has to.

Rinker has designed a smaller boat that has designs that make it seem bigger. Step inside and see how functionality isn’t compromised by a more streamlined setup.

An older, discontinued model, but a good one.

And the Express Cruiser certainly loves to move, meaning you got the amenities in something that motors like a speed boat.

Wakeboarding and tubing is quite a reasonable thing to do with the 270.

Choose either the MerCruiser SeaCore Drive or the workhorse Volvo Penta OceanX Drive for gasoline or diesel motors respectively.

As an update, this model seems to be discontinued, but as a used boat for sale with low running hours, it could be an affordable way to satisfaction.

• Length: 28’10”
• Dry weight: 7,085lbs
• Capacity: sleeps 4
• Motor : Inboard MerC (gasoline) or Volvo Penta (Diesel)

Regal Boats

Regal 42 Fly

Where to buy Regal 42 Fly:

This spacious flybridge yacht is one of Regal’s flagships. It’s a cabin cruiser that flirts with the lifestyle aboard a larger motor yacht.

She’s already spacious, but the large windows add an incredibly open and light-filled feeling to all the spaces below.

The flybridge has a welcoming open layout for hanging out in the sun with 4-6 friends, and the upper salon, with its fully appointed galley, makes meal prep easy. Below decks, you’ll find two large staterooms, one with a queen-sized island berth and the other with an even larger king that can convert to two twins.

There’s a choice of adding an extra head instead of the lower galley and adding privacy walls. Performance-wise, driving this boat with Regal’s high-quality gauges and consoles will be a pleasure.

• Length: 41 feet, 11 inches
• Beam: 13 feet
• Draft: 44 inches
• Dry Weight: 27,400 lbs.
• Fuel Tank: 258 gal.
• Water Tank: 73 gal.
• Power Options: 2x Volvo D6 diesel with IPS drive (870 hp)

Back Cove Yachts

Back Cove 34O

Where to buy Back Cove 34O:

The perfectly balanced combination of performance, comfort, and downeast seaworthiness make the Back Cove 34O a cruising couple’s dream.

Her entirely new hull features Trailing Edge Lifting Surface (TRELIS) *D* design technology and is fitted with a standard bow thruster. The 34O delivers cruise and top-end speeds approximately 10 knots faster than the traditional single diesel Back Cove.

Built with entertaining in mind, the cockpit boasts an elegant salon with a versatile and comfortable settee along with a fully equipped galley. The aft-facing seat converts into a helm deck U-shaped dinette or second berth.

We’ve been seeing the double outboard motor solution on bigger boats in the last few years, and the Back Cove 340 does it pretty well. With twin 300hp Yamahas (or upgrade to 350hp with optional Suzuki), the performance of this cabin cruiser seems like a ski boat when it gets the chance to stretch its legs.

A couple of highlights of this cabin cruiser is the inventive helm step that provides excellent visibility as well as loads of storage space below the helm deck—large enough to fit all your water toys and fishing gear.

When dusk turns to dark, head over to the spacious master cabin where you’ll find a large and comfortable bed as well as a separate head and shower.

• Length: 38’11”
• Beam: 11’10”
• Dry weight: 17,000lbs
• Motor: 2 outboards

Azimut Yachts

Azimut Magellano 43

Where to buy Azimut Magellano 43:

The Azimut Magellano 43 deserves a place in our list for her unparalleled mix of solid-performance with uber-luxurious surroundings. It’s a cabin cruiser built for long-range yachting. You’ll want to just keep sailing on.

It features three decks of pure sophistication and attention to detail. It comes with three cabins, two full heads, a fully equipped galley, and loads of room to walk around, entertain, and relax.

Designed for luxury cruising, this trawler-inspired vessel comes with the unique Dual Mode hull, which ensures comfortable navigation and excellent seafaring even in choppy, deep-sea conditions.

This cabin cruiser, like the Grand Banks in this list, challenges the category and will likely be referred to by their owners and spectators as a beautiful yacht . That’s where this model fits on this list: a cabin cruiser boat that’s bigger in every way, including style and price.

It’s designed for extended voyages on bigger seas, but it’ll generate attention in the marina. The Magellano’s size will, however, make finding a slip difficult, so bear this in mind.

• Length: 43’10”
• Beam: 14’5”
• Dry weight: 38,800lbs
• Capacity: sleeps 5+
• Motor: 2 Inboard

Intrepid Powerboats

Intrepid 41 Valor

Where to buy Intrepid 41 Valor:

One of the most recent additions to the Intrepid Powerboats line-up is the 41 Valor, a cabin cruiser designed for performance.

Despite the temptation of doing the next Key West Poker Run, it features a clean and crisp design and offers you and your guests loads of comfort and space for a memorable day of cruising or a pleasant overnight stay.

The large wraparound cockpit lounge is great for entertaining. Add the optional wet bar and the party is complete.

The private retreat below the cockpit includes a large queen-size berth in the aft, a galley on the starboard side, a private head with shower stall on the port side along with a V-shaped settee that can also be converted into a berth with the optional Hi-Lo table and filler cushion.

As with all Intrepids, it also features the company’s signature stepped hull, which delivers a smooth, dry ride with unmatched performance. With 2 or 3 outboard motors to choose from–including Evinrude 200 up to Mercury 450R–the Poker Run is calling!

• Length: 41'85'’
• Beam: 11’9”
• Motor: 2 or 3 outboards

Regal 33 Express

Where to buy Regal 33 Express:

One of the best cabin cruisers we know of, the Regal 33 Express has everything you need to spend as much time on the water as you like. No small feat considering its diminutive size.

This boat has a spacious cockpit with well-thought-out seating options making it maneuverable and more  manageable than bigger cruisers.

Everyone will fight over their spot on the “UltraLounge,” an electrically activated four-position seat on the stern that is comfortable no matter how you use it. A cockpit bar-style galley has space for a fridge and electric grill.

Down below, the 33 Express has an enormous king-sized midship berth that can convert to two large twins. There’s a dinette built around a small galley and a convertible bunk forward that folds up and out of the settee. The head is large and features an electric toilet and a separate shower.

• Length: 34 feet, 3 inches
• Beam: 10 feet, 4 inches
• Draft (min/max): 21/37 inches
• Dry Weight: 13,200 lbs.
• Fuel Tank: 150 gal.
• Water Tank: 36 gal.
• Power Options: 2x Volvo V6 (560 hp) or 2x Volvo V8 (600 or 700 hp); or outboard power on the Regal 33XO

Sabre Yachts

Sabre Salon Express 38

Where to buy Sabre Salon Express 38:

Classic Downeast lines paired with all the right features make the Sabre Salon Express 38 “a boat that boaters recognize.”

This pocket cruising yacht —ideal for a couple or a small family—boasts an open, elegant, and inviting salon which opens up to an equally spacious and comfortable cockpit, great for entertaining and al fresco dining.

The cabin below comes with a fully equipped galley, a lounge, a master berth, as well as a full head. Add plenty of stowage to this cruiser and summer voyage is both realistic and uncompromising.

The classic profile, thrilling performance, and low sound levels make the Sabre SE 38 an icon of nautically sensible design.

• Length: 41’9”
• Beam: 13’4”
• Dry weight: 21,000lbs
• Capacity: Yacht certified
• Motor: 2 inboards

Jeanneau America

Jeanneau NC1095 Fly

Where to buy Jeanneau NC1095 Fly:

The NC1095 Fly is the culmination of a practical approach to a cabin cruiser with intelligent design spawned by a modern interpretation of what cruising is all about. This is an amazing 3 stateroom, 35-foot boat that can so easily be called a home away from home.

This is a plus model option to Juneau’s 35 foot flagship NC1095 that adds the flybridge for those lovely sunny days when you can lavish in getting closer to the sun. It has ample space in the aft section of the cockpit with a movable sofa seat when tilting the two outboard motors.

The salon itself is full of storage cubbies, a long galley table with sink and stove and a modular table that doubles as an additional berth. With the cockpit enclosure around the aft seating area, the living space becomes that much more impressive in a 35 footer.

The Fly is easily big enough for a family or a small party to while away a weekend or a summer playing cards, reading, while cruising to another horizon.

As a performance vessel, the NC1095 Fly handles like a bowrider . It’s twin Yamaha outboards are quiet but insistent and the controls–including bow thruster–make turning, docking, navigating intuitive and responsive. Powered by Garmin instruments with optional auto-pilot solutions, even less-experienced mariners will feel more at ease behind the wheel.

Speaking of space again, the recessed starboard side deck makes for quick access for laying out fenders and moorings, while access to the boat’s mechanical, power and fuel systems makes visual inspection and maintenance that much easier.

The V-berth stateroom has a lot of natural light and smart storage. The second berth has plenty of space with standing room too, while the third stateroom–a little smaller–still has a double bunk and an optional second fridge.

Built in the Cadillac, Michigan factory the venerable Juneau Yacht company has joined its artisan past with its desire to adapt and improve. The flydeck variant of their motor boat flagship is testament to Juneau’s history of understanding what works and doing it even better.

• Length: 34’3”
• Dry weight: 11,685lbs
• Capacity: Sleeps up to 8

Sea Ray Sundancer 320

Where to buy Sea Ray Sundancer 320:

In many ways, it was the Sundancer that made Sea Ray famous. With their classy blend of speed and overnight accommodations, these express cruisers are the perfect size for most boaters looking to get out on the water and enjoy a second home away from home.

Sundancers in the 31 to 32-foot range have long been the best sellers. It’s the Goldilocks boat that is neither too large nor too small. The current Sundancer 320 is available with either Mercruiser sterndrive or Mercury outboard power.

The Sundancer features some of the great technology you’ll find in other Sea Rays, including the submersible swim platform and plush seating. The bow now features a clever sun lounge with a walkway and removable table, making a much more functional space compared to similar cabin cruisers of the past.

• Length: 32 feet, 10 inches
• Beam: 10 feet, 7 inches
• Draft (max/min): 41 inches/30 inches
• Weight: 14,000 pounds
• Power: 2x Mercruiser 6.2L MPI ECT Bravo Three X (300 hp each)
• Number of people: Yacht Certified
• Fuel: 158 gallons

Jeanneau Leader 33

Where to buy Jeanneau Leader 33:

Cruise in functional style aboard the Leader 33. A moderately sized cabin cruiser with surprising space and plush interiors, the Leader 33 is a good entry boat into touring.

Available in two versions: an Open version with an arch and a Sport Top version with an electrically opening hard top, the Leader 33 boasts a spacious and functional layout which makes relaxing and entertaining a breeze.

Long windows in the hull offer beautiful sea views along with plenty of natural light in the cabin below. Also, two galleys, two sleeping berths, and an expansive head with a separate shower stall make the Leader 33 the ideal boat for a weekend getaway.

Junneau is a well-established name and there are plenty of solid used options for this model. When you find one for sale at a dealer or marina, take it for a spin.

• Length: 34’8”
• Dry weight: 10,829lbs

Regal 38 SAV

Where to buy Regal 38 SAV:

The Regal 38 SAV defies being put in a category. It looks like a simple center console, but it has the amenities of a fully-furbished cabin cruiser. It will thrive in the warm Gulf waters and the Caribbean.

The SAV stands for Sports Activity Vessel. In other words, it’s an SUV on the water with the functionality to match its name. Adjustable seating and the ability to go to the beach and go on a blue water cruise will keep the whole family happy, whether fishing, cruising, tanning, or playing in the water.

If you’re in the market for a boat that can comfortably entertain a crowd or take the family on a comfortable cruise, the 38 SAV is worth a look. While not as performance-oriented as other options, it offers features and a layout comparable to the Tiara 43 LE or Sea Ray SLX 400 but at a friendlier price point than either. If you want something with a fully enclosed cockpit, check out the Regal LS36 .  

• Length: 39 feet, 3 inches
• Beam: 11 feet, 11 inches
• Draft (min/max): 23/31 inches
• Dry Weight: 18,800 lbs.
• Fuel Tank: 340 gal.
• Power Options: 3x Yamaha 300 hp outboard

Related Reviews

Read full review

A Quick Guide to Cabin Cruisers 

They need a little more than just a cabin under the deck to be called a cabin cruiser. Think  bowrider or runabout  and expand outwards with a mind toward extending your daytrip so it potentially never ends. That entails more space and comfort like you get with your typical luxury yacht combined with performance associated with the bowriders.

The cabin cruisers we have on the list are designed with a maritime intelligence that incorporates deep and fundamental logic required to make recreational sailing as a lifestyle both safe and enjoyable. A model like the NC1095 Fly is a great example of a modern interpretation of a cabin cruiser that really embodies the maritime equivalent of a newer RV.

When deciding what vessel is right for you, figure out how much space you need, how long you’re going to be cruising and pay particular attention to how comfortable you feel navigating tighter waterways and docking. Smaller craft like the Chris-Craft 34 are easier to wrap your head around and if your needs and horizons are closer to home than this is a good vessel for cruising shorter overnight excursions and even navigating smaller waterways like river systems.

The bigger boats, like the Grand Banks 44, will appeal to longer voyages further out at sea. These are vessels that could even traverse the Atlantic–for the intrepid mariner–and have a great go of the Mediterranean.

While size will increase the challenges when navigating and docking (make sure to use boat fenders when docking), these modern cabin cruisers have been designed so well in order to make the pilot seem a steady, old hand at the helm.

Consider the need for bow thrusters, whether you want inboard motors or outboard motors (the latter tend to be cheaper and easier to maintain), air conditioning/heating, where you can get a boat slip and how readily available guest slips are for boats with the different beams (width).

These boats are still relatively easy to operate but they can go quite fast on the water. Remember to observe the customs and rules on the waves. Most importantly: enjoy.

Take a look at these videos that demonstrate some of the models on our list:

Continue reading our Boat Reviews:

• 7 Best Regal Boats 
• 8 Best StarCraft Boats
• 7 Best Center Console Boats

Frequently asked questions

A cabin cruiser is a type of powerboat that typically ranges from 25 to 45 feet in length. Because they come with sleeping, cooking, and bathroom facilities they are a top choice for weekend trips but also manageable enough for quick day trips.

These are some of the best cabin cruiser brands on the market today:

• Cruiser Yachts

Prices will vary depending on the size as well as the included amenities.

A cabin cruiser usually costs between U$100,000 to U$700,000. However, more sophisticated models, like the  East Bay 44  can go for as much as U$1 million.

Cabin cruisers are very similar to larger yachts. They can cruise long distances and they offer many facilities that help keep passengers comfortable during long haul trips, but unlike a large yacht, a cabin cruiser boat does not require a professional crew aboard.

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Table of content:, breadcrumbs.

• / Cabin Cruiser Boats

Love it! It would be fun to test drive each!

It’s possible to test a lot of them at a boat show. Board and check out the interior and, if you’re lucky, join along for a sea trial.

This is great feedback, and we’ll take it into account when updating our guides.

This is a great list. I keep coming back to them to discover more manufacturers and models. Is it possible, however, to add cost ranges to these models or generic $$$ cost brackets. The boat companies all like to hide the cost and not knowing the brands I am spending most of my time trying to figure out which one is the best value. You mentioned a range of $100k to $700k but I have yet to find the $100k model

What are the best “hardtop Express Cruisers in the 36′ LOA range with OB engines and a fully enclosed weatherproof helm/salon area? I would like a boat that can sleep six adults.

Hey Keith. Thank you for your service. Some of the boat makers have military discounts like Crestliner (for fishing boats mainly: https://www.crestliner.com/specials/military-discount/ ), but talk to the guys at your local marina. I’ve found that they do reward service with a price cut sometimes. Check out these guys too: https://www.harborsidemarinesales.com/

Hello Is there a disabled veteran discount?

Continue reading

YETI Tundra 45 Cooler

ICOM M330G 31

Avalon 2585 Catalina Elite

Fountain Pajot 80 Catamaran Superyacht

Gallery of cabin cruiser boats review.

A variety of Cabin Cruiser boats on water

Photo courtesy Tiara Yachts.

The Axopar cross cabin is an adventure boat with overnighting options.

The Merry Fisher 1295 Fly jumps on plane and tops out at about 40 knots.

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Beam:  11.3'    Draft:  6.3'     Beam:  11.17'    Draft:  6'     Beam:  10.6'    Draft:  4'11'     Beam:  11.2'    Draft:  4.6'     Beam:  11.3'    Draft:  4'     Beam:  11.25'    Draft:  5.33'     Beam:  11.3'     Beam:  10'2'    Draft:  3'11'     Beam:  10.5'    Draft:  3.9'     Beam:  11.7'    Draft:  5.5'     Beam:  11'    Draft:  4.4'     Beam:  11.6'    Draft:  4.0'     Beam:  11.6'    Draft:  2-6'     Beam:  11.58'    Draft:  5.5'     Beam:  11.58'    Draft:  5.50'     Beam:  10'    Draft:  4.5'     Beam:  11.7'    Draft:  3.10'     Beam:  11.8'    Draft:  4.4'     Beam:  11.75'    Draft:  3.83'     Beam:  11'    Draft:  6'6'     Beam:  11'    Draft:  4.2'     Beam:  11.67'     Beam:  11.9'    Draft:  4.25'     Beam:  11.4'    Draft:  4.7'     Beam:  11.75'    Draft:  4.3'     Beam:  11.0'    Draft:  6.5'     Beam:  11'    Draft:  5.5'     Beam:  11.00'    Draft:  6.50'     Beam:  12.3'    Draft:  5.8'     Beam:  11.9'    Draft:  4.2'     Beam:  11.8'    Draft:  4.3'     Beam:  12'    Draft:  6.5'     Beam:  12'    Draft:  6'     Beam:  11.75'    Draft:  4.25'     Beam:  11.75'    Draft:  5.6'     Beam:  11.5'    Draft:  4.25'     Beam:  9.5'    Draft:  6.00'     Beam:  11.11'    Draft:  5.8'     Beam:  11.75'    Draft:  5.58'     Beam:  12.6'    Draft:  3.8'     Beam:  11'    Draft:  5'10'     Beam:  11.5'    Draft:  5.5'     Beam:  12'    Draft:  5.5'     Beam:  11.7'    Draft:  4.3'     Beam:  10.58'    Draft:  5.25'     Beam:  11.75'    Draft:  4.3'     Beam:  11.5'    Draft:  6.4'     Beam:  11.9'    Draft:  43'     Beam:  11.95'    Draft:  5.7'     Beam:  11.5'    Draft:  5.6'     Beam:  11.4'    Draft:  4.10'     Beam:  10.7'    Draft:  7.'     Beam:  8.2'    Draft:  5.9'     Beam:  12'    Draft:  4'     Beam:  11.33'    Draft:  4.92'     Beam:  11.3'    Draft:  6.2'     Beam:  11.7'    Draft:  4.5'     Beam:  10.2'    Draft:  5.9'     Beam:  10.67'    Draft:  4.83'     Beam:  11'    Draft:  6'     Beam:  11'    Draft:  4'8'     Beam:  13'    Draft:  4.6'     Beam:  11.5'    Draft:  4.9'     Beam:  10'10'    Draft:  4'6' © 2001-2024 ./)   . . ./)   . . BOAT OF THE YEAR Newsletters Sailboat Reviews Boating Safety Sails and Rigging Maintenance Sailing Totem Sailor & Galley Living Aboard Destinations Gear & Electronics Charter Resources Ultimate Boating Giveaway 10 Best Used Cruising Sailboats By John Kretschmer Updated: May 24, 2024 The appeal of offshore voyaging is difficult to explain to land people who can’t imagine life without basic human rights like copious quantities of hot water and unlimited data. It can even be challenging to explain to fellow sailors who think the notion of spending days or weeks at sea is a form of water­boarding, some kind of self-inflicted torture. But for those of us who understand, who relish intimacy with the untamed wilderness that is the ocean and embrace self-­reliance and individual expression while accepting the ­dispassionate whims of Neptune, this is the good life. There are two essential truths about this life: One, money does not matter. Cruising budgets and lifestyles reflect bank accounts with variously positioned commas; it’s the passages and landfalls that add up, not your investment portfolio. And two, a good bluewater sailboat — not necessarily an expensive boat, but a well-­designed, solidly built, imminently seaworthy boat that is only limited by your moxie and imagination — is the key to successful bluewater passagemaking. – LEARN THE NAVIGATION RULES – Know the “Rules of the Road” that govern all boat traffic. Be courteous and never assume other boaters can see you. Safety Tip Provided by the U.S. Coast Guard So, to that second point, I’ve compiled a list of interesting and affordable cruising sailboats for serious voyaging. A list of 10 sailboats for any purpose, much less world cruising, is sure to evoke outrage from strong-minded sailors, who by nature tend to be a bit opinionated. Stand by before hurling insults my way, and let me explain. I have decided to stay away from the sailboats we know by heart, the iconic old boats that usually populate a list like this: the Westsail 32, Tayana 37, Shannon 38 and Valiant 40 (the last of which, with a bit of searching, can still be found at or just below $100,000). My list of some of the best liveaboard sailboats is eclectic and includes a mix of well-known and obscure manufacturers, but all the boats are linked in three ways: All are top-quality vessels capable of crossing oceans. They’re affordable, although in a few cases you have to look for older models in less-than-stellar condition to stay below $100,000. Indeed, in some ways, this list of used sailboats is a function of age; most of the boats were priced at more than $100,000 when new but have dipped below our self-imposed threshold in middle age. And finally, they’re all boats that I have encountered in the past few years in far-flung cruising destinations . Island Packet 35 Love them or loathe them, Island Packets are everywhere. To some, the beamy, full-keel, high-freeboard hull designs seem quaint, to put it charitably. To others, the robust construction standards, roomy interiors and overall user-friendliness make them the ideal cruising boat. More than most, sailing vessels are compromises, and Bob Johnson and his crew at Island Packet were brilliant in prioritizing the needs of sailors. The IP 35 was introduced in 1988 and features a huge cockpit, an easy-to-handle cutter rig with a jib boom, and a clever, comfortable interior with the volume of many 40-footers. It might not be the fastest boat upwind, but the long waterline translates to good performance off the breeze, meaning the IP 35 finds its stride in the trade winds. In all, 188 boats were built before production stopped in 1994. Don’t confuse the IP 35 with the IP 350, which was launched in 1997 and included a stern swim step. You won’t find a 350 for less than $100,000, but you will have a choice among 35s, especially those built before 1990. With two nice staterooms, the 35 is ideal for family cruising. I know of a couple of 35s that have completed the classic Atlantic Circle passage. It’s perfect for a sabbatical cruise because it holds its value and there’s a ready market when it comes time to sell. Prout Snowgoose 37 There’s no room for discussion: Catamarans are crossing oceans, and many sailors are choosing cats for world cruising. My last visits to the Azores and Canary Islands, the classic Atlantic waypoints, proved the point. I’m not much of a statistician, but by my count, at least a quarter and maybe a third of the boats I saw were catamarans. There would be more on this list, but they are just too expensive. Finding a quality catamaran for less than $100,000 is tough. One boat to consider is the classic workhorse multihull, the Prout Snowgoose 37. When the Snowgoose 37 was launched in 1983, English builder Prout & Sons had already been in business for nearly 50 years. The 37 was an updated version of the Snowgoose 35, one of the most successful cruising cats ever. In 1986, the 37 was updated again; the Snowgoose Elite model included more beam and interior upgrades. These models are challenging to find for under $100,000, but it’s possible. A quick glance at yachtworld.com shows several of both models available for less than $100,000. Again, the strong dollar makes European boats an excellent value. The Snowgoose 37 is not sexy like go-fast cats, and not roomy like modern cruising cats. It is, however, seaworthy. Of the 500 built, many have circumnavigated. Older boats have solid fiberglass hulls, and more recent models are solid glass from the waterline down and cored above. The cockpit is rather compact by catamaran standards, and the bridgedeck is solid (no tramp). Many 37s and all Elites were rigged with staysails, a big plus in heavy weather. The masthead-­rigged Snowgoose 37 can be sailed like a monohull offshore, and it’s quite nice not having a huge, roachy mainsail to wrestle with in a storm. With a 15-foot-3-inch beam for the 37 and a 16-foot-3-inch beam for the Elite, it’s easy to find affordable dockage and yards for haulouts. Most boats have three double cabins, making the Snowgoose 37 an ideal family cruiser. The Corbin 39 is not as well known as it should be. It’s a capable bluewater sailboat cruiser with many impressive voyages logged. My Quetzal spent several weeks moored alongside a handsome 39 in Corfu that had sailed around the world, and I also spent a winter in Malta in the same boatyard as another 39 that had recently crossed the Atlantic. A canoe-stern, flush-deck pilothouse cutter, the 39 was offered with either an aft or center cockpit. Designed by Michael Dufour and constructed by Corbin les Bateaux in Canada, hull number one was launched in 1977. Built in various locations in Quebec, 129 boats were launched before a fire destroyed the deck tooling in 1982. A new deck with a larger cockpit was designed, and 70 more boats were laid up before production ceased in 1990. The rub on the Corbin 39 is that the majority of boats were sold as kits with owner-­finished interiors. Kits varied from just hull-and-deck to “sailaway,” with everything fitted except the interior. Only 15 boats were finished at the factory. Not surprisingly, the interior quality is unpredictable, from rough-hewn lumberyard specials to beautifully handcrafted gems finished by marine professionals. The difference is reflected in the price. A nicely finished, well-equipped model from the mid-’80s typically sells for between $60,000 and $80,000. The hull shape features a long fin keel and skeg-mounted rudder. The hulls are heavily laid up and include Airex coring. Early decks were plywood-cored, but most boats have Airex in the deck as well. Ballast is 9,000 pounds of internal lead, translating to a 40 percent ballast-to-displacement ratio. The wide flush deck is spacious, and the sleek pilothouse usually includes inside steering. Massive double anchor rollers are incorporated into the bowsprit in later models. Most boats include a double-­spreader spar, and almost all were set up as cutters. There’s plenty of freeboard, which becomes obvious below. While interior arrangements vary considerably, there’s a lot of room to work with. I prefer the post-1982 aft-cockpit 39s; they’re generally of a higher quality than earlier boats. – CARRY A BEACON – Satellite beacons such as EPIRBs or PLBs allow boaters to transmit distress signals and their exact coordinates from anywhere on the planet, no cell service required. It may be the best $400 you ever spend. Safety Tip Provided by the U.S. Coast Guard Cabo Rico 38 “The Cabo Rico 38 hull shape is the one in which everything came together best,” wrote Bill Crealock in his design notes. He might have changed his mind later in life, considering that the Cabo Rico was introduced in 1977 and he designed many boats after that, but few will dispute that this 38-foot cutter, built in Costa Rica, is flat-out beautiful. From the clipper bow to the sweet sheer to the abundance of honey-colored teak, the Cabo Rico 38 is a boat to inspire the most practical among us to quit their job, buy this vessel, and head for the South Pacific. Not surprisingly, many people have done just that. Cabo Rico built 200 full-keeled 38s, with most of the production occurring in the 1980s. There’s always a selection of boats for sale for less than $100,000. Cabo Rico was an outlier among manufacturers of the time, building serious cruising boats in Central America instead of Taiwan, but quality control was always excellent. The full keel is slightly cutaway, and the rudder is attached to the trailing edge. The prop is in an aperture and totally protected, but not well suited to backing into a slip. Full-keel boats may make some younger sailors cringe, but the CR 38 has a very soft ride in rough seas and heaves to effectively. It also has a solid fiberglass hull with a layer of balsa for insulation. Sometimes it’s noted that the hull is balsa-cored, but it’s not. After about hull number 40, lead was used instead of iron for internal ballast. The deck is balsa-cored, however, and there’s a substantial bulwark. Items to be wary of are the teak decks (most 38s have them) and the fittings supporting the bobstay. A true cutter rig, the 38 has just under 1,000 square feet of working sail area and performs better than most people suspect. The staysail was originally set on a boom that cluttered the foredeck and limited sail shape. Many boats have been converted with furling staysails sans the boom — a nice upgrade. When the wind pipes up, the 38 tracks nicely with a reefed main and staysail. I encounter 38s all over the Caribbean. They’re easy to spot; they’re the beautiful boats in the anchorage. Tayana Vancouver 42 Ta Yang, builder of Tayana sailboats, has been building capable cruising boats forever, it seems. The Robert Harris-designed Tayana Vancouver 42 has been a mainstay of the serious cruising fleet since the day it was launched in 1979, and is still in demand today. The company built 200 boats, mostly in the ’80s and early ’90s, although a few V42s were built into the 2000s. With a bit of digging and some haggling, you can find boats for less than $100,000, but they’re likely to be older models. As of this writing, yachtworld.com has eight V42s listed, with three asking less than $100,000. I’ve encountered the V42 all over the world, and in my yacht-delivery days, I had the pleasure of delivering a couple of 42s up the East Coast and down to the Caribbean. The double-ended hull shape with a fin-skeg underbody is stiff and seaworthy, if not wickedly fast. Considering the rugged construction, with a solid fiberglass hull and balsa-cored deck, nobody has ever accused Ta Yang of going light on its boats. Ballast is internal iron, a massive single casting that weighs in at 11,800 pounds. Ta Yang has evolved as a builder, and later models included upgrades like vinylester resin and larger Yanmar diesels. A true cutter, the V42 has a double-spreader rig and is heavily stayed. The seagoing deck is cambered to shed water. Teak decks, with all their virtues and vices, were common; I’d look for a boat that’s been de-teaked. Like the Corbin 39, the V42 came with either a center or aft cockpit, although most boats were aft-cockpit models. The aft cockpit is deep and secure, if a bit tight due to volume sacrificed by the canoe stern. The center cockpit is cramped but offers excellent visibility. The interior is lovely, with exquisite Taiwanese joinery. Although interior arrangements vary because Ta Yang encouraged owner input, across the board, this is a friendly boat for living aboard. The aft-cockpit model includes one head and a traditional layout with excellent light and ventilation. The center-­cockpit model features a large owner’s stateroom aft. Wauquiez Pretorien 35 The Pretorien 35 does not pay homage to tradition. The Euro-style low-slung wedge deck and flattish lines were thoroughly modern when the Pretorien was launched in 1979. Sure, there are IOR influences in this well-proven Holman & Pye design, including a slightly pinched stern, cramped cockpit, and a high-aspect, short-boom mainsail that results in a large fore­triangle. But a small main is easy to handle offshore, especially in squally conditions, and a large poled-out furling genoa provides a low-stress way to cross oceans. The test of a design is revealed long after the launch, and the Pretorien has aged brilliantly. It’s often mistaken for a Swan or Baltic. Famed voyager and author Hal Roth chose a Pretorien for his last boat. Below the water, which is what really matters at sea, the Pretorien pushes the right buttons for serious sailing. A fine entry provides enough of a forefoot to prevent pounding in lumpy conditions, and as on the Valiant 40, the fin keel incorporates a stub to which the external ballast is fastened. The rudder is mounted well aft for excellent steering control, especially on a deep reach, and is tucked behind a narrow but full-length skeg. The Pretorien displaces 13,000 pounds, of which 6,000 pounds is ballast, translating to a stiff, seakindly boat. The construction is superb. The solid fiberglass hull includes longitudinal stringers that stiffen the panels and encapsulate the bulkheads. Tabbing and fiberglass work is first-rate throughout. Wauquiez was one of the first builders to use solid laminate beneath high-load deck fittings. The side decks are wide and, with the chainplates well inboard, easy to navigate. The interior arrangement is conventional, but ample beam amidships helps create a surprisingly spacious feel below. There were 212 Pretoriens built during a seven-year production run, so there’s usually a good selection of boats on the used market. Today’s strong dollar makes European Pretoriens an excellent value. – SHOW THEM HOW MUCH YOU CARE – Nothing says ‘I love you’ like making sure the kids’ life jackets are snugged up and properly buckled. Safety Tip Provided by the U.S. Coast Guard Gulfstar 44 Gulfstar had a terrible reputation in the early ’70s: It was infamous for producing wide-body motorsailers with tiny rigs and chintzy Formica interiors. Company founder Vince Lazzara was adept at reading market trends and upped his game in the late ’70s and ’80s. Lazzara, who also founded Columbia Yachts, was a veteran of the production-­sailboat wars and realized that buyers were demanding high-quality boats that sailed well. The Gulfstar 44 was launched in 1978, and 105 were sold before the company started producing the Hirsh 45 in 1985. Some mistake the G44 for a Bristol, and it has a similar profile, right down to the teak toerail and raked cabin trunk. A sleek center-­cockpit design, the hull shape features a 5-foot-6-inch fin keel, a skeg-hung rudder and moderate proportions. I know the boat well, having delivered one from Bermuda to Annapolis and another from Fort Lauderdale to Boston. It has a nice ride in lumpy seas and powers up when the big genoa is drawing on a reach. The construction is typical of the time, with solid fiberglass hulls and cored decks. Gulfstars were known to blister, and it’s likely that any 44 you find will have had an epoxy bottom job along the way — and if it hasn’t, it will need one. The keel-stepped spar has an air draft of 55 feet. Some owners have modified the sloop rig with a staysail. The cockpit is roomy, especially for a center-cockpit design, although there’s not much of a bridgedeck. All sail controls are led aft. Lazzara was an early proponent of this feature, and the boat is user-friendly overall. The interior sells the boat. It’s nicely finished in teak, and the layout is made for living aboard. The aft cabin includes an enormous double berth with an en suite head and stall shower. The main saloon is spacious and well ventilated, although beware of the plastic opening portlights. If you are looking for a comfortable, well-built center-cockpit cruiser but can’t find one that you can afford, track down a Gulfstar 44; you’ll be pleasantly surprised. 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. The trick is finding a 40-footer for less than $100,000. Nonetheless, the Nordic 40 and its larger sister ship, the 44, are among my favorite boats. Based in Bellingham, Washington, Nordic produced world-class yachts during its brief production run in the 1980s. Only 40 Nordic 40s were launched between 1982 and 1987, but they’re worth seeking out on the used-boat market. The 40 features the classic double-ended Perry hull shape, with a fine entry, a deep and powerful fin keel, a skeg-mounted rudder positioned well aft, and a reverse transom. Freeboard is moderate and the sheer line is subtle, but to my eye, with its double-spreader rig and gently sloping deck line, the boat is poetry in the water. The hull is solid fiberglass and the deck is balsa-cored, with solid laminates below loaded-up deck fittings. Original boats came with Navtec rod rigging and a hydraulic backstay, but many have been upgraded by now. Sail-control lines are led aft to the compact but functional T-shaped cockpit. The traveler is forward of the companionway, allowing for a cockpit dodger. The Nordic 40 is nimble in light to moderate breeze but can also stand up in a blow and heave to decently. The interior is well suited to a cruising couple. It’s really a two-person boat, with a V-berth forward and large C-shaped galley aft, with plenty of counter space and a huge fridge. It includes the normal deft Perry touches — excellent sea berths, a separate stall shower and generous tankage. If you do find a Nordic 40 on the used market, be sure to take a hard look at the Westerbeke diesel and the V-drive transmission. Pacific Seacraft 34 A handsome, nimble and capable double-ender by legendary designer Bill Crealock, the Pacific Seacraft 34 is well proven, with scores of ocean crossings in its wake. After the boat was first launched as the Crealock 34 in 1979, Pacific Seacraft introduced a fifth model years later, a scaled-down version of the popular PS 37. Though expensive at the time, the 34 was another success story for one of America’s premier builders, and hundreds of boats were built in the company’s yard in Santa Ana, California. There is always a good selection of used boats available for less than $100,000. Another nice perk for used-boat buyers is that the 34 is back in production at the reincarnated Pacific Seacraft yard in Washington, North Carolina, providing an outlet for parts and advice. The company is now owned and operated by marine archaeologist Stephen Brodie and his father, Reid. The 34 blends traditional values above the waterline with what was then a more modern underbody, with a long fin keel and skeg-hung rudder. A bit hefty at 13,500 pounds of displacement, the design otherwise is a study in moderation, and drawn with a keen eye toward providing a soft ride in a seaway and staying on good terms with Neptune in a blow. The hull is solid fiberglass, and early decks were plywood-­cored before Pacific switched to end-grain balsa. The hull-to-deck joint incorporates a molded bulwark that offers added security when you’re moving about on deck, and a vertical surface for mounting stanchions. Most 34s are cutter-rigged for versatility but carry moderate-­size genoas instead of high-cut yankees for more horsepower off the wind. Down below, the layout is traditional, but the 6-foot-4-inch headroom is a pleasant surprise. The Pacific Seacraft 34 is perfect for a cruising couple. John Kretschmer is a delivery captain, adventurer and writer, whose own boat Quetzal , a 1987 Kaufman 47, has seen a refit or two over the years. His latest book is Sailing a Serious Ocean: Sailboats, Storms, Stories and Lessons Learned from 30 Years at Sea , also available on his website . More: classic plastic , DIY Sailboat Projects , Sailboat Reviews , Sailboats , used boat guide More Sailboats Pre-Owned: 1988 Hylas 47 Catalina Introduces the 6 Series Sailboat Preview: Elan GT6 Explorer For Sale: 1984 Camper & Nicholsons 58 At Your Service Galápagos: A Paradise Worth the Paperwork Around Alone Digital Edition Customer Service Privacy Policy Terms of Use Email Newsletters Cruising World Sailing World Salt Water Sportsman Sport Fishing Wakeboarding Home » Blog » Bluewater sailboats » The best bluewater sailboats (we analyzed 2,000 boats to find out) The best bluewater sailboats (we analyzed 2,000 boats to find out) By Author Fiona McGlynn Posted on Last updated: May 16, 2023 We analyzed two-thousand bluewater sailboats to bring you a list of proven offshore designs What are the best bluewater sailboats? This was a question we asked a lot of experienced cruisers when we decided to sail across the Pacific. We needed a boat after all, and we wanted to buy the best bluewater sailboat we could afford. We heard a lot of strong opinions. Some sailors thought it was reckless to go offshore in any boat that didn’t have a full keel. Others prioritized performance, and wouldn’t dream of going anywhere in a slow boat like the Westsail 32 (a.k.a. a “Wet Snail 32”). Opinions like these left us feeling confused like we had to choose between safety and performance.   If we learned anything from these conversations, it’s that what makes a bluewater boat is a hotly debated topic! However, there’s a way to cut through all the opinions and get to the bottom of it. The solution is…. We analyzed just under 2,000 boats embarking on ocean crossings (over a 12 year time period) and came up with a list of the ten best bluewater sailboats. Where did we get our data? The data for our best bluewater sailboats list comes from 12 years of entries in the Pacific Puddle Jump (PPJ), an annual cross-Pacific rally. We took part in 2017 and had a ball! You can read about the methodology we used to analyze this data at the bottom of the post. What do we mean by “best”? We know, that word is overused on the internet! Simply, based on our data set, these were the most common makes and models entered in the PPJ cross-Pacific rally. There were at least 10 PPJ rally entries for every make of boat on our top 10 list. So, these boats are 100% good to go? No! A bluewater boat isn’t necessarily a seaworthy boat. Almost every cruiser we know made substantial repairs and additions to get their offshore boat ready, adding watermakers , life rafts, solar panels, and more. Also, you should always have a boat inspected by a professional and accredited marine surveyor before buying it or taking it offshore. But my bluewater baby boat isn’t on this list!? There are hundreds of excellent bluewater yachts that are not on this list. For instance, we sailed across the Pacific in a Dufour 35, which didn’t even come close to making our top 10 list. Choosing the right boat is very much an individual journey. Where can I find these bluewater boats for sale? We recognize that a top 10 list won’t get you very far if you’re shopping for a bluewater boat (especially if you’re looking in the used market). So, to help you find your perfect boat, we’re going to create a big list of bluewater boats that you can use to refine your search on Yachtworld, Craigslist, or any other places to buy a used boat . Sign up for our newsletter to get our big list of bluewater boats list as soon as it comes out. We’re also working on a series of posts by size class. For example, if you’re looking for a smaller boat, you can narrow it down to the best bluewater sailboats under 40 feet . Takeaways from our analysis There were no big surprises on an individual boat level. All of these makes are considered good cruisers, some of them are even best-selling designs! However, there were a few things that caught our eye. “Go simple, go small, go now” still holds water We were thrilled to see the smallest boat in our roundup at the very top of the list! Westsail 32 owners can take pride in their small but mighty yachts (and ignore all those snail-sayers). While undoubtedly there’s been a trend towards bigger bluewater cruisers in recent years, small cruising sailboats seem to be holding their own. 60% of the monohulls on this list were under 40 feet (if you count the Valiant 40 which sneaks just under at 39.92 feet). Cat got our tongue So, we knew catamarans were a thing, but we didn’t fully appreciate HOW popular they’d become! 50% of our top 10 bluewater boat list consists of catamarans—a good fact to toss out the next time you’re trying to garner a happy hour invite on the party boat next door (which will undoubtedly be a catamaran). Still got it! We’ve got good news for all you good old boat lovers! 60% of the boats on our list were first built before 2000. While these older models are less performance-oriented than modern designs, cruisers value these boats for their ability to stand up to rough seas and heavy weather. It just goes to show that solid bones and classic looks never go out of style. Alright, without further ado, let’s dive into our list of the 10 best bluewater boats! The 10 best bluewater boats 1. Westsail 32 The Westsail 32 is one of the most iconic bluewater cruisers and 19 have set out to cross the Pacific in the PPJ rally since 2009. In 1973, this small cruising sailboat garnered a 4-page spread in Time magazine. The article inspired many Americans to set sail and the Westsail 32, with its double-ender design, set the standard for what a real bluewater cruiser should look like. There were approximately 830 built between 1971 and 1980. This small boat has taken sailors on ocean crossings and circumnavigations. Though considered “slow” by some, the heavily-built Westsail 32 has developed a loyal following for her other excellent offshore cruising characteristics. If you’re interested in small bluewater sailboats, check out our post on the best small sailboats for sailing around the world . LOA 32.00 ft / 9.75 m First built 1971 Builder Westsail (USA) Designer W. Crealock / W. Atkin Hull type Long keel, trans. hung rudder Rig type Cutter Displacement 19,500 lb / 8,845 kg 2. Lagoon 380 The Lagoon 380 is a reliable, solidly built catamaran and considered roomy for its size. We counted 18 of them in our data set. With over 800 boats built , it may be one of the best-selling catamarans in the world. Like the other boats on this list, the Lagoon 380 has proven itself on long passages and ocean crossings, winning it many loyal fans. LOA 37.89 ft / 11.55 m First built 2000 Builder Jeanneau (FRA) Designer V. Peteghem / L. Prévost  type Cat. twin keel Rig type Fractional sloop Displacement 16,005 lb / 7,260 kg More specifications 3. Lagoon 440 18 Lagoon 440s have set out to cross the Pacific in the PPJ rally since 2009. Why leave the comforts of home, when you can take them with you? The Lagoon 440 is a luxurious long-range cruiser, offering beautiful wood joinery, spacious accommodations, and a deluxe galley. Oh, and you have the option of an electric boat motor ! SAIL and Sailing Magazine have both done in-depth reviews of the Lagoon 440 if you want to learn more. LOA 44.65 ft / 13.61 m First built 2004 Builder Lagoon (FRA) Designer V. Peteghem / L. Prévost Hull type Cat. twin keel Rig type Fractional sloop Displacement 26,786 lb / 12,150 kg 4. Amel Super Maramu (incl. SM 2000) If you follow the adventures of SV Delos on YouTube, you probably know that the star of the show (SV Delos— in case the title didn’t give it away ) is an Amel Super Maramu. These classic bluewater sailboats can be found all over the world, proof they can go the distance. We counted 16 Amel Super Maramus and Super Maramu 2000s in our list of PPJ entries. Ready to join the cult of Amel? Read more about the iconic brand in Yachting World. LOA 52.49 ft / 16.00 m First built 1989 Builder Amel (FRA) Designer H. Amel / J. Carteau Hull type Wing keel Rig type Masthead ketch Displacement 35,274 lb / 16,000 kg 5. Valiant 40 When I interviewed legendary yacht designer, Bob Perry, for Good Old Boat in 2019, he told me that the Valiant 40 was one of the boats that most defined him and marked the real start of his career. At the time, heavy displacement cruisers were considered sluggish and slow, especially in light winds. Perry’s innovation with the Valiant 40 was to combine a classic double ender above the waterline, with an IOR racing hull shape below the waterline. The result was the first “performance cruiser”, a blockbuster hit, with over 200 boats built in the 1970s. It’s no surprise we counted 16 Valiant 40s in our data set. Cruising World magazine dubbed it “a fast, comfortable, and safe cruising yacht,” and there’s no doubt it’s covered some serious nautical miles. It’s worth noting that there were blistering problems with hull numbers 120-249 (boats built between 1976 and 1981). Later models did not have this problem. Despite the blistering issues, the Valiant 40 remains one of the most highly thought of bluewater designs. LOA 39.92 ft / 12.17 m First built 1973 Builder Uniflite/Valiant (USA) Designer R. Perry Hull type Fin keel, rudder on skeg Rig type Cutter Displacement 23,520 lb / 10,668 kg 6. TAYANA 37 The Tayana 37 is another hugely popular Perry design. The first boat rolled off the production line in 1976 and since then, nearly 600 boats have been built. Beautiful classic lines and a proven track record have won the Tayana 37 a devoted following of offshore enthusiasts. 12 Tayana 37s have set out to cross the Pacific in the PPJ rally since 2009. Read more about the Tayana 37 in this Practical Sailor review . LOA 36.67 ft / 11.18 m First built 1976 Builder Ta Yang (TWN) Designer R. Perry Hull type Long keel Rig type Cutter Displacement 22,500 lb / 10,206 kg   7. Lagoon 450 If this list is starting to sound like a paid advertisement, I swear we’re not on Lagoon’s payroll! This is the third Lagoon on our list, but the data doesn’t lie. Lagoon is making some of the best cruising sailboats. The 450 has been a hot seller for Lagoon, with over 800 built since its launch in 2014. While not a performance cat, the Lagoon 450 travels at a reasonable speed and is brimming with luxury amenities. At least 12 owners in the PPJ rally chose the Lagoon 450 to take them across the Pacific. It’s no wonder SAIL had so many good things to say about it. LOA 45.80 ft / 13.96 m First built 2014 Builder Lagoon (FRA) Designer V. Peteghem / L. Prévost Hull type Cat. twin keel Rig type Fractional sloop Displacement 33,075 lb / 15,003 kg 8. Fountaine Pajot Bahia 46 There were 11 Fountaine Pajot Bahia 46s in our data set. Fountaine Pajot released the Bahia 46 in 1997, a sleek design for traveling long distances. Its generously-sized water and fuel tanks along with ample storage for cruising gear are a real plus for the self-sufficient sailor. According to Cruising World , “Cruising-cat aficionados should put the Bahia 46 on their “must-see” list.” LOA 46.10 ft / 14.05 m First built 1997 Builder Fountaine Pajot (FRA) Designer Joubert-Nivelt Hull type Cat. twin keel Rig type Fractional sloop Displacement 21,385 lb / 9,700 kg   See 9. Catalina 42 (MKI, MKII) 10 Catalina 42s (MKI and MKII) have set out to cross the Pacific in the PPJ rally since 2009. The Catalina 42 was designed under the guidance of the legendary yacht designer and Catalina’s chief engineer, Gerry Douglas. One of Catalina’s philosophies is to offer “as much boat for the money as possible,” and the Catalina 42 is no exception. According to Practical Sailor , Catalina aims to price its boats 15% to 20% below major production boats like Hunter and Beneteau. Practical Sailor has a great in-depth review of the Catalina 42 . LOA 41.86 ft / 12.76 m First built 1989 Builder Catalina (USA) Designer Catalina Hull type Fin keel, spade rudder Rig type Masthead sloop Displacement 20,500 lb / 9,299 kg 10. Leopard 46 Since 2009, 10 Leopard 46s have embarked on Pacific crossings in the PPJ rally. Leopards have won legions of fans for their high build quality, robust engineering, and excellent performance. The Leopard 46 also boasts something of a racing pedigree. It was built in South Africa by Robertson and Caine and designed by Gino Morelli and Pete Melvin, who came up with the record-breaking catamaran Playstation / Cheyenne 125 . Read more about the Leopard 46 in this Cruising World review . LOA 46.32 ft / 14.12 m First built 2006 Builder Robertson & Caine (RSA) Designer Morelli & Melvin Hull type Cat. twin keel Rig type Fractional sloop Displacement 24,206 lb / 10,980 kg Methodology What the data is and isn’t. The PPJ data was a real boon because it reflects a wide range of cruising boats: small, big, old, new, expensive, and affordable. We think this may be because the PPJ is a very financially accessible rally—the standard entry cost is $125 or $100 if you’re under 35 (age or boat length!). We did look at data from other (pricier) rallies but found that the results skewed towards more expensive boats. Needless to say, the data we used is just a sample of the bluewater boats that crossed the Pacific over the last 10+ years. Many cruisers cross oceans without participating in a rally! Entries vs. completions The data we used is a list of the PPJ entries, not necessarily the boats that completed the rally. In instances where we saw the same boat entered multiple years in a row, we assumed they’d postponed their crossing and deleted all but the latest entry to avoid double counting. Boat make variations The world of boat building and naming can get pretty complicated. Sometimes a manufacturer changes a boat’s name a year or two into production, other times the name remains the same but the boat undergoes a dramatic update. For the most part, we’ve used SailboatData.com’s classification system (if they list the boats separately, then we have also), except where there are two separately listed models that have the same LOA, beam, and displacement. 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. Terms and Conditions - Privacy Policy RM 1070+: our 35-foot / 11m sailboat A fantastic bluewater cruising sailboat. With the RM1070+ we wanted to create a 35ft sailboat suitable for all navigation plans, including long-range cruising. She is available in three appendage versions: twin-keel, fin keel, or lifting keel. Over-equipped with impressive deck-fittings, a plywood hull designed by Marc Lombard, and stunning interiors, she will be your best companion for both coastal cruising and oceans crossing. This liveaboard sailing yacht of about 11 meters is definitely a multi-task, polyvalent bluewater cruiser. “The RM1070+ is a true blue water sailing yacht: equally pleasant to sail in coastal cruising and transatlantic crossing!” Comfort is all about space and light Just an obviousness. At first glance, you can understand that the interior of the RM1070+ has been thoroughly thought for optimum functionality and ergonomics. The different zones are ideally distributed: a true chart table for the pilotage, a U-shape galley, a large and bright sitting area, spacious cabins, shower and heads, and the famous technical storage that RM owners are fans of. Technical specifications Have a look at the numbers below, and you will understand that the RM1070+ is a true cruising yacht, designed to transport you as far you want… Marc Lombard Design Group Edouard Delamare Deboutteville hull length Single keel draft, twin keel draft, light displacement, engine in board sail drive. Volvo Penta 30 CV fuel capacity Water capacity, holding tank capacity, furling genoa, asymmetric spinnaker, virtual tour. In just one click, jump into the RM1070+: this virtual tour will show you most of this fabulous 35-foot monohull sailing yacht. But you can also come and visit us at our shipyard to see her for real! An ocean adventurer, yet an elegant sailing yacht A yacht shall be nice at first sight! If you take into account this naval architecture fundamental rule, then one might accept that the RM1070+ clearly ticks this box! Awarded for her modern design in 2016 by Voile Magazine, our 35-footer is the superb outcome of a long-term work. Her exterior design seduces by her slim lines and harmonious proportions. She’s a beautiful yacht and loves to show it! Inside, she remains an RM yacht: soft, bright, with a comfortable ambiance. guided tour rm1070+ Keep in touch' restons en contact. We will send you RM Yachts News (Only) to make sure you are up to date. Recevez (seulement) nos infos, pour être sûrs de ne rien rater ! FR - Français EN - English Posted 2024-08-21 14:39 Contact Information: 28 Sabre Sailboat, 1976 - only-$5k - new Universal 20 hp diesel etc. - $5,000 (Jamestown RI) google map  QR Code Link to This Post post id: 7777611223 posted: 2024-08-21 14:39 updated: 2024-09-19 14:53 ♥ best of [ ? ] refresh the page. 28 Sabre Sailboat, 1976 - only-$5k - new Universal 20 hp diesel etc.... SPECIAL FALL CLEARANCE SAILING SALE! Check out another comparable sailboat for sale with the extras and condition online and you will find this is our best opportunity to own this high quality used... 342 COMMENTS 10 New Cruising Sailboats Under 35 Feet 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. Popular Cruising Yachts from 30 to 35 Feet Long Overall 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. Popular Cruising Yachts from 35 to 40 feet Length Overall Voyager 35; Warrior 40; Wasa 30; Wauquiez Centurion 40; Westerly Conway 36; Westerly Typhoon 37; Westerly Oceanranger 38; Medium sized cruising yachts like these are often the sailboat of choice for short-handed crews, and if properly equipped and maintained, will take long offshore voyages in their stride. SAIL Top 10 Best Boats for 2023 For almost 20 years, we've called this awards program SAIL Best Boats, but this year, we're refining and renaming this program to better and more fairly represent the boats we've selected. 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. 13 Best Liveaboard Sailboats (under 30 & 50 ft) 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. Nor'Sea 27. 5 best small sailboats for sailing around the world 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. 25 Sailboats Under 40′ Catalina 275 Sport. Catalina 275 Sport Billy Black. "This is a complete package; it's a good sailing boat and well-thought-out. It's definitely ready for prime time," says Boat of the Year judge Ed Sherman. Click here to read why the Catalina 275 Sport won Best Pocket Cruiser in 2014. 13 Best Cruising Sailboats in 2023 & Why They're Better Lagoon 450F. 45 feet. 8 to 10 people. $700,000. Bavaria Cruiser 46. 46 feet. 6 to 8 people. $250,000. In this section, we'll explore the 13 best cruising sailboats of 2023, highlighting their unique features and reasons why they stand out in the market. 43 of the best bluewater sailboat designs of all time Arcona 435. The Performance Cruiser winner at the 2019 European Yacht of the Year awards, the Arcona 435 is all about the sailing experience. She has genuine potential as a cruiser-racer, but her ... 14 Great Small Cruising Boats & Pocket Cruisers 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. 35'-38' Express Cruisers: Six Good Boats to Compare Six Good Boats to Compare. Sea Ray 370 Sundancer. Formula 37 Performance Cruiser. Regal 35 Sport Coupe. Cruisers Yachts 38 Express. Bavaria Sport 360 HT. Beneteau Gran Turismo 35. We have six express cruisers in what many experienced skippers think is a good compromise between size and cost. These boats are big enough for four people to ... Best family yacht: our pick of the best yachts for sailing with the family A crop of the latest 35-45ft mainstream production yachts, including the ultra spacious Dufour 41 and the smaller sister to the award-winning Hanse 460, plus a couple of less well known yachts ... 30' 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. 40 Best Sailboats, Types of Sailboats & Manufacturers 30. Swan 44. A strong, robust cruising boat built for high-seas, blue water adventures, the Swan 44 was designed by Sparkman & Stephens, and the yacht's well-known Finnish manufacturers, Nautor Swan, produced 76 boats in a production run that lasted from 1972-1975. The Best Cabin Cruiser Boats in 2024 Sea Ray's flagship is the SLX 400 OB, a 42-foot platform with outstanding use of space and basic accommodations, that embodies bowrider performance and social options with cabin cruiser comfort. All told, this boat has seating for up to 22 people and can reach 60 mph. The SLX 400 is "The Entertainer," dubbed for the copious space for ... SUNDANCER 350 Coupe Cabin Cruiser The Sundancer 350 Coupe headlines Sea Ray's most iconic series. With a sleek hardtop and enhanced coupe foredeck seating/lounging zone, the Sundancer 350 Coupe is a brilliant entertaining platform and an inviting place to spend entire days on the water. Premium amenities, state-of-the-art technology and unrivaled performance - with your choice ... Beneteau First 36: The Top 10 Best Boats Review The new Beneteau First 36 that debuted at Annapolis last fall checks all these boxes, and more. Enough that we here at SAIL happily anointed it one of our 2023 Top 10 Best Boats winners. This is a remarkably versatile craft. For a mass-production boat, it is quite light but also very strong, with a purely race-boat-quality build regimen. Preowned sailboats for sale over 35 feet 35' Sadler Yachts Sadler 34 New York City, New York Asking $19,900. 25' TPI Freedom 25 Somerset, Massachusetts ... 28.58' Ericson 29 foot sloop Madison County FL, Florida Asking $2,000. 25.5' Hunter 25.5 Oak Point, Texas ... Crescent Sail Yacht Club Grosse Pointe Farms, Michigan Asking $12,000. 36' Sabre 36 Mount Sinai, New York 10 Best Used Cruising Sailboats & Liveaboards Tayana Vancouver 42. Tayana Vancouver 42 Dave Backus. Ta Yang, builder of Tayana sailboats, has been building capable cruising boats forever, it seems. The Robert Harris-designed Tayana Vancouver 42 has been a mainstay of the serious cruising fleet since the day it was launched in 1979, and is still in demand today. The best bluewater sailboats (we analyzed 2,000 boats to find out) The 10 best bluewater boats. 1. Westsail 32. Photo credit: SailboatData.com. The Westsail 32 is one of the most iconic bluewater cruisers and 19 have set out to cross the Pacific in the PPJ rally since 2009. In 1973, this small cruising sailboat garnered a 4-page spread in Time magazine. 35 ft sailboat: RM 1070+, fast and modern sailing yacht RM 1070+: 35 ft sailboat, available in fin, twin or lifting keel. Plywood sailing yacht for coastal or bluewater cruising (Atlantic, Pacific, world travel, etc.). Life Proof 35 Full Cabin: Review & Sea Trial Report Oct 18, 2021. Built for heavy-duty cruising, the Life Proof 35 Full Cabin offers freedom to get where you want to go quickly. On the Double. Trawler enthusiasts are a unique bunch. We'll buy an 8-knot boat, and dammit, we'll be happy going 8 knots. We value dependability, seaworthiness and toughness. 28 Sabre Sailboat, 1976 Sailboat Specifications (Info Source- Sail Data) : Hull Type: Fin with rudder on skeg Rigging Type: Masthead Sloop LOA: 28.00 ft LWL: 22.83 ft Beam: 9.00 ft Displacement: 6,900.00 lb Ballast: 2,900.00 lb Max Draft: 4.25 ft Construction: FG Ballast Type: lead First Built: 1971 Last Built: 1976 # Built: 199 Builder: Sabre Yachts (USA) catamaran gulet motorboat powerboat riverboat sailboat trimaran yacht