best cruising liveaboard sailboat

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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 .

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5 Best LiveAboard Sailboats – Plus 8 Important Buying Considerations

CATALINA 30

Taking the plunge to live on a sailboat is usually a huge decision, especially as living aboard a boat is an exciting lifestyle choice. However, there are lots of things to consider before buying a boat that will suit your needs and also be nearly as comfortable as a traditional home on land.

Whether this is your first time choosing a liveaboard sailboat, or you want to upgrade to a better option, you will find useful information in this article. But before we get into the best liveaboard sailboats and how to choose one, let’s see why living aboard a boat is a great lifestyle choice.

We’ve reviewed some of the best liveaboard sailboats and listed them here to help you choose one that will suit you most.

5 Best LiveAboard Sailboats

Islander 36.

The Islander 36 is the boat for you if you want a well-rounded sailboat with impressive cruising abilities. With close to a thousand of these boats built between 1973 and 1986, the model is one of the successful and best-selling boats of the company.

These sailboats are renowned for their well-adorned cabins, with many featuring exquisite wooden interior trim. Typically, the interiors are spacious and feature a long port and starboard settee. The settee is designed to fold out into a double berth for sleeping. There is also a nav station to port with a quarter berth at the back that forms an extra seat. The boat also has a spacious master berth with an enclosed shower, making this boat one of the best liveaboard sailboats for cruising.

The interior also features plenty of drawers, plus many caned and louvered lockers. The L-shaped galley is to starboard and equipped with an icebox (that can be upgraded to a refrigerator). It also comes with a three burner LPG stove and a double sink.

Perhaps the most eye-catching feature of the interior is the companionway steps that are easy to maneuver. This is by far better than having ladders, as the steps can serve as additional separate seats when you have guests onboard.

The amount of fuel the boat’s tank can take is ideal for coastal cruising. Although Islander 36s can embark on extended trips, you will need to get additional jerry cans for that purpose.

You can check here for pricing and listings .

• LOA:   36 ft
• Beam:   11 ft 2 in
• Ballast:  5450 lbs
• Displacement:  13,450 lbs
• Sail Area:  612 sq ft
• Fuel Tank:  30 gallons
• Water Tank: 56 gallons

 Boats  →

If you are looking for a boat that is tough to beat feature-for-feature and size-for-size, perhaps this model will be of interest to you. Designed for comfort and performance, the Catalina 30 is arguably the most common production cruising sailboat to ever grace the open waters. Despite coming into the market as far back as 1972, their popularity to date is a glaring proof of high performance.

You can expect to find spacious accommodation in this 30-foot sailboat with modern features such as a fully equipped galley and electric pumps that supply running water. The layout features a “suite” style with a V-berth master bedroom that is closed off from the rest of the cabin.

The Catalina 30 also features a dinette that can also serve as a workspace or chart table. The boat also includes an enclosed shower and head, which makes living aboard a comfortable experience.

Check out listings for Catalina 30 here .

• LOA:   29 ft 11 in
• Beam:   10 ft 10 in
• Ballast:  100 lbs
• Displacement:  10,200 lbs
• Sail Area:  446 sq ft
• Shoal Draft: 4 ft 4 in
• Head Room: 6 ft 3 in

 Yachtworld  →

Weatherly, comfortable, spacious, and fast – these are what readily comes to mind when you think of the Nordic 40 .

This large sailboat is perfect for long-distance voyages, so if you intend to buy a boat that will offer excellent accommodation for offshore cruising, you know where to look. Thanks to its large structure, the interior is extremely spacious, making it the perfect choice for couples who want to spend more time aboard a boat.

The standard Nordic comes with top-notch equipment, including a Navtec hydraulic vang and Navtec rod rigging, plus full hull insulation in the entire interior. There is standing headroom available throughout, along with a spacious master bedroom.

The galley is fully equipped with modern facilities and allows for comfortable living. With the standard Nordic 40, there is no worry about storage space. Remote living is a walk in the park with this boat, even if you intend to anchor out for a couple of months at a stretch with enough supplies and provisions.

Keep in mind that these boats are not very common, but if it is the type that appeals to you, it is worth searching out.

Check out listings for Nordic 40 here .

• LOA: 39 ft 9 in
• Beam: 12 ft 5 in
• Ballast: 7,091 lbs
• Displacement: 18,000 lbs
• Sail Area: 756 sq ft
• Water Tank: 120 gallons
• Fuel Tank: 56 gallons

Thinking about taking your entire family for a coastal cruise or even a near-offshore cruising experience? Consider the Hunter 33 , one of the best liveaboard sailboats equipped for such purposes.

One of the longest-lived boats in its category, the Hunter 33 came into the market in 1977 and is still in production to date. The mid-sized sailboat comes with great interior accommodations, with ample room for sleeping and sitting. It comes with two private cabins, which is great for a 33-foot sailboat.

It features a shower and toilet aft the master bedroom. Plus, there is a full dinette and standing headroom throughout the cabin.

In a nutshell, this the perfect sailboat for those moving up in size and want a great boat with modern conveniences for an extended cruising period.

Check here for detailed listing and pricing .

• LOA: 33 ft 6 in
• Beam: 11 ft 6 in
• Ballast: 3,579 lbs
• Displacement: 11,016 lbs
• Sail Area: 625 sq ft
• Water Tank: 50 gallons
• Fuel Tank: 25 gallons
• Headroom: 6 ft 4 in

The Nor’Sea 27 is an excellent choice if you are single or searching for the best liveaboard sailboats for minimalists. This boat is arguably the best compact liveaboard cruiser available in the market today.

The compact boat has a surprisingly spacious interior for a 27-footer. Plus, it features almost every amenity you can find on a larger boat.

For comfort, the small sailboat feels more like a Catalina 30 and comes with a galley, shower, toilet, and two bunks below the cockpit. The forward berth also serves as a dinette.

The design of the sailboat is a huge success and has found a pretty strong following, which explains why it is still in production to date despite hitting the market long ago in 1976. As expected, the little sailboat costs less in slip fees. But the best part is that you can tow it on a trailer, and that’s all legal.

Don’t be fooled by its size, though. The Nor’Sea 27 isn’t cheap. Prices for new ones start from around $150K (with kits starting anywhere from $35K). You find used ones for as little as $15,500 or as much as $95,000 depending on age, quality of finish, and condition.

Find out current listings and prices here.

• Ballast: 3,100 lbs
• Displacement: 8,100 lbs
• Water Tank: 20 gallons
• Fuel Tank: 20 gallons

How to Choose the Best LiveAboard Sailboats – Buying Guide

There are several things to consider when choosing a liveaboard sailboat, but perhaps the most important factor is the level of accommodation that will suit your need. A boat with useful features such as a fully functional kitchen or electric toilets are well and fine, but many traditional sailors don’t really care about limited amenities. Any stripped-down sailboat with basic interior would do just fine.

Most sailors are generally okay with any standard live about sailboats constructed after 1970 since these types typically have adequate ventilation , a usable kitchen, head, and shower. But whatever your preferences, you can be sure you will find something that will provide the level of comfort you need in most modern sailboats.

Here are 8 important factors and requirements we think are crucial when choosing the best liveaboard sailboats.

1. Standing Headroom

There’s nothing wrong with spending a couple of days in a week aboard a boat without standing headroom. However, if living aboard a sailboat is a lifestyle choice for you, consider one with standing headroom. Your body is not meant to crouch or crawl for months or years on end. With time, your back and other muscles will start to take a hit. For your overall health and wellbeing, it is best to choose a sailboat with standing headroom. Our recommendation is 5-feet 10-inch standing headroom or something within that range.

2. Basic Kitchen Facilities

A liveaboard boat without a kitchen can only mean one thing: you will be eating out every single day! While this is okay for some people, others will prefer to cook their own meals at least once in a while, regardless of their culinary skills.

We think a kitchen is a must-have for the best liveaboard sailboats, even if it doesn’t have all the modern facilities. Basic kitchen facilities should include a refrigerator or icebox, a sink, and a stove. If you find one with an oven, that’s a plus, too!

3. Toilet with Plumbing

The fastest way to spread diseases when you liveaboard a boat is to have improper human waste storage and disposal system. Sanitation facilities are among the top considerations when choosing the best liveaboard sailboats.

Using a porta-potty all year long is definitely out of the question. Besides, no one would like to live on a stinky boat or have guests come over a smelly abode. When you choose a liveaboard sailboat, look for one with a built-in and properly outfitted toilet. It should also have a safe sewage storage tank with a proper disposal system.

Many liveaboards prefer to use gym or marina facilities instead of their onboard showers. This is okay, but it doesn’t eliminate the need for bathing facilities on board. Choose a sailboat with a shower for convenience’s sake, even if you don’t use it all the time.

It is important to make sure that your bilge pump is always in good working condition, especially if you have a boat shower that drains directly into the bilge. Keep in mind that whatever goes into the drain will find its way below your floor.

5. Electric Lighting

Having kerosene lamps is okay. In fact, many sailors love to have them because it adds a certain feel and beauty to their boats. But you definitely want to consider the convenience and safety offered by electric lighting. If you plan on living aboard a boat for a long time, you will need some form of reliable electric lighting.

6. Availability of 120V AC

The best liveaboard sailboats come with 120V AC outlets for standard house electricity connections. The availability of electricity is a definite requirement for living aboard a boat. You want to have a way to charge your cell phones, computers, and use other electronic gadgets. A boat with only a 12V outlet is not good enough. It is best to choose a sailboat with 120V AC outlets if you want to enjoy electricity living aboard a boat full-time.

7. Seating Spaces

Apart from the main bed, the best liveaboard sailboats should have additional seating spaces. There should be separate spaces for sitting, working, navigating, and eating, especially if you plan on living aboard for a long time.  You don’t want to be bored with the monotony of using only one space (the main bed) for all your daily activities. Having separate seating spaces has the added advantage of making your day-to-day activities more agreeable.

8. Ventilation

Perhaps the simplest requirement for liveaboard sailboats is ventilation. But it is equally essential, regardless. An opening porthole or a passive solar roof vent should suffice. The important thing to consider when it comes to proper ventilation is a boat that provides a way to let in fresh air without needing to open the main hatch.

Coastal Vs. Offshore Accommodations

And now, here’s one final factor to consider before choosing a liveaboard sailboat. How do you plan to use your boat? Do you want a sailboat that will serve primarily as a long-distance cruiser, or do you intend to use it mainly for coastal cruising?

Your intended use significantly affects the style of interior design that will be suitable for your purpose. Sailboat accommodations are greatly impacted by their cruising purposes. Coastal cruisers are likely to feature more plush layouts, complex interiors, and larger sofas. Also, these boats generally have several amenities, so it is common to have smaller storage spaces in these sailboats.

On the other hand, offshore or long-distance cruisers feature cabins that are designed and arranged to make the journey as comfortable as possible. These sailboats generally don’t have unnecessary furniture and other extras below deck to make room for increased sleeping and storage spaces.

It is easy to get carried away during the physical inspection of a sailboat, especially if the boat is equipped with modern facilities and fanciful, eye-catching amenities. But don’t get swayed by those, even though they are important for improved convenience. Your top priority should be how you intend to use the boat – for coastal cruising or offshore cruising. This should inform your choice of accommodation.

Benefits of Living on a Sailboat

Okay, why should you want to give up living on land and opt for an unstable address somewhere in the middle of the ocean? Is it even safe to do so?

Living aboard a sailboat is an exciting lifestyle that offers several benefits and challenges, too! Thousands of people across the world choose this lifestyle, and because these boats are constructed from high-quality, durable materials, you can be sure it is safe to liveaboard one.

This lifestyle offers liveaboards a cheaper alternative than living in a traditional house. This is particularly the case in waterfront cities where rental apartments and houses in the marina areas are even more expensive.

It is a lot cheaper to live in a boat if you enjoy traveling around the world on the water. And if you enjoy the marina lifestyle, you could take it a step further by owning and living in one of the several best liveaboard sailboats available.

And come to think of it, these boats require some serious investments. What’s the point of buying a “house” on the water without living in it, right? To many people, it makes more economic sense to live in their expensive boats, instead of paying extra rent for a house on the land when there is one idling away on the water.

About Chris

Outdoors, I’m in my element, especially in the water. I know the importance of being geared up for anything. I do the deep digital dive, researching gear, boats and knowhow and love keeping my readership at the helm of their passions.

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Better Sailing

Best Liveaboard Sailboats Under 30 feet

Deciding to leave it all behind and live on a sailboat is a great step to take in your life. Living aboard a sailboat means that you’re going to change your lifestyle and habits. In other words, you’ll learn to live in simplicity and you’ll become a more responsible consumer. In addition, you’ll feel closer to nature. Also, you’ll experience the freedom of sailing from one place to another and most importantly you’ll be able to choose when and for how long you wish to stay there. However, a liveaboard sailboat should be a bit bigger than your average weekend cruising sailboat. And for this reason, there are many things to consider before purchasing the ideal liveaboard sailboat under 30ft. This article will help you choose between the best liveaboard sailboats under 30 ft and find out which one suits you most. So, keep reading!

Before Buying a Liveaboard Sailboat

There are certain factors to take into consideration before choosing the right liveaboard sailboat. The first one refers to the space and amenities you want your sailboat to be equipped with. Liveaboard sailboats usually feature a more complex and spacious layout, with larger sofas and settees as well as comfortable interior features. However, in some cases, storage space is reduced so as to allow space for other amenities. Nowadays, there are several liveaboard sailboats under 30ft that are equipped with both interior space and amenities/additional features. In any case, if you’re looking for a liveaboard sailboat under 30ft to live on, you already know that this size goes mainly for couples, single sailors, and a small family.

>>Also Read: Best Sailboats to Live On

Amenities for a Liveaboard Sailboat

So, let’s now see what are the most important requirements for a liveaboard sailboat?

• Comfortable berths: Having proper and comfortable berths to sleep on is a vital element in a liveaboard sailboat. A well-designed sea berth ensures comfort while sleeping and provides safety in case of any unexpected knockdown, broach, etc. Remember that the berth’s dimensions, location, size, cushions, shape, and ease of access are important characteristics that determine its function and comfort.
• 120V AC Outlets – Electricity : Most sailors require electricity for several tools and utilities from their sailboat; as a result energy needs are increasing accordingly. So, electrical production is essential and so is safety on board. Investing in a good power set-up is a must in order to cover all your devices and equipment. Also, I strongly recommend investing in installing solar panels.
• Standing Headroom : Another important characteristic is having sufficient standing headroom. Like this, you’ll be able to stand up or lay down comfortably.
• Fully-equipped galley: A fully-equipped galley for a liveaboard sailboat is a must. It must have a sink, a refrigerator, storage containers, pots and pans, and an Italian espresso maker, among others. The additional utensils and equipment for your galley will be determined by your needs and the amenities you need.
• Sanitation and bathing facilities: Having a proper toilet and efficiently managing waste is really important. You can either have a cassette, pump-out, or incinerating toilets with safe storage tanks for pumping out or the best choice is to have composting toilets.
• Adequate space for seating spaces : When living aboard you might need different spaces for performing your daily activities. So, additional seating spaces and comfy settees are practical for a liveaboard.
• Ventilation and/or heater: If you’re living aboard your sailboat in a country with warm temperatures it would be useful to be equipped with a proper ventilation system or just by applying DIY ventilation tactics using the portholes. On the other hand, if you live in Northern countries it’s essential to be equipped with a heater on board.

Catalina 30

This model has been in production since 1975 and has been well-refined throughout the years. Catalina 30 ensures both comfort and performance and is by far the most common production boat for sailing open waters. The cabin and saloon layout are really spacious and, as many sailors say, it’s quite comfortable to live on despite its small size. Furthermore, it has a wide beam, great ballast/displacement ratio, and low sail area. In other words, it performs great under sail and ensures stability and comfort. There’s also a fully-equipped galley and electric pumps that supply running water. Lastly, it has a dinette that can serve as a workspace and an enclosed shower and head.

>>Also Read: Beneteau vs. Catalina: Which Is a Better Sailboat Brand?

Nor’Sea 27

This 27ft sailboat is a great choice if you are a single sailor or just sailing with your partner. There are many that agree that Nor’Sea 27 is one of the best compact liveaboard sailboats in today’s market. This is because it features a spacious interior for its size and a wide range of amenities. It comes with a galley, sanitation and bathing facilities, two bunks below the cockpit, and a forward berth that can serve as a dinette. Some great advantages of this model are that you can tow in on a trailer and that it can save costs on slip fees. The price of this sailboat varies from $15,000 to even $100,000 depending on its condition, and additional comforts or features.

Pacific Seacraft Flicka 20

This small 20ft sailboat is a practical, towable, and seaworthy vessel that managed to accomplish many circumnavigations. Even though its small size, the boat is surprisingly spacious and equipped with practical amenities in its interior. The Flicka offers generous space below for a couple to live aboard. It features a fully-equipped galley with a counter, a settee berth, and V-berths. Furthermore, storage space is decent as there are galley lockers, stowage under the deck over the V-berths, and headroom over the quarter berth. The only downside is that it lacks deck space, has narrow side decks, and a short cockpit. In any case, if you’re looking for a spacious but small sailboat to live on you can find the Flicka 20 on the used market for $25,000.

Cal 27 is a popular, comfortable and economical size boat for beginner sailors or for couples looking for their first cruiser. It was first built in 1975 and in 1983 its deck, keel, and rig were refined so as to provide a better performance, steadiness, and comfort. Moreover, it has sufficient area for handling sails and ground tackle and the side decks are wide enough to walk along safely. The interior is really spacious with a V-berth forward followed by an athwartships head and the main salon with port and starboard settees. As for the galley, it extends from port to starboard across the aft end of the saloon. There’s also a dinette table that folds up against the forward bulkhead of the main saloon when not in service. Lastly, storage is limited but adequate for this boat size.

Contessa 28

A seaworthy cruiser that is safe and comfy for a small family or couple to live aboard. A masthead rigged sloop with reasonable performance and quite easy to handle. Furthermore, it features a safe cockpit and versatile accommodation. It has 5 or 6 berths and a small but reasonably equipped galley. In the fore-cabin, the V-berth has storage space below and the quarter berth to starboard has a fold-down chart table. Moreover, there’s a sufficient head compartment which has a toilet and washbasin. The saloon has two settee berths and a fixed table with drop leaves. In today’s market, you can find a well-refined Contessa 28 with a price starting from $25,000.

The Pearson 28 was first built in 1975 and is now out of production. However, you can find this well-designed sailboat on the used market with a reasonable price starting from $19,000. Its modern design features a wide beam, a high freeboard, and a roomy interior; all these make it a great liveaboard sailboat. Moreover, it has plenty of engine power for its size under nearly all conditions. Below deck, there’s well-organized and sufficient space with a quarter berth cabin along the port side, a V-berth forward, and a U-shaped settee with a drop leaf table. Under berth and seat cushions storage space is great for this size of a sailboat.

Also, there’s a small galley along the port side and an icebox on the starboard side. In addition, there’s a fully enclosed head with an integral shower aft of the starboard side. The only downside of this interior is that there’s not enough standing room. In any case, as an overall review, many agree that Pearson 28 is a great liveaboard sailboat for a couple or a small family.

>>Also Read: Best Sailboats Under 100k

Before choosing to live aboard a sailboat keep in mind some important things to consider beforehand. Firstly, the level of space and accommodation you require. In addition, practical features like a fully-equipped galley, sanitation/bathing facilities, extra seating space, and ventilation. For example, there are people that require space and don’t really care about amenities. On the other hand, others pay attention to practical features or amenities whereas space is not really their concern. So, deciding to live aboard a sailboat needs some preparation and thought beforehand but you’ll be rewarded with freedom, simplicity, and tranquility. Whatever your preferences and needs, I hope that this article will help you to find the right sailboat that will provide an adequate level of comfort, space, and amenities.

Peter is the editor of Better Sailing. He has sailed for countless hours and has maintained his own boats and sailboats for years. After years of trial and error, he decided to start this website to share the knowledge.

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My Cruiser Life Magazine

9 Best Liveaboard Catamaran: Sail Away and Explore the World in Style!

Liveaboard catamaran sailboats are some of the most comfortable vessels on the water for long-term living and traveling. The choices when shopping for a cruising catamaran can be daunting, however.

So, without further ado, here are some of the best liveaboard catamaran sailboats that are 40-plus-foot and comfortable for long-term offshore cruising.

Table of Contents

9 best catamaran for liveaboard, 1. antares 44, 2. knysna 440/500, 3. leopard 42/43/45/47 (circa 1998–2004), 4. lagoon 42/46 (circa 2018), 5. manta 38/40/42, 6. alliaura marine privilege 42/435/45/445/465, 7. catana 401/42/431/471, 8. fountaine pajot orana 44/helia 44, 9. voyage/norseman 380/400/440/470, why a liveaboard catamaran, questions to ask before choosing a liveaboard catamaran, performance cats vs. cruising cats, size — what’s too small and what’s too big, build quality and longevity, owners vs. charter layouts, galley up vs. galley down, open transom/traveler up vs. closed cockpit, best features of a liveaboard catamaran, 1. downsize and organize, 2. learn to conserve, 3. maintenance skills, 4. safety first, 5. stay connected, 6. embrace the lifestyle, 7. financial planning, 8. health and well-being, 9. environmental responsibility, 10. education and learning, which is the best catamaran for liveaboard cruising, best catamaran for liveaboard faqs.

Picking the right liveaboard catamaran for your crew is a big choice. This list has been handpicked based on personal experience of years living on the water. 

Note that some of these are grouped based on the boat model. Many times, a boat goes out of production, and the hull molds get bought by another yard. They change the name and sell it under their brand. As a result, you will find a lot of boats listed with multiple names.

Are you looking for a smaller, cheaper option? Check out our list of cheap catamarans , including many older and smaller models that can be gotten for a bargain. 

Best Liveaboard Catamaran Options

Originally built by Canadian builder PDQ, it’s now produced by an Argentine company. The Antares 44 is one of the few purpose-built yachts for owners and cruisers.

They include training with new boat sails and have excellent after-sales support. The boats are gorgeous and some of the most seaworthy and well-appointed catamarans on the market, with high bridge deck clearance and everything to make life aboard as comfortable as possible.

Knysna is a boutique, semi-custom yacht maker from South Africa. Their boats are extremely well built to a very high standard. The designs came from the St. Francis boats (also really nice options!) but have been updated and redesigned. Knysnas are some of the prettiest cruising cats you’ll ever see. 

These early Leopard models had a lot going for them. The 43 is probably the most popular, but the 42 is in the same boat but a few years older.

The Leopard 43 was made popular recently by the Gone With the Wynns YouTube sailing channel. What’s to like? They’ve got shaft drives (not sail drives, so less maintenance), good looks, spacious cabins, and lots of living spaces. 

This newer line of Lagoons has a self-tacking jib and sleek, modern design. What we like most is the layouts, which have wide open spaces between the salon, cockpit, and helm station.

Manta was a US builder with a great reputation for building quality boats. They only built one model, which started as the 38 and progressively got more and more added to the transoms (sugar scoops). 

These older French boats were built to a much higher quality standard than current charter boats. They’re well-designed, even if the layouts are a bit dated by modern standards. There are many offshore cruisers that have been comfortably live aboard Privilege owners for years.

Catana is a performance-oriented French company. Their boats have distinctive daggerboards, narrow hulls, and asymmetric hulls. Catana now also makes the new Bali line of charter liveaboard catamarans. One of the company’s trademarks are the dual helm stations mounted aft on each hull, a really fun place to sail from.

Many FPs could be on the list, but the 44s are my favorite. They have just the right balance of good looks, useable space, and a workable layout, and it is just the right size. For tours and videos of the Helia, check out the Out Chasing Stars YouTube channel.

A South African yard from the early 2000s, the Voyage boats have a nice feature set and are built well. Unique for the era, these boats have open cockpits and easy walk-around side decks. Compared to many of today’s cats, these have low windage and low-slug decks for a sleek, seaworthy look.

Whether you want to set off and sail the world or just live comfortably while tied to a dock, catamarans are a great way to do it.

Catamarans first became popular with charter companies because they had more space to sleep more people . But something else became apparent quickly—non-sailors liked them. While they have all the parts and equipment to sail, they also have more space for guests to spread out. Everyone can have a private cabin, and there’s tons of space on deck to lounge where ever you like.

What’s more, the space on a catamaran feels different. The salon, the main living area in the cabin, is up high on the bridge deck. It has large windows that let in lots of air and light. A sliding patio door opens directly into a large cockpit , usually with bench seating for up to ten people and a dedicated large table for meals. All of this is separate from sailing controls and the helm, which is nearby but not in the way.

The dream of sailing and living on a sailboat appeals to many people until those people see the inside of a typical monohull sailboat. 

You see, the classic sailboat is cramped and dark. Many sailors describe the cabin of their sailboat as a “cave.” Windows are limited. Every inch of space in a sailboat has a purpose, so the space is usually packed with furniture, storage lockers, and need-to-have items. The outdoor space, called the cockpit, is crammed around the sailing controls and the helm or wheel. Getting between the cabin and cockpit requires climbing a steep ladder. The deck space is taken up with lines and sails, with no room designed to stretch out and enjoy yourself. And then you step on a catamaran.

The difference between a regular monohull sailboat and a catamaran is night and day. If you look at pictures of the two, the monohull is undoubtedly a boat. But the promo shots of a catamaran could be a seaside cottage or tiny house. It’s more comfortable and more approachable for the non-boater despite the spacious interior. And for boaters, it represents a huge step up in space and comfort . 

Here are some critical questions to ask yourself before making this investment:

• Purpose and Use : What is your primary purpose for the catamaran? Are you planning long-term cruising, weekend getaways, or perhaps a mix of living aboard and chartering? Understanding your primary use will help guide your choice in terms of size, layout, and features.
• Budget : What is your total budget, including purchase price, outfitting, and ongoing maintenance costs? Remember, the purchase price is just the beginning; insurance, docking fees, maintenance, and potential upgrades can add significantly to the overall cost.
• Size and Layout : What size of catamaran suits your needs? Consider the length and beam in terms of living space, comfort, and handling. Additionally, how many cabins and heads (bathrooms) do you need? The layout should accommodate your living and privacy needs, especially if planning to have guests or family aboard.
• Sailing Performance vs. Comfort : What is your preference regarding sailing performance versus living comfort? Some catamarans are designed for speed and agility, while others prioritize spacious living areas and amenities. Your sailing plans (long passages vs. coastal cruising) will influence this decision.
• Single-handed Sailing Capability : Will you often be sailing solo or with a crew? It’s crucial to consider how easily you can manage the catamaran by yourself or what kind of crew you will need for longer passages.
• Equipment and Amenities : What equipment and amenities are essential for your lifestyle? Consider navigation equipment, safety gear, kitchen appliances, energy systems (solar panels, generators), water makers, and storage capacity.
• New vs. Used : Are you considering buying a new or used catamaran? New boats offer the latest designs and technologies, along with warranties, but at a higher cost. Used boats can offer significant savings but may require more upfront maintenance or upgrades.
• Inspection and Survey : Are you prepared to have the catamaran thoroughly inspected by a professional marine surveyor? This is crucial for identifying any issues or potential maintenance concerns, especially with used boats.
• Docking and Mooring : Have you considered where you will dock or moor your catamaran? Availability, costs, and accessibility of marinas or mooring spaces can vary significantly by location.
• Lifestyle Fit : Does living aboard a catamaran align with your lifestyle and comfort level? Consider the implications of living in a smaller, mobile space, including storage limitations, privacy, and the need for a certain level of physical mobility and adaptability.
• Insurance and Registration : Have you researched the insurance and registration requirements for your catamaran? These can vary by location and the type of sailing you plan to do.
• Exit Strategy : Finally, what is your exit strategy? Consider how long you plan to keep the catamaran and how easy it will be to sell when the time comes.

Reflecting on these questions can help you make an informed decision that aligns with your sailing aspirations, lifestyle preferences, and financial situation.

Picking the Best Catamaran for Liveaboard Life

There’s a lot to look at when thinking about catamaran liveaboards.

Here are a few things to consider as you browse Yachtworld, Sailboat Listings, and Catamaransite.

Cats are unfairly divided into two groups, but it’s often oversimplified. All catamarans are built for cruising once they’re above a certain size (about 35 feet). At the same time, all catamarans are built for some amount of performance. The trick is figuring out which manufacturers balance these two things the same way you do.

Cruising catamarans are generally charter cats from companies like Lagoon, Leopard, Fountaine Pajot, and Bali. These boats lean on the side of having bigger hulls, stub keels, and easier-to-sail rigs . They still sail well, though. Unless you’re a racing sailor, know that most owners are very happy with how these catamarans sail. 

There are also a few companies making cruising cats that are aimed at private owners. Antares and Knyesna are two examples of spacious cruising catamarans perfect for living aboard. These are built semi-custom and are more likely to have space dedicated for storage, workspace, and offices.

Performance catamarans usually have smaller accommodations and sleeker profiles . They are also likelier to have daggerboards than stub keels, narrow hulls, and more sail area. Brand examples include Catana, Outremer, Maine Cat, and Gunboat. They’re built as lightly as possible out of the best materials and aim for the highest speeds and the most miles sailed per day. Boats in this category are much more expensive due to their higher construction costs and more advanced features.

More and more companies are spouting up with their own balance of performance vs. cruising space. No company picks one or the other; they all make compromises somewhere.

Picking the right size for your catamaran is important. If you’ve been boating on a few types of vessels, you might have some ideas. But if you’re shopping online, it is almost impossible to tell. 

As a rule of thumb, the smallest liveaboard catamarans are usually between 35 and 40 feet long. This isn’t just about accommodations, it’s about weight-carry capacity. It’s very easy to overload a catamaran, affecting both its performance and stability. If you’re a couple and want to go long-distance cruising, a 38-foot-class cat is best. This has space for you, your stuff, and an occasional guest or two.

If your budget allows, a 42 to 44-foot class boat is superior in a few ways. If you often have guests or more kids coming with you, this size boat is about right. They also carry more load, perform better (more miles per day), and ride better in a choppy sea.

Of course, there are couples cruising out there who couldn’t possibly do it on anything less than 65 or 70 feet! The size of your boat is a personal choice based not only on your budget but what you are comfortable with.

You really won’t know where you fit until you get on some boats. Visit a major boat show to get aboard some boats. Even if they don’t have the exact models you like the most, you can probably get an idea of what sizes work. If you’re close to buying, you can also enlist the services of a buyers broker to show you around some boats and help you pick the right size for your trip.

However, It must be said that bigger boats come with bigger price tags—for as long as you own it. Just looking at asking prices, you’ll quickly see that they leap at intervals as the boats become more complex. A nice, sail-away-ready 38-footer can be found for $250,000, but a 45-footer in similar condition will likely be over $400,000.

But everything is more expensive on a bigger boat, not just the purchase price. Dock space, boatyard fees, and most labor tasks (waxing, bottom paint, rerigging, etc.) are priced based on the boat length, not time. It is always beneficial to buy the smallest boat you’re comfortable on and save the extra money for longer cruises and future boat projects!

When shopping for a catamaran, it’s really important to gauge the build quality of the boat. This can be a daunting task for first-time buyers as you learn about how these boats are made and the differences between manufacturers. 

The bottom line is this—since catamarans are built for speed and performance, they are built lightly with modern techniques and materials. Unfortunately, most boat builders aren’t paying much attention to how that boat will last after ten or twenty years of pounding across oceans. Stress and flexing issues on these boats are real, as are manufacturing issues that don’t appear until years later.

If you’re looking to buy a used boat, you want to ensure it’s been built by a reputable builder and has been taken care of. Therefore, a survey from a professional who knows about catamarans is really important. 

Features of the Catamaran Liveaboard

For liveaboards, a few layouts and features set catamaran designs apart from one another. 

• Owners vs. charter layouts
• Galley-up vs. galley-down design
• Open transoms vs. closed cockpits

Since many catamarans were designed and built for charter use , their layouts often feature as many staterooms as possible with en suite heads (bathrooms) . This enables groups of couples to pool their resources and travel on a boat but still have personal space and privacy. It also allows hiring a crew to work the boat for your charter and for everyone to have separate accommodations.

The result is a pretty common layout found in many catamarans that features four cabins and four heads. The 4/4 will have a bunk on each end of the hull, each connected to a small bathroom and shower. If the catamaran is under 40 feet, it might be a 4/2 with only one larger bathroom in each hull. If you assume two per bed, and the salon settee converts into a fifth bunk, this boat could conceivably sleep ten. 

A private owner probably doesn’t need or want this many bunks. Most boats are owned by cruising couples that occasionally have friends visit or small families with one or two kids. Two bunks are plenty.

For this situation, the owner’s version layouts are much better. In this case, the owner’s stateroom takes up an entire hull . There’s extra storage space , a very large head, and a more spacious cabin . Plus, you usually get a very roomy separate shower that feels like home. All that extra space can make an office space or room to install amenities like a washing machine. The other hull shares the same layout as the charter version, with a smaller cabin on each end and one or two bathrooms in between. So, the owner’s version is either a 3/2 or 3/3.

Owner’s versions are slightly harder to come by and usually more expensive. However, many go into charter service despite the name, so they are out there. They’re more desirable and have higher resale value. On the other hand, the charter versions are often the cheapest liveaboard catamaran options because they’re common and less desirable in the resale market.

The next feature is how the boat is laid out with the galley.

Most modern charter cats have adopted the galley-up layout, which has the galley in the upper salon . That way, it’s right next to the indoor and outdoor dinettes, and the cook can be part of the social action.

A galley-down design has the galley tucked into one of the hulls . It’s more common on smaller boats where the upper salon is too small for the galley. But having the galley down is a safer and easier arrangement if you are cooking at sea, where the chef needs to brace themselves against a counter to get things done. 

Galley up or galley down? It’s a matter of personal preference. Some like being up with the views and fresh air while cooking, while others like the counter space and useability of a well-laid out galley down layout.

One big difference between modern charter catamarans and early models (and older monohulls) is the cockpit’s layout.

On catamarans, the cockpit is open and easy to walk around. You can step out onto the boat’s transom or side deck without stepping over any seats or deep coamings . This is a much more comfortable arrangement for living aboard.

But, if you’re crossing an ocean and the weather turns ugly , being tucked inside a deep cockpit with a tall coaming is pretty comforting. 

A common feature to look for is an arch or hardtop over the cockpit. The main sheet, the line that controls the mainsail, attaches to a control called the traveler. If this is on the deck at the back of the cockpit, it’s very hard to work around it. But if this is on top of a hardtop or arch, the cockpit will feel more open and spacious. Many older Lagoons and FPs had deep cockpits with the traveler on deck. Leopard catamarans were among the first to put it on an arch and open up the cockpit.

Again, it’s a matter of personal preference. But you definitely want to consider what you like and why before purchasing a catamaran because these are not features you can easily change. 

Here’s a list of the best features to look for, tailored to ensure a harmonious balance between sailing performance and liveaboard lifestyle:

• Spacious and Comfortable Living Areas : Look for a catamaran with ample living spaces, including a large saloon, comfortable cabins, and multiple heads with showers. Adequate headroom and natural light can make the interior feel more spacious and livable.
• Efficient Galley : A well-equipped galley (kitchen) with sufficient storage, counter space, and appliances such as a refrigerator, freezer, stove, and oven is essential for daily living and entertaining on board.
• Good Ventilation and Air Conditioning/Heating Systems : Proper ventilation is crucial to prevent condensation and maintain a comfortable living environment. Additionally, having air conditioning and heating systems can extend the comfort range to hotter and colder climates.
• Ample Deck Space : A catamaran with generous outdoor spaces, including a comfortable cockpit, foredeck, and trampolines, provides additional living and relaxation areas, enhancing the onboard lifestyle.
• Water Maker : Having a water maker on board can be a game-changer for long passages and remote anchoring, reducing the need to frequently dock for water supplies.
• Energy Independence : Features like solar panels, wind generators, and efficient battery storage systems ensure a sustainable and independent power supply for your electrical needs.
• Easy Handling and Maneuverability : A catamaran designed for ease of handling, possibly with features like electric winches, a furling mainsail, and bow thrusters, can make sailing and docking less strenuous, especially for short-handed crews or solo sailors.
• Safety Features : Essential safety features include a robust navigation and communication system, life rafts, fire extinguishers, automatic bilge pumps, and a well-thought-out design for safe movement around the boat.
• Storage Capacity : Adequate storage for provisions, spare parts, personal belongings, and water toys is crucial for long-term living and voyaging.
• Dinghy and Davits : A reliable dinghy and an easy-to-use davit system are essential for accessing the shore when at anchor and for general exploration.
• Strong Build and Hull Design : A catamaran with a solid build quality and a hull design suited for your intended use (coastal cruising vs. blue-water passages) provides safety and comfort in various sea conditions.
• Bridge Deck Clearance : Sufficient clearance between the water and the bridge deck reduces slamming in rough seas, contributing to a smoother and more comfortable ride.
• Protective Helm Station : A helm station that offers protection from the elements while maintaining good visibility around the boat is essential for safe navigation.
• Accessibility and Maintenance : Consider the ease of access to engines, generators, and other systems for maintenance. A well-designed layout can save time and effort in upkeep.
• Liveaboard Amenities : Additional amenities such as a washing machine, entertainment systems, and outdoor grilling areas can make life aboard more enjoyable.

That said, each potential owner’s priorities will vary, so it’s important to consider which features align best with your lifestyle and sailing plans.

Tips for Liveaboard Catamaran Life

Living aboard a catamaran is not just about adjusting to the physical constraints of boat life; it’s also about embracing a lifestyle that is both challenging and immensely rewarding. With the right preparation and mindset, you can make your liveaboard experience truly unforgettable.

• Downsize Belongings : Space is a premium on a catamaran. Carefully consider what you need versus what you want. Downsize your belongings to the essentials and a few comforts that make you happy.
• Organize Intelligently : Use space-saving storage solutions and keep your belongings organized. Every item should have a designated place to avoid clutter and ensure safety while underway.
• Water Conservation : Fresh water is precious on a boat. Get accustomed to water-saving habits like short showers and using saltwater for preliminary cleaning.
• Energy Conservation : Be mindful of your energy use. Rely on renewable energy sources like solar panels and wind generators, and invest in energy-efficient appliances.
• Develop DIY Skills : Basic maintenance and repair skills are essential for a liveaboard lifestyle. Being able to troubleshoot and fix issues with the engines, sails, and electronics can save time, money, and prevent potential dangers.
• Regular Check-ups : Stick to a strict maintenance schedule to prevent small issues from becoming big problems. This includes checking the hull, rigging, sails, and all onboard systems regularly.
• Invest in Safety Equipment : Ensure you have all necessary safety equipment onboard, including life jackets, fire extinguishers, flares, a life raft, and an EPIRB (Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon).
• Be Prepared for Emergencies : Regularly practice safety drills with everyone onboard. Everyone should know how to operate the safety equipment and what to do in case of an emergency.
• Communication Tools : Invest in reliable communication tools, including a VHF radio, satellite phone, and internet access, to stay in touch with the outside world and for emergency communications.
• Build a Community : Connect with other liveaboards and sailors. They can be a great source of support, advice, and companionship.
• Be Flexible : Living on a catamaran means being at the mercy of the weather and the sea. Be prepared to adapt your plans according to conditions.
• Enjoy the Simplicity : Embrace the simplicity and closeness to nature that comes with living on a catamaran. It’s a chance to focus on what truly matters to you.
• Budget Wisely : Understand and plan for the costs associated with liveaboard life, including marina fees, maintenance, insurance, and daily living expenses.
• Emergency Fund : Always have a financial cushion for unexpected repairs or emergencies.
• Stay Active : Incorporate physical activity into your daily routine. Swimming, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, and yoga are great options.
• Healthy Eating : Plan and stock up on nutritious foods. Fresh produce may not always be available, so consider growing herbs or sprouts onboard.
• Respect the Ocean : Practice eco-friendly habits to minimize your impact on the marine environment. This includes proper waste management, using eco-friendly products, and avoiding activities that harm marine life.
• Navigation and Sailing Skills : Continuously improve your sailing and navigation skills. Knowledge and experience contribute significantly to safety and enjoyment.
• Learn Local Regulations : Familiarize yourself with the regulations of the waters you are sailing in, including fishing laws, protected areas, and anchoring rules.
• Knysna 440/500
• Leopard 42/43/45/47
• Lagoon 42/46 (circa 2018)
• Manta 38/40/42
• Alliaura Marine Privilege 42/435/45/445/465
• Catana 401/42/431/471
• Fountaine Pajot Orana 44/Helia 44
• Voyage/Norseman 380/400/440/470

The good news is that we live in a time when catamarans have become mainstream. They’re exceedingly popular and more exciting new models are coming out each year. We’ve moved past the years when the only boats to choose from were built for charter. There are now great choices aimed at liveaboards and cruising families. 

What is a good size catamaran to live on?

For most cruising couples, the smallest catamaran they’d want to consider is in the 35 to 38-foot range. Small families prefer a slightly bigger boat, from 40 to 42 feet, while those with older kids or more people on board like something in the 45-foot range. Everyone is different, of course, and you’ll find families of 4 or 5 living happily on 35-foot cats and couples that could never live on anything less than 60. 

Are catamarans good in rough seas?

Yes and no. Most catamarans 38 feet and over are certified for offshore sailing and can safely handle any conditions—so long as they are sailed conservatively. In general, as long as you reduce sail early and travel carefully, catamarans are safe at sea. 

But are they comfortable in rough seas? This is a question for which everyone has a different answer, and a lot depends on the model of the catamaran. Catamarans are built light in order to move quickly over the waters. Unfortunately, the two hulls mean that the boat is slammed by each wave twice. In some conditions, this makes for a choppy ride that makes some people seasick quickly. 

Can you sail a 40-foot catamaran by yourself?

Yes. Most catamarans are set up for short-handed or single-handed sailing . Much of it is simply how the boat is rigged and whether or not all the control lines are led to the helm. Even if a boat isn’t set up this way, it’s usually fairly straightforward to make it so.

What is the minimum size of a liveaboard?

People live on all sizes of vessels, so there’s no minimum. It’s a personal choice and depends on how you like to live. The most common size for liveaboard boaters is between 35 and 45 feet. These boats are small enough to be easy to drive, store, and maintain while still having enough space to live comfortably.

Matt has been boating around Florida for over 25 years in everything from small powerboats to large cruising catamarans. He currently lives aboard a 38-foot Cabo Rico sailboat with his wife Lucy and adventure dog Chelsea. Together, they cruise between winters in The Bahamas and summers in the Chesapeake Bay.

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Best liveaboard boats: 4 of the best options for long-term cruising

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Our used boat expert Nick Burnham picks out four of the best liveaboard boats on the secondhand market right now.

One of the real joys of boating is the sheer diversity of it. Whatever you want to experience, whether it’s exhilaration, exploration, relaxation, escapism, social interaction or solitude, there’s a boating style and a boat type, specifically made for you.

And exactly the same is true for the ultimate boater’s fantasy – living aboard your floating home full time (it’s what we all dream of, right?).

So here to fulfil the fantasy are four great examples of vessels that could either take you and your family or friends around the world in a constant stream of adventures, or a more modest barge that would allow you to park up on a quiet stretch of the River Thames and enjoy a constant stream of G&Ts! Cheers!

Nordhavn 46

Built: 1997 Price: £350,000

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The Nordhavn 46 is Genesis for Nordhavn and set the tone for pretty much every model that followed. Pacific Asian Enterprises was formed by Jim Leishman and Dan Streech in 1974, originally importing and selling a line of boats from Taiwan called Transpac.

In 1978 Jeff Leishman, Jim’s younger brother, joined PAE as a part-time employee whilst still at school. Jeff completed his studies in 1987, and received his naval architecture diploma from the Yacht Design Institute.

As part of his graduation requirement, he was asked to design a vessel of his choosing. That actual design became the Nordhavn 46 and an entire new genre was born.

Saloon and galley are all on one level with stairs leading down to the owner’s cabin

Several layout options were tried in the early days, before settling down to the layout you see on this 1997 example, much of which echoes through to current models.

Designed for long-term living aboard, there’s a large saloon and galley on the main deck, with steps down to an owner’s cabin in the centre of the boat (reducing motion at sea to a minimum).

But another set of steps lead up to a proper separate wheelhouse , little-ship style. Steps forward from here drop you down to a separate guest cabin in the bow.

A wide side deck leads from the cockpit along the starboard side and up around the front of the wheelhouse in the form of a Portuguese bridge protected by a bulwark from the foredeck.

Follow it round and you’ll go back past the wheelhouse on the port side and up the stairs again to the boat deck above the saloon where the tender is stored.

The bridge deck is a few steps higher and further forward than the saloon

Performance

Nordhavns are all about range, which is why speeds are strictly limited to hull displacement speed rather than forcing more knots via a semi-displacement or planing hull.

Figure on about 8.5 knots flat out with 7.4 knots as the cruise speed, at which the 3,785 litre fuel tank should give about 2,500 miles of range.

There is a lot of boat under the water, with its full hull shape and long keel designed to help the boat plug on and on.

Nordhavn 46 specification

LOA: 45ft 9in (13.9m) Beam: 15ft 5in (4.7m) Draught: 5ft 0in (1.5m) Displacement: 20 tonnes Fuel capacity: 3,785 litres Engine: Lugger L668D 134Kw 180hp diesel engines Location: Hamble Contact: Nordhavn Europe

Aqualine Canterbury 62×10 Widebeam

Built: 2019 Price: £182,950

Widebeam narrowboat sounds like the ultimate oxymoron, but it’s a term used to denote canal barges that are, well, wider of beam. A typical narrowboat is 6ft 10in wide, and it’s constructed to this dimension in order to access virtually all of the British canal system.

In short, there are places a wide beam just can’t go. But there are plenty of places that it can. There are four main UK ‘cruising grounds’ for the widebeam owner: London and the South; East Anglia; the Severn waterways; and the Trent and North. Indeed, many owners simply use them as floating homes and never go anywhere at all.

The saloon looks more like an apartment than a boat, with proper domestic furniture…

So what’s the point of a wide beam narrowboat that can’t go everywhere? In a word, space. At 10ft wide, it’s not far short of double the beam, meaning you get almost twice the internal volume for a given length.

But it also gives you rooms that feel far more like those in a house and less like railway carriages. Given that very little of the interior is structural, it’s easy for the manufacturer to customise the layout. This particular boat has a large bedroom at the bow, a generous bathroom and a huge lounge/diner large enough for domestic furniture plus a kitchen.

Narrowboats tend to major on internal space so there is little more than vestigial side decks. There is a decent cockpit at the aft end with a large crescent of seating around a table, and a helm station with wheel steering rather than the tiller of more traditional designs. There is also a ‘well deck’ forward, which is basically a small cockpit in the bow accessed from the forward cabin.

…and the fully equipped galley could be the kitchen in a stylish new build house

Performance is probably not a word you associate with 62ft of 10mm steel plating powered by a Barrus Yanmar Shire 50hp, 4 cylinder 2,190cc diesel engine.

It will move you sedately around the inland waterways, but the fact the water tank is almost double the size of the fuel tank encapsulates the priorities of these vessels.

A misnomer – if you’re planning to put to sea, this is not the boat for you.

Aqualine Canterbury specification

LOA: 62ft 0in (18.9m) Beam: 10ft 0in (3.1m) Draught: 1ft 9in (0.6m) Displacement: 33 tonnes Fuel capacity : 430 litres Engine: Barrus Yanmar Shire 50hp diesel engine Location: Bray Contact: TBS Boats

Built: 2002 Price: £399,950

Built in 2002 by Zijlmans Jachtbouw, a family owned yacht builder in Drimmelen on the Amer River, North Brabant in Holland, this Triqual 65 has had a rather colourful history. It ended up in the Caribbean before being shipped back to Amsterdam in June 2011.

Following a tip-off from the French authorities, the HMRC intercepted the boat in Southampton. After seven days of very thorough searching, they found no drugs inside the boat. There was, however, the small matter of 1.2 tonnes of cocaine worth £300,000,000 hidden in a secret compartment located underneath the bathing platform!

The result was rather a lot of work needed when the current owner bought the boat from an HM Revenue & Customs auction in 2013. A total interior strip and rebuild to a high standard followed.

The owner wanted a boat for exploring the coastlines of Ireland and Scotland before heading over to Scandinavia and the Baltic Sea, so comfortable liveaboard boat was the name of the game and a full interior refit followed, creating a very contemporary and, above all, spacious displacement cruiser with three cabins (two doubles and a twin), a lower dinette and a large saloon area.

A total interior refit in 2013 means the saloon still feels fresh, bright and modern

A flybridge motor yacht, there is masses of space on the outside too. The large flybridge has been refitted with more seating, there’s an aft deck to enjoy and deeply bulwarked side decks encircle the boat.

A pair of Vetus Deutz DT67 231hp six cylinder diesel engines pushing over 40 tonnes of steel about (the hull is 6mm thick below the waterline, 5mm above) is never going to set any speed records, but a displacement maximum speed of 10 knots and an 8.5 knot cruise is not too shabby at all, nor is the fuel burn of 28 litres an hour, giving an impressive 1,000 nautical miles of range.

The flybridge is unusually large for a Dutch built steel displacement craft

That weight of the Triqual 65 is also going to do a pretty good job of flattening any chop offshore. Registered as an RCD Category B ‘Offshore’, it’s a boat designed for far more ambitious routes than just coastal cruising.

Triqual 65 specification

LOA: 63ft 3in (19.3m) Beam: 17ft 0in (5.2m) Draught: 5ft 7in (1.7m) Displacement: 40.6 tonnes Fuel capacity: 3,768 litres Engines: Twin Vetus Deutz DT67 231hp diesel engines Location: Lymington Contact: Berthon International

Built: 1991 Price: £385,000

Tony Fleming was the technical director of American Marine in Hong Kong, builder of the Grand Banks line of trawler yachts , before leaving to set up his own company under the Fleming brand name. He and business partner Anton Emmerton worked with an American naval architect, Larry Drake of San Diego, California, to develop an all-new range of pilothouse boats.

The Tung Hwa facility, located near Kaohsiung in Taiwan, was selected to build them. The very first model was a 50-footer, with this 53ft version following from hull number 9 onward.  Intriguingly, the boat was originally designed as a 55-footer but a dam was inserted in the aft end of the mould to shorten the hull to 50ft.

Soon after the dam was pushed back to create the Fleming 53, then in 1990 it was finally removed altogether and the Fleming 55 proper was launched as it had been envisaged all along.

Available in two or three-cabin layouts, this boat is the two-cabin version which creates a much larger owner’s stateroom with vanity desk, large guest port cabin and storage room all on the lower deck forward.

A raised wheelhouse gives great visibility but also direct access to the flybridge for easier movement between decks. Further aft, a large saloon with the galley forward on the same level makes this a great social area. It’s ideal for extended cruising as a couple with a pair of guests, which is exactly what this boat was designed for.

Spacious saloon and galley are ideally set up for liveaboards and long distance cruising

One of the most noticeable things about the decks of the Fleming 53 is just how low the side decks are. Open a door in the high bulwarks and you can step straight aboard – try that with a contemporary Sunseeker or Princess !

Back aft, the cockpit is kept completely clear for freestanding furniture and there’s another stairway up to the flybridge where you’ll find fixed seating, the tender, complete with crane for launching, and the liferaft.

The original owner of this boat specified twin Caterpillar 3208 NA diesel engines that produce 210hp each, giving a cruising speed of 9 knots and maximum speed of approximately 12 knots.

Separate wheelhouse is well suited to night passages and has access up to the flybridge

Those low side decks help keep the centre of gravity low, aiding its legendary seakeeping and minimising rock and roll (of the non-musical variety).

Fleming 53 specification

LOA: 52ft 6in (16.0m) Beam: 16ft 0in (4.9m) Draught: 5ft 0in (1.5m) Displacement: 31 tonnes Fuel capacity: 3,880 litres Engines: Twin twin Caterpillar 3208 NA 210hp diesels Location: Chichester Contact: Ancasta

First published in the September 2021 issue of MBY.

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5 Best Liveaboard Bluewater Sailboats

Liveaboard bluewater sailboats are both comfortable to live on and capable of making long, offshore ocean voyages.

The best liveaboard bluewater sailboats must strike a balance between comfort and seakeeping abilities. These boats are generally heavy and stable and roomy enough to spend time in. They must also include the necessary hardware to make cooking, sleeping, and bathing possible in choppy conditions.

Table of contents

Bluewater Liveaboard Sailboat Design

What makes a good bluewater liveaboard sailboat , and how is it different from a coastal cruiser? There are a few aspects of purpose-built bluewater sailboats that make them different from most production vessels. The first and (possibly) most important is the hull design.

The classic bluewater sailboat hull shape features a long, deep, full keel. The keel acts as a hydroplane and keeps the boat stable on course in all sea conditions. Deep keel sailboats aren't the only kind of bluewater-capable vessels, but they're a tried and tested design.

Other vessels gain stability from having a wide beam. Beamy sailboats are far more comfortable in rolling seas, as they tend to buffett and pitch much less than leaner, narrow boats. Most ideal liveaboard bluewater sailboats balance length and beam carefully to make the most of the space and hull shape.

Space is another important quality to consider when choosing the best bluewater liveaboard sailboat. Interior space comes first, as living quarters are a key element of comfort.

Cockpit space should also be considered, especially if more than one person comes aboard. Most liveaboard bluewater sailboats sacrifice cockpit space for cabin space.

A comfortable liveaboard sailboat should include several amenities, including a head (toilet), a shower, two sinks, a galley with a stove, an icebox, a place to eat, and a place to sleep. Ideally, the dining area is separate from the primary sleeping area.

A separate chart table is ideal as well because it keeps food and clutter away from important navigational equipment. A chart table is less important on liveaboard sailboats that spend the majority of their time docked. That said, the chart table functions well as a spot for a microwave, toaster oven, or TV when you're not underway.

A separate forward V-berth, known as a master cabin, is a big plus on liveaboard boats. Separating the sleeping area from the rest of the cabin can increase comfort and coziness.

However, on a bluewater sailboat, a side berth near the hatch is essential as well. This is because you may need to quickly take control of the vessel after waking up, and it's best to sleep close to the helm.

Power and Water

Power and water shouldn't be overlooked when choosing a bluewater liveaboard. Many liveaboards spend most of their time docked and hooked up to shore power, water, and sewage. But bluewater liveaboards are designed for cruising, which means everything must be self-contained.

The best bluewater sailboats have sufficient freshwater storage tanks for several weeks on the water. Some have desalination (water maker) machines, which require electricity to run.

Solar panels are an excellent option for power generation, and they can be installed on almost any sailboat.

But all bluewater sailboats should have battery banks and a gasoline or diesel generator built into the system. On many vessels, the inboard engine also functions as a generator.

Safety is an essential factor to consider when choosing a cruising sailboat , especially if it doubles as your primary residence. Basic safety equipment such as bilge pumps and radios should be maintained and tested regularly. Backups and spare parts should also be kept aboard.

Other safety features, such as watertight hatches, can keep your cabin safe and dry during inclement weather. Self-draining cockpits are helpful when sailing offshore, as spray and waves drain from the exposed cockpit without the use of electric or mechanical pumps. If the drain ports are kept clean, no bailing is ever necessary.

Radar is another useful safety feature that, while not mandatory, can keep you in-the-know and alert you to the presence of nearby ships. Radar is especially useful at night, as the automatic alarms can wake you whenever a potential obstacle appears nearby.

Bluewater Sailboats for Living Aboard and Cruising

Living aboard a sailboat is one of the most interesting and rewarding lifestyles available today. It's even more alluring when you can sail your vessel across oceans, which is what bluewater sailboats are designed to do.

A liveaboard cruising sailboat combines comfort, seakeeping ability, and ease of handling in a compact and thoughtfully-designed package. Here are the best liveaboard sailboats for bluewater cruising.

1. Pacific Seacraft Flicka 20

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

The Flicka 20 is the smallest and most interesting sailboat on our list. At only 20 feet overall in length, the interior accommodations of this vessel are spartan at best and suitable for minimalist living.

What makes the Flicka 20 stand out is its exceptional bluewater performance. This sailboat is truly an ultracompact pocket cruiser. With a full ballast keel, self-draining cockpit, and wide beam, the Flicka 20 is more capable offshore than some boats almost twice its size.

This sailboat has the profile of a traditional keel cruiser. From a distance, it would be easy to mistake for a much larger vessel. Its hull shape, manageable Bermuda rig, and small size make it a perfect starter sailboat for single handed offshore cruising.

Inside, you have (almost) everything you need to live comfortably, albeit in a minimalist way. The cabin features standing headroom throughout, which is highly unusual for a 20-foot sailboat. On the port side, you're greeted with a small but functional galley. On the starboard side, there's a small head with a toilet and a shower.

The Flicka 20 displaces a hardy 5,500 lbs. Due to its large keel, there's no centerboard trunk to obstruct interior space. A V-berth upfront makes up the sleeping accommodations, and some models feature settees on both sides with a pop-up dining and chart table in between.

The Pacific Seacraft Flicka 20 has achieved somewhat of a cult status amongst bluewater sailboat enthusiasts. Only about 400 were built, so purchasing a Flicka 20 is somewhat of a rare and expensive proposition. That said, the benefits of owning a 20-foot bluewater liveaboard sailboat are hard to beat.

Cheap slip fees, low maintenance costs, and simplicity are the major selling points of this vessel. It's trailerable behind most heavy-duty pickup trucks and technically small enough to store on the street or in a driveway.

2. Pacific Seacraft Allegra 24

{{boat-info="/boats/pacific-seacraft-allegra-24"}}

If the Flicka 20 is too small for your taste, try the Pacific Seacraft Allegra 24. It follows the same design principles of the Flicka 20, but with four feet of additional space for cabin amenities and seaworthiness.

Four feet may not sound like a lot, but it makes a world of difference on a sailboat. The additional space on the Allegra 24 adds room to the head, extends the port and starboard settees, and increases the size of the galley.

If you like the idea of a small, semi-trailerable offshore sailboat with liveaboard amenities, you'll love the Allegra 24. This stout sailboat has almost miraculous handling and seakeeping qualities while retaining the benefits of small overall size.

With the Allegra 24, you'll be able to make virtually any offshore passage and save on slip fees, maintenance costs, and overall labor. This vessel is easy to sail single handed and large enough for a minimalistic couple to live, eat, and sleep comfortably.

The Pacific Seacraft Allegra 24 is not ideal for people who need space for pets, children, or guests, as the interior is quite small when compared to other sailboats. That said, there's enough room for an occasional passenger, and the cockpit is comfortable enough for four adults to sit and interact.

3. O'Day 28

{{boat-info="/boats/oday-28"}}

The O'Day 28 is a popular sailboat that makes a great liveaboard cruising platform. This affordable vessel was produced between 1978 and 1986, and over 500 examples were produced over the years.

All in all, the O'Day 28 is a stout cruising sailboat that's suitable for offshore and coastal sailing. It features a raked stern and hidden rudder, and a helm that's similar to what you'd find on much larger boats.

The O'Day has a large fuel tank for its inboard engine and an even larger 25-gallon freshwater capacity, which is excellent for offshore cruising. Additional tanks can be added in storage spaces, making the O'Day 28 suitable for long voyages.

The cabin of the O'Day 28 is spacious and includes everything you'd need to live aboard comfortably, along with plenty of storage space throughout. The wide beam of the O'Day 28 gives it lots of space, so the cabin doesn't feel cramped for its size.

Two models of the O'Day 28 were built; one featured a swing keel, and the other had a fixed swing keel. The swing keel model is ideal for coastal cruising and shallow-water sailing, while the fixed keel O'Day 28 is more suited for bluewater cruising.

That said, both keel variants make fine offshore sailboats. The cabin of the O'Day 28 features a large galley with a stove and icebox, two large settee berths, a large center table ahead, and a V-berth forward. The head serves as a separator to the forward cabin, giving the V-berth an extra layer of privacy.

4. William Atkin "Eric" 32

{{boat-info="/boats/atkin-co-eric-32"}}

"Eric," designed in the 1920s by famous marine architect William Atkin, is a radical departure from typical modern liveaboard sailboats. However, as a bluewater liveaboard sailboat, this vessel likely outshines all the others on this list in almost every conceivable way.

Eric is a 32-foot traditional wooden ketch. This planked full- keel sailboat displaces over 19,000 lbs and has a draft of about five feet. The basic design of the hull is based on early Norweigian fishing boats, which were known for their resilience in rough North Sea storms.

Eric is a traditional gaff-rigged vessel with two short masts and a long bowsprit. Though complex to rig, it sails beautifully in all weather conditions. One of the earliest examples built survived a hurricane offshore in the 1930s, and subsequent models have completed numerous long-range ocean voyages.

Eric is a purpose-built long-range ocean cruiser. Interior accommodations are spacious and designed for comfort and utility. Unlike most sailboats of the time, Eric features a full head with shower, a 'master cabin' style V-berth forward, a full galley with an icebox, and standing headroom throughout.

William Atkin's Eric is, by all definitions, an ocean-crossing sailboat designed to take between one and four adults just about as far as they want to go. It has all the qualities of an oceangoing sailboat in a compact package, along with excellent seakeeping characteristics.

The primary drawback of this 32-foot Atkin sailboat is maintenance. Most of these hulls were constructed using traditional oak planking, which lasts forever if taken care of but requires skilled maintenance. The planks are caulked using cotton wadding, and they'll need recaulking if the boat stays out of the water for too long and "dries up."

If you're looking for a beautiful and historic liveaboard sailboat with serious offshore cruising capabilities, consider an Atkin Eric 32. Although somewhat rare, examples of this design occasionally pop up for sale on the used market.

5. Pearson 35

{{boat-info="/boats/oday-28"}}, {{boat-info="/boats/pearson-35"}}

The Pearson 35 crosses the rubicon into the 'big boat' category, as it has everything you'd expect of a large oceangoing sailboat. The vessel also has a unique displacement keel with an additional swing keel at the base.

The Pearson 35 is a roomy sailboat with excellent seakeeping abilities and a large sail plan. It's a typical Bermuda-rigged sloop with a tall mast and the usual sheet and halyard arrangement. As a result, it's fun to sail and easy to handle. It's also a fast boat, making it ideal for longer voyages.

The swing keel certainly doesn't make the Pearson 35 a shoal-draft sailboat. It has a modified full keel which (with the swing keel retracted) draws 3 feet 9 inches. With the additional swing keel down, the draft of the Pearson 35 increases to over 7 feet.

The Pearson 35 is a heavy boat with good sea keeping abilities. It was introduced in 1968, and over 500 units were produced. That makes it one of the more popular sailboats in its class, and plenty of Pearson 35s are still sailing around the United States.

Down below in the cabin, the Pearson 35 is roomy and comfortable. It features a full galley, an enclosed head with a shower and sink, and several berthing areas, including a forward V-berth. Plenty of storage is available throughout the cabin, making the Pearson 35 an excellent choice for living aboard.

There's something empowering about piloting a 35-foot sailboat through rough weather. The size of the boat provides both safety and a sense of security, which can help you keep a clear head during stressful situations at sea. The vessel is beamy as well, making it less likely to heel aggressively and increasing roll comfort in dicey seas.

Overall, the Pearson 35 is an excellent choice for a liveaboard bluewater sailboat. It's a large boat in comparison to the others on this list, and it's known for easy handling and excellent windward performance. The Pearson 35 is a common sailboat that's widely available on the used market.

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Daniel Wade

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

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Best Liveaboard Bluewater Sailboats

Blue water sailing is a great way to explore the world's oceans, but it can be expensive and difficult. So, what are the best liveaboard bluewater sailboats?

October 17, 2023

This article may contain affiliate links where we earn a commission from qualifying purchases.

Some of us dream about blue water sailing, but we're afraid that it will cost too much or take too long to get ready for our first trip. Others have already taken the plunge and are looking for advice on how to make their next adventure even better than their last one.

The best liveaboards are cruising sailboats, because the slower speeds and fuel economy of a sailing yacht make long-distance voyaging easier on both man and machine. The Amel 54, Islander 36, Pearson 35, Hunter 33 and Nordic 40 are all bunk-worthy liveaboard blue water cruising sailboats.

If you are looking for a new adventure, then you should consider taking up sailing. There are many different types of boats to choose from and all sorts of places to explore. Whether your goal is to cross an ocean or just have some fun on the water, there are liveaboard blue water sailboats that will suit your needs. In this article we will discuss five different options for people who want to take their liveaboard experience offshore!

Our team of expert sailors has all of the research for you and has put together this list of some of the best liveaboard blue water sailboats available today. These boats offer comfort, safety and great amenities that will make every day spent at sea relaxing and enjoyable. Whether you're looking for a boat with an onboard Jacuzzi or one that has plenty of outdoor deck space, we've got everything covered.

Table of Contents

‍ 1. Amel 54

The  Amel 54  was launched in 2006, and this bluewater sailboat has been making waves in the cruising world ever since. It is a great liveaboard vessel for serious cruisers who want plenty of space to accommodate their family or friends.

The Amel 54 has all the hallmarks of what you would expect from an ocean-going sailboat in terms of handling rough seas in comfort while still maintaining excellent performance when required.

The deep keel has plenty of ballast to help keep her steady in heavy seas, and you will find that even with over 11,000 pounds of lead ballast down there, she still manages to maintain a modest draft of 6'11". This makes it very easy to find shallow water anchorages when needed and ensures that your boat can handle plenty of rough weather without the risk of running aground or being pushed around by strong currents.

The interior layout on this liveaboard bluewater yacht features a master stateroom aft with private access to the head, a separate dedicated cabin for guests or crew, and a saloon that is perfect for entertaining. The galley is huge and includes a large deep double sink, plenty of counter space, and even a dishwasher.

The vast majority of the interior has been crafted from high-quality laminated woods that are long-lasting and easy to clean while still looking great. There are all sorts of storage throughout this liveaboard bluewater boat, including lockers, drawers, cabinets, and hanging lockers, so your gear will always be safe from harm no matter how rough things get out at sea.

The Amel 54 also features a teak cockpit with large comfortable seating for up to 8 people and a couple of tables that can be taken in when not needed or used as extra storage space. This liveaboard bluewater boat even has an integrated electric grill on the stern, so you don't have to mess around with charcoal BBQs anymore!

When it comes to performance, this liveaboard bluewater yacht manages to keep pace with much larger yachts in a breeze thanks to her well-balanced rig and huge rudders. The Amel 54 can cruise at up to 8 knots when required and has a top speed of 11 knots thanks to the Volvo Penta 110 HP Diesel engines.

However, it comes at a price. The Amel 54 is one of the more expensive bluewater yachts on the market, but her massive interior volume and long-range cruising capabilities should easily offset that for many people.

Overall, the  Amel 54  is a phenomenal bluewater vessel that will accommodate many families in great comfort and help them explore the world without worrying too much about safety or reliability. If you're looking for an "easy-displacement" bluewater liveaboard sailboat, then this might just be the one for you.

• Price: $400,000-$600,000
• Rigging type: Staysail Ketch
• Length Overall: 56 ft
• Max Displacement: 38,580 lbs
• Beam: 15.75 ft
• Fuel Tank Capacity: 238 gallons
• Ideal for deep blue water excursions
• Tons of storage space throughout
• Can handle heavy weather thanks to the large rudders and wide beam
• High fuel capacity will keep you moving for a long time
• Accommodates plenty of friends or family members
• Not the fastest bluewater yacht available
• Quite expensive compared to other similar yachts

2. Islander 36

The  Islander 36  is a liveaboard bluewater sailboat that has been designed for ease of handling and comfortable cruising. It's not big - it can easily be managed by two people (and you'll want some help to raise the main), but it will accommodate four, six, or eight adults in comfort.

The Islander 36 has a canoe body style with a low freeboard and no plumb bow or stern. It has a soft, slightly raked sheer line, and the deck is open to the hull at deck level for ease of passage and storage. It features modern styling but has traditional, tried-and-true hull construction with a hand-laid fiberglass hull and balsa coring.

The Islander 36 features a large master berth with plenty of room for storage underneath. Galley storage is generous, and you'll find lots of lockers and drawers around the berths to keep everything in its place.

The Islander 36's cockpit is large enough for a game of cards or to invite the whole crew over for cocktails. It has good all-around visibility thanks to its wide side decks and low coach roof coaming. There are lots of lockers with plenty of storage where you can keep fenders, warps, lines, wetsuits, etc., out of sight yet handy when needed.

The fuel tank capacity is 30 gallons which means you can cruise long distances without worrying about running dry. It has a reliable Yanmar diesel engine that will get you up on the plane in 6-8 knots of wind and provide a comfortable cruising speed of 6-7 knots with efficiency. It has a single lever control mounted conveniently just inside the companionway ladder for easy access when needed.

The Islander 36's deck layout was well thought out, making sail handling efficient and straightforward while providing enough lines to allow an energetic crew to easily manage all sail combinations without getting tangled up in each other or caught short when one line or another suddenly snaps taut while everyone else below is busy sorting gear or preparing dinner.

The Islander 36 is capable of being sailed short-handed or in an overnight watch system by two experienced sailors, but it's just as comfortable in short hops around the local area when you have family aboard for the weekend.

While the  Islander 36  has been designed to liveaboard cruising standards, it will also provide many years of practical pleasure sailing when time on board is limited to weekends or weekdays alike.

• Price: $20,000-$30,000
• Rigging type: Masthead Sloop
• Length Overall: 36 ft
• Max Displacement: 13,450 lbs
• Beam: 11 ft
• Fuel Tank Capacity: 32 gallons
• Great value for money
• Ideal for coastal cruising
• Durable construction
• Easy handling and comfortable cruising
• Comfortable berths for four, six, or eight adults
• Limited fuel capacity for deep ocean excursions
• Bulky interior layout with few ergonomic features.  

3. Pearson 35

The  Pearson 35  is an excellent bluewater sailboat that has been in production since the early '70s! It might be a couple of decades old, but it still has lots to offer and is even popular with charter boat companies due to the sheer amount of space onboard.

Her hull design is very capable, and she will perform well in most sea conditions and handle some pretty severe weather without complaint. The vast majority of the Pearson 35 is made from sheet plywood covered in fiberglass. This gives her a nice-looking finish and protects against water damage, but it does make the boat heavy in comparison to modern designs.

When it comes to handling, this bluewater sailboat performs brilliantly at sea thanks to her solid hull design and wide rudders. The stern is designed to offer good grip when getting underway but will behave nicely once you've picked up some speed, so it's perfect for families looking to relax without too much noise or fuss.

The interior layout on this bluewater yacht is well thought out and makes great use of space with multiple cabins, heads, and storage areas throughout the entire boat. The galley down below has all you need to cook up delicious meals when at sea or anchoring out for the night.

The deck area features an impressively large teak cockpit that can seat many people comfortably, while there's also enough room in the bow to work on larger projects if needed. There's plenty of flybridge seating, too, so you'll never be short of a place to sit when on watch.

The galley is on the smaller side; however, you'll find that everyone prefers to cook outside on the deck most days while cruising through crystal clear waters. Speaking of cruising through waters, this liveaboard bluewater yacht has a nice wide beam of 13 feet, making it very stable even in rough conditions.

When it comes time to set sail, you will notice that she is a bit slow to get up on a plane and doesn't have the fastest top speed in the world. However, this liveaboard bluewater sailboat has clearly been designed for comfort and not speed.

In terms of bluewater yachts, the Pearson 35 is pretty affordable, and you should have no trouble finding one if budget is your biggest concern. There are plenty of these cruising sailboats available for charter, making it an even more appealing choice for some people.

The Pearson 35 is a safe and reliable bluewater cruiser that has been in production for almost half a century! This liveaboard bluewater sailboat is one of the most popular options on this list as it has lots of excellent features and will definitely not disappoint. If you're looking for a solid and capable sailboat, then the  Pearson 35  gets our vote.

• Price: $15,000-$46,000
• Length Overall: 35 ft
• Max Displacement: 13,000 lbs
• Beam: 10 ft
• Fuel Tank Capacity: 42 gallons
• Ideal for cruising the Caribbean and Bahamas
• Plenty of comfortable space
• One of the more affordable bluewater yachts on this list
• Comfortable and spacious throughout
• Solid engineering ensures a safe and reliable boat
• Fuel tank capacity is a bit low
• Below-average performance under sail
• Lacks speed when cruising

4. Hunter 33 Sailboat

The  Hunter 33  is a fantastic liveaboard bluewater sailboat that is well suited to long-term cruising! She was first launched back in late 2011 and has since been one of the most popular bluewater sailboats in the world.

This bluewater yacht has a sleek design and great sailing performance, making her a popular choice for families looking to explore some of the bluest waters with comfort and style.

The hull on this liveaboard sailboat is designed to be lightweight and offers very minimal resistance when moving through choppy seas, which makes for an exceptional ride even in rough conditions.

Her masthead sloop rig is easy to sail, but she won't perform as well as a modern racing boat when it comes down to pure speed under sail. However, this sailboat will reward you with excellent stability at sea, making her ideal for novice sailors who are looking for something practical without too much fuss.

The decking throughout the boat is also made from teak wood which adds a nice touch and gives it a classic look without too much upkeep required. There's plenty of room on deck and various storage spaces along with three spacious cabins below, each capable of housing up to 4 people comfortably.

When it comes to storing large loads such as freshwater, food, and other supplies, this bluewater yacht has 2 large storage areas located below deck.

In terms of bluewater sailing yachts, you'll have a tough time finding one as nice as the Hunter 33. Not only does she look fantastic from afar, but for a smaller vessel, she offers excellent performance under sail, making it ideal for cruising to remote locations.

• Price: $60,000-$125,000
• Length Overall: 33 ft
• Max Displacement: 10,600 lbs
• Beam: 10.17 ft
• Fuel Tank Capacity: 25 gallons
• Beautiful, sleek design
• Exceptional performance under sail
• Grand interior space with three cabins
• Easy to maintain wooden decking
• Low fuel capacity
• Not the fastest sailboat out there

5. Nordic 40

The " Nordic 40 " was produced in 1982 by Nordic Yachts and designer Robert Perry. It's a fiberglass monohull with the masthead rigged sloop with a lifting keel for trailering.

It has proven itself to be capable of making long ocean passages but is equally at home cruising in local waters. The Nordic 40's owners report that this bluewater sailboat offers comfortable accommodations for two couples plus children with space for sleeping five if necessary.

Her hull design features a moderate beam with a fine entry forward, creating less drag when sailing upwind or broad-reaching while still providing great initial stability even when heeled over. This makes the "Nordic 40" a good bluewater boat that is still very convenient for coastal cruising and day sailing.

The large cockpit has lots of room for the crew to move around easily when the boat is under sail, and its low coaming, wide side decks, and high bulwarks provide excellent visibility all-around, giving you plenty of warning about what's happening around the boat.

The Nordic 40 also offers excellent visibility forward thanks to her tall mast, tall rig, and conventional rigging. The tall mast won't interfere with your view forward while sailing upwind or reaching at close-hauled angles, making it easy to find your way into crowded anchorages without running over boats.

The cockpit features two double berths set athwartships, making it easy to convert the Nordic 40 into a good liveaboard bluewater boat without sacrificing too much of your storage space below.

The interior layout of this bluewater sailboat was designed with the sailor in mind and features plenty of storage for your gear in drawers, lockers, and hanging lockers. Wet gear is kept in place in its own dedicated locker where it won't offend you when you go down below after an afternoon sailing or exploring coasts.

The only downside to this sailboat is that they are extremely hard to find used. When they do show up for sale, it is usually at higher prices than a comparable boat from another manufacturer.

Because of their rarity, it is difficult to compute the average price for a used "Nordic 40". Prices vary considerably as they are just as likely to be seen for sale at $100,000 as they are to sell at over $600,000.

A surveyor's inspection and sea trial is highly recommended before making an offer on this bluewater cruiser. The condition and maintenance history of these boats make a huge difference in how much money you'll end up spending once you own one, so don't neglect the pre-purchase survey!

While not exactly plentiful, the  Nordic 40  is still a great bluewater cruiser that can also be used for coastal cruising and day sailing if need be. The only downside is the price tag, which is very high when you do happen to find a used one on sale.

• Price: Varies considerably ($100,000-$600,000)
• Length Overall: 40 ft
• Max Displacement: 18,000 lbs
• Beam: 12.43 ft
• Fuel Tank Capacity: 55 gallons
• Plenty of storage in drawers, lockers, and hanging locker
• Tall rig for excellent visibility when sailing upwind or reaching close-hauled angles
• Good liveaboard bluewater boat
• Can handle deep ocean excursions
• Extremely hard to find used
• Very expensive when you do find one available for sale.

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16 Best Trimarans For Sailing Around The World (And a Few For Daysailing)

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Trimarans are growing in popularity worldwide, due to their light construction and high stability these multihulls are even faster than catamarans. Trimarans are still one of the lesser-known boat types so in this article ill be checking out some of the most popular models.

The best trimarans include: 

• The Neel 43 
• The Neel 47 
• Dragonfly 28 
• The Pulse 600 
• Corsair 37 

These tris are built with your safety in mind while also packing powerful speed and a wide array of comfort features to optimize your sailing experience , some are even foldable making them possible to load on a trailer and transport to the sailing destination of your choosing.

In this article, I have created a list of the 16 best trimarans in the market and their unique features. You’ll also learn the best options for different purposes such as circumnavigation, weekend sailing, racing, and more. 

Table of Contents

What Is a Trimaran?

A trimaran is a multi hulled sailboat with three individual hulls; the main hull ( vaka ) and a pair of outrigger hulls ( amas ). These smaller outrigger hulls are attached to the main hull using beams. 

While trimarans have a rich history dating back nearly four millennia, these types of sailboats have only gained popularity in the late 1900s and early 2000s. 

Trimarans are primarily used as personal boats for sailing enthusiasts or racing. These sailboats draw their versatility from their lightweight design, making them faster and easier to handle at sea when compared to single-hulled boats (monohulls). Additionally, the three hulls also contribute to better stability, making it very hard to capsize (although more likely than a cat according to this study)

Trimarans come in various sizes, and some can be as small as 19 feet (5.8 meters) in length, while others go up to 60 feet (18meters). They’re also used for different purposes. Most trimarans are used for racing and recreational purposes, although some units are still used as ferries.

As with all things, to find out which is the best we need to understand what it will be used for. There is a big difference in requirements between a boat used for day sailing compared to offshore around the world sailing.

The list below highlights the best trimarans for different purposes.

Best Trimarans For Cruising, Liveaboard and Sailing Around The World

The Neel 43 is a French trimaran best suited for cruising. Its key features include: 

• Easy maneuverability on the open sea by only a small number of crew members 

This unit is also built for comfort, ideal for more extended travels. This 43-feet (13-meter) trimaran is also made with recyclable and bio-sourced materials, highlighting the manufacturer’s commitment to environmental consciousness. 

This trimaran has a base price of  €329,000 excluding VAT. This translates to approximately $370,138. 

2.Neel 47 Possibly The Best

Named the best full-size multihull for 2020, the Neel 47 is a strong contender for one of the best trimarans in the market. This 47-foot (14.3-meter) long trimaran features optimized exterior and interior ergonomics for a unique design and look. 

Still on design, the Neel 47 is ideal for couples looking to take a weekend off or spend some time as liveaboard. It has a spacious owner’s cabin and two bedrooms. It also features a spacious living room and kitchen and is optimized to ensure comfort for a couple. 

The Neel 47 also has two basic guest cabins so your friends or children can tag along on your sailing adventure. Accordingly, this unit is ideal for those looking to explore the sea for the sheer joy of sailing. 

The Neel 47 comes at a 571,139 euro ( $643,600 ) price tag, excluding VAT. 

3. Rapido 60 The Fast and Comfortable Circumnavigator

The Rapido 60 offers a blend of performance, safety, and luxury, making it one of the best options for bluewater sailing. Measuring 59.3 feet (18 meters) in length, the Rapido 60 is an imposing unit. It’s made from lightweight sandwiches and carbon materials that provide speed and strength, allowing it to stand up to strong ocean currents. 

The Rapido 60 also has spacious living spaces and is built for comfort at all points of the sail. Its design also optimizes safety. While it’s an ideal option for circumnavigating, it’s also an excellent choice for racing due to its speed. 

This is also the same boat that The Youtube channel La Vagabond just purchased.

The Rapido 60 retails at $1,400,000 . 

4. Rapido 40

The Rapido 40 measures 39.4 feet (12 meters) in length and is ideal for cruising around the world. The Rapido 40 features twin “C” foils, which provide added lift, enhancing its speed and performance whether you are sailing downwind or upwind. 

Because it has C foils, this trimaran doesn’t have a central daggerboard, increasing interior space. Accordingly, it’s an excellent option for couples looking to cruise and enjoy great performances .

The Rapido 40 is made from high-tech all-carbon materials for a lightweight yet sturdy design. This material is also used for the countertops and furniture, and the cork flooring adds a touch of style.

This trimaran retails for $595,000 , making it a cheaper option than the Rapido 60. 

5. Dragonfly 40

The Dragonfly 40 measures 40 feet (12 meters) in length. It features high-comfort standards, making it one of the best trimarans in the market for taking your family for a cruise. Because of its larger size, it has a better capacity, being capable of accommodating six to eight people, so you can bring your family and friends along. 

It’s easy to navigate and extremely safe. With a maximum speed of 24 knots (44.5 km/h), this trimaran also provides fast speeds to make your cruise even more exhilarating. 

The Dragonfly 40 retails from €509,000 exclusive of VAT, which rounds up to $572,000 . 

6. Dragonfly 32

The Dragonfly 32 is a high-performance cruiser. Like the Dragonfly 28, this unit features a contemporary design for racing. This trimaran can accommodate five to seven crew members. 

Although slightly longer than the Dragonfly 28 with its 32-foot (9.8-meter) length, the Dragonfly 32 has a max speed of 23+ knots (42.6+ km/h), making it one of the fastest trimarans for racing. This unit also has comfortable accommodation, which makes it an ideal option for a weekend cruise with family and friends. 

The Dragonfly 32 has a base price of $350,000 . 

7. Corsair 37

Thanks to a variable draft with a retractable rudder, the Corsair 37 is an ideal choice for shallow water exploration. This 37-foot (11.3-meter) long trimaran features advanced foam-cored construction designed for safety, making it virtually unsinkable. 

The carbon hulls minimize weight, this makes for a lightweight ocean exploration sailboat with blistering speeds. One of its selling points is that this trimaran has previously been used for Arctic expeditions, possibly marking it as one of the better options for circumnavigation and offshore sailing in the northern waters. 

This trimaran has a base price of $189,000 but can go up to $204,125 .

Best Trimarans For Day/Weekend Sailing

8. dragonfly 28.

The Dragonfly 28 is a 28-feet (8.75-meter) long sailboat that can accommodate up to five people. It comes in two versions: 

• Touring version: This version is ideal for families.  
• Performance version: This is built to provide optimal performance for the sports enthusiast within you. 

It clocks a maximum speed of 22+ knots (22+ km/h) and is beam-folded. It’s an excellent option if you want a high-performance, comfortable yet smaller unit for your day or weekend cruise. 

The Dragonfly 28 starts at  €188,280 inclusive of VAT, which comes to around $211,600. 

9. Dragonfly 25

Like other trimarans under the Dragonfly brand, this 25-foot (7.62-meter) trimaran is great for both racing and short term cruising. However, this high-performance boat delivers easy handling, making it perfect for couples looking to take a ride out over the weekend and seasoned sailors looking for an exhilarating racing adventure. 

The Touring version features a lightweight build and offers comfort and accommodation to keep you, and the few guests you can fit, comfortable during the ride. This trimaran also has a Sport version, which is optimized for racing. 

The Dragonfly 25 retails from EUR 86,800 . 

10. Pulse 600

The Pulse 600 trimaran is a compact sailboat. It’s made from lightweight, carbon-reinforced construction and vacuum-formed materials for optimal speed. This trimaran is an ideal option if you are looking for speed. 

It also features ample deck space, greater stability, and volume than most trimarans of similar size and build. 

This trimaran measures 19.8 feet (6 meters) in length and can be sailed single-handedly by one person with minimal effort. The Pulse 600 has a base price of $38,800 , which places it in the lower price range. 

The F-22 is one of the smaller trimarans in the market. Developed in New Zealand, the F-22 is a folding trimaran built for speed. The hulls are made from narrow fiberglass tied together using fiberglass beams and aluminum, minimizing bulk while optimizing speed. 

The F-22 is roomy and is not as pricey as other models in the market. This trimaran has two main versions: 

12. 2019 Weta Trimaran

The 2019 Weta trimaran is a 14.5-foot (4.4-meter) trimaran featuring a carbon frame, centerboard, rudder foil, and rudder shock. The hull is made from fiberglass and foam. The Weta is built for strength and speed based on these lightweight materials. 

The 2019 Weta trimaran is easy to sail and is worth considering whether you want to take a quiet sail, race with your friends, or take kids to a sailing lesson. It has a simple design and is easy to set up independently. Thanks to its collapsible design, this trimaran is easily stored away with minimal space demands. 

13. WindRider 17

The 17.4-foot (5.3-meter) WindRider 17 is one of the more versatile trimarans in the market. It packs high performance for a low cost. This trimaran has a light rotating mast to boost performance, and a full-battened mainsail optimizes visibility. 

This sailboat is made from rotomolded polyethylene, which is more durable than fiberglass and demands less maintenance.

The WindRider 17 has a comfortable interior and can fit six adults. This is an ideal choice for social sailing for a couple or a family and friends. It’s easy to ride, and a shallow draft allows easy maneuverability. 

14. Astus 22.5

If you’re looking for something small but still comfortable, this 22.5-foot trimaran is for you. Built for speed and maneuverability, the Astus 22.5 has optional foils to optimize speed. The modern design, coupled with the spacious interior, can fit up to four beds. Accordingly, this trimaran is suited for family outings. 

This trimaran also has a foldable design, collapsing to only 16 feet (4.9 meters) for easy storage. 

15. Multi 23 Trimaran 

The Multi 23 trimaran has a contemporary design, featuring a vinyl ester and PVC foam core construction. The section below the waterline is made of solid glass for a sturdy base.

The beams are made of lightweight carbon, and the trimaran features a 33-foot (10-meter) aluminum rotating wing mast for optimal harnessing of the wind. While ideal for weekend excursions with family, once rigged with the asymmetrical spinnaker will get your heart pumping.

This trimaran packs high performance at a lower cost than most other options in the market. It’s a good choice if you are looking for a high-performing unit without spending an arm and a leg. 

16. Challenger Class Trimaran

The Challenger Trimaran 15 is the best choice for persons with disabilities. It’s designed to provide disabled sailors an opportunity to explore their passion for sailing without worrying about aspects like safety or operation. 

A man named Geoff Hold circumnavigated the British Isles in 2007, becoming the first disabled person to achieve this feat. He had quadriplegia. 

Living up to its name, the Challenger can withstand harsh weather conditions while blending performance with speed. 

Final Thoughts 

Admittedly, no trimaran is best for everyone. But whether you are looking to race with your friends, take your loved ones or friends for a cruise over the weekend, or circumnavigate the ocean, you can rest assured that these lightweight trimarans will deliver speed, safety, and comfort to make it worth your while. 

These brands are innovatively designed and feature intricate safety mechanisms that make them virtually unsinkable. Give them a shot and begin your ocean adventure. 

• Basco Boating: A Comprehensive Guide & Introduction to Trimaran Yachts
• TheBoatAPP: New Trumarans: Which are the Best Ones
• Corsair Marine: Corsair 37
• Dragonfly: Dragonfly 28
• Rapido Trimarans: Rapido 60
• Neel Trimarans: Neel 43
• Yachting World: World’s Collect Yachts: Maxi Trimaran MACIF
• Yachting Monthly: Dragonfly 28 Performance
• Rapido Trimarans: Rapido 40
• Dragonfly: Dragon 32
• Dragonfly: Dragonfly 40
• Yachting World: Dragonfly 40 yacht tour: This cruising trimaran can do 24 knots
• Dragonfly: Dragonfly 25
• NauticExpo: Dragonfly 25
• Yachtworld: Corsair 37 boats for sale
• Cruising World: Neel 47 Trimaran: Best Full-Size Multihull0
• Neel Trimaran: Neel 47
• Multihull Solutions: NEEL 47 Boat Review | Cruising World
• Yacht World: 2022 Neel 47 for sale
• Farrier International: F-22
• Weta Marine: The Boat
• WindRider: WindRider 17 Trimaran Sailboat 
• Astus Boats: Astus 22.5
• Boat-specs: Multi 23
• National Maritime Museum Cornwall: Challenger Trimaran #1 – BC26

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

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Lagoon 450f, nautitech 46 fly.

If you're on a tight budget but still want to enjoy the liveaboard lifestyle, the Leopard 40, Lucia 40, and Lagoon 400 are some of your best options. If you have a slightly higher budget to live up to your dream life aboard, let's see which of these catamarans will suit your needs best.

• Low-budget liveaboard catamarans cost anywhere from $350,000 to $450,000, while high-budget options range from $1,000,000 to $2,000,000.
• The living space of the best liveaboard catamarans ranges from 77 sqm to 215 sqm, with the higher-budget options generally offering more space.
• Most catamaran models come equipped with one galley and multiple heads, with the number of heads ranging from 2 to 4.
• High-budget catamarans like Lagoon 52 and Catana 50 are built with advanced safety features such as a self-tacking jib and an automatic reefing system.

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Best liveaboard catamarans for all budgets.

When choosing the best liveaboard catamaran, there are questions you need to ask yourself such as:

• Are you planning to live aboard full-time or just part-time?
• Will you be traveling extensively or staying in one location?
• Do you plan to fish or engage in other water activities?

If you plan to sail around the world and are not sure what catamaran size is perfect for your goal , you can get some tips from this article.

You may also need to check your budget. Keep in mind that the purchase price is just one aspect of the cost of owning a catamaran. See how much it actually costs to buy and own a catamaran in this article.

You may also need to factor in ongoing maintenance, repairs, and other expenses, such as docking costs. Docking costs depend on the location of the marina and the actual size of your catamaran, but to give you an idea of how much it costs to dock a catamaran , here's an article that can help you.

The best liveaboard catamarans have these most important features :

Living space Look for a catamaran with an open layout, large windows, and plenty of natural light to create a spacious and inviting living area.

Galley and heads Choose a catamaran with a well-designed galley that is easy to use and has plenty of storage space. The heads should be spacious and comfortable, with a separate shower area if possible.

Performance and handling You might want to opt for a catamaran with a good sail plan and sailing controls that are easy to operate. If you plan to do offshore cruising, perhaps consider a catamaran with a shallow draft and good seaworthiness.

Safety and seaworthiness Choose a catamaran with sturdy construction and good safety features, such as handrails and lifelines. You might want to make sure also that the catamaran is designed for single-handed sailing if you plan to sail solo.

Estimated price range: $400,000 - $500,000

Living space inside Leopard 40

The Leopard 40 has a spacious interior with a modern and stylish design. It features four cabins and two heads, providing ample living space for up to 8 people.

The cabins are well-ventilated and well-lit, with large windows that offer panoramic views of the sea. The saloon is also spacious, with comfortable seating and a large dining table.

Galley and heads of Leopard 40

The galley is well-equipped with a large refrigerator, freezer, gas stove, oven, and plenty of storage space. The heads are also well-designed, with separate shower stalls and electric toilets.

Performance and handling of Leopard 40

The Leopard 40 has a sleek and streamlined design that allows it to move smoothly through the water. The twin engines provide plenty of power, and the boat is easy to maneuver even in tight spaces.

The boat also comes with a range of performance features, such as a large sail area, a self-tacking jib, and a full-batten mainsail.

Safety and seaworthiness of Leopard 40

The Leopard 40 is built to the highest standards of safety, with a strong and durable hull, high-quality rigging, and a range of safety features such as lifelines, handrails, and safety harnesses.

The boat also has excellent stability, which makes it very safe and comfortable to sail in rough seas.

Estimated price range: $450,000 - $550,000

Living space inside Lucia 40

The Lucia 40 is a spacious catamaran that offers plenty of living space for a family or a group of friends. It has a large saloon with a U-shaped sofa and a dining table that can comfortably seat six people.

The saloon is surrounded by large windows that provide plenty of natural light and a great view of the surroundings. The catamaran has four cabins and two heads, which provide ample sleeping space for up to eight people. The cabins are well-appointed and offer plenty of storage space.

Galley and heads of Lucia 40

The galley on the Lucia 40 is located in the saloon and is well-equipped with a three-burner stove, oven, fridge, and plenty of counter space for food preparation.

The two heads are located in each hull and are equipped with a shower, toilet, and sink. They are spacious and provide plenty of privacy.

The Lucia 40 is a performance-oriented catamaran

The Lucia 40 is a performance-oriented catamaran that is designed for cruising in comfort. It has a sleek and modern design that allows it to sail efficiently in a wide range of wind and sea conditions.

The catamaran is equipped with a full batten mainsail and a furling genoa, which provide excellent sail performance. The helm station is located on the flybridge, which provides excellent visibility and allows for easy handling.

The Lucia 40 is a safe and seaworthy catamaran

The Lucia 40 has a solid fiberglass hull and a structural bulkhead that provides excellent strength and rigidity. The catamaran is equipped with all the necessary safety equipment, including life jackets, flares, fire extinguishers, and a first aid kit.

It is also equipped with a comprehensive navigation system, which includes GPS, radar, and an autopilot, to ensure safe and accurate navigation.

Estimated price range: $350,000 - $450,000

Living space inside Lagoon 400

The Lagoon 400 offers ample room for passengers to relax and socialize. The main saloon is located on the same level as the cockpit, creating a seamless indoor-outdoor living experience.

The saloon features a large dining table and comfortable seating, while the cockpit provides additional seating and a table for outdoor dining. The cabins are also spacious and comfortable, with plenty of storage space.

Galley and heads of Lagoon 400

The galley is well-equipped with a stove, oven, refrigerator, and sink, making it easy to prepare meals while underway. The heads are also well-designed, with separate shower stalls and electric toilets.

The Lagoon 400 has good sailing performance

This boat has a generous sail area, a powerful rig, and a light displacement, which allows it to sail well in a variety of conditions. The boat's twin hulls also help to reduce drag and increase stability, which makes it easier to sail in choppy seas or high winds.

The Lagoon 400 is also equipped with twin engines, which allow it to be easily maneuvered in tight spaces or when docking. The boat's shallow draft, which is one of the advantages of sailing a catamaran , also makes it suitable for exploring shallow waters or anchoring in secluded bays.

The Lagoon 400 is designed to be safe and seaworthy

The boat's twin hulls provide excellent stability, which reduces the risk of capsizing. See a detailed comparison between catamaran and monohull in this article.

The boat is also equipped with a range of safety features, including a solid fiberglass hull, watertight bulkheads, and a high freeboard, which helps to keep the boat dry and reduce the risk of swamping.

The boat is also built to withstand rough seas and strong winds, with a reinforced hull and high freeboard. It also features a range of safety features, including lifelines, safety harnesses, and an emergency tiller.

The Bali 4.0 is a catamaran that offers ample living space

The cockpit and saloon are on the same level, which creates a large open-plan living area. The saloon has a U-shaped seating area, which can comfortably seat six people, and a large table that can be lowered to create a double berth.

Galley and heads of Bali 4.0

The galley of Bali 4.0 is located aft of the saloon and is well-equipped with a three-burner stove, oven, refrigerator, and sink. The boat has four cabins, each with its own en-suite head and shower. The cabins are spacious and comfortable, and the heads are modern and well-designed.

Performance and handling of Bali 4.0

The Bali 4.0 has a self-tacking jib and a fully battened mainsail, which makes it easy to sail short-handed. The boat is also equipped with a Code 0 sail, which provides additional downwind performance. The boat's helm is responsive and easy to control, and the boat is stable and predictable in a variety of conditions.

Safety and seaworthiness of Bali 4.0

The Bali 4.0 is a seaworthy boat that is designed to be safe and comfortable in a variety of conditions. The boat has a high freeboard, which provides additional safety and protection from waves and spray.

The boat also has a solid foredeck, which provides additional safety when moving around the boat. It is also equipped with a full suite of safety equipment, including life rafts, life jackets, and safety harnesses.

Estimated price range: $500,000 - $600,000

Living space inside Bali 4.3

The Bali 4.3 has a large saloon with panoramic views, plenty of natural light, and a modern design. The saloon is equipped with a large U-shaped sofa, a dining table, and a chart table. The cockpit is also spacious and features a dining table, a sunbathing area, and a helm station.

Galley and heads of Bali 4.3

The galley and heads on the Bali 4.3 are well-designed and offer plenty of space and storage. It is located in the saloon and features a 3-burner stove, an oven, a large refrigerator, and plenty of counter space. The heads are located in each hull and feature a separate shower, electric toilets, and plenty of storage.

The Bali 4.3 is a fast and agile catamaran. It features a self-tacking jib and a square-top mainsail, which make it easy to handle and maneuver. The boat is also equipped with twin engines, which provide good speed and maneuverability.

The Bali 4.3 is a very safe and stable catamaran

The Bali 4.3 features a solid construction, a high freeboard, and a wide beam, which make it very stable and comfortable even in rough seas. The boat is also equipped with a number of safety features, including lifelines, safety harnesses, and life jackets.

Living space of Catana 42

The Catana 42 has a spacious interior layout with plenty of natural light and ventilation. The saloon and cockpit are integrated into one living area, which provides a comfortable and functional living space.

Galley and heads of Catana 42

The galley is located in the port hull and features a three-burner stove, oven, refrigerator, and ample storage space. The heads are located in the starboard hull, with one head serving as the owner's suite en-suite and the other serving the remaining three cabins.

The Catana 42 an excellent performer

The catamaran is designed to be fast and stable, with a high bridge deck clearance and a narrow hull-to-waterline beam ratio. It also has a large sail area, which provides good speed in light winds.

The Catana 42 is built with safety and seaworthiness

The boat is designed to be self-righting in the event of a capsize , and the hulls are foam-filled for added buoyancy. The boat also features a robust construction with a reinforced keel and rudder, making it suitable for offshore cruising.

Estimated price range: $600,000 - $700,000

Living space of Nautitech 46 Open

The Nautitech 46 Open is a spacious and comfortable catamaran that offers ample living space, a well-equipped galley, and multiple heads for convenience. The living area is open and airy, with large windows and plenty of natural light.

Galley and heads of Nautitech 46 Open

The galley is fully equipped with modern appliances and ample storage space, making it easy to prepare meals and entertain guests. The heads are also well-appointed, with modern fixtures and plenty of space for comfort.

Performance and handling of Nautitech 46 Open

The Nautitech 46 Open is a capable and responsive catamaran that is easy to sail and maneuver. The boat's twin hulls provide excellent stability and make it easy to handle in a variety of conditions.

The boat's rig is designed for performance, with a large sail area and a well-balanced design that allows for easy handling and excellent speed.

Safety and seaworthiness of Nautitech 46 Open

The boat is built to the highest standards of safety and durability, with a strong and sturdy construction that can withstand the rigors of offshore sailing. The boat is also equipped with all the necessary safety features, including life rafts, life jackets, and safety harnesses, to ensure that you and your crew stay safe on the water.

Estimated price range: $700,000 - $800,000

Living space inside Lagoon 450F

The Lagoon 450F is a spacious catamaran that offers plenty of room for living and entertaining. The saloon is large and open, with plenty of natural light and ventilation.

The cockpit is also spacious and comfortable, with a large dining table and seating for up to eight people. The cabins are well-designed and offer plenty of storage space, and the bathrooms are modern and well-appointed.

Galley and heads of Lagoon 450F

The Lagoon 450F has a well-equipped galley that is perfect for preparing meals while at sea. The galley features a large refrigerator and freezer, a three-burner stove, an oven, a microwave, and plenty of counter space. The heads are also well-designed and offer plenty of space and privacy.

Performance and handling of Lagoon 450F

The Lagoon 450F is a fast and stable catamaran that is easy to handle. The boat is powered by two Yanmar diesel engines, which provide plenty of power and speed.

The boat is also equipped with a high-performance sail plan, which allows for easy and efficient sailing.

The Lagoon 450F is designed to handle a variety of weather conditions

This boat is built to the highest standards of safety and quality and is equipped with all of the necessary safety equipment, including life rafts, life jackets, and emergency flares.

The boat is also designed to be self-sufficient, with a large water tank and generator, which allows for extended periods of time at sea.

Living space inside Helia 44

The Helia 44 has a spacious and well-designed interior that maximizes living space. The saloon features large windows that provide plenty of natural light and offer stunning views of the surrounding scenery.

The seating area is comfortable and can accommodate up to 8 people. The cabins are also spacious and well-appointed, with plenty of storage space and en-suite bathrooms.

Galley and heads of Helia 44

The galley on the Helia 44 is well-equipped and designed for easy use. It features a large refrigerator, a 3-burner gas stove, an oven, and a microwave. The heads are also well-designed, with separate shower stalls and plenty of storage space.

The Helia 44 is designed for excellent performance and handling

The Helia 44 has a powerful rig and a high aspect ratio sail plan that provides excellent speed and maneuverability. The boat also has a shallow draft, which makes it easy to navigate in shallow waters.

The Helia 44 is built to the highest safety standards

This boat has a solid construction that provides excellent stability and strength. It also features a range of safety equipment, including life rafts, EPIRBs, and fire extinguishers.

Estimated price range: $700,000 - $1,000,000

Living space inside Leopard 48

The Leopard 48 features a spacious saloon with a comfortable seating area and a large dining table. The saloon is surrounded by panoramic windows that provide plenty of natural light and stunning views of the surrounding scenery.

The catamaran also has a large cockpit area with a dining table and comfortable seating, perfect for outdoor dining and relaxation.

Galley and heads of Leopard 48

The galley on the Leopard 48 is well-equipped with modern appliances and ample storage space. It features a large refrigerator, a freezer, a three-burner stove, and an oven. The catamaran also has three heads, each with a shower, sink, and toilet.

Performance and handling of Leopard 48

The Leopard 48 is a high-performance catamaran that is easy to handle and maneuver. It has a powerful sail plan and lightweight construction that allows it to sail smoothly and efficiently even in light winds.

The catamaran is also equipped with a powerful engine that provides excellent speed and maneuverability.

Safety and seaworthiness of Leopard 48

The Leopard 48 is a safe and seaworthy catamaran that is designed to handle even the toughest ocean conditions. It has a sturdy construction and a stable platform that provides excellent stability and safety.

The catamaran is also equipped with modern safety features such as a GPS navigation system, a radar, and an autopilot.

Estimated price range: $600,000 - $900,000

Living space inside Nautitech 46 Fly

The Nautitech 46 Fly is a spacious catamaran that offers plenty of room for living and entertaining. The interior is bright and airy, thanks to large windows and an open floor plan.

There are four cabins and four heads, making it a great option for families or groups of friends. The salon is comfortable and features a dining area and a well-equipped galley.

Galley and heads of Nautitech 46 Fly

The galley on the Nautitech 46 Fly is well-equipped with a refrigerator, freezer, stove, oven, and plenty of counter space. There is also a double sink and a dishwasher. The heads are spacious and comfortable, with separate shower stalls and electric toilets.

Performance and handling of the Nautitech 46 Fly

The Nautitech 46 Fly is a pleasure to sail, with good speed and handling. The boat is responsive and easy to maneuver, even in tight spaces. The twin engines provide plenty of power and make docking and maneuvering a breeze.

The Nautitech 46 Fly is a safe and seaworthy vessel

The boat is designed to handle rough seas and strong winds, making it a great option for offshore sailing. There are also plenty of safety features, including lifelines, safety harnesses, and a well-equipped first aid kit.

Estimated price range: $1,000,000 - $2,000,000

The living space of Catana 50

The living space is designed for comfort and entertainment. The spacious saloon offers panoramic views and ample seating for guests.

The interior is finished with high-quality materials and features modern amenities such as air conditioning, a fully equipped galley, and plenty of storage space. It also has four spacious cabins and four heads, making it ideal for families or groups of friends.

Galley and heads of Catana 50

The galley on the Catana 50 is well-equipped with a large refrigerator, freezer, oven, and stove. The countertops are made of durable and easy-to-clean materials, and there is plenty of storage space for food and cooking utensils. The heads are spacious and feature modern fixtures and finishes.

The Catana 50 is designed for performance and speed

The catamaran's lightweight construction and high-tech materials make it fast and agile, while its twin daggerboards and rudders provide excellent maneuverability and control. The boat is easy to handle, even in challenging conditions, and offers a smooth and comfortable ride.

The Catana 50 is a safe and seaworthy vessel

The catamaran's hull design and construction are engineered to withstand the rigors of offshore sailing, and the boat is equipped with all the necessary safety equipment, including life rafts, EPIRBs, and fire extinguishers.

Need a complete list of safety equipment for your boat ? Here's an article that might be helpful for you.

The vessel also features a high freeboard, wide decks, and a sturdy rigging system, making it a stable and secure platform for sailing in all conditions.

Living space of Lagoon 52

The Lagoon 52 is known for its spacious interior and exterior living areas. The main salon is located on the bridge deck and features a large dining table, comfortable seating, and panoramic views.

The cockpit is also spacious and has plenty of seating for outdoor dining and lounging. The cabins are well-appointed and offer plenty of storage space and natural light.

Galley and heads of Lagoon 52

The galley on the Lagoon 52 is equipped with modern appliances and ample counter space, making it easy to prepare meals for large groups. There are also multiple heads on the boat, each with a shower and toilet, making it convenient for guests to freshen up after a day of exploring.

Performance and handling of Lagoon 52

The Lagoon 52 is designed for optimal performance and handling. It has a powerful sail plan and a lightweight construction that allows it to move swiftly through the water

The boat is also easy to handle, even with a small crew, thanks to its user-friendly design and advanced technology.

Safety and seaworthiness are top priorities on the Lagoon 52

The boat is built to withstand rough seas and harsh weather conditions, with sturdy construction and advanced safety features such as a self-tacking jib and an automatic reefing system.

The boat also has a spacious cockpit and wide decks that make it easy to move around and handle the boat in all conditions:

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Practical Boat Owner

• Digital edition

Best second-hand sub-40ft liveaboard boats: sail and power

• Duncan Kent
• August 19, 2024

Seasoned boat tester Duncan Kent chooses the sub-40ft power and sailing boats most suitable for long-term living aboard

The Beneteau Oceanis 351 has a masthead rig with deck-stepped mast. Credit: Paul Wyeth Credit: Paul Wyeth

The best second-hand sub-40ft liveaboard boats: sail and power

Under 25ft, cruising yachts rarely offer standing headroom, making it tricky for cooking or dressing, not to mention the chronic back ache from constant stooping.

Headroom should be a priority on liveaboard boats.

Cruising for extended periods also requires some ‘normality’ in your facilities, so you feel relaxed about washing, dressing, cooking and eating.

Sleeping quarters can be rudimentary, provided the berths are large enough and well padded, but lack of space in the galley and heads often causes frustration.

The key to a successful liveaboard galley is plenty of prep space and stowage.

Most boats use bottled gas (LPG) for cooking. If you plan to live mainly in a marina, however, you can use an electric hob, microwave and air fryer.

Privacy is rare on a small boat, but a separate heads compartment is vital unless you live alone.

Saloon settees make good berths on liveboard boats, especially if crew suffer from seasickness. Credit: David Harding

An electrically pumped hot water system is also needed if you want to shower on board, along with a large waste tank.

Though most sailors navigate from a display in the cockpit these days, a decent nav station is useful.

Having a dry, secure area to passage plan and check/log your course is important. Plus, it’s a perfect spot for non-waterproof comms equipment such as a laptop.

Saloon settees can make good berths and are often better for anyone prone to seasickness, as they impart the least motion.

Voluminous aft cabins with wide berths are fine at anchor or in a marina, but often not useable at sea, especially transverse berths. And forepeak bunks are undoubtedly the noisiest and most affected by slamming and wave motion.

On smaller boats, the cockpit will inevitably become part of the accommodation, so a good tent with see-through panels is invaluable.

In terms of comfort and security at sea, high coamings and a deep, well-drained footwell are preferable.

At anchor, though, the bigger the cockpit the better, so a compromise is required.

Catamarans have an edge on the equivalent length monohull; their wide, flat-bottomed hulls easily house double berths and luxurious heads.

Liveaboard boats: 25-30ft LOA

Sailing yachts.

The Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 29.2 ’s spacious cockpit and roomy accommodation provide a good level of home comfort.

Her saloon has a straightforward layout with a central table and two straight settees, allowing six to be seated comfortably.

The galley is compact but easily workable with a cooker, sink, cool box and nearby stowage.

Opposite is a forward-facing chart table with room for instruments and a dedicated seat. The sleeping accommodation is where she excels.

The large aft cabin spreads across two-thirds of the stern and contains a spacious double berth, hanging locker and dressing area.

Liveaboard boats: Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 29.2’s sleek hull is fun to sail but stable enough for family cruising. Credit: David Harding

In the other quarter is a roomy heads compartment with a shower, sink, toilet and wet locker.

While there’s no floor area in the forecabin with the infill in place, the berth is a good size and comfortable and there’s ample storage beneath it.

On deck, the 29.2’s large cockpit is ideal for entertaining in good weather while remaining safe and practical at sea.

Her side decks are wide and uncluttered and provide easy and safe foredeck access.

She was available with a fixed fin keel or stub keel with centreboard for those wanting to sail in shallow waters.

Her hull is sleek and easily driven , which results in an exciting performance under sail while remaining safe and stable for family cruising.

Tiller steering was standard but there was a wheel option.

Twin rudders keep her directionally stable even when heavily heeled and her powerful fractional rig carries more than enough sail to keep her gliding along at a respectable speed in light airs.

Being quick, yet agile and well-balanced, they’re easy to sail single-handedly without drama and are surprisingly close-winded thanks to the coachroof-mounted jib sheet tracks.

Modern and spacious, the Bavaria 30C offers big boat comforts in a compact and affordable package.

She has an open, bright, yet woody interior with plenty of opening portlights and lots of useful stowage, including lockers above the saloon settees.

Unlike the 29.2, Bavaria only built the 30C with a two-cabin layout.

She has a well-equipped galley with a full-size cooker, a deep fridge/cool box, a sink and plenty of space for cutlery and crockery.

Opposite is a nav station worthy of a 35-footer, with a seat, drawers under, chart stowage and instrument mounting space.

Behind this is the door to the heads, which is a little small, but still has a shower.

Liveaboard boats: A conventional all-rounder, the Bavaria 30C is well-balanced and agile. Credit: Marco McGinty/Alamy

The saloon is cosy yet spacious. Long, straight settees allow six to eat together in comfort around the drop-leaf table, or two to bed down at night.

The two cabins are surprisingly roomy, both offering comfortable double berths for tall adults and good-sized lockers.

While her cockpit isn’t massive, it’s ideal under sail and the table and binnacle provide extra support.

At anchor , it doesn’t offer a huge lounging area, but it’s fine for four to relax and watch the sunset.

Over the years, Bavarias of all sizes have been thrashed to within an inch of their lives by charterers, and survived relatively unscathed, which says a lot about their build and seaworthiness.

The medium displacement 30C is agile and well-balanced, quick to tack, points well upwind and is fun to sail.

She is easily handled by any member of the crew, including young learners, and keeps sailing in the gentlest of breezes.

The first Hurley 30/90 was launched in 1974 and sported a shallow fin keel containing 1.7t of encapsulated lead ballast and a skeg-mounted rudder.

She’s comfortable and practical to live on for extended periods, and steadfast enough to undertake a lengthy offshore passage.

Thanks to her comparatively wide beam it is roomy down below. The sleeping accommodation is comfortable, though rudimentary.

The forepeak vee-berth is a little short, but the port settee converts into a comfy double and the quarter berth is a good size.

Headroom is a generous 1.90m/6ft 3in everywhere except the forecabin.

The heads is forward of the saloon and has a pull-out sink, though showering space is limited.

Liveaboard boats: The Hurley 30/90 (30ft/9m) was the largest of Ian Anderson’s designs for Hurley. The boat was later known as the Anderson 30 after Ian Anderson bought the moulds and began producing the boats. Credit: David Harding

Her cockpit is wide and long, with a cut-away aft, and though her vertical transom makes boarding from the water awkward, it’ll save on marina fees.

There’s abundant stowage in deep lockers plus cave lockers for smaller items.

The primary winches are well forward on the coamings and her mainsheet track is on the bridge deck.

While neither presents a problem with a tiller helm, both are out of the helmsman’s reach in the wheel version.

She has a stout masthead rig with a tall, deck-stepped mast. This provides a high-aspect sail plan that keeps the boom short and clear of the cockpit.

As in most boats of this era, the bulk of the driving power comes from her ample genoa.

She is a cruising yacht and as such, her round-bilged, full-bellied hull creates some drag under sail.

That said, her relatively high displacement means she exhibits a sea-kindly motion and carries well when the going gets choppy, resulting in good passage times, even in heavy seas.

The original 12hp Yanmar diesel engine was a little underpowered and the prop is slightly offset, which can make her tricky to manoeuvre.

Built over 20 years ago, the high build quality of the Swedish-built Nimbus 280 Coup e means she still feels ‘new’.

Though not cavernous inside, the 280C has a place for everything and makes a very comfortable floating home for a couple, with room for three overnight guests on the convertible saloon dinette and a single berth beneath the saloon sole.

When the weather is good you can slide back the saloon doors and wander freely between the saloon and the spacious cockpit, which is as well laid out with a padded L-shaped bench surrounding the removable dining table.

Inside, it’s bright and airy due to the sliding glass roof lights and tall side windows with opening sections.

The raised helm seat is very comfortable and offers an excellent all-round view while being an easy reach to instruments and displays.

The double navigator seat can convert to a dinette seat or go completely flat for sleeping.

Liveaboard boats: With a clean hull, the Nimbus 280 Coupe will cruise comfortably at 14 knots. Credit: Claire Frew/Future

Opposite the dinette is one of the most well-equipped galleys I’ve seen on a 28-footer, complete with a large cooker/oven, fridge, sink and worktop, and numerous drawers and shelves.

Below, she has a large double berth forward that is roomy and practical, with space for storing clothing and shelves for smaller items.

In the corridor is access to the single berth under the saloon sole. Opposite is the heads which, though not massive, is big enough for a decent shower.

The 280C has a 150hp Volvo Penta TAMD31 shaft-driven inboard diesel engine, capable of a 14-knot cruise speed and a top speed of 18-knots with a clean hull. Cruise fuel consumption is around 22lt/h.

She’s a good performer in most conditions and handles heavy seas with ease.

Liveaboard boats: 31-35ft LOA

The Polish-built Delphia 33 is a roomy, mid-range family offshore cruiser offering six berths in two double cabins plus the saloon, and 1.83m/6ft headroom.

The accommodation is a good size and ideal for a liveaboard couple with occasional guests. The quality of the mahogany woodwork is excellent, though a little dark.

However, the abundant light entering from the large windows makes her cosy rather than gloomy inside.

Rather than providing twin aft cabins and squeezing the heads into the saloon area, Delphia opted to install the heads where the second aft cabin could have gone.

This opens the boat up, leaving almost as much living space as a 36-footer.

For those happy with two cabins this is a sensible use of space and leaves room for a proper, forward-facing navigation station.

The saloon has seating for six, and the port settee can be converted to a double berth.

The L-shaped galley includes a two-ring cooker/oven, twin sinks, and a fridge. On deck, her streamlined coachroof melds gently into the foredeck.

Her side decks are wide, and the transom has steps down to a narrow bathing platform, with a boarding ladder and hot water deck shower.

Liveaboard boats: All the sailing controls are led aft to the coachroof, making the Delphia 33 ideal for short-handed sailing. Credit: David Harding

Her cockpit is quite wide, with the genoa winches on the coamings and two self-tailing halyard winches on the coachroof.

All the sail controls are fed aft through clutches, including the mainsheet traveller.

Her 7/8ths fractional rig uses a deck-stepped mast with swept spreaders and an optional backstay adjuster. The sail plan comprises a semi-battened mainsail with two single-line reefs and 115% furling genoa.

The 33 is a very competent performer under sail without being hard to handle or at all twitchy.

The deep, bulbed keel keeps the ballast down low, so she’s stiff under sail, plus her deep spade rudder provides maximum grip on the water.

A Laurent Giles design from 1980-1984, the Westerly Discus utilised the hull of the earlier 33 but with different deck options.

She was offered in aft-, or centre-cockpit format with fin or twin keels . Only the centre-cockpit version was available as a ketch, otherwise they were sloops.

In the 33, access to the aft cabin through the cockpit was inconvenient, especially if you needed the heads on a rainy night.

In the Discus, the cabin was placed under the bridge deck, eliminating the need to crawl along a low corridor.

The boats were ruggedly built to Lloyd’s classification in solid GRP, the hull/deck join through-bolted and glassed over.

They were a little prone to osmosis , but most will have been remedied by now.

Westerlys of this era were well crafted below, had bags of stowage and the materials used were of a high standard.

There is plenty of solid teak trim and every spare void has been put to good use.

Liveaboard boats: The semi-balanced rudder on the Westerly Discus makes her light on the helm. Credit: David Harding

The chart table has a corner trimmed to allow access to the corridor aft, but it does have a forward-facing seat.

The L-shaped galley opposite boasts a full-size cooker, fridge and deep sink. Pressurised hot/cold water was standard, as were lockers with dedicated space for crockery and cutlery.

The corridor to the aft cabin takes you into a dressing area with a small seat and a large clothes locker.

The offset berth is roomy and comfortable with good clearance above. Natural light and air enter via two opening portlights.

The layout of the saloon, which has over 6ft headroom, is traditional with two straight settees whose seat backs become lee boards.

The port settee extends into a 1.25m/4ft 1in double berth if needed. The twin-leaf table seats six and has a bottle store and a useful fiddled tray.

The forepeak doorway is offset, creating a heads with standing headroom. Opposite is a generous wet locker.

The forecabin has a good-sized vee-berth; the large forehatch with a built-in mushroom vent provides light and air.

She is a solid, seaworthy boat that stands up to her canvas well in strong winds.

Her 40% ballast ratio allows her to make short work of heavy seas while the knuckle in her bows helps divert any spray.

Being quite heavy makes her a little slow off the mark but gives her the momentum to make headway through rough seas.

From the 1990s, living space became more important as folk became less inclined to put up with basic domestic facilities.

Beneteau’s beamy Oceanis Clipper 351 was particularly adapted for comfort with its sizeable cabins and dinette saloon.

Her maximum beam is carried almost back to the transom, which increases the accommodation space enormously.

Two- or three-cabin models were available, although in the latter the heads were smaller.

The saloon headroom is 1.90m/6ft 3in and numerous portlights and hatches give good ventilation and natural light.

The galley is generous in terms of stowage and work surface. There is also a large fridge, full-size cooker, twin sinks with hot and cold pressurised water and a dedicated gash bin.

While a longitudinal galley isn’t always the best at sea, for living aboard on anchor or in a marina it works well.

Joinery is to a good standard and there’s just enough wood to make her cosy. In the three-cabin boat, the two aft cabins offer good-size double berths.

Both cabins have some dressing space, and room to store clothes; three hatches and a portlight make them airy.

The two-cabin model has one larger aft cabin, a deep cockpit locker, and a larger heads with separate shower.

Opposite the heads is the navigation station with its forward-facing chart table, switch panel and a small area for electronics .

The forecabin is also roomy with a large vee-berth that is squared off at the bottom to give more foot space.

Stowage is plentiful and there’s enough floor area and headroom to get dressed with the door shut. Three hatches let in plenty of air and light.

The 351’s cockpit is wide but divided by a large table with an integral cool box that provides a necessary foot brace and handholds under sail.

The binnacle is vast and carries a compass, engine controls and sailing instruments. Seat cut-outs facilitate access around the wheel.

The helm seat is removable to create a walk-through to the boarding platform. There are two deep lockers under the seats and a very deep lazarette.

Under sail, her low drag underwater shape means she needs little wind to get her going and her shallow aft sections make for exhilarating downwind sailing.

Her masthead rig is easy to handle, and she relies heavily on her large genoa for upwind power.

Stiffness is as much a result of her wide form as her moderate ballast, although pushing her too hard can cause her rudder to lift clear of the water.

Although not unlike the Nimbus 280 style-wise, the extra 4ft of the Finnish-built Aquador 32C packs so much more in, making her a serious family liveaboard motorcruiser for all seasons.

She has a fairly conventional layout inside the large wheelhouse including a raised helm seat with excellent all-round views and easy access to the controls and instruments.

Above is a sliding glass panel for extra light and ventilation.

The sumptuous double nav seat flips over to extend the dinette behind, which can seat up to six around the table.

Liveaboard boats: Most of the Aquador 32C’s were fitted with a 370hp 6LYA-STE engine. Credit: Aquador Boats

The galley opposite is well equipped and sensibly organised.

Below, the forecabin has a large double berth and enough locker and shelf space for a long holiday.

The midships cabin is off the same corridor forward and has a seat in the dressing area and a generous transverse double berth under the wheelhouse.

The large sliding glass doors into the cockpit can be left open in fine weather, which opens the whole space out, even though the cockpit is a little compact.

The side decks are easily accessed, and stout handrails guide you safely to the foredeck for anchoring or sunbathing.

A shaft-drive Yanmar diesel engine from 285-460hp could be ordered, the 370hp 6LYA-STE being the most common and offering a top speed of 27-knots and cruising at 20-knots.

Her planing hull shape and twin rudders offer speed and agility with full control even in heavy seas.

Liveaboard boats: 36-40ft LOA

You can’t beat the space available on a cruising catamaran, although it comes at a cost in a marina.

While not boasting the interior volume or headroom of a modern cat, a well-maintained Prout Snowgoose 37 can be had today for a sensible price and refitted to suit your own liveaboard needs with a reasonable budget.

There were two layouts. One has a permanent open double berth forward of the saloon.

Though curtained-off privacy is limited, the reward is the view from the large forward windows.

While you lose some dinette space, it’s worth it if there are only two of you on board.

The double aft cabins are compact but comfortable, although has just a single heads, which is across from the starboard hull.

One hull contains a long nav station amidships, the other a well-equipped galley, both with standing headroom.

Liveaboard boats: Unlike most modern catamarans, the Prout Snowgoose 37 has a solid foredeck rather than a trampoline, adding to her strength but also her weight

Outside, her cockpit isn’t massive, but the wheel is bulkhead-mounted and it’s protected by high coamings.

There’s enough seating for six but the canoe-sterned hulls don’t feature any platforms or steps.

The side decks are narrow, although there is a stout coachroof grabrail and the double lifelines and stanchions are well supported.

She has a solid foredeck rather than a trampoline, which gives extra lounging and working area and adds considerably to the strength (and weight).

The mast is deck stepped and most were rigged as cutters.

Under sail, she’s not close-winded, around 50° off the apparent wind is common.

The view forward is restricted by the large genoa but at least all the sheets are led into the cockpit. She’s fastest on a beam reach when she’ll top 7-8 knots in a fresh breeze.

The hulls and nacelle can slam when you’re sailing hard into heavy seas, but if you bear away a little she noticeably calms down.

As standard, she came with a centrally-mounted engine and steerable drive leg.

The lack of prop wash over the rudders is mitigated by the ability to steer the drive leg with the wheel.

One of Moody’s most prolific cruising yachts from the 1980/90s, the Moody37/376 remains extremely popular.

The 37 and the 376 are identical, other than the latter features a transom scoop/platform.

All of Moody’s centre-cockpit designs create a high-volume interior, especially in the aft cabin area, for which they are renowned.

Some feel having a cockpit higher above sea level isn’t ideal, but most long-term liveaboards relish the increased accommodation space.

The 37s are a tad heavy due to their thick layup and solid wood décor, but they are an ideal compromise between cruising comfort and sailing performance.

Below, the U-shaped galley is well organised and easy to use under way thanks to a crash bar and spacious fiddled worktops.

The chart table opposite is also ideal for long passage navigation or for use as a desk. The saloon is warm and woody with straight settees around a dropleaf table.

One settee converts into an additional double berth. The only downside is the non-opening portlights.

Liveaboard boats: The Moody 376 has a scooped transom and was available with either fin or bilge keels. Credit Rupert Holmes

The forepeak has a decent vee-berth, loads of stowage and a compact ensuite heads/shower.

The sumptuous owner’s suite aft is accessed via a corridor behind the nav seat, past the crew bunk.

The cabin has seating on one side and a large, offset double berth opposite. It also has a private ensuite heads with a shower.

The 37 was built for cruising, so has ample stowage in bins and lockers.

While the cockpit is a little small, there is deck space for spreading out at anchor, plus a transom platform with a shower on the 376.

A masthead rig with slab reefed mainsail and furling genoa came as standard, with an optional inner forestay for a working/ storm jib .

They have a longish fin keel and deep, semi-balanced, skeg-hung rudder that keeps her on course and minimises leeway.

Tacking the large genoa around the baby stay can prove tedious but gets easier once you learn the knack.

At sea, she is a steadfast passage maker, her generous displacement helping her through any steep seas with minimal fuss or loss of momentum.

Motorboats​​

The 1980s Fairline 40 was a big boat in its day and still has a great deal to offer the long-term liveaboard/cruiser wanting to keep the family happy on the water.

Their large saloons offer plenty of lounging space away from the helm station and there’s plenty of drawers and lockers.

Going below takes you to a large, U-shaped galley with enough worktop and equipment to serve a family of six with ease.

The main cabin is in the forepeak and boasts a large, comfy centreline berth, a roomy ensuite and plenty of easy-to-access stowage.

There’s also a spacious twin-berth guest cabin amidships with heads.

Her cockpit is a good size with ample seating around a fixed table and access to a large swimming/boarding platform.

Being half sheltered by the floor of the flybridge, the addition of a decent canvas tent makes the cockpit a great dining area in all weather conditions.

Beneath the cockpit sole is a vast stowage area and very limited access to the engine room, which is more accessible by lifting the saloon soleboards.

Access to the flybridge is via a steep ladder and trap. Here, you’ll find a long, three-person helm bench.

Her deep-vee, single chine hull offers a soft entry in choppy seas making her comfortable in most sea conditions.

Powerful twin 235-300hp shaft-drive Volvo diesel engines give her semi-planing hull a cruising speed of around 18-knots, with around 24-knots flat out with the bigger engines.

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