– Feels much larger than it is
– Freedom to move below deck
The best trailer sailor for your adventures will depend on many factors. Like any boat, whatever you decide on will be a compromise – boats always are. But there are plenty of choices out there, no matter what size your tow vehicle is and no matter what sailing adventures you have in mind.
Even large yachts are routinely transported by towing across land, so the question is more of how big a sailboat can you tow? Your tow vehicle will be the limiting factor. The upper limit for most large SUVs and trucks is usually a sailboat around 26 feet long.
Sailboats are generally very heavily built, with ballast and lead keels. Sailboats specifically made to be trailer sailers are lighter. They may use drainable water ballast tanks instead of fixed ballast and have fewer fixtures and amenities.
To find the best trailer sailer, you need to balance the total tow weight, the ease of rig setup at the boat ramp, and the boat’s draft. Shallow draft boats with centerboards are the easiest to launch and retrieve.
No. The Hunter 27 is a one of those fixed-keel larger boats built from 1974 to 1984. The boat’s displacement is 7,000 pounds, not including trailer and gear. That alone makes it too heavy to tow by all but the beefiest diesel trucks.
Furthermore, the fixed keels had drafts between 3.25 and 5 feet, all of which are too much for most boat ramps. In short, the standard Hunter Marine 27 is too big to tow for most people.
On the other hand, Hunter has made several good trailer sailers over the years. For example, the Hunter 240 and 260 were explicitly designed for trailering. They have drainable water ballast and shallow keel/centerboard drafts less than two feet.
Yes, the Catalina 22 is easily trailerable and makes a wonderful weekend sailboat. In fact, there were over 15,000 Catalina 22s made and sold over the years.
The boat’s displacement is 2,250 pounds, which means your total tow weight with trailer and gear will be under 3,000 pounds. This is within the capabilities of most mid to full-size SUVs and light trucks. Be sure to check your vehicle’s towing capacity, of course.
The centerboard on the Catalina 22 is another factor in its easy towing. With the board up, the boat draws only two feet. This makes it easy to float off the trailer at nearly any boat ramp. You should avoid fixed keel versions of the 22 for towing unless you have access to extra deep ramps.
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.
Can someone tell me why no other manufacturer makes pop tops? Those who have them, love them. Makes sense for head space with a trailerable boat too. Catalina stopped making them decades ago, yet people still swear by them. So, why isn’t there any newer models?
MacGregor put pop tops on many of its trailerables
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If you're looking for a sailboat that's easy to transport and store, trailerable sailboats are the way to go. These vessels provide the perfect balance between portability and performance if you want the flexibility to explore various destinations without the hassle of marina storage fees or dependence on docking facilities.
The biggest trailerable sailboats that are cost-effective and good are:
Catalina 22, san juan 21, precision 21, com-pac horizon cat, seaward 26rk, beneteau first 235, west wight potter 19, cape dory 28, marshall sanderling, islander 24.
These 13 sailboats are all relatively lightweight and compact. Generally, a mid-size SUV or pickup truck with a towing capacity of 3,500 to 5,000 pounds should be sufficient to tow most of these sailboats.
Biggest trailerable sailboats, the size of sailboat you can trailer, what makes a good, cheap, and big trailerable sailboat.
Size (Length) | Beam (Width) | Weight | Accommodation | Price Range | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
26 feet | 7'9" | 2,500 lbs | 6-8 people | $10,000-$25,000 | |
22 feet | 7'8" | 2,500 lbs | 4-6 people | $5,000-$15,000 | |
23 feet | 8'3" | 2,500 lbs | 4-6 people | $5,000-$15,000 | |
21 feet | 7'9" | 1,300 lbs | 2-4 people | $3,000-$10,000 | |
21 feet | 8'4" | 1,900 lbs | 4-6 people | $5,000-$15,000 | |
20 feet | 8'4" | 2,500 lbs | 4-6 people | $20,000-$30,000 | |
24 feet | 8'2" | 3,200 lbs | 4-6 people | $8,000-$20,000 | |
26 feet | 8'4" | 4,000 lbs | 4-6 people | $30,000-$50,000 | |
23 feet | 8'2" | 3,600 lbs | 4-6 people | $10,000-$25,000 | |
19 feet | 7'6" | 1,500 lbs | 2-4 people | $5,000-$15,000 | |
28 feet | 8'10" | 8,000 lbs | 4-6 people | $20,000-$40,000 | |
18 feet | 7'4" | 1,500 lbs | 2-4 people | $5,000-$15,000 | |
24 feet | 8'0" | 3,000 lbs | 4-6 people | $5,000-$15,000 |
The MacGregor 26 offers a hybrid between a sailboat and a powerboat. It can reach high speeds with an outboard engine. The boat’s water ballast system enhances stability, and its spacious layout makes it suitable for family outings or exciting weekend getaways.
The MacGregor 26 is 26 feet long and weighs around 2,500 lbs, and is best suited for calm or moderate conditions. Retractable keel and rudder allow it to be easily trailered and launched in shallow waters.
MacGregor 26 is one of the 7 trailerable sailboats that have standing headroom . It's also listed as one of the 13 popular trailerable sailboats with lifting keels .
The Catalina 22 is a popular, affordable, and versatile option for any sailor. Known for its easy handling and stability, it makes the perfect entry-level choice for those new to sailing and experienced sailors alike. With a retractable keel, you can easily tow it and enjoy sailing in various water conditions.
Catalina 22 is 22 feet long, weighs around 2,500 lbs, and is best suited for coastal cruising. Spacious cockpit and comfortable cabin make it a popular choice for day sailing and weekend trips. Swing keel allows it to be easily trailered and launched in a variety of locations.
The Hunter 23 is 23 feet long and weighs around 2,500 lbs. It is designed to be easy to handle and maintain, with a simple rigging system and user-friendly features. It is a stable and reliable boat that can handle a range of conditions, although it is best suited for coastal cruising. Water ballast system provides stability and performance under sail. Easy to trailer and launch.
The San Juan 21 is 21 feet long and weighs around 1,300 lbs. The San Juan 21 is a simple and easy-to-use boat that is well-suited for beginners or casual sailors. The San Juan 21 is a stable and reliable boat that can handle a range of conditions, although it is best suited for coastal cruising. It's a simple and affordable option for exploring coastal waters.
The Precision 21 is 21 feet long and weighs around 1,900 lbs. It is designed to be easy to handle and maintain, with a simple rigging system and user-friendly features. The Precision 21 is a stable and reliable boat that can handle a range of conditions, although it is best suited for coastal cruising. Modern design with high-aspect ratio keel and rudder for excellent performance under sail. It has comfortable cabin and enough storage space.
Enjoy classic coastal cruising with the Com-Pac Horizon Cat. This charming catboat is renowned for its simplicity, ease of sailing, and unique gaff-rigged sail. With plenty of room in the cockpit and a cozy cabin below, the boat makes for enjoyable days out on the water. Shallow draft allows it to be easily trailered and launched in shallow waters. It is 20 feet long, weighs around 2,500 lbs.
The O'Day 240 is a popular choice for many sailors because of its exceptional handling and trailering abilities. It has a shoal draft keel for shallow water sailing and is relatively easy to maneuver. Its design ensures both performance and comfort on the water. Roomy cabin with amenities including a galley and a head. Swing keel allows it to be easily trailered and launched in a variety of locations. It is 24 feet long, weighs around 3,200 lbs, and is best suited for coastal cruising.
The Seaward 26RK is an innovative boat with a retractable lead keel. This feature allows you to adjust the boat's draft, making it suitable for sailing in shallow waters. Its modern design offers comfort and performance, with a roomy interior and excellent sailing characteristics. It is 26 feet long, weighs around 4,000 lbs, and is designed for offshore sailing.
The Seaward 26RK is a high-quality sailboat with performance under sail and comfortable cabin. Retractable keel and rudder allow it to be easily trailered and launched in shallow waters.
The Beneteau First 235 is 23 feet long and weighs around 3,600 lbs. It is designed to be easy to handle and maintain, with user-friendly features such as a roller furling jib and a self-bailing cockpit. The Beneteau First 235 is a stable and reliable boat that can handle a range of conditions, including offshore sailing. It's a high-performance sailboat designed for racing and cruising. Deep keel and large sail plan provide excellent performance under sail. It has comfortable cabin with amenities.
If you're looking for a compact sailboat, the West Wight Potter 19 is an ideal choice. This small sailboat is very portable, easy to rig, and can go nearly anywhere. With a fully-retracting keel and rudder, the Potter 19 can be easily launched from a trailer and is perfect for weekend getaways.
The West Wight Potter 19 is well-suited for beginners or casual sailors, and can handle a range of conditions, although it is best suited for coastal cruising. The boat has a small cabin and limited storage space, but is relatively easy to assemble and launch, and is built with durable materials.
The Cape Dory 28 is another fantastic choice for a full-keel, trailerable sailboat. Known for its solid construction, seagoing capabilities, and classic design, it provides a great sailing experience for anyone looking for a larger, more capable boat that can still be towed.
The Cape Dory 28 is designed to be easy to maintain, with user-friendly features such as a roller furling jib and a self-bailing cockpit. The boat is stable and reliable, and can handle a range of conditions, including offshore sailing. It has a comfortable cabin and adequate storage space, and is relatively easy to assemble and launch, with a simple rigging system and straightforward instructions.
The Marshall Sanderling is a classic, portable, and elegant catboat. Featuring a single gaff-rigged sail, it's known for its easy handling and stability in various conditions. Its modest draft allows you to sail in shallow waters, and the traditional wooden mast adds charm to this timeless boat. It is a simple and easy-to-use boat that is well-suited for beginners or casual sailors. It is 18 feet long, weighs around 1,500 lbs, and is stable and reliable, although best suited for coastal cruising.
The Islander 24 is a versatile trailerable sailboat for day sailing or overnight trips. This boat offers a good balance of sailing performance, onboard comfort, and ease of trailering. With its retractable centerboard, it's perfect for sailing in shallow waters or cruising in deeper conditions. It has a comfortable cabin with enough storage space. Swing keel allows it to be easily trailered and launched in a variety of locations.
The Islander 24 is 24 feet long, weighs around 3,000 lbs, and is designed to be easy to handle and maintain, with user-friendly features such as a roller furling jib and a self-bailing cockpit. It is also stable and reliable, although best suited for coastal cruising.
You can trailer sailboats that are around 30 feet or less in length and have a beam (width) of 8.5 feet or less, with a standard trailer and towed by a vehicle with a towing capacity of 3,500 to 5,000 pounds.
Sailboats that are trailerable typically range in size from 14 feet to 30 feet in length. However, the actual size of the sailboat that can be trailed will depend on the towing vehicle's capacity and the trailer's design.
It is important to check the specific regulations and requirements in your area before attempting to trailer a sailboat.
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Here are a few elements to keep in mind so you can ensure that your chosen boat not only suits your needs but is also budget-friendly and easy to transport:
A boat that is easy enough to tow—usually, sailboats up to 27 feet in length can be trailered safely on the roads. Keep in mind the weight restrictions of your towing vehicle, as well as the boat's beam and overall height .
This not only affects its towing requirements and ease of handling on the water, but also has implications for storage, maintenance, launching, and recovery. It's optimal to choose a sailboat that will fit your needs but is also light enough to tow with your vehicle and can be easily launched and retrieved.
Consider how easy it will be to step the mast, rig the sails, and set up any other required equipment each time you want to take your sailboat out on the water. A boat with a simple and efficient assembly process will enable you to spend more time sailing and less time setting up.
A good trailerable sailboat should offer features that make it easy to transport, like a retractable or lifting keel , mast raising system , and simple rigging . These features simplify the process of prepping your boat for travel and minimize the time needed to set it up for sailing once you arrive at your destination.
A high-quality, well-built boat will not only last longer, but will also require less maintenance in the long run. Keep an eye out for boats made of durable materials like fiberglass and aluminum , with well-designed hulls and rigging systems that can withstand regular use and exposure to harsh weather and water conditions.
Even though you're looking for a budget-friendly option, make sure the boat is seaworthy and safe. A well-designed hull , sturdy construction , and manageable sail plan are characteristics of a good, cheap, and big trailerable sailboat.
Think about your needs and sailing preferences. Do you plan to sail mostly on weekends, or are you looking forward to longer cruising trips? The interior space , storage capacity , and available amenities on your boat should match your sailing objectives.
Last but not least, make sure you find a boat that fits your budget. There are plenty of used boats on the market that can provide good value for money. In this list, you can find the best deal for a trailerable sailboat that meets all the criteria mentioned above.
While it can be tempting to opt for the least expensive option, it’s essential to weigh the cost with features like ease of assembly, durability, and size. A slightly more expensive sailboat may save you money in the long run if it requires less frequent repairs and is easier to set up and use. Finding a balance between quality and affordability will ensure you make a smart investment in a sailboat that suits both your budget and your sailing needs.
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Trailer sailing has a lot of advantages for some people. Whether you live away from the ocean near a lot of different lakes, you want to move up and down a long …
18th dec 2023 by samantha wilson.
Being able to trailer your sailboat opens up many possibilities, from cost saving boat storage solutions to being able to take your boat to new cruising grounds. It's common to see trailered motorboats on the roads in the United States, Canada, and Europe, but sailboats tend to be trailered in smaller numbers.
Of course the act of trailering a sailboat involves a bit more preparation, namely lowering the mast, but as we'll see there are many excellent brands out there ensuring that the sailboats they build can be trailered nearly as easily as a RIB or center console. And they're not just bathtub-sized sailboats either. Some of the best trailerable sailboats are up to 30 feet in length. While it's trickier to trailer a large catamaran due to its wide beam, the multihull world hasn't been left behind, as you can find clever trimarans that fold up in different ways.
We have picked out some of our favorite trailerable sailboat brands in this article but it's important to remember there are many excellent brands building excellent boats.
Corsair Marine photo.
Daysailers have long been trailered, thanks to their compact size, simple rigs, and easily lowered, relatively short mast. For those who want a slightly larger boat that they can take the whole family out on or use for overnight trips, then a 20- to 25-foot sailboat may be more useful than a 16- to 19-foot one. Going up a size category allows for a whole new range of activities, with proper galleys, running water, electricity, and an enclosed head to provide more substantial home comforts. But how big is too big to trailer?
You might be surprised to hear that in the United States, sailboats up to around 31 feet in length can be trailered legally. In fact, it typically depends less on length, and more on the weight, beam, and height of the vessel and the trailer together, must meet several legal requirements.
For more advice on the practicalities of trailering see our guide to Buying a Boat Trailer .
The best trailerable cruising sailboat brands.
Beneteau First 27SE. Beneteau photo.
Several brands on this list create high performance sports sailboats , and one of the top names you think of in this sector is Laser whose speedy tiny racers are now an Olympic event in themselves. But there are many excellent brands building ultra-fast sports sailboats – several on our list are considerably bigger than a Laser too. Here we take a look at some of our favorite sports dinghies which are the quintessential trailerable sports boat.
Melges 24. Melges photo.
Trailerable sailboats designed for younger sailors are lightweight, easy to rig, and easy to sail. They should offer a simple platform in which to learn the mechanics of sailing, the movement of the boat on the water, and the basic maintenance of a sailboat. For more guidance check out our guide to choosing the best beginner sailboat .
Laser sailboats. Laser Performance photo.
There are many benefits to opting for a small towable sailboat , and plenty of excellent brands out there are producing high performance pocket cruisers. A smaller sailboat won't require a large trailer and together they will weigh less and be able to be towed by a regular family car rather than a pick-up truck. Navigating smaller roads or heavier traffic will be less of a consideration, plus getting your sailboat launched will be a simpler affair. Several brands on our list could be in this category but special mention must be made of:
NorseBoat 17.5. NorseBoat photo.
Multihulls have gained popularity in the last 20 years thanks to their stability, lack of keel, performance, and increased space on board compared to a monohull of the same length. Yet there are obvious challenges when it comes to trailering a sailboat with a very wide beam such as a catamaran or even more so a trimaran. In fact, by having three hulls, the trimaran type has bred for some innovative engineering, folding in the two outer hulls thus creating a smaller overall beam for transport. This is trickier with catamarans as they're not foldable in the same way. We've mentioned the well-known Hobie Cat brand of small beach cats above but there are some other innovative brands out there making it easier to trailer multihulls.
Dragonfly 28.1. Dragonfly photo.
Written By: Samantha Wilson
Samantha Wilson has spent her entire life on and around boats, from tiny sailing dinghies all the way up to superyachts. She writes for many boating and yachting publications, top charter agencies, and some of the largest travel businesses in the industry, combining her knowledge and passion of boating, travel and writing to create topical, useful and engaging content.
More from: Samantha Wilson
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Cruising with a trailerable sailboat means that you can voyage in a small and comfy sailboat with the advantage of saving some serious costs. Having a trailerable sailboat saves you money for storage fees, boatyard haulout, and boat insurance, among others. There are two main categories of trailerable sailboats; performance-oriented boats and all-round pocket cruisers. So, if you’re a part-time sailor but still want to experience the joys of sailing continue reading this article so as to find out which are the best small and trailerable sailboats on today’s market. Know that there are many decent trailerable sailboats that managed both offshore and coastal cruising. So, keep reading and find the one that suits you best!
Catalina brand is one of the most constructed sailboats in the US and has manufactured a great deal of capable and robust sailboats. The Catalina 22 Sport is one of the most preferred pocket and race cruisers since 2004. The model pioneers for the one-piece hull liner that has become standard in most high volume small boats. Furthermore, it has enough trim along with a well-proportioned rig and a hand-laid fiberglass hull construction. Other great features include a retractable lead keel, a roomy cabin, a spacious cockpit, and a fractional rig with a mainsail and a roller-furling jib. You can get a used Catalina 22 for as low as $5,000 and a brand spanking new one for around $40,000.
>>Also Read: Beneteau vs. Catalina: Which Is a Better Sailboat?
The West Wight Potter 15 is one of the best small trailerable and seaworthy 15-foot sailboats of all time. It’s easy to handle and great for both coastal and offshore cruising. She has an aluminum mast and tiller, a small cabin that comfortably sleeps a couple and also we can’t miss referring to her elegant design. Furthermore, it can be easily stored, it’s relatively cheap to buy and can be purchased both as a new or used boat, as many sailors prefer it for stepping up from a dinghy to a pocket cruiser.
>>Also Read: Best Pocket Cruisers Under 20 Feet
This small trailerable boat features a modern design and can be a top choice for many sailors, both for beginners or even for experienced ones. She surprisingly manages well in different weather conditions and she’s also relatively easy to handle. As a result, she has earned by right the title of a truly seaworthy small cruising vessel. Moreover, her robust design from the masthead to keel design is proven to be highly durable and comes with a mainsail and 110% genoa. A great feature of this model is the comfy and interior layout that offers a great amount of space for her size.
And that’s why the Hunter 27 is a great liveable sailboat having enough storage space, 6ft of standing headroom, berths, as well as plenty of counter space and seatings. Lastly, as a true trailer sailor, she has a shoal draft of under 4ft and a displacement of less than 8,000lbs. You can find her in today’s market as a used or brand-new model with a price ranging from $20,000 to $45,000.
>>Also Read: Best Sailboats Under 100k
The BayRaider from UK’s Swallow boats is a somehow newcomer to the small trailerable boat market in the US. She features a large and open cockpit, is ketch-rigged, and has a gunter-style mainmast. As for the topmast and mizzen, they’re both carbon-fiber; you can also apply this to the mainmast. This model can be sailed with a dry hull in lighter weather conditions or if you want to maximize its stability you can do so by removing the 300lbs of water ballast. The water ballast offers great performance in light to medium winds and makes the boat suitable for different sailing or weather conditions and levels of experience. Lastly, as she has the centerboard and hinged rudder raised she can be maneuvered even in the thinnest water. She has a self-tacking rig and is easy to trailer; all these features make her a great choice for novices.
>>Also Read: Most Popular Sailboats
The Contessa 26 is an all-time-classic and small trailerable sailboat. Even if this vessel is quite small she has proven her seaworthiness and is still preferred as an ideal pocket cruiser. She has a roomy cabin and comfortable cockpit, so there’s no need to worry about below deck space. As for the rigging, it’s quite easy to handle and is rigged as a masthead sloop. Also, her construction comprises of a deep keel and hull-mounted rudder; and that’s why she was also used as a racer. The main downside is her narrow beam which contributes to heeling although she stiffens up quickly and becomes easy to sail. In any case, there are many who admit that she’s one of the most reliable sailboats in the mid-size category.
The Hunter 22 is a great daysailer and features an open-transom cockpit and sloop rig, making her the ideal choice for friends and family outings. Moreover, the considerable amount of below-deck space has twin bunks, a roomy cabin, and a portable toilet. Rigging also includes an asymmetric spinnaker and a mainsheet traveler in case you’re keen on racing. Her construction is made out of laminated fiberglass hull and deck, molded-in nonskid, and a hydraulic lifting centerboard. Last but not least, she’s fast, stable, responsive, and is, therefore, an ideal starter-boat for novices.
The 24-foot Islander is a classic choice in the small trailerable sailboat market. This fiberglass model features a sturdy design and has proven her seaworthiness for coastal and family-day cruising. This model was first built in 1961 but is still available on the used market. She has a masthead sloop rig, simple overall rigging, and is appropriate for single-handing. As for below-deck space, she has a spacious cabin for two with a V-berth, and space for a head. Last but not least, many sailors admit that she’s a lot more capable than many of the later model boats in this size range.
>>Also Read: Best Sailboats Under 30 Feet
This trailerable cruising sloop is a safe, easy-handling, and robust sailboat for 2 persons; perfectly suitable for coastal cruising. The boat has a spacious cabin and great safety features like foam flotation as well as the ability to self-right. Its innovative design features a retracting keel, pop-up rudder, and an easy mast-stepping system that enhances its cruising performance. Moreover, it has a large foredeck and cockpit and its lifelines and shrouds are equipped with handholds. You can easily find a Macgregor 25 on the used market with just $9,500.
>>Also Read: Best Small Sailboats To Sail Around The World
The Cape Dory 28 is a popular trailerable sailboat known for its great performance both offshore and inland. Even though it has a small size it offers comfortable living spaces below the deck. In addition, she has proven to be more capable than other larger sailboats. It’s designed with a well-balanced deck arrangement along with a full-length keel with an attached rudder, a low freeboard, and a well-proportioned traditional trunk cabin. These sailboats were originally rigged as sloops with self-tending and club-footed jibs. This sail plan is really great for stiff weather conditions. Lastly, it can be easily hauled-out and transported regardless of its 28ft size. Ideal for salt-water cruising and for tighter coastal waters you can find a used model for $12,900.
>>Also Read: How Much Do Sailboats Weigh?
The Newport 27 is an all-time-classic that was first built in 1971 and is still considered a common choice for small sailboats amongst sailors. Although it has a small size it doesn’t lack interior space. The standing headroom is just over 6ft, there’s a V-berth, a head, and a hanging locker forward of the bulkhead. Also, settees measure 6ft in length and extend to either side of the saloon. Some variations include a fixed dinette with raised seating fore and aft, a starboard quarter berth, and an aft-placed head. You can find them on the used market from $10,000 to $18,000, depending on their condition and any possible upgrades. Even though it’s not a really robust offshore cruiser, the Newport 27 is still a capable trailerable sailboat and if upgraded and equipped accordingly it can definitely offer decent coastal cruising to a singlehander or a couple.
>>Also Read: What Are The Best Beginner Sailboats?
Trailerable sailboats are a great choice for beginner sailors as well as for couple and family outings. Keep in mind that the aforementioned boats are not the only options on today’s market. I recommend these boats because they’re easy to handle, small but roomy, easy to trailer, and have an overall robust design. Generally, a trailer sailor will save you costs for purchasing but also for marina fees. Keep in mind that many sailors choose to sail overseas with a trailerable sailboat, so there are suitable models for a long-passage voyage. Lastly, small sailboats can offer different kinds of sailing adventures; weekend cruising, coastal cruising, island hopping, and sometimes an offshore voyage. I hope that you enjoyed reading this article and that it will help you out in order to pick the right trailerable sailboat for your needs.
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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We were approaching the trickiest, most hazardous stretch of the Northwest Passage , high in the Canadian Arctic, when we happened upon a sight more wondrous in its own way than all the ice, polar bears and other assorted wildlife that preceded it. Tucked up against a barren shoreline, its anchor embedded in a handy ice floe, was a nifty little trailer-sailer, what we soon discovered was a NorseBoat 17.5 Classic.
Hopping in the dinghy from our rather cushy 64-foot steel cutter, we pulled alongside and were greeted by a pair of strapping Royal Marines named Kevin Oliver and Tony Lancaster. They were on military leave for a busman’s holiday of sorts: sailing, rowing and occasionally dragging their open boat, with a simple cuddy for accommodations, through the notoriously challenging high northern latitudes. One thing was clear: If these dudes were running the British Empire, there’d still be one.
Those chaps, and that boat, captured my imagination. I thought about them again late last fall on a road trip from New England to Florida with my daughter as we passed one compact camper after another. We both love camping, and we were debating the merits of one mini Gulf Stream to another tiny Winnebago when she said something profound: “Why not have a trailerable sailboat as your RV? You could sleep in it while traveling, then when you reached your destination, you could go sailing.” Why not indeed?
I’ve owned many fully found, systems-rich cruising boats but have always been enamored with the simplicity and versatility of something small and trailerable that you could tow and launch from just about anywhere: the Florida Keys, the coast of Maine, the Sea of Cortez, the Pacific Northwest. (The closest I’ve personally come is a J/24, which can be trailered anywhere, but which is more of a dedicated racer than a pocket cruiser.) There’s something seriously appealing about the idea. Which is why, over the years, I’ve kept a short list of the boats I think could fill the bill, having sailed them to test their potential. What follows are a few of my favorites.
– TOW LIKE A PRO – Remember to leave extra stopping room when trailering your boat. At the ramp, be considerate of others but take the time you need to launch and recover your boat safely. Always check tie-downs, safety chains, lights – and the drain plug. Safety Tip Provided by the U.S. Coast Guard
I’ll always relate to those hardened Brit lads in the Arctic when I think of the NorseBoat 17.5 Classic. (Perhaps to underscore their no-nonsense attitude, they co-authored a book about their adventure entitled—what else?— Blokes Up North. ) The boat’s Canadian builder has an appropriate nickname for its vessels, which include 12.5 and 21.5 models: the “Swiss Army knife of boats.” The 17.5 Classic is one salty-looking craft, with a pronounced bow, sweeping sheerline, lapstrake fiberglass hull, pivoting carbon-fiber gaff-rigged spar, fully battened mainsail, kick-up rudder, and a pair of rowing stations with a set of 9-foot oars. Options include a full-size tent that encapsulates the entire open boat, though the cuddy works well for most outings, and motor mounts for a 2 or 4 hp outboard. Talk about distinctive. NorseBoat says that the boat can be towed by a midsize car, fits in a standard garage, and is ideal for “cruising sailors who want to downsize, sea kayakers who are moving up, and daysailors who want a high-performance boat with lovely traditional lines.” I agree with that assessment. It will also work, ahem, for grizzled soldiers looking for a “relaxing” break from the front lines. norseboat.com
My lasting memory of the Catalina 22 is a visit I paid to the Southern California plant where they were built some four decades ago. From a balcony overlooking the factory floor, I saw four production lines knocking out the classic little 22-footer, each line producing a boat per day (another facility on the East Coast also churned out one daily). It was the Golden Age of American boatbuilding, and I’ve always considered this compact craft to be the gold standard of trailerables (longtime Catalina designer Gerry Douglas prefers to call it “the Miller Genuine Draft of sailboats: cheap and cheerful”). Seeing that almost 16,000 have been launched over the years, “ubiquitous” also works. The early models were bare bones: no winches, lifelines, nothing. But over the years, Douglas says, “the options grew, and it morphed into a cruiser,” with galleys, heads, holding tanks and other accoutrements. The trouble with all the stuff was that many sailors liked racing their 22s, and the extra gear made the boats heavier and noncompetitive. Douglas eventually went back to the drawing board and designed a lighter version, the Catalina 22 Sport. It was competitive with the older, original boats—and is still produced today. “If you opened up a dictionary with a picture of a sailboat, it would be the Catalina 22,” Douglas says. “I think it has a place in the history of our sport. It was simple, with no bad habits. It introduced a lot of people to sailing and provided a lot of pleasure over the years.” And continues to do so. I’ll take one anytime. catalinayachts.com
My first exposure to the Seascape line of quick and trim racers/cruisers—a brand built and launched from Slovenia, which is a rather sailing-crazed nation—came from my colleagues at our sister publication Sailing World , a dedicated racing magazine. They raved about the quality of construction and sailing experience. Then, in 2018, Seascape was acquired by Groupe Beneteau, and all previous Seascape models were integrated into the Beneteau First product range. It provided the line with the sort of widespread, mainstream marketing punch that it deserved. I’ve since sailed a pair of larger models produced by their collaborative effort, but if I were inclined to go the trailer-sailer route, my choice would definitely be the Beneteau First 24 SE (the SE standing for Seascape Edition). It’s a high-tech version of the previous First 24 with a serious boost in performance. The SE line’s sweet spot, in the company’s own assessment, is as a dual-threat boat aimed at competitive one-design racing and adventure sailing. I reckon that 24 feet is an ideal size for both, and the 24SE delivers on the promise with a carbon rig; swing keel with lead bulb; laminate sails; and light, high-tech, infused-vinylester construction. With removable crew bags and modular components that can also be stored ashore when racing, the 24 SE can be set up quickly and easily for cruising or competition. beneteau.com
– 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
The late Rodger Martin was a South Africa-born naval architect who is probably best known for the robust round-the-world racers he conceived for solo legend Mike Plant, which is when I first met him. Tellingly, however, when it came to designing his own personal boat, he produced the very cool Presto 30. The 30-footer was an offshoot of the Outward Bound Hurricane Island 30 that he designed for the wilderness program based in Maine, but that was a hybrid sailing/rowing boat. To upgrade it for cruising, Martin basically designed a sharpie, based on the straight-sided 18th-century fishing boats with a hard chine, flat bottom and centerboard for access to shallow water. With a beam of 8 feet, 6 inches, the boat is eminently trailerable, and Martin regularly towed it south from New England in the wintertime for cruising forays across the Gulf Stream and into the Bahamas. Due to that shallow draft and minimal freeboard, the rig required a low center of effort, which Martin addressed with a simple cat-ketch rig. With the addition of a slightly raised cabin top, he was able to insert basic interior accommodations (which were also somewhat compromised by the centerboard trunk). For a couple who can embrace camper-style cruising, however, it fit the bill. In recent years, a couple of Presto fans have tried to put the boat back into production, which has yet to happen. But if you can find a used one, you’ll have a boat with a fine and unusual pedigree. rodgermartindesign.com
A couple of years ago, I got myself a 1963 Pearson Ensign, a venerable daysailer designed by the great Carl Alberg that measures in at a smidgen under 23 feet with a full keel and a spacious cockpit. I quite enjoy my Ensign, but designer Tim Jackett has taken some of the ancient classic’s best features and incorporated them into a thoroughly modern upgrade: the Tartan 245. Conceived as an ideal tool for teaching sailing, the 245 replaces that massive keel with a lifting one that has 900 pounds of ballast, which makes it just as stiff as the old-timer. With the board down, it draws 4 feet, 6 inches, but once raised, the draft is just 1 foot, 8 inches—and with its kick-up rudder, you can nudge into the shallows that the Ensign could only dream about. Like the full-size members of the Tartan clan, the 245 has a carbon-fiber spar that’s stepped on deck and is easily raised and lowered. A retractable bowsprit is ideal for flying off-wind reachers; for working sail, there’s a choice of an overlapping headsail or a self-tacking jib. The little cuddy space forward is another feature reminiscent of the Ensign; it can be employed, along with the handy tiller, for camper-style cruising. You may be able to have more kicks on a little sailboat, but I’m not sure how. tartanyachts.com
– LOWER YOUR RATES – Taking a boating safety course won’t just make you a better skipper. It could also help you save big on insurance. Safety Tip Provided by the U.S. Coast Guard
And now for something completely different: the Pacific Seacraft Flicka (Swedish for “happy little girl”). It’s a 20-foot, heavy-displacement, full-keel pocket cruiser that, yes, you can pop on a trailer and wheel to destinations of your heart’s content. Designed by Bruce Bingham—an illustrator and sailor who, for many years, penned this magazine’s Workbench column—the boat was originally offered in kit form, and then bounced around to a couple of builders before finding a permanent home at Pacific Seacraft, which produced the grand majority of them (reportedly, roughly 400 Flickas were ultimately produced). Bingham loved his, sailing his pretty Sabrina all over creation, which is when I became enamored with the boat. The Flicka certainly fits the definition of a cult boat, and these days, if you look hard enough, you can find one in almost any configuration: sloop, cutter, yawl, schooner, even gaff-rigged. With a startlingly roomy interior, the Flicka is cozy but certainly not the fastest 20-footer you can find. You might not get where you’re going quickly, but you will get there. flicka20.com
Talk about a boat that was ahead of its time. Any list of good trailerable boats has to include a multihull, and few have reached the overall popularity of the Corsair F-27, the prototype for which was originally launched way back in 1985. It’s designed by Kiwi Ian Farrier, based on another little trimaran he’d created a decade earlier. The signature feature of the three-hulled 27-footer is the folding outrigger system—better known as the Farrier Folding System—which reduces the beam from a significant 19 feet to a mere 8 feet, 2 inches, which makes it eminently trailerable. You can still see (and find) F-27s just about everywhere. They have active one-design racing fleets all over the place, and they make for tidy pocket cruisers when they’re not zipping around the racecourse. From a pure sailing point of view, there’s nothing more enjoyable than finding yourself perched out on an ama of an F-27, coursing along at double-digit boatspeeds, with a light touch on a long tiller extension. We’re talking joy, cubed. corsairmarine.com
Legend has it the idea for this unique pocket cruiser was born round a campfire in Baja California in the early 1970s as two brothers, Dean and Stan Wixom, speculated on alternative modes of exploring Baja and the Sea of Cortez. They were on motorcycles, had tired of the dusty ride, and thought a small, but truly ocean-worthy cruising sailboat on a trailer might be a better way to travel. Dean later queried several yacht designers, but the only one who thought such a craft feasible was Lyle Hess , who allegedly took only a few minutes to sketch out the basic concept of what became the Nor’Sea 27.
Wixom built hull number one in a makeshift plant in Southern California in 1977, then three years later built himself a boat (hull number 77, as it happened) and sailed off over the horizon in it. His new business, Heritage Marine, he sold to Bob Eeg, who renamed the company Nor’Sea Marine and has continued building Nor’Sea 27s ever since. To date over 450 have been launched and many believe it to be the most seaworthy cruising sailboat in its size range.
The Nor’Sea is certainly not the only robust pocket cruiser that can be hauled on a trailer. Several others fit the same basic criteria: shoal draft (under 4 feet to slip on and off a trailer on a ramp), narrow beam (not more than 8 feet to transit highways without permits), and moderate displacement (not much more than 8,000 lbs). But the Nor’Sea may well be the deepest, heaviest sailboat ever explicitly designed to be trailerable. Indeed, its proponents readily admit it is not a true trailer-sailer, but is instead “transportable” by trailer. A large tow vehicle and preferably a triple-axle trailer are needed to move it, and many owners who do tow Nor’Seas to distant cruising grounds don’t launch on ramps but instead hire Travelifts to insert them in the water. Though the mast is deck-stepped in a hinged tabernacle, rigging the boat is said to take a minimum of three hours.
What is most unusual about the Nor’Sea 27 is its standard layout. Defying all dicta stating that an attractive, functional center-cockpit sailboat must be large, the little Nor’Sea features a center cockpit in front of a tiny aft cuddy cabin that houses a pair of quarterberths and, amazingly, the arrangement works very well. The boat’s lines, which incorporate a broad canoe stern, are clean and pleasing to the eye without exhibiting excessive freeboard, and the cockpit, though small, is very serviceable. The helm, most notably, consists of a long tiller that reaches over the top of the aft cabin from a large transom-hung rudder. Though there is also a much more conventional aft-cockpit version of the boat, the quirky center-cockpit version is far more popular.
Down below in the main cabin in the standard layout there is a decent galley to starboard, an enclosed head and small nav station to port, plus two settee berths either side of a saloon table that collapses to form a full double berth. (The aft-cockpit layout is similar, with twin quarterberths aft in the main cabin.) There is also a great deal of storage, with over 30 lockers to stash gear and supplies in. The end result is a functional small-boat interior that comfortably accommodates two couples or a couple with two children and also offers a remarkable amount of privacy.
The boat’s construction is extremely strong. The hull is solid handlaid laminate, composed of up to 22 layers of mat and woven roving, with faux lapstrakes molded in. The lapstrakes, which require some care during layup, enhance the boat’s traditional appearance and also stiffen the hull, which is further supported by interior bulkheads and a partial molded liner. The plywood-cored deck is fixed to an inward flange with adhesive sealant and though-bolts on 6-inch centers. Deck fittings and hardware are through-bolted to stainless-steel backing plates. The ballast is encapsulated lead. The boat’s rig and many critical pieces of hardware, including the rudder pintle and gudgeons, are also significantly oversized. The interior joinerwork on factory-finished boats meanwhile is good, though there are also many owner-finished interiors of much more variable quality.
Given the Nor’Sea’s long production run, remarkably few chronic flaws have appeared. Early boats were fitted with raw-water-cooled Farymann diesels that inevitably suffer from internal corrosion over time. These eventually must be rebuilt or replaced. Engine access is tight, but the engine (located under the cockpit) is reportedly relatively easy to remove. The biggest potential problem is the aluminum fuel tank, buried in the keel directly under the engine. On early boats these have often been corroded by seawater dripping off the propeller’s packing gland and must be either glassed over entirely to preserve their integrity or excavated and replaced, which reportedly is an onerous job.
As to performance, the Nor’Sea by all accounts sails very well. It’s not hard to find Nor’Sea owners who boast of overtaking longer, lighter boats while cruising, though presumably this is much easier with a tall rig, as opposed to the once optional short rig. The boat’s interesting hull form features a long waterline and what is effectively a full keel with all of its forward end cut away. This facilitates launching and recovering the boat on a trailer ramp, and also reduces wetted surface area while still imparting good directional stability. The boat reportedly tracks well to weather given its draft and its helm is relatively light, though some complain it is not very well balanced.
Most important, the boat has a reputation for handling well in a seaway. This is reflected in both its motion comfort ratio, which is exceedingly high for a boat this size and weight, and its capsize screening value, which is reassuringly low. Note, however, that Nor’Seas built prior to 1980 carry less ballast (either 2,500 or 3,000 pounds, depending on which ballast package the original owner specified), thus are likely to feel at least somewhat less stable than newer boats carrying the now-standard 3,100 pounds.
The Nor’Sea 27 is a very much cult boat and used examples rarely stay on the market for long. Less than half are normally sold with trailers, and trailers large enough to haul a boat this heavy are expensive, so be sure to take this into account when considering prices. New boats can be built to various stages of completion.
Specifications
LOA: 27’0” LWL: 25’0” Beam: 8’0” Draft: 3’10” Ballast: 3,100 lbs. Displacement: 8,100 lbs. Sail area –Tall rig: 376 sq.ft. –Short rig: 335 sq.ft. Fuel: 25 gal. Water: 50 gal. D/L ratio: 231 SA/D ratio –Tall rig: 14.89 –Short rig: 13.26 Comfort ratio: 30.44 Capsize screening: 1.59 Nominal hull speed: 7.6 knots Typical asking prices: $35K – $90K Base price new (without trailer): $151K
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Oceanis 34.1, oceanis 37.1, oceanis 40.1, oceanis 46.1, oceanis 51.1.
The Oceanis 30.1 is easy to sail, yet lively to helm and promises new experiences and thrills . This robust, smart little cruiser is small enough to trail, opening up endless possibilities for lake and river sailing, as well as coastal sailing and high sea adventures.
NAVAL ARCHITECT : Finot - Conq
INTERIOR and DECK DESIGNS : Nauta Design
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With a stemhead, hard-chine hull, well-proportioned sides and coachroof, the Oceanis 30.1 artfully resembles a small yacht.
The Finot-Conq plan has met the double challenge of power and simple navigation. With her slender bow, optimized weight, and square-top mainsail, she performs well in all points of sail.
For beginners or for short-handed sailing, the self-tacking jib and the single winch make her easy to handle. For performance, the Oceanis 30.1 has a large overlapping genoa, a furling code zero and an asymmetric spinnaker. Aft, a step affords access to the sea and can be supplemented by a small lifting platform.
With a few extra inches won in strategic places, the Oceanis 30.1 differs from other boats thanks to a headspace of 6.5 ft in all the areas inside where it is comfortable to stand.
The two sizable double cabins each have berths running lengthwise and an open entryway making them feel particularly spacious. The two benches in the salon provide an additional place for two extra berths.
The large shower room is divided into a marine toilet on one side and shower and washbasin on the other. At the foot of the gently sloping companionway, the L-shaped galley has top and bottom storage, a 20 US Gal refrigerator and a real oven under the gas hob stove top.
With unbeatable living space for its size and a focus on simplicity of use, the smallest model of the cruising range is nevertheless stylish and fast, with a highly competitive, ready-to-sail price.
With an overall size of under 30 X 10 ft and a weight of 8,000 lbs, the Oceanis 30.1 can be trailered by road, without the issues of an extra-wide load. With the lifting keel and rotating tabernacle mast version, the cruiser can sail along canals and rivers to its sailing grounds.
On the Oceanis 30.1, sailors get to choose between a tiller with twin rudders for anyone seeking a few thrills or from the world of dinghy sailing, or twin steering wheels for anyone who prefers space and comfort!
The double steering wheel layout results in a wonderfully big cockpit. On either side of the large fold-away table are two large benches, which comfortably seat up to six guests.
Silent, comfortable and emission free, the new Oceanis 30.1e now has an all-electric propulsion system that offers a unique boating experience.
With engine power equal to 14 HP, the Torqeedo engine has a range of up to 6 hours at 4 knots.
The easiest way to keep your boat safe and ready to cruise anytime.
The new Seanapps app is the ultimate solution to help you indulge your passion for boating. With the touch of your finger, you can easily connect, monitor and order services for your boat – from routine maintenance, to requesting a wash or fuel or having us complete a repair.
The information below is intended for general informational purposes only and is subject to change without notice and does not constitute a contractual agreement. Any descriptions, representations, or statements made in this document are not to be considered binding unless explicitly stated otherwise in a formal contractual agreement.
Length Overall
Beam overall
Light displacement
Air Draft Max
Fuel Capacity
Water Capacity
Max. engine power
Cabin Number
CE Certification
B6 / C8 / D10
Documents produced by Finot-Conq Architectes
There are 3 ballasts available, so you can sail in your configuration of choice.
Cruising world.
Cruising World Judges named the BENETEAU Oceanis 30.1 the Best Performance Cruiser for 2020. Read more
Boat Review - Everyone is talking about the 2020 Beneteau Oceanis 30.1 and for good reason—she’s an awesome boat!
Winner of the “small cruiser” category in SAIL magazine’s 2020 Best Boats contest. Read More
"Easy Start" more in the April 2020 issue
Current market conditions offer unprecedented opportunities to purchase a BENETEAU at discounted prices, with faster delivery times, and potential long-term financial benefits.
BENETEAU has decided to follow the path of innovation to reduce the environmental impact of sailing. Practical yet ground-breaking innovations that were visible on the First 44e and the Oceanis 30.1e sailing yachts world premiered at the Nautic Boat Show in Paris.
Small, yet oh so big !
Buying a BENETEAU doesn’t have to be a daunting task. We have teams of experts to guide you through the entire process – everything from sea trials, financing, and customization to after-sale commissioning, service, and maintenance. We are proud to have one of the largest, most highly-regarded dealer networks in the world. We’re ready to provide you with the assistance and expertise needed to launch you and your BENETEAU on a lifetime of happy, rewarding, and memorable voyages.
10.77 m / 35’4’’
3.57 m / 11’9’’
11.93 m / 39’2’’
3.92 m / 12’10’’
12.87 m / 42’3’’
4.18 m / 13’9’’
14.6 m / 47’11’’
4.5 m / 14’9’’
15.94 m / 52’4’’
4.8 m / 15’9’’
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Arrowcat 320 coupe.
Now in its third generation, the ArrowCat 320 express cruiser has literally defined the high end cruising cat market! At the helm you find the experience more refined, from the custom hardwood steering wheel to full digital controls and instrumentation and carbon fiber accents. Every ArrowCat power catamaran features our signature luxurious interior cabin with creature comforts other boat companies have only dreamed about. Add to this that the ArrowCat 320 is trailerable with a 10’ beam and your cruising grounds expand exponentially. Winter in Florida, summer up north and plan the trip of a lifetime around the Great Loop.
Express Cruiser Catamaran Hull Planing Hull Design Twin Outboard Motors LOA Length over all: 31′ 2″/9.50 meters Length at the waterline: 25′ 11″/7.9 meters Beam: 10’/3.05 meters Draft: 20″/.508 meters Fuel: 196 gal/742 liters Water: 44 gal/167 liters Waste: 14 gal/53 liters Displacement Dry: 9,900 lbs (approx.)
ARROWCAT 320
HEAD (BATHROOM)
ANCHORING & MOORING
Shore power 110VAC 30A inlet, (4) 110V outlets: galley top, head,8-way breaker with shore/ship power interlock switch
ENGINE SYSTEM
Fuel tanks 2X 98GAL, total of 196GAL Marine certified twin tanks with independent spin on fuel filters
HELM & ELECTRONICS
AFT deck/exterior, AFT overhead light
WATER SYSTEM
* Specifications subject to change due to availability and design at manufactures discretion
GENERAL ARRANGEMENT
Companion helm seating with adjustable height, swiveling seat, fixed foot rest
ENTERTAINMENT
Entertainment package – Stereo AM/FM/Aux, bluetooth, 2 interior, 2 exterior speakers
Stereo remote located aft deck
Cabin fans (x3)
V-Kool windsheild and side windows
Built in electric 2-burner cooktop 120vac, induction style & microwave
Generator NextGen 3.5kw diesel
Aft deck transom- cabinet with propane grill
Sea deck for cock pit sole
Table base in cockpit
HELM & ELECTRONICS
Joystick control- single station by SeaStar
Garmin or RayMarine Electronics package:
Dual display with charts and sounders, VHF radio at helm w/ 8′ antenna on ratchet mount. 50/200kHz depth transducer
Upgrade primary electronics to dual 16″ displays
Tuna tower w/ second stations controls
Hardtop rocket launcher rack- 6 rod holders
Insulated fish box
Offshore 30 gal bail tank & high volume pump mat transom
Power socket for 12v electric fishing reel
MOORING, ANCHORING & SAFETY
USCG Safety package; 4x life jackets, first aid kit, 2 x 10bc fire extinguisher, day/night signal kit
Docking kit: mooring lines; 4×5/8″ x 35′ w/splice eye, 4×8″ x 20′ polyfoam HTM fenders, 4-8′ x 3/8″ fender whips w/spliced eye
Anchoring kit: Lewmar self deploying anchor, 20′ 1/4″ HT Chain, 150′ 1/2″ Nylon Rode
Talk To One Of Our Sales Experts To Schedule A Sea Trial & Experience The Feel For Yourself
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Best Bluewater Sailboats Under 24 Feet
Looking for a sailboat but don't want to bear the high costs? The best bluewater sailboats under 24 feet are trailerable and require low maintenance.
Many sailing enthusiasts cannot afford a large boat due to the docking fee and maintenance costs. Fortunately, bluewater sailboats under 24 feet, also known as pocket sailboats, are affordable small yachts that are trailerable to your choice of destination, so you don't have to bear the unnecessary docking fee.
The best bluewater sailboats under 24 feet are the Pacific Seacraft Dana 24, Norseboat 21.5, Catalina 22 Sport, Pacific Seacraft Flicka 20, and West Wight Potter 19. These sailboats have ample space for a couple and even a moderately-sized family along with all the amenities you may need.
A roomy cabin, galley, and settees are necessary to go cruising in the bluewater. However, sailboats are a cheaper and more convenient way to enjoy the shallow waters as all you require for sailing is a hull, rudder, mast, and sail. The sailboats on this list make your sailing experience even better with accommodations such as bedding.
We are a bunch of sailing enthusiasts and spend most of our weekends trailing our pocket sailboats, traveling to various offshore destinations. With years of knowledge, we have drafted a list of the best bluewater sailboats under 24 feet and discussed them in detail, so you can make an informed decision before buying your sailboat.
Table of contents
West wight potter 19.
{{boat-info="/boats/west-wight-potter-19"}}
The West Wight Potter 19 is one of the most popular sailboats and has been at the top for over three decades. This sailboat is manufactured in California by International Marine, known for making reliable and robust sailboats.
Over the years, the West Wight 19 has seen significant changes in its design, making the boat easy to sail and increasing the storage space while keeping the design compact and available.
The 19-footer is the smallest sailboat on this list, but it doesn’t keep the boat from offering accommodations to make your experience comfortable.
Small sailboats are more about sailing instead of cruising with luxury. However, the Potter 19 offers several luxurious amenities.
The four berths allow you to camp in for a couple of days instead of spending only a day out on the water. Each berth is around six and a half feet long, with two settees and a v-berth.
The storage space under each berth and the ample walking space in between provide enough room for a small family to spend quality time. A small sink, stove, and mobile head increase the boat's functionality and ease the voyage.
The West Wight Potter 19 is far from disappointing when it comes to its sailing chops. Due to its lightweight build, you don't need a powerful truck to trail this sailboat to your preferred destination.
The hull and deck are fiberglass, which keeps the boat steady against rough water. A high freeboard keeps the cockpit and the deck dry.
The West White Potter 19's design is ideal for lake, river, and coastal sailing. However, this boat is up for the challenges as an individual has sailed from California to Hawaii, making history for the Potter 19.
You can buy West White Potter 19 from Sailboat Listings for $6,900.
{{boat-info="/boats/catalina-22-sport"}}
The Catalina 22 Sport has quickly become a hot cake sailboat since the Sport version of the 22 feet hull was recently released. A retractable lead keel in the upgraded version makes it easier to haul the boat.
Other than that, the vinyl seating, a chrome fence, and a more dynamic frame give the boat a sporty yet exclusive look, putting it above its close competitors. That is why the Catalina 22 Sport has become a common sight at harbors across the state.
The update maintains the superior quality of the original Catalina yacht with a robust built, easy and comfortable sailing, and several accommodation features. The hull is made from hand-laid fiberglass bonded with a hull liner.
Beautiful single-piece fiberglass makes the deck a sight for sore eyes. It is treated with non-slippery material to keep the passengers safe from injuries.
A complete standing rig with an upgraded stern rail with controls keeps the boat sailing steadily. But the absolute joy of sailing this beautiful sailboat lies in an exclusive cockpit design. Raised contoured coamings keep the cockpit high and dry.
This boat is not just all about the looks and easy sailing. As mentioned earlier, it also has a roomy cabin with accommodations that can allow you to spend a couple of days on the boat. Two full-length berths measuring over six and a half feet are comfortable for full-grown people to sleep peacefully.
The V berth makes a bed for two where children can rest. Even though the Catalina 22 sport has enough space for a family of four to walk around without stepping on each other's toes, it is ideal for a couple to get away for a refreshing couple of days.
The best thing about Catalina releasing a newer model is that it boasts a 12 Volt electrical panel. You can keep electrical appliances working for a comfortable sailing experience.
Besides that, Catalina offers several optional features to enhance your experience on the 22-footer. These include a mast carrier at the front and rear, fabric cushion upgrade, headsail furling gear, and more.
Since the Catalina 22 Sport is made on order, you can contact dealers from YachtWorld to get the price of this boat.
{{boat-info="/boats/pacific-seacraft-flicka-20"}}
The Pacific Seacraft Flicka is the most convenient and trailerable sailboat on our list, with an overall length of 20 feet. If you like a minimalist lifestyle and want the same in your bluewater pocket sailboat, this one's for you.
A functional galley with a sink and a counter and a small sink, toilet, and shower provides you with the basic amenities you and a couple of your friends and family need for a few days offshore.
There's more to the accommodation you can expect from this 20-footer sailboat. This boat has four berths, including a v-berth, so sleeping comfortably or stretching your legs occasionally is not an issue. A pop-up dining table and a chart table within the cabin make eating and other activities doable.
Nevertheless, most people underestimate the Pacific Seacraft Flicka 20’s ability to handle offshore rigidity, and they are often surprised at what this boat has to offer. A full-ballast keel, hull shape, manageable rig, and a self-draining cockpit ensure satisfactory offshore performance by the littlest contender.
Moreover, we find its outstanding standing headspace one of the boat's best features. Unlike other pocket sailboats, the Pacific Seacraft Flicka 20 has a six ft. headspace. You don't have to duck every time to save your head from banging against the roof.
The Pacific Seacraft Flicka 20's size and its minimalistic yet fulfilling features are why this boat is in high demand. With only 400 of them ever made, you will have to dig deeper and longer to find one worth buying. Due to this, the price of this boat is also slightly higher.
You can buy the Pacific Seacraft Flicka 20 from YachtWorld for $29,900.
{{boat-info="/boats/pacific-seacraft-dana-24"}}
The Pacific Seacraft Dana 24 is the best overall sailboat on our list. This one is the larger of the two Pacific Seacraft sailboats mentioned. It has an overall length of 24 feet but provides you with loads of amenities.
According to the features listed, the boat might seem insufficient for an overnight sail on the water. Once you are on the boat, it won't occur to you that you are on a sailboat that is just 24 feet long.
While only four feet longer than the Pacific Seacraft Flicka 20, it adds enough space to make the cabin roomier and another berth for one more person. Not only that, the extra length provides more space to the galley.
You have increased movement and work it better. However, the length still keeps the sailboat maintaining the qualities of a smaller sailboat, allowing you easy maintenance and mobility.
Despite being larger, Pacific Seacraft Dana 20 is faster than the smaller one. As surprising as it may sound, this is because this boat's engine is more powerful and helps the hull sail faster. A high bow flare and freeboard ensure the deck remains dry unless high tides take charge.
It is ideal for a pair, especially couples who do not look for much except spending quality days offshore with the basic amenities on hand.
The Dana 24 were sold as kits and bare hulls. No one knows how many of these sailboats exist and how many of those are factory assembled. Due to this, you might also find slight differences in the build from unit to unit.
You can get the Pacific Seacraft Dana 24 from YachtWorld for $49,000.
{{boat-info="/boats/norseboat-21-5"}}
Do you prefer an open sailboat with a rugged design to keep your sailing experience raw? Get your hands on the Open Cockpit Norseboat 21.5. This boat has no cabin.
Simple sailboat design with settees on the side and enough storage room for a couple of passengers to enjoy a voyage across the lake or cruise near the coast.
But that's not all. The Norseboat 21.5 also comes in a cabin design that offers enhanced comfort. Whichever version you prefer, this boat offers a rugged design with carbon-fiber material instead of fiberglass, making it stronger than most sailboats.
However, you will have to compromise on the beauty part. Still, the boat provides a steady sailing experience with all the necessities you might require.
The Norseboat 21.5 sits lower near the water, and with a simple handling sloop rig and fully battened mainsail, it sails light and quick against the light wind. The boat is highly responsive to the tiller, requiring minimum effort from you to put it in the right direction.
Both versions of Norseboat 21.5 are lightweight, making them easy to haul and trail. You won't need a large truck to trail this boat to your favorite spot.
A mid-sized vehicle will do the job. On the other hand, their build maintains a strong presence uplifting their seaworthiness while a foil-shaped stub keel maintains stability.
You can buy the Norseboat 21.5 directly from Norseboat .
Easy handling, low cost of maintenance, minimalistic designs, basic amenities, all while going offshore — these are the main selling points of pocket sailboats. All the boats mentioned above will serve you well if you are looking for the best bluewater pocket sailboats. Choose wisely!
Related Articles
Best Bluewater Pocket Sailboats
Best Bluewater Sailboats Under $100k
Jacob Collier
Born into a family of sailing enthusiasts, words like “ballast” and “jibing” were often a part of dinner conversations. These days Jacob sails a Hallberg-Rassy 44, having covered almost 6000 NM. While he’s made several voyages, his favorite one is the trip from California to Hawaii as it was his first fully independent voyage.
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October 3, 2023
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Go small and go now 5 pocket cruisers to take you anywhere.
Marquesas anyone? Flicka will get you there. |
Allegra 24 in all her glory |
Tom Thumb 24 slicing nicely through the chop |
A local (to me, sort-of) Nor'Sea 27 |
Falmouth Cutter 22 in action |
What, no Georgian 23? ;)
Gotta love those little Canadian sloops!
Or Bayfield?:)
I am a Bayfield fan (and even more so a Ted Gozzard fan), but I wasn't aware of the Bayfield 25 making any major bluewater passages. Do you know of any?
A bayfield 25 is built well enough BUT it’s shallow keel and light weight classify it more of a coastal cruiser. But that also makes it a great gunk holer. It’s a nice little boat for the Chesapeake and coastal areas. It lacks the deep keel and ballast to be comfortable offshore. The bayfield 29 is a bit more blue water but also it’s shoal keel at only 3ft 6 inches also gives it a comfort ratio a bit on the edge for a true blue water boat. BUT that said a bayfield 29 outfitted right will get the job done and with a good turn of speed over most listed here. It will reach its hull speed of 6.5-7 knots no problem and will point windward well enough. (It’s not got to compete with a fin keel 30 footer but it will be more comfortable. And it’s faster then a westsail32 (nick named the wet snail 32) I find most of the better pocket cruisers on this list are great for what that are but NOT the most boat you can get for your money today. Some great 30-32 foot blue water boats can be purchased for LESS then some of these. I just bought a great bayfield 29 for UNDER 3K that’s right 3 not 30. I looked at a foulmouth cutter that was available in my area it was rough really rough and they still were asking over 10K. It’s only benefit was it came with a trailer but what good doesn’t that do when Your offshore. I wouldn’t mind taking one on single handed adventure as the romance of the boat would add to the fun of the adventure but. Is it the best boat for your buck? No their popularity and reputation and (good ones are getting scarce) bring high prices.
It's amazing: after looking at all your boat reviews and choices, I realize we have exactly the same tastes and dream boats! And I enjoy your writing and musings! I'm very glad I happened upon your blog site! Bill Hinkel
Thanks Bill! I love writing about sailboats almost as much as I love actually sailing them.
I've owned a Flicka, Allegra, and FC all excellent boats.
Wow...that's an impressive resume! I bet you've got some great stories to tell.
What about the Halcyon 23? Any thoughts on that one? Great article by the way!
Sorry, I'm not personally familiar with the little Halcyon 23, but you can read a review reprinted from "Yachts and Yachting" originally written in 1970 here .
How about the Pacific Seacraft 25? If your talking about small salty sailboat (SSS) that can take you to the paradise. She prolly don't a standing headroom but sure does the perfect little sailboat. Just like HC33t.
Yup, I too like the PSC 25. She's not as roomy as either the Flicka or the Dana, but a typically a fair amount more affordable. And as you point out, no standing headroom. Still, a pretty boat with bluewater experience.
A very informative article, thank you very much. I find myself daydreaming to be on a boat, sailing around the world quite often and i'm trying to collect a budget, to buy a boat and take sailing classes. I love the design on the ships you posted. Are there any good pocket-cruisers with a steering wheel ?(i can't say i really like tillers :P). Again, thank you for compiling this list, you gave hope to a "wannabe" skipper.
My humble little Bristol 24 wants to know if she can join the group.
Yup, good choice. Humble and capable...just the right ingredients!
what about the Catalina 22 ?
A fine little coastal sailboat, trailer sailboat and "first" sailboat, but for all the things that the C22 is, she is definitely not a pocket cruiser that can GO ANYWHERE. Don't get me wrong, I love the C22 and our first boat (Helms 25) was very similar, but neither is suited for offshore work.
My little hurley 22, can she make the mark?
A Hurley can do anything! Ihave had a 24 since 1972 they are forgotten but they are great! Joe
Morris Frances 26.
Good recommendation! I love all of the small classic Morris boats like the Frances 26, Linda 28 and Annie 29. Chuck Paine has a way of making these small boats look larger than life!
Was expecting to see an Albin Vega 27 mentioned...
I included the Albin Vega in my "Bluewater on a Budget" post about affordable offshore cruisers. You can read it here: http://www.sailfarlivefree.com/2012/06/blue-water-on-budget-5-budget-cruisers.html
Any thoughts on our west coast Brent Swain 26 welded steel boats? Truly budget cruisers!
I have built one, but yet to launch it I am getting a trailer for it, an advantage that I never thought of when I started building it. Not very many built, mine is a single keel version and I added a wheelhouse.
What about Cape Dory's?
Howard - Good suggestion. Both the CD22 and CD25 are worthy little pocket cruisers with classic Alberg looks. I haven't been aboard either and don't know of any that have crossed oceans, but I suspect someone's been offshore in these two little Cape Dory's and I have little doubt they could be good sea boats in the right hands, given their stout construction, full keels, etc.
The boats listed are priced such that one could buy a much larger, albeit not-so-primo boat for the same or lesser amount. I've seen decent cal 34s go for $8k. So why buy a pocket cruiser that goes for 30K? Smaller sails and reduced slip rent can only account for a modicum of savings
True enough, this is NOT necessarily a list cheap/affordable small boats, but rather well-built and capable small boats that can go offshore in the right hands. Some sailors simply prefer a small, simple sailboat to a larger more spacious (and sometimes more complicated) sailboat, even if the purchase price is similar.
West Wight Potter 14 #223. Mexico to Hawaii.
I'm contemplating buying a 26' Micmac for rougher waters. http://sailboatdata.com/viewrecord.asp?class_id=6202
A Vancouver 27 !!!!
hey you forgot a little boat from south africa called the flamenca 25 great little boat built for the cape of storms
A Flamenca would also sail circles around this list of boats. These traditional long keel boats are slow and without decent fouls, suck going upwind.
Would the Cascade 27 be a good pocket cruiser or is this just a coastal cruiser
I think it would be a excellent choice
Mmm. Some consistencies in your selections (apart from the obvious US of A bias), they all have square bows. Me thinks this is as much a beauty contest as a seaworthy small boat list. I'm afraid trailer and seagoing don't fit in the same sentence
Guilty as charged! Although I do disagree about trailer and seagoing...with both the Flicka and the Nor'Sea being plenty capable on both fronts.
Okay. On seaworthy, I sailed in 12 knots past a site where 2 friends were drowned, their yacht lost in a gale. So is my Folkboat, my sailing skill or patience to credit or was their boat any less seaworthy? An ocean crossing does not make a boat seaworthy, the sailing skill and weather and sea mix have as much to credit. I assert that a long heavy keel, stout rig and water tightness are compulsory if you want to lengthen the odds in your favour.
Nice article, I would however strongly suggest that you give a second thought about linking to myboatplans.com. It's a scam (most, if not all, of the plans are available for free elsewhere on the net and at least some pics are stolen from other boatbuilders). You don't have to take my word for it, just google around.
Thanks, and thanks for the suggestion...the link has been removed!
I am agree with you. Tks. An article about siling solo those smalls boats (in spanish): http://www.navegar-es-preciso.com/news/la-navegacion-oceanica-en-solitario-en-peque%C3%B1os-veleros-/
How about a Privateer26 by Kenner ? Check the specs, and I think you'll find she's equal in important areas and prettier by far than most!
Having a love affair with traditional boats with genuine shear lines, I just stepped out of my Marshall 22, and into a totally unknown double ender called a Skipper 20. Why these trailer sailors dream have gone unnoticed is hard to fathom. With room for 4, 2' draft, 800#s ballast, and a cockpit larger than my Bristol 27' which includes a outboard locker has me spending the last 4 months making the 40 year old look like modern and updated, quality pocket cruiser. With the new genoa, 5.5kts up hill and down, and as dry as they get,, Where they been???
I just bought a Skipper 20 and am fixing it up, can you tell me how it handles in a heavy blow? I am planning to use it as a micro coastal sailer and would like to know as much about it's capabilitys as I can. Much appreciated, Richard.
What are your thoughts on a San Juan 7.7 with the keel shoe? Offshore sailong to Hawaii or the inside passage to Alaska.
What are your thoughs on a San Juan 7.7 with the keel shoe offshore? IE; Hawaii or the Inside Passage to Alaska.
We recently purchased a JJ Taylor Contessa 26, hull #262, Ophelia, and have trailered her to Malletts Bay in Lake Champlain, VT. We were extremely flattered to have a visit from Tania Aebi, who lives 35 min. from us and wanted to show her sister and daughter-in-law an example of the boat that she sailed round the world in the late '80's.
What about steel Tom Thumb 24 ???
For whatever reason, I'm a fan of the Bristol 24 (Paul Coble design). The baby Bristols are full-keeled and don't go upwind very energetically, but once the sheets are started they come into their own. Hulls are usually nearly bulletproof, and even if damaged, they are small and easy to fix... some have been gilded into mini-yachts, but I prefer sparse brightwork and light/white paint. They are very (very) sea-kindly for their size and although they heel to about 15-20 degrees, their nearly 50% ballast usually stops it right there... Mast-head rigged, they have a large main and can develop noticeable weather-helm, so one reef keeps the tiller loads modest. Thankfully they aren't very popular or well-known, so you can find bargains and even top-drawer examples probably will cost less than a modest commuter car... I'm now on my second one (after having a larger fin-keel... am returning to the B24); if possible, look for one with split lower shrouds... Oh, they have comfortable 5'11" headroom, or just a fraction more,,,
Popular posts from this blog, top 10 favorite affordable bluewater sailboats, escape to the sea: how to get from the great lakes to the caribbean.
After the Mac on Lake Michigan thread, I've been giving some thougth to the notion of off-shore trailerable sailboats. I know some models available in Europe might fit the bill, but does anything here in NA (new or used) make the grade? In general it seems the manufactrues have moved the offshore goalpost to 30 feet for the US market, which rules out trailerablity except in the most extreme definition. And the notion of trailerablity is dfferent for folks. For some it would mean park it in the driveway and take it to the lake every weekend. For others it means only the ability to move it over the road by yourself. For me, something in the middle; in the water most of the time (slip or buoy), with the ability to winterize by myself, and maybe a one-week sailing trip to other waters. Here's a quick list of capabilities I thought of for both offshore and trailerable. The more the boat has the better. Some are pure yes/no things (IB power), others (like AVS) are a point on a scale. What would others add to the lists, and what boats make the grade? Offshore metrics C.E. 'B' offshore rating AVS (Angle of Vanishing Stability) > 130 CR (Capsize Ratio) < 2.0 Inboard power Gimbaled stove Nav station Fixed head Trailerable metrics 5000 lb displacment 7500 OTR weight Deck stepped mast 36 inch waterline to wheel length 8.5 foot beam Anything else? Boats?
How about the Seaward series by Hake http://www.seawardyachts.com/
tcbro said: How about the Seaward series by Hake http://www.seawardyachts.com/ Click to expand
dlandersson said: The 26RK in particular - apparently the 32RK is not trailerable. :cry: http://www.seawardyachts.com/26rk.html Click to expand
dlandersson said: The 26RK in particular - apparently the 32RK is not trailerable. :cry: Yes it is!! http://www.seawardyachts.com/26rk.html Click to expand
Pacific seacraft comes to mind
packman said: Pacific seacraft comes to mind Click to expand
the 25 I believe, at least I've seen pictures of one on a trailer
cb32863 said: Which one is trailerable? Click to expand
Think Trimarans. Folding amas makes them road legal. Very stable and fast comfortable cruisers. The Inboard might be a problem. Small outboard and small gen set takes care of that. Maybe even an electrical outboard ran from the generator?
There is a Pacific Seacraft (Dana) sitting on a double axle trailer next to my SJ23 where we sail on the Columbia river. It is quite heavy and requires a 1 ton truck to tow. He used a Dodge Ram 3500. To raise the mast requires a truck with a boom to lift it off the trailer and install. To launch the boat they attach a 100 foot steel cable , doubled, to the truck so that the truck is 50 feet back up the ramp from the boat and trailer. If all goes right on the first attempt the trailer goes way out into the water and the boat floats off. Reverse to recover the boat. This is an operation that requires 3 knowledgable souls and a good bit of skill. They only have used the boat once in the last 3 years which is sad. This is a boat that I would not hesitate to take anywhere if properly fitted out. Ray
Sumner said: ...and was surprised to see that the capsize ratio was 2.17 for it (the 25) and 2.14 for the 26 mentioned above. Our Mac (26 S) comes in at 2.24. Not too far from the Seaward, but I would for sure rather be on it vs. the Mac if we were off shore in heavy weather. The Pacific Seacraft 25 comes in at a more respectable 1.9. ] Click to expand
Jackdaw said: After the Mac on Lake Michigan thread, I've been giving some thougth to the notion of off-shore trailerable sailboats. I know some models available in Europe might fit the bill, but does anything here in NA (new or used) make the grade? In general it seems the manufactrues have moved the offshore goalpost to 30 feet for the US market, which rules out trailerablity except in the most extreme definition. And the notion of trailerablity is dfferent for folks. For some it would mean park it in the driveway and take it to the lake every weekend. For others it means only the ability to move it over the road by yourself. For me, something in the middle; in the water most of the time (slip or buoy), with the ability to winterize by myself, and maybe a one-week sailing trip to other waters. Here's a quick list of capabilities I thought of for both offshore and trailerable. The more the boat has the better. Some are pure yes/no things (IB power), others (like AVS) are a point on a scale. What would others add to the lists, and what boats make the grade? Offshore metrics C.E. 'B' offshore rating AVS (Angle of Vanishing Stability) > 130 CR (Capsize Ratio) < 2.0 Inboard power Gimbaled stove Nav station Fixed head Trailerable metrics 5000 lb displacment 7500 OTR weight Deck stepped mast 36 inch waterline to wheel length 8.5 foot beam Anything else? Boats? Click to expand
there are two ways to lift the keel if the electric motor fails. You can turn the motor shaft with a screw driver(on an electric drill if you dont want carpel tunnel) or you can use the main halyard to lift the keel! AND YES IT IS TRAILERABLE-I do
Thanks!
Nor'Sea 27
Steve Dion said: Nor'Sea 27 Click to expand
Trailerable-boat challenge The famous and impressive story I recall from the early '70s is that, as a promotional challenge, MacGregor Yacht offered a $25,000 cash prize to the fastest elapsed time (uncorrected) in a solo race from Long Beach to Hawaii in a trailerable swing-keel boat. The winner sailed a Venture 21. Never underestimate those older Macgregor Venture boats. Properly maintained, they are cheap, practical and reliable; and properly sailed, they are like windsurfers for speed and agility. They may be some of the most underestimated small boats of all time.
Plenty of big trailerable boats from 25 to 27 feet have the range and heft for running offshore, but only a few are able to stay very long when the going gets rough. That said, there’s an element of excitement being out there in a small boat in the company of boats much larger than yours. In the right hands, a smaller boat is more maneuverable and responsive than bigger boats, and those with twin outboards are nearly always faster — no small factor when conditions deteriorate and its time to head home.
If you’re looking for a good boat for fishing the canyons, it’s important to keep in mind that not all hulls are a good match for the demands that running offshore can impose on a boat. Simply put, some trailerable boats are built better than others. And then there’s the issue of hull design — while a modified vee hull provides greater stability, a deep vee hull delivers a better ride through the waves. And lastly, range is an obvious consideration. In that case, all of the boats profiled below have sufficient fuel capacity for extended offshore operation.
For the purposes of this article, a trailerable boat is defined as having a beam of nine feet or less. Legally, however, most states define a trailerable boat as having a beam no greater than 8-feet, 6-inches. So if you want to be legal you’ll need an overwide permit to trailer a few of the boats below on the highway as they slightly exceed the legal limit. Something to keep in mind.
The ten boats presented in this article have been selected by the writer for punching above their weight when it comes to offshore performance. Another writer might pick ten completely different boats. In other words, this is a subjective list. There is no attempt to define these ten models as anything other than boats that the author believes to be among the best in this class.
Ed McKnew PowerBoat Guide Founder
At a Glance: This pocket battlewagon carries a big reputation with East Coast anglers for solid offshore performance and a unique jackshaft power system. Construction and finish are above average throughout. Features include bait boxes, tackle locker, removable fish box, and a functional cabin with convertible V-berth/dinette, galley, and enclosed head.
Albemarle designers reworked the hull in 2003, reducing the transom deadrise from 24 to 21 degrees, in an effort to introduce greater low-speed stability to the slender hull. Now called the 268 Express, the center engine location keeps the cockpit free of the engine box common to most sterndrive boats. A single 7.4L Volvo Duo-Prop gas engine will cruise in the mid 20s (30+ knots top). A heavily built boat with great Carolina lines, a 285hp Volvo diesel tops out in the mid 30s.
Price Range: Expect to pay around $35K for a clean older model; $50–65K for newer.
At a Glance: The real deal in an offshore center console — drop-dead gorgeous lines, a flawless finish, and a deck layout that splits the difference between fishing and cruising. Deep-V hull is vacuumed bagged and reinforced with Kevlar for added strength. A generous 9-foot beam (overwide permit required) results in a roomy cockpit with everything important close at hand. Although her purpose is fishing, molded bow seating allows the 27 Open to serve as a comfortable day cruiser as well. Two 30-gallon fore and aft in-deck fish boxes feature macerators.
A generous 9-foot beam (overwide permit required) results in a roomy cockpit with everything important close at hand. Although her purpose is fishing, molded bow seating allows the 27 Open to serve as a comfortable day cruiser as well. Two 30-gallon fore and aft in-deck fish boxes feature macerators.
The 45-gallon transom livewell is huge for a boat this size. Walk-in console comes complete with a sink, marine head, and near standing headroom. Fit and finish is second to none. Rated for up to 500 horsepower, twin 200hp Mercury outboards top out at 45 knots.
Price Range: Prices range from $60–65K to over $90K for a newer model with trailer.
At a Glance: A heavy, no-frills fishing boat with straight inboard or jackshaft power, functional cabin, and all the amenities required to make fishing or cruising an enjoyable experience — that describes the Carolina Classic 25, a pocket sport fishing battlewagon with a big East Coast following.The engine is amidships where the weight adds to the hull’s low center of
The engine is amidships where the weight adds to the hull’s low center of gravity, and connected to the outdrive by a jackshaft. This means no engine box taking up valuable cockpit space—a significant factor in a boat this size. On the downside, there’s no in-deck fish box.
Forward is a full-sized cuddy cabin with V-berth, secure rod storage, a stowable electric head and a storage locker. A single 300hp Volvo gas engine — or 260hp Volvo diesel — delivers a top speed of 28–30 knots. An outboard version was introduced in 2013.
Price Range: Gas models run from $30K up to $80K-plus. Diesels are $10K–$12K more.
At a Glance: Rough water, no problem—this legendary sport fishing machine still sets the standard in every category that counts. Lightweight, fast, with excellent range and a near flawless finish, the 27’s fully cored hull is relatively light compared with other center consoles her size.
The deck layout is completely uncluttered, and wide walkways around the console make it easy to get around. Features include an integrated swim/dive platform, 50-gallon aft livewell, huge 140-gallon forward fish box, 76-gallon aft fish box, leaning post with rod holders, in-floor rod lockers.
The Contender 27’s generous 8’10” beam just slightly exceeds the legal width for trailering in all states. A superb open water performer, 200hp Yamaha outboards top out at 45 knots. (Not designed to handle the weight of today’s four-stroke motors.)
Price Range: Strictly an East Coast boat. Anywhere from $35K to around $80K.
At a Glance: A popular model, this top-tier cat was a popular model for Glacier Bay for many years. One of the smoothest, most comfortable and safest platforms for fishing offshore. Lighter than most any monohull her size. She rides on a pair of sharp, thin displacement hulls that were retooled in 1999 with a finer entry and wider chines.
Standard features include a leaning post with 35 gallon bait tank, console head compartment, fresh/raw-water washdowns, two macerated in-deck fish boxes, bait prep station, and lockable rod storage.
The 260’s deep cockpit is a plus and so is the aggressive nonskid. Her aft deck is ready for action with over 60 square feet of working space. The stability of these boats is legendary. Twin 150hp 4-stroke Yamahas cruise at 25–26 knots at nearly two mpg (low 30s top).
Price Range: Older models can be found in the $25K range. Newer boats go for around $40K.
At a Glance: One of the best built big center consoles ever. Called the 263 Chase until 2002 when the console was redesigned. The Chase has a conventional deck layout with a 32-gallon transom livewell, transom fish box, two large fish boxes forward (under the bow seats), leaning post with backrest, foldaway stern seat, lockable rod storage, and a transom door. Under the aft seat lid, all batteries, cables, filters and fuel switches are easily accessible.
The pop-up electronics console and helm footrest are useful features, and a fiberglass insert fits between the forward seats to create raised casting deck.†The Chase has a deep-V hull with a sharp entry, cored hullsides, and an integrated motor bracket/swim platform. A good performer with excellent range, Yamaha 225s top out in the neighborhood of 45 knots.
Price Range: These boats are easy to find. Prices run from the low $20Ks to $80K-plus.
At a Glance: A beautiful 26-footer with forward seating — Jupiter’s smallest model. This boat drips with quality. While the deck layout is similar to most center consoles this size, the Jupiter’s wide side decks make it especially easy for anglers to get around.
The head compartment (with electric toilet) is small but completely finished. Behind the leaning post is a huge 102-gallon macerated in-deck fish box and a large lazarette for bilge access.
The cushioned forward seats offer fish boxes that drain overboard (no macerator required). Super-wide transom features a rigging station with an oval 35-gallon livewell and freshwater sink. Tackle drawers and bins are built into the leaning post. Large dash can handle twin 15″ displays. The hardtop is mounted to the console so it does not take up deck space. One of a handful of 26-footers are rated for up to 500-hp.
Price Range: From the low $100K up.
At a Glance: With 200 gallons of fuel, Boston Whaler’s reputation for quality construction, and an all-new deep-V hull (replacing the company’s earlier hard-riding hulls), the 26 Outrage combines the range and offshore muscle to go head-to-head with boats a lot bigger than 26 feet.
In spite of her modest (and trailerable) 8’6″ beam, the uncluttered deck layout of the 26 Outrage is ideally suited for 360-degree fishability. Ample interior freeboard and standard stainless steel toe rails help keep passengers secure when gaffing fish or retrieving skis.
With a range of 350–400 nautical miles, the 26 Outrage has the ability to venture far offshore with the added assurance of Boston Whaler’s legendary unsinkable hull. A popular family fisherman with timeless lines. Twin 225hp Mercury outboards deliver a top speed in the mid 40-knot range.
Price Range: These still-popular boats run from $20K to $50K depending on engines & condition.
At a Glance: Classic sportfishing boat (over 1,500 sold) with Armstrong outboard bracket offers an exceptional blend of solid construction and serious open-water performance. The spacious deck plan features in-deck storage boxes on either side of the console, two recirculating baitwells, and two transom bait boxes. The leaning post seat comes with a footrest, and a foldaway stern seat frees up cockpit space.
Stand-up head compartment has a marine toilet w/ holding tank. Lenco trim tabs, pop-up cleats, power-assist steering, and fresh and raw-water washdowns are standard. The Regulator’s deep-V hull delivers one of the best rides in the business. Twin 250hp Yamaha engines deliver the top speed of nearly 50 knots. Note that the current Forward Seating model came out in 2006.
Price Range: Nearly always a good selection. Prices run from the mid $30s to $100K-plus.
At a Glance: A tournament-level fishboat with tons of eye appeal — quality like this doesn’t come cheap. Fishing features include an 35-gallon transom livewell, three insulated fish boxes, 4-drawer tackle locker, 2 locking rod lockers, welded toe rails, cockpit bolsters, and bait prep center. Fold-down rear seat frees up cockpit space when needed.
The foredeck features a cushioned seats; remove the cushions and add the filler to make a large casting deck. A removable dinette is standard along with a wraparound grab rail and full backrest support.
Console head compartment contains a VacuFlush toilet, sink, and shower. Note oversized battery and pump compartment in starboard transom. Fit and finish is exceptional. Deep-V hull delivers a terrific open-water ride. Twin Yamaha 225 outboards reach close to 45 knots top.
Price Range: From low $40K to $100K-plus.
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Quick Setup Time. Towing Weight. 7 Best Trailerable Cruising Sailboats. Catalina 22/25 "Pop-Top". Com-Pac Horizon Cat for Classic Coastal Cruising. Marshall Sanderling — Small, Portable, Classy. West Wight Potter 19 — The Tiny Go-Anywhere Sailboat. Seaward 26RK with Retractable Lead Keel.
A trailerable sailboat is a perfect option for part-time sailors and people with busy lives. Trailer sailors are some of the most popular boats in the country, and they're not limited to light winds and calm seas. Many trailerable sailboats have made some impressive passages both offshore and coastal. In this article, we'll go over some of ...
The ideal towing weight of a typical trailerable sailboat is between 3,000 and 5,000 pounds. This weight is within the towing capabilities of most trucks and full-size SUVs. Larger trailerable vessels, such as many coastal cruisers and offshore trailer-sailers, can weigh 7,500 pounds or more.
The best and largest trailerable sailboats are the Cal 20, the Catalina 22, the O'Day 240, The Islander 24, the Moore 24, the Cal 25, the Helms 25, the MacGregor 26, and the Nor'Sea 27. ... The Nor'Sea 27 is a true offshore sailboat with accommodations that rival any mid-size cruising sailboat. the Nor'Sea 27 is a full-keel displacement ...
These vessels provide the perfect balance between portability and performance if you want the flexibility to explore various destinations without the hassle of marina storage fees or dependence on docking facilities. The biggest trailerable sailboats that are cost-effective and good are: MacGregor 26. Catalina 22. Hunter 23.
Its new 26-foot Legacy has twin 250-hp Yamaha engines, or an optional 270- to 440-hp Volvo Penta diesel. The planing hull reportedly cruises at 28 to 50 knots. Designed for fishing and built by Nordic Tugs, the fiberglass boats are sold by Island Marine Center on Lopez Island in Washington state's San Juan Islands.
Balboa 26. Balboa 26 Courtesy Of Matts G. Djos. First splashed in 1969, the Balboa 26 continues to enjoy a strong following among budget-minded cruisers. Built sturdy and heavy, all of the boat's stress points are reinforced. The spacious cockpit comfortably seats 4 and is self bailing, ensuring that sailors stay dry.
The Voyager 20 measures in at 19ft 10in overall, with a trailer-friendly beam of 7ft 6in, and its base price is $29,995. Pulse 600. Speaking of trailer-friendly, nothing else comes with as potent a blend of portability and punch as a trailerable trimaran. Alliteration aside, Corsair Marine's new Pulse 600 looks like an extremely enjoyable ride.
Com-Pac's range of trailer sailers with accommodations starts with the 16-feet 6-inch Legacy, an entry-level trailer sailer that can sleep a couple plus a small child or two, but is otherwise devoid of amenities, and moves up through the 21-feet Eclipse, the CP23 Pilothouse and the 23/IV. Aside from their well-thought-out rig-raising systems ...
The Best Trailerable Cruising Sailboat Brands. Catalina Yachts: As one of North America's best-known sailboat brands of sailboats, Catalina has a long history of building trailerable models. Their entire Sport line cruising boats—except for the 275—can easily be trailered, and the 22 and 22 Sport, in particular, make for a great step up ...
RoG was voted 2021 Trailerable sailboat of the year by Voile Magazine. Hull. A given was that this would be chinned hull, built of developable panels. I spent a lot of time comparing various iterations and there is no way around the fact that bringing down that chine close to the waterline increases stability significantly, hence the slab sides.
LIVING ONBOARD. The First 27 SE is the only B category, trailerable 8m boat on the market with a fully functional interior. While it may look minimalistic, her extremely weight-sensitive interior is outfitted with components that also function as part of the boat's structure. She can accommodate up to 6 adults, two in a separate bow cabin and 4 ...
Farrier, who passed away in 2017, created the F-22 as a kind of culmination of all he'd continued to learn about small, trailerable multihulls in the years since he penned the F-27 trimaran, a true trail-blazer and now part of the "Sailboat Hall of Fame.". Another F-22 sidles up alongside a pier in Malta with amas folded in.
West Wight Potter 15. The West Wight Potter 15 is one of the best small trailerable and seaworthy 15-foot sailboats of all time. It's easy to handle and great for both coastal and offshore cruising. She has an aluminum mast and tiller, a small cabin that comfortably sleeps a couple and also we can't miss referring to her elegant design.
Launched in 1985, the speedy Corsair F-27 delivers double-digit boat speeds. Courtesy The Manufacturer. Talk about a boat that was ahead of its time. Any list of good trailerable boats has to include a multihull, and few have reached the overall popularity of the Corsair F-27, the prototype for which was originally launched way back in 1985.
The Nor'Sea 27 is a very much cult boat and used examples rarely stay on the market for long. Less than half are normally sold with trailers, and trailers large enough to haul a boat this heavy are expensive, so be sure to take this into account when considering prices. New boats can be built to various stages of completion.
With its 8'6" beam, the NP28 is trailerable without any special permit. The Ranger Tugs 25SC is a trailerable mini yacht that can sleep as many as five. ... The Minor Offshore 25 is a great all-weather cruising boat. Minor Offshore 25. Finland has a generations-old tradition of producing hardy, all-weather and all-season cruising boats. ...
TRAILERABLE. With an overall size of under 30 X 10 ft and a weight of 8,000 lbs, the Oceanis 30.1 can be trailered by road, without the issues of an extra-wide load. With the lifting keel and rotating tabernacle mast version, the cruiser can sail along canals and rivers to its sailing grounds.
Every ArrowCat power catamaran features our signature luxurious interior cabin with creature comforts other boat companies have only dreamed about. Add to this that the ArrowCat 320 is trailerable with a 10' beam and your cruising grounds expand exponentially. ... Offshore 30 gal bail tank & high volume pump mat transom. Power socket for 12v ...
Fortunately, bluewater sailboats under 24 feet, also known as pocket sailboats, are affordable small yachts that are trailerable to your choice of destination, so you don't have to bear the unnecessary docking fee. The best bluewater sailboats under 24 feet are the Pacific Seacraft Dana 24, Norseboat 21.5, Catalina 22 Sport, Pacific Seacraft ...
This bluewater sailboat was conceived from the beginning as a trailer-sailer. Designer Lyle Hess was challenged to build a trailerable bluewater boat and he delivered. Hess is quoted as saying; "Any boat that points her bow out to sea should be designed so that the crew need not worry about a safe return - no matter what tricks the weather may ...
Mar 16, 2012. #20. Trailerable-boat challenge. The famous and impressive story I recall from the early '70s is that, as a promotional challenge, MacGregor Yacht offered a $25,000 cash prize to the fastest elapsed time (uncorrected) in a solo race from Long Beach to Hawaii in a trailerable swing-keel boat.
Plenty of big trailerable boats from 25 to 27 feet have the range and heft for running offshore, but only a few are able to stay very long when the going gets rough. ... the 26 Outrage combines the range and offshore muscle to go head-to-head with boats a lot bigger than 26 feet. In spite of her modest (and trailerable) 8'6″ beam, the ...