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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.

On this page:

Best beginner sailboats with cabin, let's decide on a sailboat with cabin, understand your needs when choosing a sailboat with cabin, factors to consider for your sailing needs and experience level.

1. Catalina 22 is a classic sailboat that has been popular for over 50 years

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.

Duane Stallings

Who makes the “Ventura 23” that weighs 4000 lbs? I can’t find it anywhere.

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You may also like, sailboat parts explained: illustrated guide (with diagrams).

When you first get into sailing, there are a lot of sailboat parts to learn. Scouting for a good guide to all the parts, I couldn't find any, so I wrote one myself.

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11 Best Pocket Cruiser Sailboats to Fit a Budget

• By Cruising World Staff
• Updated: May 24, 2024

Looking for a trailerable pocket cruiser that offers that liveaboard feeling? This list features 11 small sailboats with cabins that have the amenities often found on larger vessels. They may not be ocean crossing vessels, but they’re certainly capable of handling big bays and open waters.

What is a pocket cruiser? It’s a small trailerable sailboat, typically under 30 feet in length, that’s ideal for cruising big lakes, bays, coastal ocean waters, and occasionally bluewater cruising. Pocket cruisers are usually more affordable, compact, and offer a level of comfort that’s comparable to bigger liveaboards.

Small cruising sailboats are appealing for many reasons, but if you’re like most of us, you want to maintain a certain level of comfort while on the water. We took a poll and these are what we found to be the best cruising sailboats under 30 feet.

– DON’T LET CARBON MONOXIDE SNEAK UP ON YOU – Install detectors on your boat to sniff out any buildup of carbon monoxide gas. Avoid running engines or generators while anchored or stopped for extended periods. Safety Tip Provided by the U.S. Coast Guard

Open and airy below deck, the Andrews 28 doesn’t sacrifice comfort for speed. Designed by Alan Andrews, the Southern California naval architect renowned for his light, fast raceboats, this 28-footer will certainly appeal to the cruiser who also enjoys a little club racing. Sporting a total of 6 berths, a galley, head and nav area, you might forget you are on a boat small enough to be easily trailered. The retractable keel allows the Andrews 28 to be easily launched and hauled and ensures it’s as comfortable as a daysailer as it is a racer. Click here to read more about the Andrews28.

Beneteau First 20

Small sailboat with a cabin? Check! Fun to sail? Modern design? Capable of flying a spinnaker? Check! Check! Check! The Finot-Conq-designed Beneteau First 20, which replaced the popular Beneteau first 211 nearly a decade ago now, is a sporty-but-stable pocket cruiser suitable for newcomers to the sport who are eager to learn their chops before moving up to a bigger boat or for old salts looking to downsize to a trailerable design. The boat features twin rudders, a lifting keel, and a surprisingly roomy interior with bunks for four. Click here to read more about the Beneteau First 20 .

Conceived as a way to bridge the gap between a safe, comfortable, family cruiser and a competitive racer, Gary Mull’s Ranger 26 does exactly as it was designed to. Undeniably fast, (one won the 1970 IOR North American Half-Ton Cup) the boat sails as well as it looks. However speed isn’t the Ranger’s only strong-suit, with over 7 feet of cockpit there’s plenty of room for socializing after an evening of racing. The Ranger 26 sports a nice balance of freeboard and cabin height ensuring that a handsome profile wasn’t sacrificed for standing headroom. Click here to read more about the Ranger 26.

Catboats were once a common site in coastal waters, where they sailed the shallow bays as fishing or work boats. Their large single and often gaff-rigged sail provided plenty of power, and a centerboard made them well-suited for the thin waters they frequently encountered. In the late 1970s, Canadian builder Hinterhoeller introduced the Nonsuch 30, a fiberglass variation of the catboat design, with a modern Marconi sail flown on a stayless mast, and a keel instead of a centerboard. The boat’s wide beam made room below for a spacious interior, and the design caught on quickly with cruising sailors looking for a small bluewater sailboat. Click here to read more about the Nonsuch 30 .

– SHOW THEM HOW MUCH YOU CARE – Nothing says ‘I love you’ like making sure the kids’ life jackets are snugged up and properly buckled. Safety Tip Provided by the U.S. Coast Guard

Debuted in 1971 in California, the Newport 27 was an instant success on the local racing scene. For a modest 27-footer, the Newport 27 has an unusually spacious interrior with over 6 feet of standing headroom. With 4 berths, a table, nav station, head and galley the Newport 27 has all the amenities you might find in a much bigger boat, all in a compact package. While quick in light air, the drawback of the tiller steering becomes apparent with increasing breeze and weather helm often leading to shortening sail early. Click here to read more about the Newport 27.

First splashed in 1969, the Balboa 26 continues to enjoy a strong following among budget-minded cruisers. Built sturdy and heavy, all of the boat’s stress points are reinforced. The spacious cockpit comfortably seats 4 and is self bailing, ensuring that sailors stay dry. While only 26 feet, the Balboa still has room for a double berth, galley with stove and freshwater pump, and an optional marine head or V-berth. The Balboa has the ability to sleep five, though the most comfortable number is two or three. Under sail, the Balboa is fast and maneuverable, but may prove a handful in heavy breeze as weather helm increases. Click here to read more about the Balboa 26.

Cape Dory 28

While the sleek lines and the teak accents of the Cape Dory 28 may grab the eye, it is the performance of the boat that make it unique. The Cape Dory comes with all amenities that you might need available, including a V-berth, 2 settees, and a head. Safe, sound and comfortable as a cruiser it is still capable of speed. Quick in light wind and sturdy and capable in heavy air, it is off the wind where the Cape Dory 28 shines with a balanced helm and the ability to cut through chop and still tack perfectly. Click here to read more about the Cape Dory 28.

Islander Bahama 28

On top of being a real eye-catcher, the Islander Bahama 28, with its 5-foot-6-inch draft and 3,300 pounds of ballast, sails beautifully, tracks well, and responds quickly to the helm. Inspired by the International Offshore Rule, it is unusually wide, offering stability in breeze without sacrificing the sheer and lines that make it so attractive. Below deck, the Islander Bahama 28 comes standard with plenty of berths and storage space and a galley complete with stove, icebox and sink. Click here to read more about the Islander Bahama 28.

– CHECK THE WEATHER – The weather changes all the time. Always check the forecast and prepare for the worst case. Safety Tip Provided by the U.S. Coast Guard

Much like its older sibling, the S2 8.6 still holds its contemporary style, despite its 1983 introduction. Like all other S2 Yachts, the 8.6 is recognized for the quality craftsmanship that allows the boat to hold up today.The S2 8.6 is a very comfortable and easily managed coastal cruiser and club racer. It’s relatively stiff, its helm feels balanced, and it tracks well. On most points of sail, it compares favorably with other boats of similar size and type. Click here to read more about the S2 8.6.

Contessa 26

When the Contessa 26 was released in 1965, it immediately proved itself to be a strong, seaworthy vessel. The Contessa has continued to prove itself throughout its lifetime, being the boat of choice for two solo circumnavigations under the age of 21. While upwind performance leaves some wanting, the boat is sturdy and can carry full sail in up to 20 knots of breeze. Suited more for single-handing, the Contessa lacks standing headroom and the accommodations are sparse. Nonetheless, the Contessa 26 performs well as a daysailer with guests aboard. Click here to read more about the Contessa 26.

The Hunter 27 perfectly encompasses the pocket cruiser ideal. Even if you don’t want a big boat, you can still have big boat amenities. With the generously spacious layout, wheel steering and a walkthrough transom the Hunter feels much larger than 27 feet. Step below deck and any doubts you had that the Hunter was secretly a big boat will be gone. The amenities below are endless; a full galley including stove, microwave and cooler, head with full shower, several berths and not to mention a saloon with seating for 6. The Hunter 27 has reset the benchmark for 27-footers. Click here to read more about the Hunter 27.

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12 Best Cuddy Cabin Boat Brands and Why They Still Sell

22nd nov 2023 by lenny rudow.

The best cuddy cabin boats deliver a wider range of options out on the water, whether you want to weekend aboard, find some shelter during a rainstorm, or maybe just take a nap during a slow spell on a fishing trip. Yet many people have transitioned to open day boats like bowriders and center consoles. Often they cite a lack of time as the reason why overnighting is no longer a top option, and it’s certainly true that having a cabin to sleep in doesn’t do you much good if you don’t have the time to stay aboard. Others note that having a cuddy cabin eats into deck space. Yet still, many brands continue to make—and sell—plenty of cuddy cabin boats. Why? Because the best cuddy cabin boat brands in each of these categories offer models that keep all of your boating options open, and then some.

Written By: Lenny Rudow

With over three decades of experience in marine journalism, Lenny Rudow has contributed to dozens of boating and fishing publications and websites. Rudow lives in Annapolis, Maryland, and is currently Angler in Chief at Rudow’s FishTalk ; he is a past president of Boating Writers International (BWI), a graduate of the Westlawn School of Yacht Design, and has won numerous BWI and OWAA writing awards.

More from: Lenny Rudow

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The 5 Best Sailboats For Beginners

Last Updated by

Daniel Wade

December 27, 2023

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 cruising with minimal experience.

However, the idea of a beginner commanding a 55-foot ketch 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.

Table of contents

‍ 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 an excellent starter sailboat, and it will be featured on this list. 

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.

Top Five Sailboats for Beginners 

Now, we’ll go over the top five sailboats for beginners . These boats will descend in order from smallest to largest, but not by the level of experience needed.  

Remember, just because you’re new to sailing doesn’t mean you have to settle for a boat that’s too small. Beginners can handle larger boats with some training, and some are easier to handle than their smaller counterparts.  ‍

The following boats were chosen because of their handling characteristics, low cost-of-ownership, and simplicity, as all of these factors are important for choosing the best beginner sailboat.

5) Sailing Dinghy

The sailing dinghy is the quintessential starter sailboat. These tiny, lightweight, popular, and highly affordable little craft is easy to operate and relatively difficult to capsize. The popular Optimist Sailing Dinghy, while designed for children up to the age of about 15, can be used (sometimes hilariously) by adults as well. An Optimist-style dingy is a great option for beginners over the age of 15, as boats of this style can be found in a variety of sizes. The sailing dinghy is a very popular youth racing sailboat, especially in the United States and the United Kingdom. While it’s not particularly fast, this little boat has wonderful handling characteristics and is relatively difficult to capsize. This open-cockpit boat uses a centerboard and detachable tiller and can be beached or carried atop a car without much hassle. The mast is removable, and all parts are easily stowed. Overall, the Optimist and its copycats are a remarkable little craft, equally useful as a tender for a larger boat or a standalone beginner sailboat.

Dinghy rigs vary between builders, but many use the simple Spirit Rig. The rig consists of a single sail and mainsheet, along with one mast, boom, and spar. The leech is stiffened by battens, and ties along the luff secure it all to the mast. Hoisting and securing the rig is easy, and lines are secured to the boat by a cleat. This simple rig has plenty of sail area for most places, and sailors can secure the mainsheet to a block or simply hold it in their hands.

The price of sailing dinghies can vary widely depending on multiple factors. Professionally-made sailing dinghies start around $3,500 new, and plywood kits are available for around $1,000 to $2,000. Used dinghies (including Optimist sailing dinghies) can be found on Craigslist for as low as a few hundred dollars. 

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The Sunfish is a brilliant little sailboat, and a very fast boat indeed. This little racing dinghy, while only 13 feet in length, can be an enormous amount of fun for beginners and experienced sailors alike. The best way to describe the handling of a Sunfish is, ‘tender,’ though it’s not difficult to master this little boat. For its size, the Sunfish has a relatively large sail area and a very shallow draft. This boat has a small cockpit and can be controlled easily by a single person. The large sail plan of the Lateen-Rigged Sunfish makes for excellent performance in light winds and amazing speed on windy days. The Sunfish is a lightweight fiberglass boat with a simple rig and is a great step-up from a sailing dinghy. It’s possible to learn how to sail on this boat, but every sailor who’s spent time on a Sunfish will probably recommend bringing a towel. The boat is relatively easy to capsize for beginners and it heels aggressively, but these characteristics can teach sailors some important lessons. The heeling characteristics of the Sunfish can help beginners get accustomed to the feeling and help them understand the limits of a sailboat and how to avoid capsizing.

The Sunfish features a Lateen Rig, which has some shared characteristics with the simple Spirit Rig. The Lateen Rig has a single spar, mast, and boom, and is easy to set up and dismantle. The mast is removable as well, making stowing and transportation relatively easy. The large sail plan of the Sunfish makes it ideal for lakes and other areas where the wind is sporadic or very low, and the boat can be safely handled in many conditions. The boat is great for racing and learning and is also available in a Bermuda rig. The Sunfish is recognizable by the distinctive fish logo in the top corner of the sail, and the classic rainbow sails striping.

The Sunfish is still commercially manufactured. You can purchase one new from the factory for around $5,000 today, and options are available to make the boat your own. While the boat is designed to be sailed by a single person, two adults can purchase this boat and use it together comfortably. Used Sunfish prices vary, but a fully-outfitted boat in good condition can cost upwards of $1,000. They hold their value well, and they’re a great choice for beginners. 

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The Laser is considered by many to be the Sunfish’s main competitor. The two boats are the same length (13 feet 9 inches) and share many of the same handling characteristics. However, the boats do have some notable differences. Many people consider the Laser to be a step-up from the Sunfish in difficulty, as the boat handles much more like a racer. The Laser has been used in the Olympics for racing. The laser is small and simple enough for beginners but requires skill to operate. Beginners can learn a lot from sailing a Laser and have an enormous amount of fun in the process. This fast little boat is simple and easy to set up but handles like a racecar.  If you’re a beginner on a laser, you’ll probably capsize at some point—which isn’t always a problem if you’re in a controlled environment, as the boat can be righted easily.

The laser is a Cat Rigged boat. This means it has only one mainsail and no headsails. The simple rig has a mast and a boom and is very easy to set up. The sail area of the laser is relatively large and designed for speed in high winds. The rig combined with the overall design of the sailboat makes it handle tenderly, which may be off-putting to some beginners. Regardless, it’s still a blast to sail for beginners with some experience.

New Laser sailboats start around $6,000 which is slightly more than the Sunfish. This simple centerboard cruiser is constructed as a race boat, which can explain some of the price increase. Used Laser sailboats are available on the market, though usually not as common as the Sunfish. Used Laser prices vary widely.

2) Gaff-Rigged Catboat

The gaff-rigged catboat isn’t a brand of boat—it’s a style of a sailboat that was once a popular workboat on the New England coast. This boat, which has only one mainsail and no headsails, is available in a wide range of designs. Catboats are famous for their handling and power and make a great sailboat for beginners. These vessels are available with centerboards, keels, cabins, and in open designs. Most catboats range from 15 to 19-feet long and can be built from wood or fiberglass. Catboats are easy to handle, and one who learns on a small catboat can easily transition to a larger one. Besides being one of the most easily recognizable sailboats, catboats are also some of the most versatile. A catboat can be just as suitable for lake cruising as it is for coastal waters.

The most common type of catboat rig is the Gaff Rig. This classic and robust rig is more complex than the simple Spirit and Lateen rig, but it’s more suitable for a ‘proper ship.’ The Gaff Rig can provide similar power as an equivalent Bermuda Rig, with much more elegance and a shorter mast. Many sailors prefer the classic Gaff Rig for its handling characteristics and durability.

It’s impossible to specify the price of catboats because they vary so much in design and size. New catboats (between 15 and 25-feet) can be purchased for less than $20,000, and used boats are numerous and varied. Cabin catboats tend to cost more, especially new—some run for more than $50,000 with a high level of amenities, including a head and galley. Numerous catboat plans are available online, and sailors report constructing them (usually of plywood) for just a few thousand dollars.

1) West Wight Potter 19

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The West Wight Potter 19 is a fiberglass sailboat designed for safety, easy handling, and beginner-friendliness. This 19-foot trailer-sailor features a cabin with a vee-berth, a simple rig, and a retractable keel. 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. However, unsinkability isn’t the only characteristic of this boat that makes it ideal for beginners. The rig is simple and easy to set up, and the handling characteristics are excellent. The boat is not prone to aggressive heeling and handles confidently in a variety of conditions. While one generally wouldn’t consider it to be a blue-water cruiser, it’s still extremely capable—one sailor even sailed this vessel from California to Hawaii , which is over 2,000 nautical miles. The theoretical hull speed of this boat is around 5.4 knots, but it actually has a tendency to plane and achieve higher speeds. It’s a flat-bottomed cruiser, making it easy to beach and transport with its retractable keel and removable rudder. The West Wight Potter 19 is a great introduction to large sailboats and carries amenities normally reserved for boats at least 1/3 larger.

The West Wight Potter 19 is a Bermuda-Rigged sloop. The sail plan is sufficiently large to propel the boat in a variety of conditions, but not so large that it overpowers the boat. Sailors can single-hand the boat with ease, and set up and takedown are easy and require no special tools. The boat handles well in a variety of conditions and is well-known for its superior stability. The rig comes apart easily and can be stowed and trailered by one person.

The West Wight Potter 19 has been produced and sold commercially since the 1970s, and the used market has plenty of boats available, generally starting around $5,000. New West Wight Potter 19 sailboats are remarkably affordable compared to other boats with comparable characteristics. The West Wight Potter 19 is manufactured by International Marine in California. New sailboats start at just shy of $25,000. Owners can add an enormous range of extra features to their boats, including a hull-strengthening ‘blue water’ package, a stove, a head, electrical power, spare parts, and much more. The boats are highly customizable and can be outfitted for weekender sailing or long-term liveaboard cruising.

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 rough ocean, it may not be the best idea to get an open dinghy.

If you live near a lake, a Sunfish could be a great way to start.

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.

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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 cabin cruisers: 5 of the most versatile options under 30ft

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Serial boat owner Elliott Maurice picks out 5 of the best cabin cruisers and explains what makes them stand out in this highly competitive market…

Some of the most successful cabin cruiser designs can trace their lineage back to the ‘weekender’ style boats from the likes of Chris-Craft , which originated in 1960s America with the aim of accommodating a whole family for a weekend away.

The 1960 Chris Craft Cavalier 25 offered a galley, complete with a sink and gas hob, enclosed head, a forward V berth cabin and convertible saloon with a drop-down table creating a midships berth suitable for children.

Allowing weekends away with facilities only previously available from larger purpose-built motor yachts, the cabin cruiser concept took off.

The 1980s saw some excellent boats appear from the likes of Fairline with models such as the Mirage 29 Aft Cabin and the Holiday 23. These boats brought weekend cruising comfort to the rivers, estuaries, and coastlines of Europe in huge numbers.

Now over 50 years later the choice of small family cabin cruisers is excellent, with offerings from both sides of the Atlantic providing the ideal solution, even offering extended liveaboard cruising in a trailerable sized boat.

When considering what is the best cabin cruiser boat for you, there are a few key things to consider. Where do you plan to use it? A coastal boat will require significantly more horsepower than a river boat.

How long will you spend on board? Liveaboard cabin cruisers will prioritize interior comfort over outside lounging space. Personal style and price will also be key guiding factors.

I have selected what I consider to be some of the best weekender and compact cabin cruisers available on the market today.

5 of the best cabin cruisers available right now

The Marlin version of the Jeanneau Merry Fisher 895 won our 2020 Motor Board Award for Best Wheelhouse or Cockpit Cruiser

Jeanneau Merry Fisher 895 Sport

Best all-round cabin cruiser

A great starting point and overall, a great boat. This nearly 29ft long cabin cruiser (including pulpit and outboard ) offers everything a small family could want for weekends away, with two light and comfortable berths in separate double cabins, an excellent helm and cockpit with a comfortable dinette seating four.

You also get full standing headroom in the ensuite, with a pullout shower, and all of this is accommodated in a sturdy and capable hull. Power options range from a single 175hp outboard up to twin 250hp engines, so the Merry Fisher can be powered to suit both inland river and coastal conditions.

Extras include bow thruster, reverse cycle heat and air air-conditioning and, as the name suggests, plenty of fishing options. The light and airy Jeanneau can be upgraded significantly to well over $160,000. However even at the starting price of $130,000 the 895 Sport makes an excellent and versatile small family cabin cruiser.

Read our full review of the Jeanneau Merry Fisher 895

Article continues below…

Best center consoles under 30 feet: Latest models combine seakeeping and performance

Best bowriders: 6 top options over 25ft for versatile open deck cruising

Ranger tug r29s.

Best liveaboard cabin cruiser

A modern American classic, the R29S is a marvel for its size. Designed more as a small ship than a normal pleasure boat, the R29 is only offered with a single 320hp Volvo D4 diesel engine. Bow and stern thrusters are fitted as standard for easy docking.

The Ranger is an expensive option starting at a lofty $350,000, however it is capable of comfortably taking a couple bluewater cruising around the Bahamas or on the 5,500-mile trip around the American Great Loop. Featuring curved glass wheelhouse windows with opening glass roof hatches, the R29S has an excellent helm with superb visibility and a robust, seaworthy hull.

Accommodation can be heated or air conditioned for cruising comfort, all the while the D4 is sipping just 2gph at 7 knots, giving a cruising range of 500 miles. But there’s enough top end to punch a tide when you need to – the top speed on the R29S is a healthy 23.4 knots.

The comprehensive standard inventory includes 12in Garmin MFD, AIS and xHD radar, while optional extras include dingy and davits, generator, solar panels, ice maker, TVs in the saloon and master, and even an aft docking station.

Although the Ranger can sleep up to six, it is built to accommodate two in long distance comfort usually only equalled by boats in the 40ft+ class.

We likened the Pilot 8 to a seagoing SUV in our 2020 review

Finnmaster Pilot 8

Best high performance cabin cruiser

Due to the tough local weather conditions, Scandinavian boats are built to a higher standard than most brands, and the Finnmaster is no exception. Exceptionally rugged, the Pilot 8 is an extremely capable and fast sea boat, with accommodation for up to six people.

The 27ft 6in Pilot 8 can reach a speed of 43.5 knots flat out, with power coming from twin 200hp outboard engines. Starting at around €150,000, the Pilot 8 is top notch in terms of its fit and finish throughout.

With its 18in Garmin MFD, optional joystick control, rugged forward canting windscreen and bucket helm seat, the helm of the Pilot 8 is well suited to making the most of the boat’s performance capabilities.

What’s more, a handy side door leading off the asymmetric wheelhouse to a wide side deck provides excellent access to the fore deck for docking maneuvers.

More compact and performance orientated than its French rivals, the Finnmaster is still capable of accommodating four people in comfort, with a cockpit galley that features a diesel-powered hob, microwave, sink and refrigerator.

A decent enclosed heads with pull out shower and two separate sleeping cabins bely the boat’s performance capabilities, and with options like a high-end Fusion stereo, diesel heating and HD radar, the Finnmaster offers a lot of flexibility.

Read our full review of the Finnmaster Pilot 8

Regal 28 Express

Best warm weather cabin cruiser

Better suited to warmer climes, the Regal is more of a mini-Med style cabin cruiser than its all-weather rivals. When it comes to outdoor lounging and sun worshipping, the Regal does things better than most.

Accommodation is far more open below – the air-conditioned cabin includes a double berth situated aft under the cockpit and a forward double berth created by dropping the forward table and adding an infill cushion, while the enclosed head boasts 6ft of standing headroom and a pull-out shower.

The lower galley comes equipped with an electric hob, microwave, refrigerator and sink that can easily cater for simple meals and breakfast on board.

Where the Regal offers a different approach is in its open cockpit design with multiple sunbathing spaces, seating that converts into a sun pad and an outdoor wet bar. With power up to a 380hp Volvo petrol sterndrive, the 28 Express is capable of just under 32 knots flat out.

The Regal can cope with fair weather coastal navigation between marinas, and it is ideal for lounging at a sandbar or anchored off a beach. With the optional 32in TV in the saloon and a large wraparound sofa, family weekends away are easily accommodated. And as a handy bonus, the radar arch can be lowered electrically to reduce bridge clearance when towing.

The Beneteau Antares 8 comes in Cruising and Fishing variants

Beneteau Antares 8

Best value cabin cruiser

Starting at an exceptionally low $88,000 the Antares 8 should definitely be in the mix if you’re searching for the best cabin cruiser on a budget. Although cost savings are evident compared to some of the boats mentioned above, the Antares is an excellent small weekender.

Power starts with a super quiet 200hp Mercury V6 outboard, or you can upgrade to the 250hp V8 single outboard. Options include an electric head, 12in Garmin MFD and Fusion sound system and, for fishing lovers, roof mounted rocket launcher style rod holders.

This two-cabin boat accommodates four using the convertible upper saloon as a double berth as well as the forward twin cabin, with the midships area reserved for storage.

A side door allows safe boarding for children off the dock, and at a compact 26ft 5in, this small cabin cruiser is well equipped for short family cruises.

A small but usable galley with a choice of gas or electric cooking, refrigeration, and plenty of seating for four people can be found in the convertible saloon.

The well-equipped helm with power steering, digital controls and optional bow thruster make the Antares an excellent starter boat, and with the optional lithium-ion air conditioning unit and large aft cockpit the Antares would work just as well in warmer climates as well as cooler ones.

Watch our yacht tour video of the Beneteau Antares 8

Grand Banks 62 first look: new yacht set to launch in 2025

New boats at cannes boat show 2024: pershing gtx80, new boats at cannes boat show 2024: wilder 60, latest videos, watch: parker sorrento sea trial: 50-knot cruiser with a killer aft cabin, watch: virtue v10 sea trial: €272k weekender, how to mark your anchor chain: 6 top tips from our expert, watch: galeon 560 fly sea trial – the best galeon flybridge you can buy.

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Live updates: Seven dead in 56m superyacht Bayesian sinking tragedy

Seven people have died in the Bayesian sinking disaster, according to the BBC. These include the six missing people who were inside the yacht when it sank, as well as a seventh person who was located shortly after the disaster. The seventh person is understood to be the yacht's chef, Recaldo Thomas. The other six are:

• British tech entrepreneur Mike Lynch, once dubbed 'Britain's Bill Gates'
• Lynch's 18-year-old daughter, Hannah
• Morgan Stanley's chairman, Jonathan Bloomer
• Judy Bloomer, wife of Morgan Stanley chairman
• Chris Morvillo, a lawyer working for London-based law firm Clifford Chance
• Neda Morvillo, an American jewellery designer and Chris' wife

It is understood that the yacht was being used to celebrate Lynch's recent victory in a 13-year £8 billion fraud acquittal.

No one remembers the mast snapping before 56m superyacht Bayesian sunk, says crew

No one recalls seeing the mast snap on board the 56-metre Perini Navi sailing yacht Bayesian which sank off the Italian island of Sicily on 19 August. The eyewitness account of a crewmember on board the vessel, which was obtained by BOAT International , said that the boat was struck by a freak weather event which led to the yacht heeling at around 20 degrees to starboard. As crewmembers were securing items, the heeling angle began to increase rapidly until the yacht started taking on water and sank rapidly.

The crewmembers who were up on deck were able to evacuate the yacht with minor injuries. The yacht is understood to have sunk in just twelve minutes, and it is believed that a "major ingress" of water from the top down would have caused the sinking, according to a captain who wishes to remain anonymous. This is based on the fact that no breaches have been reported in the yacht's hull, and the fact that the yacht should have been able to remain afloat with two flooded compartments.

"Very difficult to understand what could have overwhelmed a vessel of that size" says captain of sistership

The captain of the sistership to the sunken 56-metre Perini Navi sailing yacht Bayesian has said it is "very difficult to understand what could have overwhelmed a vessel of that size" and called the 56-metre Perini Navi series "bulletproof".

David Hutchinson, captain of Rosehearty , said he had taken the yacht around the world multiple times and he had "total faith in the boat".  "We've been to Antarctica and Chile, and we've had her in 70 knots of wind," he says, and the vessel had never put them in a situation that felt unmanageable.

However, Hutchinson noted there were differences between Bayesian and Rosehearty ; notably, Bayesian's  74-metre mast, which would have been heavier and added increased windage. The yacht's layout was also different, with guest accommodation on Bayesian located further forward.

Live updates

• A search and rescue for six missing people has concluded. The final missing person is understood to be Hannah Lynch. 
• According to Reuters, six bodies have now been found in the sunken yacht. These include Mike Lynch, a British technology entrepreneur who co-founded Autonomy Corporation and founded Invoke Capital, although Italian authorities have not confirmed this.  
• One person was found immediately after the yacht sunk, and this is understood to be the yacht's chef. 
• Lynch’s wife, Angela Bacares, and a one-year-old are among the fifteen people rescued along with Bayesian' s captain, James Cutfield.
• Another sailing vessel in the area, the 42-metre Sir Robert Baden Powell ,  stepped in to offer assistance in the initial rescue.
• Divers have been able to reach Bayesian' s sunken hull, which lies at 45 metres of depth about half a mile from the coast. The yacht had the largest aluminium masts of any sailing yacht on the water.
• Eyewitnesses in the area reported "hurricane" conditions off the coast but local weather websites did not indicate any severe squall, which suggests that the weather event was not forecast.
• At around 5am local time on 19 August, Bayesian was hit by bad weather and sunk.  The sailing yacht was anchored or idle at the time of the incident.

Built in Italy by renowned builder Perini Navi and delivered in 2008, the yacht's naval architecture was developed by Ron Holland Design while the interior design is by Rémi Tessier . She was formerly known as Salute and was last refitted in 2016. She was listed for sale earlier this year, according to BOATPro . The yacht had accommodation for nine guests and 12 crew.

BOAT International will update the story as it develops.

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They say every design is a compromise. But we ask: If you can ride the edge, point and surf down waves like a dinghy, enjoy the safety and stability of a keelboat, gunk-hole in waters only kayakers can reach, sleep two comfortably and eat on a table that’s big enough for a full-size paper chart, where’s the compromise ? RoG, 15FT OF 1-OF-A-KIND.

I had this design in the back of my mind for a long time:  An expedition micro that will accommodate 2 adults for a week-end or a single-hander for up to 5 days.  Ability to take on some weather and deliver solid performance while doing so.  For the crew: forgiving and predictable but fast & fun.  Launch time should be kept to a minimum.  As a RAID class boat, she must draw 8” or less, be rowing-friendly and launched from the beach unassisted; in other words, as small as possible.

The result is RoG(River of Grass), a 15ft  micro expedition cruiser

 RoG completed the 2019 Everglades Challenge and took First-in-Class .  She also completed the 2018 and 2017 Challenges.

RoG was voted 2021 Trailerable sailboat of the year by Voile Magazine

A given was that this would be chinned hull, built of developable panels. I spent a lot of time comparing various iterations and there is no way around the fact that bringing down that chine close to the waterline increases stability significantly, hence the slab sides.  Ditto for the blunt nose; but it is a balancing act to achieve this while keeping the transom out of the water at all angles of heel and wetted surface to a minimum; as the latter is a strong indicator of light-air performance. So don’t be deceived by the boxy look, this is a powerful hull and can support a significant sail plan.

If there is one topic on which sailors love to argue, it is sail plan.  Many aspects have to be juggled:  center of effort, center of gravity, aspect ratio, versatility and simplicity (both to maneuver and rig) are but a few.  I chose the cat ketch for a combination of these factors.  Carbon spars, which have come down in price in recent years, make this rig quite attractive, and a breeze to set up on the trailer.  150sq.ft. will bring the Sail Area-to-Displacement ratio to 24, somewhere between the Wayfarer and GIS, promising a fine ride to the thrill seeker.

Stability and weight are two overarching concepts of this design:  Together they strongly define safety and performance, but they are potentially conflicting so I took the approach of combining lead and water ballast.  A 100lb swing keel provides ultimate stability while 80lb of water in either of two wing tanks adds versatility.  The result is a range of positive stability in excess of 100° and the ability to accommodate various conditions:  In light-air or windless conditions, empty tanks will lighten the boat and reduce wetted surface.  For enhanced performance, the windward tank is filled, which will result in a significant increase in righting moment as well as ability to pound through chop.  Finally, beanbag sailing will benefit from filling both tanks (which in effect means 160lb of water ballast, bringing the overall ballast to a respectable 260lb): the boat will now behave like a 25footer.  Great for newbies, lazybones and exhausted raid-sailors.

Both the keel and rudder are high-aspect ratio foils that minimize wetted surface while providing performance to windward.  The rudder is balanced so will be light and responsive.

Comfort & Convenience

The devil is in the details and a lot of time went into this part of the design.  There is sitting headroom in the cabin and a forward table can be lowered in two separate halves, to make bunks on either side. Two big self-bailing cubicles (and 4 cup holders!) in the cockpit, two watertight lazarettes and ABYC-compliant dedicated gas locker, for grill/outboard tanks adds comfort and safety.  Full-length oars are stowed under deck and out of the way, accessible via a small watertight transom hatch.  The companionway is a hybrid kayak-coaming/sailboat-companionway hatch:  It is large enough that one can reach the bow anchor and main mast while standing in the cabin, yet can be covered with stretch canvas or wood panels for spray/rain/sun protection in various configurations.  Completely open in fair weather the cabin is closer to a dodger than an oven.

The boat is ABYC unsinkable, thanks to the use of flotation foam.  She is designed to recover dry from any but the most catastrophic capsize.  Indeed downflood angle is 108°, so no bailing for a tired crew.  Centerboard and rudder systems are accessible and repairable underway, including keel-lift mechanism and rudder bolts.  Both appendages will kick up undamaged upon grounding.

LOA:15.3ft,4.65m

Beam: 5.75ft,1.74m

Draft board up: 6in,15cm

Draft board down: 46in,118cm

Displacement: 975lb,443kg

Light ship: 450lb,205kg

Sail area:150sq.ft.,14sq.m.

Pointing ability: Fine sailplan balance and precise appendage shape allows RoG to point above 45° to the wind

Materials and BOM

We strongly recommend the carbon spars, but the sails do not have to be full-battens, nor do they absolutely need 2 reef points so there can be some savings there.  The BOM as below is comprehensive, with lines led aft, all the way to the hiking sticks.  Beware comparing this to your barebones-run-of-the-mill equipment list on most new boats.

Download it HERE , current as of 3/26/2017

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9 Affordable Boats With Enclosed Cabins (with pictures)

Boats with enclosed cabins are great for boaters who want to spend a little more time out on the water.  Unfortunately, they are often out of the price ranges of most people.

However, just because most boats with enclosed cabins tend to be expensive, it doesn’t mean that they all are.

In this post, we’ll talk about nine affordable boats with enclosed cabins that you can buy today!

Table of Contents

Cuddy Cabins

Cuddy cabins are great boats for people on a budget who are looking for a boat that offers an enclosed sleeping space.  These little boats provide their owners with an interior cabin at the front of the boat that can be set up to sit in or to sleep in.

However, they typically do not offer any other amenities such as galleys or heads.

This makes them great for day trips, weekend adventures, and boat camping excursions, but not very good for full-time living.

Related Article: 6 Popular Low-Draft Boats for Shallow Water (With Pictures)

The Bayliner VR5 Cuddy

The Bayliner VR5 Cuddy is a 20’4” boat with a hull length of 18’4” a beam of 8’, and a draft of 2’10”.  A 150HP or 250HP engine can be attached to it, and a 33-gallon fuel tank is built to fuel these engines.

While this boat isn’t very large, it can still hold up to 8 people.

Of course, these eight people would not be able to move around freely in a boat of this size, but they would have plenty of seating options as this boat offers them in abundance.

One of the best features of this boat is its weight.  With the 150HP engine, the boat only weighs 3,131 pounds , and even with the 250HP engine, it only weighs 3,351 pounds.  This means the boat is easily towable for people with small trucks, SUVs, and even some minivans with towing packages.

The main area of this boat has comfortable wrap-around seating, and the captain’s chair swivels around to lineup with an optional teak dining table.  This makes this little cuddy cabin perfect for cruising around on lakes, rivers, the bay, and even through small channels.

2020 models of this boat sell for around $71,000.00. However, this model isn’t completely new to Bayliner, so if you want to reduce your expenses, you could get an older used VR5 for a bit cheaper.

Stingray 208CR Cuddy Cabin

The Stingray 208CR is another 20’ long boat with an 8’ beam.  This boat is a fiberglass boat, and it sports a V6 4.3-C 200 SX engine.  A 34-gallon fuel tank is used to fuel this boat.

Nine people can ride on the 208CR, and two people can sleep inside it.  It even has a freshwater tank of 6 gallons and a 25qt icebox.  With the 200HP engine, the dry weight of the boat is only 3,078 pounds, so it is definitely able to go on a trailer.

Up on deck, you’ll find two captain’s chairs and a bench that could realistically seat three adults.  This area is covered by a small bimini top and a front windshield.

At the stern of the boat, there is a nice little area for launching tubers, water boarders, water skiers, and even swimmers.  To get back onto the boat, one just needs to climb up the extendable ladder.

Move to the front of the boat, and you’ll find a small cabin that offers seating and a little place to sleep.  This area can also house a small portable toilet, but personally, I wouldn’t want to use a toilet in the same area that I intend to sit in and sleep in, so it’s best left for emergencies.

I couldn’t imagine being on this boat with eight other people, but it is perfect for a group of four or five people who want to have a nice day out on the water.  Passengers can rotate between doing water sports and resting in the cabin, and a couple could even spend the night out on the water from time-to-time.

This boat is very reasonably priced at $39,180.00 for a brand new 2020 model.

This cabin cannot be closed so you might want some special boat lights to keep mosquitos away .

Atlas Boat Works Pompano 23

The Pompano 23 is 23’ long and has a 7’ beam.  The dry weight on it is only 2,100 pounds, so it is easy to tow.  It has a small fuel capacity of only 30 gallons, but this should be plenty considering how light the boat is.  Also, the engine capacity is only 115HP max, so the engine won’t be eating up a lot of full either.

One of the nice features of this boat is that the cockpit can be enclosed with a canvas enclosure.  This gives the boat an additional indoor area on top of the small cuddy cabin.  You could use this to get changed in or simply to get out of the wind and sun.  Also, the stern of the boat is completely covered with a bimini top, so you never actually have to expose yourself to the hot midday sun.

Inside the cabin, you’ll find a small vee berth and a portable toilet .  The berth can be converted to a small sitting area, but most people probably won’t use it as it is quite small.

Campion Allante 635

The 2019 Campion Allante 635 is a 22’ long fiberglass boat with a 200hp outboard gas engine.  This engine is fueled by a 60-gallon fuel tank, which is massive for a boat this size.  The larger fuel tank would be perfect for owners who want to spend a few nights out on the water in their little cuddy cabin.

Up on deck, there are two captain’s chairs and a small sitting area for four to five people behind them.  This sitting area has a round table attached to it with two built-in cup holders.  Move through this area, and there is a nice opening that can be used to access the rear of the boat.

Head inside the cabin, and once again, you’ll find a small sitting area that can be converted into a two-person sleeping area.  There is also a portable toilet that fits in between the sitting area.

The only dry weight listing I could find for the boat was 2,800 pounds , but it doesn’t list whether or not this weight includes the weight of the motor.

However, even if you add a couple of hundred pounds for the engine, you’ll still have a boat that is light enough and small enough to be towed easily.

Pricing for this boat is in the neighborhood of $50,000.00.

Cabin Cruisers

Cabin cruisers provide a lot more usable interior space.  They make wonderful weekend getaway boats and can even be used for extended vacations.  Some people even use these boats as full-time homes , but they are a bit limited in space for this purpose.

A cabin cruiser will feature at least one berth and will usually offer a head and a galley.  It may even offer multiple berths and even a lounge area.  You can often find these with air conditioners and heaters, and a generator can even be added to power these amenities when the boat isn’t running.

People who want a yacht but can’t quite afford one just yet often turn to cabin cruisers as they offer many of the benefits of a yacht but in a smaller package.

Related Article: How Much Do Boats Weigh? 11 Types (Numbers & Pictures)

Boston Whaler Conquest 285

The Boston Whaler Conquest 285 is a smaller cabin cruiser.

Its length is 27’10,” and its beam is 9’6”  The dry weight without the engine is 7,300 pounds.  This is light enough that the boat could be trailered with a larger truck, but the width would make it difficult to tow around realistically.

With the high weight of the boat comes a large engine.  The engine on this is a 500HP engine.  This engine is fueled with a 200-gallon fuel tank.

The outside features a few captain’s chairs and a nice standing area that could be used for fishing.  This area also features a fridge and a small sink as well. At the bow, there is a small door so that the rear can be accessed for water sports.

The cockpit is completely enclosed, and there is seating for three.  Head through the cockpit, and you can enter the main salon, which features a berth that converts to a dining table, a small head, and a small kitchen.  There is also a cabin inside as well, which has a berth that can convert to a small seating area.

A thirty-gallon freshwater tank supplies the bathroom and kitchen with clean water, and a 6.5-gallon wastewater tank provides black water storage.  There is also a 26 gallon live well as well.

This boat sells new for several hundred thousand dollars, but you can buy them used for less than $50,000.00.

Grady White Express 330

The Grady White Express 330 is a 33’6” boat with an 11’7” beam.  It weighs 10,840 pounds without the engines.  The engine capacity is 850 HP, which comes in the form of two rear outboard motors.  To fuel these motors, there is a 331-gallon fuel tank.

The exterior of the boat is set up for cruising and for fishing, and the deck can be converted to be used for either purpose as there are foldaway benches built into it.  There is also a side door with a boarding ladder that could be used for swimmers and divers.

Related Article: How Do You Find the Owner of a Boat? (With Examples)

Inside the cabin, you’ll find a forward vee berth, a double aft berth, a seating area with a 28” television, a port side galley, and a head with a 10-gallon holding tank.  With all of these items inside the cabin, there really isn’t a lot of room to move around.  This being said, you do have everything you could need for a long weekend or even a minimalistic full-time life out on the water.

A new Grady White Express 330 is going to cost over a quarter of a million dollars. 

However, you can buy used models for less than six figures.  Also, remember that a fiberglass boat can easily last a lifetime, so an investment in a 20-year-old Express 330 could be a great alternative to buying a summer vacation home.

Rinker 270 Express Cruiser

The Rinker 270 Express Cruiser is a 28’10” boat with an 8’6” beam.  It has a dry weight of 7,095 pounds and can sleep up to four people.

One of the best features of this boat is that it is small enough to be put on a trailer and large enough to live in.  This makes it very desirable for weekend adventurers and for people who wish to travel around the country with their boat in tow.

On top of this, the boat’s cabin offers 6’5” of headroom, which is more than many campers have to offer these days.

Inside the cabin, you’ll find a vee berth as well as a double berth on either side of a galley kitchen and a small head.   This kitchen contains a one burner electric stove, a microwave, and a 2.3 cubic foot fridge.  For entertainment, there is a built-in Bluetooth stereo system.

On the outside, the cockpit features seating for three, and it is all covered with a bimini top.  Behind this, there is a section that contains dual benches that face each other.  Just past this is a back deck that would be easy to jump on and off of.  It also houses an extendable ladder that can be used by swimmers.

What I love about this boat is that you can find used models for as little as $20,000.00 and even brand new, you won’t have to sell your house to buy one.

Center Console Fishing Boats

Many boat manufacturers have caught onto the fact that it’s easier for anglers to sell their families on the idea of buying a fishing boat that’s also comfortable for passengers.  For this reason, they’re now building center console fishing boats with cabins and seating areas that rival cruising boats.

These boats are great for anglers because they have a full 360-degree area that they can fish from.  On top of this, they can bring their non-fishing family members with them, and they can hang out in the lounge areas or get some rest inside the cabin.

Here are a few examples of center console fishing boats with cabins.

Related Article: 13 Clever Ways to Get a Good Deal on (New) Boats

Scout 350 LXF

The Scout 350 LXF features a large open bow with bench seating and a tanning deck.  The benches and the deck are both padded for additional comfort.

At the rear, there is rearward facing bench seating and plenty of open space for fishing.  This is partially shaded by the center console’s overhead cover.

The center of the boat features a cockpit with a roof and comfortable seating .  It also houses the door leading into the main cabin and adds some additional interior headroom for the shower and galley areas.

There isn’t a lot of room inside the cabin, but you will find a vee berth that converts to a dinette, a small galley kitchen with a sink and a microwave, and a head that houses a toilet and a shower.  These amenities are filled with a 30-gallon freshwater tank.

You could spend a day or even a weekend inside this cabin, but most would probably be reluctant to live inside of it full-time.  This being said, the outside decks are nice enough that you could stay out there in nice weather and never feel like you’re depriving yourself.

The boat comes in at 34’11” with a beam of 10’9”.  It has a deep draft of 23,” and a weight of 10,800 pounds with two twin Yamaha 350 engines included.  Powering the twin engines is a 334-gallon fuel tank.

This boat comes in at over $300,000.00 and might seem unaffordable at first.  However, you have to realize that both fishing boats and cabin cruisers often cost this much, and this boat actually combines both of them into one.

Dusky 227 Fish Around Cruiser

The Dusky 227 is a 22’7” longboat with an 8’2” beam.  This makes it a trailer-safe boat that can be used for fishing, cruising, and even sleeping in.  The engine on the boat is a 230HP engine with a 60-gallon fuel tank.  This fuel capacity is much lower than some of the cabin cruisers we discussed, but it is on-par with the cuddy cabins.

This boat is a lot less plush than some of the other boats we’ve looked at, but it appears to be a lot more functional in terms of fishing capabilities.  The bow features a small bench and an area that could be used for sitting against the rails.  These areas do not have any padding and are molded into the boat, so they should be ridiculously easy to clean, even after a full day of fishing.

There isn’t any seating at the stern or in front of the center console, which would make running around the boat to get to fishing poles a lot easier.  Move into this center console, and you’ll find a small bench that can be converted into a small vee berth.  Inside the bench is a storage compartment.

For people who want a little more luxury, a bench seat can be added behind the center console, and overhead cover can be added as well.  Additional padding can also be purchased to add over the built-in bench upfront.

A brand new Dusky 227 is very reasonable and can be had for as little as $55,000.00.

Final Thoughts

There are affordable boats with enclosed cabins at all levels.

The key is to decide how much you want to spend and choose a boat that meets both your needs and your budget!

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19 Best Boats with Cabins for Lakes in 2023

Categories Boating

When it comes to enjoying the serene beauty of lakes, there’s no better way than doing it from the comfort of a cabin-equipped boat. Cabin boats offer a luxurious and comfortable way to explore lakes while providing protection from the elements and a cozy space for overnight stays. In 2023, the market is brimming with fantastic options for boat enthusiasts seeking the perfect cabin experience. In this article, we’ll explore the 19 best boats with cabins for lakes in 2023, helping you make an informed choice.

1. Sea Ray Sundancer 320

The Sea Ray Sundancer 320 is an excellent boat for lakes due to its impressive combination of indoor and outdoor space and its versatile features. Its spacious bow sun lounge offers enough room for three people, complete with cup holders and a stereo remote, making it perfect for relaxing and entertaining. Its moveable lounge behind the captain’s sofa can comfortably host eight guests, while the cabin below provides comfortable sleeping for four. The wet bar with an optional grill and refrigerator in the deck lounge makes entertaining effortless. Additionally, the 370 Outboard version is powered by three Mercury® 300 Verado® outboard engines, providing the latest in intelligent command with a Digital DashTM and twin 12′′ Simrad® GO12 touchscreen displays.

MSRP: $322,000

2. Tiara Yachts 39 Coupe

The Tiara Yachts 39 Coupe is an ideal boat for lakes due to its combination of sport-styling and yachting amenities. It boasts impressive on-deck features, including overnight capabilities for up to five people, a chaise lounge sun pad in the bow, and a rotating lounge with multiple locking positions. It also features a fold-down terrace for expanding the cockpit and an electric grill located at the stern.

The boat has a C39 hull, based on Tiara’s popular 36 Open hulls, and provides a comfortable ride in all weather. It is hand-laid, with a solid fiberglass bottom, balsa-cored hull sides, foam cores, and wood-skin stringers. Furthermore, it is painted with Imron, which Tiara favors over a traditional gel coat. Finally, the boat transitions smoothly between the same-level saloon, galley, and cockpit, with large sliding glass doors. Plus, there is a large swim platform with gated stairs to the cockpit to the port and starboard, which adds to the entertainment area.

MSRP: $720,000

3. Four Winns Vista 255

The Four Winns Vista 255 is a bowrider that can do double-duty as a cruiser, thanks to modern boat design advancements. This boat features a cockpit with a fully enclosed head in the passenger’s side console and a changing room with a berth in the driver’s side console. This bowrider also has a large swim platform, comfy flip-up bolster seats, and yacht-level construction with fabricated aluminum motor mounts and an auto fire-extinguish system. Perfect for leisurely cruises with friends or serious offshore fishing, the Four Winns Vista 255 is sure to meet whatever the day calls for.

MSRP: $120,000

4. Jeanneau VELASCO 43F Cabin Cruiser

The Jeanneau VELASCO 43F Cabin Cruiser is an ideal choice because of its impressive features and spacious design. The boat’s impressive power of twin 600 horsepower engines and its two opening side terraces make it perfect for creating a genuine beach club atmosphere. Furthermore, the boat’s four levels and two cabins provide plenty of space to accommodate multiple guests and family members. Inside, the boat is equipped with a modern kitchen and a comfortable U-shaped dinette with a retractable table. The spacious and modern cabins also provide plenty of room to sleep up to six people comfortably. The boat’s integrated radar arch gives it a polished and defined look, and its shaft drive and double thrusters make for a smooth and enjoyable ride on the lake. Furthermore, its expansive cockpit seating ensures that multiple guests can sit comfortably and enjoy the lake’s views.

MSRP: $413,000

5. Bayliner VR5 Cuddy With Dinette

The Bayliner VR5 Cuddy With Dinette is an excellent choice due to its lightweight and comfortable amenities. With a 150HP engine, the boat only weighs 3,131 pounds, making it incredibly easy to tow for those with small trucks, SUVs, and even some minivans with towing packages. This boat has plenty of wrap-around seating, with a captain’s chair that swivels around to line up with an optional teak dining table. This makes it a perfect boat for relaxing and enjoying the view with family and friends. Additionally, the VR5 has a kitchenette with a stove, refrigerator, microwave, and sink, providing the necessary amenities for a day on the lake. Finally, this boat is also reasonably priced, making it an excellent choice for budget-conscious lake-goers.

MSRP: $73,000

6. Aspen 32 C100 Escape Power Cat Cabin Cruiser

The Aspen 32 C100 Escape Power Cat Cabin Cruiser is the perfect choice for lakes because of its unique asymmetrical hulls. These hulls compensate for engine torque, creating a smooth and straight cruising experience when you take your hands off of the wheel, allowing you to cruise at a high speed of just under thirty miles per hour. The spacious cockpit is perfect for entertaining a large group of guests, fishing, or hanging out with family and friends. The cockpit features two refrigerators, a sink, and plenty of room for supplies and passengers. The cabin area offers comfortable sleeping for up to six people and a fully equipped kitchen with a stove, oven, sink, fridge, and microwave. The boat’s interior is also designed to reduce sound and vibration levels, giving you a peaceful cruising experience.

7. Bayliner Ciera 8

The Bayliner VR5 Cuddy is an excellent option due to its size, weight, and features. The hull length is 18’4”, the beam is 8’, and the draught is 2’10”. The boat is compact enough to fit into smaller lakes and harbors, allowing for easy navigation and maneuverability. The Ciera 8 comes with a choice of either a 150HP or 250HP engine and a 33-gallon fuel tank to fuel it, making it powerful enough to take on larger lakes and explore further while still staying relatively fuel-efficient. Moreover, with the 150HP engine option, the boat weighs only 3,131 pounds, and even with the 250HP engine, it weighs only 3,351 pounds, making it easier to tow and launch. Furthermore, the VR5 Cuddy provides seating for up to 8 people, ensuring plenty of room for friends and family to enjoy the lake together.

MSRP: $483,000

8. Cruiser Yachts 39 Express Coupe

The Cruiser Yachts 39 Express Coupe is an ideal choice for lakes due to its impressive features and spacious layout. With a combined cockpit and helm area of more than 150 square feet, the 39 Express Coupe has one of the biggest cockpits in its class, providing ample space for socializing, relaxing, and entertaining. The 39 Express Coupe’s helm is simple to operate, with a platform for standing at the helm, a well-placed joystick, and views from all sides. The comfortable seating can be transformed into a transom, allowing you to create a space tailored to your needs.

The forward dinette has comfortable couches and wrap-around views, accommodating up to seven people, while the galley is positioned to maximize sea views and has all the necessary appliances. The master suite is well-equipped, featuring plenty of headroom, a plush double berth, a port-side sofa, a cedar-lined hanging locker, and the most up-to-date entertainment options. Finally, the Dynamic Running Surface system creates low sound and vibration levels and automatic leveling planes for a smoother, more even cruise, allowing you to enjoy the lake in comfort and luxury.

MSRP: 700,000

9. Back Cove Yachts 372 Cabin Cruiser

The Back Cove Yachts 372 Cabin Cruiser is an ideal choice for lakes due to its versatile design and features. Its Deep V-hull allows it to cruise through choppier water smoothly. Its joystick handling with computerized dynamic positioning makes it easier to control and maneuver, making it perfect for lake cruising. Its spacious cockpit, with a grill, fridge, and ice maker, makes it perfect for entertaining large groups of people. Its two separate bedrooms provide plenty of room for up to six people to sleep. Its kitchen is fully equipped with all the essentials, including a stove, fridge, sink, microwave, and dishwasher for all your cooking needs. The Back Cove 32’s 375 hp Cummins QSB diesel (optional) or a 370 hp Volvo Penta D6 (standard) engine provide enough power to reach a top speed of 25-plus knots, providing plenty of speed for lake cruising.

MSRP: $895,000

10. Tiara 43 LE

The Tiara 43 LE is an excellent choice for lake cruising due to its innovative features and superior performance. Designed with a focus on sport-styling and yachting amenities, the 43 LE provides an innovative and functional cabin cruiser experience. With its expansive deck, rotating lounge, and fold-down terrace, the 43 LE offers plenty of comfortable outdoor living space for passengers and guests. The bow features a chaise lounge sun pad, and the aft deck features a built-in electric grill for special occasions. The cabin below provides ample overnight accommodations for up to five people. Additionally, the 43 LE features a mechanized frame that can expand its patio surface when anchored, providing a truly unique and enjoyable cruising experience.

MSRP: $950,000

11. Rinker 270 Express Cruiser

The Rinker 270 Express Cruiser is a remarkable 28’10” boat with an 8’6” beam, a dry weight of 7,095 pounds, and the capacity to sleep up to four people. This boat is ideal for weekend adventurers or those who want to travel around the country with their boat in tow, as it is small enough to be transported via trailer yet large enough to live in. The cabin features 6’5” of headroom and amenities such as a one-burner electric stove, microwave, 2.3 cubic foot fridge, and a built-in Bluetooth stereo system.

The Rinker 270 Express Cruiser is an excellent choice for those who want a functional, beautiful boat that also has the power to move like a speed boat. The cockpit offers seating for three and is covered with a bimini top, and the back deck is easy to jump on and off of and houses an extendable ladder for swimmers. Best of all, used models of this boat can be found for as low as $40,000, and new models are also reasonably priced.

MSRP: $47,000

12. Robalo R305

Robalo R305 is a hard-top sport-fishing 1-cabin outboard cabin cruiser with an impressive length of 6.7 m, a fuel capacity of 200 l, and motor power of 200, 300 ch. Combining legendary performance and a sleek design, the Robalo R305 offers an unbeatable everyday cruiser that represents great value for money. With its multipurpose excellence, this is your ideal everyday fishing and cruising boat.

MSRP: $190,000

13. Scout 350 LXF

The Scout 350 LXF is a luxurious sportfish boat combining the qualities of a high-performance fish boat and a high-end cruiser. With an LOA of 34’11” and a beam of 10’9”, this vessel has a deep draft of 23” and a weight of 10,800 lbs. It is powered by two twin Yamaha 350 engines and a 334-gal fuel tank.

The exterior offers an open bow with bench seating and a tanning deck, rearward-facing bench seating, and a cockpit with an overhead cover. A convertible vee berth, a small galley kitchen with a sink and microwave, and a head with a toilet and shower are all located inside the cabin. At the cost of over $430,000, the Scout 350 LXF is a quality buy if you’re looking for a boat that can handle both fishing and cabin cruises.

MSRP: $430,000

14. Galeon 410 HTC

The Galeon 410 HTC is a sporty coupe-style cruiser built atop the hull of Galeon’s 40-foot flybridge model. It features a unique below-deck layout with two staterooms and two heads, providing plenty of privacy for multiple couples. The 410 HTC also has a beach platform with a gunwale that folds down at the press of a button for easy access to the water. It was honored by Boating Industry as a Top Product of 2021 and is equipped with a Garmin navigation system, a triple outboard motor system with integrated electronics for superior performance, and an expandable aft deck with a rotating lounge. Unfortunately, this boat does not come with a cloaking shield.

MSRP: $650,000

15. Boston Whaler 350 Realm

The Boston Whaler 350 Realm is a powerful, multifaceted boat perfect for fishing, entertaining, overnight cruising, and diving. It’s powered by either triple 300 HP or triple 350 HP Mercury Verados, offering a maximum speed of 46 knots. The helm is outfitted with two Raymarine displays, while the double-wide helm seat features a flip-down platform and footrest. A V-shaped berth converts into a double berth with a filler cushion, and the separated head is equipped with a VacuFlush MSD and hot-and-cold shower. Optional add-ons include a microwave and flat-screen TV. Additionally, the boat boasts a flush-deck layout for easy movement, vertical rod holders in the gunwales, and a hardtop for anglers. The air-conditioned cabin offers seating that becomes a berth and an enclosed head.

MSRP: $500,000

16. Belize 54 Daybridge

The Belize 54 Daybridge is an all-in-one luxury motor yacht designed in collaboration between Belize and Riviera Yachts and constructed by Riviera Australia. Featuring the latest cutting-edge construction technology, including resin infusion, a vinyl ester outer skin, and independent foam-filled hull compartments, this CZone-equipped digital switching boat with glass cockpit electronics and IPS propulsion is the perfect balance of power and comfort. The 54 Daybridge offers single-level living with a lower control station, flybridge, and a three-stateroom, two-head layout. Additional luxury amenities include an outdoor grill and wet bar, a tender garage, and a foredeck sun pad.

MSRP: $1,200,000

17. Pursuit DC 325 Dual Console

The Pursuit DC 325 Dual Console is a powerful and spacious 42-foot flagship vessel that offers an impressive array of innovative features and amenities. Boasting an industry-first second row of powered seats beneath the oversized hardtop and a convertible forward-console seat with electrically actuated backrests, the DC 325 also features three fish boxes totaling 134 gallons, two 36-gallon transom live wells, tackle storage, hull side doors port and starboard, and a spacious aft cockpit with horizontal and vertical rod holders. The console cabin provides a comfortable and well-lit environment with a convertible berth, enclosed head compartment, air conditioning, heating, microwave, 32-inch TV, and hidden storage. With standard power – quad Yamaha 425 XTO outboards with Helm Master EX – this boat reaches a max speed of 59.3 mph and has a cruising speed of 31 mph with 0.71 mpg.

MSRP: $260,000

18. Rinker 290 Express Cruiser

The Rinker 290 Express Cruiser is an excellent option due to its size and features. At 28’10” and an 8’6” beam, it is small enough to be towed to your favorite lake on a trailer yet large enough to accommodate up to four people. The cabin has 6’5” of headroom and features a vee berth and double berth, as well as a galley kitchen, microwave, and a 2.3 cubic foot refrigerator. On the outside, the cockpit has seating for three and a bimini top to provide shade. Additionally, the back deck provides easy access to the water with an extendable ladder. Moreover, used models of this boat are available for as little as $130,000, making it an affordable option for those who do not want to break the bank.

MSRP: $132,000

19. Axopar 37 Cabin

The Axopar 37 Cabin is a twin-engine hard-top sport-fishing outboard cabin cruiser boasting a length of 26’04”. The 26 XP offers excellent comfort and convenience with its already best-selling boat line, featuring a vast sleeping birth, freshwater sink, and a porta potti. The cabin is made using marine-grade materials for added durability. The exterior combines classic, traditional craftsmanship with modern technology, creating a boat perfect for entertaining or relaxing. The cockpit seats four people comfortably, and the cabin has a U-shaped seating arrangement and a polished cherry wood table.

The kitchen is fully equipped with all essentials, including a stove, fridge, microwave, sink, and storage. The bedroom contains one queen-sized bed that can sleep up to two adults or two adults and one child, and it has a door that you can shut for added privacy. The boat is equipped with smaller engines, allowing it to reach higher speeds with less horsepower, as well as IPS pod drives and joystick control for easier maneuvering, even in shallower water or close quarters.

MSRP: $127,000

Things to Consider when Buying a Boat with a Cabin for Lakes

When buying a lake boat with a cabin, size should be the most crucial factor to consider. The number of guests that can be accommodated on the boat is determined by its size. If you plan to entertain a lot of people on your boat, then a larger boat with amenities such as a fridge and grill in the cockpit and plenty of sleeping space in the cabin could be the better choice. However, if you are only looking for a boat for yourself, your spouse, or your close family, then a smaller and more practical boat would be more appropriate. Additionally, the size of the boat will also influence its speed capabilities. Larger cruisers typically cannot cruise as quickly as smaller cruisers due to their increased weight.

When buying a boat with a cabin for lakes, it is essential to consider the amenities that you will need. The cabin should be roomy, offer plenty of headroom, and have lots of windows for fresh air and views of the lake. Additionally, the cabin should have a bathroom (head), a kitchen, sleeping quarters, electricity, hot water, and potentially air conditioning and heating for comfort. If you plan on spending time outdoors, look for a boat with an outdoor grill and entertainment area. For those who plan to entertain, a boat with a larger cabin with more amenities may be a better choice. If you can’t decide between the two, some cabin cruisers offer both. Lastly, equip your boat with a high-performance first aid kit designed for easy accessibility.

When it comes to buying a lake boat with a cabin, it is crucial to consider the seating arrangements. The seating layout can make or break your boating experience, so it is important to make sure you get it right. Cabin cruisers typically offer various seating options to accommodate various passengers, from significant families to smaller groups. Depending on the size of the boat and the number of passengers, you can choose from bench seats, couches, chaise lounges, and even tables with seating. It is important to consider how many people you plan to have aboard the boat, as well as what type of seating you are looking for. Some cabin cruisers have convertible seating, which can be changed to accommodate different numbers of passengers or activities. This can be a great option if you use the boat for entertaining and overnight trips.

When buying a lake boat with a cabin, it is essential to consider the storage available. A cabin cruiser provides ample storage for all your gear and supplies, so you don’t have to worry about running out of space. Additionally, some cabin cruisers come with extra amenities such as a kitchen, bathroom, and sleeping quarters, meaning you won’t have to worry about cramming everything into a small space. Furthermore, storage should also be taken into account when planning the purchase, as it’s best to determine a budget that includes the boat purchase plus any required gear and accessories, registration, insurance, annual fuel, storage, and maintenance costs.

When looking to buy a cabin cruiser for recreational use on a lake, there are various elements you should consider. One of the critical components to look for is the boat’s engine size and speed capabilities. If you want a boat that can go quicker, you may have to opt for a smaller boat, as large cruisers typically cannot cruise as quickly due to their increased weight. Additionally, the boat you choose should be large enough to accommodate the number of guests you intend to entertain and have adequate sleeping space for those staying overnight. Cabin cruisers offer a range of benefits, including the option for dedicated generators for power, plenty of space for activities, and customizability to cater to your specific needs.

Maintenance

When considering the purchase of a boat with a cabin for lakes, there are both ongoing and one-time costs to be aware of. In terms of ongoing maintenance, boat insurance, engine maintenance, steering system maintenance, and the cost of supplies to clean your boat after use is necessary. Additionally, boat slips and marina security fees may need to be taken into account if you will be boating year-round. In terms of one-time costs, 10%-15% of the cost of the vessel should be budgeted for annual maintenance. Further, prepping the engine for disuse, servicing the filters and separators, stabilizing the fuel system, and prepping the plumbing are all considerations for upkeep that should be considered. Finally, boat navigation lights may be necessary for night-time boating, and a marine radio operator permit from the FCC may need to be obtained under certain circumstances.

Cabin cruisers come in a variety of sizes, shapes, and prices, so it is essential to know what you can afford and how much you are willing to spend. Not only will this help you narrow your search, but it can also help ensure you get a boat that suits your needs and budget. Additionally, several features and amenities can affect the price of a cabin cruiser, such as the size of the cabin, the number of beds, the presence of a kitchen, air conditioning, heating, and more. Considering all of these factors when purchasing will help ensure that you get the best value for your money. Alternatively, other options may offer similar features and functionality to a cabin cruiser, so it is always good to explore those as well.

What types of boats have cabins?

There are three main types of boats with cabins: regular cabin cruisers, sport fishing cabin cruisers, and luxury cabin cruisers. Regular cabin cruisers are very deep-hulled boats with spacious decks and a cabin that houses many of the boat’s features and amenities. They are usually equipped with 2-4 powerful engines. Sport fishing cabin cruisers are outfitted with features and gear central to fishing, such as rod mounts, live wells, and bait freezers, and are ideal for larger sport fishing in coastal waters. Luxury cabin cruisers are designed for longer overnight voyages, with large decks and spacious interiors, equipped with amenities like air conditioning/heating and bow thrusters, making them easier to maneuver.

What amenities do boats with cabins have?

Boats with cabins typically have various amenities to make your time on the water comfortable and enjoyable. These amenities can include a kitchen, bathroom, sleeping quarters, electricity, hot water, air conditioning, heating, outdoor grills, and entertainment areas. Depending on the size of your cabin cruiser, it may also be able to entertain guests or accommodate a more prominent family. It is important to consider how many people you plan to have on board and what features and amenities you would like to determine the size and layout of your cabin cruiser that is best for you and your needs.

What is the average size of a boat with a cabin?

The average size of a boat with a cabin, also known as a cabin cruiser, is between 20 and 40 feet long. These boats are often used in coastal waterways for leisure activities like cruising, fishing, and family entertainment. They can be Class 1, 2, or 3 vessels, with Class 1 being between 16 and less than 26 feet, Class 2 being between 26 and less than 40 feet, and Class 3 being more than 40 feet but less than 65 feet. The boat’s size and weight will dictate whether it can be transported and used effectively on smaller rivers and lakes. Cabin cruisers come equipped with sleeping, cooking, and bathroom facilities and can offer passengers a comfortable experience while on the water.

What is the cost of a boat with a cabin?

The cost of a boat with a cabin can vary significantly, ranging from $50,000 to upwards of $1 million, depending on the desired size and level of luxury. Generally, new cabin cruisers start at around $70,000 and go up from there, while used models can be found for as little as $7,000 and range up to around $30,000.

When considering the price of a cabin cruiser, it is important to factor in the ongoing cost of boat ownership, such as insurance, maintenance, fuel, and boater education. Additionally, slip and marina security fees should be considered if the boat is stored for part of the year. The annual price of these expenses can range from 10%-15% of the cost of the vessel.

What safety features should I look for in a boat with a cabin?

When looking for a boat with a cabin, it is essential to look for safety features that will help keep you and your passengers safe while on the water. Look for features such as life jackets, fire extinguishers, flares, and first aid kits that are easily accessible and updated. Ensure the boat has a properly maintained and inspected engine and electrical system, a well-working bilge pump, or an emergency backup bilge pump if the primary one fails. Additionally, if you plan on going out at night, look for navigation lights, a spotlight, and a depth finder. Lastly, check the condition of the boat’s hull and deck and look for any signs of damage or wear and tear.

What type of engine should I choose for a boat with a cabin?

When selecting an engine for your cabin cruiser, it is crucial to consider the amount of power you need and the type of vessel. Consider the size of your boat and the activities you plan to do when deciding what engine is best for your cabin cruiser. While some cabin cruisers may be equipped with 2 or 4 engines, smaller boats only require 1. Depending on your needs and the size of your boat, you may want to consider an inboard or outboard motor. Inboard motors are typically more powerful and can offer smoother handling when navigating choppy waters. Outboard motors, however, are often more affordable and easier to maintain.

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What is the smallest dinghy with a cabin?

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What is the smallest sailboat with a cabin?  

Most likely a West Wight Potter 15  

Sparrow 12' Guppy 13'  

dinghy definition n. pl. din·ghies 1. A small open boat carried as a tender, lifeboat, or pleasure craft on a larger boat. 2. A small rowboat. 3. An inflatable rubber life raft. Dinghies don't typically have cabins. perhaps you need to rephrase your question?  

The smallest production sailboat with a cabin is probably the West Wight Potter 15 , as mentioned by chuck... however, I would be hesistant to classify the WWP15 as a dinghy. When someone says sailing dinghy, I think of things like Lasers, Sunfish, Mirrors, Optis, the 470s, and the ilk-all open boats as TB points out... The WWP15 doesn't fit the description IMHO.  

Don't forget the 14' Peep Hen: http://members.aol.com/monpoulet/homepage.htm  

I am trying to foget already..  

The Oday Osprey which was roughly 15ft overall had a very small cuddy, could be trailered, and was a small version of the Oday Daysailor. If a person can call a Lightning, Flying Scot, or Snipe a "dinghy", this would also fit a broad interpretation of the definition, although not in the sense of a "racing dinghy".  

Sparrow 12' http://potter-yachters.org/stories/sparrow.gif Guppy 13' (12'-5") http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Guppy13/ Voyager 14' (13'-4") http://groups.yahoo.com/group/voyager14/ Optional Inboard Motor  

My goodness, we have some nutty brethren.  

That second guy looks a lot like TB... I am getting concerned. TB, if that was you, is that the two head model? And did you use an umbrella for a bimini? - CD  

I have the utmost respect for those guys, but IMO those are survival capsules that have some limited wind driven mobility, not really sailboats. I like really small boats and I have a small spot to park, but if you go look at my other two threads on buying, I ended up going with a 17' boat (but I have a big family and need passenger room sometimes, so a big cockpit was crucial). Are you trying to park in a garage? You can get a folding or removable tongue, but you still have the mast to contend with.  

What about the Guppy 13?  

Or the Sparrow 12?  

Sparrow 12 Awesomest boat ever. I learned to sail on the S/V Jaundice over the summer of 2007, and found it to be stable, fun, and easy for a beginner to handle. Performance into the wind is pretty horrible, but the 150 lb keel kept it upright and sailing in 20 kt winds and 3 foot seas. Plus it's the same color yellow as its namesake, which makes for some great comments from fellow boaters. I can't post actual links, but pictures of the mighty vessel can be found through the website saveitforparts dot com, by clicking on the link that says 'projects'.  

What is the smallest sailboat with a cabin? Click to expand...

"The L16 is sloop-rigged sailboat. The "L" is for the designer, A. E. (Bill) Luders , and the sixteen represents the waterline length of the boat. L16s are twenty-six feet long overall and have a working sail area of 207 square feet. The boats have a small cuddy cabin with sitting headroom and, optionally, two berths for spartan overnight accommodations." Click to expand...

I had my Guppy13 out last week, and had great wind all day. When I got the boat there were no sails. I was able to take an old set I had, and put some hanks on the main, to use as the head sail. Also sew some slugs on the jib, to use it for the main! Sounds silly, But they have a very small main, and larger jib? But they worked very well. I do have a very nice spinnaker off an old O`day 14, I want to use as a drifter(should work okay?) It is my smallest cruzing sailboat, I do like the bunks(I am a bit on the big side). But is nice for no more then 2 adults overnite. Could of been a better boat for me when, I took my 4 1/2 month trip around the Baja. I had a Montgomery 10(good little boat, but this one would of made my trip much better! I was only about 50 at the time. Happy Sailing.  

i saw a guppy down at bacon sails, in annapolis, this weekend. would love to have one. looks like a fun boat.  

S.F Pelican, 12' , can have a small cutty,  

Another non dinghy 15 with a cabin would be the Montgomery 15. A high quality boat with a cult like following. if the OP really wants a Dinghy with a cabin, a boom tarp can be rigged on almost anything. There is a book about a guy who sailed 1500 miles up the east coast in a 14 foot dinghy. he camped, used a boom tarp and had quite an adventure! So anything is doable. Montgomery also builds a 17. These boats have been around for a long time so reasonably priced used boats do exist.  

The previous owner of my boat and his wife had a Wayfarer first. They regularly camped out on it with a tarp for a roof. One morning she woke up to find a large snake on the other side of the tarp right in front of her face. She then refused to sleep on any sailboat that didn't have a cabin. He took that as permission to buy a 30 footer (and move up to a 34 a few years later).  

if the OP really wants a Dinghy with a cabin, a boom tarp can be rigged on almost anything. There is a book about a guy who sailed 1500 miles up the east coast in a 14 foot dinghy. he camped, used a boom tarp and had quite an adventure! So anything is doable Click to expand...

The smallest production boat I know of is the four 13000 at 10.7 ft and has two full quarterberth bunks even has a galley sink DUFOUR 13000 sailboat specifications and details on sailboatdata.com  

sailboat data has their numbers backwards. it's an 18' boat that is 10.7' on the waterline. it would be an unusual boat that could have a waterline length greater than it's overall length. go back to the site and read under "notes". it says,"Early (1973) IOR 1/4 ton racer. (18')"  

Has anyone used one of those? Sailing rig and inflatable cuddy aside, I recall seeing one at a dock in Maine. Looks like a pretty unique rugged little tender actually. Hollow foam filled (under the floor anyway) self bailing hull.  

Puddleduck racers have been built with cabins. Puddle Duck Racer - Easiest Sailboat to Build and Race http://www.pdracer.com/hull-config/cabin/  

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Ukraine’s Incursion Into Russia Reveals a Dramatic Shift

The offensive was developed in secret, devised to divert Russian troops away from the front lines in Ukraine and seize territory to use as a bargaining chip.

The incursion is one example of how Ukraine is taking the initiative, exposing Russian weakness and embarrassing President Vladimir V. Putin. Credit... David Guttenfelder for The New York Times

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By Julian E. Barnes and Eric Schmitt

Reporting from Washington

• Aug. 15, 2024

Ukraine’s incursion into a sliver of Russia is likely to make it harder for Moscow to mount a major renewed offensive in Ukraine’s east and is the kind of surprise operation that could eventually impose real costs on the Kremlin, according to U.S. officials.

The Ukrainian strike, and its continued success, could ultimately have strategic significance, though U.S. officials caution that they will need to see how it plays out to draw firmer conclusions. It could also help rebuild sagging morale among Ukraine’s troops and war-weary population, the officials said.

The incursion, into the Kursk region of Russia, stands in stark contrast to Ukraine’s failed counteroffensive in southern Ukraine last summer. This offensive was developed in secret, devised to divert Russian troops away from the front lines in Ukraine and seize territory to use as a bargaining chip.

Ukraine’s monthslong buildup to the counteroffensive played out in the open. The Ukrainians had sought to retake territory but stumbled when they failed to punch through dug-in Russian defenses, which Moscow reinforced as Ukraine trained for the drive. Ukraine also split its forces during that offensive, against American advice, rather than focusing them as they have this month.

But the incursion into Russia shows how Ukraine’s army has improved its mechanized warfare skills, techniques that it failed to master a year ago.

Since then, Ukraine has been looking for ways to rebound.

The operation itself will not drive Russia to the bargaining table, according to U.S. officials. Russia’s president, Vladimir V. Putin, has pledged not to negotiate while Ukraine occupies Russia, and American officials said he should be taken at his word.

But in public speeches, the C.I.A. director, William J. Burns, has spoken about the need to puncture the hubris of Mr. Putin. Russia will not make any concessions, he has said, until Mr. Putin’s overconfidence is challenged and Ukraine shows strength on the battlefield.

Ukraine’s move into Kursk is one example of how it is taking the initiative, exposing Russian weakness and embarrassing Mr. Putin.

American officials say Ukraine will have to build on the operation, with other daring operations that can push back against Russia’s sense that its victory is inevitable. Whether that will include more cross-border incursions, secret sabotage missions or other yet-to-be-planned operations remains to be seen.

On Thursday, NATO’s top military commander, Gen. Christopher G. Cavoli, said the incursion had succeeded so far. “Suffice it to say that it appears to be going quite well,” he said during a talk at the Council on Foreign Relations in New York.

“They found an area of weakness in the Russians’ position, and they exploited it quickly and have exploited it very skillfully,” said General Cavoli, a four-star U.S. Army general who is a Russia specialist.

His comments were the most expansive by an American official since Ukraine launched the attack last week. Biden administration officials have deferred most questions about the operation to Ukrainian officials.

General Cavoli, who speaks regularly with his Ukrainian counterparts, said the operation had offered an important boost to Ukrainian morale after months of slow, grinding advances by Russia’s army in Ukraine’s east and south.

“It has had a very good galvanizing effect on the population and on the military itself,” he said.

On the flip side, General Cavoli said the attack blindsided the Kremlin and forced Moscow to scramble to mount a military response.

“It’s had a shocking effect on the Russians,” the general said. “They’re shocked by it. That won’t persist forever. They’ll gather themselves together and react accordingly.”

President Biden told reporters on Tuesday that Ukraine’s offensive inside Russia — the biggest foreign incursion into the country since World War II — has put the Kremlin in a bind. He acknowledged that U.S. officials have been in touch with their Ukrainian counterparts during the operation.

“It’s creating a real dilemma for Putin, and we’ve been in direct contact — constant contact — with the Ukrainians,” Mr. Biden said. “That’s all I’m going to say about it while it’s active.”

Ukraine’s operation has also elicited giddy praise from Kyiv’s backers in Congress.

Senators Lindsey Graham, Republican of South Carolina, and Richard Blumenthal, Democrat of Connecticut, who met privately with President Volodymyr Zelensky in Kyiv this week, urged increased military support for Ukraine.

Asked about the incursion at a news conference , Mr. Graham said: “What do I think about Kursk? Bold, brilliant and beautiful. Keep it up.” He added: “Putin started this. Kick his ass.”

Senior officials at the White House, the Pentagon and the State Department were blindsided by news reports, starting early last Wednesday, about the Ukrainian incursion. The Ukrainians did not tell the Americans about their plans in advance, possibly, U.S. officials said, because they feared the Americans would try to persuade them to call off the high-risk mission and because of Ukraine’s obsessive concern about leaks.

The lack of warning to Kyiv’s foremost Western ally took on even greater meaning when it became clear that Ukraine was using American-supplied vehicles, arms and munitions to help carry out the bold ground operation into Russia.

Unlike earlier over-and-back cross-border raids carried out by Ukrainian commandos, this operation has involved several thousand regular army forces equipped with mobile air defenses and electronic-warfare equipment to jam Russian radars — all signaling Ukraine’s intent to strike much deeper into Russia.

But American intelligence agencies, as disclosures last year showed, have known about Ukraine’s ambition to attack across the border for more than a year. So even if the timing and location were a surprise, the strategic goal was not.

One intelligence report posted on an internet forum by an Air National Guardsman included information about a meeting in which Mr. Zelensky prodded the military to consider a cross-border incursion. Mr. Zelensky, according to the report, wanted Ukrainian forces to “occupy unspecified Russian border cities.”

And indeed, recent policy shifts by the Biden administration made the operation possible.

Under pressure from his advisers and key allies, Mr. Biden in late May authorized Ukraine to conduct limited strikes inside Russia with American-made weapons, opening what was expected to be a new chapter in the war for Ukraine.

Mr. Biden’s decision appeared to be the first time that an American president had allowed limited military responses on artillery, missile bases and command centers inside the borders of a nuclear-armed adversary.

White House officials insisted, however, that the authorization extended only to what they characterized as acts of self-defense to cross-border threats, so that Ukraine could protect Kharkiv, its second-largest city, and the surrounding areas from Russian missiles, glide bombs and artillery shells from just over the border. The White House still barred Ukraine from using long-range precision American artillery to attack air bases and other targets deep inside Russia.

That U.S. policy came under immediate scrutiny after the Ukrainian incursion. Pentagon and State Department officials have said the use of American-supplied weapons and munitions in the attack by Ukraine did not violate U.S. policy.

Other than Mr. Biden’s comments, senior administration officials have publicly declined to comment on the incursion itself, referring all questions to Ukraine.

Ukrainian officials have told senior American civilian and military leaders that the goal of the operation is to create an operational dilemma for the Russians — to force Moscow to divert troops off the front lines in the Donetsk region of eastern Ukraine that have made slow but steady progress for weeks.

John F. Kirby, a White House spokesman, said on Thursday that Moscow had “redirected” some troops from Ukraine to Russia but that he did not know how many troops were involved or what role the redeployed troops would play.

U.S. officials said on Wednesday that Russia had withdrawn some infantry units from Ukraine and was sending them to Kursk to help defend against the Ukrainian offensive. They would not say how many troops Russia appeared to be moving or exactly where they were coming from.

But the officials said they had not yet seen the Kremlin divert armored battalions and other combat power that they believe Russia would need to repel the incursion.

Still, Moscow has had to commit its existing reserves in Russia to the Kursk fight and will need to commit more forces if it is to drive out the Ukrainians. Those forces, American officials said, would have otherwise been used in the coming months for Russia’s slow, grinding offensives in eastern Ukraine.

It is doubtful Ukraine will have enough forces to capitalize on any Russian weakness in Donetsk. Ukraine has used a significant number of troops itself in Kursk and may not have adequate reserves. More important, American officials have counseled the Ukrainians against major offensives this year in the south or east, given the strength of Russian defenses.

By attacking in Kursk, the Ukrainians have taken American advice: Rather than fight through entrenched positions, go where the enemy is not to secure the strategic ground.

How strategic the push proves to be will only be known in time.

The Kursk operation also aims to seize and hold territory to increase Ukraine’s bargaining leverage, American officials say they have been told, perhaps to swap Russian territory for the land near Kharkiv that Russian forces took in the spring.

American officials expressed surprise at how successful the Ukrainian operation has been so far, and how slow and disjointed the Russian response has been.

One senior U.S. official called the incursion a “Syrsky Special” — alluding to Gen. Oleksandr Syrsky, who took over as Ukraine’s top military commander in February. The official, speaking on the condition of anonymity to discuss internal American assessments, said it was the flashy kind of operation that Mr. Zelensky loves.

But U.S. officials also said that they continued to take a wait-and-see attitude.

One senior U.S. official called the operation a big gamble.

Julian E. Barnes covers the U.S. intelligence agencies and international security matters for The Times. He has written about security issues for more than two decades. More about Julian E. Barnes

Eric Schmitt is a national security correspondent for The Times, focusing on U.S. military affairs and counterterrorism issues overseas, topics he has reported on for more than three decades. More about Eric Schmitt

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Ukraine says it hits pontoon bridges in Russia with US-made weapons

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• Ukraine says it destroys pontoon bridges in Kursk incursion
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Moscow sees one of Ukraine's largest drone attacks as fighting rages in Kursk and eastern Ukraine

MOSCOW -- Moscow came under one of the largest attacks by Ukrainian drones since the start of fighting in 2022, Russian authorities reported Wednesday, saying they destroyed all of those headed toward the capital.

The drone attacks come as Ukrainian forces are continuing to push into Russia's western Kursk region. In the past week, they have also struck three bridges, several airfields and an oil depot in a sign they are not letting up on their attacks.

"This was one of the biggest attempts of all time to attack Moscow using drones," Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin said on his Telegram channel. He said strong defenses around the capital made it possible to shoot down all the drones before they could hit their intended targets.

Russia said it downed 45 Ukrainian drones overnight, including 11 over the Moscow region. There was no independent information to verify those figures.

Some Russian social media channels shared videos of drones apparently being destroyed by air defense systems, which then set off car alarms.

While Ukraine has been bogged down in a land conflict in eastern Ukraine in which the Russians have been driving forward slowly at a heavy cost to both sides, both countries have been been sending drones deep into each other's territory.

Ukrainian drone strikes have brought the fight far from the front line into the heart of Russia, targeting the Russian capital and second city St. Petersburg, and an airport in Western Russia, according to Russian officials.

Since the beginning of this year, Ukraine has stepped up aerial assaults on Russian soil, targeting refineries and oil terminals to slow down the Kremlin's assault.

A fire at an oil depot targeted by Ukraine burned for the fourth day Wednesday in Rostov, a region in southwestern Russia that borders Ukraine. Priests from the Russian Orthodox Church held a prayer service for injured firefighters as dark plumes of smoke rose in the distance at the oil depot in Proletarsk, according to a photo shared on social media by the Volgodonsk diocese.

Ukraine's Air Force said Russia launched 69 drones and three missiles at Ukraine overnight, describing it as Russia's biggest drone attack so far in August. Ukraine said its air defenses shot them down and no casualties or destruction were reported.

Ukraine's daring land incursion into Russia has raised morale in Ukraine with its surprising success and changed the dynamic of the fighting. But it's uncertain how long Ukraine will be able to hold the territory it has seized in Kursk.

It has opened up another front in a fight where Ukrainian forces were already badly stretched, with active hostilities taking place along more than 970 kilometers (600 miles). The gains in Kursk come as Ukraine continues to lose ground in its eastern industrial region of Donbas.

The Russian state news agency Tass reported that 31 people had died since Ukraine's attack on Russia began Aug. 6, figures which are impossible to verify. It said 143 people had suffered injuries, of whom 79 were hospitalized, including four children.

A Ukrainian drone dropped an explosive device on a car in the Bolshesoldatsky area of Kursk region, slightly northeast of the town of Sudzha, the acting governor Alexei Smirnov said. One woman was killed immediately and two others were hospitalized, he said.

Maria Zakharova, spokeswoman for the Russian Foreign Ministry, said Ukraine's attack on Kursk has ended "any possibility" of peace negotiations.

"Who will negotiate with them after this, after the atrocities, the terror that they are committing against peaceful residents, the civilian population, civilian infrastructure and peaceful facilities," she said at a briefing Wednesday in Moscow.

Ukraine said it was respecting the Geneva Conventions, the international humanitarian rules of war.

Ukraine's Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko said Kyiv established an office in the Kursk region to provide humanitarian and medical aid to the local population. More than 90% of the Russian civilians who stayed in territories of the Kursk region currently controlled by Ukraine are aged 60 and older, he said.

"We have no right to leave them there to die," Klymenko said, according to the Ukrinform national news agency.

Ukraine's attacks on three bridges over the Seym River in Kursk could potentially trap Russian forces between the river, the Ukrainian advance and the Ukrainian border. Already they appear to be slowing down Russia's response to the Kursk incursion.

Ukrainian forces appear to be striking Russian pontoon bridges and pontoon engineering equipment over the Seym in an area west of the Ukrainian advance point, the Washington-based Institute for the Study of War said Tuesday.

Satellite photos from Planet Labs PBC analyzed Wednesday by The Associated Press showed a significant fire on the Seym near the village of Krasnooktyabrskoe.

The blaze appeared on the northern bank of the river on Tuesday, with another fire seemingly in the village itself. Such fires are common after strikes and often signify where ongoing front-line combat is taking place.

The Russian Defense Ministry said its forces had thwarted attack attempts by Ukrainian assault groups in the Kursk region, according to a report from Tass. Ukraine's armed forces saw more than 45 soldiers killed or wounded over the past 24 hours while two were captured while attempting to attack the Kursk region, Tass said. There was no independent confirmation of those numbers and no comment from the Ukrainian side.

Meanwhile, Ukraine's Army General Staff said it struck a Russian S-300 defense system Wednesday some 200 kilometers (125 miles) behind enemy lines in Novoshakhtinsk in the Rostov region. It said Russia had used the S-300 system for ground strikes at Ukrainian troops and peaceful cities, "destroying residential buildings and terrorizing the civilian population."

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