See "availability" note above
Optional Center Seat
We will contact you about shipping cost.
Typically $400 - $1000
Similar to Super Snark, but sail area is 55 square feet for greater speed. Also, Sunflower has a covered foredeck, while Super Snark is completely open. Length 11 feet. Beam 3' 6". Weight 65 lbs.
Not Available this year.
send us an email to be notified when they are:
We will contact you about shipping cost.
Typically $400-$800
More sail area (70 sq ft), with a separate jib and mainsail. More carrying capacity - 3 people, 475 lbs. Still very light weight and car-toppable at 55 lbs.
Note: Sometimes there are long wait times for this boat so give us a call if you want info on current availability.
Not available this year. You can send us an email to be notified when they are in some future year.
The Sunchaser I has a 72-square-foot lateen sail. The lateen sail's advantage is that it is very easy to use, very easy to rig, and very easy to raise and lower. With just one sail to handle, it's very easy to sail.
Comfortable seating space for 4 adults.
Not available this year. You can send us an email to be notified when they are in some future year.
For those who want more speed, the fun of handling 2 sails, and don't mind the extra steps involved in setting up a sloop rig.
*Snark Boat Terms: Not returnable. Defects covered by manufacturer's warranty. Delivery dates are estimates only. Do not sign for your boat until you have determined there is no shipping damage. Refuse delivery if damaged
Sail Swap! Only at SailboatsToGo: Visit our Sail Swap page to select your sail if you want to when buying a boat. Or, for additional cost, y ou can upgrade to a white dacron sail or one of our premium Neil Pryde sails . Sail swap and white dacron upgrade offers apply only to new purchases of Super Snark or Sunflower from SailboatsToGo. .
“Snarks are so simple and fun to sail, but teach us worlds about working boat and wind together. I will admit, however, my favorite thing about the Snark is that I can decide to go for a sail on a lake 10 minutes from my door, and 15 minutes later I'm on the water. It is not a big event to go- so I go often.” John B. (Nov. 2010)
Why you should buy your Super Snark or Sunflower from SailboatsToGo.com: At SailboatsToGo, LLC all customer contct is handled personally by the owners, Jim Luckett and Rob Michael. You know you will get good advice, accurate information and expert service, because Jim and Rob are sailing enthusiasts, first and foremost. "Portable sailboats are my passion!" -- Jim Luckett
. Substitute the standard sail for one from sailmaker Neil Pryde. Four color schemes to choose from. | |
. Substitute our white dacron sail for the standard sail that comes with your Snark. | |
. To reduce the risk of capsizing. | |
. With telescoping extension to make it even easier to get your Snark on and off your car roof. | |
. Converts your sunflower or Super Snark to a rowing shell! | |
. Lightweight folding hand trailer. Comes apart and folds compactly in less than a minute! |
|
Bag for car topping and storing the sail and all the poles (mast, boom and top spar) for Super Snark, Sunflower, Sea Skimmer. | |
for More Headroom under the Boom Slip this on top of your Super Snark mast and get 6 inches more headroom under the boom! Also see for same or greater mast height increase. | . or . |
for Sunflower, Super Snark or Sea Skimmer to protect hull from destructive UV rays and keep it clean. | Includes built-in red flag for going down the road and the flag is also a bag for self-storage of the cover.
|
Optional Center Seat for Sunflower: | |
Optional Splash Deck for Super Snark
|
Snark Sailboat History
Best Small Cruising Sailboats
Last Updated by
Jacob Collier
February 20, 2024
Key Takeaways
If you want to navigate the seas without breaking the bank, you do need the best budget small cruiser sailboats, perfect for both novices and seasoned sailors.
The best budget small cruiser sailboats include the Catalina 22 for its versatility, Hunter 27 for durability, Beneteau First 20 for performance, West Wight Potter 19 for compactness, Compac Sun Cat for ease of use, MacGregor 26 for adaptability, and Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 349 for comfort and style.
As a seasoned sailor with years of navigating diverse waters, I've had the privilege of steering through the world's most enchanting seas. Sharing insights from firsthand experiences, I offer guidance that's not just based on facts but seasoned with real-life adventures. Together, we'll uncover the secrets to mastering the waves, ensuring you're well-equipped for your nautical journeys.
Table of contents
Embarking on the quest for the ideal budget-friendly cruiser sailboat might feel like navigating through a maze of countless options, but pinpointing the right vessel is key to setting sail without capsizing your finances.
You don't need a treasure chest to enjoy the freedom of the open water; with an array of compact cruisers on the market, there's a vessel suited for every sailor's needs that balances affordability, comfort, and performance.
Understanding the unique characteristics of these budget-friendly cruisers is the compass that will help guide you in making an informed choice. It’s not solely about affordability; it's about finding a sailboat that can offer you that quintessential sailing fun.
Here's a comparison of the key features of the best budget small cruiser sailboats:
Model | Length | Beam | Draft | Displacement | Sail Area | Price Range |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
22 ft | 8 ft | 2 ft - 5 ft | 2,490 lbs | 229 sq ft | $15,000 - $25,000 | |
27 ft | 9 ft 11 in | 3 ft 5 in | 7,500 lbs | 321.25 sq ft | $20,000 - $50,000 | |
20 ft | 8 ft 2 in | 2 ft 4 in - 5 ft 11 in | 2,535 lbs | 269 sq ft | $35,000 - $60,000 | |
19 ft | 7 ft 6 in | 1 ft 6 in - 3 ft | 1,225 lbs | 136 sq ft | $10,000 - $25,000 |
Compac Sun Cat | 17 ft 4 in | 7 ft 3 in | 1 ft 2 in | 1,500 lbs | 150 sq ft | $15,000 - $25,000 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
MacGregor 26 | 26 ft | 7 ft 9 in | 1 ft - 5 ft 9 in | 2,255 lbs | 235 sq ft | $10,000 - $30,000 |
Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 349 | 34 ft 5 in | 11 ft 3 in | 4 ft 10 in | 11,773 lbs | 613 sq ft | $150,000 - $200,000 |
{{boat-info="/boats/catalina-22"}}
If you're diving into the world of sailing with a keen eye on budget and size, the Catalina 22 checks many boxes. As a small cruiser that balances comfort, versatility, and affordability, it is considered a classic staple in the sailing community.
The Catalina 22 sails with grace. Its fiberglass hull and well-designed keel offer stability and smooth handling, making it an ideal sailboat for beginners and seasoned sailors alike. You'll find it quick to maneuver and responsive at the helm, qualities that bolster your sailing confidence.
With features like a spacious cockpit, a cozy cabin, and a pop-top galley for extra headroom, the Catalina 22 elevates the compact cruising experience. Its versatility shines, serving both as a casual day sailor and a capable pocket cruiser for overnight adventures.
In its modern iterations, significant updates include an enhanced rigging system and improved sail controls. These upgrades bring the Catalina 22 in line with contemporary sailing standards while preserving its timeless appeal.
The Catalina 22 is an excellent choice for you if you're a beginner eager to learn, a sailor on a budget, or a small family looking to create lasting memories on the water.
Ready to make the Catalina 22 yours? You'll find it available through official Catalina dealers and respected used boat marketplaces.
{{boat-info="/boats/hunter-27"}}
When you're out on the market for a blend of affordability and reliable performance in a small cruiser sailboat, the Hunter 27 stands out. It’s specifically designed for those with a passion for sailing but have a tight grip on their budget.
The Hunter 27 promises an admirable balance of comfort and speed, ensuring your sailing experience is both enjoyable and efficient. With a modern underbody and an easy-to-manage sail plan, you'll find this boat to be responsive and stable, whether you're cruising along the coastline or venturing out a little further.
What really makes the Hunter 27 a gem in the pocket cruisers category is its ingenious use of space. Boasting a spacious cockpit to keep your crew comfortable, this model ensures fun on the water doesn't mean a compromise on space or safety. Its fiberglass construction adds to its sturdy reputation.
Recent iterations of the Hunter 27 incorporate more modern gear and amenities, upgrading not just the sailing performance but the overall comfort on board. These updates draw a clear line in the sand, separating the Hunter from its competitors.
If you're a family or a small group looking to dip your toes into sailing without splashing out on a luxury yacht, the Hunter 27 could be the vessel for you. It’s also an excellent choice for those seeking a trailerable boat that doesn’t skimp on the liveaboard experience.
To secure a Hunter 27, reach out to authorized dealers or check the listings on sailing community forums. For the latest models, visiting the official Hunter Marine website provides you with all the updated information and contact details you need to purchase the boat.
{{boat-info="/boats/beneteau-first-20"}}
When you're out to conquer the waves without breaking the bank, the Beneteau First 20 emerges as a staunch ally. This sailboat marries high performance with affordability, embodying the spirit of adventure for both new sailors and seasoned veterans craving a smaller, more manageable vessel.
For a boat its size, the Beneteau First 20 is notoriously agile and quick on the water. With every design tweak aimed at enhancing speed, she doesn't compromise on stability, making it a delightful daysailer or an enthusiastic entry-level racer.
The Beneteau First 20 stands out for its modern design and equipment, offering you comfort and safety in a compact vessel. This sailboat blends the thrill of sailing with the ease of handling, ensuring you get maximum enjoyment whether you're solo or with family.
More aggressive, stylish look and improved balance between performance and habitability
The Beneteau First 20 is the perfect buy for beginners eager to learn and for those downsizing from a larger boat but not willing to give up on zest and performance.
If you want this boat, seek out Beneteau dealers through its official website or charter services for purchasing or experiencing the First 20.
{{boat-info="/boats/west-wight-potter-19"}}
The West Wight Potter 19 is acclaimed for its compact design and remarkable capabilities as a cruiser sailboat. Perfect for you whether you're an expert sailor or just starting out, it combines ease of handling with the comfort essential for the best small cruising sailboats.
This compact cruiser is remarkable for its stability and handling in various conditions. Its speed is competitive for a sailboat its size, ensuring you have a lively time on the water.
Versatility and ease of transport are hallmarks of the West Wight Potter 19. As a trailerable sailboat, it promises adventure without the constraint of a single body of water.
Recent models have introduced modern equipment and upgrades in the galley and cockpit for improved comfort and convenience, ensuring a blend of traditional and contemporary needs.
If you're a sailing enthusiast in need of a traileable, versatile, and affordable sailboat, the Potter 19 is meant for you. It's ideal for both solo excursions and family adventures.
The best place to purchase a West Wight Potter 19 is through reputable boat dealers like YatchHub . Always ensure you are dealing with an authentic, trusted seller.
Recently, the Com-Pac Sun Cat has received attention for its balance between cost-efficiency and uncompromised sailing performance, perfect for those on a budget.
Let's talk about how the Sun Cat sails. Generally considered lively for a compact cruiser, it harnesses light winds with ease and delivers a stable ride in choppier conditions. Its relatively wide beam contributes to its stability, and with no spreaders to worry about, setup and takedown times are significantly reduced.
The Sun Cat's design emphasizes simplicity and functionality, targeting both the novice sailor and the seasoned mariner looking for hassle-free sailing adventures. This boat's ease of trailering adds to its appeal, especially for those looking to explore a variety of sailing environments without the constraints of a mooring.
Recent models of the Sun Cat have seen enhancements in their cabin comfort and rigging efficiency, ensuring they stay competitive and appealing to sailors. Existing owners can often retrofit these improvements, demonstrating the manufacturer's commitment to the model's longevity.
If you're a day sailor or weekend cruiser, the Com-Pac Sun Cat aligns with your lifestyle. Its setup is intuitive, making it a solid choice for beginners, while its performance and charm won't disappoint seasoned sailors.
The best place to buy a new or used Sun Cat is directly from Com-Pac Yachts or a licensed dealer.
{{boat-info="/boats/macgregor-26"}}
When you're scouring the market for a trusty and affordable cruiser sailboat, the MacGregor 26 stands out as a remarkably versatile option. It merges sailing fun with budget-friendliness.
Let's talk about what it feels like to skipper a MacGregor 26. With its sails catching the wind, you'll experience a balance of stability and responsiveness.
Why pick the MacGregor 26, you ask? Here's the scoop. It's truly one of a kind.
Keen on knowing the latest? The newer models of the MacGregor 26 have significant improvements aimed at enhancing your sailing experience.
You're probably wondering if the MacGregor 26 is the right fit for you.
Interested in making a MacGregor 26 yours? You can purchase directly from an authorized MacGregor sailing dealership .
The Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 349 is a small cruiser that delivers big on both comfort and performance. It is designed to be an affordable option for sailors who seek a compact boat without sacrificing the amenities typically found on larger vessels.
Dimensions & Measurements:
The Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 349 boasts a plumb bow and hard chine that starts before the boat's maximum beam—features that enhance stability and speed. Its twin rudders ensure responsive handling, making it a joy to sail in various wind conditions.
What really makes this sailboat stand out is its perfect balance between size, performance, and comfort. With innovative design features such as a long waterline and wide beam, you get a quick, seaworthy boat that doesn't skimp on living space.
In recent iterations, Jeanneau has emphasized easy handling, with features like twin rudders and a simplified sail plan. These updates cater to both seasoned sailors and newcomers eager to take their first bluewater cruise.
If you're a solo sailor or a small family looking to adventure without the need for a crew, the Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 349 could be your ideal cruiser. It's built for those who love to sail and want a boat that's as easy to manage as it is inviting.
When it comes to purchasing a Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 349, your best bet is to visit an authorized Jeanneau dealer through their official website .
In our quest for the perfect blend of adventure and value in small cruiser sailboats, there's an often-overlooked aspect that's gaining momentum: sustainability. As sailors, our connection to the sea is profound, and it's only natural we play our part in preserving its beauty.
Picking out the perfect small cruiser sailboat on a budget comes with several questions. We've gathered the most common inquiries to help you make an informed decision whether you're just starting out, planning solo voyages, or looking for value without sacrificing quality.
Starting your sailing journey can be thrilling. Look for a pocket cruiser that promises ease of handling, reliability, and comfort. Stability should be top of your list to ensure confidence as you learn. A well-designed cockpit with user-friendly controls makes it easier to master sailing basics.
For those who dream of sailing solo, the Ranger 26 is a great choice. Boats built for single-handing should have accessible rigging, autopilots, and robust safety features. The Beneteau First 28 is another vessel that combines performance with single-handed functionality.
Striking a balance between affordability and quality can be tricky, but not impossible. One approach is to seek out models known for retaining their value. Your search could include the Nonsuch 30 , which offers considerable space and durability within this size range.
Related Articles
What Is A Cruising Sailboat?
5 Best Cruising Sailboats In 2024
Born into a family of sailing enthusiasts, words like “ballast” and “jibing” were often a part of dinner conversations. These days Jacob sails a Hallberg-Rassy 44, having covered almost 6000 NM. While he’s made several voyages, his favorite one is the trip from California to Hawaii as it was his first fully independent voyage.
by this author
Best Sailboats
Daniel Wade
September 13, 2023
December 28, 2023
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It’s a sunny day, and you want to take a spin around the harbor. What better way to do that than launching a daysailer?
These sailboats are traditionally smaller than a cruise ship or yacht, but considerably bigger than kayaks , catamarans, inflatable dinghies , and other smaller boats. Owning an open sailboat shouldn’t cost you an arm and a leg, but expect to spend some top dollar.
Here are 8 best daysailers that are 21 feet or under.
Let’s kick things off with the Catalina 16.5 sailboat. It might come as a surprise to find a Catalina boat listed among the best daysailers under 20 feet because the name is more known for bigger cruiser yachts. But there are a whole lot of small boats built by Catalina, too.
The Catalina 16.5 is one of the most versatile hand-laminated fiberglass sloops from this designer and can be purchased with the option of a 4-feet 5-inch shoal-draft keel or a centerboard that draws 5-inch with the board up.
Consider choosing the lead-keel option if you want to park it on a mooring or at the dock. It is built to remain stable in such conditions. On the flip side, getting the centerboard version is most suitable if you want to store the boat on a trailer.
Catalina builds all their boats with a self-bailing cockpit, and the 16.5 is no different. It comes with a huge self-bailing cockpit. There is a waterproof hatch and a stowage space forward of the boat. The boat also comes with standard hiking straps and a tiller extension if you want to step on to the side deck for some spray in your face and good visibility forward.
You can get out on the water with around ten grand or more. Check out current listings for Catalina 16.5 .
Boats →
Teaching your kids or anyone to sail requires a low-maintenance and very steady boat. This is where the Hunter 15 shines. It is a perfect knockabout sailboat that can take a lot of rough beating without breaking, thanks to its high freeboard and fiberglass construction.
The boat has a wide beam that ensures she’s steady no matter what. Crew-weight shifts or sudden crazy jibes that may happen along the way won’t do a thing to this boat. And even the most fearful and unsteady learner won’t fall out of it. It will take a tremendous effort to capsize this beautiful boat, making it one of the best daysailers any daysailer (or intending daysailer) would want to have.
But stability and durability are not the only pluses for the Hunter 15. It has a self-bailing cockpit that allows any water that gets into the boat to exit quickly. There is room enough to comfortably accommodate up to four people.
Getting a durable and high-performance sailboat that will cruise smoothly on the water is one thing; finding convenient storage is an entirely different ballgame. Thankfully, you don’t have to spend extra cash when it comes to this boat. The sailboat can fit into your garage while sitting on a trailer. And here’s another good thing with Hunter 15; you don’t have to worry about varnishing wood afterward.
But perhaps the best part of the Hunter 15 is that it is a very affordable boat. Although sailboats don’t come cheap, you don’t have to break the bank to own one of the beauties.
Prices for a new one range from around $10k, and you can find used ones for less. Check out the listings of Hunter 15 and other equally excellent models of the Hunter sailboat.
Ready for some painless daysailing? Renowned designer, Chuck Paine, has something classy and beautiful for you. The Paine 14 (obviously named after the designer) is a trailerable sailboat with exceptional performance and purposely styled after the traditional Herresholf 12 1/2 boat, except for its size. Paine 14 is a lot smaller in all aspects, which accounts for its considerable lightness.
It is fitted with a modern spade rudder and fin keel, giving the boat more agility and speed as she sails. And even with a lead-ballast keel almost her total weight, this sweet, small vessel maintains stability at top speed.
But why is a boat with an old-time appeal be listed among the best daysailers? Simple. It is a blend of the classic old and modern performance. Indeed, it is constructed from cold-molded wood with varnished gunnels and transom, but don’t be fooled by that century-old look.
Chuck Paine worked some modern magic into this cute beauty with the inclusion of a carbon mast and an extremely easy way to attach sails to it. Setting up sail is quick and simple, and you can get it done and over with in only a couple of minutes.
The boat can be gaff-rigged, or you can use a Marconi rig. Got a standard car? That’s all you need to trailer this light sailboat, and you are good to go.
Check here for Paine 14 listings .
Chuckpaine →
If you want a sailboat that will get your adrenaline pumping and bring out the competitive sailor in you, perhaps you should take a look at the Laser .
The 13-feet 10-inch Laser boat is not included on the list of the best daysailers for nothing. It is raced both as club races and as an international sailing category, featuring in world-class competitions, including the Olympic sailing championships.
However, you don’t have to take part in a competition to enjoy sailing this boat. And you definitely don’t need it for exercising. The Laser is a great choice even if you simply want to enjoy plain smooth sailing just for fun.
The Laser boat has an incredibly lightweight build with fiberglass and a powerful sail. It is an excellent choice for a single cruiser and works well for two adults, too. Be warned, though. It can easily capsize because it is lightweight, but it will also recover just as fast, too!
The boat is easy to transport, launch, and store, thanks to its kick-up rudder. Laser Performance built this model to have a single sail, two-part mast design, with a daggerboard.
This sailboat is very affordable. Prices start from $7k for new boats, and you can find used ones for far less than that. Check here for Laser boat listings .
You can’t go wrong with a design that has been in existence for over five decades and with more than one hundred thousand boats launched since it debuted in Southern California. The Hobie 16 is a long-lasting design that has stood the test of time and attracts quite a following.
This sailboat weighs only 320 pounds, so it is conveniently trailerable. It has ample room to accommodate a crew of four without straining it. The hulks are built from asymmetric fiberglass sandwich and come with kick-up rudders. This gives you the option of sailing all the way to the beach.
The Hobie 16 is designed to have great speed, thanks to its abundant high-speed gear. But that’s not all. It is also equipped with a spinnaker, a trailer, and a douse kit. The main and jib offer a wide sail area of more than 200 square feet.
Both adults and kids will enjoy having lots of fun in this spacious sailboat, especially in the summer. Little wonder it is one of the very best daysailers available on the market.
The Hobie 16 is a high-performance boat with starting prices for new ones in the $12K range. You can find used ones at a little less. But if you want a simpler, smaller, and more affordable option, take a look at the Hobie Cat Wave . It is not a high-performance design, but it offers loads of fun, too. It comes with roto-molded hulls and fitted with a boomless mainsail. This smaller version costs almost half the price of the 16’s, which is a pretty good bargain.
Looking for one of the best daysailers that will stand out from any crowd? The Norseboat 17.5 might just be the perfect sailboat for you. Dubbed as the “Swiss Army Knife of Boats,” this one-of-a-kind sailboat can be sailed or rowed.
But wouldn’t it take a lot of effort to row this boat? No. Not with the boat’s sheer. The fiberglass hull has lots of sheer – a deliberate and apt design to make rowing easy-breezy. So, even if there’s no wind, you can still have fun rowing while getting some exercise in the process. And if the wind is strong enough, you can relax and let the jib and mainsail do their thing.
The Norseboat 17.5 is the perfect choice for daysailers searching for a high-performance boat that comes with beautiful traditional lines. But even if you are a sea kayaker who is looking to move up, or a cruising sailor seeking to downsize a bit, you’ll find this legendary pedigree to be a good fit for you.
Some of its features include a fully battened mainsail, pivoting carbon mast, shallow draft, furling headsail, and a signature curved headboard. The lightweight boat comes with two rowing stations and performs excellently well, whether wind-powered or rowed. Plus, it has plenty of room to stow stuff.
The boat’s light weight makes transportation easy. All you need is a mid-sized car, and you can easily tow it. Storage is equally hassle-free, as the sailboat can fit into any standard garage.
Check out the current listings for Norseboat 17.5 .
Norseboat →
Traditional daysailers are small sailboats that you can take for a quick spin around the harbor. They lack accommodation primarily because they are not designed for spending the night (it’s even in the name!). But all that has changed over the years, and that distinction is almost non-existent with modern designs such as the Fareast 18 .
The boat is a Simonis Voogd design with incredibly high performance, high speed, low maintenance, and comes at a comparatively affordable price. The mainsail has a fully battened square-top and an asymmetrical spinnaker. This is an excellent choice for buoy racing with enough room for a crew of six to compete.
While you typically will not spend the night in a daysailer, there’s nothing wrong with taking a short break below deck. The boat can comfortably sleep up to three just in case you decide to spend the night on the water.
Fareast 18 design features a foam-core hull/vacuum-infused fiberglass, a carbon-structured contemporary bulb keel, and vacuum-infused foils. This high-tech boat is small enough to be rigged and launched by a single sailor.
Even with only one foot of water, this boat will float with the keel retracted and the rudder off. And it is quite easy to trailer this boat.
Check for the current price of new Fareast 18 boats .
Fareast →
If you are in the market for a top-class daysailer, you might as well take a look at the Saffier Se 33 UD . Hennevanger brothers, the designers, threw in a lot of know-how and investment to bring this dream boat to reality. The production facility shows in the vacuum-infused build and quality finish of the boat.
Saffier has a collection of models that range between 21 feet and 37 feet, with each boat thoroughly tested to ensure seaworthiness. Considering the size of these boats, one will naturally assume they will be difficult to sail. But that’s not the case with these boats. Even the largest models can be sailed single-handedly and quite easily.
The Se 33 UD was launched in 2014 and done a sporty design. It sails smoothly in all weather conditions, thanks to its solid sprayhood. The sailboat features a practical self-draining cockpit to expel any water that gets into the boat. Included in the cockpit are a folding transform and two-meter benches. The boat is spacious enough for a crew of four, and you can even take a quick nap below.
This top-class boat is an excellent choice if you have deep pockets. Starting prices are in the range of $150k for new boats. You can also check out the new Se 27 model if you want something that is serious fun. The new models can clock up to 20 knots.
For more on pricing, you can check out listings on these boats.
With well over a hundred different daysailers on the market, it can be daunting to pick just one. Here’s what to look for when deciding on which open sailboat to buy for yourself or family use.
How a boat behaves when the wind blows up can make it easy or difficult to sail. A lot of modern sailboats are incredibly fast and are great for racing, but can be quite tricky to handle.
You want to look for an open boat that is tamer and stable. This is the perfect choice for a family day sailing boat, especially if you want to encourage kids to learn to sail. Look for a boat that is heavy enough to remain stable regardless of the crew’s acrobatics. It should be easy to rig, launch, and sail, even by a single person.
While it is okay to take proper care of your boat, it is equally important to choose a boat that is easy to maintain. Go for boats with hulls designed to a beating without breaking down. Pay attention to the sails, too. Select one with tough sails that won’t easily blow out of shape after just one season of sailing.
Whether you will be sailing alone or with your family, safety should come first. Pick a boat that can cope with trouble in any condition or weather, and both on rivers or open waters. Look for a sailboat with positive foam floatation. Even if the hull gets filled with water or is punctured, the boat shouldn’t sink.
But because you cannot completely rule out manufacturing errors, even the best daysailers with safety designs can still capsize. However, you should look out for one with a “self-rescue” feature. In other words, choose a boat that rides very high even when it capsizes, so that the weight of her crew will quickly get her to recover without external help.
Safety and stability are great, but that shouldn’t translate to a dull boat. You want a sailboat that provides safety as much as it offers some level of fun and exciting challenge even with your family on board.
Daysailers are typically small sailboats, but they should provide enough room to suit your purpose. Whether you want to sail with your family or a few friends, choose a boat that can comfortably accommodate the entire crew.
While not a requirement, a few modern designs include overnight abilities. Consider choosing these types if you spend a lot of time in the open water, even if you are primarily using an open daysailer. You never know when you will be tempted to spend the night cruising in the open water.
Outdoors, I’m in my element, especially in the water. I know the importance of being geared up for anything. I do the deep digital dive, researching gear, boats and knowhow and love keeping my readership at the helm of their passions.
Categories : Boats
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Sailing is a fun and enjoyable activity for everyone, no matter the experience level.
Mastering how to sail a primary boat is effortless. I encourage beginners to practice in the right environment as they can gain considerable experience with time.
Since most beginners make the mistake of picking the wrong boat to start with, they get frustrated and quit before they can sail by themselves.
In this blog, I will cover the best small sailboats for beginners to help mitigate this problem.
Read on to learn more…
The three best small sailboats for beginners.
Sunfish is a personalized boat for beginners to sail with. Its ease of use makes sailing enjoyable for both beginners and experienced sailors.
I have included this sailboat in my list because it combines performance, durability, and stability suitable for beginners and experts.
With this boat, you can quickly learn how to sail, and you can’t go wrong with it.
More Info International Sunfish Class Association
Hunter 15 is a safe and versatile boat for both beginners and masters in sailing.
I have included this boat in my list because it has a comfortable wide beam, a contoured self-bailing cockpit and fiberglass construction.
Additionally, it is designed to allow beginners to sail around with ease, and it is a safe boat giving sailors a confident feeling and peace of mind as they sail.
More Info marlow-hunter.com
Catalina 16.5 is a small, powerful recreational sailing boat constructed predominantly of fiberglass.
I have included Catalina 16.5 boat in the list because of its fantastic design, is versatile, and you can get them in two designs: the keel model and the centreboard model.
More Info www.catalinayachts.com
Here are my top three picks of best small sailboat for beginners :
If I had to pick one, I would go for Hunter 15 sailboat because it has the the best safety features. The Hunter 15 sailboat is also easy to operate, plus you can dock with no problem. The boat is easy to maintain, and it’s not complicated for a beginner.
What is your choice?
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Home » Blog » Buy a boat » 5 best small sailboats for sailing around the world
By Author Fiona McGlynn
Posted on Last updated: April 19, 2023
Small sailboats are the ticket to going cruising NOW — not when you retire, save up enough money, or find the “perfect” bluewater cruising boat. In fact, it’s the first principle in Lin and Larry Pardey’s cruising philosophy: “Go small, go simple, go now.”
Small yachts can be affordable, simple, and seaworthy . However, you won’t see many of them in today’s cruising grounds. In three years and 13,000 nautical miles of bluewater cruising, I could count the number of under 30-foot sailboats I’ve seen on one hand (all of them were skippered by people in their 20s and 30s).
Today’s anchorages are full of 40, 50, and 60-foot-plus ocean sailboats, but that’s not to say you can’t sail the world in a small sailboat. Just look at Alessandro di Benedetto who in 2010 broke the record for the smallest boat to sail around the world non-stop in his 21-foot Mini 6.5 .
So long as you don’t mind forgoing a few comforts, you can sail around the world on a small budget .
While you might not think a small sailboat is up to the task of going long distances, some of the best bluewater sailboats are under 40 feet.
However, if you’re thinking about buying a boat for offshore cruising, there are a few things to know about what makes a small boat offshore capable .
Don’t expect to be sailing at high speeds in a pocket cruiser. Smaller displacement monohulls are always going to be slower than larger displacement monohulls (see the video below to learn why smaller boats are slower). Therefore a smaller cruiser is going to take longer on a given passage, making them more vulnerable to changes in weather.
A few feet can make a big difference over a week-long passage. On the last leg of our Pacific Ocean crossing, our 35-foot sailboat narrowly avoid a storm that our buddy boat, a 28-foot sailboat, couldn’t. Our friend was only a knot slower but it meant he had to heave to for a miserable three days.
If a pocket cruiser encounters bad weather, they will be less able to outrun or avoid it. For this reason, many of the blue water sailboats in this list are heavily built and designed to take a beating.
Yacht design has changed dramatically over the last 50 years. Today, new boats are designed to be light and fast. The small sailboats in our list are 30-plus year-old designs and were built in a time when weather forecasts were less accurate and harder to come by.
Back in the day, boat were constructed with thicker fiberglass hulls than you see in modern builds. Rigs, keels, rudders, hulls and decks – everything about these small cruising sailboats was designed to stand up to strong winds and big waves. Some of the boats in this post have skeg-hung rudders and most of them are full keel boats.
Pocket cruiser sailboats present certain advantages and disadvantages.
Their smaller size makes them affordable bluewater sailboats. You can often find great deals on pocket cruisers and sometimes you can even get them for free.
You’ll also save money on retrofits and repairs because small cruising sailboats need smaller boat parts (which cost a lot less) . For example, you can get away with smaller sails, ground tackle, winches, and lighter lines than on a bigger boat.
Moorage, haul-outs, and marine services are often billed by foot of boat length . A small sailboat makes traveling the world , far more affordable!
When something major breaks (like an engine) it will be less costly to repair or replace than it would be on a bigger boat.
Smaller boats tend to have simpler systems which means you’ll spend less time fixing and paying to maintain those systems. For example, most small yachts don’t have showers, watermakers , hot water, and electric anchor windlasses.
On the flip side, you’ll spend more time collecting water (the low-tech way) . On a small sailboat, this means bucket baths, catching fresh water in your sails, and hand-bombing your anchor. Though less convenient, this simplicity can save you years of preparation and saving to go sailing.
Oh, and did I mention that you’ll become a complete water meiser? Conserving water aboard becomes pretty important when you have to blue-jug every drop of it from town back to your boat.
Lastly, smaller boats can be physically easier to sail , just think of the difference between raising a sail on a 25-foot boat versus a 50-foot boat! You can more easily single-hand or short-hand a small sailboat. For that reason, some of the best solo blue water sailboats are quite petite.
As mentioned above small boats are slow boats and will arrive in port, sometimes days (and even weeks) behind their faster counterparts on long offshore crossings.
Consider this scenario: two boats crossed the Atlantic on a 4,000 nautical mile route. The small boat averaged four miles an hour, while the big boat averaged seven miles an hour. If both started at the same time, the small boat will have completed the crossing two weeks after the larger sailboat!
Living on a boat can be challenging — living on a small sailboat, even more so! Small cruising boats don’t provide much in the way of living space and creature comforts.
Not only will you have to downsize when you move onto a boat you’ll also have to get pretty creative when it comes to boat storage.
It also makes it more difficult to accommodate crew for long periods which means there are fewer people to share work and night shifts.
If you plan on sailing with your dog , it might put a small boat right out of the question (depending on the size of your four-legged crew member).
It’s not just the living situation that is less comfortable, the sailing can be pretty uncomfortable too! Pocket cruisers tend to be a far less comfortable ride than larger boats as they are more easily tossed about in big ocean swell.
When we sailed across the Pacific these were some of the best small sailboats that we saw. Their owners loved them and we hope you will too!
The boats in this list are under 30 feet. If you’re looking for something slightly larger, you might want to check out our post on the best bluewater sailboats under 40 feet .
Note: Price ranges are based on SailboatListings.com and YachtWorld.com listings for Aug. 2018
The Albin Vega has earned a reputation as a bluewater cruiser through adventurous sailors like Matt Rutherford, who in 2012 completed a 309-day solo nonstop circumnavigation of the Americas via Cape Horn and the Northwest Passage (see his story in the documentary Red Dot on the Ocean ).
This small cruising sailboat is cute and classic as she is rugged and roomy. With at least one known circumnavigation and plenty of shorter bluewater voyages, the Cape Dory 28 has proven herself offshore capable.
As small bluewater sailboats go, the Dufour 29 is a lot of boat for your buck. We know of at least one that sailed across the Pacific last year. Designed as a cruiser racer she’s both fun to sail and adventure-ready. Like many Dufour sailboats from this era, she comes equipped with fiberglass molded wine bottle holders. Leave it to the French to think of everything!
A sensible small boat with a “go-anywhere” attitude, this pocket cruiser was designed with ocean sailors in mind. One of the best cruising sailboats under 40 feet, the Vancouver 28 is great sailing in a small package.
Described in the 1975 marketing as “a hearty little cruiser”, the Westsail 28 was designed for those who were ready to embrace the cruising life. Perfect for a solo sailor or a cozy cruising couple!
Feeling inspired? Check out the “go small” philosophy of this 21-year-old who set sail in a CS 27.
Fiona McGlynn is an award-winning boating writer who created Waterborne as a place to learn about living aboard and traveling the world by sailboat. She has written for boating magazines including BoatUS, SAIL, Cruising World, and Good Old Boat. She’s also a contributing editor at Good Old Boat and BoatUS Magazine. In 2017, Fiona and her husband completed a 3-year, 13,000-mile voyage from Vancouver to Mexico to Australia on their 35-foot sailboat.
Saturday 1st of September 2018
Very useful list, but incomplete - as it would necessarily be, considering the number of seaworthy smaller boats that are around.
In particular, you missed/omitted the Westerly "Centaur" and its follow-on model, the "Griffon". 26 feet LOA, bilge-keelers, weighing something over 6000 pounds, usually fitted with a diesel inboard.
OK, these are British designs, and not that common in the US, but still they do exist, they're built like tanks, and it's rumored that at least one Centaur has circumnavigated.
Friday 31st of August 2018
This is a helpful list, thank you. I don't think most people would consider a 28' boat a pocket cruiser, though!
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The Nisqually was developed in response to customer demand for a lightweight 8’ boat that has good rowing qualities, sails like a champ, motors 8 knots with a 2 h.p. outboard, and safely carries 3 people and a dog. In addition, they wanted it to look like a boat, not a barge. That is a lot to ask of a very small boat, but we have the answer.
The 8′ Nisqually does all of the above. Its heritage comes from the lines of our 12’ Point Defiance, and it offers remarkable versatility. An excellent yacht tender, it is small and light enough to be mounted on a transom swim-step, or tracks nicely towed behind a larger boat. For standalone day trips it can be car topped, or even mounted on the back of an RV!
LOA: | 7’11″ | |
BEAM: | 53″ | |
Fiberglass | Ultralite Composite | |
DISPLACEMENT: | 72 lbs | 62 lbs |
SAIL AREA: | 45 sq. ft. |
Sailaway ready from.
Praise for the nisqually:.
” My father purchased an 8′ dinghy from you in 1991. I still remember standing in your shop the day we picked it up. Our ski boat is long gone — but that little rowboat is still going strong. I originally loved it because it’s the fastest rowboat I’ve ever seen. I love it now because it has held up beautifully after 15 years of fishing and duck hunting. I have only washed it once and it still looks new! You make a great boat!!! ”
5th wheel trailers tow great and have lots of space, but you can’t tow a boat behind one. Our founders Dave & Janet Robertson came up with a unique solution that became the talk of the RV town . . .
Not sure which of our yacht tenders is right for you? Our founder Dave Robertson explains the differences and how to help you figure out which one is best for you.
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The ideal size boat for beginners is anything under 20 feet. So, what are the best small sailboats under 20 feet? Let’s find out.
October 17, 2023
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Smaller boats are easy to navigate and not a hassle to maintain compared to larger yachts, which is why many choose sailboats under 20 feet as the ideal starter boat.
From the Catalina 16.5 to the Beneteau First 20 or the Marlow Hunter 15, there are many smaller sailboats under 20 feet that offer beginner or expert sailors great value for money. Many sailing enthusiasts prefer smaller sailboats because they are easy to handle and are cheaper to own.
No two 20 feet sailboats are made equal, which is why you need to do your research and find the best fit for you. We have gone through many blogs, articles, and videos on the sailing yachts below 20 feet and are here to share with you the best options available in the market today.
As sailing enthusiasts who have owned multiple sailing boats below 20 feet, we are in the ideal position to help guide you through the process so that you are able to make a more informed decision when it comes to investing in a small yacht.
Table of Contents
Small sailboats are the way to go sailing RIGHT NOW, not after you retire or discover the "ideal" bluewater cruising boat. "Go tiny, go simple, go now," is the first premise of cruising philosophy.
Small yachts may be inexpensive, straightforward, and seaworthy. However, they are uncommon in today's cruising grounds. We could count the number of under 30-foot sailboats we've seen after three years and 13,000 nautical miles of bluewater traveling. They were all skippered by persons in their 20s and 30s. Today's anchorages are brimming with 40, 50, and 60-foot ocean sailboats, but that doesn't mean a tiny sailboat can't sail around the world.
If you're looking for a high-performance daysailer, the Saffier Se 33 UD is a great option. The designers, the Hennevanger brothers, put a lot of effort and money into making this dream boat a reality. The vacuum-infused construction and high-quality polish of the boat demonstrate the production facilities.
Saffier offers a variety of models ranging in size from 21 to 37 feet, all of which have been fully tested for seaworthiness. Given the size of these boats, it's logical to expect that they'll be tough to sail. This is not the case with these boats, though. One person may sail even the largest versions with ease.
In 2014, the Se 33 UD was released with a sporty style. Thanks to its strong sprayhood, it sails effortlessly in all weather. The sailboat has a handy self-draining cockpit that allows any water to drain off. A folding transform and two-meter benches are included in the cockpit. The boat has ample room for a four-person crew, and you can even take a brief snooze below deck.
This high-end yacht is a good choice if you have a large budget. For new boats, the starting price is around $150,000. If you're looking for something really entertaining, check out the new Se 27 model. The latest versions have a top speed of 20 knots.
Looking for a one-of-a-kind daysailer that will stand out in a crowd? The Norseboat 17.5 might be exactly what you're looking for. This one-of-a-kind sailboat dubbed the "Swiss Army Knife of Boats," can be sailed or rowed.
But wouldn't row this boat takes a lot of effort? No. With the boat's sheer, no way! The fiberglass hull has a lot of sheers, which is an intentional and effective design for effortless rowing. So, even if there's no wind, you can still have a good time rowing while getting some workout. With strong enough winds, you may sit back and relax while the jib and mainsail take care of the rest.
The Norseboat 17.5 is ideal for daysailers looking for a high-performance boat with classic styling. But whether you're a beginner sea kayaker or a cruising sailor wishing to downsize, you'll find its famous pedigree to be a terrific fit for you.
A small draught, furling headsail, a full battened mainsail, and a trademark curving headboard are just a few of the features. The lightweight boat has two rowing stations and works admirably, whether rowed or driven by the wind. It also offers lots of storage space. The boat's modest weight makes it simple to move. All you need is a mid-sized automobile to haul it.
This sailboat is modeled after the well-known Herreshoff 12 1/2 e. The Paine 14 is essentially a smaller version of the latter. This daysailer will attract a lot of attention whether sailing or just parked at the marina because of its classic appearance.
However, this yacht is more than just a pretty face. The Paine 14 is lighter than its predecessor due to its smaller size. On the water, it is thus quicker and more agile. Despite this, changes to the keel and rudder design have helped it maintain its stability in the water. Other benefits of its size include ease of trailering, low maintenance, and simple storage and transportation. This sailboat is great if you're seeking a basic sailboat.
This is probably one of the smallest boats on this list and is an excellent option for beginners who are not ready to take on the responsibility of maintaining or paying for larger boats just yet. If you are just testing the waters, then this is a smart option if you find that sailing isn’t your cup of tea.
The 13' 10" Laser dinghy is an excellent alternative for one or two persons looking for a workout and adrenaline rush in a breeze or simply plain pleasant sailing in lighter breezes. That is if you don't mind the fiberglass boat's small weight and strong sail making it simple to capsize—and recover from.
The Laser is an international sailing class that competes in everything from Olympic sailing competitions to club races. Most of the 200,000 boats manufactured over the years are just sailed for enjoyment, thanks to the 1969 design's single sail, two-part mast, daggerboard, and kick-up rudder, all of which make it very easy to store, and carry, and launch.
LaserPerformance sells new boats for less money, which is why they are one of the favorites for first-timers and those sailing enthusiasts who are on a budget. LaserPerformance sells yachts for around $7,500, as well as a variety of rigs and sails as well as replacement components. Used boats, as you might expect, are also easily available.
It is easy to see why the historic Hobie 16 , which made its debut in Southern California way back in 1969, made it on this list. Since then, the business has produced a number of additional multihulls, but the 16s have sold over 100,000 times, which is an incredible number.
The Hobie 16's fiberglass-and-foam hull takes away the requirement of traditional daggerboards, thanks to its kick-up rudders. Its huge trampoline provides enough room for movement or a suitable spot to put one's feet when hanging from the two trapezes with a hull flying. A main and jib sail are included, and a douse kit and trailer with a beach dolly option.
This type is popular because of its excellent performance, cutting it close to 20 feet. This miniature cruiser was initially shown in 1971. It has since gained a devoted following, particularly among trailer sailors. While it isn't the cheapest tiny sailboat (it costs about $26,000), you will surely get your money's worth.
The Potter 19 is compact and light in terms of capability. Its performance in the water, however, is unaffected. In fact, it has a lot of punch for its tiny. People remark about this yacht’s stability and ease of handling in particular.
It also features a retractable keel that allows it to be beached completely. Alternatively, you will be astonished at how big and comfortable the interiors are, along with the fact that it is easy to rank the Potter 19 among luxury yachts for its many features and amenities.
The Montgomery 17 is designed and made out of fiberglass by Montgomery Boats in Ontario, California. The boat boasts its way onto this list as a trailerable pocket cruiser. You get a keel and centerboard that takes the guesswork out of preparing the boat to be readily beached when gunkholing and draws slightly under 2 feet with the board up.
There's sitting headroom, a couple of bunks, a portable toilet, optional shore, and DC power, and a lot of storage space in the cuddy cabin. A four-part tackle makes it easy to raise the mast with relative ease. The builder claims to have taken his boat on journeys across the Gulf of California and to the state's coastline islands. In case you were wondering, Montgomery also offers 15-foot and 23-foot variants. The Montgomery 17 must be on your wish list if you're looking for a small sailboat with a cabin.
The Cygnet 20 is a great trailer sailer and pocket cruiser, and it has the potential to revitalize the sub-20-foot segment. The Cygnet has everything you want in a pocket cruiser: it's easy to transport, sail anywhere, and it's economical. It also happens to look gorgeous. Beaching the boat is simple because of its flat bottom and hand-laid fiberglass hull.
The Cygnet 20 is a fun weekend sailboat; as a result, while the cockpit can accommodate four to six people, it leaves less space below decks, but there is still enough space to sleep a crew of four. There are also several choices for customizing the cabin to your liking.
There are also several choices for customizing the cabin, but the typical form includes a V-berth, a portable toilet stored beneath the V-berth, a sink to starboard, two beds, and a portable stove beneath the cockpit. Apart from the swing keel box, the saloon table pulls out to seat four people, which is ideal for sailing solo or taking friends along for a weekend trip.
This is often ranked as one of the best trail-able pocket cruisers and for good reason. It's beautiful, tiny, has a retractable keel, and is speedy, but because of its big cabin, it can also accommodate a small family for a weekend on the lake.
The hull of the First 20 is one of those that, although quite stable in windy conditions, allows you to have as much fun as possible. Unfortunately, Beneteau has stopped producing boats under 20 feet in order to focus on larger sailboats, but you may still find these boats for approximately $25,000 secondhand.
Catalina Yachts are known for their larger boats, but they also offer some fantastic smaller boats, such as the Catalina 16.5 . Because it features a huge and airy cockpit and a large storage box, this is one of the best small sailboats for family vacations. The Catalina 16.5 is a versatile boat with a hand-laminated fiberglass sloop that comes in two styles: centerboard and keel.
Because of the fiberglass centerboard, the stable hull form, and the rudder, the centerboard model has a strong sailplane that remains balanced. It also includes a tiller extension, adjustable trekking straps, and an overhaul that can be adjusted. It's vital to remember that these are both standard features.
It's worth noting that these features come standard on both variants. When it comes to the keel model, it's constructed with a high aspect keel as the cast lead and stainless steel keel bolts, making it ideal for mooring or docking when not in use.
In essence, the centerboard form is ideal for trailer storage, whilst the keel model may be left at the dock. Overall, the Catalina 16.5 is one of the greatest small sailboats available for around $10,000. This is undoubtedly an excellent example of what a daysailer is.
Fareast is a Chinese boat builder that has only been in business for around two decades. Despite this, the Fareast 18 is a competent cruiser-racer that will elevate your sailing to new heights. This boat has a retractable keel along with a nifty ballast bulb, a strong rig, and an enclosed cabin, in addition to its attractive appearance.
The Fareast 18's narrow shape with closed stern is unusual in this size, but the good news is that's not an issue in the Fareast 18. This design stresses speed while also making the boat easier to maintain. This boat is ideal for roughly six passengers and punches above its weight. It is, however, intended for one person to rig and launch.
Most sailors start to sail on a daysailer, and the author of this piece has a special place for the Lido 14 , which is where she began to sail. The little boat offers seats for six people, but it may be operated alone and even raced.
The first year the type was introduced, 200 boats were purchased, and 40 years later, roughly 6,300 Lido 14s had been produced. Although new boats are no longer available, old boats are still readily accessible. Although new boats are no longer produced, secondhand boats are readily available; there is an active owner's group and plenty of one-design racing in various regions of the nation.
In a pocket cruiser, don't expect to be sailing at great speeds. Monohulls with a lesser displacement will always be slower than monohulls with a bigger displacement. As a result, a smaller cruiser will take longer to complete a journey, leaving them more exposed to weather variations.
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23rd jun 2024 by elaine lembo / toi williams.
You’ve got the sailing bug and you’ve learned there are many types of small sailboat you should consider buying to get started. Why is that? Because aboard a small boat, you and your senses and your elbow grease play every role, and then some. There’s just no downside to such pure activity so close to the surface of liquid Earth.
With each lesson, newcomers can discover how easy it is to maneuver a small craft because it is so responsive. Nudge the tiller and immediately experience a shift in course. Pull on a line and feel the hull speed change. The sailboat is your magic carpet, drawing energy from air to move you near and far, from lake and river to estuary and ocean.
Whether you race, cruise, embark on a high-speed or high-latitude adventure, charter for a holiday, or take a casual day sail, the act of getting outdoors and on the water keeps you fitter, healthier, and mentally sharper — attributes that give you an important edge in your more mature years, whether you trade up to a full-size cruising or performance sailboat, head far offshore, or keep sailing small boats in lakes, bays, and harbors.
Here's a rundown of the many affordable and diverse small sailboat design types on the market, each offering optimal simplicity and efficiency for learning basic skills.
The term "small sailboat" encompasses a wide range of sailboat models. Generally, if a boat is less than 25 feet long, has a mast, rudder, and sail, and can be towed on a trailer, it is considered a small sailboat. Various types of small sailboats have different characteristics that may make them better for certain types of sailing. Let’s review some of the most popular small sailboat types.
Sailing dinghies are frequently chosen because they are light and responsive. They are usually rigged with one mast and one sail, making them easy to handle, and they have a shallow draft, allowing them to be used almost anywhere. Sailing dinghies are also some of the least expensive sailboats because they tend to be simple with few features. Most are equipped with a retractable daggerboard or a centerboard.
The experience they deliver is one that puts the sailor closer to the surface of the water, whether from the roomy cockpit of a Beetle Cat, or from the more board-like surface of a Sunfish. Dinghy sailing also affords enthusiasts the chance to “hike out” on the hull. Leaning out alters the center of gravity in the boat and makes it go faster as the wind increases.
Beetle Cat : Beetle Cat sailing dinghies are a traditional design with a single sail (“cat rigged”), about 12 feet long with a draft of 2 feet. They are great for short coastal day cruisers as long as you’re comfortable sitting on the floorboards! A larger 14-foot model includes seats.
Laser : Laser sailing dinghies are fast, nearly 14 feet long and weigh about 130 pounds, making them easy to maneuver and transport. Raced in the Olympics by one sailor (the class is named the ILCA 6 and 7), the boats plane easily in a breeze and require mobility and athleticism in a breeze.
Optimist: The famed children’s dinghy, at less than 8 feet long, is designed for youth and can be raced under the rules of the International Optimist Dinghy Association by anyone up to 15 years old.
RS Venture: The Venture model from RS Sailing is 16 feet long and is often used in training classes for those new to sailing.
RS Aero: The Aero model from RS Sailing is nearly 14 feet long and is known for its speed, making it popular with experienced racers.
Sunfish: A 14-footer, the Sunfish has a short mast, a lateen rig with upper and lower booms and is ideal both or those learning how to sail and experienced racers.
Tiwal 3R: This award-winning inflatable boat for one or two crew is 10 feet long and 121 pounds when rigged. Its success, aside from performance, is its portability. No trailer needed here — it packs into two 5-foot duffel bags.
Topaz Taz: At slightly less than 10 feet, the Topaz Taz is a small, modern sailing dinghy primarily for training children and teenagers. Topaz boats for sale
Topaz Taz. Topper Saliboats photo.
Daysailer is a broad category of small sailboat types based on usage, size, and rig. Daysailers, also known as dayboats, are larger than sailing dinghies and sometimes include overnight accommodations. Keelboat daysailers have a fixed appendage on the bottom of the hull that provides sideways resistance to counter the force of the wind on the sails; centerboards on daysailers perform the same job while also being retractable in shallows. At Rightboat, we list a large selection of daysailers in a wide variety of styles.
Cape Cod DaySailer: This 16-foot centerboard sailboat available in standard and racing versions is one of the most affordable models for its size and has enough room to seat several people comfortably.
Montgomery 17: This small sloop has a length of roughly 17 feet and a retractable centerboard keel so it can be sailed in just 2 feet of water.
Sun Cat: This interpretation of a classic cat boat is a centerboard daysailer from Com-Pac Yachts. At nearly 18 feet long, it has twin 6-foot berths as well as a handful of other useful amenities.
West Wight Potter P19: The P19 model from West Wight Potter features a fractional rig and lifting keel. At just less 20 feet, it is equipped with four berths, galley, sink, and stove. It’s a cozy little cruiser for weekend and longer outings.
Flying Scot: At just less than 20 feet, the Flying Scot centerboarder is a low-displacement daysailer and popular one-design class. It races with two but can comfortably seat up to eight people.
Harbor 20: This stable one-design 20-footer with a 900-pound bulb keel is great for cruising and racing, solo or with a group of friends. Its easily handled self-tacking rig and latest marine technology below the waterline make for a swift and smooth ride.
BayRaider 20: The BayRaider centerboard boat is an award winner for its portability, performance, good looks, build quality and safety features. Its blend of modern technology and traditional appearance is highlighted by an open cockpit.
Catalina 22 Sport: The Catalina 22 Sport daysailer is nearly 22 feet long, can sleep four people, and has a retractable keel for a draft of less than two feet. Catalina boats for sale
Marblehead 22: The Marblehead 22 is a daysailer with an easily handled rig, bulb keel, and a cockpit that is nearly 12 feet long. It has plenty of room for a group.
Marblehead 22. Zurn photo.
Small catamarans and trimarans are a good choice for beginning sailors who want something different. These sailboats offer a wider base and can be rigged with one or two sails. They’re used for cruising, racing, even fishing. Newer to the scene are foiling multihulls such as the UFO foiling catamaran, a simply rigged and stowable lightweight craft that supplies the helmsperson stability on or above the water. Here are some models to consider:
Hobie Wave: The boomless 13-foot Hobie Wave comes with one sail, forgiving and durable rotomolded construction, and a mast float to keep it from turtling in the event of a capsize.
Hobie 16: The sloop-rigged Hobie 16 catamaran sparked the beach-cat revolution when designed in 1970 due to its speed off the beach with crew on a trapeze and successful promotion of the Hobie lifestyle. Made of fiberglass, the Hobie 16 is nearly 17 feet long and still known for its international one-design racing class.
Minicat: Its European manufacturer created a line of inflatable catamarans in various sizes. A key feature is easy assembly from the components, which fit in up to three completely portable bags.
Weta Trimaran: With a length a few inches beyond 14 feet, a beam less than 12 feet, this self-tacking, boom-less multihull offers easy recreation and international competition in the form of a global one-design fleet. It is capsize-resistant and packs up to the dimensions of a Laser.
More information: Buying A Sailing Catamaran
Hobie 16. Hobie photo.
This article, originally by Toi Williams, was published in March 2023 and then revamped by Elaine Lembo in June 2024.
Written By: Elaine Lembo / Toi Williams
Elaine Lembo, editor in chief of the Caribbean Compass , has built a career around sailing and journalism. She is an award-winning chartering editor for BoatUS Magazine and Cruising World magazine, among others. She is a fellow of the Metcalf Institute for Environmental Reporting at the University of Rhode Island Graduate School of Oceanography. Find out more at her social media profiles: LinkedIn | Facebook
Toi grew up in coastal New England, Her parents had a second home on Newfound Lake, in New Hampshire. Because of this, Toi was able to enjoy boating at sea as well as in the Lakes Region of New Hampshire. Today, she regularly wakeboards and waterskis on her Malibu wake surfing boat. She also sailed at sea in Maine, and taken many trips to the Isles of Shoals.
More from: Elaine Lembo / Toi Williams
16th Aug 2024
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Small boats are where many people discover a love for the water, and if you’ve been browsing our Boat Finder Tool looking for small boats that would be ideal for your needs, you’ve surely encountered many options.
Small boats are less expensive to buy and operate than large ones, are easier to tow or load on a trailer, and can sneak into tiny waterways that bigger boats can’t access.
Small boats also have an esoteric value that’s difficult to pin down. There’s something special about being physically closer to the water, surrounded by nature without all the extra tools and features found on larger, more complex boats.
In fact, many boat lovers who own large boats also have a small boat or two that they love and enjoy just as much as their bigger craft. But which small boats would be best for you? To make the search easier, we'll review the top 10 small boat contenders.
Inflatable boats, aluminum fishing boats.
Canoes and kayaks, personal watercrafts (pwcs).
Jon Boats are among the simplest and most popular boats around. Many consist of little more than an aluminum hull with a flat bottom and a squared-off bow, bench seats, and an outboard or electric outboard engine. They’re incredibly easy to launch, load, and store and are among the least expensive options for buying a boat .
Skiffs are another form of very simple, basic, all-purpose utility boats. What exactly makes a boat a skiff? This is a catch-all term often used to describe any relatively small and open boat. Due to this, there’s an extensive range of candidates.
Dinghies come in many shapes and sizes and in different versions that can be rowed, motored, or sailed. But they all share a few common traits: they’re usually very small (eight or 10 feet is standard) and are often used as tenders to transport people and gear from a boat to shore.
Inflatable boats come in two basic styles: those that are completely inflatable and those that have a rigid hull surrounded by an inflatable “collar” or ring (usually called a “RIB,” short for rigid inflatable boat).
Most inflatables are made of materials like Hypalon or PVC fabrics. Their main advantage is the ability to bounce off anything they might hit. Still, RIB versions are also considered seaworthy and used in many commercial and search-and-rescue applications and for recreational purposes.
Aluminum fishing boats come in all shapes and sizes, the only common denominator being that they’re constructed of aluminum. Aluminum boats tend to be light, relatively inexpensive, and fuel-efficient.
Although there are some very large and costly pontoon boats on the water, plenty of small models are available that are easy to trailer, easy to afford, and still get you a taste of luxury on the water. There are even different models and designs ranging from mini fishing pontoons to small performance pontoon boats.
Learn more in Buying a Pontoon or a Deck Boat?
This is another catch-all category of boat, with one common denominator: if a couple of people can lift it up and secure it to a roof rack on a car, the boat’s officially a car-topper. Usually, these are very small, simple boats, like Jon boats and dinghies.
These small crafts are popular, and even though most don’t have any mechanical propulsion, they’re still boats. In fact, there are some shockingly advanced models designed for specific purposes (such as fishing or maximum speed). Many boaters develop their initial love for the water while paddling or pedaling on a canoe or kayak.
While there are some large and rather complex jet boats , some small ones can be pretty thrilling to drive. Most have inboard jet engines that create thrust by blasting high-pressure water through a nozzle rather than spinning a propeller. However, there are outboard versions of jet engines, too.
Many people think of personal watercraft (PWCs) more like motorcycles of the water, which has led some to refer to them as waterbikes, or boatercycles. But despite their small size and limited passenger capacity, these are still boats in every sense of the word. They’re also among the most exciting to drive, and many are capable of neck-snapping acceleration, hair-raising high speeds, and exhilarating hairpin turns.
So—have you made up your mind as to which small boat you’d like to own? With all these options, it’s no surprise if you’re still trying to determine which one is right for you. No matter which ones you may be considering, however, one thing is a sure bet: whether it’s the only boat you have or it’s one of several in the family fleet, your love of the water is only going to grow when you spend time on your own small boat.
Read Next: Choosing the Right Boat Type for You
Editor’s Note: This article was updated in December 2022.
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Daysailers, pocket cruisers and other small sailboats.
Daysailer Designs
I love small boats! I always have, ever since I was a kid. If you gave me a mega-rock star’s money I would not buy a bigger boat, although I might buy some nice waterfront real estate to sail from. But even if you love the small boat you have, you might like the looks of some of the others and be curious about them. (There’s a reason they call boats “she.”) The following are my notes from a life of noticing and sailing small boats. I am arbitrarily not considering anything longer than twenty feet or weighing over one ton, or sailboats used only for class racing.
“Daysailer” can mean any sailboat that’s not in a race or on an overnight cruise. It also means a specific 16’ 9” sloop designed by Uffa Fox which was mass-produced in fiberglass by the O’Day company in Fall River, Massachusetts and is still made today by Cape Cod Shipbuilding. I own one of these, built in 1963. So from now on DaySailer will mean the boat designed by Uffa Fox and “daysailer” will mean a boat you sail for a few hours at a time. A pocket cruiser has a small cabin with berths for sleeping, which mine (kind of) does.
A major division in these boats is between those with centerboards and those with keels. You lose versatility when you put a fixed ballasted keel on a sailboat. Keel boats are heavier, slower and more expensive than centerboard boats. You can’t run up on a beach and step out onto the sand, which for me is part of the fun of sailing. You avoid shallow water. You need to tie up to a dock, or use a tender to get to and from the shore. They may fit on a trailer, but because of their draft and weight it’s a chore to trailer-sail them. However, they are safer in strong wind because they won’t capsize. They have more room, and a steady motion. Once a sailboat gets over 20’ long, rail meat isn’t enough to keep the boat upright.
Don’t buy a new boat unless you have to. New boats are expensive compared to used ones, which sell for 10% – 50% of the price of new. Any fiberglass boat can be restored to a “practically new” condition with a few weeks of work. All fiberglass boats end up in landfills eventually, so by purchasing a used one you reduce waste as well as save money. And the production boats designed years ago are at least as beautiful and functional as those being designed today. Some of the most popular small sailboats ever were designed fifty or sixty years ago and have been made continuously for decades by more than one builder; the hull mold and production rights passing to a new company whenever the old company folds.
The Alcort Sunfish and other popular “wet” boats: The Sunfish and the Laser have a lot in common. They are identical in length (13’ 9”) and nearly identical in beam, draft, weight, sail area, price, and popularity. Today they’re even made by the same company, LaserPerformance , but that wasn’t always true. The Sunfish was designed by Alcort, Inc. and produced by Alcort for decades. With its colorful striped lateen sail, tiny footwell of a cockpit, and flat fish-shaped hull it didn’t look anything like any other boat. The designers had previously build iceboats, then experimented with paddle boards. The Sunfish has won many design awards. It is the most-produced fiberglass sailboat ever. The Laser is more of a performance boat. Even though it is wider than the Sunfish, its round-bottomed hull and tall rig make it faster and tippier. Both boats have been produced by the hundreds of thousands. On both boats, you are just inches off the water with little protection from getting splashed. They aren’t for winter sailing. A third boat in the “wet and popular” category is the Hobie 16 catamaran. There’s no cockpit; you sit on a fabric trampoline. Multihulls are inherently fast but their width makes them awkward to handle at the dock or on a trailer.
The DaySailer was marketed as the “boat that launched 10,000 weekends.” I have not sailed mine that many times yet, but I’m closing in on 100. For me, it’s a right-sized boat: small enough to single-hand, big enough to take a few guests comfortably, fast enough not to be boring, with good-looking curves. The cuddy cabin deflects spray and provides a place for tired children to rest. I sleep overnight sometimes, head-forward under the cuddy on some camping foam pads with my feet sticking out into the cockpit. She draws only a few inches with the board raised so you can sail up onto a sandy beach. When the tide falls while you are on shore, the boat is light enough to push back into the water. The DaySailer’s 145 ft 2 of sail area are really too much for my northern California climate, where winds in the double digits are the norm. When I sail alone or on windy days I reef the main before I go out and use a smaller-than-standard jib taken from a 14-foot O’Day Javelin. Then when the wind gets really hairy I slacken the main sheet, leave the tiller, go up on the foredeck and drop the jib and secure it. The boat naturally heaves to in this situation and is quite stable. Jib secured, I go back to the tiller and sail under reefed main alone. She’s fast and well balanced under all these sail configurations.
One other caveat – I keep my boat on the shore with the mast stepped all the time. I don’t trailer-sail it and if I did that 25’ keel-stepped aluminum mast would be a problem because I cannot raise and step it by myself. Even with two people it’s tricky. If I was going to trailer-sail I would get a boat with a shorter, lighter mast.
The DaySailer was the model that made the O’Day Corporation prosper but they built smaller and larger boats too, up to 40 feet long. The O’Day Javelin is the DaySailer’s 14-foot little sister; it looks different because it has no cuddy cabin but sails similarly. Even smaller than that is the 12-foot O’Day Widgeon . The DaySailer’s twin big sisters are the Rhodes 19 and the Mariner . The Rhodes 19 looks a like a larger, two-and-a-half-foot-longer DaySailer with a cuddy cabin. The Mariner has the same hull as the Rhodes 19 but it has a real cabin for overnight cruising with a bulkhead separating the cabin from the cockpit and a big V-berth below with storage space, room for a small camp stove, etc. The Mariner and the Rhodes 19 are both available with either a centerboard or a fixed ballasted keel.
There have been over ten thousand DaySailers built, and several thousand each of the Widgeon, Javelin, Rhodes 19 and Mariner models as well, so you see these boats everywhere. A rarer cousin of these is the 15’ 8” O’Day Ospray (yes, that’s Ospray with an “a” not “Osprey”.) This boat is only a foot shorter than a DaySailer and looks just like one except that the mast is stepped forward of the raised domed cuddy cabin instead of through it. The cuddy cabin is smaller. I don’t know why O’Day bothered to build a boat so similar to its best-seller and they only did it for a few years. I have only ever seen one of these. The Widgeon, Javelin and Ospray are no longer built but Cape Cod Shipbuilding still builds DaySailers and Stuart Marine in Maine builds new Mariners and Rhodes 19’s.
West Wight Potter P-15 : I had one of these boats when my kids were small. It looked like a bathtub toy, but in a good way. There are famous stories of people making long ocean passages in them, but really if you want to make a long ocean passage a 15-foot centerboard dingy is not the best way to do it. A boat with a ballasted keel is. If you absolutely have to go on a blue-water voyage in a dingy this is probably the one to use. Most P-15 owners trailer-sail them on lakes and bays and they are very good for that because they don’t weigh much and the mast is stepped on deck and is only 15’ 6” tall and is thin also so it’s easy to put the mast up. The mast is so short because the “simulated gaff”-rigged mainsail is compact and wide for its height. The mainsail is in the shape of a gaff sail plus a gaff topsail, with a sturdy batten taking the place of the gaff boom. Plus, the boat is under-canvased (main + working jib = 98 ft 2 ) compared to other boats of similar size and weight. This was rarely a problem for me, sailing in windy northern California. On the occasions when it was a problem I just put on a big genoa jib. The reason the boat is under-canvassed is that it was originally designed to sail in the waters around the Isle of Wight, in English Channel, where it’s blowing a gale most of the time. Strong winds and choppy conditions are built into this boat’s DNA, which is funny because today they are produced by International Marine in southern California where the wind is much lighter.
I miss sailing dry (the Potter deflects spray efficiently) and I sure do miss those two big 6 ½ foot-long berths down below. The Potter is faster than she looks like she would be; I had no complaints about her speed. I did find the cockpit uncomfortable. The P-15 has a lot of big boat features and one of these is a self-bailing cockpit. This means the floor of the cockpit is above the waterline, which makes the cockpit quite shallow. I don’t have very long legs but I wished for more legroom. It was like sitting in a bathtub. And the cockpit coaming didn’t make it easy to sit on the rail. As my kids grew there wasn’t room in the bathtub for four people anymore. So I traded up to my O’Day DaySailer. Then my kids lost interest in sailing. Oh well, the DaySailer is a great boat too. Some other “big boat” features I could have done without are the bow pulpit (what’s it for?) and the bulkhead between the cabin and the cockpit. I like a more open arrangement. But if I were a trailer-sailer I would go back to the Potter in a heartbeat because it’s so easy to wrangle on and off the trailer.
The same company also builds the P-19 which is more than twice the boat even though it is only four feet longer. One difference between them, besides size, is that while the P-15 has a typical centerboard that pivots backwards and up, the P-19 has a 300-lb. metal daggerboard that goes straight up and down. So even though this boat only draws 6” with the board up, you can’t just sail towards the beach until the board bumps. You have to slowly raise it using a winch.
West Wight Potters, especially the P-15’s, hold their resale value much better than most boats. I sold mine for more than I paid for it. Many owners keep them in their garages and polish them obsessively, so used Potters are often in Bristol condition.
Some pocket cruisers similar to the Potters (but with deeper drafts) are the Montgomery 15 , the Montgomery 17 , the Com-Pac 16 and the Sage 17 . In the 1960s and 1970s the MacGregor Yacht Corporation produced thousands of Venture-21’s,and their little sisters the Venture-17’s . These were inexpensively made trailer-sailers with ballasted swing keels, big cockpits, low headroom in the cabin, and very few frills. They are not pretty by anyone’s standard (they look like skinny Clorox bottles with sails), but if your budget is tight they can be had for next to nothing.
The Herreshoff 12½ and its relatives: (12 ½ refers to the waterline length; the boat is almost 16’ long overall.) Nathaniel Herreshoff, its designer, was a member of a prominent family of naval architects and yacht builders in Bristol, Rhode Island. He designed many of the America’s Cup defenders of the Gilded Age and the early 20 th century. Those elegant yachts were his inspiration for this charming little gaff-rigged sloop. It was conceived as a safe and stable boat for beginners and children. It has been in continuous production since 1914. Today you can buy one from Cape Cod Shipbuilding or from Ballentine’s Boat Shop , also on Cape Cod (where they call it the Doughdish) but there are used ones, in wood or fiberglass, all over New England. Warning: these boats aren’t cheap. Expect to pay what you would for a car. The Herreshoff 12½ has a fixed ballasted keel with 735 lbs. of lead in it that draws 2’ 6”. It must be the smallest keel sailboat in common use. There is no cabin, but some people have used it for overnight cruising by rigging a boom tent and making a bed on the cockpit sole, which of course has no centerboard trunk to divide it in half. Of all of the boats I’ve never had or sailed, this is the one that most calls to me.
Two and a half feet of draft is too deep to land on beaches, so designer Joel White modified the design to make the Haven 12½ which is almost identical to the Herreshoff 12½ from the waterline up. Down below it has a centerboard, but also a shallow keel. The Haven 12 ½ draws a foot less than the Herreshoff 12 ½ but weighs about the same. So it still draws 1’ 6” with the board up and weighs well over half a ton. It’s not obvious that this is enough of an improvement to make it truly beachable. The Bullseye has the same hull as the Herreshoff 12½ but has a more modern Marconi sloop rig and a cuddy cabin. Cape Cod Shipbuilding produces the Bullseye. The Paine 14 is a scaled-down version of the Herreshoff 12½ that looks similar above the waterline but has a carbon fiber mast and a modern fin keel and less wetted surface area, so it performs with more zip.
The Cape Dory Typhoon has been called “America’s Littlest Yacht” although maybe the Herreshoff 12 ½ deserves the title more, being even littler and being designed by a famous yachtsman. But the Typhoon has a proper cabin complete with a bulkhead that separates it from the cockpit and a sliding hatch, sleeping berths below, round portholes in the cabin trunk, teak cockpit coamings, winches for the jib sheets, and all the other details of a much larger keel boat. Plus, Carl Alberg designed it with elegant, understated lines. Several thousand of these were made, a few as daysailers without the cabin, but Cape Dory no longer exists as a company. My uncle Eddie had one of these on Lake Michigan.
As long as we’re on the subject of keel boats, the Cal 20 is ubiquitous where I live on the west coast. I learned to sail on a Cal 20 when I was seven years old, in San Diego Harbor, steering a course between the aircraft carriers and the Hobie cats. The Cal 20 is a stocky little boat with a 7’ beam. My father always said it developed a “vicious weather helm” when the wind got too strong but I’ll bet this problem can be solved by reefing the main – I don’t remember if he ever did that. Used Cal 20s are easy to find and the seller is usually motivated to sell because the slip fees at a marina in the San Francisco Bay Area or Los Angeles are often more than the boat itself is worth. You have to keep it at a marina; it’s no trailer-sailer.
Traditional Catboats : These are heavy, wide, and slow with deep round cockpits, oval portholes on the cabin trunk and one huge gaff mainsail on an unstayed mast that’s right up at the bow. They have their origins as utility boats for clamming and fishing on Cape Cod. They look salty at the mooring but they are not as exciting to sail as more slender sloops. They have a lot of room for their length, though. No one model or manufacturer dominates this category. The Marshall Marine Corporation on Cape Cod makes the 15-foot Sandpiper, the 18-foot Sanderling and the Marshall 22. Arey’s Pond Boat Yard (also on Cape Cod) makes traditional catboats 12’ and up, with their 14-footer being the best-selling model. Florida-based Com-Pac Yachts produces a line of trailerable gaff-rigged catboats 14-20’ with less wood trim that are more affordable then the high-end boats that Marshall and Arey’s Pond makes.
Beetle Cats , however, are catboats that are nimble sailers. The design of this lightweight (for a catboat) 12-footer goes back to 1921 and four thousand of them have been built. There are plenty of used ones available but you can buy new ones in wood from Beetle, Inc. on Cape Cod and in fiberglass from Howard Boats , also on Cape Cod.
The Drascombe Lugger and its many relatives are triple-propulsion boats: they can be rowed, sailed or powered by an outboard motor in a built-in motor well. It should go without saying that design compromises mean that they are not high-performance sailboats, rowboats or motorboats. They are traditional looking open boats with a Gunter rigged mainsail and a small mizzen. They are made in the United Kingdom so even though more than 2000 have been produced there are not a lot of used ones available in North America. Expect to pay top dollar or even to have to buy a new one, unless you live in the UK. There is no cabin on the Lugger but people use them for beach camping on extended cruises because they have plenty of storage space and shallow draft. Their design is based on traditional English fishing boats that had to be beachable. The Lugger is 18’ 9” but Drascombe makes many other models including the 15 ½ – foot Dabber and the 21’ 9” Longboat, all essentially the same except for the size. The Norseboat 17.5 , “the Swiss Army Knife of boats”, made in Canada, is a modern alternative. It is advertised as a sailing/rowing boat but with a beam of just 5’ 2”, round bilges and low freeboard it looks tender. I would sail it in light air; I’m not sure how it would do in a gale.
Cornish Crabbers and Shrimpers are also based on traditional fishing boats, and are also made in England. However, most of these are heavy keelboats that violate my “not more than twenty feet and not over one ton” rule. Even the popular 19’ Shrimper is really over 22’ with the bowsprit and weighs over a ton. Also, since they are made in England there are not that many of them available in North America, unless you want to pay for a new one.
Flying Scot: I used to sail one of these. I single-handed it and found that this boat is really too big and powerful to single-hand very well. The mainsail was bigger than a barn door. Mine had no reef points. I would come screaming back to the dock at the end of the sail thinking “geez, I sure hope I can stop this beast…” It’s not tippy, just has a lot of power. You could water ski from one. The company that makes them, Flying Scot, Inc . is located on a small lake in western Maryland; maybe it’s not very windy there. Also, there is no place in the cockpit or forepeak or even on deck to lay out a sleeping bag for an overnight; it’s strictly a daysailer and racer. That’s unusual for a boat that is 19’ long and almost seven feet wide.
Cape Cod Mercury Sloop: Don’t confuse this with the 18’ “Mercury Class” boats; this boat is 15’ long. It is a favorite with camps, sailing schools and community boating programs but it looks kinda generic and institutional – I don’t think that many people buy these for their own personal use. At least all the ones I’ve ever seen have been in institutional fleets. Come to think of it, there are other sailboats like that, the Flying Junior for instance. Cape Cod Shipbuilding makes Mercury Sloops.
Whitehalls are rowing boats. They were originally water taxis in New York City. So they are light in weight, and have narrow beams and low freeboard. Today you can get Whitehalls with sail rigs but these light, narrow, low hulls aren’t ideal for sailing. I would only sail one in gentle conditions, and gentle conditions are uncommon where I live. Whitehall Rowing & Sail and Gig Harbor Boat Works (both in the Pacific Northwest) are two companies that produce them with sail rigs.
So there you have it – every boat has a story that explains why it looks the way it does. Many of the stories have happened on or near Cape Cod. If you live there, you are lucky to be surrounded by all these pretty boats.
Poem: Sailing Alone – by Michael Wing
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COMMENTS
Most small sailboats under 20 feet 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.
Discover why bigger isn't always better, with these 8 small sail boats — perfect for learning to sail, racing and getting your thrills on the water!
In order to go cruising, most of us require a sailboat with a head, a galley, and bunks. The boat, likely a 30-footer and more often a 40-footer, will have electronics for navigation and entertainment, refrigeration if the trip is longer than a coastal hop, an engine for light wind, and, depending on our appetites for food and fun, perhaps a genset to power our toys and appliances.
On a small sailboat you can connect with the sea, feeling the boat move beneath you. The boat is typically easy to rig, simple to sail, and can even be sailed solo. Small sailboats give you the freedom to trailer your or car-top your boat and go anywhere, and they're perfect for learning the nuances of sailing. There are many excellent brands and models of small sailboat, each with their own ...
Best Small Sailboats for Beginners You can learn to sail on any sailboat but small boats are better teachers because they react quickly to crew weight shifts, wind shifts and every command on the tiller or wheel. This immediate feedback is a valuable tool for student sailors and it's usually easy to spot sailors who started out on smaller tiller-driven boats rather than on large steering ...
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.
Easy to rig, simple to toe, compact, manageable, maintainable, and affordable, all the perfect small sailboats have one thing in common: they always provide
Best Daysailers Under 20 Feet Small daysailers can offer daytime rides that match an array of aesthetic sensibilities, budget caps, and requirements for portability, security, speed, and alternate propulsion.
Small sailboats offer a gateway to the vastness of the sea, with the promise of adventure, learning, and community. This article delves deep into the world of small sailboats, covering everything from choosing the right type to the joys of being part of a vibrant sailing community.
In this article, we'll help you choose the perfect type of small sailboat that fits your experience and budget. The most common types of small sailboats include dinghies, daysailers, sloops, and catamarans. Dinghies are small, lightweight boats that are easy to launch and sail, while daysailers are slightly larger but more comfortable.
Choosing the best small sailboat under 20 feet when you are getting ready to sail ultimately depends on your preferences and sailing goals. The Hunter 17 offers a spacious cockpit and stability, making it an excellent choice for families and beginners. On the other hand, the O'Day Javelin focuses on simplicity and affordability, making it an ...
Snark Sailboats: Super Light, Super Fun! More people have learned to sail on Snark boats than any other boat. Easy to sail, very portable, durable, and affordable!
Answers for small light boat (5) crossword clue, 5 letters. Search for crossword clues found in the Daily Celebrity, NY Times, Daily Mirror, Telegraph and major publications. Find clues for small light boat (5) or most any crossword answer or clues for crossword answers.
The best budget small cruiser sailboats include the Catalina 22 for its versatility, Hunter 27 for durability, Beneteau First 20 for performance, West Wight Potter 19 for compactness, Compac Sun Cat for ease of use, MacGregor 26 for adaptability, and Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 349 for comfort and style. As a seasoned sailor with years of navigating ...
CATALINA 16.5. Let's kick things off with the Catalina 16.5 sailboat. It might come as a surprise to find a Catalina boat listed among the best daysailers under 20 feet because the name is more known for bigger cruiser yachts. But there are a whole lot of small boats built by Catalina, too.
Discover the best small sailboats for beginners, including Sunfish, Hunter 15, and Catalina 16.5. Uncover my top recommendation for an easy learning, safe, and enjoyable sailing experience.
Small sailboats are the ticket to big dreams on a small budget. Here are our five favorite small blue water sailboats for sailing around the world.
That is a lot to ask of a very small boat, but we have the answer. The 8′ Nisqually does all of the above. Its heritage comes from the lines of our 12' Point Defiance, and it offers remarkable versatility. An excellent yacht tender, it is small and light enough to be mounted on a transom swim-step, or tracks nicely towed behind a larger boat.
The ideal size boat for beginners is anything under 20 feet. So, what are the best small sailboats under 20 feet? Let's find out.
The term "small sailboat" encompasses a wide range of sailboat models. Generally, if a boat is less than 25 feet long, has a mast, rudder, and sail, and can be towed on a trailer, it is considered a small sailboat. Various types of small sailboats have different characteristics that may make them better for certain types of sailing.
Small boats are great for those just getting starting in boating. Follow our guide to learn more about the various small boat types that are available.
Our collection of sailboat kit designs from 8 to 31 feet. Strong, lightweight okoume plywood means strong, lightweight sailing craft. Most of our sailboats can be cartopped, all of them sail beautifully, and all of them are easy to build.
Daysailer Designs I love small boats! I always have, ever since I was a kid. If you gave me a mega-rock star's money I would not buy a bigger boat, although I might buy some nice waterfront real estate to sail from. But even if you love the small boat you have, you might like … Continue reading Daysailers, Pocket Cruisers and other small sailboats →