10 Best Small Sailboats (Under 20 Feet)
Compact, easy to trailer, simple to rig, easy to maintain and manage, and affordable, the best small boats all have one thing in common: they offer loads of fun while out there on the water.
So whether you're on a budget or just looking for something that can offer ultimate daytime rides without compromising on safety, aesthetic sensibilities, alternate propulsion, and speed, the best small sailboats under 20 feet should be the only way to go.
Let's be brutally honest here; not everyone needs a 30-foot sailboat to go sailing. They come with lots of features such as electronics, entertainment, refrigeration, bunks, a galley, and even a head. But do you really need all these features to go sailing? We don't think so.
All you need to go sailing is a hull, a mast, rudder, and, of course, a sail. And whether you refer to them as daysailers, trailerable sailboats , a weekender sailboat, or pocket cruisers, there's no better way to enjoy the thrills of coastal sailing than on small sailboats.
There are a wide range of small boats measuring less than 20 feet available in the market. These are hot products in the market given that they offer immense thrills out on the sea without the commitment required to cruise on a 30-footer. A small sailboat will not only give you the feel of every breeze but will also give you the chance to instantly sense every change in trim.
In this article, we'll highlight 10 best small sailboats under 20 feet . Most models in this list are time-tested, easy to rig, simple to sail, extremely fun, and perfect either for solo sailing or for sailing with friends and family. So if you've been looking for a list of some of the best small sailboats , you've come to the right place.
So without further ado, let's roll on.
Table of contents
{{boat-info="/boats/hunter-15"}}
The Marlow-Hunter 15 is not only easy to own since it's one of the most affordable small sailboats but also lots of fun to sail. This is a safe and versatile sailboat for everyone. Whether you're sailing with your family or as a greenhorn, you'll love the Hunter 15 thanks to its raised boom, high freeboard, and sturdy FRP construction.
With high sides, a comfortable wide beam, a contoured self-bailing cockpit, and fiberglass construction, the Hunter 15 is certainly designed with the novice sailor in mind. This is why you can do a lot with this boat without falling out, breaking it, or capsizing. Its contoured self-baiting cockpit will enable you to find a fast exit while its wide beam will keep it steady and stable no matter what jibes or weight shifts happen along the way.
This is a small sailboat that can hold up to four people. It's designed to give you a confident feeling and peace of mind even when sailing with kids. It's easy to trailer, easy to rig, and easy to launch. With a price tag of about $10k, the Hunter 15 is a fun, affordable, and versatile boat that is perfect for both seasoned sailors and novices. It's a low-maintenance sailboat that can be great for teaching kids a thing or two about sailing.
Catalina 16.5
{{boat-info="/boats/catalina-16-5"}}
Catalina Yachts are synonymous with bigger boats but they have some great and smaller boats too such as Catalina 16.5. This is one of the best small sailboats that are ideal for family outings given that it has a big and roomy cockpit, as well as a large storage locker. Designed with a hand-laminated fiberglass sloop, the Catalina 16.5 is versatile and is available in two designs: the centerboard model and the keel model.
The centerboard model is designed with a powerful sailplane that remains balanced as a result of the fiberglass centerboard, the stable hull form, and the rudder. It also comes with a tiller extension, adjustable hiking straps, and adjustable overhaul. It's important to note that these are standard equipment in the two models.
As far as the keel model is concerned, this is designed with a high aspect keel as the cast lead and is attached with stainless steel keel bolts, which makes this model perfect for mooring or docking whenever it's not in use. In essence, the centerboard model is perfect if you'll store it in a trailer while the keel model can remain at the dock.
All in all, the Catalina 16.5 is one of the best small sailboats that you can get your hands on for as low as $10,000. This is certainly a great example of exactly what a daysailer should be.
{{boat-info="/boats/hobie-16"}}
There's no list of small, trailerable, and fun sailboats that can be complete without the inclusion of the classic Hobie 16. This is a durable design that has been around and diligently graced various waters across the globe since its debut way back in 1969 in Southern California. In addition to being durable, the Hobie 16 is trailerable, great for speed, weighs only 320 pounds, great for four people, and more importantly, offers absolute fun.
With a remarkable figure of over 100,000 launched since its debut, it's easy to see that the Hobie 16 is highly popular. Part of this popularity comes from its asymmetric fiberglass-and-foam sandwiched hulls that include kick-up rudders. This is a great feature that allows it to sail up to the beach.
For about $12,000, the Hobie 16 will provide you with endless fun throughout the summer. It's equipped with a spinnaker, trailer, and douse kit. This is a high-speed sailboat that has a large trampoline to offer lots of space not just for your feet but also to hand off the double trapezes.
Montgomery 17
{{boat-info="/boats/montgomery-17"}}
Popularly known as the M-17, The Montgomery 17 was designed by Lyle C. Hess in conjunction with Jerry Montgomery in Ontario, California for Montgomery Boats. Designed either with keel or centerboard models, the M-17 is more stable than most boats of her size. This boat is small enough to be trailered but also capable of doing moderate offshore passages.
This small sailboat is designed with a masthead and toe rail that can fit most foresails. It also has enough space for two thanks to its cuddly cabin, which offers a sitting headroom, a portable toilet, a pair of bunks, a DC power, and optional shore, and a proper amount of storage. That's not all; you can easily raise the deck-stepped mast using a four-part tackle.
In terms of performance, the M-17 is one of the giant-killers out there. This is a small sailboat that will excel in the extremes and make its way past larger boats such as the Catalina 22. It glides along beautifully and is a dog in light air, though it won't sail against a 25-knot wind, which can be frustrating. Other than that, the Montgomery 17 is a great small sailboat that can be yours for about $14,000.
Norseboat 17.5
{{boat-info="/boats/norseboat-17-5"}}
As a versatile daysailer, Norseboat 17.5 follows a simple concept of seaworthiness and high-performance. This small sailboat perfectly combines both contemporary construction and traditional aesthetics. Imagine a sailboat that calls itself the "Swiss Army Knife of Boats!" Well, this is a boat that can sail and row equally well.
Whether you're stepping down from a larger cruiser or stepping up from a sea kayak, the unique Norseboat 17.5 is balanced, attractive, and salty. It has curvaceous wishbone gaff, it is saucy, and has a stubby bow-sprit that makes it attractive to the eyes. In addition to her beauty, the Norseboat 17.5 offers an energy-pinching challenge, is self-sufficient, and offers more than what you're used to.
This is a small, lightweight, low-maintenance sailboat that offers a ticket to both sailing and rowing adventures all at the same time. At about 400 pounds, it's very portable and highly convenient. Its mainsails may look small but you'll be surprised at how the boat is responsive to it. With a $12,500 price tag, this is a good small sailboat that offers you the versatility to either row or sail.
{{boat-info="/boats/sage-marine-sage-17"}}
If you've been looking for a pocket cruiser that inspires confidence, especially in shoal water, look no further than the Sage 17. Designed by Jerry Montgomery in 2009, the Sage 17 is stable and should heel to 10 degrees while stiffening up. And because you want to feel secure while sailing, stability is an integral feature of the Sage 17.
This is a sailboat that will remain solid and stable no matter which part of the boat you stand on. Its cabin roof and the balsa-cored carbon-fiber deck are so strong that the mast doesn't require any form of compression post. The self-draining cockpit is long enough and capable of sleeping at 6 feet 6 inches.
The Sage 17 may be expensive at $25k but is a true sea warrior that's worth look at. This is a boat that will not only serve you right but will also turn heads at the marina.
{{boat-info="/boats/laserperformance-laser-sb3"}}
Having been chosen as the overall boat of the year for 2008 by the Sailing World Magazine, the Laser SB3 is one of the coolest boats you'll ever encounter. When sailing upwind, this boat will lock into the groove while its absolute simplicity is legendary. In terms of downwind sailing, having this boat will be a dream come true while it remains incredibly stable even at extraordinary speed.
Since its debut in 2004, the Laser SB3 has surged in terms of popularity thanks to the fact that it's designed to put all the controls at your fingertips. In addition to a lightweight mast, its T- bulb keel can be hauled and launched painlessly. For about $18,000, the Laser SB3 ushers you into the world of sports sailing and what it feels to own and use a sports boat.
{{boat-info="/boats/fareast-18"}}
As a manufacturer, Fareast is a Chinese boat manufacturer that has been around for less than two decades. But even with that, the Fareast 18 remains a very capable cruiser-racer that will take your sailing to the next level. In addition to its good looks, this boat comes with a retractable keel with ballast bulb, a powerful rig, and an enclosed cabin.
Its narrow design with a closed stern may be rare in sailboats of this size, but that's not a problem for the Fareast 18. This design not only emphasizes speed but also makes it a lot easier to maintain this boat. Perfect for about 6 people, this boat punches above its weight. It's, however, designed to be rigged and launched by one person.
This is a relatively affordable boat. It's agile, safe, well-thought-out, well built, and very sporty.
{{boat-info="/boats/chuck-paine-paine-14"}}
If you're in the market looking for a small sailboat that offers contemporary performance with classic beauty, the Paine 14 should be your ideal option. Named after its famous designer, Chuck Paine, this boat is intentionally designed after the classic Herreshoff 12.5 both in terms of dimensions and features.
This is a lightweight design that brings forth modern fin keel and spade rudder, which makes it agile, stable, and faster. The Paine 14 is built using cold-molded wood or west epoxy. It has varnished gunnels and transoms to give it an old-time charm. To make it somehow modern, this boat is designed with a carbon mast and a modern way to attach sails so that it's ready to sail in minutes.
You can rest easy knowing that the Paine 14 will not only serve you well but will turn heads while out there.
{{boat-info="/boats/wd-schock-lido-14"}}
Many sailors will attest that their first sailing outing was in a Lido 14. This is a classic sailboat that has been around for over four decades and still proves to be a perfect match to modern small boats, especially for those still learning the ropes of sailing.
With seating for six people, the Lido 14 can be perfect for solo sailing , single-handed sailing, or if you're planning for shorthanded sailing. While new Lido 14 boats are no longer available, go for a functional used Lido 14 and you'll never regret this decision. It will serve you well and your kids will probably fall in love with sailing if Lido 14 becomes their main vessel during weekends or long summer holidays.
Bottom Line
There you have it; these are some of the best small sailboats you can go for. While there are endless small sailboats in the market, the above-described sailboat will serve you right and make you enjoy the wind.
Choose the perfect sailboat, invest in it, and go out there and have some good fun!
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Daniel Wade
I've personally had thousands of questions about sailing and sailboats over the years. As I learn and experience sailing, and the community, I share the answers that work and make sense to me, here on Life of Sailing.
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Twenty Small Sailboats to Take You Anywhere
John Vigor turns the spotlight on twenty seaworthy sailboats that are at home on the ocean in all weather. These are old fiberglass boats, mostly of traditional design and strong construction. All are small, from 20 feet to 32 feet overall, but all have crossed oceans, and all are cheap.
Choosing the right boat to take you across an ocean or around the world can be confusing and exasperating, particularly with a tight budget. Vigor sets out to remedy that in this book. He compares the designs and handling characteristics of 20 different boats whose secondhand market prices start at about $3,000. Interviews with experienced owners (featuring valuable tips about handling each boat in heavy weather) are interspersed with line drawings of hulls, sail plans, and accommodations. Vigor has unearthed the known weaknesses of each boat and explains how to deal with them. He rates their comparative seaworthiness, their speed, and the number of people they can carry in comfort. If you have ever dreamed the dream this book can help you turn it into reality.
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Ultimate 20
Here's a 20-footer that goes 20 knots. not only that, it's fairly easy to sail, too..
In the late 80’s, the landscape was littered with the remains of boatbuilding companies that couldn’t cut to fit. The conventional wisdom was that starting a new company was guaranteed to convert a large fortune to a small one. In this period, Jeff Canepa conceived the idea of entering the fracas with a pint-sized company based in Santa Cruz, California, that would introduce yet another performance 21-footer.
Canepa is the antithesis of the traditional boatbuilder, staid types who worked their way up the professional ladder by lofting lines, stoking steam boxes and laying planks. Rather, he is an experienced multihull sailor and marketing expert who envisioned catamaran performance in a monohull, identified an existing design that might do it, then assembled a team of experienced designers and builders to develop the final product. The result is the Ultimate 20, a boat finding great acceptance among a group of mid-level sailors seeking new levels of performance, and experienced sailors looking for big kicks on smaller boats. It also appeals to the budget-conscious shopper.
A college dropout with a penchant for water sports, Canepa began sailing in 1968 when he abandoned the classroom during sunny Monterey Bay afternoons and practiced sailing a Hobie Cat. By 1972, he’d captured the Hobie National Championships, followed in 1973 with the first of two World Championships. He then headed for Europe to conduct Hobie clinics until the late 70’s, then expanded his knowledge of the small-boat industry while working to introduce O’Neil Wetsuits to the international sailing community. He furthered his knowledge of the watersports market while setting up an American distribution system for a German sailboard manufacturer.
The first seeds of the U20 project were planted in 1986 when he crossed paths with Doug Hemphill, designer of the Hotfoot 20 and Hotfoot 27, reliable performance sloops built and sailed primarily in Canada. At the time, Hemphill was experimenting with the addition to the 20-footer of a bowsprit, asymmetrical spinnaker, and hiking racks. In 1988, with the sailboat market headed for what the Federal Reserve Board calls a hard landing, he purchased the molds for the Hotfoot 20 at a sheriff’s auction and placed them in a storage container.
“We were way ahead of our time,” he said, “hoping for a recovery. There had been too much money in the marketplace during the 80’s, but we felt that after a few years of cooling it would rebound, and that a niche in the small boat market would be strong.”
By early 1993, he was beginning to look like a soothsayer. J-Boats had successfully introduced a line of “sprit boats,” the Melges 24 was a big spot on the horizon, and trailerable boats were again making their presence felt. With that as a backdrop, Canepa formed Ultimate Sailboats International and began assembling his design and construction team.
For openers, he recruited Ron Moore, the well known Santa Cruz boatbuilder who carved a reputation building the Moore 24 and other ultra-light, ultra-fast boats, giving him responsibility for construction of a prototype, using the Hotfoot molds. Business associate John McWaid was enlisted to hitch the prototype to his car and head into the American hinterland.
Upon McWaid’s return, armed with input from sailors and sailmakers at all levels of the sport, a year long tweaking process began when naval architect Jim Antrim was commissioned to begin a massive overhaul of the design. Antrim’s recent successes include work as a member of the structural design team for Bill Koch’s America’s Cup winner, and the design of Aotea, a trimaran that recently set a record in the San Francisco-Hawaii single-handed race.
The designer’s first suggestion was to remove the transom and stretch the boat 9″ to 20′ 10″, without making radical changes to the basic hull shape—a fairly flat bottom that tapers out and up to a curved hull-deck flange. Freeboard was increased 2″ and the beam was increased to 8′ 6″, changes that improved the appearance while increasing leg room in the cockpit and sitting room belowdecks.
His next step was to increase the horsepower of the fractional rig by raising the mast height to 30′ above deck level, and eliminating the need for a permanent backstay by adding spreaders swept back 25 degrees. The changes increased the size of the full-roach, loose-footed mainsail to 205 square feet. A working jib carrying 100 square feet of sail is mounted on a Harken roller furler recessed below the deck.
Antrim redesigned the chord of the keel and added a flared bulb that resembles the whale’s tail design seen on many Cup boats. The keel was also moved aft 8″, resulting in an increase in forward buoyancy and improvements in trim and balance, making crew positioning less critical when attempting to maximize performance.
Because of built-in safety features, Antrim is especially pleased with the bowsprit arrangement. Like most, it is launched by pulling lines led aft from the pole tip to the cockpit, which is where similarities end. Most are housed belowdecks and launched through sealed through-hull fittings. By comparison, the U20’s is housed on deck in a molded slot and held in place by a fiberglass cover that is secured to the deck by six screws. So, while operation of the pole is similar to other boats, Antrim feels his design has two safety advantages: In the event of a collision, the sprit or housing will break under 1,700 pounds of pressure, before the hull is fractured; and, in the event the pole breaks the boat won’t be swamped. A deck-mounted pole also increases the amount of interior space, a consideration on any 21-footer. We tend to agree with his assessment, but this arrangement does detract from the overall appearance of the boat. As an alternative, sailors who wish to fly symmetrical chutes can tack the pole to the mast.
The modified design also incorporates the addition of curves and radiuses to the coachroof and cockpit, subtle changes that softened the edges to improve both appearance and ergonomics. The designer then reorganized the deck layout, and the result is a model of efficiency, enhanced by roller furling and the sprit/asymmetrical chute arrangement. Halyards are internal, led to cleats on the coachroof, so the only lines in the cockpit are main, jib and spinnaker sheets, a single roller furler control, and a line connected to the bowsprit.
Increasing the beam and length increased the cockpit width to 4′ and length to 7′ 8″, providing plenty of room for a typical crew of three, or four when sailing in heavy winds. Sailed with a crew of three, the driver steers from the aftermost position and controls the mainsheet, which attaches to Harken track and a swivel block recessed in the cabin sole. This leaves the trimmers with enough room to perform their tasks forward in the cockpit.
The rudder is a lightweight blade constructed of carbon fiber with fiberglass and wood reinforcement at the head, transom-mounted on pintles and gudgeons that appear to be adequate for the loads developed. By the time Antrim completed the remodeling, the rudder was about all that was left of the prototype.
Construction
Since he has 26 years of experience constructing performance boats designed to sail in rugged conditions, the selection of Moore as the builder was a propitious choice. Though found sailing primarily on the West Coast, his Moore 24 is a seasoned MORA winner, a sturdy boat that holds up well under the punishing conditions found in Pacific waters outside the Golden Gate and along the California coast.
The hull lay-up for the U20 is fairly straightforward, consisting of a 3/8″ core of Baltek balsa, to which 12-ounce layers of bi-directional woven roving knitted in 90-degree angles are applied on interior and exterior surfaces. The final exterior layer is .75 ounce mat. Hydrex vinylester resins are used on exterior skins, and Polyester C2849 on other layers. The deck also is constructed with a Baltek core, over which a 10-ounce layer of cloth is laid, followed by a .75-ounce mat. To enhance the structural integrity of the hull and deck at stress points, two 12″-wide panels of carbon fiber are laid under the keel area and across the width of the deck at the mast step and chainplates. The exterior surface of the hull is a smooth gelcoat surface, the interior a polyester enamel.
Composition of the cockpit sole is identical to the deck, except the core is 3/4″ Baltek.
The hull and deck are bonded with a syntactic slurry of polyester putty, mill fibers and microballoons. Since the deck joint overlaps an eggshell-shaped hull flange that is approximately 2″ wide, both the designer and builder are confident of the structural integrity of the bond, and feel that fasteners would be redundant. Unfortunately, because the joint is exposed, it detracts modestly from the appearance of the vessel and would seem to be vulnerable to collisions.
The bulb keel is raised and lowered by a patent- pending winch assembly that is removable. It can be locked in place by hand with six “Scotty” screws. Canepa said he was considering redesigning the locking device because some owners were shortcutting the procedure by only using four screws. The plate and keel box are fit to the foil with clearance allowed for impact.
Though the mast compression post and trunk for the lifting keel reduce space belowdecks, we didn’t find the U20 to be significantly less spacious or comfortable than similarly sized boats with fixed keels or centerboards, though quarters are reduced by the long cockpit. Surfaces are smooth, edges are rounded, and a bright white finish creates the illusion of spaciousness.
The forward V-berth is 94″ long, tapering to a 64″ width at the mid-section of the boat, which is functional as a large stowage space, or sleeping quarters for two average-sized persons. Below the berth, a fiberglass pan extends to the companionway, incorporating longitudinal stringers that provide support for the berth and separate the space into watertight compartments of 1,800 pounds positive buoyancy. Port and starboard quarterberths are 96″ long, 18″ wide.
A stowage area located below the companionway is large enough for two laundry-sized baskets, one functioning as a low-cost alternative to a spinnaker bag, the other for stowing loose gear. The outboard motor, fuel and dock gear can be stored in a 12″-deep compartment below the cockpit.
From a strictly utilitarian standpoint, most average-sized persons will find the space adequate for overnight camping trips or nights spent aboard during regatta weekends, as long as cooking and bathing facilities are available.
Performance
McWaid, a strapping 150-pounder, managed to have the boat rigged and ready to go sailing within 30 minutes of his arrival at a San Francisco Bay hoist on a blustery March afternoon. Following months of rain, temperatures had risen into the 60’s and winds were blowing 12-20 knots from the west, so we had perfect conditions to test the boat.
Rigging the Ultimate 20 is fairly simple. The mast cradle is elevated at the front of the trailer, which increases leverage during the hoist of the 45-pound mast while it is attached to the trailer winch. After that, preparing to sail is simply a matter of pinning the shrouds to the chainplates; lowering the keel by employing a patented gantry system that controls its passage between Delrin slides built into the hull; securing an aluminum cover to protect the keel from sliding upward while heeled; attaching the tiller; and heading for open water.
Sailing away from the dock, the first impression is of speed and lightness. The boat displaces only 1,100 pounds, 450 of which are in the keel, so it responds to any movement by the crew. Once we sorted out crew positions and settled down, the boat moved forward quickly in only 2-3 knots of wind as we were blanketed by buildings surrounding the marina.
The boat told us very quickly when we’d cleared the seawall and found fresh breezes by burying her shoulder into a 2′ chop, heeling 12-15 degrees, and squirting forward. We found the helm to be well balanced, even in heavy gusts when beating to weather. Clearly, this boat is happiest when it’s away from the parking lot.
Because we sailed without instruments, it was difficult to gauge speed or sail angle, but we felt as though we were sailing high and fast. When the breeze increased, we reduced headsail sag by tensioning a line led through a block on the furler. During tacks, the driver moves across the boat between the end of the tiller and the mainsail sheet while the trimmers duck underneath the boom.
We also noticed during a beat to weather that shorter crewmembers hiked out on the rail couldn’t reach the foot rests built into the cockpit, relying on the 2″ deck overhang for a handhold. The boat is not equipped with lifelines or hiking straps, a drawback. The deck overhang does deflect spray away from the boat, helping to keep the crew dry. Daysailors will find that sailing an asymmetrical spinnaker takes some getting used to, but the ease with which it is launched and the increase in speed justify its growing popularity, especially since it eliminates the need for an acrobat on the foredeck.
Hoisting the chute is a matter of snaking the tack forward to the end of the pole, sweating the halyard, footing off and holding on while the boat builds speed. Depending on sailing conditions, the jib may be furled or flown.
The boat is fairly forgiving but you have to think fast. While attempting to see how close we could sail to the wind, we nearly broached. Canepa yelled, “We’re going over,” eased the sheet as we rounded up, then trimmed the chute as it filled on a downwind course. Total time to crash, burn, and recover was less than 15 seconds. The key to jibing, we learned, is the release of large amounts of sheet before the main comes across; this way the chute fills in front of the headstay before being blanketed by the main.
We spent an hour putting her through her paces before heading back to the marina, during which time we were impressed with both upwind and downwind performance, as well as the degree to which she seems to meet Canepa’s objective of producing a boat that is both fast and friendly.
We’d feel comfortable sailing it in 20-knot winds and steep chop, but would think twice before taking the Ultimate 20 into open seas. Canepa related that he filled one boat with freshwater to test buoyancy and it didn’t sink. It can be fully enclosed with hatch boards, and there’s room for additional buoyancy.
Conclusions
We’d recommend shoppers take a careful look at the boat for several reasons, first of which is that we think it has a legitimate appeal to a vast audience of saltwater and freshwater sailors. The large cockpit, ease of handling, and speed will be appreciated by casual daysailors, so the boat won’t sit ignored in the parking lot. Racers will be able to push it hard while competing in a one-design fleet under strict class rules. It is well-constructed. Accommodations are adequate for overnighting, and it is easily trailerable.
Total weight of boat and trailer is 1,500 pounds, the keel is only 9″ deep when retracted, so it presents a low profile on the road.
Compared to other sprit boats, it is very affordable: Cost of the basic boat is $19,500, with sails adding $2,900, and a trailer $1,800. A 3-hp. Outboard provides plenty of auxiliary power.
Finally, the boat has been well-accepted in the marketplace: 40 boats have been ordered for delivery in the US and Europe since its introduction one year ago, so it appears likely that racing fleets will be developing.
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Hello. I recently purchased a sailboat from a private party. He says its a Schock 20, built in 1972. I am trying to find replacement parts since I am restoring this boat. I was told the WD Schock company was sold by Ruth Schock. They (Ruth Schock) currently make power boats. She did give me the number to the people who bought the sailboat company, but I have left 2 messages and nobody returns my call. Can you be of any assistance in trying to figure this all out? I am going to refurbish regardless, but to actually KNOW this boats origin would be very helpful. Thank you for any assistance you can be
John White (951) 451-0404 Homeland CA
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New and Experienced Sailors
The A20’s classic topside, modern underbody, gratifying speed, and single-handed ease make her a treat for seasoned sailors as well as those just getting started.
Her “sit in” cockpit provides a comfortable, dry sail. And she is a keelboat which means she can be left on a mooring without fear of blow-over, yet, she still is trailerable.
Explore the Alerion 20
Specifications
1,900 lbs (including ballast)
| Length Overall | 20’ 0” |
|---|---|
| Length Water Line | 17’ 1” |
| Beam | 6’ 10” |
| Draft | 3’ 6” |
| Shoal Draft (Option) | Not Available |
| Air Draft | 30’ 8” |
| Displacement | 1,900 lbs (including ballast) |
|---|---|
| Ballast | 780 lbs |
| Sail Area | 220 sq ft |
| Sail Area / disp | 22.95 |
| Aux. Engine | Optional |
| Volvo Diesel with sail drive | N/A |
"It was truly delightful working with Alerion on the build of our boat. Everything was done for us with no problems - and what a wonderful boat to sail! Quick, responsive and easily handled by 1 or 2 people. We own a Hinkley Souwester 42 as well, but when we wish to have a fun day sail by ourselves it's the Alerion 20 that we take out."
–Charlie Leighton - Former Commodore, NYYC & President of US Sailing
alerion model comparison chart
| Model Name | Tiller Steering | Wheel Steering | Engine | Reefing | Hoyt Jib Boom | Roller Furling Jib | Shoal Draft | Sailplan | Electric Winches | Head | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | Not Available | Optional outboard motor w/ bracket | Simple 2-line system | Optional | Standard | Not Available | Standard | Not Available | Not Available | ||
| Standard | Not Avilable | 12 HP Volvo Diesel w/ Saildrive | Single-line System | Optional | Standard | Optional | Standard | Not Available | Portable | ||
| Standard | Optional | 12 HP Volvo Diesel w/ Saildrive | Single-line System | Optional | Standard | Not Available | Standard | Optional | Manual Marine Head | ||
| Standard | Optional | 20 HP Volvo Diesel w/ Saildrive | Single-line System | Optional | Standard | Optional | Standard | Optional | Enclosed Manual |
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Alerion 20 in the news
Brands Rise From The Ashes
Jun. 28, 2019
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- Description
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One heck of a number that has continuously evolved these last twenty years and more, with a touch of insolence that has kept it young. The First 20 has become more aggressive and stylish. Her look is more modern and in her class she offers the best balance between safety, performance and habitability. This classic small boat enjoys playing in the big league in all weather.
NAVAL DESIGNER : Finot - Conq Architects
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Exterior design
The First 20 has a harmonious and high-performing Finot-Conq hull that proves a model of stability. Thanks to an unstayed mast she features a generous sail plan with a square-top mainsail, 2016 code zero and asymmetric spinnaker on option. Yachtsmen are keen on the twin rudder helm and the chain locker.
Interior design
Increasingly habitable and comfortable, the First 20’s interior has done away with bulkheads. By replacing the mast prop with a structure built into the deck, this coastal cruiser offers a feeling of interior space second to none. Inside she is bathed in light by the deck hatch, and generously spacious with four berths and many storage spaces. She suits a wide variety of programmes.
Always ready to sail
Fun and a high-performer, this 6.50 m cruiser embraces a racing yet reassuring style. This unanimously acclaimed sailing yacht is small in size but has terrific qualities and she is loved because she is affordable and very easy to use.
Multi-programme
Whether for day-sailing or short cruises, the First 20 can adapt to all programmes, and all stretches of water. With her lifting keel and outboard engine, she can be beached and transported on a trailer.
Theunstayed rig clears the deck and there is no need for low shrouds. Optimized with a square-top mainsail, the reasoning behind the sail plan is a combination of simplicity and performance. With a furling genoa and 2016 code zero, the First 20 is ready for some remarkable achievements !
Although the First 20 has a racing temperament, she makes no concessions when it comes to safety. Her 1.80 m lifting keel contributes to her stability and improves her performance close-hauled.
CHARACTERISTICS
Length Overall
Beam overall
8' 2"
Light displacement
Max. engine power
CE Certification
- CE Certification C6/D6.
- Hatch opens locker in cockpit bottom.
- Outboard engine
- Sliding companionway hatch with PMMA porthole to make it brighter.
- Forward cabin: - Separating curtain between salon and cabin. - Double berth, removable "net" storage (option) - large locker for storage below berth. Two additional berths in the saloon.
- Sink, 35 L fresh water tank + hand pump (option).
- Folding saloon table can be sued in the cockpit (option).
Learn to sail with Beneteau
Beneteau America and the American Sailing Association (ASA) have partnered to design a singularly modern sail training vessel.
Customer Care
Buying a BENETEAU doesn’t have to be a daunting task. We have teams of experts to guide you through the entire process – everything from sea trials, financing, and customization to after-sale commissioning, service, and maintenance. We are proud to have one of the largest, most highly-regarded dealer networks in the world. We’re ready to provide you with the assistance and expertise needed to launch you and your BENETEAU on a lifetime of happy, rewarding, and memorable voyages.
Other models in the range
7.9 m / 25'11
2.75 m / 24'7
9.81 m / 32'2''
3.23 m / 10'7''
10.85 m / 35' 7"
3.64 m / 11' 11"
12.58 m / 12.58
3.89 m / 3,89
14.07 m / 46’2’’
4.2 m / 13’9’’
14.99 m / 49’2’’
4.41 m / 14’6’’
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W.D. Schock Boat Builders Presents Harbor 20
Overview of the Harbor 20 Sailboat
The Harbor 20 "The classic modern daysailer"
Classic daysailer meets state of the art marine technology.
The Harbor 20 presents a graceful silhouette, its modern underbody and rig make for a fast and easily-handled contemporary daysailer. The result is a beautiful, cost effective, and easy-to-use boat that will always be in style.
Comfortable Cruising
The Harbor 20’s accommodating cockpit holds up to eight guests, and no one needs to sit on the rail to balance the boat, or duck under the boom when tacking. Deep coamings provide comfortable back support, and two easily accessible ice chests quickly render your favorite refreshment.
Natural Club Racer
A fine entry with firm bilges and a long run aft give the Harbor 20 high speed potential, high stability and the ability to move smoothly through choppy water. The rudder is placed well aft, and the 900 lb. bulb keel keeps the weight low. This keel design gives the boat plenty of stability without slowing the boat down in light air. The Harbor 20 can be raced competitively either single-handily or with a crew of two or more.
Sensible Design, Simplified Sail Control
With incredible stability and loads of conveniences, the Harbor 20 can be rigged in minutes and sailed solo or with a group. There is no better opportunity to share sailing excitement with friends and family – whether they are seasoned sailors or completely inexperienced. Celebrating over seventy years of boat-building excellence, the Schock heritage continues with the Harbor 20.
Designed with simplicity in mind
The roller-furling headsail and self-tacking club boom will delight your crew. And when running wing-and-wing, the club boom acts as an automatic winger, effortlessly holding out the jib. And the control panel just aft of the mast is centralized convenience at its very best. Ready to go sail? Simply raise the main, roll out the jib, and throw off the bow line. When you return to the dock, just roll the jib back up, stow the main neatly on the boom using the lazy jacks, and cover the boat and jib with the optional cockpit cover and jib sock.
ll halyards and lines are led below the deck to Harken hardware mounted on a shelf at the aft edge of the cuddy cabin. Everything is within easy reach for the skipper and crew.
Specifications & Options
Specifications, electric motor options.
Designed by: Steven W. Schock
Exclusive Builder: WD Schock Corp (USA)
First Built: 1997
Construction: Fiber Glass
Draft: 3’6”
BALLAST: 900 lbs.
Displacement:1,800 lbs
MAIN: 151 sq. ft.
Jib: 8 sq. ft.
Draft (max): 3.50’
Sail Area/Disp.1: 23.84
Bal./Disp. 50.00 %
Disp./Len. 163.56
An electric motor is available to push the boat at about five knots and to provide convenient, quiet, and odorless propulsion. The motor, which is permanently mounted on a stainless steel pivot arm, swings out of the aft lazarette and pins onto the starboard gunwale. No wrestling with an outboard and no through-hull fittings! Four hours at maximum speed comes from the two batteries installed forward under the cockpit seats. The 24 volt system can be easily recharged with the in-line three step charger. Just plug it in at the dock.
There are many customize options available, let our representatives help you customize the perfect boat for your needs. Call us today at (951) 277-3377
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COMMENTS
Catalina 16.5. jlodrummer. Catalina Yachts are synonymous with bigger boats but they have some great and smaller boats too such as Catalina 16.5. This is one of the best small sailboats that are ideal for family outings given that it has a big and roomy cockpit, as well as a large storage locker.
The home of the legendary Bruce Bingham designed 20 foot sailboat called the Flicka. Perhaps the best small cruising boat ever built.
Yet when your sailboat is shorter than 20 feet, you'll usually find it's easier to get underway, easier to handle under sail, and cheaper to buy and maintain. If that sounds like good value to you, take a look at our list of some of the best true daysailers we know of. The Hunter 15 is easy to own, and fun to sail.
31' Mariner Ketch - Major Restoration & Repower - New Rigging & Sails Tenants Harbor Maine, Maine Asking $45,000
Pacific Seacraft Dana 24. 1984 • 8.3 m. Embed. John Vigor turns the spotlight on twenty seaworthy sailboats that are at home on the ocean in all weather. These are old fiberglass boats, mostly of traditional design and strong construction. All are small, from 20 feet to 32 feet overall, but all have crossed oceans, and all are cheap.
The result is the Ultimate 20, a boat finding great acceptance among a group of mid-level sailors seeking new levels of performance, and experienced sailors looking for big kicks on smaller boats. It also appeals to the budget-conscious shopper. A college dropout with a penchant for water sports, Canepa began sailing in 1968 when he abandoned ...
Harbor 20. For the ultimate kick in the pants, you can't get much better in a compact package than the prolific Harbor 20. Designed by Tom Schock in 1997, this versatile boat is evergreen and a true daysailer. Responsive and steady, it's the best sailing teacher you'll ever have and even if you sail one poorly, you'll still get where ...
A boat with a BN of 1.6 or greater is a boat that will be reefed often in offshore cruising. Derek Harvey, "Multihulls for Cruising and Racing", International Marine, Camden, Maine, 1991, states that a BN of 1 is generally accepted as the dividing line between so-called slow and fast multihulls.
Harbor 20 showing the hull shape and the Hoyt jib boom. The Harbor 20 is a recreational keelboat, built predominantly of fiberglass, with a small cuddy cabin in the bow and a large cockpit that can accommodate up to eight people. [1] [2] [3] [4]It has a fractional sloop rig, a raked stem, an angled transom, an internally mounted spade-type rudder controlled by a wooden tiller and a fixed fin ...
Which model would you like to demo? Alerion 20. Alerion 28. Alerion 30. Alerion 33. CAPTCHA. The A20's classic topside, modern underbody, gratifying speed, and single-handed ease make her a treat for seasoned sailors as well as those just getting started.
Exterior design. The First 20 has a harmonious and high-performing Finot-Conq hull that proves a model of stability. Thanks to an unstayed mast she features a generous sail plan with a square-top mainsail, 2016 code zero and asymmetric spinnaker on option. Yachtsmen are keen on the twin rudder helm and the chain locker.
A fine entry with firm bilges and a long run aft give the Harbor 20 high speed potential, high stability and the ability to move smoothly through choppy water. The rudder is placed well aft, and the 900 lb. bulb keel keeps the weight low. This keel design gives the boat plenty of stability without slowing the boat down in light air.
3'3'. Maine. $10,000. Description: 1983 Nordica 20 Sailboat with new tandem axle trailer. Sailboat is in like new condition. She shines and is a headturner. Sails beautifully with 3'3" full keel. * Nissan 6hp 4 stroke, long shaft outboard, super quiet, low hours.
Smaller boats are easy to navigate and not a hassle to maintain compared to larger yachts, which is why many choose sailboats under 20 feet as the ideal starter boat. From the Catalina 16.5 to the Beneteau First 20 or the Marlow Hunter 15, there are many smaller sailboats under 20 feet that offer beginner or expert sailors great value for money ...
About The Flicka 20 Sailboat. "Whether the Flicka has reached over 300 because she's a beautiful and distinctive boat or because she's built to take the sea is impossible to determine. Regardless, the Flicka's popularity is a tremendous source of pride for me, not to mention the justice done to her design by Pacific Seacraft. The many many ...
For almost 20 years, we've called this awards program SAIL Best Boats, but this year, we're refining and renaming this program to better and more fairly represent the boats we've selected. Restricting boats to categories and labels—such as Best Cruising Monohull 30-40 feet and Best Performance Monohull 40-50 feet—doesn't bring our readers the full picture.
A boat with a BN of 1.6 or greater is a boat that will be reefed often in offshore cruising. Derek Harvey, "Multihulls for Cruising and Racing", International Marine, Camden, Maine, 1991, states that a BN of 1 is generally accepted as the dividing line between so-called slow and fast multihulls.
Harbor 20. The first Harbor 20 was launched in April of 1998. Within twelve years there were about 150 Harbor 20s sailing in Newport Beach. Today there are over 400 Harbor 20s sailing throughout the United States, Canada, Chile, and Australia. Fleet 5 in Annapolis has over 30 boats and regularly has about 20 boats at the start of the Wednesday ...
Ultimate 20 Sailboats. Welcome to the Ultimate 20! The Ultimate 20 Sailboat is the result of a team of sailors with impressive credentials. Jeff Canepa headed a colloboration that included Jim Antrim of Antrim Associates-Naval Architects, sail maker and Olympic medalist Jay Glaser, and 505 builder and foil specialist Larry Tuttle.
A boat with a BN of 1.6 or greater is a boat that will be reefed often in offshore cruising. Derek Harvey, "Multihulls for Cruising and Racing", International Marine, Camden, Maine, 1991, states that a BN of 1 is generally accepted as the dividing line between so-called slow and fast multihulls.
That same boat in 1981 was worth about $24,000. A Sabre 28 purchased in 1976 cost $22,000, and was worth about $29,000 in 1981. Owners report that the primary motivation for purchasing the boat can be summed up in one word: quality. Sabre is quite conscious of their producing a high-quality boat.
The kayakers involved were Philip Hill and his son Adam, who were paddling to Hope Island when they saw a power boat heading for them. As they recount in an interview with KING 5 Seattle (video below) they waved their bright yellow paddles to alert the power boat driver, and refuse to believe he wouldn't have been able to spot them or their bright red kayak.
ボートレース徳山 #ボートレースライブボートレース徳山 視聴者参加型ライブ配信「PLAY! BOAT! すなっち〜ずスタジアム」1～12Rライブ配信!8:12分 ...
More than 20 people, including children, had to be rescued in the Boston Harbor Wednesday evening after their boat ran aground. According to the Massachusetts State Police, troopers received a ...
A boat with a BN of 1.6 or greater is a boat that will be reefed often in offshore cruising. Derek Harvey, "Multihulls for Cruising and Racing", International Marine, Camden, Maine, 1991, states that a BN of 1 is generally accepted as the dividing line between so-called slow and fast multihulls.
BUILDERS: Loughlin Boat Works Miami, FL (USA) Able Shipwrights Inc., 6 North Main Street East Hampton, CT 06424 Able Marine Southwest Harbor, ME Later versions were said to have a taller rig and more ballast. A Facebook article has appeared (2011). An alternate name was ABLE SHIPRIGHT 20. An original brochure and possibly other information […]