best beginner sailboat for ocean

Better Sailing

What Are The Best Beginner Sailboats?

So, are you new to the world of sailing? Are you looking for advice to guide you through your research for a good beginner’s sailboat? Then, this article is what you’re looking for! Sailing can be a pleasant activity for a lot of people. Actually, in the right environment and circumstances, you can learn to sail a simple boat without any difficulty. Remember that the love for sailing comes from the feeling of being in control and the connection you acquire with the water.

As a beginner, you should learn the basics with a correct boat and in an appropriate environment. You have a wide offer of beginner sailboats on the market, as well as a lot of recommendations for models, that can be found online. So, in order to avoid making mistakes as a beginner, read this article and consider my advice. You will then understand the basics, learn to sail properly and safely, and avoid any possible pitfalls!

What Makes a Good Beginner Sailboat?

It might seem reasonable that the smaller the boat, then the easier it will be to handle it. But that’s not always true. One of the first things that you should take into account as a beginner is not only the boat’s size. There are important factors to think about, such as handling features and rig simplicity. However, small sailboats react quickly to wind shifts, crew weight shifts, and upon any command on wheel/tiller. In any case, choose a sailboat that’ll be easy to rig, simple to sail, and lightweight. You can choose between a variety of dinghies, daysailers, and trailerable boats, which are quite great, to begin with. Remember that as your skills improve, you’re going to change your sailboat and upgrade it into a more complex one. But for now, choose something that will teach you your first steps to the sailing world!

Best Types of Beginner’s Sailboats

So, let’s clarify the types of sailboats that are suitable for beginners.

Sailboats with no Winches : These sailboats are easier to manage due to their sheets and halyards that don’t need winches to control them. In addition, the sails and rigging don’t receive the same forces on them, as larger boats do.
Sailing Dinghies : The sailing dinghy rigs with one sail and one mast, so this makes it easier to learn the ropes. Dinghies are not really fast, but they don’t easily overturn and have excellent handling characteristics. Furthermore, the mast can be removed and all its parts are easily stowed. Dinghies are responsive and light sailboats, that’s why they perfectly suit beginners. You can sail a dinghy almost anywhere, due to their centerboards or sideboards, which have a shallow draft.
Small Catamarans : These sailboats have two hulls and provide extra stability, which makes them ideal for beginners. Small catamarans are rigged with one or two sails and are tiller steered.
Boats with Tiller Steering : It’s much better learning with a tiller rather than a wheel. This is because tillers are attached to the rudder that controls the boat’s direction. Moreover, tillers help to control the direction and force of the wind, as well as the boat’s maneuvering at various speeds.
Trailerable Sailboats : This refers to sailboats that can be trailered to different locations. As a beginner, you can learn to sail in various water and wind conditions, due to the sailboats’ variety of features.
Sloops : Small sloops can really help you understand how sails work together. Sloops are also easy to maintain, they might have some or no winches at all. In addition, they’re quite helpful when you’re developing your skills. Depending on each model, they can have bigger headsails or spinnakers in order to teach you different sail combinations.

How to Choose Your First Sailboat

When picking a beginner’s sailboat try to remember:

Choose a size between 20-28 feet. Learning to get around or hitting the dock is easier in a smaller hull.
Prefer a keelboat or a trailer sailer to avoid tipping over.
Buy a simple sailboat for under 10,000$. There’s no need for a big investment at this stage. Don’t be in a rush, you’ll do so when you have advanced your skills.
Look for a sailboat with “must-have” features. For example, the inboard engine, wheel steering or roller furling.
Before buying, determine the way in which you’re going to use your sailboat. Once being on the water, only at that time you’ll understand what you do like and what you don’t. Try to focus on enhancing your skills and knowledge, be patient, and go with the flow!

Best Sailboat Models for Beginners

The time has come! I’m about to announce you the best sailboat models for beginnners, on today’s market.

Catalina 22 and 27: The Catalina 27 is a trustworthy sloop and suitable for beginners. Its cost could be between $4k-$20k, depending on the condition of the sailboat. The 22 model has a big cabin and a large cockpit. But what makes it suitable for beginners? The Catalina 22 has a roller-furling jib and a simple fractional rig with a mainsail, some really good features for beginners.
West Wight Potter P 19: A spacious yacht that provides both safety and comfort. It is a really good choice for beginners. This is thanks to its good handling characteristics, safety features, and simple rig.
Marlow-Hunter: These sailboats are safe and versatile, designed for everyone. Furthermore, they are spacious and have an open-transom cockpit, as well as fiberglass hulls and easy handling. You can choose between the Hunter 15, 18, or 22, all of them suitable for beginners.
Wayfarer: These sailing dinghies can sail on shallow waters and are a good option for beginners. Also, they have a high-speed performance, are simple to use, and quite nimble. This model could cost around 10 to 15,000$, and it is a good sailboat even for experienced sailors. Consider Hartley Wayfarers as they are a good option for beginners.
Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 49: This is a skillful ocean cruiser but it’s also a great sailboat for beginners. It has cool features like a detachable bulkhead and a large cockpit. Furthermore, it has an easy sail plan to use and has a versatile performance.
Island Packet 460/465: These sailboats are full-length keelboats that provide safety and comfort. They have a heavy hull and solid glass, so they’re not really fast-paced. Also, the capacity of the fuel and water tank is sufficient for cruising on the sea.

Best Beginner Sailboats – Summary

In general, it is recommendable to get sailing lessons and of course trying on your own, before buying your first sailboat. Then, consider how are you going to use it. Is it for recreation, for fishing and water activities, or for cruising? I believe that this article has given you a hint about what you should be looking for, as a beginner. The models I’ve mentioned above, are quite practical for a beginner and can make the learning process far easier for you. Also, remember that if you choose to rent a sailboat every time you want to practice this will cost you an arm and a leg. It is much better to buy an easy-to-handle beginner sailboat in order to practice in a comfortable and cheaper way.

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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5 Best Beginner Sailboats

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5 Best Beginner Sailboats for the Ocean

While getting out on the water may be pretty basic for some, others search for the open ocean, regardless of their sailing skills. So what do you do when you want to sail, but only have limited knowledge? There are plenty of different types of sailboats that beginners can sail, and many are economical.

Five of the best beginner sailboats to head offshore are:

1. Cape Dory 28 or Cape Dory 30

2. Catalina 22 or Catalina 27

3. Hurley 22

4. Sabre 28

5. Westsail 28 or Westsail 32

But how do you make sure you’re picking the right sailboat? How do you know what you’re looking for in a ship? Read on to find out the factors that affect what you may need in your first sailboat.

How do I pick the right sailboat?

Knowing what you want in a sailboat before purchasing or renting one long-term is your first challenge. Prior to the 1960s, boatbuilders made boats based on need, and did not mass produce them—it was only after that did manufacturers start to create them mass-produced. Even so, you have the opportunity to pick out exactly what you want in your sailboat, even if you are a beginner.

You must also consider where you plan to use your boat—in this case, it will be on the ocean, but you should also consider if you are simply cruising the bay or whether you intend to head offshore for long periods of time.

Also, consider how long you intend to spend on your sailboat. If you are looking to sail overnight, you will need some sort of cabin for you and your passengers. If you just intend to cruise and come in for the night, that won’t be necessary.

You must also consider where you intend to store your boat. If you have room on your property, that’s great—but if you don’t, consider where you will moor your boat, like at a marina or in dry storage. If you intend on storing your boat in one of those places, you may want a smaller boat in order to keep costs down.

Also, consider how many crew members you may take. This also plays into how long you will be on the water—if you decide to stay overnight, you’ll need room for them, too.

Most of these factors play specifically into the size of your sailboat. If you are looking for something with a cabin, you will have to find a sailboat that is 20 feet or longer. If you wish for that cabin to have standing headroom, the boat increases to 25 feet or more. If you’re looking to head out offshore for longer periods of time, you must also consider having a boat too big—especially if you’re alone. Those boats should be no larger than 35 feet.

Size matters, but so does your keel and hull shape. Most of your typical sailboats have a full keel or a displacement hull, which gives them the best stability and overall comfort. A boat with a fin keel can make your boat fast and light, while also able to handle longer voyages. If you are looking to sail in shallower water, though, you should consider a sailboat with a bilge keel.

Another consideration is the number of masts—a sloop is a sailboat with one mast, while a ketch is a sailboat with two. Having two masts allows the sailboat to handle additional sails, which means that they can sail faster. In addition, the sail area is decreased, so the sails can be handled easier.

The last consideration to make is that most beginner sailboats are older boats. Because they were mass-produced in the late 1970s and 1980s, many designs were created with the beginner sailor in mind, so the most economical, durable, and easiest boats to sail still are those originally manufactured boats.

1. Cape Dory 28 or Cape Dory 30

The Cape Dory, whether you’re considering a 28- or 30-feet boat, is a simple sailboat that is ideal for a beginner. These boats were built from the 1960s up until the early 1990s and remain an industry standard for well-built boats and reliability.

One negative to this boat is its fuel tank—because they are older boats, their fuel tanks are prone to rust and you may need to replace it if necessary. It is also a smaller boat, so your entire crew should only be around two people due to the size.

Because they are no longer in production, you can usually find a Cape Dory boat for around $10,000 to $30,000.

2. Catalina 22 or Catalina 27

These sailboats are best for beginners due to the rigging—the way the sails are rigged, they are easier to control and are more efficient in the wind. While a Catalina 22 is better for a solo sailor or a pair, the Catalina 27 has additional room for more crew members.

These boats also hold their value, so if you decide to upgrade and sell your boat at some point, it will be easy to get some of your money back. These sailboats are also still currently in production, so it is possible to get a new boat without any previous owners.

These can run you between $4,000 and $20,000.

Thinking of learning how to sail? Learn how long it will take here .

3. hurley 22.

Another boat built in the early days of manufacturing, the Hurley 22 sailboats were built from 1966 to 1975. Although it is the smallest on the list, these boats were built with the intention that you could live on it or at least sail for several weeks. Depending on how many people you want on the journey with you, you can have up to four on this boat with enough storage to sail for a long time.

One negative to this boat is some issues with the engine and the mast. Making sure that both are in the best shape before heading out into the ocean is your best bet.

You can usually pick up a Hurley 22 for between $8,000 and $22,000.

4. Sabre 28

This series, first designed and built-in 1971, is a classic sailboat and perfect for beginners. Sitting at 28 feet in length and made of fiberglass, it sports a fin keel and typically two masts. It also has cabin accommodations with a forward cabin and both single and double bunks in the main cabin.

The Sabre 28 line of boats are built with fiberglass and steel plating, making it incredibly durable. There is plenty of headroom below deck and room for at least five people, counting yourself.

These boats can usually run you around $25,000, but finding a used one averages around $3,000.

5. Westsail 28 or Westsail 32

Another older sailboat style, the Westsail 28 were built in the late 1970s and early 1980s. This full-keel sailboat is similar to the Cape Dory but sports more room, comfort, and beauty in its design. Compared to the Sabre 28, this boat has more ability to get into open water and is best sailed not on the coast.

The Westsail 32 actually came before the Westsail 28, as it was too expensive for many sailors, but when purchasing a used sailboat, the Westsail 32 is still a perfect option for beginning sailors.

A downfall to this boat is again, speed. It does not sport an ability to go fast, but as a beginner sailor, most do not need to go too fast and sacrifice stability.

The Westsail 28 can range between $20,000 and $50,000.

While the majority of beginner sailboats are older boats, the key is that once you outgrow your beginner sailboat, you can easily sell it in a market that wants to buy. Once you learn how to sail, you can figure out what you like best and what you personally need, so when you shift to being a well-skilled and experienced sailor, you can trade up to a boat that will suit your needs.

20 Best Small Sailboats for the Weekender

By Mark Pillsbury
Updated: August 4, 2021

In order to go cruising, most of us require a sailboat with a head, a galley, and bunks. The boat, likely a 30-footer and more often a 40-footer, will have electronics for navigation and entertainment, refrigeration if the trip is longer than a coastal hop, an engine for light wind, and, depending on our appetites for food and fun, perhaps a genset to power our toys and appliances.

To go sailing , however, all we really need is a hull, mast, rudder, and sail. To experience the pure joy of sheeting in and scooting off across a lake, bay, or even the open ocean, there’s nothing better than a small sailboat – we’re talking sailboats under 25 feet. You can literally reach out and touch the water as it flows past. You instantly feel every puff of breeze and sense every change in trim.

Some of the boats in this list are new designs, others are time-tested models from small sailboat manufacturers, but every one is easy to rig, simple to sail, and looks like a whole lot of fun either for a solo outing on a breezy afternoon or to keep family and friends entertained throughout your entire sailing season. This list is made up of all types of sailboats , and if you’re looking for a list of some of the best small sailboats for beginners, you’ll find exactly that here.

Any one of these popular boats could be labeled as a trailerable sailboat, daysailer, or even a weekender sailboat. And while most would be labeled as a one or two person sailboat, some could comfortably fit three or even four people.

Marblehead 22 Daysailer

If you have an eye for elegant lines and your heart goes pitter-patter over just the right amount of overhang beneath a counter transom, the Marblehead 22 daysailer, designed by Doug Zurn and built by Samoset Boatworks in Boothbay, Maine, will definitely raise your pulse. Traditional-looking above the waterline and modern beneath, the cold-molded hull sports a deep bulb keel and a Hall Spars carbon-fiber mast with a wishbone rig and square-top main. The 11-foot-9-inch cockpit can seat a crowd, and a small cuddy forward will let you stow your friends’ gear for the day. samosetboatworks.com

Catalina 22 Sport

Many a harbor plays host to an active fleet of Catalina 22s, one of the most popular small sailboats over the years, given its basic amenities and retractable keel, which allows it to be easily trailered. Recently, the company introduced the Catalina 22 Sport, an updated design that can compete with the older 22s. The boat features a retractable lead keel; a cabin that can sleep four, with a forward hatch for ventilation; and a fractional rig with a mainsail and a roller-furling jib. Lifelines, a swim ladder, and an engine are options, as are cloth cushions; vinyl cushions are standard. The large cockpit will seat a crowd or let a mom-and-pop crew stretch out and enjoy their sail. It’s clear why the Catalina 22 is one of the best sailboats under 25 feet. catalinayachts.com

With its large, open-transom cockpit and sloop rig, the Hunter 22 makes a comfortable daysailer for family and friends. But with its cuddy cabin, twin bunks, optional electrical system, opening screened ports, and portable toilet, a parent and child or a couple could comfortably slip away for an overnight or weekend. Add in the optional performance package, which includes an asymmetric spinnaker, a pole, and a mainsheet traveler, and you could be off to the races. The boat features a laminated fiberglass hull and deck, molded-in nonskid, and a hydraulic lifting centerboard. Mount a small outboard on the stern bracket, and you’re set to go. marlow-hunter.com

Not sure whether you want to race, cruise or just go out for an afternoon sail? Since 1958, sailors have been having a ball aboard the Uffa Fox/George O’Day-designed Daysailer. Fox, who in the 1950s was on the cutting edge of planning-dinghy design, collaborated with Fall River, Massachusetts boatbuilder O’Day Corp. to build the 16-foot Daysailer, a boat that features a slippery hull and a small cuddy cabin that covers the boat roughly from the mast forward. Thousands of Daysailers were built by various builders, and they can be found used for quite affordable prices. There are active racing fleets around the US, and new Daysailers are still in production today, built by Cape Cod Ship Building. capecodshipbuilding.com

BayRaider from Swallow Boats

Easy to rig and trailer, the BayRaider from England’s Swallow Yachts is a relative newcomer to the small-boat market in the United States. Nearly all of its 19 feet 9 inches is open cockpit, though a spray hood can be added to keep the forward sections dry. The BayRaider is ketch-rigged with a gunter-style mainmast. The topmast and mizzen are both carbon-fiber, which is an option for the mainmast as well. The BayRaider can be sailed with a dry hull in lighter conditions or with 300 pounds of water ballast to increase its stability. With the centerboard and hinged rudder raised, the boat can maneuver in even the thinnest water.

$28,900, (904) 234-8779, swallowyachts.com

Big fun can come in small packages, especially if your vessel of choice happens to be the 12 ½-foot Beetle Cat. Designed by John Beetle and first built in 1921, the wooden shallow draft sailboat is still in production today in Wareham, Massachusetts at the Beetle Boat Shop. With a draft of just 2 feet, the boat is well-suited for shallow bays, but equally at home in open coastal waters. The single gaff-rigged sail provides plenty of power in light air and can be quickly reefed down to handle a blow. In a word, sailing a Beetle Cat is fun. beetlecat.com

West Wight Potter P 19

With berths for four and a workable galley featuring a cooler, a sink, and a stove, West Wight Potter has packed a lot into its 19-foot-long P 19. First launched in 1971, this is a line of boats that’s attracted a true following among trailer-sailors. The P 19′s fully retractable keel means that you can pull up just about anywhere and go exploring. Closed-cell foam fore and aft makes the boat unsinkable, and thanks to its hard chine, the boat is reportedly quite stable under way. westwightpotter.com

NorseBoat 17.5

Designed for rowing and sailing (a motor mount is optional), the Canadian-built NorseBoat 17.5—one of which was spotted by a CW editor making its way through the Northwest Passage with a two-man crew—features an open cockpit, a carbon-fiber mast, and a curved-gaff rig, with an optional furling headsail set on a sprit. The lapstrake hull is fiberglass; the interior is ply and epoxy. The boat comes standard with two rowing stations and one set of 9-foot oars. The boat is designed with positive flotation and offers good load-carrying capacity, which you could put to use if you added the available canvas work and camping tent. NorseBoats offers a smaller sibling, the 12.5, as well; both are available in kit form.

$19,000, (902) 659-2790, norseboat.com

Montgomery 17

Billed as a trailerable pocket cruiser, the Montgomery 17 is a stout-looking sloop designed by Lyle Hess and built out of fiberglass in Ontario, California, by Montgomery Boats. With a keel and centerboard, the boat draws just under 2 feet with the board up and can be easily beached when you’re gunkholing. In the cuddy cabin you’ll find sitting headroom, a pair of bunks, a portable toilet, optional shore and DC power, and an impressive amount of storage space. The deck-stepped mast can be easily raised using a four-part tackle. The builder reports taking his own boat on trips across the Golfo de California and on visits to California’s coastal islands. Montgomery makes 15-foot and 23-foot models, as well. If you’re in search of a small sailboat with a cabin, the Montgomery 17 has to be on your wish list.

With long overhangs and shiny brightwork, the CW Hood 32 is on the larger end of the daysailer spectrum. Designers Chris Hood and Ben Stoddard made a conscious decision to forego a cabin and head in favor of an open cockpit big enough to bring 4 or 5 friends or family out for an afternoon on the water. The CW Hood 32 is sleek and graceful through the water and quick enough to do some racing, but keeps things simple with a self-tacking jib and controls that can be lead back to a single-handed skipper. A top-furling asymmetrical, electric sail drive and Torqeedo outboard are all optional. The CW Hood 32 makes for a great small family sailboat. cwhoodyachts.com

Sun Cat from Com-Pac

Shallow U.S. East Coast bays and rock-strewn coasts have long been graced by cat boats, whose large, gaff-rigged mainsails proved simple and powerful both on the wind and, better yet, when reaching and running. The 17-foot-4-inch Sun Cat, built by Com-Pac Yachts, updates the classic wooden cat with its fiberglass hull and deck and the easy-to-step Mastender Rigging System, which incorporates a hinged tabernacle to make stepping the mast a one-person job. If you want a personal sailboat ideal for solo sailing, the Sun Can is a great choice. Belowdecks, the twin 6-foot-5-inch berths and many other features and amenities make this cat a willing weekender.

$19,800, (727) 443-4408, com-pacyachts.com

Catalina 16.5

The Catalina 16.5 sits right in the middle of Catalina Yachts’ line of small sailboats, which range from the 12.5 to the 22 Capri and Sport, and it comes in both an easy-to-trailer centerboard model and a shoal-draft fixed-keel configuration. With the fiberglass board up, the 17-foot-2-inch boat draws just 5 inches of water; with the board down, the 4-foot-5-inch draft suggests good windward performance. Hull and deck are hand-laminated fiberglass. The roomy cockpit is self-bailing, and the bow harbors a good-sized storage area with a waterproof hatch. catalinayachts.com

No roundup of best small sailboats (trailerable and fun too) would be complete without a mention of the venerable Hobie 16, which made its debut in Southern California way back in 1969. The company has introduced many other multihulls since, but more than 100,000 of the 16s have been launched, a remarkable figure. The Hobie’s asymmetric fiberglass-and-foam hulls eliminate the need for daggerboards, and with its kick-up rudders, the 16 can be sailed right up to the beach. Its large trampoline offers lots of space to move about or a good place to plant one’s feet when hanging off the double trapezes with a hull flying. The boat comes with a main and a jib; a spinnaker, douse kit, trailer, and beach dolly are optional features. hobiecat.com

Novice sailors or old salts looking for simplicity could both enjoy sailing the Hunter 15. With a fiberglass hull and deck and foam flotation, the boat is sturdily built. The ample freeboard and wide beam provide stability under way, and the heavy-duty rubrail and kick-up rudder mean that you won’t have to worry when the dock looms or the going grows shallow. Both the 15 and its slightly larger 18-foot sibling come standard with roller-furling jibs.

$6,900/$9,500 (boat-show prices for the 15 and 18 includes trailers), (386) 462-3077, marlow-hunter.com

Super Snark

Under various owners, the Snark brand of sailboats, now built by Meyers Boat Co., has been around since the early 1970s. The Super Snark, at 11 feet, is a simple, easily car-topped daysailer that’s fit out with a lateen rig and sail. Billed as unsinkable, the five boats in the company’s line are built with E.P.S. foam, with the external hull and deck vacuum-formed to the core using an A.B.S. polymer. The Super Snark weighs in at 50 pounds, and with a payload capacity of 310 pounds, the boat can carry two.

$970, (800) 247-6275, meyersboat.com

Norseboat 21.5

Built in Canada, the NorseBoat 21.5 is a rugged looking craft that comes in a couple of configurations: one with an open cockpit and small doghouse, and another with a smaller cockpit and cabin that houses a double berth for two adults and optional quarter berths for the kids. Both carry NorseBoat’s distinctive looking carbon fiber gaff-rigged mast with main and jib (a sprit-set drifter is optional), and come with a ballasted stub keel and centerboard. Because of its lightweight design, the boat can be rowed and is easily trailered.

$36,000 (starting), 902-659-2790, norseboat.com

Flying Scot

Talk about time-tested, the 19-foot Flying Scot has been in production since 1957 and remains a popular design today. Sloop rigged, with a conventional spinnaker for downwind work, the boat is an easily sailed family boat as well as a competitive racer, with over 130 racing fleets across the U.S. Its roomy cockpit can seat six to eight, though the boat is often sailed by a pair or solo. Hull and deck are a fiberglass and balsa core sandwich. With the centerboard up, the boat draws only eight inches. Though intended to be a daysailer, owners have rigged boom tents and berths for overnight trips, and one adventurous Scot sailor cruised his along inland waterways from Philadelphia to New Orleans.

Known primarily for its line of racing dinghys, RS Sailing also builds the 16-foot, 4-inch Venture, which it describes as a cruising and training dinghy. The Venture features a large, self-draining cockpit that will accommodate a family or pack of kids. A furling jib and mainsail with slab reefing come standard with the boat; a gennaker and trapeze kit are options, as is an outboard motor mount and transom swim ladder. The deck and hull are laid up in a fiberglass and Coremat sandwich. The Venture’s designed to be both a good performer under sail, but also stable, making it a good boat for those learning the sport.

$14,900, 203-259-7808, rssailing.com

Topper makes a range of mono- and multihull rotomolded boats, but the model that caught one editor’s eye at Strictly Sail Chicago was the Topaz Taz. At 9 feet, 8 inches LOA and weighing in at 88 pounds, the Taz is not going to take the whole crowd out for the day. But, with the optional mainsail and jib package (main alone is for a single child), the Taz can carry two or three kids or an adult and one child, and would make a fun escape pod when tied behind the big boat and towed to some scenic harbor. The hull features Topper’s Trilam construction, a plastic and foam sandwich that creates a boat that’s stiff, light, and durable, and shouldn’t mind being dragged up on the beach when it’s time for a break.

$2,900 (includes main and jib), 410-286-1960, topazsailboats.com

WindRider WRTango

WRTango, a fast, sturdy, 10-foot trimaran that’s easy to sail, is the newest portable craft from WindRider International. It joins a line that includes the WR16 and WR17 trimarans. The Tango features forward-facing seating, foot-pedal steering, and a low center of gravity that mimics the sensation of sitting in a kayak. It weighs 125 pounds (including the outriggers and carbon-fiber mast), is extremely stable, and has single-sheet sail control. The six-inch draft and kick-up rudder make it great for beaching, while the hull and outriggers are made of rotomolded polyethylene, so it can withstand running into docks and being dragged over rocks.

$3,000, 612-338-2170, windrider.com

More: 21 - 30 ft , Boat Gallery , day sailing , dinghy , Sailboat Reviews , Sailboats , under 20 ft
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Choosing the Best Beginner Sailboat

9th jun 2023 by samantha wilson.

Sailing dates back thousands of years and is still one of the best-loved pastimes in the United States and across the world. Learning to sail brings many benefits, from gaining a whole new skillset, to getting out into the fresh air, improving your fitness, meeting like-minded people, and spending quality time with your family. If you’re considering learning to sail, start by checking out our guide on Getting into Sailing .

We all need to start somewhere and getting into sailing on the wrong type of boat for your experience level can leave you feeling frustrated. While the temptation to buy something filled with gadgets and plenty of space is there, remember that your love for sailing will come from feeling in control and at one with the ocean as you learn its every move. Simplicity is the key to that.

In this post we are focusing on the frequently asked question: "What are the best sailboats for beginners?" In short, all you really need is a hull, mast, rudder, and sail and you can be soaring along the coast or lake soaking up the sense of freedom that sailing brings. But of course buying a boat is never quite that simple, and with so much choice out there we have narrowed down the options.

Don’t forget, this doesn’t have to be your forever boat. As your skills improve and your horizons widen, you can upgrade to larger or more complex sailboats, but for this moment, consider the here and now and what boat will suit it.

A comfortable daysailer, the Marlow Hunter 18. Photo credit: Marlow Hunter

What Makes a Sailboat Good for Beginners?

As a general rule, the smaller the boat, the easier it will be to handle, although there are exceptions. The simplicity of the boat's sails and sail controls will also affect its beginner-friendliness. To start, we recommend choosing a boat that's easy to rig, lightweight, transportable, and simple to sail. From sailing dinghies to daysailers, weekender sailboats and trailerable boats, beginner boats are nifty and a lot of fun.

While safety and ease of handling are the main considerations for most beginners, there are several other factors that make a good beginner’s sailboat;

An easily manageable size : A larger sailboat might feel more stable and allow you to venture farther or accommodate more people on board, but a smaller sailboat will certainly be easier to handle. Larger sailing yachts will need more complex rigs too, and as a beginner you want to be keeping everything as easy as you can while you get to grips with the act of sailing. Start off small and work your way up to bigger boats as your experience and confidence grows.
A stable and comfortable ride over beauty : While you gain experience sailing, having a stable and safe sailboat under you will give you confidence. There will be bumps and scrapes and wrong maneuvers, and having a boat that can withstand these without expensive repairs will make them less stressful when they inevitably happen. Both dinghies and small keelboats make good starter boats; dinghies tend to be light and responsive, teaching lessons by feel as well as by eye; keelboats are more stable and can easily carry more and larger adults.
A tiller for steering instead of a wheel: Having a tiller to steer with takes sailing back to the basics and allows you to get a better feel for the movement of the boat as you learn. The tiller is connected directly to the rudder, providing more feel for the flow of water past the boat. Unlike a steering wheel, you have to learn to move the tiller in the opposite direction that you want to turn, but you will quickly develop a more intuitive sense of the boat’s changes in speed and direction.
An easy rig and simple sails: Again, simpler is always better for your first boat, and that goes for the rig and sails too. Sailing has a steep learning curve, so if you'll be sailing alone, we recommend that you choose a boat with a single mastand only one sail that you can set up by yourself quickly. You’ll have more on-the-water time and less setup and takedown time. If you’re storing your boat via trailer, be sure the mast is light enough to hoist into place by yourself. When it comes to the rigging, a halyard to hoist the mainsail and a sheet to control it are all you need. It’s possible to learn on a sloop-rigged with two sails, but it will be easier in that case if there are two of you learning together.
Widely available model: By choosing a popular sailboat with lots on the used market you’ll find it easier to buy spares and parts as well as online resources to help you maintain it.
Don’t spend too much: This is your first sailboat, and if you catch the sailing bug, it’ll most likely not be your last. As your skills improve you’ll want to get bigger models that will allow you to cruise farther and do more. The used boat market is huge, with online boat selling marketplaces such as Rightboat offering thousands of listings, so there are plenty of inexpensive, good quality small sailboats to be found.

The Laser, a sporty dinghy that can also be raced

20 of the Best Beginner Sailboat Brands

There are quite literally hundreds of brands and models of new and used small sailboats on the market and whittling it down to 20 of the best isn’t easy. But there are some sailboats which have stood the test of time and which remain today some of the best loved beginner sailboats out there. In no particular order, these are some of our favorites:

Wayfarer sailboats
Catalina sailboats
Dart sailboats
Sprint sailboats
West Wight Potter sailboats
Hobie sailboats
Marlow-Hunter sailboats
Skipper Craft sailboats
Sabre sailboats
Cape Dory sailboats
Dufour sailboats
Hurley sailboats
MacGregor sailboats
Beneteau sailboats
Seaclipper sailboats
Island Packet sailboats
Jeanneau sailboats

The Best Beginner Sailboat Types

There are so many types of sailboats on the market that it’s hard to narrow down the best ones for a beginner. From dinghies to multihulls you have plenty of choice:

Sailing Dinghies : These small, lightweight sailboats are a good choice for a very first sailboat, their simplicity and ease of handling allowing beginners to get to grips with the skills they would need to advance to a more complex rig system. Accommodating one or two people with a single sail and single mast, these inexpensive boats offer the simplest back-to-basics sailing experience there is, and they can be easily taken apart for cheap storage or trailering. Their only downside is their easy ability to capsize but because of their weight they can be righted easily. The Optimist is the best known choice for children under 15 years of age, these bath-tub sized boats offering a lot of fun as well as safety and a great learning experience. For adults wanting to learn to sail, there are many similar boats on the market. The Pico, Sabot, Harteley 10 and RS Quba are commonly seen zipping across the waves near sailing clubs, while the Laser Bahia, Laser Vago, Topper Xenon and Topper Topaz are popular models for those looking for slightly bigger dinghies.

The International Optimist Dinghy, a youth learn-to-sail and racing boat

Small Catamarans : Multi-hulls are renowned for their stability and therefore make excellent first sailboats. But size is a big factor and ‘small’ is the keyword here. Catamarans are fast and easy to maneuver, and the trampoline between the hulls makes for a fun sailing experience. The risk of capsizing with a catamaran is markedly lower than a monohull, but they’re also harder to upright if, in the unlikely event, they do go over. If there are cons to a catamaran it’s that they tend to cost more than monohulls and a marina berth will certainly cost more.
Small Sloops : While slightly more advanced than a dinghy, a small sloop is a great sailboat to learn with and to develop your skills on. It will still have one mast but can have up to three sails (usually one or two) which is good for perfecting your sailing techniques.
Trailerable Sailboats : Ok, so this is necessarily a type of sailboat, but it’s certainly a major consideration when buying your first one. Being able to trailer your sailboat allows you to sail in different locations and conditions, therefore improving your skills. Of course the flip side is that you have to spend time setting it up each time you want go out on the water as opposed to have a ready rigged boat in a marina.

The Best Small Sailboats for Beginners

There are many models to choose from, with brand-new designs being launched each year alongside ever-popular models which have stood the test of time. Here we take a look at some best-loved beginner sailboats on the market.

The Best Beginner Sailboat with a Cabin: Catalina 16.5 and 22

Catalina is one of the best-known manufacturers of weekend sailboats and their range is extensive. The mid-range 16.5 and slightly larger Catalina 22 models both offer a simple set-up, fiberglass hull and deck, and a retractable keel for easy trailering. The 22 model offers a cabin which can sleep four, making it a cozy family boat for overnight trips. A large cockpit and swim ladder are added luxuries, but the real benefits for beginners is the simple fractional rig with a mainsail and a roller-furling jib.

A sloop-rigged daysailer, the Catalina 16.5. Photo credit: Catalina Yachts

The Best Beginner Cruising Sailboat: Hunter 15 and 22

These comfortable daysailer or weekend sailboats by popular manufacturer Hunter offer plenty of space with their large, open-transom cockpit, easy handling and fiberglass hulls. Whether you opt for the Hunter 15, 18 or the larger 22 with its twin bunks, they’re a great choice for teaching a child to sail, or for adult beginners to gain their confidence. But don’t be fooled into thinking it can’t get a real move on! A molded, anti-skid fiberglass and foam flotation hull means they have added safety and can easily be manned by one person.

The Best Beginner Sailboat for Coastal Sailing: Cape Dory 28

This is the largest beginner sailboat on our list, but if you’re planning long coastal cruises then you wouldn’t want to be doing so with anything much smaller. While it will take a bit more experience, the Cape Dory 28 is a solidly built and reliable vessel perfect for beginners. It has a full keel for stability in big seas, and it handles exceptionally well. Down below you’ve got the benefit of a small cabin, galley and head, and space to eat both inside and out. Because of their popularity and the sheer number of them built you can pick up one for a good price on the used market.

The Best Beach Sailboats for Beginners: Hobie Wave and Hobie 16

Hobie catamarans have been sailing off beaches all over the world for many years. The trailerable, sporty Hobie 16 sailboat is celebrating 50 years in manufacture—some 100,000 have been built during this time, a true testament to their popularity. As a multihull with a fiberglass and foam hull and a kick-up rudder board, the Hobie 16 can be sailed right up to the beach, and its trampoline allows for plenty of space to move around while learning new skills. Its newer little sister, the Hobie Wave, is even more rugged and simpler for beginners. Built with a rotomolded hull that's extremely durable, the Wave is just 13 feet long, has one sail, and is easily managed by one or two people.

The most popular beach catamaran ever, the Hobie 16. Photo credit: Hobie

The Best Liveaboard Sailboats for Beginners: West Wight Potter P 19

While liveaboard boats tend to be slightly larger than most beginner boats, if you want something relatively simple but with enough space for short-term living/cruising, the West Wight Potter P19 is a great option. For a weekend sailboat it packs a lot into a compact space, with berths for four people as well as a galley equipped with cooler, sink and cooker. Its retractable keel and flat-bottomed hull means you can explore virtually anywhere without even getting your feet wet, and it’s a great choice for trailering. For beginners, the West Wight Potter P19 is ideal thanks to its simple rig, good handling characteristics, easy handling and safety features—foam fore and aft means even if it is flooded the boat is unsinkable.

Common Challenges for Sailboat Beginners

It’s inevitable that things won’t always be smooth sailing when you’re starting out, but that’s also part of the fun of learning a new skill. Don’t forget to ask for help and advice along the way from those who have been sailing for a while, be kind to yourself when you don’t get things right, and enjoy the process and sense of achievement as you improve. Some of main hurdles to overcome include:

Understanding the laws and regulations: It can seem like a complicated minefield in the beginning understanding what the boating laws are and which licenses and paperwork you need in order to sail in different parts of the U.S. and beyond. As well as taking sailing courses, there are lots of official online resources these days to give you a state-by-state overview. A good starting point are our guides on what qualifications you need as a first time boater , and which licenses you need to drive or sail a boat .
Learning boating jargon: It can often sound like learning a whole new language and it’s easy to feel confused or frustrated by all the terminology there is to learn in boating. But it’s fun too, and soon you’ll be part of the club and using words that land-lubbers don’t understand. Taking a sailing course can help to speed up this learning process.
Getting comfortable being on a sailboat: This might sound strange, but getting your sea legs is a big part of learning to sail and one that can take some people longer than others. While seasickness can rear its head at times, for most it's learning to get around on a moving vessel with ease and safety that takes a while to master.
Tying knots: This can either be one of the most fun new things to learn or one of the most frustrating, but either way knots are a vital part of sailing for safety reasons. Start off easily with a few simple, common knots and just keep practicing. You’ll get the hang of it and be able to do them in your sleep in no time.
Knowing the minimum amount of information to be safe and competent . In 2017 the US Coast Guard developed the American National Standards for Sailing Training (EDU-3). They then acknowledged sailing education bodies that teach to this standard. To date, NauticEd is the only education body meeting the standard. The course that meets the standard for small keelboats (up to 25 feet) is the NauticEd Skipper Small Keelboat Course. For an even more basic getting started course, NauticEd developed a 3-hour online course that covers the basics called Introduction to Sailing.

What are the Different Types of Sailboats?

Small Sailboat Types

This article was most recently updated in June 2023 by John Burnham

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.

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13 Best Beginner Sailboats with Cabin (For Any Budget)

Have you ever thought you couldn't afford a sailboat with a cabin? Think again. In this article, you will find 13 beginner sailboats that will suit your budget. We've considered various factors such as safety, ease of handling, and affordability in our selection. These sailboats offer cabins, providing a much-needed break during extended trips and offer the option of overnight stays.

The best beginner sailboats with cabins are Catalina 22, West Wight Potter 19, Com-Pac 23, Hunter 240, MacGregor 26, Montgomery 17, O'Day 22, Precision 18, San Juan 21, Sea Pearl 21, Sirius 22, Tanzer 22, and Ventura 23. Their prices can range from around $5,000 to $30,000.

Whether you're just dipping your toes into the world of sailing or planning on making it a lifelong passion, our list of beginner sailboats with cabins has something for everyone. This will help you focus on what really matters: enjoying your time at sea and mastering the art of sailing.

Test-sail a few models so you can get a feel for how each boat handles and performs.
Check out online forums to find user reviews and insights on each model you won't find anywhere else.
Choose a sailboat that matches your current skill level, such as a small boat with simple rigging and easy handling.
Identify how you plan to use your sailboat, whether for weekend cruising or for racing.
Choose a boat that not only fits your budget but also ensures enough space and comfort for your activities.

The Catalina 22 is an excellent choice for beginners due to its spacious cabin and easy handling. You can get it for $10,000–$20,000. You will appreciate its versatility and stability, which makes sailing more enjoyable and less intimidating. With a length of 22 feet, it's a great boat for beginners because it's easy to sail and has a comfortable cabin. It weighs 2,500 pounds.

2. West Wight Potter 19 is another good option for beginners

Your confidence will grow while sailing the West Wight Potter 19, a compact and sturdy sailboat. You can get it for $5,000–$15,000. Its compact design and shallow draft make it perfect for navigating tight spaces and shallow waters. It's a small sailboat with a cabin that's easy to handle and can be trailered. It weighs 1,200 pounds.

3. Com-Pac 23 is a larger sailboat that's still easy to handle

A great option for beginners seeking comfort is the Com-Pac 23. You can get it for $20,000–$30,000. This sailboat offers a cozy cabin and ample storage for your sailing adventures. Its stability and performance will undoubtedly enhance your sailing experience. It has a roomy cabin and is a good choice for those who want to spend longer periods of time on the water. It weighs 3,000 pounds.

4. Hunter 240 is a popular sailboat that's great for beginners

The Hunter 240 combines functionality and performance, making it an excellent beginner sailboat. You can get it for $10,000–$20,000. You will appreciate its roomy cabin and user-friendly design, which make sailing a breeze. It has a large cockpit and a comfortable cabin, making it a good choice for day sailing or weekend trips. It weighs 3,500 pounds.

5. MacGregor 26 is a versatile sailboat that can be used for both sailing and powerboating

If versatility is essential for you, the MacGregor 26 fits the bill. You can get it for $10,000–$20,000. This sailboat easily adapts to both sailing and power boating , providing you with a unique and enjoyable experience on the water. It has a roomy cabin and is a good choice for those who want to explore both the water and the land. It weighs 2,250 pounds.

6. Montgomery 17 is a small sailboat with a cabin that's easy to handle and trailer

The Montgomery 17 offers a great sailing experience for those new to the sport. You can get it for $5,000–$15,000. You'll find its compact design and easy maneuverability make it an excellent choice for building your sailing skills. It's a good choice for beginners who want a simple, no-frills sailboat. It weighs 1,000 pounds.

7. O'Day 22 is a classic sailboat that's easy to handle and has a comfortable cabin

Beginners will love the O'Day 22 for its simplicity and accessibility. You can get it for $5,000–$15,000. With a spacious cabin and dependable performance, this sailboat will ensure your sailing journey is smooth and enjoyable. It's a good choice for those who want to spend longer periods of time on the water. It weighs 2,700 pounds.

8. Precision 18 is a small sailboat with a cabin that's easy to handle and trailer

The Precision 18 is designed with beginners in mind. You can get it for $5,000–$15,000. You'll appreciate its manageable size and capability to navigate various sailing conditions with ease. It's a good choice for beginners who want a simple, no-frills sailboat. It weighs 1,150 pounds.

9. San Juan 21 is a popular sailboat that's great for beginners

The San Juan 21 is a fantastic option if you're just starting. You can get it for $5,000–$15,000. Its good performance and stability will allow you to develop your skills with confidence. It has a large cockpit and a comfortable cabin, making it a good choice for day sailing or weekend trips. It weighs 1,900 pounds.

10. Sea Pearl 21 is a unique sailboat that's great for beginners who want to explore shallow waters

You will love sailing the Sea Pearl 21, a beginner-friendly sailboat known for its shallow draft and stability. You can get it for $10,000–$20,000. Its compact design makes it easy to handle and perfect for weekend getaways. It has a shallow draft and a comfortable cabin, making it a good choice for those who want to spend time on the water and on the beach. It weighs 1,200 pounds.

11. Sirius 22 is a versatile sailboat that's easy to handle and has a comfortable cabin

The Sirius 22 has a comfortable cabin and user-friendly layout, which makes it an excellent choice for beginner sailors. You can get it for $5,000–$15,000. You'll enjoy sailing in various conditions thanks to its stability and performance. It's a good choice for those who want to explore both the water and the land. It weighs 2,800 pounds.

12. Tanzer 22 is a classic sailboat that's easy to handle and has a comfortable cabin

If you're looking for a beginner sailboat that's easy to handle, the Tanzer 22 is a great choice. You can get it for $5,000–$15,000. Its functional design and favorable performance make it a popular choice among novice sailors. It's a good choice for those who want to spend longer periods of time on the water. It weighs 2,700 pounds.

13. Ventura 23 is a popular sailboat for beginners that has a roomy cabin

Ventura 23 has a spacious cabin that can accommodate up to four people. You can get it for $10,000–$20,000. It's easy to handle and is a good choice for weekend trips or longer periods of time on the water. Its user-friendly features make it easy for beginners to navigate and enjoy their time on the water. It weighs 4,000 pounds.

When choosing the perfect beginner sailboat with a cabin that suits your budget and needs, consider these factors:

Test sailing on a few models

This allows you to get a feel for how each boat handles and performs. Reach out to dealers or sailing clubs, as they may offer opportunities for you to try out different sailboats. Remember, your comfort and confidence on the water are crucial, so it's essential to choose a boat that feels right for you.

Research on various sailboat models

Invest some time in thorough research on various sailboat models within your budget. This will help you understand their features, strengths, and weaknesses. You can do this by consulting online resources, speaking with experienced sailors, and visiting boat shows.

Reviews from fellow sailors

Don't underestimate the power of reviews from fellow sailors. Reading the real-life experiences of others who have sailed on different boat models can provide valuable insights into their performance, maintenance, and overall satisfaction. Check out online forums, sailing magazines, and customer testimonials to gather a variety of opinions on the sailboats you're considering.

There are numerous online forums and communities dedicated to sailing enthusiasts and beginners where you can ask questions, share experiences, and learn from others who share your passion. In these spaces, you can find valuable advice and recommendations from experienced sailors on the best beginner sailboats for various purposes and budgets.

Some popular sailing forums and communities include:

Cruisers Forum
Sailing Anarchy
SailNet Community
Yachting and Boating World Forums

By participating in these communities, you'll be able to expand your knowledge, make new friends, and stay up-to-date with the latest trends and developments in the sailing world. Just remember to always approach online interactions with a friendly tone and an open-minded attitude, as this will help create a positive and supportive learning environment.

Consider the following factors to help you make the best decision that caters to your preferences and budget:

Sailing experience

As a beginner, it's crucial to choose a sailboat that matches your current skill level . Smaller boats with simple rigging and easy handling, like the Sunfish or Hobie Cats, are great for those who are just starting. As you gain experience, you may transition to larger vessels with more advanced features.

Preferred types of sailing activities

Always think about what type of sailing activities you prefer. Some people enjoy leisurely weekend trips , while others are more interested in racing. For example, the West Wight Potter is an excellent choice for weekend cruising, while the Challenger Trimaran is more performance-oriented for racers. Identifying how you plan to use your sailboat will greatly help you make the best choice for your needs.

Your budget for a sailboat with a cabin

Finding a sailboat within your budget range is essential, but also keep in mind the ongoing costs such as maintenance, mooring fees, insurance, and fuel. With realistic financial planning, you can make a wise investment in a sailboat that suits your needs and avoids future financial issues.

In this section, we will discuss the following important aspects when choosing the best beginner sailboat with a cabin: size and layout, ease of handling, and maintenance and upkeep.

Size and layout of the sailboat

The size of the sailboat is an important consideration, especially if you plan to spend nights on board or have guests join you. Choose a boat that not only fits your budget but also ensures enough space and comfort for your activities. A good starting point might be boats between 22 and 30 feet in length, offering a combination of living space, stability, and sailing capabilities.

Think about the layout of the cabin and the overall interior design. Make sure there are enough berths for everyone staying on board, and consider the placement of the galley, head, and storage areas. Keep in mind that a well-designed layout can make a small space feel larger and more comfortable.

Ease of handling the sailboat

As a beginner, it's crucial to select a sailboat that is easy to handle and maneuver. Tiller steering is a great choice for beginners, as it helps you gain a better understanding of the boat's direction and the wind's force. Look for boats with simple rigging, easy-to-reach controls, and a responsive helm. This will ensure a smoother and more enjoyable learning experience as you build your confidence in sailing.

Maintenance and upkeep of the sailboat

Owning a sailboat comes with the responsibility of regular maintenance to keep it in top shape. Familiarize yourself with the costs and tasks associated with upkeep, such as cleaning, painting, and inspecting critical components. Choose a boat with a proven history of durability and low-cost maintenance, so you don't end up dedicating all your time and money to its upkeep. Fiberglass hulls, for example, tend to be easier to maintain than wooden ones.

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Home » Blog » Buy a boat » 5 best small sailboats for sailing around the world

5 best small sailboats for sailing around the world

By Author Fiona McGlynn

Posted on Last updated: April 19, 2023

A small sailboat can take you big places

Small sailboats are the ticket to going cruising NOW — not when you retire, save up enough money, or find the “perfect” bluewater cruising boat. In fact, it’s the first principle in Lin and Larry Pardey’s cruising philosophy: “Go small, go simple, go now.”

Small yachts can be affordable, simple, and seaworthy . However, you won’t see many of them in today’s cruising grounds. In three years and 13,000 nautical miles of bluewater cruising, I could count the number of under 30-foot sailboats I’ve seen on one hand (all of them were skippered by people in their 20s and 30s).

Today’s anchorages are full of 40, 50, and 60-foot-plus ocean sailboats, but that’s not to say you can’t sail the world in a small sailboat. Just look at Alessandro di Benedetto who in 2010 broke the record for the smallest boat to sail around the world non-stop in his 21-foot Mini 6.5 .

So long as you don’t mind forgoing a few comforts, you can sail around the world on a small budget .

What makes a good blue water sailboat

While you might not think a small sailboat is up to the task of going long distances, some of the best bluewater sailboats are under 40 feet.

However, if you’re thinking about buying a boat for offshore cruising, there are a few things to know about what makes a small boat offshore capable .

Smaller equals slower

Don’t expect to be sailing at high speeds in a pocket cruiser. Smaller displacement monohulls are always going to be slower than larger displacement monohulls (see the video below to learn why smaller boats are slower). Therefore a smaller cruiser is going to take longer on a given passage, making them more vulnerable to changes in weather.

A few feet can make a big difference over a week-long passage. On the last leg of our Pacific Ocean crossing, our 35-foot sailboat narrowly avoid a storm that our buddy boat, a 28-foot sailboat, couldn’t. Our friend was only a knot slower but it meant he had to heave to for a miserable three days.

Small but sturdy

If a pocket cruiser encounters bad weather, they will be less able to outrun or avoid it. For this reason, many of the blue water sailboats in this list are heavily built and designed to take a beating.

Yacht design has changed dramatically over the last 50 years. Today, new boats are designed to be light and fast. The small sailboats in our list are 30-plus year-old designs and were built in a time when weather forecasts were less accurate and harder to come by.

Back in the day, boat were constructed with thicker fiberglass hulls than you see in modern builds. Rigs, keels, rudders, hulls and decks – everything about these small cruising sailboats was designed to stand up to strong winds and big waves. Some of the boats in this post have skeg-hung rudders and most of them are full keel boats.

The pros and cons of pocket cruiser sailboats

Pocket cruiser sailboats present certain advantages and disadvantages.

More affordable

Their smaller size makes them affordable bluewater sailboats. You can often find great deals on pocket cruisers and sometimes you can even get them for free.

You’ll also save money on retrofits and repairs because small cruising sailboats need smaller boat parts (which cost a lot less) . For example, you can get away with smaller sails, ground tackle, winches, and lighter lines than on a bigger boat.

Moorage, haul-outs, and marine services are often billed by foot of boat length . A small sailboat makes traveling the world , far more affordable!

When something major breaks (like an engine) it will be less costly to repair or replace than it would be on a bigger boat.

Less time consuming

Smaller boats tend to have simpler systems which means you’ll spend less time fixing and paying to maintain those systems. For example, most small yachts don’t have showers, watermakers , hot water, and electric anchor windlasses.

On the flip side, you’ll spend more time collecting water (the low-tech way) . On a small sailboat, this means bucket baths, catching fresh water in your sails, and hand-bombing your anchor. Though less convenient, this simplicity can save you years of preparation and saving to go sailing.

Oh, and did I mention that you’ll become a complete water meiser? Conserving water aboard becomes pretty important when you have to blue-jug every drop of it from town back to your boat.

Easier to sail

Lastly, smaller boats can be physically easier to sail , just think of the difference between raising a sail on a 25-foot boat versus a 50-foot boat! You can more easily single-hand or short-hand a small sailboat. For that reason, some of the best solo blue water sailboats are quite petite.

As mentioned above small boats are slow boats and will arrive in port, sometimes days (and even weeks) behind their faster counterparts on long offshore crossings.

Consider this scenario: two boats crossed the Atlantic on a 4,000 nautical mile route. The small boat averaged four miles an hour, while the big boat averaged seven miles an hour. If both started at the same time, the small boat will have completed the crossing two weeks after the larger sailboat!

Less spacious

Living on a boat can be challenging — living on a small sailboat, even more so! Small cruising boats don’t provide much in the way of living space and creature comforts.

Not only will you have to downsize when you move onto a boat you’ll also have to get pretty creative when it comes to boat storage.

It also makes it more difficult to accommodate crew for long periods which means there are fewer people to share work and night shifts.

If you plan on sailing with your dog , it might put a small boat right out of the question (depending on the size of your four-legged crew member).

Less comfortable

It’s not just the living situation that is less comfortable, the sailing can be pretty uncomfortable too! Pocket cruisers tend to be a far less comfortable ride than larger boats as they are more easily tossed about in big ocean swell.

Here are our 5 favorite small blue water sailboats for sailing around the world

When we sailed across the Pacific these were some of the best small sailboats that we saw. Their owners loved them and we hope you will too!

The boats in this list are under 30 feet. If you’re looking for something slightly larger, you might want to check out our post on the best bluewater sailboats under 40 feet .

Note: Price ranges are based on SailboatListings.com and YachtWorld.com listings for Aug. 2018

Albin Vega 27($7-22K USD)

The Albin Vega has earned a reputation as a bluewater cruiser through adventurous sailors like Matt Rutherford, who in 2012 completed a 309-day solo nonstop circumnavigation of the Americas via Cape Horn and the Northwest Passage (see his story in the documentary Red Dot on the Ocean ).

Hull Type: Long fin keel
Hull Material: GRP (fibreglass)
Length Overall:27′ 1″ / 8.25m
Waterline Length:23′ 0″ / 7.01m
Beam:8′ 1″ / 2.46m
Draft:3′ 8″ / 1.12m
Rig Type: Masthead sloop rig
Displacement:5,070lb / 2,300kg
Designer:Per Brohall
Builder:Albin Marine AB (Swed.)
Year First Built:1965
Year Last Built:1979
Number Built:3,450

Cape Dory 28 ($10-32K USD)

This small cruising sailboat is cute and classic as she is rugged and roomy. With at least one known circumnavigation and plenty of shorter bluewater voyages, the Cape Dory 28 has proven herself offshore capable.

Hull Type: Full Keel
Length Overall:28′ 09″ / 8.56m
Waterline Length:22′ 50″ / 6.86m
Beam:8’ 11” / 2.72m
Draft:4’ 3” / 1.32m
Rig Type:Masthead Sloop
Displacement:9,300lb / 4,218kg
Sail Area/Displacement Ratio:52
Displacement/Length Ratio:49
Designer: Carl Alberg
Builder: Cape Dory Yachts (USA)
Year First Built:1974
Year Last Built:1988
Number Built: 388

Dufour 29 ($7-23K)

As small bluewater sailboats go, the Dufour 29 is a lot of boat for your buck. We know of at least one that sailed across the Pacific last year. Designed as a cruiser racer she’s both fun to sail and adventure-ready. Like many Dufour sailboats from this era, she comes equipped with fiberglass molded wine bottle holders. Leave it to the French to think of everything!

Hull Type: Fin with skeg-hung rudder
Length Overall:29′ 4″ / 8.94m
Waterline Length:25′ 1″ / 7.64m
Beam:9′ 8″ / 2.95m
Draft:5′ 3″ / 1.60m
Displacement:7,250lb / 3,289kg
Designer:Michael Dufour
Builder:Dufour (France)
Year First Built:1975
Year Last Built:1984

Vancouver 28 ($15-34K)

A sensible small boat with a “go-anywhere” attitude, this pocket cruiser was designed with ocean sailors in mind. One of the best cruising sailboats under 40 feet, the Vancouver 28 is great sailing in a small package.

Hull Type:Full keel with transom hung rudder
Length Overall: 28′ 0″ / 8.53m
Waterline Length:22’ 11” / 6.99m
Beam:8’ 8” / 2.64m
Draft:4’ 4” / 1.32m
Rig Type: Cutter rig
Displacement:8,960lb / 4,064 kg
Designer: Robert B Harris
Builder: Pheon Yachts Ltd. /Northshore Yachts Ltd.
Year First Built:1986
Last Year Built: 2007
Number Built: 67

Westsail 28 ($30-35K)

Described in the 1975 marketing as “a hearty little cruiser”, the Westsail 28 was designed for those who were ready to embrace the cruising life. Perfect for a solo sailor or a cozy cruising couple!

Hull Type: Full keel with transom hung rudder
Hull Material:GRP (fibreglass)
Length Overall:28′ 3” / 8.61m
Waterline Length:23’ 6” / 7.16m
Beam:9’ 7” / 2.92m
Displacement:13,500lb / 6,124kg
Designer: Herb David
Builder: Westsail Corp. (USA)
Number Built:78

Feeling inspired? Check out the “go small” philosophy of this 21-year-old who set sail in a CS 27.

Fiona McGlynn is an award-winning boating writer who created Waterborne as a place to learn about living aboard and traveling the world by sailboat. She has written for boating magazines including BoatUS, SAIL, Cruising World, and Good Old Boat. She’s also a contributing editor at Good Old Boat and BoatUS Magazine. In 2017, Fiona and her husband completed a 3-year, 13,000-mile voyage from Vancouver to Mexico to Australia on their 35-foot sailboat.

Saturday 1st of September 2018

Very useful list, but incomplete - as it would necessarily be, considering the number of seaworthy smaller boats that are around.

In particular, you missed/omitted the Westerly "Centaur" and its follow-on model, the "Griffon". 26 feet LOA, bilge-keelers, weighing something over 6000 pounds, usually fitted with a diesel inboard.

OK, these are British designs, and not that common in the US, but still they do exist, they're built like tanks, and it's rumored that at least one Centaur has circumnavigated.

Friday 31st of August 2018

This is a helpful list, thank you. I don't think most people would consider a 28' boat a pocket cruiser, though!

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The 5 best sailboats for beginners (Personal Experience)

Have you ever wanted to learn how to sail? It’s a fun and challenging sport that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. If you’re thinking about getting started in sailing, you’ll need to choose the right boat. In this blog post, we’ll recommend five of the best sailboats for beginners. With one of these boats, you’ll be able to learn the basics of sailing and have a great time doing it!

If you don’t know how to sail, check out my other article here!

What Makes A Sailboat Good For Beginners?

Sailing is an exhilarating experience and one that I would recommend to all beginners. When it comes to choosing the right sailboat, easy handling should be your number one priority. Bigger boats require more skill and knowledge as what may seem easy with a smaller boat can become complicated with a bigger boat. This isn’t meant to scare you away from sailing – rather it is helpful information so you know what size of boat will be the most enjoyable for you. Beginner vessels should be easy to maneuver, balanced, and stable so that those with little or no knowledge about sailing can still enjoy this activity. With easy handling and a little knowledge, you will soon enough be able to move up in size so that you can explore different terrains with confidence.

1. The Sunfish

The Sunfish is a popular choice for beginners because it is simple to set up and easy to handle. Setting up a sailboat can be incredibly intimidating: the rigging, masts, rigging, sails, and more can all seem too much to manage alone. That’s why so many new sailors choose the seemingly simple Sunfish as their first boat – it offers an excellent balance between ease of setup and a fun sailing experience, making it the ideal choice for beginners. Not only is the Sunfish relatively easy to get on the water quickly, but its basic design also makes it maneuverable and controllable for novice sailors. It’s no wonder that even experienced veterans hold this classic sailboat in such high regard; its unmistakable presence on lakes and near coasts around the world is a testament to its popularity. Whether you’re just beginning your journey into sailing or honing your skills after years of experience, the Sunfish will undoubtedly offer you an exciting voyage of discovery!

2. Laser Sailboat

The Laser is another popular choice for beginners because it is lightweight and easy to maneuver. Choosing a sailboard can be intimidating but the Laser sailboat is an excellent choice for those just getting started. It’s lightweight, easy to maneuver, and highly recommended by many friends I have in the sailing community. What’s also great about it is that its adjustable control lines let you adapt to different conditions, so as your skills grow, you’re able to take on more significant winds and rougher waters. The Laser isn’t just for beginners either—it’s used in racing competitions all around the world. All in all, it’s an ideal starter boat, with plenty of potential for growth.

3. The Catboat

The Catboat is a good choice for Beginners because it is stable and can be sailed in a bunch of different weather conditions. As someone who is looking to start sailing, the Catboat is definitely worth considering. It’s a great option for first-timers because it’s very stable in the water and can handle pretty much any type of weather condition. What I really like about this boat is that it has a high narrow bow and low stern, which means its center of gravity stays low while sailing. Plus, I don’t have to be an expert sailor to feel confident during longer voyages – the Catboat handles beautifully under multiple sail sets and different wind speeds. All in all, if you’re thinking of beginning your sailing journey soon, then the Catboat should be on top of your list!

4. Catalina 22

The Catalina 22 has been a go-to sailboat for new sailors for many years due to the fact that it is relatively easy to set up and maintain. It also boasts one of the largest cockpits in its class, giving the crew plenty of room while they’re out on the water. The features of this boat make it an excellent option for any beginning sailor looking to invest in their first boat. From learning how to use all parts of the boat and rigging properly, as well as how to sail itself, getting comfortable with sailing starts with having a boat that is easy to manage. With this classic design and quality build, there isn’t much better than the Catalina 22. I personally started with this boat as my first and I loved it! See my article below all about my first boat!

MY FIRST SAILBOAT! This article is all about buying my first sailboat.

5. Hunter 22

The Hunter 22 is a popular choice for first-time sailors, and it’s easy to see why. It has a spacious cabin with plenty of room for two people and all their supplies but is still small enough to be easily maneuvered by a single sailor. Its design allows for great upwind performance and it can even handle light winds with ease. The boat also comes standard with a furling jib and mainsail, making it easy for beginners to understand the basics of sail trimming and tacking. Additionally, the Hunter 22 is built with durability in mind and is constructed from high-quality materials that make it strong enough to withstand most weather conditions. And above all else, its lightweight design makes transportation and storage extremely easy. All this makes the Hunter 22 a great option for those looking for an entry-level sailboat that provides good performance and comfort on the water.

Final Thoughts!

As a beginner sailor, getting the right sailboat is essential to start on the right foot. That’s why I think the Sunfish, Laser, Catboat, and Catalina 22 are the five best sailboats for beginners. The Sunfish is an ideal boat for beginner sailors since it’s really easy to control and can handle all water conditions (plus it looks amazing on the water!). For those who want to practice racing then the Laser is a great choice since it’s fast and responsive. The Catboat is larger than most beginner boats so you can fit more people onboard which will be fun for family outings or parties on the water. The Catalina offers excellent stability and performance however its larger size may be daunting for some beginner sailors. Lastly, there’s the Hunter 22 which provides plenty of room for storage, good speed even with a beginner skill level, and also looks pretty cool! All five of these options make wonderful beginner sailboats. I hope this helps you begin your sailing life! Cheers!

Boatlifehq owner and author/editor of this article.

The Best Sailboats For Beginners

Sailing is a fun activity for people of all experience levels. In fact, learning to sail a basic boat is relatively easy – in the right environment, you can start sailing with minimal experience.

However, the idea of a beginner commanding a 55-foot boat in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean is a bit ridiculous. Even though virtually everyone can sail, beginners should learn the basics in a controlled environment, and on the correct boat.

Boat size doesn’t necessarily affect its beginner-friendliness, because sailors need to take into account factors such as rig simplicity and handling characteristics.

Many beginners make the mistake of picking the wrong boat to begin with, which can lead to frustration and turn them off of sailing forever. To mitigate these issues, this article will cover the best sailboats for beginners, so you can get on the water and start sailing safely and comfortably.

BEST RIGS FOR BEGINNERS

There are many types of sailboat rigging, and some are more beginner-friendly than others. Unfortunately, some of the most aesthetically pleasing rigs are also the most complicated.

Eventually, sailors can acquire enough skill to master complex rigs, but it’s best to start simple.

Arguably, one of the simplest sailing rigs is the Lateen Rig . This rig consists of a mast, boom, and spar, along with a single halyard and mainsheet. With only two ropes in its simplest configuration, the Lateen Rig makes a best starter sailboat.

For larger boats, the Bermuda Sloop rig is an excellent choice. This rig is quite common and includes a jib for a larger sail plan. For those who desire a slightly more robust (but single sail) layout, the gaff-rigged catboat is also an excellent choice. This versatile craft (and rig) has a large and relatively simple single sail, which is easier to handle than multiple sails.

TRAINING BOATS

These are secure and easy providing step – learning rates, training manufacturing. There are several various sailing boats typically used in sailing clubs and training centers.

These sailboats with different sails and trapeze options are designed for beginners in sailing who never had long journey experience on the water, intermediate skippers and certainly for families to develop their sailing and steering skills.

SINGLE HANDERS

Only one person is needed to sail in single-handers. You can then operate the boat and propel the boat yourself which enhances your learning and experience. Additionally, without anyone else, you can do whatever you want.

DOUBLE HANDERS

These sailboats need the steering and handling of two persons. Most of these sailboats have a spinnaker, mainsail, jib. You can spend your time with another on the sea in double handers, and also learn from him.

DINGHY CRUISING BOATS

Dinghy sailboats are specifically designed for cruising. Therefore, these are the perfect sailing boats for cruising in the creek with your family or friends, as well as the sea.

HOW TO PICK A SAILBOAT

Picking a sailboat for beginners doesn’t have to be difficult. Before deciding on a boat, consider your experience level and location. If you only have access to the rough ocean, it may not be the best idea to get an open dinghy. Also, consider your budget. If you’re looking for a $50 sailboat, you can probably find one, but it won’t be ideal. If you have just a few thousand dollars to spend, you can set yourself up nicely with a little research. Also, consider what you want to do with the sailboat. Recreation, fishing, cruising, and exploration are options and require different kinds of boats. Whichever you end up choosing, make sure you try it out and can sail it comfortably.

5 Best Cruising Sailboats In 2024

Best Cruising Sailboats | Life of Sailing

Last Updated by

Daniel Wade

January 2, 2024

The appeal of owning a cruising sailboat is one that deep down almost everyone shares.

Even someone who has no intention of ever sailing can see the appeal of owning such a vessel.

So much of the appeal is tied into the possibilities , the sense of wonder that owning such a boat bestows on its owner.

‍ Whether you are making a voyage from one coast of the United States to the other or plan to make your way around the globe, a decent cruising sailboat is a must. Not all sailboats are built to withstand the high seas and high winds of the open water.

Sure, they may do well enough when hugging the coastline, but sailing far and away over the horizon is a completely different animal.

This article will help you know what to look for in a cruising sailboat and which specific boats you should look into buying. There are hundreds of great options on the market, these 5 are just some of the best.

Table of contents

What are cruising sailboats?

Cruising sailboats are ones that are designed to be used over long distances.

They are bigger, stronger, and far more stable.

If you imagine a typical small sailboat such as a wayfarer you are looking at a pretty solid boat.

Good quality, great for beginners, very safe, very affordable.

But, it is simply not going to cut it out at sea for long.

People have used the wayfarer to sail from the United Kingdom to Norway.

But, people have also done that in a kayak.

Just because you can, doesn’t mean you should or that you would even want to if given the opportunity.

A cruising boat is meant to be liveable for long periods between making land.

Typically, cruising just means a multi-day trip.

In reality, it can be far longer.

Reid Stowe once sailed his self built 70-foot schooner for over three and a half years.

This is an extreme example, no one lives on their boat that long, but it gives you an idea of the possibilities.

To be able to spend so much time on a boat requires that it be of an adequate size to accommodate everything you would need.

If a sailboat is capable of housing you for a few days, technically it can be classed as a cruising sailboat .

Typically, cruising sailboats can reach speeds of ten knots.

This is needed to be able to make it from one point of land to another before supplies run out.

This is not a technical requirement to be “classed” as a cruising sailboat, just a practical one.

What makes a sailboat good for traveling long distances?

While, yes, a sailboat capable of traveling for multiple days without making land could be classed as a cruising sailboat. There are some criteria that it needs to hit to be considered a good choice. Your sailboat needs to not only be capable of making the journey but doing it safely. Here are some important things to consider when deciding if a sailboat would be suitable for cruising:

A boat that is not going to be stable is not ideal for cruising. When sailing for multiple days chances are you are going to crossing through rough seas and dangerous waters. If you don’t have a boat that can stand up to these conditions you are going to be in trouble. A good way of assessing stability is width and hull type. If a boat has a very wide, or multiple, hulls you can assume it is going to be quite stable.

The bigger the boat the better, not only for stability but for comfort. If you are going to be essentially trapped on your boat for several days it is a good idea to have as much room to move about as possible. Both in the cabin and on the deck. If you are stuck inside because of bad weather for several days every extra square foot you have is going to be a blessing. Size matters to when you consider how many people you can bring on your voyage. They don’t just require their sleeping quarters/bunk they need space to move around.

Strength matters. A strong hull will help you withstand even the roughest conditions. Some boats are built with metal reinforcing on their hulls, some aren’t. If given the choice, you would do well to choose the former. Strength doesn’t just mean material but the overall build of the boat. If a boat doesn’t have a strong mast, the sail is more likely to come down. A sailboat without a mast or sail is much more likely to capsize.

Being able to travel long distances is not only limited by the strength or sturdiness of the boat but how much storage it has. If you plan to be sailing for 7 days you will need 7 days worth of supplies. If a boat doesn’t have the storage to accommodate this, you won’t be able to make the journey. Just because a boat is larger doesn’t mean it will have more storage room.

Experience:

More than anything, what makes a sailboat suitable for cruising is having an experienced skipper. There is a big difference between sailing for multiple days and multiple hours. Make sure you are capable of making the voyage before you think about whether your boat can.

What do people find so appealing about sailing long distances?

There is such a romantic notion of being able to sail wherever you please, whenever you please. Being able to make long voyages is so much more exciting than shorter ones. The chance to cruise from country to country is such an exciting opportunity that few people in the modern era have. Sailing from country to country used to be the only way to get around. Now, everyone uses planes. Sailing brings people back to their ancestral roots in a way no other form of transport does. There may not be new lands to discover on behalf of our countries, but there are new lands to discover for ourselves. Reading about, hearing about, or watching documentaries on places is not the same as exploring them for yourself by sea.

The sense of adventure and discovery is like nothing else. Who doesn’t dream of making the journey around the world? Most people will never do it, but the dream is still there. Most of all though, long-distance cruising is exciting . The adrenaline from making the dangerous trip through open sees is truly exhilarating. Whether you are racing or cruising along at your own pace, there is always a sense of danger when out at sea. Some people love it, they crave it, but it isn’t for everyone.

Is sailing long distances dangerous?

Sailing long distances may be romantic, it may be exciting, it may be freeing, but it is also one of the most dangerous things you can do. When you are out of contact with the rest of the world, out at sea beyond the help of those onshore, the potential for danger is huge. You don’t know what will happen, you don’t know what could go wrong. No matter how experienced, how skilled, or how brave you are there is the potential for disaster. There are things you can do to improve the odds. Being a great sailor is one, making sure you have the best cruising sailboat possible is another. You don’t have to spend millions or even hundreds of thousands on getting a great sailboat. Some are far more affordable than you might expect.

What are the 5 best cruising sailboats?

There are so many fantastic sailboats out there that finding the right one might feel impossible. The choice is overwhelming, even with the above guide on what to look for in your boat there are still almost endless choices. Luckily, this article is here to help. This section will give you a good selection of cruising sailboats at various price points. Which one is best for you will likely depend on a mixture of preference and budget. While none of these boats are exactly cheap, they won’t break the bank like some of the other options on the market.

Prout Snowgoose 37

If you are looking for a reliable sailboat look no farther than the Prout Snowgoose 37. This large catamaran makes use of its double hulls for increased width and stability. It is easy to steer, handles well, and is pretty spacious. There are more roomy catamarans on the market but none are as strong as this one. It is built to be sailed long distances in rough conditions. Its fiberglass hull makes it light and nimble all while retaining its strength. It is a slightly older model, but one that will serve you well. It is British made so finding one in the States can be a little tricky. If you do find one though you would do well to jump at the chance to purchase it.

Price: Less than $100k

The Corbin 39 is a beautiful blue water sailboat. It is a very rare boat with a proud history. Only a handful of these boats were finished to completion in the factory, the majority were sold as kits and built by the boat’s owner. Because of this method of production, this model can vary drastically on the inside. The interiors are all expressions of their owner’s creativity, and craftsmanship. This means you may want to have a proper look around inside the boat before purchasing one. The outside, especially the hull, is likely to be the same from boat to boat as they were sold as a piece. If you don’t mind potentially having to remodel the interior this might be the boat for you. The Corbin 39 is a rather large boat, the deck is huge and is perfect for transporting multiple passengers. You may have to shell out some more cash for renovations but the boat itself is second to none.

Price: $80k

Tayana Vancouver 42

Finding one of these cruisers isn’t going to be too hard, as quite a few were made, but it is important to note they were made almost 40 years ago. Some models were made in the early 2000s, but not many. This double-ended hull cruiser is incredibly strong, it has a cast iron ballast and can withstand even the very worst weather conditions. This boat is strong, rugged, but not very quick. If you are looking for speed this is not the boat for you. The hull is fiberglass so you know you are getting a sturdy boat, but the trade-off from the iron ballast means this boat is heavy and slow to maneuver. This double sail cruiser costs anywhere from $80-$100 grand depending on how old the model you are looking at is. The older ones are a bit cheaper, at the expense of being a little worse for wear.

This 40-foot cruiser is a jack of all trades type of craft. If you are looking for a very solid middle of the pack choice this is the one for you. It does everything well but excels almost nowhere except in size. The Nordic 40 is very large for the price you are paying, so you are certainly getting your money worth here. This vessel is sturdy, strong, light and nimble. It is capable of moving very quickly and agilely through the water in a light breeze but is more than capable of resisting tougher conditions. If you are looking for a cruiser that is good for living on, not just sailing on, this could be the one for you. Its extra size means extra storage and living spaces. It has a great shower, huge fridge, plenty of counter space and decent sized sleeping quarters.

Pacific Sea Craft 34

If you are looking for the perfect cruiser for you and your significant other, the Pacific Sea Craft 34 is just what you are looking for. It has a solid fiberglass hull and is capable of reaching decent speeds. The 34 may be slightly smaller than some of the other options but it still has plenty of storage, six and a half feet of headroom, and is simply stunning to look at. This sailboat is incredibly well designed, its 13,500 pounds of displacement make it strong and sure in the water without losing its agility.

Hopefully, you now have a good idea about what to look for in a sailing cruise boat. There are so many great options on the market, the ones mentioned above are just a good starting point. If you take the time to find the right boat for you , you won’t regret it. Buying a cruising sailboat is a huge commitment, it is important to be sure of your choice before you make the purchase. Good luck with your hunt for the perfect cruiser!

Thinking of living on a sailboat? Read up on the 10 Best Sailboats To Live In.

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

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Best Small Sailboats for Beginners

There are a number of classic trainers used by yacht club youth programs as well as techie new designs. Without mentioning specific models and brands, it’s difficult to outline which small boats are best but here are things to look for in good teaching boats.

Some of the best small sailboats for beginners include:

Boats with tillers steering
Boats with no winches
Sailing dinghies
Small sloops
Small catamarans
Rotomolded boats
Trailerable sailboats

Explore All Sailboat Types

Boats with Tiller Steering

Steering by tiller (rather than a wheel) can make a difference when learning. Tillers are directly connected to the rudder that manages the boat’s direction. Tillers provide quick feedback about the strength and direction of the wind as well as the boat’s turning agility at various speeds.

Boats with No Winches

Boats that require no winches to manage the sheets and halyards are best for youngsters and new sailors. These boats usually don’t experience the same forces on the sails and rigging as larger boats, which can be a handful when the wind starts to blow. Winches are usually replaced with cam or jam cleats, which are easy to use.

Sailing Dinghies

Sailing dinghies are usually rigged with one mast and one sail and offer kids and new sailors simplicity so it’s easy to learn the ropes. Less overwhelming than boats with two sails, dinghies are light and responsive. They also have a shallow draft due to side or centerboards so they can be sailed just about anywhere. In some cases (whether from a wind gust or sudden crew weight shift) sailing dinghies can capsize so students should wear lifejackets and know how to swim. Sailing dinghies are usually sailed by one or two people.

Small Sloops

Small sloops with a mast that carries head and mainsails are the next step so students learn how sails work together. Headsails can be hanked on or attached to a small roller furler. These boats may have some or no winches, which also makes them easier to maintain. These boats can usually be sailed with one to four people.

Some sloops can scale up, providing a more challenging experience for sailors as they develop skills. Certain models can carry spinnakers and larger headsails to teach sail combinations and new sail trim techniques. Others offer the ability to hike out (shift crew weight well outboard to balance the boat against the wind pressure in the sails). This kind of sailing is more advanced.

Small Catamarans

Small catamarans provide extra stability for those who may be nervous about capsizing or aren’t fond of heeling (tipping while sailing). With two hulls providing a wide and stable base, catamarans area ideal for beginners, which may be why they’re often used by resorts as their beach sailing tourist boats. Rigged with one or two sails, small cats are tiller steered and usually have a trampoline that the students sit on and sail.

Rotomolded Boats

Small rotomolded boats are very forgiving due to their durable construction. Unlike fiberglass or wooden boats, rotomolded (a type of plastic construction technique) trainers can bounce off docks or other boats and cause or sustain little damage. Dinghies and catamarans can both be made via rotomolding.

Trailerable Sailboats

Finally, small sailboats that can be trailered to different locations add variety and that makes learning fun. Students can learn to sail in different wind and water conditions and enjoy their boats differently on vacation or with new friends.

Learning to sail involves all the senses and requires a level head and lots of practice and although it can be learned in many ways, the best way is to start with a boat that’s small, simple, safe and durable.

Read Next: Small Boats: What Are My Options?

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13 Beginner Sailing Tips: Your Guide to Getting Started

Sailing can be an exhilarating experience, but for beginners, it can also be overwhelming. The thought of controlling a boat while being surrounded by water may seem daunting, but fear not, with the right knowledge and preparation, anyone can learn how to sail.

In this article, we will share some beginner sailing tips that will help you get started on your sailing journey. From choosing the right boat and location to learning basic sailing terms and safety practices, these tips will give you the confidence to set sail and enjoy your time on the water. So, let’s dive in and explore the world of sailing!

Beginner Sailing Tips

1. choose a small boat rigged with one sail.

Choosing a small boat rigged with one sail has many advantages for beginners learning how to sail. In addition to being easier to control and maneuver, a small boat also allows you to get a better feel for the boat as you make adjustments to the sail trim or steering. This is because small boats are more responsive to changes in sail trim and steering than larger boats, which can be slower to respond due to their size and weight.

By sailing a small boat, you’ll be able to develop your sailing skills more quickly and get a better understanding of how the boat responds to different conditions. So, if you’re just starting out, consider choosing a small boat rigged with one sail to help you get the most out of your sailing experience.

2. Choose calm, uncrowded waters

Another important tip for beginner sailors is to choose calm, uncrowded waters for your first few sailing trips. This will help you feel more comfortable and confident on the water, as you won’t have to navigate through busy areas or deal with choppy waves and strong currents. Look for sheltered bays, lakes, or rivers with minimal boat traffic to practice your skills in a safe and controlled environment.

As you gain more experience and confidence, you can then start to venture out into more challenging conditions. But for now, focus on finding calm, uncrowded waters that will allow you to focus on learning and enjoying the sailing experience.

3. Take instruction

Taking sailing instruction is another essential tip for beginners. While it may be tempting to simply jump in a boat and start sailing, proper instruction is crucial for learning the basics of sailing, including safety practices, sailing terminology, and sailing techniques. A certified sailing instructor can teach you everything you need to know to become a competent sailor and ensure that you’re following best practices for safety on the water.

Whether you choose to take a course at a sailing school or hire a private instructor, investing in sailing instruction is an important step in becoming a confident and knowledgeable sailor.

4. Go with someone who knows what they’re doing

In addition to taking sailing instruction, it’s also a good idea to go sailing with someone who has experience and knows what they’re doing. This could be a friend or family member who is an experienced sailor, or you could hire a skipper to join you on your sailing trip. Sailing with someone who is knowledgeable and experienced will not only make you feel more comfortable and safer, but it will also allow you to learn from their expertise and observe their sailing techniques.

This can be especially helpful if you’re just starting out and want to learn as much as possible about the art of sailing. So, don’t hesitate to reach out to more experienced sailors and ask if they would be willing to sail with you or offer some guidance. Sailing is a community-based activity, and most sailors are more than happy to help others learn and grow.

5. Know some basic sailing terms

Another important tip for beginner sailors is to learn some basic sailing terms . Knowing the terms for different parts of the boat and the various maneuvers involved in sailing will not only help you communicate with your crew, but will also make it easier for you to follow sailing instructions and understand sailing books and tutorials. Some basic sailing terms to learn include port and starboard (left and right sides of the boat, respectively), tack and jibe (turning the boat into the wind and away from the wind, respectively), and sheet (the line that controls the sail).

There are many online resources and books available that provide a comprehensive list of sailing terms and their definitions. Take the time to familiarize yourself with these terms, and you’ll be well on your way to becoming a proficient sailor.

6. Learn the traffic rules

Learning the traffic rules of the waterways is another important tip for beginner sailors. Just like on the roads, there are rules and guidelines that must be followed when sailing to ensure everyone’s safety. Some of the basic rules include giving way to boats on your right (the starboard side), yielding to larger vessels, and keeping a safe distance from other boats.

It’s also important to understand the various navigational aids, such as buoys and markers, which can help guide you safely through the waterways. Learning the traffic rules and navigational aids will help you avoid collisions and stay safe on the water. You can find information about the rules and regulations for boating in your area by consulting with local boating authorities or researching online. You can start out here

7. Research tide, wind and weather conditions.

Researching tide, wind, and weather conditions before setting out on a sailing trip is another important tip for beginner sailors. Understanding these conditions can help you plan your route and make informed decisions about when and where to sail. For example, knowing the direction and strength of the wind can help you determine the best angles for your sails and avoid dangerous gusts or currents. Likewise, understanding the timing and height of the tides can help you navigate through shallow or narrow channels without running aground.

Checking the weather forecast can also help you avoid potentially dangerous conditions, such as thunderstorms or high winds. So, be sure to do your research and keep an eye on the weather and water conditions before you head out on your sailing adventure. This guide can help you on what to look for before setting sail

8. Don’t forget to eat and drink before you go out

It’s also important to take care of yourself and your crew while sailing. Don’t forget to eat and drink before you go out on the water, and bring plenty of snacks and water on board to keep yourself hydrated and energized. Staying hydrated is especially important when sailing, as the sun and wind can quickly dehydrate you, leaving you feeling tired and lethargic.

It’s also important to protect yourself from the sun by wearing a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Sunburn can be very uncomfortable and even dangerous, especially if you’re spending long hours out on the water. So, make sure to take care of yourself and your crew by staying nourished, hydrated, and protected from the sun.

9. Follow sailing basics for safety

Following sailing basics for safety is another important tip for beginner sailors. Before heading out on the water, make sure that your boat is properly equipped with safety gear, such as life jackets, flares, and a first aid kit. It’s also a good idea to let someone know where you’re going and when you expect to return, just in case of an emergency.

In addition, make sure that you’re familiar with basic safety procedures, such as how to handle emergencies like capsizing or running aground. Taking a safety course or sailing with an experienced captain can help you learn the ropes and feel more confident on the water. Remember, safety should always be your top priority when sailing.

10. Become familiar with sail control

Becoming familiar with sail control is another important tip for beginner sailors. Learning how to control the sails is one of the most fundamental skills in sailing, as it allows you to harness the power of the wind and maneuver your boat. There are a variety of different sail controls, including the mainsail and jib sheets, the halyards, and the boom vang.

Each of these controls plays a crucial role in shaping the sail and controlling the boat’s speed and direction. Taking sailing lessons or sailing with an experienced sailor can help you become more familiar with these controls and learn how to use them effectively. Remember, the more you know about sail control, the better you’ll be able to handle your boat and navigate through different wind and water conditions.

11. Be aware of the boom

The boom is the horizontal spar that extends from the bottom of the mast to the foot of the mainsail. It can swing from side to side when the boat changes direction, and if you’re not careful, it can hit you in the head or knock you overboard. To avoid accidents, it’s important to always keep a safe distance from the boom and be aware of its movements. You should also learn how to control the boom, either by using a boom vang or by manually adjusting the mainsheet.

Finally, it’s a good idea to always wear a safety harness or life jacket when sailing, in case you do accidentally fall overboard. By being aware of the boom and taking proper safety precautions, you can help prevent accidents and enjoy a safer and more enjoyable sailing experience.

12. One hand for you, one hand for the boat

This rule is a fundamental safety practice that can help prevent accidents and maintain your stability while sailing. Whether you’re adjusting the sails, moving around the boat, or simply enjoying the ride, it’s important to always have one hand free to hold onto the boat or grab onto something if you lose your balance.

This is especially important in rougher waters or when encountering unexpected gusts of wind. So remember, no matter how experienced you are as a sailor, always keep the “one hand for you, one hand for the boat” rule in mind to stay safe and in control while out on the water.

13. Practice as often as you can

Practice makes perfect, and this is especially true when it comes to sailing. The more time you spend on the water, the more comfortable and confident you’ll become in your sailing skills. So, as a final tip, make sure to practice as often as you can. This doesn’t mean you have to go out and buy your own sailboat – many sailing schools and clubs offer rental options or sailing excursions that you can join.

Take advantage of these opportunities and get out on the water as often as you can. You’ll not only improve your sailing abilities, but you’ll also have a chance to enjoy the beauty of nature and the exhilaration of sailing. With these beginner sailing tips in mind, you’re well on your way to a safe and enjoyable sailing experience. Happy sailing!

Beginner Sailing Tips: Conclusion

In conclusion, sailing can be a fun and exciting activity, but it’s important to approach it with the right mindset and preparation. By following the beginner sailing tips we’ve discussed, such as choosing a small boat rigged with one sail, practicing in calm and uncrowded waters, taking instructions, and becoming familiar with sail control, you can enjoy a safe and memorable sailing experience.

Remember to always prioritize safety and never hesitate to ask for help or advice from more experienced sailors. Whether you’re a seasoned sailor or a beginner, sailing offers a unique opportunity to connect with nature, challenge yourself, and create unforgettable memories. So, what are you waiting for? Grab your sailing shoes and set sail on your next adventure!

Do I need to take sailing lessons before starting to sail?

While taking lessons can be helpful, it’s not strictly necessary. You can learn to sail by practicing with a more experienced sailor or by teaching yourself with instructional materials.

What should I wear when sailing?

Wear comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing that allows for freedom of movement. Make sure you have a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen to protect yourself from the sun.

How can I find a sailing community or club?

Look for local sailing clubs or groups online, or check with your local marina or yacht club for information. Many sailing communities have events and races that are open to the public.

What kind of sailboat is best for beginners?

A small sailboat with a simple rig, such as a dinghy or a sunfish, is a good choice for beginners. These boats are easy to handle and can be sailed in a variety of conditions.

What should I do if I get caught in a sudden storm?

Stay calm and try to keep control of your sailboat. Reduce sail if necessary and head for the nearest safe harbor or anchorage . If you’re unable to do so, deploy an anchor and wait for the storm to pass.

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How to Buy the Best Beginner Sailboat?

Published by oceanwave on september 30, 2023.

Sailing is an alluring activity because it offers the possibility of independence on the broad sea and the rush that comes from using the wind. You’re in for a gratifying experience if you’ve made the decision to start this trip and purchase your first yacht. To ensure a smooth start to your sailing life, choosing the best beginner sailboat is essential. This article will help you through the process of choosing the ideal beginner sailboat while taking your spending power, objectives, and tastes into account.

The allure of sailing is its ability to transport one from the routines of land to the immensity of the sea. There is nothing like the sensation of gliding through the water while being propelled only by the wind. It’s a way of life that many find alluring since it offers independence, quiet, and adventure.

Your first sailboat is more than simply a boat; it’s your pass to a world of discovery and exploration. Your sailing objectives, financial situation, and maritime goals should all be taken into consideration while selecting a boat. Having the correct sailboat is crucial whether you want to race, cruise, or just take leisurely sails.

Purchasing a sailboat can seem difficult, especially if you’re a beginner. But with the appropriate direction, it can be a straightforward and pleasurable procedure. We’ll walk you through every step of the process, from creating a budget to outlining your sailing objectives, doing your research, and finally coming to a well-informed decision.

1. Determine Your Budget

The foundation of your sailboat purchasing process is your budget. It’s crucial to create a concise and practical budget that accounts for not just the initial cost of the item but also continuing expenses such as storage, maintenance, and necessary accessories. Your ability to properly narrow down your selections will depend on your ability to identify your financial limitations early on.

Sailing includes additional costs beyond the initial purchasing price. Regular maintenance, insurance, mooring or storage fees, safety equipment, and sailing supplies will all require budgeting. Preparing for these expenses in advance will avoid any unpleasant surprises later.

Don’t give up if your ideal yacht costs more than you can afford right now. Boat loans and marine financing are among the various funding choices. These can assist you in spreading the cost out over time and help you reach your sailing goals.

2. Define Your Sailing Goals

Sailing goals.

Sailboat activities range from leisurely ocean cruising to intense racing. Establish your sailing goals: are they leisurely day sailing, long-distance ocean cruising, or maybe competing in regattas? Your choice of sailboat will be guided by the clarity of your objectives.

There are many different types of sailboats, each with a purpose. Dinghies are nimble and small, ideal for getting your bearings. Keelboats provide stability and are perfect for cruising around the shore. Similar to catamarans, multihulls offer room and comfort for lengthy voyages. Your decision-making will be aided by your knowledge of these sailboat varieties.

Right Sailboat Type for Your Goals

You may match your goals with the sailboat that best matches them once you’ve established your sailing objectives and become familiar with the different types of sailboats. To make sure your sailboat meets your goals on the sea, your decision should take into account elements like size, rigging, and accommodations.

3. Research and Education

Gathering information.

Your best ally throughout the research stage is sailing data. Discover the features, characteristics, and reputations of numerous beginner sailboat brands and models. Pay attention to elements like building materials, sail designs, and handling qualities.

Reading Reviews and Recommendations

Owners and lovers of sailboats frequently post insightful opinions and thoughts online. Reading about Sailboat Reviews and actual experiences can provide readers with a fair understanding of the benefits and drawbacks. To access their knowledge, ask for suggestions from seasoned sailors or sailing communities.

Learning Sailboat Data and Specifications

For newcomers, sailboat specifications can appear like a foreign language. Spend some time learning the fundamental terms and characteristics of sailboats, such as LOA (Length Overall), draft, displacement, and rig type. You will feel more confident and capable when conducting your yacht search as a result of this knowledge.

V. New vs. Used Sailboats

Choosing between a new or secondhand sailboat depends on your preferences and financial situation. New sailboats cost more, but they come with the newest features and warranties. Used sailboats can be a great value, but they come in different conditions. To choose wisely, carefully consider the advantages and disadvantages.

Sailboats lose value at first, which can be significant. Although used sailboats may be less expensive, it is important to take into account their condition and maintenance history. Furthermore, warranties are frequently included with new sailboats, assuring buyers.

Use a marine surveyor or do a comprehensive inspection before choosing a used beginner sailboat to determine its condition. The hull, sails, rigging, engine, and other important parts should all be evaluated. You must make sure the secondhand sailboat is seaworthy and equipped for your sailing expeditions.

Remember that the ideal sailboat supports your sailing objectives and comfortably falls within your price range, regardless of whether you opt for a new or used boat. Your foray into the world of sailing will be exciting and gratifying if you are well-prepared and knowledgeable. So raise your sails and sail toward the ocean of your desires!

VI. Inspections and Surveys

The examination is the first and most important stage in purchasing a sailboat. This procedure entails a complete evaluation of the sailboat’s state, from the hull to the rigging. To make sure you’re buying a seaworthy vessel that matches your needs, inspections are crucial.

Hiring a marine surveyor, a specialist in evaluating sailboats is advised for a thorough inspection. Every square inch of the vessel will be inspected to ensure structural soundness, equipment efficiency, and safety compliance. Their findings will give us important information on the state of the sailboat.

Do not become alarmed if the survey identifies any problems or required fixes. Instead, use this knowledge to bargain with the vendor over the purchase price. You can use them as leverage to get a better offer or ask that the required repairs be made before purchase.

VII. Test Sails

Test sails function similarly to the last dress rehearsal for a major show. You can use them to get first-hand knowledge of how the sailboat performs under various conditions. This phase is essential to making sure the boat lives up to your expectations for comfort, functionality, and general suitability.

To obtain a sense of how the beginner sailboat handles on the water, schedule test sails with sellers or dealers. Pay attention to how responsive, maneuverable, and comfortable it is overall. Test the sailboat under a variety of conditions, if you can, to determine how adaptable it is.

Consider the sailboat’s handling during the test sail, especially its capacity to tack, jibe, and sail upwind and downwind. Examine the sails and rigging for damage, and make sure that all systems, including the engine and navigational instruments, are operating properly.

7. Price Negotiation and Purchase

Price haggling is a common practice while purchasing a sailboat. You are well equipped to bargain for a reasonable price because you are armed with the survey results and test sail insights. Be courteous but forceful, and don’t be afraid to leave if the conditions don’t fit your spending plan and expectations.

Purchase Agreement, Paperwork, and Legalities

It’s time to finalize the purchase agreement once the parties have reached an agreement on the conditions and price. The obligations of the buyer and the seller, as well as any conditions or contingencies, are described in this document. To safeguard your interests, it is crucial to have a legal professional analyze this agreement.

It might be difficult to navigate the legal and procedural requirements of a yacht acquisition. Make sure you finish all required paperwork, such as the registration, title transfer, and bill of sale. Don’t forget to take into account any regionally specific tax or customs obligations.

8. Ownership Transfer and Documentation

The ownership of the yacht can be changed after all the necessary documentation is completed and the purchase money is paid. Make sure that all necessary documentation and signatures are on file to successfully and legally finalize the sale.

Don’t undervalue the significance of maintaining yacht registration and paperwork. By taking this action, you may be confident that the sailboat is legally yours and avoid any upcoming issues or controversies.

The importance of sailboat insurance cannot be overstated. It gives you peace of mind and protects your investment. Investigate your insurance alternatives according to the value and intended use of your beginner sailboat, whether for leisurely coastal cruising or daring ocean expeditions.

9. Post-Purchase Considerations

A sailboat owner must perform ongoing maintenance. To keep your vessel in peak shape, budget for routine inspections, repairs, and seasonal upkeep. When not in use, take into account storage possibilities, both on land and in water.

Both inexperienced and seasoned sailors can benefit from the clubs and communities that support sailing. They offer a setting for education, friendship, and sharing of experiences. To improve your sailing experience, take into account joining these communities.

It’s time to set sail on your first cruise now that you are a sailboat owner. Plan your first sailing trip, whether it’s a short excursion or a longer voyage. Make sure you have all the tools, supplies, and safety gear needed for a successful and pleasurable journey.

List of the Best Beginner Sailboat

Here’s a list of some popular beginner sailboats that are well-suited for novice sailors:

Sunfish: The Sunfish is a classic and highly popular beginner sailboat known for its simplicity and ease of handling. It’s an excellent choice for those learning to sail solo.
Hobie Cat Wave: The Hobie Cat Wave is a beginner-friendly catamaran sailboat. It’s stable and forgiving, making it a great option for those new to sailing.
Catalina 22: This is a versatile keelboat that’s relatively easy to handle for beginners. It offers comfortable accommodations for overnight trips.
Laser: The Laser is a one-design sailboat that’s popular in sailing schools worldwide. It’s known for its simplicity and responsiveness.
RS Zest: The RS Zest is a modern and versatile sailboat designed with beginners in mind. It’s stable and easy to handle, making it an excellent choice for new sailors.
O’Day Daysailer: The O’Day Daysailer is a classic daysailer that’s easy to rig and sail. It’s perfect for learning the basics of sailing.
Topper Topaz: The Topper Topaz is a versatile sailboat available in various configurations, including a single-handed dinghy and a two-person boat. It’s known for its stability and forgiving nature.
Lido 14: The Lido 14 is a popular dinghy sailboat that’s great for beginners. It’s easy to rig and sail, and it offers room for a small crew.
Hobie Getaway: The Hobie Getaway is a larger catamaran sailboat that’s still beginner-friendly. It’s known for its stability and can accommodate several people.
Optimist: The Optimist, often referred to as the “Opti,” is an excellent choice for young sailors. It’s a small, single-handed dinghy designed for junior sailors.

Purchasing your first beginner sailboat is, thus, a fun and rewarding experience. You have given yourself the knowledge and skills needed to successfully negotiate the sailboat buying process by following this thorough tutorial. Your desires for bluewater explorations and ocean cruising are attainable with the proper vessel. So raise your sails and embark on an unforgettable voyage, where the ocean will serve as your playground and the horizon as your final destination.

To learn more about Sailboats check out the sailboat database and choose one according to your functionality and budget. Start preparing for your upcoming sailing excursion right away with Ocean Wave Sail !

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Best Catamarans For Beginners (Liveaboard, Beach, Cheap and more)

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In this article, I will list the best Catamarans for beginners sorted into the following categories; Ocean sailing, Cheap sailing , Weekend sailing, Beach catamarans, catamarans for kids, and ends with a discussion of the specific demands for liveaboards.

There is no such thing as a “beginners catamaran,” but some boats are better suited for beginners than others. Such a boat should be cheap, easy to handle, and can be repaired on your own. Most boats are not like this, continue reading to understand why!

This article is intended to get you looking in the right direction for the perfect boat for your specific needs.

CHECK OUT BEST CATAMARANS UNDER 200k

Table of Contents

Best Beginner Catamarans for Ocean sailing

I have chosen boats around 40ft in length ( read this to understand why 40ft is the right size for an offshore catamaran). I have also looked into whether or not the boat is possible to sail singlehanded; I believe this to be an important aspect since sooner or later, parts of the crew will get seasick or in any other way unable to sail the boat. This makes it essential that it is possible to sail without assistance.

Another aspect to consider in this category; is the boat equipped with trampolines or a sold deck? this makes a world of difference when it comes to offshore and big wave sailing. A trampoline will shorten the time it takes from when the bows get buried under a big wave until all water is cleared off the deck, and the boat can sail again; this is very important so that you avoid pitchpoling and capsizing your boat.

FOUNTAINE PAJOT LUCIA 40

Lucia 40 is known for being easy to sail; (many argue that this is partly due to the use of a low hanging boom which increases accessibility). On boats that use a flybridge, the boom is situated very high and can make handling difficult.

The visibility on this cat is excellent and thus increases the feeling of being under control since you can keep a 360 outlook on your surroundings.

The Lagoon 380 is the world’s most common cruising catamaran ; over one thousand boats have left the production facilities during its production time. This means it is a tried and true boat with a big community and, therefore, a lot of knowledge and experience that you can learn from.

It is a sturdy ocean crosser, which is still easy to handle due to its small size. The 380 is not a race boat, but it is very comfortable for its size, and it has a decent level of performance.

Since the Lagoon has been in production for so long (from 1999 to 2019 if I am not mistaking), then there are, of course, variations in design and performance depending on what year you choose.

The Leopard 44 is a very sturdy and well-built boat from South Africa; the exciting thing with this model is the forward cockpit. The forward cockpit is accessible through the central area, which means that you no longer have to go out and around to reach the bow; not only is this very practical, it also makes sense out of a safety perspective.

From the forward cockpit, you will have full visibility of what’s coming ahead of you, perfect for sunny days where you want to enjoy the excellent weather, but also maintain control over your surroundings.

FOUNTAINE PAJOT SABA 50

The Saba 50 is often spoken about as a fast boat where many sailors attest to regularly achieving speeds above 10kts and sometimes up to 13+. These speeds are attained through using a lighter construction where the cabin and deck are molded into a single part instead of several, bolted together. This design makes the boat lightweight and more robust.

In contrast to many other catamarans, and thanks to the fixed keels, the Saba 50 sails pretty well upwind,

Best Beginner Catamarans for Weekend Sailing

The demands on a weekend sailing boat differ in many ways from an ocean-going vessel. Since usually coastal weather doesn’t include stormy seas and giant waves, the need for a trampoline is reduced, and a solid deck absolutely makes sense!

Interior space on a coastal cruiser is less of a factor , yes it is nice to stand tall and cook, but most people can fully enjoy a few days of sailing without all the necessities of your house back onshore. Some even argue that this is the beauty of weekend sailing, to come back home and enjoy a warm shower and a big sofa.

Safety should always be the primary concern when sailing, but when the risk of encountering storms is low, and a safe harbor is close, there are some gear and skills that are not as important as during an offshore passage.

Communications can many times be reduced to a single VHF radio since you most often will have cellular reception on your phone, and while sailing close to shore, a life raft might also be of less significance. I want to point out that this is merely a guideline, and it is very much up to the captain of the boat to decide what equipment is necessary and what is not.

Having enough bridge deck clearance is fundamental on an offshore boat since heading upwind and having big waves slam into the boat will tire out the crew and increase wear on the ship. But sailing close to shore, you are more likely to encounter choppy bays and small waves, thus reducing the need for high clearance.

Gemini Legacy 35

The Legacy 35 is an American classic and offers some interesting and useful features. The small draft of only 34 inches opens up for coming really close to shore without damaging the boat. This can be very useful when trying to find your perfect spot that is not already filled with boats.

Since it is also very narrow, the boat can be put on a truck and moved to wherever you want it to go without employing special machines or trucks.

The small size also adds to reduce costs since you will be able to dock in a standard size slip and therefore pay standard slip fees.

The Endeavor is easy to handle and an elegant catamaran that fits the costal cruising mold perfectly. T he boat offers lots of inside and outside space to enjoy a day on the water.

The boat easily sits six people, and each hull offers privacy from the other.

It employs trampolines instead of solid decking, which reduces weight and increases safety.

This is one of the few boats of its size and price range built with a solid fiberglass hull and not with a balsa core. Since there is no core that can get wet and start to rot, there is little chance of having to do hull repairs unless you wreck your boat on rocks or any other type of notable mishap.

The sloop rig also makes it easier for less physically able sailors to handle the sails, and for a boat of this size, the bridge deck clearance is ok.

Best Beginner Catamarans for Cheap Sailing

In boating, most costs are in relation to the size of your boat . What I mean by this is if you are on a bigger boat, this boat will require bigger sails, sturdier standing rigging, more bottom paint, more space in the marina, and more massive machinery to haul you out of the water. All of this means higher expenses, so a critical factor when trying to sail on a minimum budget is to keep your boat size to a minimum.

Check out this article on some in-depth information on how to choose the right sized boat.

Another aspect is how much money you will have to spend on repairs . Most larger catamarans utilize a twin-engine system; this means a lot of benefits such as an extra engine if one fails, but it also doubles maintenance cost, and you will also have to repair two engines instead of one , something that sooner or later will happen. If you chose a smaller catamaran, there are options with single engines, such as the 26’Heavenly Twins or Prout Quest 31 listed below.

26 Heavenly Twins

Made contemporary famous by the youtube couple of the channel Sailing Kittiwake the heavenly twins is a small but very cheap boat. Kittiwake claims to have sailed and lived on this boat in the meds for under 700 USD a month, which I would argue is very cheap. You can find more info on how they did their calculations on their website.

The boat in itself is small, and that, of course, comes with some disadvantages, low bridge deck clearance, and a lot of banging heading upwind, the narrow beam making it rolly when wakes start growing.

A cool feature is the aft cabin, which is separate from the main cabin and creates a separate space aft of the cockpit.

Prout Quest 31

Buying the Prout Quest might initially be a little more expensive, but the robustness and standard to which it is built by is argued by many to be of greater importance in the long run. Prouts might be a little slammy going upwind, and they are definitely not the fastest, but if you are on a tight budget but still have big ambitions, then this might be perfect for you.

In comparison to the Heavenly Twins, the Prouts are considered more of a bluewater boat that can handle big seas. I might not be overly confident about that statement, but I believe it is a better fit for offshore adventure then the Heavenly Twins.

Price: USD 39 000

Catalac Catamarans have a slightly divided reputation. Some say they are way too small for any big ocean sailing, but some would argue it might be small, but it is so well built you can take it anywhere you want.

And maybe this is the reason why you still can see Catalacs crossing the Atlantic safely.

Compared to many other catamarans, the Catalacs are built with a solid fiberglass core below the waterline; this is great if you’re looking for an older boat since the risk of a crack in the fiberglass, making the balsa core rot doesn’t exist.

The Catalac is nothing exciting when it comes to speed, but it does well on safety due to its low mast height and a wide beam. The pricing of a Catalac is usually much cheaper for something of the same age and condition.

Best Beginner Beach Catamarans

Beach catamarans get their name from how they enter and exit the water, you guessed it! by pushing it off or up the beach. This is possible since the cat is made from lightweight materials, is small, and is configured with two hulls instead of one (a monohull).

Most beach cats consist of two pontoons fixed together by a frame covered with a trampoline instead of a solid deck. Usually, they are easy to assemble and disassemble, making it easy to transport the boat to and from the beach.

Beach Catamarans are very small boats made for water activities/sports rather than transportation as in the case of a “regular” catamaran.

Different types of Beach catamarans

Depending on your goals with the sailing there are different types of beach catamarans to choose from;

Singlehanders are designed to be enjoyed by a single sailor; they are also optimized to be handled safely without assistance. One significant aspect of sailing alone is that you will significantly enhance learning speed since you will have to do everything on your own. The apparent downside is that you will have no one on board to share laughs and ask questions.
Family / Multiperson are, just as the name implies, a vessel made to be sailed by more than one person. It is an enjoyable way to sail with friends and is an excellent way to learn from a more experienced sailor since you can have them on board and let them give you feedback in the moment.
Beach catamarans for cruising are usually slower but offer more space and can relatively comfortable seat, 2-6 crew members making it perfect for a family that wants to enjoy the water in a less intense way than sail racing.
Catamarans for kids are the smallest and lightest of them all. Some even encompass extra safety features as; no sharp edges and increased ease of maneuverability, everything needed for a small child to start sailing safely, and her parents feeling at ease.

Singlehanders

Topcat k4x .

The TOPCAT k4x is lightweight(115Kg) and, therefore, suitable for beginners . Even though the price might seem high, as far as I can tell, this boat is of high quality and very customizable with a bigger sail area if wanting a little bit more sporty feel.

The low weight also makes it possible to assemble, disassemble, and right a capsized boat without the need for extra help.

The boat is recommended for kids as young as ten all the way up to grandmas age.

Price: ~USD 9000

Even though this catamaran is longer than the K4X and allows up to four people on board, it is still possible to sail it singlehanded. T he K2X is a fast and reliable boat in the TOPCAT arsenal, and this particular model has increased buoyancy to allow for more people on board .

Hobie Bravo

The Hobie Bravo is known for being one of the most simple and easy to sailboats there is, just perfect for this list 🙂

In fact, the boat is so simple that it doesn’t even have a boom, only a mast, and two lines. Since it is also a rotomolded construction, which is very solid and robust, you don’t have to worry about breaking anything while beaching or docking.

Price: USD 4200

SPECIFICATIONS

Length: 12′ / 3.65 m
Beam: 4′ 5″ / 1.35 m

*Specifications from Hobie.com

Family / Multiperson

Just as the Hobie Bravo, the Nacra 500 does not use a boom, this makes it easy to assemble and more lightweight. The Nacra employes an automatic rudder system that folds up in case of collision.

With its almost 17ft, this is a somewhat bigger boat and, therefore, a little harder to handle, but on the upside, you will have more buoyancy and able to fit more people.

Price: USD 10 000

Length: 5.0 M / 16.4 ft
Beam: 2.44 M / 8.0 ft
Crew Capacity: 1-4 / 1-4

Hobie Getaway

With its 17ft of length, the Getaway is a big catamaran suitable for up to 6 crew and family. The size of this catamaran makes for some excellent features such as extra storage . This cat is all about comfort, stability, and enjoying a day on the water with family and friends.

Length Overall: 17 feet
Beam: 7 feet 8 inches

Catamarans for Kids

A catamaran for kids should be small, easy to handle, stable, and allow the little sailor to make mistakes without risking severe injury. And most importantly, it should be fun to sail! Many parents think it is nice to have your kid on a catamaran where you can also join them in the same boat; this creates a team spirit that will make a strong bond between you and your child.

TOPCAT Chico

Chico is a small beginner catamaran that can be enjoyed by up to three little sailors. Since the hull is flat; it is straightforward to handle in tight spaces, perfect for a beginner wanting to learn in a safe and fun manner.

Another cool aspect of the chico is that it has been designed to reduce sharp edges so that the kids are not in unnecessary risk of injury.

Hobie Catsy

This cat is easy to sail and easy to assemble, and just like most other Hobie’s, it is well built by one of the biggest beach catamaran producers you can find.

Price: USD 2500

SPECIFICATIONS

Length: 3.10 m / 10′ 2″
Beam: 1.66 m / 5′ 5″

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!

5 Best Boats for Beginners for 2022

Table of Contents

Here’s our best advice for any new prospective boat buyer or owner: Don’t let the boat get in the way of learning how to be a boater. The easiest way to get frustrated or overwhelmed by boating is to start in a boat that’s too big, too expensive, or too complicated, or with a boat that’s unreliable. Instead, choose a starter boat that will help you ease your way into boat ownership .

Here’s our short list of the five best beginner boats to help you narrow down your options:

Pontoon Boat
Aluminum Fishing Boat
Center Console

Already Own a Boat? Learn How to Offset the Cost of Ownership by Listing on Boatsetter

How to Choose the Best Starter Boat for Your Family

As you start to browse online boat marketplaces or visit local dealers, you’ll find a variety of entry-level boats to choose from. Here’s a few tips to keep in mind when selecting the best beginner boat for you and your needs:

Keep it simple

Larger and high-end boats are often equipped complex propulsion and electrical systems, electronics, and accessories. As a beginning boat owner, you need to focus on learning the rules of the road, basic boat-handling skills, how to launch a retrieve the boat from a trailer; in other words, Boating 101.

A boat with basic systems will let you stay focused on developing these skills.

Try before you buy

Would you buy a new car without taking it for a test drive? Didn’t think so—and the same idea should be true for boats. Most dealers will offer sea trials for serious boat shoppers, as long as inventory is in stock.

If you’re not ready to speak to a dealer just yet, or if you’re still weighing your options between different brands and models, a better alternative is to book a rental on a peer-to-peer marketplace like Boatsetter. With over 50,000 boats made up of over 20,000 different makes and models, you’ll be able to find a rental that’s comparable to the boat you’re eyeing to purchase.

Stick to a budget

Before you buy a boat, establish a budget that includes the cost of buying and financing the boat, fuel , maintenance and storage. Then stick too that budget.

Too often new boat owners underestimate the cost of a season on the water, or stretch that budget too thin. Boating is no fun if it’s taking too big a bite out of your wallet.

Get educated

Safe boating is always fun boating for everyone. Consider taking a boating safety and education course such as those offered by the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary , BoatUS , or by your state or local authorities.

Top Beginner Boats Options

1. pontoon boat.

Stable and easy to handle, a pontoon is a great way to get started on the water. Pontoons cover a huge spectrum of size and features, so it will be easy to pick a model that fits your budget, the water you’ll be boating on, and the activities that appeal to you.

Boatsetter Examples: The Manitou Aurora LE line is an example of a pontoon series that is designed to be easy to buy and to own.

2. Jet Boat

A jet boat offers the ultimate in powerboat simplicity. Its jet propulsion system eliminates a propeller, so there’s nothing to ding on the bottom. The jet drive also requires less maintenance than an outboard or a sterndrive powertrain, and is self-draining so it’s easy to prep for off-season storage. Operation is as simple as steering and controlling the throttle.

Boatsetter Examples: The best-selling Yamaha jet boat line includes runabouts, watersports and center console models.

3. Aluminum Fishing Boat

A good all-around aluminum fishing boat can be used for almost any kind of freshwater angling, including bass fishing . Choose a size that matches your budget and the type of water you’ll be fishing. These boats are easy to tow and launch, and can be upgraded with accessories as you gain experience.

Boatsetter Examples: A mod V hull aluminum model like the Bass Tracker XL is ideal for rivers and calmer water. For bigger water where choppy conditions are likely an aluminum boat with a deep vee hull like a Tracker Deep-V model is the better choice.

4. Center Console Boat

A popular choice for coastal boating, a center console model can be set up for fishing or with more seating and comfort amenities for day-cruising. Outboard power and a deep-vee hull are ideal for salt water boating, and center console models cover a wide range of size and price.

Boatsetter Examples: Wellcraft Fisherman and Bayliner Trophy center console models are a good entry point in this category.

5. Runabout Boat

A runabout, or bowrider , is a great choice for all-around family boating, and known to be one of the best beginner boats that can suit a variety of needs. A runabout can be used for watersports, for casual angling, for day-cruising and for just lounging at a cove or beach. Runabout models cover a huge range of size and price point. A dealer can help you choose a boat length that’s a good match for the body of water on which you’ll usually be boating.

Boatsetter Examples: Top entry-level runabout models are offered by Bayliner and Glastron .

Earn an Average of $20,000 or More by Listing Your Boat for Rent on Boatsetter

Charles Plueddeman is a self-employed writer and photographer based in Wisconsin. A staff editor and contributor to Boating Magazine since 1986, he is the author of its “Off My Dock” column. In the marine realm he specializes in engine technology and trailerable boats. His editorial work has appeared in many national publications, including Popular Mechanics, Men’s Journal, Playboy, Popular Science, Cycle World, and Harley-Davidson Enthuisast .

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From Diving to Shipwrecks to Kayaking Luminous Waters: 10 Caribbean Experiences You Can Only Access by Boat

These unforgettable experiences are worth the ride., claire volkman, claire volkman's most recent stories.

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The Caribbean is a big place, with more than 700 islands and roughly 44.5 million people spread across 33 political entities—13 sovereign states, 12 dependencies, one historical disputed territory, and seven other overseas territories. While travelers tend to lump the region into “the Caribbean,” there’s a rich tapestry of cultures, cuisines, experiences, and waters across the 1.06 million square miles of the Caribbean Sea.

We decided that, instead of divvying this list by island, we’d select different experiences, accessible only by boat. They range from exploring sunken shipwrecks to getting a taco on a floating restaurant in the middle of turquoise waters to diving stunning ecosystems, to enjoying some of the best sportfishing in the world.

The list isn’t exhaustive by any means, but it does show the range of possibilities in this beautiful, and often remote region, even after the spring-breakers have left and it moves into the much-less crowded summer season—which is often the best time to visit.

Here are 10 of our favorite island experiences.

Best Snorkeling, Barrier Reef in Turks & Caicos

The third-largest coral reef in the world, the Turks and Caicos’ Barrier Reef is home to over 60 coral species and over 250 fish species. Spanning 65 miles along the eastern edge of the islands, the reef is only accessible by boat. On a good day, you can see up to 100 feet below the surface (thanks to the extremely clear, blue waters), offering a chance for snorkelers to spot stingrays, reef sharks, vibrant reef fish, eagle rays, and dolphins. Local vessel Lady Grace is a full-service catamaran with a picnic lunch, a full open bar, and even a slide off the back that provides direct access to the reef.

Best Surf Spots, Costa Rica

Hidden along Costa Rica’s captivating coastlines are some of the country’s best-kept surfing secrets, like Punta Uva, an unspoiled stretch of coastline offering consistent waves and nearby rain forests. Nearby, Playa Negra beckons with its volcanic black sand and powerful reef breaks, providing an exhilarating challenge for experienced surfers. Further south, the secluded shores of Playa Chiquita offer a tranquil escape and epic waves for all skill levels. For those craving a genuinely off-the-grid experience, head to the remote breaks of Manzanillo, home to crowd-free beaches and rugged wilderness.

Best Family Charters, British Virgin Islands

Combining breathtaking scenery with an array of activities accessible by boat, the British Virgin Islands (BVI) have long been a playground for families. The crystal-clear waters and untouched beaches are idyllic, with areas like Cane Garden Bay on Tortola offering white sand and picnics, and across Sir Francis Drake Channel, the boulders of the Baths on Virgin Gorda are the perfect destination for selfies. You can then cruise from the Baths to Devil’s Bay National Park to discover vibrant coral reefs and abundant marine life beneath the crystal-clear waters. Flamingo Pond offers up the pink, graceful beauty of these majestic birds in their natural habitat. The Moorings, Sunsail, MarineMax Vacations, and Kensington Yachts offer barebone or full-service charters.

Best Beachside Restaurant, Hemingway’s, Turks & Caicos

While just about every Caribbean island can claim top spot in this category, we chose an eatery named after our favorite writer of the sea. Located at the four-star Sands Resort at Grace Bay, Hemingway’s Restaurant sits on the white sandy beaches of Turks and Caicos’ most famous beach—Grace Bay. Inspired by the spirit of the legendary Ernest Hemingway, this beachfront gem offers a dining experience that becomes a Hemingwayesque journey into the heart and soul of Caribbean cuisine. Be sure to ask for the Old Man and the Sea special or choose an untitled fan favorite, like the curry lobster or grilled snapper. Call ahead to reserve your table during the golden hour to enjoy one of the best sunsets you’ll ever see. Local yacht Red Hospitality offers a range of day charters.

Best Offshore Taco Stand, Lime Out, St. Johns, USVI

Only reachable by boat, Lime Out Taco Bar—located just off St. John’s, USVI—fulfills any cravings for the munchies, even when you’re far out to sea. Distinguished by its “lily pads,” these green, circular floating tables offer the chance to sit, eat and drink in the warm Caribbean waters. Since these tables are first-come, first-serve, many people order fresh Mahi Mahi or local shrimp tacos ahead to enjoy from their charter boats. Local vessels include the Flying Frenchman, Axopar 37, or VanDutch 40 for getting you to the best sights around St. Johns, and then out to this popular watering hole.

Best Fishing, Guna Yala and Isla Bastimentos, Panama

Some of the best fishing in the world can be found in Panama’s San Blas Islands, off the north coast of the Isthmus of Panama. The remote archipelago of 300 islands boasts exceptional fishing opportunities in turquoise waters and near coral reefs, including fly-fishing for bonefish and permit. When not fishing, a visit to the islands’ Guna Yala indigenous people is a fascinating experience. Closer to Bocas del Toro is Isla Bastimentos, where you can fish for snapper, grouper, and tarpon. YC Yachts Panama has a number of charter vessels that can show you the islands.

Best Wreck Diving, Cayman Islands

Besides being known as a tax haven, the Cayman Islands boast an impressive array of shipwrecks waiting to be explored. From the iconic Captain Keith Tibbets wreck to the USS Kittiwake, a former U.S. Navy submarine rescue vessel transformed to an artificial reef, an underwater trip is like diving through time. Another must-see is the Gamma, a 100-foot cargo ship that crashed during a storm in 1981. The wreck sits in only nine feet of water and is located at the southern end of Seven Mile Beach, letting snorkelers join scuba enthusiasts. Cayman Yacht Charters offers sailboats, catamarans, or crewed motoryachts to discover these wrecks.

Best Wildlife Viewing, St. Martin/St. Maarten National Reserve

Cradled at the island’s northernmost tip and encompassing nearly seven miles of coastline, St. Martin Nature Reserve is a haven for wildlife lovers. From December to April mating seasons, humpback whales seek this protected area to breech and feed. While snorkeling, other marine marvels include Great Barracudas and graceful leatherback turtles, to dozens of other fish. On land, a hike will reveal iguanas and red-billed tropicbirds living in the salt ponds and mangroves. St. Maarten boat charters provides day trips to access the National Reserve’s bounty.

Best Nighttime Activity, Bioluminescent Bays in Puerto Rico

There’s nothing quite like experiencing bioluminescent bays firsthand. These magical bays include Mosquito Bay in Vieques and Laguna Grande in Fajardo. They come alive after dark with the glow of microscopic organisms known as dinoflagellates. When these organisms are agitated, such as by movement in the water caused by passing boats, they emit a bright blue-green light, creating a surreal and magical glow in the water. As you paddle through the calm waters, every movement creates a stunning light display, transforming the bays into celestial spectacles. Best months to visit: December through May. Hook’d on Adventure organizes kayak trips into this otherworldly wonderland.

Best Untouched Beach, No Name Beach, Bonaire

No Name Beach in Bonaire earns its place on this list as the ultimate secluded beach for several reasons. Its name hints at exclusivity. But its remote location, reachable only by boat, is how it earned the name. You can take a water taxi for $25 or, if you want to time-manage the day, charter a private boat through Epic Tours Bonaire to explore the pristine haven.

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The Best Sailboats For Beginners
What are the best sailboats for the beginners and experts?
The Best Sailboats For Beginners
What Are The Best Beginner Sailboats?
What are the best sailboats for the beginners and experts?
Best Beginner Sailboat For Ocean

VIDEO

Sailboat, Atlantic Ocean
Sailboat and Ocean
Learn the Basics of Sailing: Tips and Instructions for Beginners to Start Sailing

COMMENTS

The Best Beginner Sailboats for Ocean Cruising (under $25,000)
That tells you all you need to know about this french boat. And it can be yours for as little as $7,000. Dufour 29 stood at the forefront of European racer-cruisers, it contributed to paving the way for this particular class. It's a beamy boat, so you will get more space than you would expect.
The 5 Best Sailboats For Beginners
The West Wight Potter 19 could potentially be the best cabin sailboat for beginners, and certainly one of the safest—the West Wight Potter 19, according to the manufacturer, is quite literally unsinkable. The hull is filled with buoyant materials, allowing the boat to be flooded and remain afloat.
What Are The Best Beginner Sailboats?
Consider Hartley Wayfarers as they are a good option for beginners. Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 49: This is a skillful ocean cruiser but it's also a great sailboat for beginners. It has cool features like a detachable bulkhead and a large cockpit. Furthermore, it has an easy sail plan to use and has a versatile performance.
5 Best Beginner Sailboats
4. Sabre 28. This series, first designed and built-in 1971, is a classic sailboat and perfect for beginners. Sitting at 28 feet in length and made of fiberglass, it sports a fin keel and typically two masts. It also has cabin accommodations with a forward cabin and both single and double bunks in the main cabin.
13 Best Cruising Sailboats in 2023 & Why They're Better
The best cruising sailboats are designed to provide comfort, durability, and seaworthiness. From high-performance cruisers with heirloom-quality materials to versatile boats, there's something in this lineup for your skill level and preference. ... The Best Beginner Sailboats for Ocean Cruising (under $25,000) Own Your First Boat Within a Year ...
10 Best Beginner Sailboats
Laser - used for teaching youth programs and yacht club racing. Sabot - a single-sail dinghy that's great for kids. Optimist - dinghy often used for single-handed sailing. Lido - an old design but still easy to find and quite durable. Capri - only 8 feet, these used to be staples in resort sailing fleets.
What Is The Best Sailboat To Buy For A Beginner?
The Catalina 27 is a reliable sloop that is perfect for beginners. It costs anywhere between $4k-$20k depending on the condition of the boat. This is an older model, made in the 90s, but is reliable and sturdy. If you can find one at a good price this could be the boat for you.
Best Small Sailboats, Beginner and Trailerable Sailboats
The boat is designed with positive flotation and offers good load-carrying capacity, which you could put to use if you added the available canvas work and camping tent. NorseBoats offers a smaller sibling, the 12.5, as well; both are available in kit form. $19,000, (902) 659-2790, norseboat.com.
Choosing the Best Beginner Sailboat
The Best Beach Sailboats for Beginners: Hobie Wave and Hobie 16. Hobie catamarans have been sailing off beaches all over the world for many years. The trailerable, sporty Hobie 16 sailboat is celebrating 50 years in manufacture—some 100,000 have been built during this time, a true testament to their popularity.
13 Best Beginner Sailboats with Cabin (For Any Budget)
The best beginner sailboats with cabins are Catalina 22, West Wight Potter 19, Com-Pac 23, Hunter 240, MacGregor 26, Montgomery 17, O'Day 22, Precision 18, San Juan 21, Sea Pearl 21, Sirius 22, Tanzer 22, and Ventura 23. Their prices can range from around $5,000 to $30,000. Whether you're just dipping your toes into the world of sailing or ...
5 best small sailboats for sailing around the world
Vancouver 28. Photo credit: YachtFathom.co.uk. A sensible small boat with a "go-anywhere" attitude, this pocket cruiser was designed with ocean sailors in mind. One of the best cruising sailboats under 40 feet, the Vancouver 28 is great sailing in a small package. Hull Type:Full keel with transom hung rudder.
The 5 best sailboats for beginners (Personal Experience)
Final Thoughts! As a beginner sailor, getting the right sailboat is essential to start on the right foot. That's why I think the Sunfish, Laser, Catboat, and Catalina 22 are the five best sailboats for beginners. The Sunfish is an ideal boat for beginner sailors since it's really easy to control and can handle all water conditions (plus it ...
The Best Sailboats For Beginners
The Best Sailboats For Beginners. Sailing is a fun activity for people of all experience levels. In fact, ... However, the idea of a beginner commanding a 55-foot boat in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean is a bit ridiculous. Even though virtually everyone can sail, beginners should learn the basics in a controlled environment, and on the ...
The Best Beginner Sailboat Of 2023 (Reviewed By Sailboat Owner)
Sunfish. The Sunfish is a favorite among both beginners and experienced sailors because it is a lot of fun to sail. It is technically a racing dinghy, although it's also perfectly good for leisurely sails. It has a shallow draft that enables it to zip over flats with ease.
5 Best Cruising Sailboats In 2024
The Corbin 39 is a beautiful blue water sailboat. It is a very rare boat with a proud history. Only a handful of these boats were finished to completion in the factory, the majority were sold as kits and built by the boat's owner. Because of this method of production, this model can vary drastically on the inside.
Best Small Sailboats for Beginners
Without mentioning specific models and brands, it's difficult to outline which small boats are best but here are things to look for in good teaching boats. Some of the best small sailboats for beginners include: Boats with tillers steering. Boats with no winches. Sailing dinghies.
13 Beginner Sailing Tips: Your Guide to Getting Started
Here are 13 Beginner Sailing Tips you should know before setting sail. This beginner's guide offers practical tips for safe and enjoyable sailing, including choosing the right boat, navigating different water conditions, and following basic sailing rules. ... What kind of sailboat is best for beginners? A small sailboat with a simple rig, such ...
How to Buy the Best Beginner Sailboat?
Here's a list of some popular beginner sailboats that are well-suited for novice sailors: Sunfish: The Sunfish is a classic and highly popular beginner sailboat known for its simplicity and ease of handling. It's an excellent choice for those learning to sail solo. Hobie Cat Wave: The Hobie Cat Wave is a beginner-friendly catamaran sailboat ...
Best Catamarans For Beginners (Liveaboard, Beach, Cheap and more)
Best Beginner Catamarans for Ocean sailing. I have chosen boats around 40ft in length (read this to understand why 40ft is the right size for an offshore catamaran).I have also looked into whether or not the boat is possible to sail singlehanded; I believe this to be an important aspect since sooner or later, parts of the crew will get seasick or in any other way unable to sail the boat.
What are the Best Small Bluewater Sailboats? Cruisers Top Picks
The Pardeys are icons of small sailboat cruising. Having sailed over 200,000 nautical miles and circumnavigated both east and westbound on their home-built, engine-free, sub-30-feet cutters, they are among the most recognized sailors in the world. They're also known as "America's first couple of cruising.".
Five Starter Boats that are Perfect for the Beginner Boater
Approximate Price: $39,999. For more information visit Yamaha, or read Yamaha 21 Series Sportboat: More Speed, Less Sound. See Yamaha jet boat listings. The influence of Larson (which owns Escape) is easy to see in the fences and helm station on the Escape RT 220.
25 Best Beginner Sailing Dinghies
1. Twelve of the best training boats Sailing schools, clubs and training centers use a variety of boats with beginners, including singlehanders such as the Pico, Hartley 10 and the RS Quba, the latter having three rigs catering from entry level to more experienced sailors. There's also a range of larger training dinghies from builders such as RS, Topper, Laser and Hartley Boats.
5 Best Beginner Boats: How to Choose the Right Starter Boat
5. Runabout Boat. A runabout, or bowrider, is a great choice for all-around family boating, and known to be one of the best beginner boats that can suit a variety of needs. A runabout can be used for watersports, for casual angling, for day-cruising and for just lounging at a cove or beach. Runabout models cover a huge range of size and price ...
The 10 Best Caribbean Experiences You Can Only Access by Boat
The Caribbean is a big place, with more than 700 islands and roughly 44.5 million people spread across 33 political entities—13 sovereign states, 12 dependencies, one historical disputed ...

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What Are The Best Beginner Sailboats?

What Makes a Good Beginner Sailboat?

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How to Choose Your First Sailboat

Best Sailboat Models for Beginners

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Five of the best beginner sailboats to head offshore are:

How do I pick the right sailboat?

1. Cape Dory 28 or Cape Dory 30

2. Catalina 22 or Catalina 27

Thinking of learning how to sail? Learn how long it will take here .

4. Sabre 28

5. Westsail 28 or Westsail 32

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The Best Beginner Sailboat with a Cabin: Catalina 16.5 and 22

The Best Beginner Cruising Sailboat: Hunter 15 and 22

The Best Beginner Sailboat for Coastal Sailing: Cape Dory 28

The Best Beach Sailboats for Beginners: Hobie Wave and Hobie 16

The Best Liveaboard Sailboats for Beginners: West Wight Potter P 19

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13 Best Beginner Sailboats with Cabin (For Any Budget)

On this page:

2. West Wight Potter 19 is another good option for beginners

3. Com-Pac 23 is a larger sailboat that's still easy to handle

4. Hunter 240 is a popular sailboat that's great for beginners

5. MacGregor 26 is a versatile sailboat that can be used for both sailing and powerboating

6. Montgomery 17 is a small sailboat with a cabin that's easy to handle and trailer

7. O'Day 22 is a classic sailboat that's easy to handle and has a comfortable cabin

8. Precision 18 is a small sailboat with a cabin that's easy to handle and trailer

9. San Juan 21 is a popular sailboat that's great for beginners

10. Sea Pearl 21 is a unique sailboat that's great for beginners who want to explore shallow waters

11. Sirius 22 is a versatile sailboat that's easy to handle and has a comfortable cabin

12. Tanzer 22 is a classic sailboat that's easy to handle and has a comfortable cabin

13. Ventura 23 is a popular sailboat for beginners that has a roomy cabin

Test sailing on a few models

Research on various sailboat models