yachts for under 200k

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5 Used Motor Yachts You Can Buy For Under $200K

Affordable motor yachts for sale in the united states..

Motor yachts are powered by single or twin engines — some equipped with two to four pod drives providing added maneuverability and joystick steering in close quarters. They can make voyages across oceans, zip through large rivers, or navigate the Great Lakes. Motor yachts are perfect for saltwater fishing, overnight boating, and day cruising and can be anywhere from 40 to 100 feet long. Motor yachts can range in price from as low as $90,000 to upwards of a few million — it just depends on if it’s new or used, size , model year, and amenities.

If you’re looking for an affordable boat, we found 5 used motor yachts under $200,000, currently for sale with Denison Yachting . These picks, in particular, are the perfect vessels for liveaboards and extended travel.

1. 63’ Viking 1988

STORY MAKER II is a 63 foot Viking with an extended aft deck. Built in 1988, she features full walk-around side decks, an enormous full-beam master cabin accessed by its own stairway, and three guest cabins forward with another curved stairway from the pilothouse. There are beautiful teak joinery and cabinetry throughout this motor yacht. You can access the flybridge using a comfortable and practical teak stairway with wide carpeted treads. (This is particularly handy for a steady walk up and down while carrying drinks or snacks.) A cozy cream-colored carpet was just installed on the main level in September 2020. STORY MAKER II is a well maintained used motor yacht and aggressively priced by motivated sellers in Charleston, South Carolina.

Best feature: Great value for her size.

Contact broker : Chris Ollis

2. 61’ Hatteras 1981

ROMANCE II is a classic 61 foot Hatteras built in 1981. Her 4 stateroom, 4 head layout features a galley on the main deck and an expansive salon. Her interior has a home feeling, making her a comfortable liveaboard. Forward of the galley is the pilothouse with double helm seating. Doors on both port and starboard sides, lead to the bow and forward deck. This motor yacht comes with a 13′ Boston Whaler Dauntless to take you onshore or to remote locations. Don’t let her age fool you — at under $200K, she’s full of character and ready to take you on your next big journey. ROMANCE II is currently for sale with Denison Yachting.

Best feature: Spacious salon for hosting friends.

Contact broker: Mike Mahoney

3. 52’ Jefferson 2000

Every once in a blue moon, you may hear about a friend of a friend who bought a 20-year-old boat that’s in such good condition it practically has that new boat smell. RIP RAP is the perfect example of an exceptionally well maintained and cared for Jefferson Rivanna Cockpit Motor Yacht. The vast majority of her life has been spent in the fresh waters of the Great Lakes, yet she demonstrated her seaworthiness on a voyage along the Great Loop.

With that type of time on the water, most vessels show their age in the engine room. Yet it would be a challenge to find a boat with her experience in this excellent condition, both mechanically and cosmetically. This is your chance to be that friend of a friend who buys a used motor yacht under $200K. RIP RAP is for sale with Denison Yachting in Chicago, Illinois.

Best feature: She’s incredibly seaworthy, strong, and stable for a motor yacht with as much use as this one.

Contact broker: Jeff Phillips

4. 48’ Ocean Yachts 1990

RADIANCE is a 2 stateroom, 3 head, 48 foot Ocean Motor Yacht built in 1990. She gets high marks for max-volume interior space, solid performance, and signature Ocean value. Highlights on this used motor yacht include extended full-beam salon, gourmet galley with deck access, inside bridge access, two double staterooms, work/laundry/storage room, and three full heads. Her large stand-up engine room is also a plus.

This motor yacht underwent plenty of upgrades over the years, including all new Garmin 7600 series electronics, new batteries, and a new jet bow thruster. RADIANCE is powered by reliable Detroit Diesels with a new exhaust system installed in 2019 along with a Westerbeke 11KW generator. She’s a Great Loop veteran and maximized for comfortable living. At $199,000, you’ll be pleasantly surprised by her value.

Best feature: You can convert one of the cabins into a stateroom, laundry room, office, or storage room.

Contact broker: Kevin Frawley

5. 42’ CHB 1987

VAMOOSE is a 42-foot motor yacht built by Chung Hwa Boat Building, a famous Taiwanese boat builder. She maximizes storage space in every room, allowing you to pack heavy for a big adventure. This used motor yachts has an open and airy salon with access to the sundeck and slide decks. Large windows port and starboard provide great visibility and natural light.

Thanks to her twin turbos at 225 HP Lehman Diesel, VAMOOSE can cruise at 8 knots all day long. At $90,000, she has been meticulously cared for with annual maintenance and upkeep making her an excellent boat for extended trips. You’ll get full use out of this affordable motor yacht.

Best feature: Compact and cozy to feel like home on the water.

Contact broker: Jim Dragomir

These 5 used motor yachts are great options if you’re in the market for a comfortable, spacious, and high performing boat at an affordable price. These yachts, specifically, have large fuel capacity, which makes them ideal for long-distance cruising, overnight vacations, and liveaboard situations. Contact a Denison yacht broker to find the right motor yacht for you and your family. 

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Used Yachts For Sale From $200,000 – $400,000

Listed below are used yachts for sale worldwide from $200,000 – $400,000. Use the search tools to narrow your exploration. SYS Yacht Sales offers a wide range of used yachts for sale, including motor yachts, trawlers, express cruisers, center consoles, sailboats and everything in between. Search top brands like Azimut, Ferretti, Sea Ray, Beneteau, Carver, Cruisers, Boston Whaler, Tiara and much more. Need assistance? Contact our experienced yacht brokers. We look forward to helping you find the yacht that's right for you.

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Used Yachts for Sale Between $200000 and $300000

If you're looking for a pre-owned yacht for sale between $200k and $300k, SI Yachts has the expertise to assist you in choosing the perfect boat for your requirements. Whether heading offshore to hunt for billfish or cruising the east coast, there are many options available on the yacht brokerage market. This is where the personalized customer service and knowledge our team proves valuable to you as the customer.

Boats for sale under $300,000 online include brands like Boston Whaler , Cabo Yachts , Carver Yachts , Cruisers , Grand Banks , Intrepid , Sea Ray , Yellowfin , and more! From New York, to Florida, and beyond, SI Yachts can assist you in the purchase or sale of a boat under $300k. We look forward to earning your business! Contact us today at [email protected] or by calling one of our convenient locations . SI Yachts are also Licensed Florida Yacht Brokers.

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Used Yachts For Sale Between $300,000 and $400,000

Finding a used yacht for sale between $300,000 and $400,000 that fits your needs when it comes to number of passengers, horsepower, inside accommodations, and other features on board can be a challenge with so many options available on the market today. There are many types of boats available between $300k and $400k like  center-consoles ,  cruising yachts , and  fishing boats , with many good options across all length ranges Still, there are plenty of opportunities with brands like  Sea Ray ,  Carver ,  Princess ,  Grand Banks ,  Meridian ,  Boston Whaler ,  Viking ,  Hatteras ,  Bertram , and others. Let the team at United Yacht Sales help you find the right vessel that fits your needs under $400k.

Yachts $ 300,000 to $ 400,000

48' Hans Christian 4750 Explorer 2002

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55' Azimut 2006

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58' Fairline Squadron 58 2002

48' Fountain 48 Express Cruiser 2005

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Best Production Cruiser Under $200,000: Hunter 356

• By Tim Murphy
• Updated: December 17, 2001

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In the pages of Cruising World, we’ve often lobbied boatbuilders for more affordable, seaworthy cruising boats of modest size that, in the spirit of the 1960 Pearson Triton, open the possibilities of cruising to more sailors. Seven of the boats we sailed come closest to answering that request. These are series-built sloops of traditional cruising design marked by moderate displacement-to-length and sail area-to-displacement ratios as well as simple rigs and sail plans. Of these seven boats, three are priced below the $200K mark.

The Etap 34s is a sprightly sloop from Belgium that’s built with enough foam between its hull skins to keep floating–and sailing–even after it’s fully flooded (though we didn’t get the chance to test it that way). The Beneteau 393 is a spacious, two- or three-cabin sloop modeled on last year’s successful 473.

But the boat that stood out was the aft-cockpit Hunter 356, a boat Ralph called “a paradigm shift for Hunter.” He liked the influence he saw from Glenn Henderson, a yacht designer known for his performance boats; for a little over a year, he’s been Hunter’s in-house designer. “Henderson’s input has really come through. This girl, driven hard for a shoal-draft boat, balanced nicely and drove fairly easily.”

Alvah found the cockpit layout clean. “I liked that big stainless-steel arch with the main traveler on top of it. It was a good handhold and a good location for cruisers to add wind generators, solar panels, or antenna, and the stainless-steel work was good.”

As on all the boats, including those that took prizes, there were a few items the judges would have preferred to see different. “I was concerned about those large lockers on the sugar scoop that drain into the bilge,” said Alvah. “They’re well gasketed, but I think the first thing anyone would need to do is get bigger hinges and better latches and make absolutely sure they’re not opening that kind of area that low.” It’s a trait that would be more serious if the 356 were intended as an all-oceans passagemaker, but Hunter calls it a coastal cruiser. The European Community rates it “Category B,” with usage limited to seas of four meters (about 13 feet) and winds of Force 8 (40 knots).

Compared with Hunters past, many interior features on the 356 were upgraded: Corian countertops, solid teak woodwork instead of veneers, radiused corners with fiddles. “The galley was squared away,” said Skip. “Nice freezer, good insulation. The Adler/Barbour compressor under the settee had good ventilation and very good access to work on it.”

Skip liked the electrical installation, too. “Hunter’s put antichafe around all the holes in all the bulkheads that have plumbing or wiring coming through, something most boats twice the price, three times the price, don’t do. Also, they left lots of slack in the wire leads at the electrical panel so you could pull them out and work on them.” The helm drew praise from Ralph: “I liked their steering concept: a drag-link system with a sealed rudder tube that ties the deck and hull together. No leaks, no need for a stuffing box.” Alvah liked that the wheel was small enough to walk around.

Carol summed up her impression of the 356: “It was a comfortable boat to sail. The design concept was stability with a shoal keel, and I think it met that.”

In today’s new-boat marketplace, this 35-footer, priced at $114,000, stands out as a remarkable value.

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Better Sailing

10 Best Catamarans Under 200k

Are you looking for a catamaran to enjoy with your friends and family on weekends, or summer vacation, or maybe to liveaboard? If yes, catamarans are large yachts that provide many luxuries, but that doesn’t mean you will have to destroy your savings since there are many great choices under 200k. Of course, quality isn’t cheap, especially when it comes to a life of luxury on the ocean. However, we have carefully selected the best catamarans under 200k that are both elegant and economically viable.

Price: Used From 150k to 400K

The Lagoon 380 is one of the best catamarans ever produced. By 2013, over 700 of these boats had been delivered globally. It is regarded as the baby of the Lagoon company, as it is the smallest but very comfortable even for a liveaboard family. This boat stands at 37 feet and is regarded as the benchmark for 40-and-under feet catamarans.

It was designed by the renowned French-based naval architectural company, VPLP, this boat features a simple and efficient deck layout, a circuit vision in the rounded saloon, a cockpit equipped with a real outdoor lounge area, a structural beam that provides easy access to the sea and life raft, three or four cabins which are very bright (due to the large hull windows) and can accommodate up to 10 people. The galley is located between the cockpit and the saloon. The engine room is distanced from living areas and perfectly insulated for maximum comfort. 

You can find a Lagoon 380 in good condition for around 200k, which is a phenomenal deal. At this price range, this is an affordable luxury because it is comfortable with enough amenities. In addition, it has amazing interior woodwork designed by X. Fay. The design, technology, speed, safety, and great navigation make it a whole lot more appealing. The vertical glazing provides better protection against the sun and optimizes space and headroom. The Lagoon 380 is definitely worth your time and money; make sure to check one out if there is one for sale in your area. Also, because this catamaran was very popular when it was released, there are many for sale on the used market. Personally, I believe that the Lagoon 380 is the best catamaran under 200k .

>>Also Read: Best Sailboats Under 100k

Nautitech 40

Price: Used From 180k to 500k

At 39 feet, this catamaran has redefined the living space of an affordable cruising catamaran. Designed by French naval architect Marc Lombard, it features a deck saloon combined with a cockpit lounge, which is quite unusual as they both suffer from lack of space. The deck, cockpit, saloon are all on one level. It’s elegant, has great light, and is extremely maneuverable with two helms for exceptional visibility.  

This boat is priced between $200k and $500k on the used market, depending on location, built year, and condition. It is equipped with 3 or 4 cabins depending on the version with a huge owner’s cabin on the port side. The cockpit is covered, which provides adequate protection in all kinds of weather; this especially useful if you are looking for a cruising catamaran all under 200k. Also, it offers space for up to 12 people, so you will never be short of space. It also has an amazing deck layout with the opportunity to sunbathe. The elegant line gives the boat a sporty look. This catamaran is beautiful, and if you can make a small compromise to your budget, you should clearly check one out; you definitely won’t regret buying one.

Price: Used From 170k to 250k

The Leopard 38 price ranges from around $170k to $250k, depending on age, condition, and location. This boat is very easy to maneuver(even with a limited crew). This catamaran was a collaboration of designers Robertson and Caine with Morelli and Melvin. The 38 feet catamaran features a large cockpit with an outside dining area, versatile ergonomic seating for up to eight guests, and open transoms to make boarding easy. Equipped with four double cabins and 2-berths, a spacious saloon, and an aft-facing galley with a serving window overlooking the cockpit area. 

As you can see, this is a beautiful catamaran from the exterior and then down to the interior with high-class woodwork. Also, thanks to its built quality, ample space, and the abundance of natural light thanks to its huge windows, it is ideal to be used as a liveaboard catamaran.

Fountaine Pajot Belize 43

Price: Used From 200k to 300k

Standing at 42 feet with a beautiful shape, this boat is famous for how well it cuts through water with ease and its great sailing performance. The Belize 43 is equipped with clever tricks for greater sailing ease and can be easily be operated by just a couple of people. The sails are easy to hoist and haul; it also offers a great stable platform without compromising sail performance. 

The boat features four large double cabins and 2 very pleasant single cabins alongside four heads. The hull also offers plenty of storage space and has a maximum capacity of about 10 people. Joubert-Nivelt designed this boat to be as light as possible without having to compromise stability and easy to maneuver.

With a starting price of around $200k, this catamaran is said to be the fastest in her class. You are guaranteed to spend exceptional day(s) or week(s) on this boat.

Fountaine Pajot Lavezzi 40

Price: 150k to 250k On The Used Market

This 40 feet boat is big, comfortable, and well suited for life on board. The exterior is designed by the same person who designed  Belize 43,  Joubert-Nivelt. However, the interior design was done by O. Flahault.

The prices vary from $160k to $250k on the used market. It is quite affordable considering the level of comfort and its sailability. The helm station with a deflector that provides weather protection for the person at the helm. Each hull is spacious with double cabins that comfortably accommodate eight people. This catamaran is definitely one that you should consider since it is both spacious, luxurious, and quite affordable.

>>Also Read: Best Sailboats Under 30 Feet

Broadblue 38 Catamaran

Price: Used From 150k to 400k

Broadblue is a United Kingdom-based company at Thornham Marina, Emsworth. The company is famous for achieving the perfect combination of performance, speed, luxury liveaboard, comfort, and safety. This 38-foot catamaran price ranges from around $150k to $400k. Designed by Stuart Davidsen, it has lots of spaces, storage or not. The saloon and cockpit provide spacious comfort for 6 people, with all-round visibility whether at sea or in the harbor.

The most popular layout of this catamaran comes with 3 double cabins and 2 v-berths and, as usual with cats, a very spacious saloon. The boat has superb woodwork in the interior with lots of amenities that could afford one the life of luxury when cruising. This a very popular catamaran on the used market because of its great value-for-money. Honestly, this design looks a bit dated on the outside, but they are very comfortable and well-built.

MacGregor 40 Catamaran

Price: Around 100k

The MacGregor 40 was designed by designer and builder Roger MacGregor; as you probably understood already, he also named the boat after himself. With a price of around 100k on the used market, this 40-foot cat is astonishing for many things. It is a fast catamaran with cabins and has enough space for a weekend trip with a simple mast raising system. However, its sensitivity to moderate winds, lack of storage space, and difficulty of handling are reasons people become wary when getting the MacGregor 40. 

The galley and saloon are well equipped with the finest of craft from woodwork down to the electronics; you would certainly love the deck layout for sunbathing and a whole lot of other water sporting activities. This catamaran is for someone who is an adrenaline junkie looking for the fastest catamaran under 200k but not necessarily the most comfortable one.

Gemini Legacy 35

Price: Used From 150k to 250k

This is the most successful cruising catamaran ever built in the US. Since it was first built in 1981, this American-made boat has been the most family-friendly performance cruising catamaran in the world. The Legacy 35 has more interior space than most 40-foot monohulls and costs a little less than an average monohull, while it stands at only 35 feet. The cost varies from $150k to $250k, depending on the dealer, age, condition, etc. Like most catamarans, it is easy to maneuver, fast, family-friendly, great to liveaboard but affordable. 

The hallmark for a Gemini design is the shallow draft. Legacy 35 has a 34-inch draft that allows the boat to be pulled right up next to the beach or anchored in small protected coves.

>>Also Read: Best Sailboats To Live On

Lagoon 35 CCC

Price: Used From 120k to 200k

The premier multihull in the world, the Lagoon 35 CCC, is built in the United States to have a hull constructed using the SCRIMP infusion method of elimination. The ‘CCC’ in front of the name stands for Coastal Cruising Catamaran. This boat is a collaboration of Jeanneau and TPI, then conceived by American architects Morelli and Melvin, who have expert knowledge in the field of designing catamarans. Morelli and Melvin chose performance over comfort. Starting at $120,000, this boat combines an excellent layout and high-quality finish with a capability of sailing fast. 

The 35 feet stylish and beautiful catamaran is complemented by the size of spaces in the boat from the large cockpit that can comfortably seat eight people. It has three or four cabins with an amazing deck layout and a comfortable view, even though the designers never prioritized that. The exterior, though, is just as sleek as the interior and one reason the boat will be enticing. This boat is as affordable as luxury can get. Whether you are looking for a weekend catamaran to spend some quality time with the family or as a liveaboard, this catamaran will be perfect for you.

Final Thoughts

A great cruising or liveaboard catamaran for under 200k? Is that even possible? Many people don’t think so; I believe I just proved them wrong! As you can see, some of these catamarans cost more than 200k on the used market, but I made sure the starting price is under the 200k mark, as the title suggests. However, do not be swiped away by the good price and rush to your checkbook. Take your time, take her out for a spin, and get her surveyed; it’s worth the extra cost to get your mind at ease because a hidden problem can cost tenths of thousands of dollars. After you make sure that everything checks out and you are aware of any problems, you can write the check and take her home; or make her your home, it’s up to you!

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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12 Best Catamarans Under 200k and What You Should Know!

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Reading forums, watching youtube, and listening to yacht salespeople, I got the sense that there are  no good Catamaran boats under USD 200 000. I sincerely believe that this is wrong , and hopefully, after you have read this article, you will have a better understanding of which boats under 200k are worth looking into.

The 12 Best Catamarans you can buy for under USD 200 000 (Read below to understand why):

• Gemini Legacy 35
• Leopard 3800
• Seawind 1200
• Fountaine Pajot Bahia 46

Below  I will present more in-detail information  about some of these boats; I have chosen the ones that I have studied myself and feel confident enough to talk about.

This article is a result of the research I am doing; I am looking for a Catamaran in between $100k and $200k; the list above includes some of the most exciting examples that I believe also are the best options if your budget is under 200k. As I learn more about each catamaran on the list, I will update this post and share the knowledge with you guys!

Table of Contents

2002 Lagoon 380, $160 000

This is the most famous and well know of all Catamarans; it’s been around for many years and has a large community built around the boat. It is easy to understand why this is the most sold catamarans of all time. Using that community to your advantage when it comes to repairs and general knowledge is excellent since it will save you a lot of money and time since many others have already made all the mistakes, so you dont have to.

It is known for being easy to handle and a stable platform both during ocean crossing and sleeping at anchor.

Blue Water:

The L380 is known to be a slow catamaran, this is due to the wide hulls and spacious interior, another concern I have is the somewhat low bridge deck clearance . The low bridge deck clearance makes for a lot of noise while going upwind but it is also what makes the saloon so roomy. Taking the Lagoon out for day trips I found this boat very comfortable with a well-planned interior (video below) but a little on the sluggish side for me.

In summary, i believe this catamaran is perfect for coastal sailing and totally ok for Ocean Crossings.

The Lagoon 380 is not in any way an unsafe boat, but I would like to discuss a few things that I have come across during my research of this boat.

The L380 doesn’t have dedicated bilge pumps ; this might be true for newer designs, but they are nonexistent for the older ones.

As a rule of thumb, when it comes to safety, you want back-ups because when you need a safety device such as a bilge pump, you want it to work and operate effectively. I have experienced this firsthand when I got a big hole(long story for another time) in my boat, and I had to use all the pumps I could. What happened? of course, one pump broke, but since I had back-ups, including a manual hand pump, we were able to stay afloat.

If I hadn’t had any backups, this story would be very different.

The video below shows a Lagoon 380 i visited a few weeks ago and why im now looking for something different!

Liveaboard:

The Lagoon 380 is by many the preferred options when it comes to making a boat your home. It is roomy and allows for wide berths(beds) and a big galley(kitchen).

It is also known for being an easy Catamaran to maintain and service. One example is the ease of doing repairs on your engines. To exemplify this ill, give you a quote from the owner of a lagoon 380 called  Indigo Moon

“…  I can change the entire seawater cooling pump on one of my yanmars in less than five minutes, literally. “ Owner of Indigo Moon discussing the simplicity of engine repairs

2013 Gemini Legacy 35, $188 000

The American made Gemini known for its small beam, making it fit in a standard slip and making it possible to be lifted out with a regular travel lift found in many marinas.

This also means that  it can be transported by truck across the country , which is very uncommon in the catamaran world. They are built by the thousands, and due to their small draft (34 inches) can go right up to the beach.

The Legacy gives the owner the possibility to enjoy warm coastal waters in a cheap and manageable way. For this type of circumstance, it is for many the perfect choice. The boat is easy to sail and a walk in the park to operate in the marina.

Although it has been done, the Gemini is  not really up for the task of serious bluewater sailing , so having a discussion of safety needs to be in the context of coastal waters.

I believe that the Gemini Legacy is very well suited for coastal waters , where the need for handling big waters is a minimum. If it were in the blue water category, I would discuss trampolines instead of the solid deck.

But for coastal waters where there is a higher risk of running aground than of big seas, the small draft really is useful since it will allow you to go to places where monohulls can not allowing you for a safer and better experience.

The small bridge deck clearance is also something that is more suitable for coastal weekend sailing!

This doesn’t mean that you can’t go to the Bahamas or BVI from Florida; it only means that you have to plan your trip to make sure you dont get into bad weather offshore.

It is definitely possible to live aboard a Legacy and enjoy it; it’s not a giant boat, but it has been done, and  this couple  is an interesting example of that.

The cockpit is big and allows for much more social activities than on let’s say an offshore monohull, which is tiny compared.

2002 Dean 440, $185 000

Just as many other “small” boat builders, Dean Catamarans are built out of South Africa. South African catamarans tend to have less bridge deck clearance, but this is probably one with the biggest, and as far as I understand, it is not a big issue with bridge deck slamming on the Dean 440.

Dean Catamarans are known for their excellent build quality and structural integrity, making them great for big ocean passaging and heavy weather.

In combination with the reputation for speed, this makes for a great cruising catamaran; the only downside might be the volatility in price compared to the more commons boats such as Lagoon or Leopard, which tend to be more stable price-wise.

Ensure you get a reasonable price on your Dean, so you get all of that money back! And if you are on the hunt for a smaller Dean cat, I suggest you check out this sailing couples channel Sailing Lady Africa .

2001 Lagoon 410, $ 199 000

Much like its little brother, this boat is loved by many, it is very spacious and like its brother also not the fastest thing you can get. Sailing upwind will also not be the most exciting thing you will do on this cat.

Researching this boat read a review stating that this specific model tends to pitch less than other ships of the same size, I’m not sure but if you are prone to seasickness then maybe this might be something to dive a little deeper into

The lagoon 410 employs big trampolines instead of a solid deck; this is a big deal for big ocean sailing. One possible catastrophic situation is to bury the bows in a wave and then have the boat pitchpole, creating a potentially deadly situation.

Many would argue this cat is perfect; it’s big, with plenty of room for storage such as scuba gear, surf gear, etc.

With its eight berth layout, you can bring your family plus the neighbors family and still have plenty of room left. I think this is one of the coolest boats around.

And with those giant sugar scoops at the back, there is nothing id like to do more than go for a swim and then climb back up on one!

NOTE: Lately, there have been some issues with Lagoon bulkheads, so make sure you check them thoroughly before buying. For more information, I recommend you watch this lagoon 450 owners youtube channel .

1997 Manta 40, $190 000

The Manta is a well-built boat able to cruise around the world ; compared to the Lagoon 410, it’s smaller and offers less space for your gear. In addition, it is said to be one of the most sturdy builds in the 40ft length region.

The Manta also has a very shallow draft, at 3 feet 8 inches; it gives the captain the ability to go almost anywhere without the risk of running aground.

The boat also offers ease of servicing since the engines are located under the bunks in each hull, and access is excellent even if you’re a tall person.

Equipped with the correct offshore gear and skillset of the crew, this cat will take you wherever you want to go .

The Manta 40 is not a “true” 40 ft boat. It is more of a stretched out 36 ft since the older ones where almost flat at the stern, and adding sugar scopes made it the few extra feet to qualify as a 40.

The Manta has a higher bridge deck clearance than many, which reduces the well familiar pounding noise from a cat heading into the waves.

The boat is configured for short-handed sailing , which means that all the lines go all the way to the cockpit; the lines are color-coded and stay clear of the seating area.

All the adjustments you need to do underway can be made from the cockpit, thus minimizing time outside the cockpit’s safe zone.

Compared to other boats in the same length category, the Manta is narrower and offers less space to store your gear, but at 65″ headroom in the hulls and standing headroom, there is plenty of room to stand tall.

2001 Prout 38, $199 000

Prouts is and old English manufacturer that went bankrupt a couple of years ago.  They are well known for their durability and excellent build quality. 

They are not the fastest thing you can find, not even compared to other cruising catamarans, but they probably are amongst the boats with the best reputation.

The Prout 38 is a true and tried bluewater boat  with many circumnavigations under its belt. Its bridge deck clearance is low, which should mean a lot of slamming, but according to the review of a couple of owners, it supposedly isn’t a big thing.

The reason for the low bridge deck clearance and the odd-looking nacelle under the boat is to get a more stable boat; they moved the center of gravity lower.

Prout achieved more headspace and lowering the center of gravity by reducing floor height.

The boat is a massive and sturdy thing; some might even say over the top sturdy. The Prout also uses fixed kells which is an excellent way to protect your propeller when beaching the cat(or running aground)

A solid deck is used in place of trampolines. But instead of a squared full deck, they have cut out the foremost part making the bow have a three-edged look.

This reduces the deck area, which is useful for removing water but is unfortunate since it also removes living space.

As I have mentioned, the sturdy build adds structural integrity and keeps the boat from falling to pieces,  but the downside is that the ship is cumbersome and doesnt have that excellent loading capability.

This means slower speed and not being able to outrun lousy weather as good as a faster boat.

Prout made the 38 models be able to fit three couples; id says it is possible, but you shouldn’t expect as much room as you will get on a Lagoon 380 or 410.

2008 Leopard 38, $200 000

I feel this list wouldn’t be even halfway complete if I didn’t mention the Leopard 38(or 40); this boat is one of the top ships out there; together with Fountaine Pajot and Lagoon, they are the most successful boatbuilders of today.

The Leopard 38 has managed to create the right balance between performance and cruising/comfort. 

This cat does not have, the very common problem with low bridge deck clearance induced slamming, while at the same time being a very stable platform, this boat, I believe, will take you anywhere you want to go.

Interacting with people that live abord their Leopard, I often hear how easy it is to trim the boat and how nice and quick you put a reef in the sail. This can all be done from the cockpit, which reduces the amount of time you need to be in danger from big waves when the seas are big.

The  big engines  are also a safety factor since they will take you upwind at around 7kts(of course depending on winds and currents, etc.) and gives you the ability to avoid bad weather.

Not only is Leopard 38 a comfortable home on the water, but it is also  straightforward to maintain and service,  something that is very important since you’ll be doing a lot of it.

As anybody who has ever lived on a boat knows, 50% of your time will be dedicated to maintenance and repairs, that’s just how it ends up being 🙂 But this boat is perfect for that in many ways., firstly there are soo many of them built which means that there is a lot of information and forums where you can ask on how to fix stuff.

Secondly, the spare parts are more likely to exist in the local shipyard, which is a big deal since shipping spares to a remote destination usually is extremely expensive.

Getting the right boat is tricky; if you feel you need more info on how to buy the right boat, check out  this Buyers Guide .

Are You Looking for a Catamaran under $100 000?

Well, then I would recommend you check out this page, I have actually managed to find some decent blue water capable boats that are pretty cheap.

Best catamarans under $100k

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

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20 Bluewater Cruising Sailboats Under $100,000

January 5, 2021 by Travis Turgeon 2 Comments

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

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

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

Allied Princess 36

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

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

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

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

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

Cabo Rico 38

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

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

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

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

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

Celestial 48

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

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

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

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

Prices start near our $100,000 mark.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Gulfstar 44

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

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

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

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

Prices start around $60,000.

Hans Christian 38

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

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

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

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

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

Hinckley Bermuda 40

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

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

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

Island Packet 35

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

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

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

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

Prices start at around $65,000.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Passport 40

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

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

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

Peterson 44

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

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

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

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

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

Prout Snowgoose 37

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Wauquiez Pretorien 35

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

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

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

Prices start around $39,000.

Westsail 32

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Want to join the community at #BoatLife? Get a conversation started on our new forum by leaving a question or comment!

If you found this article helpful, please leave a comment below, share it on social media, and subscribe to our email list.

For direct questions and comments, shoot me an email at [email protected]

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Reader Interactions

November 15, 2021 at 6:30 pm

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

February 18, 2022 at 1:37 pm

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

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Secondhand buyers guide: Best boats under £200,000

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Nick Burnham takes a look at four tempting boats that can be bought for less than the cost of a holiday cottage

Of all the ‘Find Me A…’ features I compile, I think I enjoy the price challenges the most, for two reasons. Firstly, it’s ultimately how most of us buy boats. We might have preconceived ideas about the type of boat we want, whether we prefer a sportscruiser to a flybridge, fast or slow, new or old.

But ultimately our guiding principle comes down to budget. How much we physically have to spend is first and foremost the overarching decider as to whether a boat comes within our sphere.

But also it’s always fascinating to delve into the used boat market with zero preconceived ideas beyond a financial limit and just see what turns up. This month I’ve set the bar at £200,000. It’s a chunky sum, but still less than a holiday cottage that’s stuck in one place. And I’ve found four very different ways of spending it…

A £200,000 budget opens up a wide variety of boats, including this 36ft Bavaria

Bavaria Sport 360 HT

Built: 2015 Price: £189,950

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Bavaria ’s Sport 35 was always a popular boat. A classic two cabin mid-30ft sportscruiser , it didn’t reinvent the wheel, instead it simply ticked all the boxes for a lot of buyers. So when it was replaced in 2015, Bavaria stuck closely to its winning formula, evolving and improving the concept with some carefully considered upgrades.

Performance

Twin Mercruiser petrol engines or a single Volvo Penta D6-370 engine are available (not that you’ll find any mention of engines in the brochure, strangely). However, the twin D3-220 option fitted to this boat is the most popular, giving about 30 knots flat out.

Solid and capable, the Bavaria is a decent sea boat, although the bow can scoop up some large wet chunks of spray at times.

Specification

LOA: 35ft 3in (10.8m) Beam: 11ft 8in (3.6m) Draught: 3ft 8in (1.2m) Displacement: 6.8 tonnes Fuel capacity: 520 litres Engines: Twin Volvo Penta D3-220 220hp diesel Contact: Clipper Marine

Azimut 42 Evolution

Built: 2005 Price: £179,950

There are plenty of manufacturers building worthy circa 40ft flybridge boats (or at least there were in 2005 when this one was built). And the Azimut 42 is no exception to this pantheon. But what the Azimut layers on top is a dash of irresistible Italian style and a high quality finish. Inevitably there will be other boats that are slightly more practical, but who cares when the boat looks this good?

The standard two-cabin two-head layout with the galley on the lower deck works as well as ever but what Azimut brings to the party is beautifully sculptured headlinings, a stunning lustre to the high-gloss cherry woodwork and frameless bonded windows. Those windows are big too, there’s plenty of light and a great view out – who says stylish has to be impractical?

It’s the same story on the outside, cream gelcoat and plenty of curves but in combination with generous side decks and great access via twin transom gates. Only on the flybridge do the compromises begin to show, with low sides and rails making this a place where you sit on, not in, the boat. Huge sunpads up here suggest a Mediterranean vibe rather than Ramsgate drizzle.

Only one engine option, a pair of Caterpillar 3126TA 7.2-litre turbo diesels living beneath the saloon floor and powering straight shaft drives. Access is via the lazarette through an opened bulkhead but noise levels are commendably low, right up to the 33-knot maximum speed we achieved when testing the boat in Portofino (tough job, etc). 27 knots is an easy 2,300rpm.

There’s a reassuring solidity to the Azimut 42. It’s a dry boat too, with great spray management. But perhaps most impressive is the efficient way it goes through the water. When we tested it we achieved 1.6mpg at fast cruising speeds, a good 30% better than most rivals.

LOA : 42ft 8in (13m) Beam: 13ft 8in (4.2m) Draught: 3ft 7in (1.1m) Displacement: 10.5 tonnes Fuel capacity: 1,200 litres Engines: Twin Caterpillar 3126TA 375hp diesels Contact: RPA Boat Sales

Hatteras 52 CMY

Built: 1990 Price: £185,000

As we’ve seen, £200,000 is plenty to buy you a very recent, smart sportscruiser or a slightly older, larger flybridge cruiser. Or you can step back in time and buy a rock-solid classic that was once the preserve of multi-millionaires. When 1980s TV series Howards’ Way introduced property tycoon Charles Freer to its audience, it did so with a shot of Freer sailing up Southampton Water on a huge Hatteras not dissimilar to this.

With 53ft of length and 16ft of beam to play with, not to mention vertiginous topsides, the interior of the 52CMY is predictably vast. It’s an aft cabin layout with a twist – although the aft cabin reaches back beneath the aft deck, there is a small cockpit at the very back of the boat behind it (it’s what CMY stands for – Cockpit Motor Yacht).

As well as a large fore cabin, a dinette on the lower deck opposite the galley and a massive saloon, there’s also a vast owner’s suite aft and a twin guest cabin.

The trade-off with aft cabin boats is a high, exposed aft deck instead of a cockpit. The aft deck on this Hatteras is high, but certainly not exposed. GRP sides surround it and a massive solid bimini shades it. Clear canopies link the two for protection from the elements, and you’ve still got that aft cockpit on a lower level. Steps lead through doors to the flybridge where you can drive the boat wearing a cream suit for the full Freer effect.

Thrust the two appropriately retro chrome throttle levers to the stops and a pair of huge GM Detroit 8V-92 TAC 2-Stroke 720hp diesel engines shoulder 30 tonnes of all American dream up to 24 knots flat out for a high teens cruising speed.

Imperialistic probably best sums up progress of this 50ft leviathan. Just like Charles Freer himself, not much slows its bombastic progress, much less stops it in its tracks.

LOA : 52ft 11in (16.1m) Beam: 16ft 0in (4.9m) Draught: 5ft 2in (2.0m) Displacement: 29.9 tonnes Fuel capacity: 3,760 litres Engines: Twin GM Detroit 8V-92 TAC 2-Stroke 720hp diesel Contact : Berthon

Broom 35 Coupe

Built: 2017 Price: £199,950

Launched at the Southampton Boat Show in 2012, the Broom 35 Coupe and its smaller open sister the 30 Coupe were the first boats launched by the company without its traditional aft cabin layout since the 1990s. Aimed at capturing a new and perhaps more youthful audience, the 35 Coupe was intended as both a river runner and an offshore cruiser, with engine options to suit both genres.

The interior may have been more contemporary but the build quality remained, with thick lustrous carpentry and quality upholstery. The galley was in an extended saloon, leaving space on the lower deck for a separate heads and shower plus a utility area aft of the master cabin in the bow, or even a second cabin.

But actually most 35 Coupes went out with the layout you see here, which has a shorter main deck, putting a larger galley on the lower deck opposite a toilet and shower.

A sharp modern profile sporting flush bonded glass and optional hull colours, the 35 Coupe is nonetheless a very practical proposition with wide side decks. The saloon doors slide and fold and there’s a side door next to the helm. The cockpit seat reverses to face aft.

Broom fitted a range of shaft drive engines to suit different applications. Smallest was a 60hp Nanni for displacement speed cruising of up to 8 knots. At the other extreme, twin Nanni 170hp engines were offered initially, but Broom soon switched to the single Volvo Penta D4 260 that this boat has; more efficient but with the same 16-17 knot top speed.

Andrew Wolstenholme designed the semi displacement hull which combines a shallow keel for low speed stability with the ability to go offshore. It’s a solid performer, if a somewhat wet boat when the going gets tough.

LOA: 35ft 1in (10.7m) Beam: 12ft 4in (3.8m) Draught: 3ft 1in (0.9m) Displacement: 8 tonnes Fuel capacity: 500 litres Engine: Volvo Penta D4 260 260hp diesel Contact: Bates Wharf

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Texas’ migrant arrest law is on hold for now under latest court ruling

NEW ORLEANS (AP) — A Texas law that allows the state to arrest and deport migrants suspected of  illegally entering the U.S.  will remain on hold for now, a federal appeals court ruled.

The 2-1 ruling late Tuesday from a three-judge panel of the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals followed a  March 20 hearing  by a three-judge panel of the court. It’s just the latest move in a  seesaw legal case  over Republican Gov. Greg Abbott’s strict new immigration law that is not yet ended.

The Justice Department has argued that Texas’ law is a clear violation of federal authority and would create chaos at the border. Texas has argued that President Joe Biden’s administration isn’t doing enough to control the border and that the state has a right to take action.

Judge Andrew Oldham, an appointee of former President Donald Trump and a former aide to Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, dissented with the majority decision.

Oldham wrote that the Biden administration faced a high bar to take sovereign power that Texas has to enforce a law its people and leaders want. The judge predicted the same 2-1 split when the merits of the case are considered while the legal challenge plays out.

“There is real peril in this approach. In our federal system, the State of Texas is supposed to retain at least some of its sovereignty,” Oldham wrote. “Its people are supposed to be able to use that sovereignty to elect representatives and send them to Austin to debate and enact laws that respond to the exigencies that Texans experience and that Texans want addressed.”

The law was in effect for several hours on March 19 after the U.S. Supreme Court cleared the way. But the high court didn’t rule on the merits of the case. It instead sent the case back to the  5th Circuit,  which then suspended enforcement while it considered the latest appeal.

The latest ruling keeps the block in place.

Spokespersons for Abbott and state Attorney General Ken Paxton did not immediately return phone calls for comment Wednesday morning.

The law signed by Abbott allows  any Texas law enforcement officer  to arrest people suspected of entering the country illegally, but that brief window while the law was in effect revealed that many sheriffs were unprepared, unable or uninterested in  enforcing SB4  in the first place.

Sheriff Thaddeus Cleveland of Terrell County, which touches more than 50 miles (80 kilometers) of border, said  during a gathering  of about 100 sheriffs at the state Capitol last week said there’s no practical way for him to enforce the law.

Cleveland said he has no way to transport people, the county jail has space for just seven people and the closest port of entry is a drive of more than 2 1/2 hours away.

Smith County Sheriff Larry Smith, president of the Texas Sheriff’s Association, said the law will have little effect in his jurisdiction in East Texas, which is closer to Louisiana and Oklahoma than Mexico which is nearly 400 miles (644 kilometers) away.

Once in custody, migrants could either agree to a Texas judge’s order to leave the U.S. or be prosecuted on misdemeanor charges of illegal entry. Migrants who don’t leave could face arrest again under more serious felony charges.

Texas did not announce any arrests during the brief time the law was previously in effect. Authorities have offered various explanations for how they might enforce the law. Mexico has said it would refuse to take back anyone who is ordered by Texas to cross the border.

The law is considered by opponents to be the most dramatic attempt by a state to police immigration since an Arizona law more than a decade ago that was partially struck down by the Supreme Court. Critics have also said the Texas law could lead to civil rights violations and racial profiling.

Supporters have rejected those concerns, saying arresting officers must have probable cause, which could include witnessing the illegal entry or seeing it on video. They also say that they expect the law would be used mostly in border counties, though it would apply statewide.

Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.

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