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14 Great Pocket Cruisers in 2023

• By Victor Tan
• Updated: July 20, 2023

Pocket cruisers and mini yachts are generally vessels under 50 feet in length overall, and can include express cruiser designs, flybridge yachts as well as either monohull or catamaran hull forms. They are cruising boats easily handled by a small, or even shorthanded, crew. Pocket cruisers generally have wave-taming hull designs and have the ability to take on sporty seas, offer comfortable accommodations belowdecks with one or two staterooms for extended voyages, “homelike amenities,” and the ability to cruise as slowly or as quickly as an owner desires with inboard- and outboard-power options. These pocket-cruising boats have the range for longer voyages , can pull up in skinny water at the sandbar thanks to shallow drafts, and head over the horizon where cruising adventure awaits. Pocket cruisers are true multitasking yachts. When it comes to family and couples cruising, it’s hard to beat a well-built and well-equipped and pocket cruiser.

Best Cruising Boats Under 50-Feet

The following 14 pocket cruisers and mini yachts are all vessels we’ve seen, been aboard, and tested. They are listed in no particular order.

• Hood 35 LM: high-tech, family-friendly pocket cruiser
• Galeon Yachts 375 GTO: mid-size boat with plenty of below-deck space
• Aquila 42: sleek power catamaran ready to entertain
• Azimut Verve 42 : small, yet mighty yacht ready for open water
• Hinckley Yachts 35: luxury picnic cruiser with range
• Beneteau Gran Turismo 45: sleek cruising yacht with all the amenities
• Solaris Power 48 Open: eye-catching power yacht with 360-degree views
• Cruisers Yachts 42 GLS: luxury cruiser yacht with powerful outboard options
• Back Cove 34O: modern outboard power combined with classic Downeast styling
• Picnic Boat 40: speedy and fuel-efficient vessel with great looks
• Aquila 36: comfortably seat up to 20 guests for fun on the salt
• Boston Whaler 350 Realm: multitasker built for fishing and entertaining
• MJM 35z: sporty, aesthetically pleasing, cruising-conscious features and elegant lines
• Greenline 39: sturdy-looking lines and environmentally-friendly power

When Android co-founder, Rich Miner, wanted a new family-friendly pocket cruiser , he turned to a custom-penned C.W. Hood design and a Lyman-Morse-built 35-footer, which has a timeless Down East profile matched to seriously modern technology under the hood.

This yacht looks like a traditional, cold-molded Down East dayboat, but actually, it has everything, from Hamilton HJX Series water-jet drives to a planned Sea Machines autonomous command-and-control system . Top speed: 40-plus knots.

Quick Specifications

Galeon Yachts 375 GTO

Even the remnants of Hurricane Ian, couldn’t dissuade the Galeon Yacht 375 GTO from its cruising mission. The small yacht’s wave-splitting hull form is paired to torque-filled 600 hp Mercury Verado outboards , giving this fun-in-the-sun boat a 47-knot top hop.

The 375 GTO is a speedster, to be sure, but it’s also so much more. Just about every aspect of the main deck seating is transformable and multifunction, from the aft seating to the alfresco dining abaft the helm, and beyond. It also has a family-size and eminently cruise-worthy belowdecks space for four guests, all while providing a foredeck entertaining lounge too.

The Galeon Yachts 375 GTO ticks all the boxes for an easy-to-handle and sporty cruiser.

Aquila 42 Yacht Power Catamaran

Following the success of its 44-, 54- and 70-foot power catamaran models, Aquila has launched the stable-as-a-table, owner-operator-ready Aquila 42 Yacht Power Catamaran .

The Aquila 42 is the entry point into the builder’s yacht line and is noteworthy for its ability to accommodate anywhere from a two- to four-stateroom layout, depending on the owner’s cruising requirements. There are alfresco spaces to manage the sunset cruise with friends and family, including a foredeck lounge area that can be accessed via centerline steps from the flybridge. The Aquila 42 is available with several Volvo Penta diesel-engine options .

Azimut Verve 42

Want to cruise from Florida to Bimini in about an hour? The Azimut Yachts Verve 42 can do that thanks, in part, to triple 450 hp Mercury Racing outboards and a hull designed to dice-and-slice a seaway. Top hop: 45 knots. The Verve 42 also has style for miles with a fine entry, raked hardtop, and a razorlike sheerline accented by sweeping hull glass from bow to stern. It’s striking.

With accommodation for a family of four, the Verve 42 is also solid under the hull tokeep everyone safe on those passages. The Verve 42’s hull is built of fiberglass and uses vinylester resins for blister protection. The yacht’s deck and hardtop are comprised of carbon fiber for strength without added weight. This all means that the Azimut Verve 42 is built to CE Classification Type A , making it suitable for sea voyages where winds can exceed 45 mph and seas to 13 feet.

Hinckley Yachts 35

The Hinckley Yachts 35 takes everything that yachtsmen like about this pedigreed-brand’s classic profile and infuses today’s modern outboard power to create 40 knots of sheer fun wrapped in sheer luxury.

This 35-foot Hinckley is built on a Michael-Peters-penned hull form with a fine entry, wider-than-average chines and a moderate deadrise. While the boat is built to sprint when desired, it’s also a relatively economical cruiser. For instance, a comfortable 24-knot cruise the Hinckley Yachts 35 has a 276-nautical-mile range.

It also has a tech-build thanks to vacuum-infused carbon-fiber composites and epoxy resin. An integrated interior structure is infused with the hull adding rigidity. The hull is then post-cured in an 80-foot oven, further strengthening the structure.

Beneteau Gran Turismo 45

The Beneteau Gran Turismo is the flagship of the builder’s four-model GT series, which also includes 32-, 36- and 41-foot models.

The Gran Turismo 45 ’s cruise-centric layout includes two staterooms and two heads belowdecks, as well as a galley down. There is also a dinette for meals and a settee for rainy-day lounging. Entertaining guests and enjoying the sun is the primary mission of the main deck.

Solaris Power 48 Open

The Solaris Power 48 Open was the first powerboat from this longtime builder known for its sailing yachts, ranging from 40 to 110 feet length overall. The Solaris Power 48 Open is notable for its wave-slicing plumb-bow design, high freeboard forward and 32-knot-plus speed. Power is twin 480 hp Volvo Penta IPS650 diesels.

The high freeboard keeps the deck dry and help creates sizable volume belowdecks with an average 6-foot-6-inch headroom. This enables real estate for either one or two staterooms. With the single-stateroom setup, there is a forepeak master stateroom while an L-shaped settee converts to sleeping accommodations for family or occasional guests. Interior wood options are oak or walnut.

Cruisers Yachts 42 GLS

Outboard-power cruising aficionados will appreciate the triple-engine options for the Cruisers Yachts 42 GLS . The 42 GLS we got aboard had the triple 400 hp Mercury Verados , which produced a top hop of 45 knots, but triple 450 hp Verados are available. Triple 350 hp Mercury Verados are the standard engine option. No matter the power arrangement, this express cruiser can easily be used for wakeboarding and tube towing. The 42 GLS is designed to handle the rough stuff too, with a fine entry and 21-degree transom deadrise.

For cruising enthusiasts, the 42 GLS has a master stateroom with an athwartships and a nearly queen-size berth, and the lower salon’s U-shaped dinette converts to a queen-size berth for the kids.

Back Cove 34O

Combining modern outboard power with classic Downeast styling, the Back Cove 34O touts award-winning standards with cruising in mind. The 34O is equipped with twin 300 hp Yamaha outboards, engines that allow the Newport International Boat Show’s 2018 Best Powerboat Under 35 Feet winner to travel up to 214 nautical miles at 24 knots on a 250-gallon fuel tank.

Belowdecks, the 34O has an island double berth and a split-head arrangement with the toilet to port and a separate shower stall to starboard. On the main deck, a U-shape dinette to port accommodates four or more guests on the Back Cove Yachts vessel. The 34O’s galley is equipped with a Cuisinart microwave, a two-burner Kenyon electric cooktop and a Vitrifrigo fridge and freezer.

Picnic Boat 40

Hinckley Yachts unveiled its first Picnic Boat more than two decades ago. Now, after two previous, sub-40-foot models, the Maine-based boatbuilder has developed its largest and most advanced model to date: the Picnic Boat 40.

Twin 480 hp Cummins diesel engines paired to twin Hamilton 322 jet drives propel the yacht to a 30-knot cruising speed and 34 knots on the pins. With optional twin 550 hp Cummins diesels, cruise and top-end speeds jump to 35 and 38 knots, respectively.

There is an L-shaped settee with a table and a wet bar on the main deck to port. The helm station is forward and to starboard with a benchseat for two. There is also a companion seat across from the helm. Belowdecks, there is 6-foot-2-inch headroom, and the dinette table drops to form a California-king berth for overnights and weekending.

Aquila Power Catamarans started its line with 44- and 48-footers, and now the builder’s Aquila 36 takes the line into the midsize market.

The 36 features a single, main-living area from bow to stern, helped in part by the vessel’s 14-foot, 7-inch beam. The boat can comfortably seat up to 20 guests for fun on the salt. Several Mercury Verado engine options are available for the Aquila 36, including twin 250-, 300- and 350-hp four-strokes. With the 350s, the Aquila has a top-end speed of 37 knots.

Other notable features include a fiberglass hardtop, a dinette, a cooktop, a fridge, a sink and a smokeless grill. Belowdecks, there are two staterooms with nearly queen-size berths, en suite heads and 6-foot-6-inch headroom in each.

Boston Whaler 350 Realm

From fishing and entertaining guests to diving and overnight cruising, Boston Whaler ‘s 350 Realm is a multitasker. And it’s fast, too. It’s powered with either triple 300 hp or triple 350 hp Mercury Verados. The 350 Realm can reach a top speed of 46 knots.

At the helm, two Raymarine displays provide vital navigation data. The captain can take in the displays’ view from a doublewide helm seat. There’s a flip-down platform for standing when needed and a footrest when desired.

There is a V-shaped berth that converts into a double berth with a filler cushion. The separated head has a VacuFlush MSD and a hot-and-cold shower. Owners also have the option to add a microwave and a flat-screen TV.

The MJM 35z can reach a top speed of 44 knots and a cruising speed of 33 knots on its optional 350 hp Mercury Verado outboards; twin 300 hp outboards are standard on this MJM Yachts vessel. Additionally, the 35z can travel up to 304 nautical miles on its 250-gallon fuel tank.

The 35z has a flush-deck layout and to port is space for an electric grill, a baitwell, a sink, an ice maker and a fridge. There are two Stidd helm seats—one for the helmsman and the other for a copilot—that rotate to face the rest of the seating aft. In the cabin is V-shaped seating forward that can be converted to a berth.

Owners also have the option of adding a Seakeeper 3 gyrostabilizer and a full-length Bimini top to shade the cockpit.

Greenline 39

Greenline Yachts ‘ vessels are aptly named for their environmentally friendly means of moving about; the Greenline 39 is no different. The Slovenian yacht manufacturer produces two types of this model: hybrid and solar.

If owners opt for the latter, the 39’s four solar panels atop the salon power all of the vessel’s systems for three hours. With the power of the sun, the 39 can achieve a max speed of 6.5 knots and a cruising speed of 4 knots. The hybrid type uses those same panels to help power a 220 hp Volvo Penta D3 with a Mahle electric-drive system. Owners have the option of replacing the standard engine with a 370 hp Yanmar 8LV diesel.

Belowdecks, scissor berths provide accommodations for long weekends.

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Sail Far Live Free

Go small and go now 5 pocket cruisers to take you anywhere.

What, no Georgian 23? ;)

Gotta love those little Canadian sloops!

Or Bayfield?:)

I am a Bayfield fan (and even more so a Ted Gozzard fan), but I wasn't aware of the Bayfield 25 making any major bluewater passages. Do you know of any?

A bayfield 25 is built well enough BUT it’s shallow keel and light weight classify it more of a coastal cruiser. But that also makes it a great gunk holer. It’s a nice little boat for the Chesapeake and coastal areas. It lacks the deep keel and ballast to be comfortable offshore. The bayfield 29 is a bit more blue water but also it’s shoal keel at only 3ft 6 inches also gives it a comfort ratio a bit on the edge for a true blue water boat. BUT that said a bayfield 29 outfitted right will get the job done and with a good turn of speed over most listed here. It will reach its hull speed of 6.5-7 knots no problem and will point windward well enough. (It’s not got to compete with a fin keel 30 footer but it will be more comfortable. And it’s faster then a westsail32 (nick named the wet snail 32) I find most of the better pocket cruisers on this list are great for what that are but NOT the most boat you can get for your money today. Some great 30-32 foot blue water boats can be purchased for LESS then some of these. I just bought a great bayfield 29 for UNDER 3K that’s right 3 not 30. I looked at a foulmouth cutter that was available in my area it was rough really rough and they still were asking over 10K. It’s only benefit was it came with a trailer but what good doesn’t that do when Your offshore. I wouldn’t mind taking one on single handed adventure as the romance of the boat would add to the fun of the adventure but. Is it the best boat for your buck? No their popularity and reputation and (good ones are getting scarce) bring high prices.

It's amazing: after looking at all your boat reviews and choices, I realize we have exactly the same tastes and dream boats! And I enjoy your writing and musings! I'm very glad I happened upon your blog site! Bill Hinkel

Thanks Bill! I love writing about sailboats almost as much as I love actually sailing them.

I've owned a Flicka, Allegra, and FC all excellent boats.

Wow...that's an impressive resume! I bet you've got some great stories to tell.

What about the Halcyon 23? Any thoughts on that one? Great article by the way!

Sorry, I'm not personally familiar with the little Halcyon 23, but you can read a review reprinted from "Yachts and Yachting" originally written in 1970 here .

How about the Pacific Seacraft 25? If your talking about small salty sailboat (SSS) that can take you to the paradise. She prolly don't a standing headroom but sure does the perfect little sailboat. Just like HC33t.

Yup, I too like the PSC 25. She's not as roomy as either the Flicka or the Dana, but a typically a fair amount more affordable. And as you point out, no standing headroom. Still, a pretty boat with bluewater experience.

A very informative article, thank you very much. I find myself daydreaming to be on a boat, sailing around the world quite often and i'm trying to collect a budget, to buy a boat and take sailing classes. I love the design on the ships you posted. Are there any good pocket-cruisers with a steering wheel ?(i can't say i really like tillers :P). Again, thank you for compiling this list, you gave hope to a "wannabe" skipper.

My humble little Bristol 24 wants to know if she can join the group.

Yup, good choice. Humble and capable...just the right ingredients!

what about the Catalina 22 ?

A fine little coastal sailboat, trailer sailboat and "first" sailboat, but for all the things that the C22 is, she is definitely not a pocket cruiser that can GO ANYWHERE. Don't get me wrong, I love the C22 and our first boat (Helms 25) was very similar, but neither is suited for offshore work.

My little hurley 22, can she make the mark?

A Hurley can do anything! Ihave had a 24 since 1972 they are forgotten but they are great! Joe

Morris Frances 26.

Good recommendation! I love all of the small classic Morris boats like the Frances 26, Linda 28 and Annie 29. Chuck Paine has a way of making these small boats look larger than life!

Was expecting to see an Albin Vega 27 mentioned...

I included the Albin Vega in my "Bluewater on a Budget" post about affordable offshore cruisers. You can read it here: http://www.sailfarlivefree.com/2012/06/blue-water-on-budget-5-budget-cruisers.html

Any thoughts on our west coast Brent Swain 26 welded steel boats? Truly budget cruisers!

I have built one, but yet to launch it I am getting a trailer for it, an advantage that I never thought of when I started building it. Not very many built, mine is a single keel version and I added a wheelhouse.

What about Cape Dory's?

Howard - Good suggestion. Both the CD22 and CD25 are worthy little pocket cruisers with classic Alberg looks. I haven't been aboard either and don't know of any that have crossed oceans, but I suspect someone's been offshore in these two little Cape Dory's and I have little doubt they could be good sea boats in the right hands, given their stout construction, full keels, etc.

The boats listed are priced such that one could buy a much larger, albeit not-so-primo boat for the same or lesser amount. I've seen decent cal 34s go for $8k. So why buy a pocket cruiser that goes for 30K? Smaller sails and reduced slip rent can only account for a modicum of savings

True enough, this is NOT necessarily a list cheap/affordable small boats, but rather well-built and capable small boats that can go offshore in the right hands. Some sailors simply prefer a small, simple sailboat to a larger more spacious (and sometimes more complicated) sailboat, even if the purchase price is similar.

West Wight Potter 14 #223. Mexico to Hawaii.

I'm contemplating buying a 26' Micmac for rougher waters. http://sailboatdata.com/viewrecord.asp?class_id=6202

A Vancouver 27 !!!!

hey you forgot a little boat from south africa called the flamenca 25 great little boat built for the cape of storms

A Flamenca would also sail circles around this list of boats. These traditional long keel boats are slow and without decent fouls, suck going upwind.

Would the Cascade 27 be a good pocket cruiser or is this just a coastal cruiser

I think it would be a excellent choice

Mmm. Some consistencies in your selections (apart from the obvious US of A bias), they all have square bows. Me thinks this is as much a beauty contest as a seaworthy small boat list. I'm afraid trailer and seagoing don't fit in the same sentence

Guilty as charged! Although I do disagree about trailer and seagoing...with both the Flicka and the Nor'Sea being plenty capable on both fronts.

Okay. On seaworthy, I sailed in 12 knots past a site where 2 friends were drowned, their yacht lost in a gale. So is my Folkboat, my sailing skill or patience to credit or was their boat any less seaworthy? An ocean crossing does not make a boat seaworthy, the sailing skill and weather and sea mix have as much to credit. I assert that a long heavy keel, stout rig and water tightness are compulsory if you want to lengthen the odds in your favour.

Nice article, I would however strongly suggest that you give a second thought about linking to myboatplans.com. It's a scam (most, if not all, of the plans are available for free elsewhere on the net and at least some pics are stolen from other boatbuilders). You don't have to take my word for it, just google around.

Thanks, and thanks for the suggestion...the link has been removed!

I am agree with you. Tks. An article about siling solo those smalls boats (in spanish): http://www.navegar-es-preciso.com/news/la-navegacion-oceanica-en-solitario-en-peque%C3%B1os-veleros-/

How about a Privateer26 by Kenner ? Check the specs, and I think you'll find she's equal in important areas and prettier by far than most!

Having a love affair with traditional boats with genuine shear lines, I just stepped out of my Marshall 22, and into a totally unknown double ender called a Skipper 20. Why these trailer sailors dream have gone unnoticed is hard to fathom. With room for 4, 2' draft, 800#s ballast, and a cockpit larger than my Bristol 27' which includes a outboard locker has me spending the last 4 months making the 40 year old look like modern and updated, quality pocket cruiser. With the new genoa, 5.5kts up hill and down, and as dry as they get,, Where they been???

I just bought a Skipper 20 and am fixing it up, can you tell me how it handles in a heavy blow? I am planning to use it as a micro coastal sailer and would like to know as much about it's capabilitys as I can. Much appreciated, Richard.

What are your thoughts on a San Juan 7.7 with the keel shoe? Offshore sailong to Hawaii or the inside passage to Alaska.

What are your thoughs on a San Juan 7.7 with the keel shoe offshore? IE; Hawaii or the Inside Passage to Alaska.

We recently purchased a JJ Taylor Contessa 26, hull #262, Ophelia, and have trailered her to Malletts Bay in Lake Champlain, VT. We were extremely flattered to have a visit from Tania Aebi, who lives 35 min. from us and wanted to show her sister and daughter-in-law an example of the boat that she sailed round the world in the late '80's.

What about steel Tom Thumb 24 ???

For whatever reason, I'm a fan of the Bristol 24 (Paul Coble design). The baby Bristols are full-keeled and don't go upwind very energetically, but once the sheets are started they come into their own. Hulls are usually nearly bulletproof, and even if damaged, they are small and easy to fix... some have been gilded into mini-yachts, but I prefer sparse brightwork and light/white paint. They are very (very) sea-kindly for their size and although they heel to about 15-20 degrees, their nearly 50% ballast usually stops it right there... Mast-head rigged, they have a large main and can develop noticeable weather-helm, so one reef keeps the tiller loads modest. Thankfully they aren't very popular or well-known, so you can find bargains and even top-drawer examples probably will cost less than a modest commuter car... I'm now on my second one (after having a larger fin-keel... am returning to the B24); if possible, look for one with split lower shrouds... Oh, they have comfortable 5'11" headroom, or just a fraction more,,,

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Ventura Sport Boats

Pocket Cruising Sailboats

Ventura 2300

Your premium “pocket yacht”.

Elegant performance under sail and power

Now in Pre-Construction: Orders Being Taken for Fall 2018 Delivery

Now in pre-construction at our factory, the revolutionary design of the Ventura 2300 will offer the complete yachting experience in a single pocket cruiser. Longtime sailors and power boaters alike will love this boat’s sexy, curvilinear form and the seaworthy, planing hull.

The Ventura 2300 will truly be “two yachts in one:” Modern computer design and contemporary materials are being used by leading marine architects to create a right-sized, trailerable boat calculated to do a comfortable 25 knots with a 90HP outboard, while offering high-performance sailing, estimated at 9.5 knots offwind, and 6.5 upwind.

We invite you to become one of the first to own a design sure to change the recreational boat industry forever!

Comfort and Style

Comfort and style are just as important to the Ventura 2300 design as speed and agility. The seven-foot cockpit easily seats six adults, and the spacious cabin offers six-foot standing headroom, a full galley, four ample berths, two settees, and a fully-enclosed head with sink: the complete “luxury RV experience” on the trailer,  or out on the water.

The boat will be absolutely right-sized for those who want the double fun of performance sailing and dynamic power boating…anywhere you can find a boat ramp or a dock. Downsizing from a bigger yacht? You will find the “pocket” experience surprisingly roomy. Upscaling from a runabout? Welcome to the joys of a sleep-aboard cabin and onboard head.

Great for New Sailors

New to sailing, but don’t want to take weeks of classes? Our exclusive Sail-A-Matic coded ropes, paired with an innovative user manual, will simplify sailing for newbies, and finally close the knowledge gap between power and sail. Water-tank ballast makes the boat light when trailering, stable when boating. Dual rudders controlled by the easily-handled wheel keep you in control.

Versatile: Land, Sea, Beach

When we first conceived the Ventura 2300, one of our key goals was to expand the range of boating adventures available in a single boat.

You can easily trailer and launch the Ventura 2300 using a standard automobile, and it will be fully beachable. That makes it the perfect boat to explore small lakes, big lakes, any kind of river or bay— even coastal ocean waters—without doubt, the most versatile boat you will ever own.

Set sail…or speed out to your favorite fishing hole with the outboard. Just want to use it as a power boat? The mast and rigging will be easily removed, and you can head out under bridges and through the trees to explore where sailboats cannot tread.

Gorgeous in the Marina

Every feature of this premium yacht has been right-sized and ergonomically-designed for fast setup and ease-of-use.  But like a finely-crafted sports car, the Ventura 2300 will also make you proud in the marina, where she will feel right at home alongside luxury-class yachts.

After all, she will be your very own “pocket yacht”!

Pre-Construction Orders Welcome!

Join the revolution by working directly with our factory! Each Ventura 2300 will be custom-built, tailored exactly to your needs, and delivered worldwide, with initial boats completed in the Fall of 2018.

Contact us to learn more and discover the future of boating fun!

Specifications

Length Overall…………………………… 7100 mm, 23’

Length Waterline……………………… 6900 mm, 22’6”

Beam……………………………………………. 2500 mm, 8’3”

Draft: Centerboard Down……… 1300 mm, 4’6”

Draft: Centerboard Up…………… 280mm, 11”

Ballast Ratio………………………………. 33%

Ballast: Water……………………………. 300 Kg, 660 lbs

Ballast:  Fixed…………………………….. 100 Kg, 220 lbs

Centerboard Ballast………………… 50 Kg, 110 lbs

Empty Weight……………………………. 1050 Kg, 2350 lbs

Weight With Water Ballast……. 1350 kg, 3000 lbs

Sail Area/100% Fore Triangle.. 280 Sq Ft

SA/Displacement………………………. 20

Fuel Tank…………………………………….. 22 gallons

Fresh Water Tank…………………….. 22 gallons

Displacement/Length Ratio… 90 power, 115 Sail

Positive Stability……………………….. 120 degrees

RM1……………………………………………….. 36 Kgm, 260 Lb.Ft.

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11 Best Pocket Cruiser Sailboats to Fit a Budget

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

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

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

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

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

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

Beneteau First 20

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

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

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

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

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

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

Cape Dory 28

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

Islander Bahama 28

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

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

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

Contessa 26

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

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

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10 Small Superyachts That Offer Supersized Interiors

These sub-100-footers combine broad beams with unconventional interiors to create the space of superyachts that are sometimes twice as long., howard walker, howard walker's most recent stories.

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For many yacht owners, the solution to finding more space aboard for friends and family is summed up by that immortal line by Chief Brody in Jaws : “You’re gonna need a bigger boat.”

Until now, bigger has typically meant longer. But that’s quickly changing as more and more builders are creating interior volume by going wider and taller. For disrupter builder Wally Yachts and its polarizing new Wallywhy 150—which refers to its internal volume rather than the boat’s length—the quirky design is said to deliver 50 percent more space than more traditional 78-footers.

Other builders like Princess have been in the game since 2021. Its X95 first appeared several years ago, effectively throwing down the gauntlet as a way forward for sub-100-foot yachts to supersize both interior and exterior volumes.

Since then, many other builders of small superyachts have jumped on board, with designs that typically have somewhat bloated profiles, far-forward main suites, and open transoms—features all designed to maximize space but minimize length.

Here are 10 new yachts 100 feet and under that are breaking the mold in an attempt to dominate the nautical space race.

wallywhy150

It’s no wonder that disrupter Italian builder Wally—now part of the Ferretti Group—calls its latest head-turner a “spaceship.” Claiming up to 50 percent more space than comparable 78-footers, the 150 (named after interior volume rather than length) has standout features like a main salon with over eight feet of headroom, and a beam of more than 22 feet. The pragmatic design includes a one-level main deck attached to an open rear cockpit that offers easy access to the water. Its most noteworthy feature is the rule-breaking, full-beam master suite tucked into the bow on the main deck. It has wraparound glass—stretching all the way around the bow—for panorama-like views from the main bedroom. Priced from about $6.7 million.

Lazzara UHV 87

Short for Ultra High Volume, this new Turkish-built pocket superyacht is a sistership to Lazzara’s UHV 100 and 125 models. The newest Lazzara boasts an impressive 2,153 square feet of interior space in its 87-foot length. Arguably, the boat is not pretty in a classic sense. The towering hull sides, blunt, plumb bow, and dark-tinted glass make it look more like a dinner cruiser than a mini-superyacht. But the interior space is astonishing, from the cavernous Sky Lounge, with its floor-to-ceiling windows, to the salon with a separate, chandelier-lit dining area and chef’s galley. With a fuel capacity of 3,000 gals, the twin 1,000 hp Volvo D13s deliver a top speed of 16 knots. The boat also has transatlantic range. Base price starts at about $10.9 million.

Sunseeker 100 Yacht

Movie nights under the stars should have a whole new appeal aboard UK builder Sunseeker’s brand-new 98-footer. Lie back on the yacht’s extra-wide foredeck sunpad and watch the latest blockbuster on a 140-inch screen with laser projection. Or, if you’re the lucky owner, stargaze from your private terrace tucked away in the bow, just steps from the full-beam main-deck master suite, with atrium-style glass sliding doors. One of the best innovations here is the wide, uninterrupted walkway around the entire top deck, which provides safe, easy access from the flybridge to the forward entertaining space. With its twin 2,600 hp V16 MTU diesels, top speed is an impressive 29 knots. Priced from about $10.5 million.

Azimut Grande 26M

For its brand-new Grande 26M compact superyacht, Italian builder Azimut has gone extra wide to create massive interior and exterior spaces. Spatial highlights include a full-width flybridge that’s almost 20 feet across and close to 40 feet long, and a foredeck entertaining area that seems more like an outdoor patio. The Alberto Mancini-styled go-fast cruiser is crammed with space-enhancing innovations, such as a teak-decked garage door that, at the touch of a button, hinges upwards to extend the rear cockpit by almost five feet. New ZF pod drives coupled to the yacht’s twin 1,650 hp MAN V12 diesels also save space. It is priced from about $6.2 million.

Princess X95

As we said during our 2021 tour of Britain’s Princess Yachts’ tri-deck X95 “When it comes to the polarizing, head-spinning design, there are no half-measures, no in-betweens. You either love it. Or loathe it.” But what those eye-popping lines hide is perhaps the most spacious 95-foot luxury cruiser in the category. Reckoned to be some 40 percent roomier than cruisers with the same length, the X95 has stretch-out accommodations for up to 10 in five cabins and living spaces that rival most apartments. The flybridge covers almost the entire length of the yacht. The 100 is also fast, with twin 1,990 hp MAN V12s delivering a top speed of 23 knots. Prices start at about $12 million.

Extra X96 Triplex

This broad-beamed 96-footer is from the Italian builder Extra Yachts, which is part of the Palumbo Superyachts Group. While it’s called the Triplex, there are actually four levels if you include the cozy upper sundeck with its outdoor kitchen, dining area, and oversized sunpads. The exterior comes courtesy of Italian designer Francesco Guida, while interiors are by Milan-based Hot Labs. Both teams have made the most of the yacht’s class-leading 25-foot beam. Notable features include a vast full-beam master on the main level and an upper salon dedicated entirely to dining, with a table for 10, an open chef’s galley, and an adjoining outdoor bar. Twin Volvo IPS1350s deliver a 16.5-knot top speed. Priced from $12 million.

Sunreef 100

This Sunreef power catamaran’s beam spans a staggering 44 feet, offering the kind of interior and exterior spaces you only get with superyachts twice the length. Every element of the yacht is XXL-size—from the massive hydraulic swim platform to the full-width flybridge that covers almost 1,000 square feet. Down in the salon is a huge 11-seat U-shaped bar that would delight any mixologist. The five staterooms in the twin hulls have space for 10. A pair of 1,300 hp MAN V8 diesels delivers a six-knot top speed. It is priced from about $15.3 million.

Absolute Navetta 75

In Italian, the word “navetta” translates to “little ship.” Which is a perfect description for Absolute’s new 75-foot fast cruiser. It’s an evolution of the strong-selling Navetta 73 but with nearly two feet of extra length. The yacht’s expansive interior volumes will remain the same, with features like a forward master stateroom on its own level that has a private entrance steps away from the main salon. The salon features floor-to-ceiling glass, with full views of the water, courtesy of open bulwarks. Twin 1,000 hp Volvo IPS1350 diesels deliver a top speed of 25 knots. Pricing starts at about $4 million.

Arcadia A96

Cross a spacious Miami high-rise penthouse with a Canyon Ranch spa and the result could be this new 96-foot superyacht from Italian builder Arcadia. Boasting a remarkable 4,300 square feet of total living space, there’s room for 12 guests and five crew. And the living spaces even expand, courtesy of fold-down terraces in the main salon and on the rear deck. But the yacht’s focus on wellness and healthy living sets it apart. That expansive, teak-decked foredeck, spanning over 500 square feet, is perfect for yoga sessions or meditation, while the cockpit and beach club offer another 1,000 square feet of social space. For extra peace and quiet at anchor, solar panels can provide up to nine hours of generator-free power.

Numarine 26XP Fast

Think of it as offering pace, with space. Turkish yard Numarine has been building its bold 85-foot 26XP explorer style mini-superyacht since 2018, but later this year, it will launch the U.S.-focused 26XP Fast. Instead of slow-churning 435 hp diesels and nine-knot cruising, it’s bolting-in a pair of mighty 1,800 hp MAN V12s and modifying the hull to deliver a top speed of 31 knots. What hasn’t changed is the XP’s cavernous interior and expensive deck space. Take the top-deck flybridge which, thanks to the yacht’s 21-foot beam and far-forward helm, spans over 700 square feet. That space will include a dining table for eight, a full outdoor kitchen, and more lounges than a Saint-Tropez beach bar. Prices start from $6.95 million.

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Ranking Top New Pocket Cruisers and Daysailers of 2022

Ranking Top New Pocket Cruisers and Daysailers of 2022:

True to its name, Cruising World Magazine gives out an annual award for the best pocket cruiser / daysailer.  In competition this year were 27 different boats looking to be recognized as the best in their market.

In an unusually competitive year for pocket cruisers and daysailers, the team of independent judges were put to the task of deciding between three hot vessels: the Tartan 245, the J/9, and the Beneteau First 27.

Click HERE for the full article

Best Daysailers:

The Tartan 245 was intentionally rigged to enable students to practice more fine-tuning and racing operations on a small scale.

In contrast, the J/9 positioned itself for unadulterated enjoyment of an afternoon of stress-free sailing.  She boasts a cockpit that’s plenty long to sleep in (see picture for scale) yet thoughtfully managed to enable ease of sailing.

Below was a smaller cabin with room for an open V-berth, opposing settees, a marine head, and space for a small portable cookstove and cooler.

Beneteau First 27

With the J/9 and the Tartan 245 fitting nicely into their respective niches, the third boat looked to sail away with Cruising World’s award for best daysailer pocket cruiser of 2022.  The Beneteau First 27 is a race-ready sport cruiser, delivering thrilling performance in a comfortable, well finished package.

This boat was originally named the Seascape 27 but has been revamped by Beneteau into an award winner.

Respectable in all capacities, the First 27 boasts a nicely proportioned cockpit of her own.  A large and open cockpit welcomes you with comfortable benches, a removable indoor/outdoor table and a swim ladder with a shower on the stern.  The First 27 cockpit is designed with versatility to give sailors the option to comfortably sit inside or on top of the cockpit.

Stanton Murray aboard the New Beneteau First 27 at the Annapolis Boat Show

With a surprisingly large cabin below, the First 27 can sleep up to 6 adults, with 2 in the bow cabin and up to 4 in the openly spaced salon.

The Beneteau First 27 is designed with plenty of room for crew

Thanks to innovative, foldable magnetic doors, the midsection can be converted into a proper marine toilet with a black water tank or used as a front cabin extension.

In the end, it was the little things that swayed the judges. “The fit-and-finish for the price point is at a different level,” judge Gerry Douglas said. “The equipment level was higher.”

Reviewing Best New Daysailers of 2022:

Tartan 245 vs. j/9:.

The Tartan 245 was originally conceived as a training boat for sailing schools. J/Boat’s J/9 is an unabashed daysailer, meant to provide exciting spins around the harbor, even under mainsail alone.

Tartan 245 vs. Beneteau First 27:

Obviously, the Tartan is smaller, and more geared towards an afternoon sail or instructional sailing.  Meanwhile, the First 27 has a roomier and more finished cabin, a serviceable head, galley and berths, and a Yanmar diesel. and multiple places for crew or a family to sleep below.  A couple could easily liveaboard for short periods of time, as well as expect to seriously compete in regattas.

J/9 vs. Beneteau First 27:

The two boats compete on purpose, with the J/9 being geared towards sailors who want to relax and enjoy time on the water by themselves or with family and the Beneteau First 27 being a versatile sport cruiser capable of competitive racing as well as some live-aboard accommodations.

Beneteau First 27 Available Now: Link Here

J/9 available now: link here, search for brokerage sailboats 26-30 foot range: here.

To unlock full pricing and options, fill out the form below:

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#First27, #Award, #2022, #Beneteau, #GulfCoast, #Dealer #TopNewDaysailers #BestPocketCruisers

What are the best new daysailers for 2022

With the J/9 and the Tartan 245 fitting nicely into their respective niches, the third boat looked to sail away with Cruising World’s award for best daysailer pocket cruiser of 2022.  The Beneteau First 27 proved to be a race-ready sport cruiser, delivering thrilling performance in a comfortable, well finished package.

Practical Boat Owner

• Digital edition

Pocket cruisers: the best boats between 17-20ft

• Peter Poland
• March 31, 2023

Whether you’re moving on from dinghies, or downsizing to a boat that’s fun without being a financial millstone, here’s a pocket cruisers market guide

The Drascombe Coaster, Blue Peter. The coaster is 21ft 9in LOA

Selecting a pocket cruiser or any boat can be a bit of a lottery. Especially if it’s getting on a bit.

If you are looking at a brand-new model you can of course ask the dealer for a trial sail. But this won’t necessarily tell you the full story.

If the test is on a sunny day with light winds, what will she be like in a blow? Or vice versa?

Reprints of test reports can also provide extra useful input (although they’re not so easily available these days) and help you to build up an overall picture.

You can also study owners’ opinions by visiting class association websites and YBW forums . Either way, you need to tap into the experience of as many people as possible to build up a picture of any older boat’s good and bad points.

When it comes to second-hand boats, trial sails are the exception rather than the rule.

Norfolk Gypsy III. These are popular boats and often in demand. Credit: Neil Thompson Boats Ltd

Even the best brokers are unlikely to take you for a spin on one of the many boats on their books.

The owner – if it is a private sale and the boat is afloat – may offer a trial sail. But again, this cannot be guaranteed.

Your surveyor might also chuck in a general comment such as ‘great boats’ or ‘I wouldn’t dream of owning one of those’.

You should also ask yourself the same three basic questions that we encouraged our Hunter clients to consider.

These are: ‘where are you going to sail it; how often; and with whom?’ It was interesting that clients often decided on something a bit smaller once they’d gone through this self-cross-examination.

And then there is the expectation of what you want from a sailing boat.

Norfolk Gypsy Ripple . Credit: Neil Thompson Boats Ltd

Some sailors relish top performance and a design that will slice upwind in fair weather and foul.

Others are less fussed about speed or close-windedness and are happy with a boat that will trundle along satisfactorily and safely.

On the comfort stakes, some are happy with adequate if spartan accommodation, while others want maximum space and comfort down below.

The field is wide and sometimes confusing. What’s more, some boats represent better value for money than others.

Buying a tired example of an obscure model can mean ‘throwing good money after bad’.

Pocket cruisers: Sailfish 18

Starting at the small end of the scale, where should you look if you want a pocket cruiser in the 16ft-20ft size range that’s capable of trailer-sailing ?

Many sailors make their first purchase around this size having moved on from dinghies ; while others decide that a smaller boat could offer lots of fun without being a financial millstone.

Indeed, many sailors downsize to smaller cruisers after retiring and decide to ‘own little and charter large’.

I started my search for sensible and trailable 16- to 20-footers by consulting two PBO columnists who champion the smaller boat – Dave Selby and Sam Llewellyn.

Sailfish 18 yacht racing at the 2013 Rutland Water Rally. Credit: Judy Stratford

Dave owns a Sailfish 18 . He paid £2,000, which included an excellent trailer (worth half the total purchase price, he said).

This versatile small cruiser was designed by Leo da Costa and built by Maxim Marine in converted farm sheds in Hampshire.

And thanks to a clever marketing policy of offering it as a complete package including outboard motor and trailer, it sold like hot cakes.

It was launched in 1970 and around 900 were built.

The Sailfish’s LOA of 18ft 6in and beam of 7ft 1in – combined with a huge cockpit , generous topsides and high coachroof – mean it offers plenty of space for its size.

Sandpiper 565 on the Saint-Laurent river, close to Quebec, Canada

Dave told me: “You can sleep on a king- sized airbed in its 6ft cockpit. The original tent even has windows, creating an extra room or conservatory. The builder’s original brochure claimed it slept six!”

Dave’s friends towed their Sailfish to Disneyland Paris, put it in the caravan park and lived in it (along with their two children). A passer-by was heard to exclaim: “That caravan looks like a boat!”

The Sailfish offers more, however, than space.

Its vertically lifting keel (operated by a worm drive) weighs 114kg/250lb (out of a displacement of 454kg/1,000lb) and reduces draught from 3ft to 1ft.

So the boat is also relatively easy to trail, launch and retrieve, and it sails well and is simple to handle.

Dave got caught in heavy winds off Felixstowe on an early trip and found that the wide companionway meant he could stand on the keel box in the cabin and reef the sail.

He “was surprised when friends said later it was a Force 7”. Dave does not, however, use his keel as an echosounder .

Unlike a pivoting plate, it does not flip up.

The Sailfish UK Class Association offers advice galore on maintenance and often sources spare parts – should you ignore his advice and crunch the keel.

Dave describes the owners’ association as excellent, providing friendly support and sociable rallies.

These are essential parts of any elderly boat’s inventory.

You can mull over the Selby meanderings on pbo.co.uk/dave-selby/sailfishing-compliments-dave-selbys-mad-boat.

The Sandpiper 565 is a similar da Costa design of which a few were built in the UK and many more in Canada.

Pocket cruisers: Cornish Shrimper 19

Sam Llewellyn also graced PBO’s pages with many musings about his Cornish Shrimper 19 (19ft 3in LOA), praising it as an ideal ‘minimum boat’.

His route to this boat, having owned “a 30ft ketch when the family was small: a slow but very good sea boat; then a Drascombe Longboat when I got fed up with paying mooring fees for the ketch; slow again, but also a very good sea boat; then a Cornish Crabber Mk1 until I got fed up with not sailing too well… Then I bought a Cornish Shrimper because it was solid and had a roof and sailed quite well and, most importantly, it was trailable.”

Sam’s keen on ‘trailability’: “I like being able to sail in the Hebrides and Scilly in the same year, without spending weeks on passage.”

A few years later Sam bought a Corribee 21, summing up his philosophy of boat ownership by saying “the smaller the boat, the bigger the fun, within reason. Friends have Discovery 55s and mighty Olin Stephens classics. The haunted expression on their faces tells its own story.”

The Cornish Shrimper is one of the UK’s most successful small boats. More than 1,100 have been built. It comes with a variety of interior layouts and choice of an outboard well, a Yanmar diesel and now an electric engine .

It weighs 2,348lb and draws 1ft 6in with pivoting centreplate up and 4ft with it down. So it’s trailable, albeit behind a beefy car.

Cornish Shrimper in the Sound of Islay. Credit: Sam Llewellyn

The original Cornish Crabber 24 was built in marine plywood , then market demand led to production switching to GRP to satisfy the long queue of waiting customers.

Designed by Roger Dongray, she offered attractive, chunky looks with a flattish deck and plenty of space below.

However, when her smaller sister – the Cornish Shrimper 19 – came along, Dongray hit the jackpot.

Some designers say they can design a boat 95% right, but the last 5% is down to luck. If that’s the case, the 19ft Shrimper was Dongray’s lucky boat.

She looks the part with her jaunty sheer, pretty coach-roof and gaff rig .

As a sensible concession to modernity she also sports a roller genoa tacked to a bowsprit.

Continues below…

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I suspect that the Shrimper’s major appeal lies in its lovely lines and elegantly proportioned rig .

It’s still available new (£43,950 from cornishcrabbers.co.uk ) and has become a true ‘cult’ boat.

Its accommodation is not huge for its length, but – as on the Sailfish 18 – a good cockpit tent works wonders when at anchor in wet, windy conditions.

An active class association runs an extensive programme of sailing and social events.

If you like the idea of a versatile and attractive day sailer-cum-weekend cruiser, the Shrimper 19 is a safe choice.

And if a gaff rig with varnished spars doesn’t appeal, the Adventure 19 version (also £43,950) has alloy spars and a Bermudan rig with a semi-fathead mainsail and no backstay.

Both versions should be easy to resell at a later date.

Long-term favourites

The Drascombe Coaster (from Churchouse Boats, drascombe.uk ) and Original Devon Coaster (from honnormarine.co.uk ) are also long-term favourites.

Both offer new boats from around £32,000 and brokerage boats from around £5,500 to £10,000 depending on age and specification.

The Coaster’s hull, based on the open Longboat model, is 21ft 9in LOA, 6ft 7in beam and draws 1ft/3ft 10in.

Its attractively styled coachroof provides a two-berth interior. An optional sprayhood and cockpit tent add two more berths while a tilting 5hp-8hp outboard lives in a well aft of the mizzen mast.

Drascombe Coaster. Credit: Sharon Geary

The Drascombe Coaster has a sailing weight of 1,280lb and estimated towing weight of around 2,160lb.

Coasters often take to the road to attend Drascombe Association events around the country.

The association reckons that over 5,000 boats have been built since the first Lugger was launched in 1966 so these events are all well attended and great fun.

After the Cornish Shrimper hit the scene, Andrew Wolstenholme designed the Norfolk Gypsy for Charlie Ward’s East Coast firm.

She’s small enough to trail and easy to launch and rig, yet she’s tough enough to stand up to heavy weather .

Inside of the Norfolk Gypsy III. Credit: Neil Thompson Boats Ltd

The attention to detail and quality of finish Ward lavished on these yachts makes them objects of beauty.

The current builder (Neil Thompson Boats, neilthompsonboats.co.uk ) offers similar quality. Thompson usually has a selection of used Gypsys for sale at around £24,000 and a new one costs £72,000 inc. diesel inboard.

The Norfolk Gypsy is a high-quality gaffer and remains in demand.

Pocket cruisers: Cape Cutter 19

A similar but less known trailer-sailer-gaffer is the Dix-designed and Honnor Marine-built Cape Cutter 19.

At 2,535lb it’s slightly heavier than the Shrimper while its draught with centreplate up or down is similar.

With a longer LWL, wider beam and longer full width coachroof, it offers more space down below.

And its cutter rig is more adaptable than the Shrimper’s single genoa rig. A new Cape Cutter 19 costs £39,500.

Despite moving on to a larger gaffer, Charles Erb’s blog travellingaurora.wordpress.com about his earlier Cape Cutter 19 contains a wealth of information.

He recommends the class association website capecutter19association.org .

Cape Cutter 19. Credit: Chris Wicks

After considering a Hawk 21, Drascombe Longboat, Shrimper and small Beneteau, Charles bought the Cape Cutter, saying: “We chose it because it looks very handsome, can sleep all four of us (I didn’t think this would be possible until I saw inside one) and handles really well. It’s also excellent value for money.”

The ability to trail and sail was also important. Another owner was grateful that he stumbled across the Honnor Marine stand at a Southampton Boat Show .

Dennis Ogle went on to buy a CC19 saying “It was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made… It’s the sailing performance that really does it for me. I frequently outsail larger yachts in our club, especially in light winds. I sail mainly single-handed – the Cape Cutter is ideal for this. The cutter rig gives lots of options as the wind strength varies … the boat carries a lot of sail so it will reach hull speed in the lightest of breezes, yet it’s not overpowered in a Force 6 with a single reef in the mainsail and the staysail only.”

The trailer-sailer-gaffer Cape Cutter 19 is similar to the Cornish Shrimper but offers more space down below. Credit: Dennis Ogle

PBO was responsible for another owner choosing a Cape Cutter 19.

While waiting to catch a plane to Greece Chris Wilks “picked up a copy of PBO at the airport and spent the flight reading about the new Cape Cutter 19.”

To cut a long story short, he went on to buy a small olive farm over-looking Platanias and the Aegean Sea – and a Cape Cutter 19 and (later) a Lune Whammel 17ft gaff rigged open boat.

“Since then we have spent our summers day sailing in the Aegean and occasionally going further afield to Skopelos and Alonnysos. We find our Cape Cutter a fantastic boat, very secure feeling in a blow, well made and with the centreplate up we can approach and anchor at any beach in a few inches of water.”

Envious of this lifestyle? You can rent part of Olive Store Cottage and cruise surrounding bays as guests of Chris and Kathryn Wilks by visiting facebook.com/olivestorecottage .

Perhaps the most intrepid Cape Cutter 19 adventure was Mike Brooke’s solo 1,783 mile trip round Britain.

This took 86 days and he visited 60 ports. The voyage raised £43,000 for a Fast Light Scanner – and more – for Moorfields Eye Hospital.

Mike’s Godson, Theo, was born blind and this machine would help him and thousands of other children with the same condition.

And on a sportier level, Mike told me: “In the five Round the Island Races which I entered in the CC19 my results were 8,1,1,1,4. So yes, I won the Small Gaffers Class (Discovery Trophy) three times in a row (2009/10/11). My main opposition came from Cornish Shrimpers, particularly one from Poole which was very well sailed with lots of local knowledge.”

Bermudan rigs

Moving to Bermudan rigs , one of the most successful and yet overlooked designers of small trailable cruisers was Ian Proctor.

He’s famous for his many great dinghy designs – Wayfarer , Wanderer, Topper, Osprey et al. But Proctor’s Westerly Nimrod, Prelude 19 and Pirate 17 designs are all capable trailable pocket cruisers with above average performance.

Westerly Nimrod. Credit: David Harding

Westerly commissioned the 17ft 9in Nimrod as a starter boat for families moving on from cruising dinghies .

Most have a pivoting lifting keel, weighing 260lb out of an all up 1,050lb. The draught goes from 8in (up) to 4ft (down), while a generous sail plan combined with a slippery hull provides sporty performance.

The cabin is on the small side offering occasional overnight accommodation, while the long cockpit makes the Nimrod an ideal day sailer.

If you want a trailer-sailer that can live in your drive then give hours of fun afloat, this boat could be on the list.

The Rydgeway Marine-built and Proctor-designed Pirate or Express Pirate (17ft 3in LOA) is of similar size but very different in character.

The drop keel version has a draught of 2ft (up) and 4ft 9in (down). Fin (3ft 9in) and twin keels (2ft 3in) were also offered.

The Pirate was a top seller and about 400 were built.

The fin and drop keel versions are obviously the quickest and – as expected from a Proctor designed boat – offer sparkling performance.

The three-berth interior, complete with compact galley, is surprisingly spacious although the cockpit becomes a bit crowded with three or more crew.

The Pirate’s ability to go to sea was dramatically illustrated by a cowman from Cirencester.

The Pirate 17 was available as a drop keel, fin keel and twin keel version. Credit: David Harding

Phil Ashwin sailed his fin keel Pirate Laynee 1,732 miles single-handed around Britain to raise money for ‘Help the Heroes’.

Farmers Weekly quoted him as saying “There were grown-up seas, wonderful wildlife – dolphins, seals and a whale – and tremendous scenery, but best of all there were great people all around the UK who couldn’t have been kinder, more helpful and interested in the project.”

On a YBW.com forum, Ashwin added: “Accommodation in a little boat is never going to be palatial, but on the above trip I lived on her for three months without any great suffering. Far more comfortable than a bivvi on a hilltop somewhere!”

The 19ft 3in Prelude was another top seller. Again, Proctor offered a choice of fin, twin and swing keel versions and all sail well.

Rydgeway Marine and Pegasus Yachts built around 500 between them.

A busy owners’ association ( prelude-owners.info ) provides valuable back up.

The Prelude adds good accommodation to her excellent performance.

There is a double berth in the forepeak (with a WC under) and two berths in the saloon, along with a galley unit and small dining table.

Extensive use of inner mouldings means that the boat’s interior ages well, and the well-styled coachroof gives ample sitting headroom.

A Prelude owner told the owners’ association: “Our Prelude, Pela, has a fixed fin keel. 15 years ago my wife and I lived aboard her for 14 months, sailing from Bristol to Greece and back. For a couple of weeks we even had four people living aboard while in Majorca. The first three days it didn’t stop raining, and the next three days it rained every morning until 1pm!

“With all our equipment, and the unnecessary items our two guests brought out with them, it was quite a character-building event… Still, that was the last rain we saw for 17 weeks.”

Lifting keel system

David Thomas designed the Hunter Medina that was an equally successful lifting keel cruiser-racer.

Following hot on the heels of his game-changing Hunter Sonata One Design, the smaller Medina 20 went into production in 1979.

At 19ft 8in LOA, 17ft 8in LWL, 7ft 3in beam and weighing 1,890lb, the Medina has a sail area/displacement ratio of 20.31 and displacement/LWL ratio of 153.94.

So a good yet steady turn of speed is assured.

Drawing 10in to 3ft 10in, the Medina’s lifting keel system is simple compared to some of her competitors.

There’s no complex worm jack – a rope connected to a braked trailer winch mounted on a removable alloy post lifts and lowers the keel vertically.

Hunter Medina Cirrus. Credit: David Harding

Provided the lifting rope (some owners fit wire) and winch are maintained in good condition, there’s not a lot to go wrong.

The top of the keel is wider than the foil so it can’t fall through its slot. Once lowered, screw-down bolts on the top hold it rigidly in place.

The rudder blade lifts vertically in a transom mounted ‘box’, making it removable for trailing or drying out.

You can find out more at hunterassociation.org.uk and huntermedina.weebly.com

The Medina is spacious for her size.

Her two settee/quarter berths and V-berth forepeak provide sleeping space for four while a simple galley looks after catering.

A chemical WC lurks under the head of one of the forward berths.

I was delighted to hear from an owner who still sails the Medina that his father and he bought new (as a kit) in 1982.

Paul Jarman said: “We looked at lots of other possible options, but the Medina stood out as a trailer-sailer.

“We crossed the Channel several times and cruised most of the south and east coasts. Melinda was towed to Greece and Croatia by my parents when they retired; and I remember a lovely holiday on the boat in the Sporades with my wife.”

Paul also enjoyed racing the Medina, telling me: “We sailed in the Round the Island Race several times when there was a fleet of maybe 10 Medinas. She was equipped for cruising; not stripped out for racing. We now keep Melinda on shore at Emsworth, sailing around Chichester harbour with my now grown-up children.”

Paul still owns his Medina 20 that is now 40 years old – and still going strong.

Pocket cruisers: Swift 18

The Swift 18 (18ft 0in LOA, 16ft 4in LWL and 7ft 11in beam; displacing around 1,500lb) also has a surprising amount of room below with space for four berths.

And thanks to a draught of around 9in with the pivoting keel raised it’s relatively easy to launch and recover.

Alan Murphy, owner of a Swift 18 called Tiger Lily , wrote: “I also have a pair of wheels, which means that I can get to faraway places pretty quickly. Crossing the Channel is no problem inside a ferry and getting to the Mediterranean takes two or three days. Sure beats those bigger boats that have to sail via Gibraltar.”

Over several years Alan and his family crew took Tiger Lily on trailer-sailing holidays to South Brittany, the Adriatic coast, the Costa Brava, Elba, Friesland, Limjfjord (Denmark), La Charente Maritime, the south-west Baltic and the Stockholm archipelago (as featured in newsletters on Swift18.org ).

It just shows how many cruising areas versatile trailer-sailers can reach.

Swift 18, Binary Even. Credit: David Harding

Alan told me: “In the Mediterranean my two daughters (aged 12 and 16), my wife and I lived on it for several weeks.”

On the maintenance front, Alan found that when drying out on a gravel shore the pivoting keel was prone to getting a stone caught when winding it down so he carried a spare mechanism, but never had to use it.

He reckoned any capable engineering company could make a replacement mechanism if given the old one to copy.

PBO contributor Jake Frith is also a Swift 18 owner.

He wanted to upgrade from a Wayfarer dinghy to “a lift-keeler with a bit of a cabin. But something that would draw next to nothing as I hate marinas… You can get into amazing places – we spent two nights tied up to the wall in Beaulieu a couple of years ago. Nobody came and hassled us for money – try that in a boat with a bigger fixed keel… And we can get up to the quay at Keyhaven, the rocks at Chapman’s Cove, and Wareham quay…”

He occasionally sails his Swift 18 cross-Channel in the summer – with a decent forecast.

Jake said the boat has aged well thanks to the inner mouldings. But he recommends checking the foam/balsa between deck and headliner before buying.

He also plans to find a way of reducing the turbulence in the keel trunking (often found on pivoting keel designs) and in the boxy skeg behind it.

As with any elderly yacht, a bit of DIY is often on the agenda.

Jake concluded: “I’m keeping the Swift for when my son gets a bit more interested. It’s the sort of boat that when he’s 15 or 16 I can let him and his mates go off, learn to sail and explore the Solent.”

The continental contingent also has a huge presence in the field of second-hand pocket cruisers.

Very few new pocket cruisers of this size are now imported by yacht dealers into the UK.

However there’s a plethora of older lift-keel Etaps, Firsts, Jeanneaus, Micro Tonners et al available from brokers or in the classified ads.

But more on these another day.

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A smart pocket cruiser, a joyful day-sailer, or a solid club racer – whichever way you choose to use your First 24, she'll be ready, with sleeping accommodations for up to four wrapped in an  ultramodern performance hull . A completely retractable keel gives you unfettered access to the shallowest cruising grounds and the ability to quickly  launch and retrieve  the boat from any ordinary ramp. Her light and stable hull, alu rig, classic backstay and dacron sails make her the ideal holiday cruiser, within operational reach of even the earliest beginners. 

NAVAL ARCHITECT : Samuel Manuard INTERIOR DESIGN : Sito Concept & R&D : Seascape

WHY FIRST 24 ?

Advanced GRP vacuum infusion, a very light structure, a modern hull shape, a deep keel, and twin rudders define the boat's character and sailing experience – stable, fast and easy-to-control.

Her interior is pleasantly spacious and comfortable, with all key live-aboard elements. She can comfortably accommodate 4 adults, including a foldable indoor/outdoor table, and a dedicated place for a chemical toilet. 

A retractable keel makes road transport, winter storage, and slip launching easier than ever. A provisional mast crane means you aren't limited to only on-land launching facilities. On the water, the keel and removable rudders allow for movement in as little as two feet of water, yet offer unrivaled stability and speed while underway. 

In addition to being modern and fast, she has many features that make her very safe: unsinkable chambers, a swinging keel that will save the structure in case of grounding, and a well-balanced twin rudder system that gives you full control. 

SAILING EXPERIENCE

The First 24 will show her true nature under sail. A flat, modern planing hull and a deep ballasted keel deliver a fast and fun sailing experience. The hull shape and the deep swinging keel result in high stability, and the twin rudders ensure complete control in any condition. Because of the very light hull, she'll keep moving even under light wind. Thanks to a spacious cockpit design, you'll enjoy easy handling with a solo, double-handed or fully crewed setup, whether you are relaxing on an afternoon sail, partaking in a club race, or cruising with your family. In any case, she will surprise you with fun, comfortable and relaxed sailing.

LIVING ONBOARD

The interior welcomes you with one big, open salon that can easily accommodate up to 4 adults: 2 on the bow's V-berth and 2 on smart extendable side berths. She provides all the essential amenities you can expect on a modern 24ft  boat – crew bags for personal belongings, storage under the benches, indoor/outdoor tables and a dedicated place for the chemical toilet in the back of the salon. For technical storage, there is a big space under the cockpit area, which is accessible from the exterior. The sizeable and clean open-cockpit area offers an excellent ratio between comfort and the sailing experience. Wide side benches, together with a stern bench, provide a great place to relax; they also keep you connected and close to the water, as the cockpit can easily welcome 4 or 5 sailors.

WALKTHROUGH

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The information below is intended for general informational purposes only and is subject to change without notice and does not constitute a contractual agreement. Any descriptions, representations, or statements made in this document are not to be considered binding unless explicitly stated otherwise in a formal contractual agreement.

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SV Lenny takes a spot on the 2023 Transpac podium!

After 11 days at sea, the SV Lenny and her crew placed second in their class. The crew gave their feedback on the boat pre and post race.

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In June 2023, a few days before SV Lenny started the 2023 Transpac, we spoke to the crew about the race, the boat and their connection to the legendary BENETEAU First boats. 

New First 44 “Lenny” will race in the 2023 Transpac

Two legendary races, one Ocean, a new boat from a long successful line of great boats, and a remarkable crew who have sailed on major boat races around the world … BENETEAU’s First 44 is starting a Pacific adventure like no other before.

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11 Best Small Sailboat Brands: How to Choose Your Next Daysailer or Pocket Cruiser

12th oct 2023 by samantha wilson.

Sailing is a relaxing, invigorating pastime that allows you to harness wind and waves in a unique and historic way without requiring a 50-foot yacht to enjoy what’s special about the experience. In fact, small sailboats allow a delightful back-to-basics experience that often gets lost on larger, systems-heavy sailboats.

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 appeal, and here we narrow down some of our favorite in the daysailer and pocket cruiser categories under 30 feet. 

Difference Between a Daysailer and a Pocket Cruiser

While there are many different types of sailboat on the market and there is no single definition of either a daysailer or a pocket cruiser, they are used in a particular way, as the names imply. The term daysailer covers a huge array of sailboats, smaller and sometimes larger, and is generally defined as any day boat used for local sailing, with a simple rig, and easy to get underway. A pocket cruiser typically offers a cabin and head, and adequate accommodations for an overnight stay and sometimes longer cruises. Having said that, there is a large overlap between the two in many instances, so the lines may become blurred. 

What Size is a Small Sailboat?

Small is a relative term of course, but in general—and for the purposes of this article—a small sailboat is one that could be sailed by a small crew, often with one or two people aboard. It will have a simple rig and be trailerable, and it might be either a daysailer or pocket-cruiser style vessel as above. Within those categories, there are many models and styles, but when it comes to length we consider a sailboat as small when it’s under 30 feet in overall length. 

The Best Sailboats Under 30 Feet

Pocket cruiser: Beneteau First 27.  The Beneteau First 27 is a modern example of a pocket cruiser, earning Cruising World ’s Boat of the Year award in the Pocket Cruiser category in 2022. With space for up to six people accommodated in a separated bow-cabin and open saloon, it offers families the chance to go farther, explore more, and cruise in comfort. There is a galley with freshwater and a head, adding to the interior home comforts. The sailboat itself is modern, fast, and stable, designed by Sam Manuard, and has been designed to be incredibly safe and almost unsinkable thanks to its three watertight chambers. The handling is also refreshingly intuitive, with a well-designed cockpit, simple deck controls, and double winches allowing it to be sailed solo, by two people, or a small crew. 

Photo credit: Beneteau

Daysailer: Alerion 28.  You’ll certainly turn heads cruising along in an Alerion 28, a daysailer whose forerunner by the same name was designed by Nathanael Herreshoff in 1912 and then updated with a modern underbody for fiberglass production by Carl Schumacher in the late 1980s. This pretty daysailer manages to combine a traditional silhouette and classic feel, with very modern engineering creating an excellent package. Over 470 of these sailboats were built and sold in the past 30 years, making it one of the most popular modern daysailers on the water. With a small cabin and saloon, complete with miniature galley area, it offers respite from the sun or wind and the option for a night aboard. The cockpit offers a beautiful sailing experience, with plenty of space for the whole family. 

Photo credit: Alerion Yachts

The Best Sailboats Under 25 Feet

Pocket cruiser: Cornish Crabber 24.  British manufacturer Cornish Crabber has been producing beautiful, traditional style small sailboats for decades, ensuring they honor their heritage both in the construction style and appearance of their boats. The Cornish Crabber 24 is the most iconic of their range and dates back to the 1980s. It offers a simple yet surprisingly spacious interior layout with cabin, galley, and head, and a good sized cockpit, as well as seating for up to six people. It’s the perfect family sailboat, with clever use of storage as well as just under 5000 pounds of displacement providing stability and easy tacking. Aesthetically the 24 is simply beautiful, with a traditional silhouette (combined with modern engineering), finished in hardwood trims. 

Photo credit: Cornish Crabber

Daysailer: Catalina 22 Capri.  Catalina sailboats need little introduction, and are one of the world’s best-known, most-respected brands building small sailboats. The Catalina 22 Capri (also available in a sport model) is a great example of what Catalina does so well. While we’ve classified it as a daysailer, it could easily cross into the pocket cruiser category, as it offers excellent sailing performance in almost all conditions as well as having a small cabin, galley, and head. Loved for its safety, stability, ease of handling and simple maintenance, it makes for a good first family boat for getting out onto the bay or lake. 

Photo credit: Catalina

The Best Sailboats Under 20 Feet

Pocket cruiser: CapeCutter 19.  This is another model that combines the beauty of the traditional silhouettes with modern-day advancements. The design originates from the classic gaff cutter work boats, but today offers excellent performance—in fact it’s one of the fastest small gaffers in the world. The interior is cleverly spacious, with four berths, two of which convert into a saloon, as well as a simple galley area. With quick rigging, it can be sailed solo, but is also able to accommodate small groups, making it a capable and hugely versatile pocket cruiser. 

Photo credit: Cape Cutter 19

Daysailer: Swallow Yachts’ BayRaider 20.  Classic looks with modern performance are combined in Swallow Yachts’ beautiful BayRaider 20. This is one of the most capable and safest daysailers we’ve seen, but also incredibly versatile thanks to the choices of ballast. Keep the ballast tank empty and it’s light and fast. Fill the tank up and you’ve got a stable and safe boat perfect for beginners and families. While it’s got an eye-catching traditional style, the engineering is modern, with a strong carbon mast and construction. While this is a true daysailer, you can use the optional spray hood and camping accessories to create an overnight adventure. 

Photo credit: Swallow Yachts

The Best Sailboats Under 15 Feet

Pocket Cruiser: NorseBoat 12.5.  Can we truly call the NorseBoat 12.5 a pocket cruiser? Yes we can! The sheer versatility of this excellent little sailboat has convinced us. These beautiful hand-crafted sailboats offer exceptional performance and are described by the manufacturer as ‘the Swiss Army Knives of sailboats’. The traditionally styled 12.5 can be sailed, rowed, and motored. It can be trailered, easily beached, and even used as a camp cruiser, allowing for overnight adventures. There is no end to the fun that can be had with this easy-to-sail and easy-to-handle boat, which makes it a dream to learn in. With positive flotation, lots of clever storage, and a full-size double berth for camp cruising, it really is the perfect mini pocket cruiser. 

Photo credit: NorseBoats

Daysailer: Original Beetle Cat Boat 12: All across the bays of the US east coast cat boats have long been part of the ocean landscape. Able to access shallow rocky coves yet also withstand the strong coastal winds, these traditional New England fishing boats have an iconic shape and gaff-rigged mainsails. Beetle Cat have been producing elegant wooden cat boats for over 100 years – in fact they’ve made and sold over 4,000 boats to date. Their 12 foot Cat Boat 12 is one of their finest models, offering lovely daysailing opportunities. It has a wide beam and centerboard that lifts up, allowing it to access shallow waters, as well as a forward mast and single sail gaff rig in keeping with the traditional cat boats. To sail one of these is to be part of the heritage of New England and Cape Cod, and to honor the ancient art of hand-made boat building. 

Beetle Cat official website

Photo credit: Beetle Cat

The Best Small Sailboats for Beginners

When it comes to learning to sail, it’s important to have a boat that is easy to handle. There’s no quicker way to put yourself or your family off sailing than to start off with a boat that is either too big or too complicated. When choosing your first boat we recommend the following characteristics:

• Small: The benefits of starting off with a small boat are many, as we’ve seen above. They’re easier to control as well as to moor, and they react more quickly to steering and sails. They can be trailered and launched easily, and the loads generated are much lower than on bigger, heavier boats.
• Easy to sail: You want a boat that is stable and forgiving of mistakes, doesn’t capsize easily, and isn’t too overpowered in a stronger breeze. Keep things simple and learn as you go.
• Simple sail configuration: Choosing a boat that can be rigged by one person in a few minutes, and easily sailed solo, makes it easier to take along inexperienced crews. With regards to the rig, all you need are a halyard to hoist the mainsail and a sheet to control the mainsail.
• Tiller steering: We recommend boats with tiller steering over wheel steering when starting out. The tiller allows you to get a real feel for the boat and how the rudder works as it moves through the water. 

For more information on choosing the best beginner sailboat check out our full guide. There are many popular brands of beginner boats including Sunfish, Laser, and Hunter Marlow. Some of our favorites include;

Hobie 16: The classic Hobie catamaran has been a well-loved beginner sailboat for years, and the Hobie 16 started life back in 1969. Since then they’ve made and sold over a staggering 100,000 of the 16s. It has twin fiberglass and foam hulls, a large trampoline, and a pull-up rudder so it can be sailed straight onto the beach. The basic package comes with an easy to handle main and jib with plenty of extras available too such as a spinnaker and trailer. The Hobie 16 promises a great learning experience and lots of fun in a very nifty and inexpensive package. 

Photo credit: Hobie

Paine 14: You’ll immediately fall in love with sailing when you step into a beautiful Paine 14. Made from seamless epoxy cold-molded wood, the P-14 is simply beautiful and offers the classic sailing experience with the design and innovation of a more modern hull and rig. Two people will be able to enjoy getting out on the water together and learning the ropes. The Paine 14 has a lead ballast keel that accounts for nearly half her weight, giving her the feel of a much larger boat, but is still trailerable and easy to manage offering the best of both worlds.

Photo credit: Chuck Paine

High-Performance Small Sailboats

Small sailboats generally become high performers if they are light, have a lot of sail area, or they have more than one hull. More recently, some of have been designed with foiling surfaces, as well. For the purposes of this article, we’d like to close by pointing out one model that is super fast and has versatile pocket-cruising capabilities.

Corsair 880 trimaran : The Corsair 880 trimaran is the grandchild of the company’s F27, a model that launched the popularity of trailerable leisure trimarans about 40 years ago. The 880 has taken the model to new heights and exemplifies the incredible space benefits you can achieve in a 29-foot sailboat. We’re talking an aft cabin, room to sleep 5 people, an enclosed head, and standing headroom in the galley and main saloon. It brings many of the opportunities that a much larger yacht plus the ability to cruise in extremely shallow water. Whether you want to cruise to the Bahamas or enjoy a high-adrenaline race, the Corsair 880 offers incredible performance and unlimited adventures in a truly pocket size. 

Photo credit: Corsair

Written By: Samantha Wilson

Samantha Wilson has spent her entire life on and around boats, from tiny sailing dinghies all the way up to superyachts. She writes for many boating and yachting publications, top charter agencies, and some of the largest travel businesses in the industry, combining her knowledge and passion of boating, travel and writing to create topical, useful and engaging content.

More from: Samantha Wilson

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Whale surfaces, capsizes fishing boat off New Hampshire coast

Two occupants of a fishing vessel are safe Tuesday after a whale surfaced under their boat, capsizing it off the New Hampshire shore. The U.S. Coast Guard said the incident occurred Tuesday near Odiorne Point State Park. The Coast Guard posted to X that they had received a mayday call stating that a 23-foot center console boat had turned over because of a whale breach. A good Samaritan recovered both people from the water. No injuries were reported. The whale also appeared not to be injured, and the vessel has been salvaged.

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Historic utility AND high fashion. 80-year-old LL Bean staple finds a new audience as a trendy bag

Gracie Wiener poses for a photo with some of her tote bags in Washington Square Park in New York, Wednesday, July 17, 2024, (AP Photo/Pamela Smith)

Gracie Wiener walks wild holding some of her tote bags in Washington Square Park in New York, Wednesday, July 17, 2024, (AP Photo/Pamela Smith)

Gracie Wiener poses with some of her tote bags in Washington Square Park in New York, Wednesday, July 17, 2024, (AP Photo/Pamela Smith)

Gracie Wiener poses for a photo in Washington Square Park in New York, Wednesday, July 17, 2024, (AP Photo/Pamela Smith)

Gracie Wiener poses with one of her tote bags in Washington Square Park in New York, Wednesday, July 17, 2024, (AP Photo/Pamela Smith)

Some of Gracie Wiener’s tote bags are displayed in Washington Square Park in New York, Wednesday, July 17, 2024, (AP Photo/Pamela Smith)

Gracie Wiener poses along side with some of her tote bags in Washington Square Park in New York, Wednesday, July 17, 2024, (AP Photo/Pamela Smith)

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FREEPORT, Maine (AP) — L.L. Bean created it 80 years ago to haul heavy blocks of ice. Now it’s a must-have summer fashion accessory.

The simple, sturdy canvas bag called the Boat and Tote is having an extended moment 80 years after its introduction, thanks to a social media trend in which they’re monogrammed with ironic or flashy phrases.

New Yorker Gracie Wiener helped get it started by ordering her humble bags from L.L. Bean monogrammed with “Psycho” and then “Prada,” the pricey Italian luxury brand, instead of just her name or initials, and posting about them on Instagram. Then others began showcasing their own unique bags on TikTok.

Soon, it wasn’t enough to have a bag monogrammed with “Schlepper,” “HOT MESS,” “slayyyy” or “cool mom.” Customers began testing the limits of the human censors in L.L. Bean’s monogram department, which bans profanity “or other objectionable words or phrases,” with more provocative wording like “Bite me,” “Dum Blonde” and “Ambitchous.”

Social media fueled the surge, just as it did for Stanley’s tumblers and Trader Joe’s $2.99 canvas bags, which were once selling on eBay for $200, said Beth Goldstein, an analyst at Circana, which tracks consumer spending and trends.

The tote’s revival came at a time when price-conscious consumers were forgoing expensive handbags, sales of which have weakened, and L.L. Bean’s bag fit the bill as a functional item that’s trendy precisely because it’s not trendy, she said. L.L. Bean’s regular bags top out at about $55, though some fancier versions cost upward of $100.

“There’s a trend toward the utilitarian, the simple things and more accessible price points,” she said, and the customization added to the appeal: “Status items don’t have to be designer price points.”

L.L. Bean’s tote was first advertised in a catalog as Bean’s Ice Carrier in 1944 during World War II, when ice chests were common. Then they disappeared before being reintroduced in 1965 as the Boat and Tote.

These days, they’re still made in Maine and are still capable of hauling 500 pounds of ice, but they are far more likely to carry laptops, headphones, groceries, books, beach gear, travel essentials and other common items.

Those snarky, pop-oriented phrases transformed them into a sassy essential and helped them spread beyond Maine, Massachusetts’ Cape Cod and other New England enclaves to places like Los Angeles and New York City, where fashionistas like Gwyneth Paltrow, Reese Witherspoon and Sarah Jessica Parker are toting them — but not necessarily brandished with ironic phrases.

“It’s just one of those things that makes people smile and makes people laugh, and it’s unexpected,” said Wiener, who got it all started with her @ironicboatandtote Instagram page, which she started as a fun side hustle from her job as social media manager for Air Mail, a digital publication launched by former Vanity Fair Editor-in-Chief Graydon Carter.

The folks at L.L. Bean were both stunned and pleased by the continuing growth. For the past two years, the Boat and Tote has been L.L. Bean’s No. 1 contributor to luring in new customers, and sales grew 64% from fiscal years 2021 to 2023, spokesperson Amanda Hannah said.

The surge in popularity is reminiscent of L.L. Bean’s traditional hunting shoe, the iconic staple for trudging through rain and muck, which enjoyed its own moment a few years back, driven by college students.