mini catamaran sailboat

F U N & V E R Y S I M P L E C O N T R O L

S U P E R S A I L I N G E X P E R I E N C E

F L E X I B L E & E A S Y T O T R A N S P O R T

P O R T A B L E & F A S T T O A S S E M B L E

THE WORLD'S FAVORITE PORTABLE SAILBOAT

Searching for a light portable sailboat that is no hassle to transport, fast to assemble, easy to handle, looks great and you can afford it? A boat that doesn’t need a trailer, takes minimum storage and is perfect for apartment living, campers & lovers of the outdoors, travelling sailors and as yacht toy?

Search no more – you found it! It’s called GUPPY and it’s just few clicks away.

GUPPY is an inflatable catamaran you can take on the plane with you when going on a sailing holidays, is easy to fit in any campervan, motorhome or RV, even a family car and is a great addition to your super-yacht or live-aboard without the usual storage and assembly problems.

• 3-piece flexible composite mast
• No anchoring lines
• Main Sail 4.5 m2 / no Jib
• Aluminium Rudder
• Grey Floats pre-fixed to the main frame
• Super easy and fast assembly – 10 mins only – no tools required
• Fits in a single bag 165x30x30cm and only 27 kg
• Colourful and trendy design
• 24-month full product warrant
• Accessories available
• Produced by long-established portable sailboat brand ‘MiniCat’

Based on our 17 years of experience in designing and producing MiniCat – the world’s favorite portable sailboat, we set out to create an all-new ‘entry model’. We took over a year of design, development, testing, changing and testing again but we are now proud to introduce you the all-new addition to MiniCat family - ‘GUPPY’.

With an assembly time of just 10 mins this sailboat is a fantastic addition to the current MiniCat range especially for those who are looking for a fun, easy and affordable first sailboat.

Based on our 14 years of experience in designing and producing MiniCat – the world’s favorite portable sailboat, we set out to create an all-new ‘entry model’. We took over a year of design, development, testing, changing and testing again but we are now proud to introduce you the all-new addition to MiniCat family - ‘GUPPY’.

Because it is so simple! From being stored in your cupboard or garage just load it in the car and go. One bag weighing just 27kg, assembled in 10 mins – that’s GUPPY, the unique portable sailboat.

Want to take your own small sailing catamaran on holidays? Want to have some fun sailing at the weekend, but don’t have space for your own boat?

The solution is GUPPY!

Because it is so simple! From being stored in your cupboard or garage just load it in the car and go. One bag weighing just 26kg, assembled in 15 mins – that’s GUPPY, the unique portable sailboat.

  BUY YOUR GUPPY NOW FOR JUST €3,450 (excl. VAT)  

Buy your guppy now for just €3,450 (excl. vat).

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Inflatable Mini Catamarans

Made in Europe by Minicat Worldwide

and Sold in America by Sailboats To Go, LLC

-- Shipped to your door -- 

Questions?  Email [email protected] or call Jim at 1 978 263 7598

Minicat Worldwide Sailboats carry a strong manufacturer's warranty.  They are not returnable.

Boating carry's risk of injury or death.  Following the rules of safe boating can reduce risk.

MiniCat nowdays is a perfectly engineered and thought-out catamaran boat and comes in 4 sizes and 8 different models in range of colour combinations with wide selection of spare parts & accessories.

MINICAT GUPPY

 ‘MiniCat GUPPY’ is especially for those who are looking for a fun, easy, reasonably-priced dinghy sailboat.  A great first sailboat for the beginner -- And a great simple sailboat for a sailor at any level who wants the simplest way to get out on the water and sail.  Although we have not fully updated our info on the Guppy, we are shipping the new model with free-standing mast and 4.5-sq. meter sail.

More Details   video

Clicking "More Details" takes you to the manufacturer's website.   Please return here to make a purchase.      Place Order  or See Price     

MINICAT 310

The 310 MiniCat models with their great sporting characteristics are an excellent choice for recreational sailing for beginner sailors as well as sporty fast sailing for more experienced ones. It is a fantastic inflatable sailboat for children and younger lighter sailing enthusiasts and it is popular especially for its versatility and simplicity.

Both 310 models are equipped with a removable jib and the Sport version also with the endless jib furler. The 310 models come in one bag, can be assembled in about 25 mins and can carry up to two adult people.

More Details  Video

 Clicking "More Details" takes you to the manufacturer's website.   Please return here to make a purchase.

See Price or  Place Order

MINICAT 420

MiniCat 420 is the most popular inflatable sailboat from MiniCat line offering a great option of models for all sailing difficulty levels. From a simple 420 Instinct with white Dakron sails and no boom to the funky black carbon version 420 Evoque with monofilm see through sail equipped with all the small perks you want on your boat, the 420 range covers all the needs of the well experienced sailors with some need for speed and adventure.

It comes in two bags, can be assembled in about 30 mins and can carry 1-4 sailors.

More Details   Video     Another Video

(Note:  Clicking "More Details" takes you to the manufacturer's website.   Please return here to make a purchase). Place Order  or See Price

MINICAT 460

The 460 model line represents the largest and most powerful inflatable sailboat MiniCat. The potential of the 460 Esprit is for those who seek maximum performance, speed and exhilaration. This boat constantly surprises with the simplicity of its handling.

More Details   Video

(Note:  Clicking "More Details" takes you to the manufacturer's website.   Please return here to make a purchase).  See Price or  Place Order ==========================

==============================

Also see, these lower priced catamarans from different manufacturers: 

  Nanocat   Saturn Minicat    Sea Eagle Paddleski

10 Best Small Sailboats (Under 20 Feet)

Last Updated by

Daniel Wade

December 28, 2023

Compact, easy to trailer, simple to rig, easy to maintain and manage, and affordable, the best small boats all have one thing in common: they offer loads of fun while out there on the water.

So whether you're on a budget or just looking for something that can offer ultimate daytime rides without compromising on safety, aesthetic sensibilities, alternate propulsion, and speed, the best small sailboats under 20 feet should be the only way to go.

Let's be brutally honest here; not everyone needs a 30-foot sailboat to go sailing. They come with lots of features such as electronics, entertainment, refrigeration, bunks, a galley, and even a head. But do you really need all these features to go sailing? We don't think so.

All you need to go sailing is a hull, a mast, rudder, and, of course, a sail. And whether you refer to them as daysailers, trailerable sailboats , a weekender sailboat, or pocket cruisers, there's no better way to enjoy the thrills of coastal sailing than on small sailboats.

There are a wide range of small boats measuring less than 20 feet available in the market. These are hot products in the market given that they offer immense thrills out on the sea without the commitment required to cruise on a 30-footer. A small sailboat will not only give you the feel of every breeze but will also give you the chance to instantly sense every change in trim.

In this article, we'll highlight 10 best small sailboats under 20 feet . Most models in this list are time-tested, easy to rig, simple to sail, extremely fun, and perfect either for solo sailing or for sailing with friends and family. So if you've been looking for a list of some of the best small sailboats , you've come to the right place.

So without further ado, let's roll on.

Table of contents

{{boat-info="/boats/hunter-15"}}

The Marlow-Hunter 15 is not only easy to own since it's one of the most affordable small sailboats but also lots of fun to sail. This is a safe and versatile sailboat for everyone. Whether you're sailing with your family or as a greenhorn, you'll love the Hunter 15 thanks to its raised boom, high freeboard, and sturdy FRP construction.

With high sides, a comfortable wide beam, a contoured self-bailing cockpit, and fiberglass construction, the Hunter 15 is certainly designed with the novice sailor in mind. This is why you can do a lot with this boat without falling out, breaking it, or capsizing. Its contoured self-baiting cockpit will enable you to find a fast exit while its wide beam will keep it steady and stable no matter what jibes or weight shifts happen along the way.

This is a small sailboat that can hold up to four people. It's designed to give you a confident feeling and peace of mind even when sailing with kids. It's easy to trailer, easy to rig, and easy to launch. With a price tag of about $10k, the Hunter 15 is a fun, affordable, and versatile boat that is perfect for both seasoned sailors and novices. It's a low-maintenance sailboat that can be great for teaching kids a thing or two about sailing.

Catalina 16.5

{{boat-info="/boats/catalina-16-5"}}

Catalina Yachts are synonymous with bigger boats but they have some great and smaller boats too such as Catalina 16.5. This is one of the best small sailboats that are ideal for family outings given that it has a big and roomy cockpit, as well as a large storage locker. Designed with a hand-laminated fiberglass sloop, the Catalina 16.5 is versatile and is available in two designs: the centerboard model and the keel model.

The centerboard model is designed with a powerful sailplane that remains balanced as a result of the fiberglass centerboard, the stable hull form, and the rudder. It also comes with a tiller extension, adjustable hiking straps, and adjustable overhaul. It's important to note that these are standard equipment in the two models.

As far as the keel model is concerned, this is designed with a high aspect keel as the cast lead and is attached with stainless steel keel bolts, which makes this model perfect for mooring or docking whenever it's not in use. In essence, the centerboard model is perfect if you'll store it in a trailer while the keel model can remain at the dock.

All in all, the Catalina 16.5 is one of the best small sailboats that you can get your hands on for as low as $10,000. This is certainly a great example of exactly what a daysailer should be.

{{boat-info="/boats/hobie-16"}}

There's no list of small, trailerable, and fun sailboats that can be complete without the inclusion of the classic Hobie 16. This is a durable design that has been around and diligently graced various waters across the globe since its debut way back in 1969 in Southern California. In addition to being durable, the Hobie 16 is trailerable, great for speed, weighs only 320 pounds, great for four people, and more importantly, offers absolute fun.

With a remarkable figure of over 100,000 launched since its debut, it's easy to see that the Hobie 16 is highly popular. Part of this popularity comes from its asymmetric fiberglass-and-foam sandwiched hulls that include kick-up rudders. This is a great feature that allows it to sail up to the beach.

For about $12,000, the Hobie 16 will provide you with endless fun throughout the summer. It's equipped with a spinnaker, trailer, and douse kit. This is a high-speed sailboat that has a large trampoline to offer lots of space not just for your feet but also to hand off the double trapezes.

Montgomery 17

{{boat-info="/boats/montgomery-17"}}

Popularly known as the M-17, The Montgomery 17 was designed by Lyle C. Hess in conjunction with Jerry Montgomery in Ontario, California for Montgomery Boats. Designed either with keel or centerboard models, the M-17 is more stable than most boats of her size. This boat is small enough to be trailered but also capable of doing moderate offshore passages.

This small sailboat is designed with a masthead and toe rail that can fit most foresails. It also has enough space for two thanks to its cuddly cabin, which offers a sitting headroom, a portable toilet, a pair of bunks, a DC power, and optional shore, and a proper amount of storage. That's not all; you can easily raise the deck-stepped mast using a four-part tackle.

In terms of performance, the M-17 is one of the giant-killers out there. This is a small sailboat that will excel in the extremes and make its way past larger boats such as the Catalina 22. It glides along beautifully and is a dog in light air, though it won't sail against a 25-knot wind, which can be frustrating. Other than that, the Montgomery 17 is a great small sailboat that can be yours for about $14,000.

Norseboat 17.5

{{boat-info="/boats/norseboat-17-5"}}

As a versatile daysailer, Norseboat 17.5 follows a simple concept of seaworthiness and high-performance. This small sailboat perfectly combines both contemporary construction and traditional aesthetics. Imagine a sailboat that calls itself the "Swiss Army Knife of Boats!" Well, this is a boat that can sail and row equally well.

Whether you're stepping down from a larger cruiser or stepping up from a sea kayak, the unique Norseboat 17.5 is balanced, attractive, and salty. It has curvaceous wishbone gaff, it is saucy, and has a stubby bow-sprit that makes it attractive to the eyes. In addition to her beauty, the Norseboat 17.5 offers an energy-pinching challenge, is self-sufficient, and offers more than what you're used to.

This is a small, lightweight, low-maintenance sailboat that offers a ticket to both sailing and rowing adventures all at the same time. At about 400 pounds, it's very portable and highly convenient. Its mainsails may look small but you'll be surprised at how the boat is responsive to it. With a $12,500 price tag, this is a good small sailboat that offers you the versatility to either row or sail.

{{boat-info="/boats/sage-marine-sage-17"}}

If you've been looking for a pocket cruiser that inspires confidence, especially in shoal water, look no further than the Sage 17. Designed by Jerry Montgomery in 2009, the Sage 17 is stable and should heel to 10 degrees while stiffening up. And because you want to feel secure while sailing, stability is an integral feature of the Sage 17.

This is a sailboat that will remain solid and stable no matter which part of the boat you stand on. Its cabin roof and the balsa-cored carbon-fiber deck are so strong that the mast doesn't require any form of compression post. The self-draining cockpit is long enough and capable of sleeping at 6 feet 6 inches.

The Sage 17 may be expensive at $25k but is a true sea warrior that's worth look at. This is a boat that will not only serve you right but will also turn heads at the marina.    

{{boat-info="/boats/laserperformance-laser-sb3"}}

Having been chosen as the overall boat of the year for 2008 by the Sailing World Magazine, the Laser SB3 is one of the coolest boats you'll ever encounter. When sailing upwind, this boat will lock into the groove while its absolute simplicity is legendary. In terms of downwind sailing, having this boat will be a dream come true while it remains incredibly stable even at extraordinary speed.

Since its debut in 2004, the Laser SB3 has surged in terms of popularity thanks to the fact that it's designed to put all the controls at your fingertips. In addition to a lightweight mast, its T- bulb keel can be hauled and launched painlessly. For about $18,000, the Laser SB3 ushers you into the world of sports sailing and what it feels to own and use a sports boat.

{{boat-info="/boats/fareast-18"}}

As a manufacturer, Fareast is a Chinese boat manufacturer that has been around for less than two decades. But even with that, the Fareast 18 remains a very capable cruiser-racer that will take your sailing to the next level. In addition to its good looks, this boat comes with a retractable keel with ballast bulb, a powerful rig, and an enclosed cabin.

Its narrow design with a closed stern may be rare in sailboats of this size, but that's not a problem for the Fareast 18. This design not only emphasizes speed but also makes it a lot easier to maintain this boat. Perfect for about 6 people, this boat punches above its weight. It's, however, designed to be rigged and launched by one person.

This is a relatively affordable boat. It's agile, safe, well-thought-out, well built, and very sporty.

{{boat-info="/boats/chuck-paine-paine-14"}}

If you're in the market looking for a small sailboat that offers contemporary performance with classic beauty, the Paine 14 should be your ideal option. Named after its famous designer, Chuck Paine, this boat is intentionally designed after the classic Herreshoff 12.5 both in terms of dimensions and features.

This is a lightweight design that brings forth modern fin keel and spade rudder, which makes it agile, stable, and faster. The Paine 14 is built using cold-molded wood or west epoxy. It has varnished gunnels and transoms to give it an old-time charm. To make it somehow modern, this boat is designed with a carbon mast and a modern way to attach sails so that it's ready to sail in minutes.

You can rest easy knowing that the Paine 14 will not only serve you well but will turn heads while out there.

{{boat-info="/boats/wd-schock-lido-14"}}

Many sailors will attest that their first sailing outing was in a Lido 14. This is a classic sailboat that has been around for over four decades and still proves to be a perfect match to modern small boats, especially for those still learning the ropes of sailing.

With seating for six people, the Lido 14 can be perfect for solo sailing , single-handed sailing, or if you're planning for shorthanded sailing. While new Lido 14 boats are no longer available, go for a functional used Lido 14 and you'll never regret this decision. It will serve you well and your kids will probably fall in love with sailing if Lido 14 becomes their main vessel during weekends or long summer holidays.

Bottom Line

There you have it; these are some of the best small sailboats you can go for. While there are endless small sailboats in the market, the above-described sailboat will serve you right and make you enjoy the wind.

Choose the perfect sailboat, invest in it, and go out there and have some good fun!

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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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CraigCat E2 Elite

Since 1990 the patented CraigCat horizontal Catamaran is unique in form and function. Super high quality and made of only the finest materials available, and built in Orlando Florida. This state of art craft not only appeals to all ages, men and women alike, but defies the world of regular boats and personal watercraft. CraigCats are super stable, comfortable side-by-side seating, unsinkable and have an amazingly dry ride even in rougher conditions. Low maintenance and easy to use, all in a compact powerboat that you can tow with practically anything. Freshwater or saltwater, fishing or cruising, the CraigCat will amaze you! Discover the CraigCat difference for yourself, test drive one today!

Features With amenities that no other small boat on the planet has to offer! Convertible bimini top, full remote (steering, shifting and throttle), electric key start, electric engine tilt, custom deluxe bucket seats, twin docking lights, NAV lights, LED position light, LED courtesy deck light, high performance JBL saltwater rated AM/FM/USB/ Bluetooth sound system with twin HD 2-way waterproof marine speakers, fishing rod holders (4), custom composite full-width storage compartment, polished stainless steel beverage holders, splash-off and cooler.

E2 Elite Fully loaded (white and blue) Tohatsu 30HP – $13,985 | 25HP – $13,785, Mercury 30HP – $14,985

E2 Elite Fully Loaded Gulf Stream Edition (seafoam and white) Tohatsu 30HP – $14,484 | 25 – $14,284, Mercury 30HP – $15,484

E2 Elite Fully Loaded Tahitian (tan and beige) Tohatsu 30HP – $14,384 | 25HP – $14,184, Mercury 30HP – $15,384

E2 Elite Fully Loaded Key West Edition (yellow and red) Tohatsu 30HP – $14,384 | 25HP – $14,184, Mercury 30HP – $15,384

Custom Ez Loader trailer – $1,488

Specifications Speed: Up to 30 mph Length: 11’4”. On the trailer15’. Width: 5’5”. On the trailer 6’. Draft: (Engine full down) 13”, (Engine up) 3” Average full consumption: 1 gallon per hour. 6 gallon capacity. Weight: 550 LBS. On the trailer 800LBS. Rated Capacity: 250 LBS per seat, 600LBS total Power: Mercury, Tohatsu 30hp

E2 Elite model build sheet with prices. Click here to download.

Available in these styles: Click the bars below to see photos. Click on photos to enlarge.

E2 Elite - Click for Photos

E2 Gulf Stream - Click for Photos

E2 Tahitian - Click for Photos

E2 Key West - CLICK for PHOTOS

e2 CAMO - CLICK FOR PHOTOS

$975 / Exclusive Package Add-On

Exclusive Package- CLICK FOR DETAILS

Exclusive package.

CraigCat has taken cool to a whole new level! Introducing the Exclusive Package where high tech meets luxury. The Exclusive Package features high intensity LED NAV lights with a polished stainless steel finish, LED courtesy deck light, QUAD (4) super high intensity forward facing LED docking lights with port and starboard facing LED docking lights, top-of-the-line Infinity sound system – 3.5” color LCD display AM/FM/USB/Bluetooth/weather-band, additional HD rail mounted 2-way Kicker speakers (total of 8 speaker system), and custom exclusive badging.

• Upgrade any E2 Elite or Catch-it model with the exclusive series package: $975

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MINICAT GUPPY

DINGHY SAILBOAT

• 3-piece flexible composite mast
• No anchoring lines
• Main sail 4.5 m2 from Dacron (no boom)
• Aluminium ‘spine’ powder-coated frame permanently attached to trampoline
• Grey floats pre-fixed to the main frame
• Trampoline 1600x450mm with colored design, fixed with special grab-handles
• Short black keel fins, same fixing as on all other models
• No stainless-steel ropes beneath the trampoline
• Single design, single colour-scheme
• Floats fitted with stainless rings to fasten the additional front trampoline or the line when anchoring the boat

The size is based on our very popular 310 model, but with GUPPY,   it is all about the simplicity and speed of assembly .   With the uniquely developed design of floats pre-fixed to the frame, the set-up takes just 10 minutes from start to finish. GUPPY is also exceptionally light (just 27kg), and with grab handles on the trampoline, manipulation is easy, especially for children.

The main feature of the MiniCat GUPPY is the flexible composite mast, which is fixed simply in the frame without lines. This makes the boat much safer in strong winds, as the mast flexes and prevents the sailor from easily capsizing.

The excellent design of the sail and the lack of a jib ensure that this highly portable, lightweight dinghy sailboat appeals, especially to first-time young sailors who want to learn sailing techniques, have fun, and experience some adrenaline rushes. GUPPY is also perfect as a fun accessory for your yacht.

Because Guppy is mainly intended for young and young-at-heart ‘Guppy sailors’, it was critical that the construction of the entire boat was simple, intuitive and fast. Therefore, the Guppy has a completely new technical solution in the design to meet these requirements. The result is a record low weight and speed of assembly, creating a new class of portable sail boat.

FRAME & DECK

The main element of the Guppy frame is the back-bone centre frame of light-weight aluminium which is fastened by pins to the cross-section part of the floats. They are permanently attached to the floats and define their position. The trampoline is produced from high-strength woven plastic fabric and is permanently attached to the floats for speed of assembly.

The trampoline fabric sections fill the frame and are tightly secured by a threaded line. As the trampoline is taut and the frame is tight there is no need for any additional fixings.

To the rear of the frame the rudder is mounted. All parts of the frame are made of aluminum and are powder coated.

The Guppy is equipped with two inflatable floats 3.0 m in length and 39 cm diameter. The floats are made of reinforced Heytex 5509, highly resistant it abrasion and very hard wearing. This material is produced in Germany and production technology was adopted from the production of white-water rafts. The floats are single-chamber with a combined load capacity of 235 kg.

Both floats are fitted with three grab-handles for easy handling of the boat in and out of the water. Permanently affixed to the floats is a trampoline.

To fully enjoy sailing your Guppy you must confidently control your boat. It is imperative to minimize ‘side-sail’, especially when sailing against the wind. To achieve this detachable keel fins were designed from UV stabilised polypropylene to attach under each float. Their design and shape gives excellent performance yet still allows the boat to be sailed in very shallow water without the risk of damage. The principle of the keel fins runs across the range of MiniCat models and is a key factor in the handling characteristics of MiniCat.

The new GUPPY is featuring 3-piece flexible composite mast slotted together with no anchoring lines. The length of the assembled mast is 4,15 m. This construction ensures high flexibility and strength for ultimate safety, performance and enjoyment.

Guppy is equipped with a single sail, without a boom for easy use. The total area of the sail is 4.5 m2. The sail material ‘Dimension Polyant ‘ is used with a surface density of 175-210g/m. The sail is ‘ all-spire ‘ construction, i.e. without a yardarm. The sail also has a window to ensure better visibility while sailing.

Guppy has an aluminium rudder attached to the centre of the frame. The design of the rudder allows it to be raised at a 90 degree angle, sat at the shore or in very shallow water there is no danger of damage. The rudder can be locked in both positions, raised or lowered. Thanks to the locking device the rudder can be easily arranged at the helm in two extreme positions. A tiller extension increases comfort and convenience while sailing. The tiller arm is jointed allowing full 360 degree movement.

Fittings from the companies Ronstan, Seasure, Clamcleat and Suchomel are used throughout the MiniCat range of models.

All spare parts and accessories are available. See our SPARE PARTS & ACCESSORIES CATALOGUE

As with the entire range of MiniCat models Guppy is designed and manufactured with love in the EU

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Founded in 2015, Red Beard Sailing started the craze of portable and inflatable sailboats in the USA. Talk to Red Beard himself and get real personalized advice on which boat is best for you! Email ([email protected]) or call (410-705-5026) get started today!

Owning a traditional sailboat can be hard work! Between maintenance and repairs who has the time to spare to actually go sailing? Portable & Inflatable sailboats eliminate the headaches of boat ownership, making it easy to get out on the water!

No trailer means you can take your sailboat with you anywhere!

Portable Sailboats cost less than comparable hard hulled boats!

Inflatable boats tend to bounce instead of break. Fewer bruises mean fewer repairs which ultimately means more time on the water!

A boat that is easy to use will get used more often. Enjoy sailing more with an easy to use portable boat!

Small pack-down sizes mean you can store your boat safely anywhere!

Shop Portable Sailboats

Xcat multi-sport catamaran boat.

Sail, Row, Motor The XCAT Does It All

Starting at $6500.

The XCAT Multi-Sport Catamaran can sail, it can row, it can motor. It does all of this while only taking 15 minutes to assemble and without the need for a trailer to transport! Easily transported on the roof of your car or in the bed of a pickup truck, the XCAT is the world's most portable non-inflatable sailboat! Built for speed and safety, the XCAT can handle high wind days just as easily as light wind days!

MiniCat Inflatable Catamaran Sailboats

The Sailboat That Fits In Your Car!

Starting at $4500.

MiniCat Boats are the most complete, well thought out inflatable boats on the market. No other inflatable boat manufacturer offers a comparable selection of boat models or as wide of a selection of accessories. Compact and affordable, MiniCat inflatable sailboats are the most economical way to spend time on the water! Choose between the MiniCat Guppy , 310 , 420 , and 460 .

Happy Cat Inflatable Catamaran Sailboats

The World's Fastest Inflatable Sailboat

Starting at $9550.

Happy Cat inflatable catamarans are versatile on the water, and can handle anything from high speed races, to all-day family fun. These boats are just as happy sailing at 6 knots as they are at 20 knots! Happy Cat Boats are also constructed from the highest quality materials like eco-friendly rubber hulls instead of plastic, and anodized aluminum frames and mast. These innovative materials and attention to details will ensure your Happy Cat is built to last you many adventures for years to come. Choose between the Happy Cat Neo , Hurricane , and Evolution .

Astus Trimaran Sailboats

Where Speed Meets Economy

Starting at $7700.

Designed by the legendary French design firm, VPLP , the Astus' line of boats offers a very unique path to sailing. Their portable Astus 14.5 fits the bill for solo sailors, but the rest of their range can be enjoyed by the whole family! Keep an eye out for the Astus 20.5 and 22.5 as they are well positioned as economical trimaran speedsters with key features that make owning a trimaran sailboat much more enjoyable!

Shop Inflatable Watercraft

Takacat inflatable boats.

Ultra-Portable Inflatable Dinghy

Starting at $1999.

The Takacat range of inflatable boats range from 8' 6" to 15' 1" in length. Whether you’re looking to explore your favorite fishing spot or take the family out on the open water, Takacat has you covered. The two carrying bags make Takacat compact and easy to transport. Assemble your Takacat in as little as 10 minutes! The quick assembly time will have you on the water in no time at all!

ROWonAIR Portable Rowing Boats

On The Water Rowing Made Portable

Starting at $1685.

ROWonAIR offers the most portable rowing experience in the world!  Their products range from inflatable v-bottom boards optimized for rowing performance to the world's best portable rowing systems ! RowMotion  is perfect for a traditional traditional rowing experience. RowVista  is utilizes advanced engineering to create forward facing rowing. Whichever you choose ROWonAIR delivers an unmatched portable rowing experience.

Grabner Inflatable Kayaks

World Class Inflatable Kayaks

Starting at $2550.

Grabner manufactures the world's best inflatable kayaks , period. Made of recyclable EPDM rubber, these kayaks are both durable and long lasting, with an expected and proven lifetime of 25+ years , as well as the most environmentally friendly inflatable boats in the world! The Grabner kayak range offers kayaks that are capable of class 5 rapids as well as recreational and expedition kayaks that will fit any paddler's needs!

Grabner Inflatable Canoes

The World's Best Inflatable Canoe

Starting at $3300.

Grabner inflatable canoes are legendary  with the Adventure Canoe being the closest thing you can get to a traditional canoe without the extra weight, instability or transport woes!  Whether you are going for a leisurely paddle on the lake or taking on the Alaskan wilderness, a Grabner canoe can take the abuse and make sure you are getting the most out of your time on the water!

ePropulsion Portable Electric Outboard Motors

Electric Propulsion Made Easy & Fun!

ePropulsion motor technology and designs are the result of years of testing a consumer feedback. Whether you are looking to re-power to an electric drive setup or just looking for a lightweight motor for docking that can be removed while sailboat racing, ePropulsion has you covered! The Vaquita motor is a lightweight, compact SUP motor that has been adapted to fit the XCAT and other lightweight sailboats. The Spirit 1.0 is a 3HP equivalent motor that can employ a large battery bank or have a battery directly mounted to the motor for added convenience. This is the most popular motor in the ePropulsion lineup. The Navy and Pod Drive systems are also available for larger and more permanent installations. Please email ([email protected]) or call us (410-705-5026) to quote your next repower project!

As Seen In...

What Our Customers Are Saying...

Row vista - beyond amazing.

Alex, I gotta tell you this. Yesterday I was at Lake Natoma, the home to the Sacramento Aquatic Center, with my Kayak and RowVista kit. What I did not know was that there was a whole bunch of rowing teams practicing. (I later googled and found that they have the PAC 12 happening today, which is a University level competition). The look of amazement and bewilderment that I got from the boys and girls on sculls was amazing. It felt that this was the first time they saw someone row forward which btw is the only way I know, as the first time I rowed was 2 weeks ago. I got smiles, cheers and sometimes envy (side eyes) from over a 100 young people. I thought of going again today but I think I couldn't handle any more attention. The RowVista definitely made me the coolest rower, although not the fastest among these professional athletes. While, I have improved to 4.6 mph (7.4 km/h) over 2 km since I got the kit. Thanks for letting me live this moment, eagerly waiting for the XCAT.

Carbon 420 - The Perfect Cat

We bought a Carbon 420 in Nov 2020, and have sailed it almost every week since then, sometimes twice a week! Alex is great to work with, answers every question, and is extremely knowledgeable. He truly loves the sport! One of the first things we did was intentionally capsize it to see how hard it was to right... Almost too easy! It's super easy for 1 person to right. And the carbon mast is super light and easy to step. So glad we got the carbon version! We find that it is highly stable, but very nimble. And it can really fly! We love that combination. It's fun and easy! Some accessories we highly recommend: Flextail pump. Cuts inflation time tremendously. And deflates fast to make storage really easy. Upgraded shackles. Huge difference in knowing they are secure, easy to check, and so easy to turn. Worth it! Front trampoline. Rope ladder. Outboard attachment. Trolley wheels. Because we added weight with an electric motor, we made a telescoping extension that hooks over the trolley axle. Now we launch and retrieve easily even at a ramp. The boat just floats on and off the trolley. Super easy and fast! Overall, we highly recommend the Carbon 420. It's perfect for us. We spend wonderful days on the water, sailing, exploring, snorkeling, and just loving the sound of water against the boat. And we definitely recommend Red Beard Sailing... Alex has the best service and the best prices!

HAPPY CAT EVOLUTION...PERFECT FIT FOR ACTIVE, TRAVELING FAMILY OF 6

Having sailed most of my life I was looking for a cat that did not require a trailer, but was large enough for a family of 6 to go day sailing and over-nighting while providing a level of excitement to keep the kids interested (speed). Other options didn't offer the loading capacity, size, portability, and performance found on the Happy Cat. I purchased our Happy Cat in 2020 and have sailed it with my family at numerous locations around Chesapeake Bay, Maryland, and Lake Ontario. Its portability makes it possible to fit in our RV (I've even had the Happy Cat in our Chrysler minivan along with the whole family-tight, but possible). With two adults on board, flying a hull is easy, non-eventful, and adds exhilaration to a day of sailing. Loaded with my family of 6+gear, the Evolution easily skims across the water at speeds that keep my young kids wanting more! While not the least expensive option, the construction, quality hardware/rigging, ease of sailing, performance, and portability made this a perfect choice for us. Alex assisted in reaching a decision on a boat which was best suited for my needs in a NO pressure manner. After sale support from Alex has been AWESOME! Alex continues to answer questions, provide input, and promptly responds to email, texts, as well as phone calls. Thanks Alex for helping me select the right boat to introduce my four young children to the amazing world of sailing..Oh, by the way, I feel like a kid again when sailing the Happy Cat!!

STILL LOVING MY 420 AFTER FOUR YEARS OF SAILING

So happy with this purchase four seasons in. It’s a serious boat with all the lines and controls exactly where you want them. The light weight makes it easy to go in the lightest wind, and the rugged engineering feels solid even when it’s up on one pontoon in 20 knots. One person can easily get it righted if you manage to flip it (which doesn’t happen often). Alex has provided great service the whole way. I haven’t needed much, but he is responsive and knowledgeable. I have patched a pontoon, gotten some rigging replicated at West Marine, and attached a trolling motor to tool around when there’s no wind. All of that has been easy enough, and I see years of great sailing ahead of me in my Minicat 420. Can’t say enough positive things about the boat and Red Beard.

We purchased our RowVista X-Cat in 2016 and could not be happier with it. Superior engineering and construction. Red beard Sailing and Alex specifically are the best in the business to work with. Five stars in every category.

Awesome Cat!

Got our 420 (LD Edition) from Alex at Redbeard this past summer (2017) and love the boat. I have owned and raced A-Class catamarans and while this is understandably no A-Cat, it is an awesome little boat that is a blast to sail! We live aboard our cruising catamaran, JADE, and wanted a portable sailing dinghy to mess around with while anchored in various places. Alex has been a great source, from the original set up and demo of the boat, through the purchase, delivery, inventory and follow up. The boat is very simple to set up (and actually fun to construct) and is lightweight enough to sling over the side with our big boat's spinnaker halyard, so we can set everything up on the trampoline of JADE and then launch and go. The roller furling jib is a great feature that really makes getting underway and docking very easy. My wife and I can sail it together, comfortably, as there is plenty of room on the tramp and hulls. I sailed the other day, solo, pacing a friend on his roto-molded beach cat and kept up in winds that were just shy of 15kts. It comes apart very easily and stows in two heavy vinyl zippered bags which we stow internally in JADE. Because this is a boat that sails really well AND is collapsable and easy to assemble and disassemble, it was the right choice for us. Can't wait to get out and sail it some more!

An Inflatable Dinghy That You Can Row!

I had a small Mercury inflatable for about 10 years, and when I went looking for a replacement, I needed something a little larger and--I hoped--a boat I could row. We usually row out to our moorings on the midcoast of Maine and rarely use an outboard either on the dinghy or the sailboats. The design of the Takacat 260 Sport offered less wetted surface to push through the water and more space for people and gear. The high-pressure inflatable floor was an added bonus: soft and sure under foot and quick to dry, not to mention the convenience of having any rainwater settle below the floor and drain readily from the stern when the bow is lifted. This is our second season, and the "Left Behind" is working out beautifully. We frequently carry an oarsman, two passengers and an 80-pound Golden Retriever, although the boat certainly handles better with a lighter load. Alex handled the delivery from New Zealand to Maryland to Maine without a hitch.

STILL WONDERFUL AFTER 3 YEARS

This thing is a little rocket. This is my Third year with the X-cat. I still love it. I also have a 30 foot keelboat, but I take the X-cat out a lot. The X-cat is stable & well designed. I just took it out in worsening weather (against my better judgement). Very choppy conditions and accelerating winds with some light rains. I was sure I would pitch-pole but did it just would not happen. I also stayed pretty dry which was a big surprise. The motor is also wonderful for leaving against the tide. We’re still happy with it.

A DREAM TURNED INTO A REALITY

For a long time I have dreamed to own a sailboat, but don't have the space to have a towable one. Storage and transport were major concerns since I live an hour and a half from the nearest sailable lake. I learned about Minicat and was completely amazed about its features. Alex did a good job taking me and my family for a demo sail and the deal was closed the same day. Now we own a 420 emotion and it is our dream turned into reality. For novices like us, it took just a couple of hours on the water to learn by ourselves how to take the boat to where we want to go, it is very stable, fun and easy to sail. The service at Red Beard Sailing is not limited to the sale, we know we can count on them for whatever we need, five stars for sure!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Red Beard Sailing was the first North American portable boat dealer! We started RBS in 2015 with a MiniCat 420 and the demand has just exploded! We have poured every ounce of passion we have into portable boating and the lifestyles that it affords! When you buy from Red Beard Sailing you get a passionate team of sailors that will help you every step of the way. Whether you are looking at one of our portable sailboats or dinghies or just need advice from a seasoned delivery captian we have the experience to help you make the right choice for you!

We are experts in everything we sell. We have walked many customers through the assembly of their boats and even tips on how to improve their on-the-water performance too! Give us a call ( 410-705-5026 ) or email us ( [email protected] ) to have a member of our sails team help walk you through the process! Please also check out our YouTube channel where we are always making new videos to help with those first assembly woes!

The greatest part about portable boats, the ability to take it anywhere, begs the question... "Where can I take it?" Our portable boats can be launched nearly anywhere a kayak can be launched! Here in Baltimore, Maryland, we prefer to launch from the Gunpowder State Park, Hammerman Area . This park has great facilities, including a snack stand and proper bathrooms. The basin is pretty well protected, but large enough for ample wind on most days. In all but a NE wind, the water is flat and calm with little powerboat traffic, which is perfect for fast sailing and smooth paddling. If you are not near us, we recommend looking for State Parks that offer Small Boat Launches. We also have found some great resources through the sea kayaking communities, they typically well document launches and paddling areas similarly to how we discribed the Hammerman launch above.

Many of our boats are in stock, but others must be ordered from their respective factory. East Coast USA In Stock Items - 2-4 days Special Order - 2-3 weeks   Central USA In Stock Items - 2-4 days Special Order - 2-3 weeks West Coast USA In Stock Items - 4-7 days Special Order - 2-3 weeks If you have an urgent need for something or just want to verify the lead time for your purchase, please give us a call ( 410-705-5026 ) or email us ( [email protected] ) for a personalized ETA.

Portable boats have inexpensive and easy to replace parts, so if you are in a situation where you need to purchase a replacement part (or are looking to keep a few spares on hand), give us a call ( 410-705-5026 ) or drop us an email ( [email protected] )!

Depending on what boat you are purchasing and where you live, registration may or may not be required. In Maryland, we are only required to register our boats if they are intended for use with a motor.

The best way to see one of these boats is to visit our warehouse in Baltimore, MD or schedule a demo day on the water for the boat you are interested in. We host demo days where we have many of our boats on the beach ready to try out as well. There is a lively owner's group for all of our brands, we encourage you to join the community either on social media or other sailing forum to meet with other owners that are local to you! Give us a call ( 410-705-5026 ) or drop us a note ( [email protected] ) and we would be happy to point you in the right direction!

Red Beard Sailing is fully staffed with experienced sailors including yacht delivery captains and certified sailing instructors, but we do not offer sailing lessons. We have many local partners that would love to provide these lessons, with many of these options willing to do so on your personal boat!

We take pride in our brands and our work. We will work to make sure you are 100% satisfied with your purchase or we will work with you to return your boat. Unfortunately, the process of simply taking an order does cost us money that we, as merchants, cannot recover. We assess a 15% restocking fee for all cancelled or returned orders to cover our costs.

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