shallow draft trailerable sailboats

My Cruiser Life Magazine

7 Best Trailerable Sailboats for Cruising

Many sailors balk at the idea of leaving their boat in the water at a marina. Slip fees are expensive, and maintenance bills get bigger the longer you leave a boat in the water. However, if you want a boat under 30 feet long, there are trailerable sailboats that will fit the bill.

Like any boat purchase, you’ll need to analyze precisely what kind of trailer sailer you want. Will a simple weekend sailboat suffice, or do you really need the best trailerable cruising sailboat you can find? 

Here’s a look at some of the pros and cons of the best trailerable sailboat. Plus, we’ll look at how to compare them for your purposes.

Table of Contents

Best trailerable sailboats, easy to launch trailerable sailboats, quick setup time, towing weight, catalina 22/25 “pop-top”, com-pac horizon cat for classic coastal cruising, marshall sanderling — small, portable, classy, west wight potter 19 — the tiny go-anywhere sailboat, seaward 26rk with retractable lead keel, corsair f-24 trimaran – sporty sailing, macgregor 26m — maximum speed meets maximum living space, long-range cruising boats, 7 best trailerable boats – a recap, what’s the best trailerable sailboat for a cruise, trailerable sailboats faqs.

• Catalina 22/25
• Com-Pac Horizon Cat
• Marshall Sanderling
• West Wight Potter 19
• Seaward 26RK
• Corsair F-24 Trimaran
• MacGregor 26M

We’ll get into more detail about each brand in my post today, so hang tight!

What Is a Trailerable Sailboat, Exactly?

For this article, the priorities for a trailerable sailboat are:

• Easy to launch
• Require minimum setup to launch and store
• Lightweight enough to be towed by the average vehicle

Before you can really classify a sailboat as trailerable, you need to evaluate and narrow your search criteria. Truthfully, 50-plus-foot ocean-going sailboats are regularly put on trailers. But that’s done commercially, on a big rig, with special permits for oversized loads, and even led cars.  

That probably isn’t what most people mean when they think of a trailerable sailboat. But what is the priority here, the trailerable part or the sailboat part? Compromises are going to have to be made somewhere. 

If you’re looking at the 20-foot-and-under sailboat crowd, finding a trailerable example should not be hard. Most sailboats this size are designed for trailers anyway since they aren’t the sort of boats people want to pay to leave in a slip year-round.

Things get more interesting when you look at the 20 to 30-foot boats. In this class, there are stout ocean-going cruisers with deep keels and lightweight centerboard trailer sailboats designed from the get-go to be trailered by the average car or SUV. The differences between these boats are night and day.

Sailboats often have a hard time at boat ramps. First, deep keels mean that the trailer must extend farther into the water than the average boat ramp allows. This means the ramp needs to go back far enough, and the trailer tongue needs to be long enough not to swamp the car. 

If you have a boat like this, you’ll need to find the right boat ramps. Unfortunately, not all ramps are created equally. If your boat draws more than two or three feet on the trailer, you’re going to be limited to steep, paved, and high-quality boat ramps. Unfortunately, those aren’t standard features, so your cruising grounds are going to be limited.

Usually, ramps aren’t built steeply because they are often slippery. Your tow vehicle will need excellent traction and torque to pull your fully loaded boat out of a steep ramp. The steeper the ramp, the more trouble you’ll have. 

The alternative to finding steep ramps is to use a trailer tongue extender. This lets you get the trailer into deeper water without swamping the tow vehicle. But it also means that the ramp needs to extend deep enough. Many ramps end abruptly. Allowing your trailer to sink off the edge is an excellent way to get stuck or pop a tire.

Pick a boat as easy to launch and retrieve as a similarly sized powerboat to remove all of these boat ramp problems. The soft chines of most sailboats will always require a little more water, but a swing keel and the hinged rudder raised mean that the boat can sit low on the trailer bunks. That way, you only need one or two feet of water to launch, an easy feat at nearly every boat ramp you can find.

The next consideration for a sailboat to be portable enough to call it “trailerable” is the amount of time it takes to step the mast and get it ready to cruise. 

To accomplish this, you need a mast that can be stepped by a two-person team–maximum. Ideally, it will have some tabernacle hardware to enable one person to do the task for solo sailing.

There is an entire family of pocket cruisers that could ideally fit on trailers. But you won’t find the Fickas or the Falmouth cutters on my list, simply because they aren’t easy to launch or easy to rig. But, of course, they’re also too heavy for most vehicles to tow, which leads us to the final point of excluding them this trailable pocket cruiser’s list.

One of the most significant financial burdens the trailer sailer faces is their tow vehicle. You are all set if you already drive a two-ton dually diesel pickup truck. But if your daily driver is an SUV or light pickup, you need to think long and hard about the math of the towing equation. 

Whatever boat you buy cannot exceed the towing rating limits of your tow vehicle. If you don’t have a tow vehicle, you’ll need to buy one. This will double or triple the cost of getting a trailer sailer in most cases. For the same money, you may want to look at a boat that stays in the water at a traditional boat slip. For the cost of a trailer sailer and a tow vehicle, you can probably step into a nice boat that is larger and more comfortable than any towable.

If you have a tow vehicle, you need a light enough vessel for it to tow. Most modern SUVs tow less than 2,500 pounds. Anything more than 5,000 will require a full-size pickup. Remember that the tow weight isn’t just the boat’s displacement—it’s the empty hull weight, plus the weight of the trailer and any extra gear you need to pack into the boat. 

Finding a vessel that fits these limitations on weight isn’t easy. If the manufacturer’s goal is to make it towable, immediate limits are placed on the materials they can use. This means less seaworthiness since boats are built light and thin. As far as stability goes, lead keels are generally out, and water ballast systems or centerboards might be used instead. It doesn’t mean these boats aren’t safe and fun, but they aren’t designed for rough conditions, crossing oceans, or living on in the water full-time .

7 Best Trailerable Cruising Sailboats

There are more trailerable sailboats out there than you might imagine. Here’s a look at seven popular options of all shapes and sizes to give you a taste of what you might want to take to sea.

The boats here are selected for their storage and living space. With these boats and a little outfitting, you can spend weeks gunk-holing in the Chesapeake Bay or island hopping the Bahamas. If you broaden your scope to include daysailers with no cabin space, there are countless more options.

One of the worst parts of a small trailerable sailboat or pocket cruiser is the lack of stand-up headroom. One clever solution that you’ll find on some weekend sailboat types is the pop-top. 

The pop-top is simply an area around the companionway hatch that extends upward on struts. So when you’re at the dock or anchor, you get standing headroom down below—at least right inside the pop-top.

You can build a canvas enclosure for your pop-top to use it in all weather. A pop-top makes your boat feel much larger than it is and allows you to move freely to cook or get changed down below or even do a nice boat bed area. 

Later models of the Catalina Sport 22 and Capri 22s lacked this cool pop-top feature, so if you want it, you’ll need to seek out an older model on the used market.

Com-Pac has been building small sailboats since the early 1970s. They currently sell two lines, each with various-sized boats. All are well built, and a majority of their boats are trailerable. 

Most interesting at the Com-Pac traditional catboats . The rigging is more straightforward than modern sloops, with only one large mainsail. Com-Pac boats come with a unique quick-rig system to make getting on the water fast and simple.

The Horizon Cat Coastal Cruising has a displacement of 2,500 pounds with a 2’2″ draft when the board is up. She has a separate head forward and space to lounge either topside or down below. The smaller Sun Cat has slightly few amenities but shaves off a few feet and pounds, making it easier to tow and it is one of these amazing small sailboats. Com-Pacs features stub keels, so their centerboard and hinged rudder do not take up space in the cabin.

On the sloop rig side, the Com-Pac 23 comes in a 3,000-pound traditional sailboat or a very interesting pilothouse. Both are incredibly livable for their size , with shallow two-foot-long fixed keels and high-quality construction.

Another option if you like catboats is the Marshall Sanderling. This salty 18-footer oozes traditional charm , all while being easy to sail and easier to tow. And while she has wooden boat lines, she has a modern laminated fiberglass hull.

The Sanderling has a 2,200-pound displacement, so tow weights will be around 3,000 pounds. At only 18-feet, she’s on the small side for cruising. The cuddy cabin has no galley, and the portable toilet is not enclosed. But that small size means a simple boat that’s easy to maintain and take anywhere. 

An electric motor package is an exciting option on this weekend sailboat!

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You can’t mention tiny trailer sailers without touching on the famous West Wight Potter . These 15 and 19-foot pocket cruisers have earned a worldwide reputation as the ultimate go-anywhere coastal cruiser.

The West Wight Potter 19 offers the most living space for staying aboard and cruising. So even though its dimensions are diminutive, this little boat packs a lot in. There’s a single burner hotplate and sink and a porta-potty tucked under a cushion. Yes, it’s tight—but the company claims the little boat can sleep five people. Any more than two will feel pretty crowded, however.

The boat comes standard with a mast-raising system that a single person can manage alone. It has a daggerboard for a shallow draft of a half-foot when the board is up. The total towing weight is around 1,500 pounds, which means nearly any car can tow a West Wight Potter.

This little-known trailer sailer is produced at the same Florida factory that makes Island Packet Yachts. That should give you a little bit of an idea of what sort of boat it is—trailerable, yes, but also high-quality, beautiful, and built for cruising. In other words, it’s one of the nicest all round pocket cruisers and it feels like a much larger boat.

The Seaward is easily the saltiest boat on this list . It’s beefy and seaworthy. Instead of a lightweight centerboard, Seaward fits the RK with a bulb-shaped retracting keel. Other big-boat items include a Yanmar diesel inboard motor and an enclosed head. The spacious cabin of the boat features a double berth and is ready for salt water cruising.

According to sailboatdata.com , the tow weight of the 26RK is 6,000 pounds. With the keel up, the draft is 1.25 feet.

Multihull sailors need not feel left out from the trailer sailer club and the pocket cruiser. Beyond the ubiquitous beach Hobie Cat, there are not many options for catamarans. But trimarans are uniquely suited to be towed.

Why? For one thing, performance oriented boats like trimarans are based on it being built light. There is no ballast—a trimaran’s stability comes from its two outer hulls. Additionally, the living space is entirely housed in the central hull–the outer floats are small and sometimes foldable. Finally, there are no keels on tris, so they are extremely shallow draft and perfect for trailering.

If you’re looking for adrenaline-pumping sporty and fun sailing, it’s impossible to beat what a trimaran will offer. Let’s not beat around the bush—most of the trailer sailers on this list have hull speeds around five knots. The Corsair has no such limits, routinely sailing at 15 knots or more .

The new Corsair 880 trimaran has an unloaded weight of 3,659 pounds. It is trailerable behind a big SUV or small pickup and is probably the most fun sailing option that is trailerable at all.

An even more portable option is the older Corsair F-24. It has a light displacement of under 2,000 pounds—so nearly any SUV can tow it.

MacGregor owns the market on trailerable motor sailers since they more or less created the product to fit the bill. The MacGregor 26 is not like other boats. The design combines a planing powerboat with a centerboard sailboat. Imagine scooting along at 20 knots or more when the wind is down or enjoying a sporty sail on a breezy day–in the same boat.

The entire boat is built from the ground up for towing and long-range sailing. So if you want a big sailboat that you can tow behind pretty much any SUV, the MacGregor has to be on your list. 

Depending on the model, the 26-foot-long boats have incredibly light dry weights of between 1,650 and 2,350 pounds. Considering the massive volume of the roomy cabin, the ability to tow such a large vessel opens up an entire world of opportunities for owners. 

It’s not all good news, of course. MacGregor owners love their boats, but they are built light and are not ideally suited for offshore cruising or rough weather. But in bays and for coastal sailing on nice days, few boats can get as much use as a MacGregor. 

The motorboat capability of the 26M and 26X might not appeal to hardcore sailors, but for those looking to maximize their use of the boat depending on the weather, their mood, or location, it makes a lot of sense. 

MacGregor shut down in 2015, but the daughter and son-in-law of the original owners took over production and renamed the boat the Tattoo 26 . The company will soon release a smaller version, the Tattoo 22 .

If the 26 is a bit big to make your list of best trailerable small sailboats, consider the smaller Powersailer 19. It’s nearly identical to the 26, just smaller and lighter.

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What Do You Want Your Trailer Sailer To Do?

After you’ve settled on how you will tow and launch your trailer sailer, now it’s time to dream about what you want it to do. Where will it take you? 

The beauty of a towable boat is that you can travel anywhere. A boat in the water might take weeks or months to move a few hundred miles. But if you can attach it to your car and do 65 mph on the interstate, you could sail on the Pacific on Monday, the Gulf of Mexico on Wednesday, and the Atlantic on Friday.

We can divide our trailerable sailboats into three groups – daysailers, weekenders, and cruisers.

These are designed with open cockpits and no space to sleep. This is a majority of the sub-22-foot boats on the market. They are designed to be launched, play for the day, and return to the ramp or dock.

A weekender will have rudimentary sleeping facilities. Think of it as a floating tent—it’s not a five-star hotel, but you can sleep under the stars or get out of the rain. Conceivably you could stay aboard indefinitely, but it doesn’t have much room for gear. So most people are ready to get off after a day or two. 

A cruising boat has sleeping, cooking, and toilet facilities built-in. These might be small and simple, but in any quantity, they mean you can disconnect from shore for a long time. Unfortunately, squeezing all of this into a tow-friendly package isn’t easy, and very few boats do it well. 

The best trailer sailor for your adventures will depend on many factors. Like any boat, whatever you decide on will be a compromise – boats always are. But there are plenty of choices out there, no matter what size your tow vehicle is and no matter what sailing adventures you have in mind.

What size sailboat is trailerable?

Even large yachts are routinely transported by towing across land, so the question is more of how big a sailboat can you tow? Your tow vehicle will be the limiting factor. The upper limit for most large SUVs and trucks is usually a sailboat around 26 feet long.

Sailboats are generally very heavily built, with ballast and lead keels. Sailboats specifically made to be trailer sailers are lighter. They may use drainable water ballast tanks instead of fixed ballast and have fewer fixtures and amenities.

To find the best trailer sailer, you need to balance the total tow weight, the ease of rig setup at the boat ramp, and the boat’s draft. Shallow draft boats with centerboards are the easiest to launch and retrieve.

Is a Hunter 27 trailerable?

No. The Hunter 27 is a one of those fixed-keel larger boats built from 1974 to 1984. The boat’s displacement is 7,000 pounds, not including trailer and gear. That alone makes it too heavy to tow by all but the beefiest diesel trucks. 

Furthermore, the fixed keels had drafts between 3.25 and 5 feet, all of which are too much for most boat ramps. In short, the standard Hunter Marine 27 is too big to tow for most people.

On the other hand, Hunter has made several good trailer sailers over the years. For example, the Hunter 240 and 260 were explicitly designed for trailering. They have drainable water ballast and shallow keel/centerboard drafts less than two feet. 

Is a Catalina 22 trailerable?

Yes, the Catalina 22 is easily trailerable and makes a wonderful weekend sailboat. In fact, there were over 15,000 Catalina 22s made and sold over the years. 

The boat’s displacement is 2,250 pounds, which means your total tow weight with trailer and gear will be under 3,000 pounds. This is within the capabilities of most mid to full-size SUVs and light trucks. Be sure to check your vehicle’s towing capacity, of course.

The centerboard on the Catalina 22 is another factor in its easy towing. With the board up, the boat draws only two feet. This makes it easy to float off the trailer at nearly any boat ramp. You should avoid fixed keel versions of the 22 for towing unless you have access to extra deep ramps. 

Matt has been boating around Florida for over 25 years in everything from small powerboats to large cruising catamarans. He currently lives aboard a 38-foot Cabo Rico sailboat with his wife Lucy and adventure dog Chelsea. Together, they cruise between winters in The Bahamas and summers in the Chesapeake Bay.

Can someone tell me why no other manufacturer makes pop tops? Those who have them, love them. Makes sense for head space with a trailerable boat too. Catalina stopped making them decades ago, yet people still swear by them. So, why isn’t there any newer models?

MacGregor put pop tops on many of its trailerables

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Best Shallow Water Sailboats

Last Updated by

Jacob Collier

December 28, 2023

When it comes to the best shallow water sailboats, there is plenty of debate between brands. This differs from one person to the next, especially sailing goals.

Shallow water sailing is a unique experience, allowing you to explore lower draft areas where larger boats cannot. So what boats are the best for shallow waters?

The Hinckley Talaria 55, West Wight Potter 19, Catalina 22, and Fountaine Pajot Alegria 67 are excellent options to consider. These cover a wide range of prices, drafts, and space on the boat. Other options include the Pacific Seacraft Dana 24, MJM 53z, and the Outback Yachts 50.

The beauty that most shallow draft boats have is the ability to handle rough waters too. This way you can still explore other areas sailing and go back to shallow waters when you want.

According to expert sailors, there are plenty of places in the world you cannot explore due to the draft limitations. Having a boat that can explore shallow waters is something that larger boats will be unable to do.

Table of contents

‍ 13 Shallow Draft Sailboats to Consider

When looking for the best shallow draft sailboat, a lot of boats fit that criterion. However, each one will need to fit the individual buyer’s needs in size, price, and functionality.

Hinckley Yachts Talaria 55 MKII

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While most people think of sailing as strictly using sails, there are boats in use that are powered by motors. For example, the Hinckley Talaria 55 has all of the capabilities of sailing but uses motors for power.

The way the boat has been designed, in addition to the lightweight, allows it to have a shallow draft of about three feet. This will let you explore shallow waters, unlike other larger boats.

If you do not want to compromise luxury and the size of your boat, this is an appealing option to look into. Especially as a larger boat nearing 55 feet long, you have the opportunity to handle shallow waters whenever you want. The prices start at around $750,000 and up.

West Wight Potter 19

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You have likely seen this popular boat online for the last decade. It is built by International Marine, which is resilient in creating reliable sailboats.

There have been design changes over the years, allowing it to have more storage and slightly easier to sail. At just 19 feet long, it is a bit easier to handle than other larger boats.

With its rugged build, you can explore harsher waters without giving up any luxury. Due to its design, you can comfortably explore shallow waters, especially with the lifting keel that you can adjust. You can find older versions for around $7,000 and up.

Catalina 22

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The Catalina 22 offers a beautiful mix of sport and luxury. With its retractable keel, it makes it easier to haul and to explore shallow waters.

The boat drafts between two and five feet, depending on the extra weight on board. This makes for a great opportunity to explore shallow waters.

With 22 feet of room on board, you can easily have a handful of people on board to travel days at a time. Whether you take it out on the weekends or spend quality time with family, you can go just about anywhere. The prices start around $13,000 for models over 20 years old and go up in price significantly for newer versions.

Fountaine Pajot Alegria 67

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One of the more luxurious catamarans out there with a shallow draft is none other than the Fountaine Pajot Alegria 67 . This boat is roughly 70 feet long and has a draft of fewer than six feet.

There are plenty of options available for sailors that want the best of everything when it comes to cruising, living aboard, and exploring shallow waters. The amount of room is enough for large groups and you would not have to worry about “roughing” it.

If you are looking for a larger boat to host parties or enjoy the space, this catamaran has everything you could ask for. The prices start at around $1,200,000 for slightly older models.

Pacific Seacraft Flicka 20

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If you want a traditional looking sailboat with the added bonus of a shallow draft, then check out the Pacific Seacraft Flicka 20 . As one of the more convenient options out there, you have a lot of features to live aboard or travel whenever you want.

There are plenty of accommodations, such as a pop-up dining table, foldable chart table, and customizable rooms. The only drawback is that there are only 400 of these made, so finding one might prove to be difficult.

For a 20-foot sailboat, there is plenty of room to stretch your legs. If you can get your hands on one, these typically have sold for around $30,000.

{{boat-info="/boats/mjm-53z"}}

Another high quality sailing yacht , the MJM 53z has all the speed and luxury you need. In addition, the maximum draft is just shy of four feet when the outboards are tilted down and the engine is up.

Like the other yachts mentioned, this one has plenty of features to accommodate plenty of people on board. You can find this one around $2,295,000.

Outback Yachts 50

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Out of all the sailing yachts mentioned thus far, the Outback 50 offers plenty of room without being too big to handle. It also boasts all luxury accommodations you could ever want, in addition to having just a three foot draft to explore shallow waters.

There are two models you can choose from, either the infinity deck or the extended deckhouse that have slight variations to accommodate your and your guests.  They also showcase an unobstructed 360 degree view within the galley, allowing you to have beautiful views no matter where you are. Depending on the year and model, you can expect to pay around $1,200,000.

Laser Pico Dinghy

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If you want something a little bit smaller without breaking the bank and great for entry level sailors, try checking out some dinghies. The Laser Pico is a great example of a boat that fits many budgets and can accommodate roughly two people in more shallow waters.

With the daggerboard keel and removable jib and mainsail, you can easily set up your rig before setting sail. It typically drafts between seven and nine feet depending on the weight in the dinghy. You can find used ones for around $1,500 and up depending on condition.

{{boat-info="/boats/rs-sailing-rs-aero"}}

If you have plenty of experience handling a dinghy sailboat, then the RS Aero might be worth some attention. Whether you are racing or cruising in this sailboat, you have the ability to check out some shallow waters too.

It weighs roughly 66 pounds, making it one of the lightest dinghies out there. It also seats just about a foot in the water, making it possible to go anywhere.

For this particular dinghy, you are likely to pay a little more compared to others. You can typically find them for around $10,000.

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The Wayfarer is another great option for a dinghy if you feel like cruising on a 16-foot boat. This one in particular is widely used in training schools and has sold over 12,000 boats.

It also has a classic sailing look to it, with a fractional rig sloop and a centerboard keel. It also drafts around three feet, making it plenty capable of exploring shallow waters.

Depending on the year and condition, you can find these for just a few thousand dollars. Newer ones range up to $12,500, but will obviously have all the design upgrades you need.

{{boat-info="/boats/scout-boats-scout-251-xss"}}

The 251 XSS , starting at around $112,000, is an excellent option for cruising or fishing in deep water. It is actually one of the first designed boats to handle inshore and offshore fishing, allowing you to experience the best of both worlds.

With just 13 inches in the water, you will likely never have to worry about running aground. In addition, this gives you plenty of luxury to enjoy your fishing or sailing experience.

175 Sport Dorado

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Another choice for sailors that enjoy fishing, the 175 Sport Dorado has an even shallower draft compared to others. For around $44,000, you can enjoy cruising along the coast or offshore.

This boat sports a draft of 10 inches, so there is no need to worry about hitting anything. For the price point, it gives you everything you need without hurting your bank account.

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The 177 Sport is just a slight step below the 175 in terms of price and features. However, you can still enter shallow waters with its 10-inch draft.

It is priced around $36,000, but you might be able to find it in a slightly cheaper pre-owned market. With the draft, you should never have to worry about scratching the hull.

Why You Should Consider a Shallow Draft Sailboat

The draft of your sailboat will determine what you are able to do on the water. The deeper the draft, the better the stability usually is.

Boats that have a shoal draft are ones that have a shallow draft in comparison to others of the same size. These might have a slightly different keel or other adjustments to make the boat able to enter shallow waters.

The term “shoal draft” is the boat’s ability to check out shallow water near shoals. So it is important to understand certain features when shopping for a shallow draft sailboat.

How to Find the Perfect Shallow Draft Sailboat

While no sailboat is going to be perfect, you can narrow down your search if you know what to look for.

Every sailor has their preferences on what they want for a shallow water sailboat.

This includes the keel type, price range, and even the size of the boat. Depending on your situation, you can break it down to fit your needs.

For starters, the price is going to deter a lot of sailors from certain boats. After all, you can only afford what you have to spend. Setting up a budget or at least knowing how much you can afford to pay for a loan is going to be key.

Your location might make a difference too, as some boats might be in a prime location. Using Florida as an example, they have the most registered boats in the United States. This could be a good opportunity to shop around if you happen to be close by.

Size of Boat

While some shallow boat options can range between 10 and 70 feet, you have to decide what you want to experience. This also reflects in price, as the larger boats will cost more.

If you have a lot of people that you want to include on your boat, you might want to factor that in. If you plan on sailing with just another person, a dinghy might be more up your alley. The larger boats are typically heavier too, so this should be accounted for when looking at the draft.

Advantages of a Shallow Draft Sailboat

There are two main reasons why shallow draft boats are better than deeper draft boats. This would be the ability to navigate shallow waters and less of a chance of damaging your keel or boat in shallow areas.

Pass Through Shallow Waters

It should come as no surprise when buying a boat with a lower draft, as the whole point of buying a shallow draft sailboat is to enter shallow waters. The boat is better equipped to travel through shallow waters due to the keel type and the design.

The keel is the deepest part of the boat, as it sits beneath the boat to provide stability. It is always a good idea to know exactly how deep your boat sits, regardless if you plan on checking out shallow water or not.

Chances of Damaging Your Boat Decrease

Depending on where you sail the most or plan to sail, there could be plenty of areas where the water is not deep. This is true around the Florida keys or even the Caribbean, which have shallow drafts everywhere.

If you have a boat with a shorter keel and a shallow draft, this will decrease the likelihood that you will not encounter damage. Even if you do not plan on encountering shallow waters, you will be less likely to hit anything.

Disadvantages of Shallow Drafts

While there are plenty of reasons why sailors would consider choosing a sailboat with a shallow draft, there are some disadvantages to take note of. These include stability and righting of the boat.

Since there is a shorter keel, there is not the same level of stability as boats that have deeper keels and larger drafts. The longer a keel is, the more stable the boat will be.

You are also limited on the keel type, as most shallow draft boats will either have a lifting keel or something that does not hang as low. While you are capable of taking your sailboat to deeper waters, rough conditions might not be that enjoyable.

Differences in Righting Movement

This is another example of a stability issue, but slightly different. The boat’s ability to maintain “right” or remain stable is very important.

In shallow draft boats, the feeling of being on board during rough conditions might not be the best. Some are equipped with the ability to change the ratio of the ballast, but this could take some practice.

Types of Shallow Draft Keels

The keel can make a huge difference to any sailboat, as it has certain advantages that separate one from another. Depending on the keel type you have, it can help provide stability but also allow for shallow draft areas.

A fin keel is a standard keel type that you will see on many boats, not just shallow water sailboats. These are usually adjustable to add more or less profile to the ballast.

Another variation that you will often see that is similar to a fin keel is a lifting centerboard keel. These are excellent options for sailors wanting to explore shallow waters and not have to worry about running aground.

A wing keel offers plenty of stability without hanging too low underneath the boat. These are often found on boats with shallow drafts, due to their unique design of a wing.

While this keel type has plenty of advantages, the only drawback is that it might create suction in shallow waters. This could cause you to be moved over into mud or currents.

A bulb keel is great for stability and righting movement. They usually have a high aspect ratio with ballast at the bulb, so this is typically a good bet for shallow water boats.

The beautiful thing about this keel is that even if you do get stuck, they are relatively easy to get back out. They can also take a beating, just in case you do happen to overestimate your depth.

Catamarans are not a type of keel, but they should be included since they do not have one. Interestingly enough, these boat types do not need a keel to remain stable.

Every catamaran will have a shallow draft and will be able to enter shallow waters. Without a keel, there is no risk of damaging it or the boat itself.

These boat types have two parallel hulls, sometimes more for trimaran boats, that keep the boat stable. For shallow water boats that include a lot of room and luxury, these are great options.

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Born into a family of sailing enthusiasts, words like “ballast” and “jibing” were often a part of dinner conversations. These days Jacob sails a Hallberg-Rassy 44, having covered almost 6000 NM. While he’s made several voyages, his favorite one is the trip from California to Hawaii as it was his first fully independent voyage.

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• Sailboat Reviews

A trailerable pocket cruiser introduced in 1984 by Hake Yachts, this pricy plumb-bowed sloop is made for exploring the shallows. It's laid out for a cruising couple or young family.

Nick Hake graduated from the Milwaukee School of Engineering in 1974, then pulled up stakes and left the cold Great Lakes winters for sunny Miami, where he became head chef at Horatio’s restaurant in the tower of the Coconut Grove Hotel. While working nights in that occupation, he began building boats for profit, starting with molds and dinghies. Of those times, he says “It’s what I wanted to do. I love boats and always wanted to be self-employed.”

Within the year, he was ready to take the plunge into full-time boatbuilding, so he hung out his shingle and set up shop. In the ensuing eight years he built 2,000 dinghies before introducing a 17-foot sloop he called the Slipper. Eventually stretched to 18 feet, the boat was renamed The Fox, to distinguish it from a competitor’s daysailer called The Hen.

Five years later Hake introduced a 22-footer, and named his company Seaward. He eventually stretched the 22 into a 23, which he still builds; then, exhibiting a case of one-foot-itis, made a 24-footer. That one he stretched to 25 feet—and that boat is the subject of our story. It’s built in the Stuart, Florida warehouse that Hake established in 1984. along with its 18, 23-, and 32-foot siblings.

All of Hake’s boats are shallow-draft designs for trailer sailors. He’s in the process of building tooling for the prototype of a 45-footer for his personal use that will be put into production after testing in the Caribbean. It, too, is designed with a shallow draft for gunkholers.

Since its formation, the company has produced 2,000 dinghies, 1,000 Foxes, 300 23-footers, 591 25-footers, and 41 of its relatively new 32- footer.

In 1993 Hake was approached by a group of Philadelphia lawyers who owned a conglomeration of other businesses, and he sold them the company. However, after two years, the economics of the boatbuilding business wore thin with the investors. When they offered to sell the company back to Hake for pennies on the dollar, he again assumed ownership. “I learned how much I missed the business,” he says. “Now I have the luxury of managing it as a non-starver, compared to some other builders.”

Design Of his designs Hake says, “I have no interest in racing, but I do want to go fast. I want to design and build boats that will go as fast as possible, within the context of boats that are gunkholers.”

He categorizes the Seaward 25 as a “pocket cruiser for adult audiences. I designed a boat that is the target boat I would build for myself for cruising in Florida’s waters and in the open sea down to the islands. I built it for the stuff I do.”

The hull is designed with a nearly plumb bow and stern to maximize waterline, and performance. The company’s brochures are misleading here: The LWL is published as 23′, but is 23’8″; the LOA is 26’9″. However, the length on deck at the headstay is nearly identical to the LWL, the difference accounted for by the anchor platform.

Hake describes the hull shape as having a “spherical tumblehome,” with soft chines and bilges, as compared to flatter sections on other boats. Considering her displacement of 3,600 pounds, of which 1,200 pounds is ballast, and 280 square feet of sail, the design produces a tender performer.

He says she performs best when heeled 10 degrees, and that sail should be shortened when the wind pipes up to 15-17 knots. Sailing a test boat in 8 knots of breeze with a full main and 135% genoa, we were within Hake’s recommended heel angle and the helm was balanced.

Of the relatively high topsides and bow, he says “they’re designed that way because I don’t want water coming over the bow. I don’t like to be wet.”

Underwater appendages are a shallow, 2′ 1″ deep, 8-foot long fixed keel, and a fairly small, low-aspect transom-hung rudder. In a modification from early models, Hake added a 26″ wing to the aft part of the keel in 1989. The wing helps increase the keel’s profile when heeled, and, according to Hake, improves upwind perfomance.

The Seaward 25 has been on the market since 1984 in various models, and is continually evaluated with an eye to improving performance or livability. It was last redesigned in 1995.

Appearance Curbside, this boat’s appearance and hints of her personality seem to change with one’s point of view. Viewed from the forward quarter, her most striking characteristics are a plumb bow, a high, sloping sheer line, and beam carried well aft, with a bit of tumblehome near the cockpit.

In profile, she looks workmanlike. A moderate sailplan on a single- spreader 7/8 rig balances a cabintop extending far enough forward of the mast to carry headroom into the forward cabin without appearing top-heavy.

Her profile is accented by the anchor platform, four shiny stainless steel ports, and bow and stern pulpits. Call her gracefully workmanlike, or purposefully fair, depending on your point of view.

Deck Layout Since she was conceived by Hake as a “sailboat for mature audiences,” the rig, layout of deck gear, and cockpit size are straightforward and uncomplicated. Though wheel steering is an option, and space is available for installation of cockpit speakers, she’s a far cry from a dockside entertainment center. The wheel diameter is 24″, which allows easy movement for helmsman and access to the stern gate. However, after our test sail we concluded that we’d prefer steering with either a tiller or a larger wheel, so steering from the rail doesn’t wear out the triceps.

With 46″ of clearance between the wheel pedestal and companionway, and 25″ wide cockpit sole, she’ll seat four on seats and two in aft corners. Seats are 15″ wide and backrests 11″ high, adequate for most adults. Moving around in the cockpit while underway will be a greater challenge if she’s equipped with a tiller.

With the mainsheet located mid-boom, the trimmer operates at the companionway. Primary winches are close at hand, so the helmsman can steer without interfering with crew; conversely, the controls are close enough to allow relatively easy singlehanded sailing.

Halyards are led aft through stainless turning blocks to Ronstan rope clutches and an Anderson #10 winch. Replacement of primary winches with Anderson #16 self-tailers is a $650 option.

The starboard lazarette is 28″ deep, 34″ inches wide, and more than 6 feet long—adequate for storage of an inflatable dinghy or spare sails. Space for a 6-gallon fuel tank is located under the aft starboard seat. Whether equipped with a one-lung diesel or outboard, this is a good idea that other builders of boats this size would do well to emulate. The tank is easily accessible, portable, saves space belowdecks, and reduces production costs.

There’s no locker to port since the space below is occupied by a quarterberth. The seat lid raises to provide access or ventiliation to the berth.

A recent change from wood to Delrin runners for companionway hatchboards means the hatch has decreased friction, maintenance needs, and cost, and greater weather resistance.

The deck is surrounded by 22″ pulpits and a 20″ tall lifeline. Movement underway was unimpeded, except by a dodger that narrowed the space between the cockpit and toerail. Shrouds dead-ended at the top of the cabintop and stainless steel handrails on the cabintop all provide excellent handholds. The nonskid has a very aggressive pattern that provides grip on a wet deck and adds to her appearance.

At the bow, a stainless steel strike rail forward of the hawsepipe protects the deck from being damaged by ground tackle. The anchor well, a compartment isolated from the forward cabin, holds 20-30 feet of chain and 150 feet of line. It drains overboard. A single 10″ stainless cleat, larger than those found on most similar-sized boats, is on the foredeck. A Bowmar bow hatch is 17″ square.

As on many boats with deck-stepped masts, electrical connections may create problems. The wiring connections at the butt of the mast can be damaged or kicked loose, but maybe that goes with the territory.

The backstay is attached to the stern pulpit, and this concerned us: It was hard to see how to get good headstay tension, and with mid-boom sheeting we thought there might even be mast stability worries. Hake says the mast is so stiff that bending it is not worth trying. As for strength, he provided photos of a boat suspended from a crane with lines attached to bow and stern pulpits.

Belowdecks Hake espouses two principles that affect his approach to designing spaces belowdecks. The first places function ahead of form: “We use every inch of space we can, and design so everything can be removed and the interior hosed out for cleaning.” That’s a worthy objective, certainly more easily accomplished on a 25-footer than a larger cruiser. Solid doors, however, are installed for privacy in the forward stateroom and head.

Second: “We use no carpeting, cloth, or Formica, because they tend to absorb moisture and odors, peel, chip and tear, and are hard to clean.” The company will, however, install wood battens on the hull in the cabin for owners wishing for a warmer feel.

Arrangement of spaces belowdecks is straightforward. The galley runs fore and aft to port, opposite the head; a short settee to port sits opposite a 6- footer to starboard that converts to a berth. Other sleeping accommodations are in the bow and a quarterberth in the port quarter.

The dining table is mounted on the bulkhead and secured with an eye and hook, but has no legs. It is deployed by being unlatched to a horizontal position and moved horizontally on a stainless steel bar until situated amidships. At that point, two adults on both sides of the table can dine. It’s a good arrangement, except that when not in use, the wire securing the table to the bulkhead forms a loop that could catch an unsuspecting passenger. Add Velcro and the problem is solved.

Headroom in the cabin is 5′ 6″, but slightly higher in the galley when the hatch is open.

Operating space on the galley counter is 19″ x 15″ inches, and the space in which the stove is mounted 25″ x 42″—adequate for the preparation of typical sailing meals. The galley may be equipped with a one- or two-burner Origo alcohol stove. The ice box is big enough to hold two large ice blocks.

While there are bunks for four, real privacy will be hard to find, as on any boat this size. It’s best for a couple, or a couple with one or two small fry.

The forward cabin has a 7′ V-berth that is 57″ wide at the head. Clearance between the top of the cushion and the deck is 39″, so there’s room to dress while seated on the cushion without banging the deck. A vanity to starboard is 30″ x 16″; storage is in a hanging locker to port and shelves lining the hull. Fresh air comes from three vents.

Like most quarterberths, this one is designed to double as a storage area. The berth is 80″ long and 32″ wide, outfitted with a thin pad. When not in use, the pad can be rolled up and stored in straps attached to the hull. However, a crewmember intending to sleep frequently in the space will benefit from a thicker pad.

Interestingly, the designer’s intent is for two crew to sleep athwartships when the port and starboard settees are united across the center of the saloon to create a double berth.

The head is a small, enclosed space with a sit-down shower, Jabsco toilet, and one opening port. There’s no sink, and pressurized hot water is an option.

If installed, a diesel is located below the companionway steps, with 270-degree accessibility from the cabin. Access aft is from the starboard cockpit cocker, or by removing a panel in the quarterberth.

Common complaints about the boat are the lack of engine and ice box insulation.

“Those are legitimate,” Hake says. “We had to sacrifice somewhere, so the thickness of insulation in the ice box is between 1-3/4″ and 2-1/2″. But it’s been improved in the last year. We can always add insulation to the engine box, but that adds a lot of weight.”

Construction Hake estimates that 500 man-hours are spent in the construction of each Seaward 25. Based on our inspection of four boats, three used, it appears that his crew is doing good work.

The lamination schedule for all Seaward models is substantially the same: following the application of a gelcoat, vinylester resins are employed in the skin coat. The next step is the layup of 1.5-ounce chop-strand mat applied with a chopper gun. “I know some people don’t like that,” says Hake, “but it’s an effective way of assuring that there’s resin on both sides of the strands.”

The balance of the layup includes a layer of 2 mm Coremat, which helps prevent print-through from the main laminate, followed by 1.5-oz.mat, 34-oz. triaxial cloth to add density and strength, and 1708 biaxial or 34-oz. triaxial mat. There’s no wood or structural coring in the layup of a hull.

In the deck, PVC foam and Coremat are provide structure and sound deadening, and the headliner is a solid fiberglass structural member vacuum-bonded to the deck.

Deck hardware is tapped into 1/8″ aluminum plates bedded in the fiberglass lamination, which has been tested to 14,000 psi, Hake says. “The aluminum has been tested to withstand 20,000 psi.”

The hull-deck joint is bonded with a slurry of polyester putty impregnated with talc and fibers, and fastened with stainless steel bolts on 6″ centers. The keel is constructed of a hollow fiberglass structural mold into which a slurry of resin and lead are added. It is attached to the hull with 5/8″ threaded rods embedded into the ballast and bolted, glued, and glassed to the hull.

The company fabricates most of its stainless steel parts, including shiny, precisely fabricated stainless steel ports, and four-bolt cleats.

With such a long production run, there are some differences in construction details and quality between model years. Prospective buyers should consult online discussion groups for specifics, for example the Seaward Yachts Forum linked through www.trailersailor.com .

Performance With assistance from Karen Trusty of The Sailing Life in Portland, Oregon, we sailed a two-year-old Seaward 25 on the Columbia River. At 6′ tall and weighing 165 pounds, the owner of the boat claims that he can rig and launch the boat by himself in only 1-1/2 hours.

Once underway we learned that she turns in a boatlength, despite the length of her keel, and backs in a straight line once the helmsman compensates for prop walk.

We sailed in 8-10 knots of wind, flying a 135-percent genoa, the maximum recommended by the designer, and full mainsail. The helm was responsive, and the boat quickly accelerated with the occasional puff of breeze.

In a steady breeze we sailed at 4-5 knots on a reach. Hardening up and pushing to within 45 degrees of the wind, speed dropped by about a knot. We couldn’t record precise speeds because of a dirty speedo impeller. In fact, it was hard to get an accurate feel for her performance altogether, because the river current flows into the prevailing winds. However, sailing cross-current on a beam reach, she showed good speed, helm balance, and tracking. We’d like to take a longer sail to weather in open water.

She did provide a comfortable ride, especially when compared to water- ballasted trailerables, and was easy to sail with little muscular effort.

Power Optional powerplants are an outboard or 9- or 20-horsepower Yanmar diesels. Most boats are equipped with the1GM10, but owners in areas with stronger current and bigger seas voice the opinion that the larger engine is a better choice.

Price Characterized by Hake as a “Volvo,” there’s no arguing that the boat is priced in the upper stratosphere, compared to similar-sized trailerables.

Base price for the Seaward 25 is $34,000, FOB the factory. Add a wheel ($1,900), mast crutch ($210), 25 gallon portable head ($375), one-burner Origo stove ($250), Yanmar 1GM10 ($7,100), galvanized double-axle trailer ($3,600), instruments, and other accessories, and the price escalates by 25-40 percent.

Of the price, Hake says, “First, stand back and look at the boat. It’s very nice to have people stop you wherever you go and say ‘nice-looking boat.’ We pay more for one of our ports than the production builders pay for all of theirs, and ours are worth it.  Same for our 4-bolt  cleats, stanchion bases, winches, blocks. Our glasswork is several steps better. We recently made our trailer people use 2″ bearings, 6-ply steel-belted tires, and the best brakes you can put on a trailer.”

Conclusion We examined four of the boats, one new and three used. We found the workmanship to be consistent. Gelcoat surfaces were smooth and free of printthrough. We saw no evidence of crazing. Except for normal wear and tear, a well-maintained boat appears to stand up well to normal use. Construction is certainly solid, and the hardware first-rate. We still aren’t sure about the backstay connection, but do acknowledge the picture of the boat being suspended by the pulpits.

The basic hull design and rig are well-suitedfor coastal sailing, real gunkholing, and fairly easy trailering. The cockpit, deck, and running rigging layouts are simple and workable for a singlehander. The layout belowdecks shows a sensible mix and weighting of elements—an enclosed toilet and a workable galley in a boat this size are pretty fair accomplishments. The “camper” elements—portable fuel tank provision, ability to access the quarterberth from the cockpit, large ice-box space with the sacrifice of insulation—seem to us wise choices, considering how the boat will likely be used.

For most potential buyers, her greatest drawback will be price. Water-ballasted, trailerable 25-footers (her competition) sell for significantly less, assuming the use of outboard power. They aren’t built as robustly, and will depreciate faster and farther, but they get the basic job done. The extra $300-400 per foot that Hake charges for the Seaward 25 might, for the devoted cruising couple in Florida, the Bahamas, or anywhere there’s shallow water to be explored, be worth the difference in the long run.

In the used-boat market, the resale value of a five-year-old Seaward 25 is typically between 85 and 90 percent of its original price. At press time, there are 12 used Seaward 25s advertised for sale on the Internet. Asking prices range from $13,500 to $53,900, with the average around $42,000.

Hake Yachts, Inc. 772/287-3200 www.seawardyachts.com

RELATED ARTICLES MORE FROM AUTHOR

Hello owner of 1995 seaward 25 26,9 with 9 hp can I install a 3 cyl fresh water Yanmar with out much difficulty

also added 2 in forward and 2 in depth on rudder, was thinking of adding 4 in to the wing keel Thank You

I have a 25′ from 1990, Great boat ! considering replacing the rigging soon. Does anyone know if the end fittings on mast are Seaward/Hake specific?!

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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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Who makes a good shallow draft sailboat?

• Thread starter Tim
• Start date May 4, 2004
• Forums for All Owners
• Ask All Sailors

I'd like to find an 18' to 22' trailerable sailboat. I sail in a shallow area of the Gulf of Mexico so a swing keel that fully retracts would be preferable, however,a shallow draft fixed keel may work also. I currently sail a 16" com-pac but would like something a bit bigger.Any suggestions?  

Oday 20 I had a 1973 Oday 20 last year and loved it! I sailed solo in 25 + wind and felt very confortable,hardly even got splashed.the only reason I sold it was my wife fell in love with sailing and wanted a bigger boat.We now have a Catalina 27,which is great, but I was happy as a clam in the Oday 20.The Catalina 22 is a good boat also, but you could pick up a Oday for a couple of thousand or less. Good luck  

Pete Dodenhoff

Check out ODay Check out the shallow draft, trailerable O'Days. I sail a 272LE myself, but from fellow O'Day owners I've heard plenty of good things about models like the 192, 22, 222 and 24, among others. Some models are shallow draft, some centerboard, some swing keel. One guy on another O'Day list-serv, who lives in Arizona, owns a 222 that he frequently trailers to sail in the Sea of Cortez.O'Days are very sea-kindly boats, with a very loyal ownership base, if I do say so myself.Happy boat-hunting.Pete  

Doug Dannen

Oday 23 I had a Oday 23 for 6 years. It has a swing keel, is roomy enough to sleep in and I felt safe in rough weather. Excellent sailboat. I moved up to a larger Oday.  

San Jaun 21 Draw less than a foot with the keel up....GREAT BOAT!  

Practical sailor compared Catalina 22,Tanzer 22 and Oday 22. The Tanzer was best and most expensive. The Oday and Catalina were about the same. Personally I really like the Catalina 22 and they are probably the most readily available and least expensive. For water ballast the Hunter 23.5 might be a good choice.  Sailing Big on a small budget is a book that recommends the Macgregor 26 old style. Along with the Cat 22 and hunter as great small boats. I owned a Mac 26 1988 for about 8 years and was very happy with it overall. Easy to trailer and without water in the tanks only weighs about 1800#s. It was a very fast light air boat. It was OK in 30+ knots with a double reefed main. But it was a lake/bay type boat.  

Eric Lorgus

Rhodes 22 Nice little boat, well-built. Trailerable, with both a weighted short keel and a centerboard. Requires only 19" draft with board up. Builders claim the boat is unsinkable due to built in flotation, and their promotional video shows the boat forced over onto its side at 90 degrees, still sitting high in the water. New boats seemed pricey to me ($30K about 5 years ago), but they also buy back used boats and renew them, then sell with new boat warrantly.  

How much money??? I was thinking budget, Eric was talking 30K+. If you are not worried about a budget you might want a multihull. They are so fast and shallow and sit on the bottom well when you run agound. You didn't mention purpose and trailerability. I liked the Mac 26 because it was easy to trailer and launch. My wife liked the big berths. We both liked it being cheap. But in the 18-22' range you could have anything from a Pacific Seacraft Flicka that you could sail to Hawaii to a 18' chyrsler Bucanneer daysailor.  

macgregor 21-25 while they are the cheapest on the market, the 21,22, 23, and 25 can be nice. macgregor made them to be easy to trailer and launch. the catalina22 and tanzer 22 are nicer, and more money... the san juan 21 is also really nice... I have a 88 macgregor 26, and its very big small boat. I like it. (cabin is huge and sleeps 4 adults)I would try to visit a few, condition will determine what they are worth... try boattraderonline.com  

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13 Biggest Trailerable Sailboats: Cheap But Good

If you're looking for a sailboat that's easy to transport and store, trailerable sailboats are the way to go. These vessels provide the perfect balance between portability and performance if you want the flexibility to explore various destinations without the hassle of marina storage fees or dependence on docking facilities.

The biggest trailerable sailboats that are cost-effective and good are:

MacGregor 26

Catalina 22, san juan 21, precision 21, com-pac horizon cat, seaward 26rk, beneteau first 235, west wight potter 19, cape dory 28, marshall sanderling, islander 24.

These 13 sailboats are all relatively lightweight and compact. Generally, a mid-size SUV or pickup truck with a towing capacity of 3,500 to 5,000 pounds should be sufficient to tow most of these sailboats.

• Smaller trailerable boats are perfect for relaxed weekend outings, while larger ones are suited for extended coastal cruising.
• Among the list, Cape Dory 28 is the largest, widest, and heaviest trailerable sailboat.
• Most of these sailboats can accommodate 4 to 6 people onboard.
• The not-so-cheap item on the list, the Seaward 26RK, costs between $30,000 and $50,000.

On this page:

Biggest trailerable sailboats, the size of sailboat you can trailer, what makes a good, cheap, and big trailerable sailboat.

The MacGregor 26 offers a hybrid between a sailboat and a powerboat. It can reach high speeds with an outboard engine. The boat’s water ballast system enhances stability, and its spacious layout makes it suitable for family outings or exciting weekend getaways.

The MacGregor 26 is 26 feet long and weighs around 2,500 lbs, and is best suited for calm or moderate conditions. Retractable keel and rudder allow it to be easily trailered and launched in shallow waters.

MacGregor 26 is one of the 7 trailerable sailboats that have standing headroom . It's also listed as one of the 13 popular trailerable sailboats with lifting keels .

The Catalina 22 is a popular, affordable, and versatile option for any sailor. Known for its easy handling and stability, it makes the perfect entry-level choice for those new to sailing and experienced sailors alike. With a retractable keel, you can easily tow it and enjoy sailing in various water conditions.

Catalina 22 is 22 feet long, weighs around 2,500 lbs, and is best suited for coastal cruising. Spacious cockpit and comfortable cabin make it a popular choice for day sailing and weekend trips. Swing keel allows it to be easily trailered and launched in a variety of locations.

The Hunter 23 is 23 feet long and weighs around 2,500 lbs. It is designed to be easy to handle and maintain, with a simple rigging system and user-friendly features. It is a stable and reliable boat that can handle a range of conditions, although it is best suited for coastal cruising. Water ballast system provides stability and performance under sail. Easy to trailer and launch.

The San Juan 21 is 21 feet long and weighs around 1,300 lbs. The San Juan 21 is a simple and easy-to-use boat that is well-suited for beginners or casual sailors. The San Juan 21 is a stable and reliable boat that can handle a range of conditions, although it is best suited for coastal cruising. It's a simple and affordable option for exploring coastal waters.

The Precision 21 is 21 feet long and weighs around 1,900 lbs. It is designed to be easy to handle and maintain, with a simple rigging system and user-friendly features. The Precision 21 is a stable and reliable boat that can handle a range of conditions, although it is best suited for coastal cruising. Modern design with high-aspect ratio keel and rudder for excellent performance under sail. It has comfortable cabin and enough storage space.

What's the Largest Sailboat You Can Trailer?

Enjoy classic coastal cruising with the Com-Pac Horizon Cat. This charming catboat is renowned for its simplicity, ease of sailing, and unique gaff-rigged sail. With plenty of room in the cockpit and a cozy cabin below, the boat makes for enjoyable days out on the water. Shallow draft allows it to be easily trailered and launched in shallow waters. It is 20 feet long, weighs around 2,500 lbs.

The O'Day 240 is a popular choice for many sailors because of its exceptional handling and trailering abilities. It has a shoal draft keel for shallow water sailing and is relatively easy to maneuver. Its design ensures both performance and comfort on the water. Roomy cabin with amenities including a galley and a head. Swing keel allows it to be easily trailered and launched in a variety of locations. It is 24 feet long, weighs around 3,200 lbs, and is best suited for coastal cruising.

The Seaward 26RK is an innovative boat with a retractable lead keel. This feature allows you to adjust the boat's draft, making it suitable for sailing in shallow waters. Its modern design offers comfort and performance, with a roomy interior and excellent sailing characteristics. It is 26 feet long, weighs around 4,000 lbs, and is designed for offshore sailing.

The Seaward 26RK is a high-quality sailboat with performance under sail and comfortable cabin. Retractable keel and rudder allow it to be easily trailered and launched in shallow waters.

The Beneteau First 235 is 23 feet long and weighs around 3,600 lbs. It is designed to be easy to handle and maintain, with user-friendly features such as a roller furling jib and a self-bailing cockpit. The Beneteau First 235 is a stable and reliable boat that can handle a range of conditions, including offshore sailing. It's a high-performance sailboat designed for racing and cruising. Deep keel and large sail plan provide excellent performance under sail. It has comfortable cabin with amenities.

If you're looking for a compact sailboat, the West Wight Potter 19 is an ideal choice. This small sailboat is very portable, easy to rig, and can go nearly anywhere. With a fully-retracting keel and rudder, the Potter 19 can be easily launched from a trailer and is perfect for weekend getaways.

The West Wight Potter 19 is well-suited for beginners or casual sailors, and can handle a range of conditions, although it is best suited for coastal cruising. The boat has a small cabin and limited storage space, but is relatively easy to assemble and launch, and is built with durable materials.

The Cape Dory 28 is another fantastic choice for a full-keel, trailerable sailboat. Known for its solid construction, seagoing capabilities, and classic design, it provides a great sailing experience for anyone looking for a larger, more capable boat that can still be towed.

The Cape Dory 28 is designed to be easy to maintain, with user-friendly features such as a roller furling jib and a self-bailing cockpit. The boat is stable and reliable, and can handle a range of conditions, including offshore sailing. It has a comfortable cabin and adequate storage space, and is relatively easy to assemble and launch, with a simple rigging system and straightforward instructions.

The Marshall Sanderling is a classic, portable, and elegant catboat. Featuring a single gaff-rigged sail, it's known for its easy handling and stability in various conditions. Its modest draft allows you to sail in shallow waters, and the traditional wooden mast adds charm to this timeless boat. It is a simple and easy-to-use boat that is well-suited for beginners or casual sailors. It is 18 feet long, weighs around 1,500 lbs, and is stable and reliable, although best suited for coastal cruising.

The Islander 24 is a versatile trailerable sailboat for day sailing or overnight trips. This boat offers a good balance of sailing performance, onboard comfort, and ease of trailering. With its retractable centerboard, it's perfect for sailing in shallow waters or cruising in deeper conditions. It has a comfortable cabin with enough storage space. Swing keel allows it to be easily trailered and launched in a variety of locations.

The Islander 24 is 24 feet long, weighs around 3,000 lbs, and is designed to be easy to handle and maintain, with user-friendly features such as a roller furling jib and a self-bailing cockpit. It is also stable and reliable, although best suited for coastal cruising.

You can trailer sailboats that are around 30 feet or less in length and have a beam (width) of 8.5 feet or less, with a standard trailer and towed by a vehicle with a towing capacity of 3,500 to 5,000 pounds.

Sailboats that are trailerable typically range in size from 14 feet to 30 feet in length. However, the actual size of the sailboat that can be trailed will depend on the towing vehicle's capacity and the trailer's design.

It is important to check the specific regulations and requirements in your area before attempting to trailer a sailboat.

Here are a few elements to keep in mind so you can ensure that your chosen boat not only suits your needs but is also budget-friendly and easy to transport:

Size and weight

A boat that is easy enough to tow—usually, sailboats up to 27 feet in length can be trailered safely on the roads. Keep in mind the weight restrictions of your towing vehicle, as well as the boat's beam and overall height .

This not only affects its towing requirements and ease of handling on the water, but also has implications for storage, maintenance, launching, and recovery. It's optimal to choose a sailboat that will fit your needs but is also light enough to tow with your vehicle and can be easily launched and retrieved.

Ease of assembly and disassembly

Consider how easy it will be to step the mast, rig the sails, and set up any other required equipment each time you want to take your sailboat out on the water. A boat with a simple and efficient assembly process will enable you to spend more time sailing and less time setting up.

A good trailerable sailboat should offer features that make it easy to transport, like a retractable or lifting keel , mast raising system , and simple rigging . These features simplify the process of prepping your boat for travel and minimize the time needed to set it up for sailing once you arrive at your destination.

A high-quality, well-built boat will not only last longer, but will also require less maintenance in the long run. Keep an eye out for boats made of durable materials like fiberglass and aluminum , with well-designed hulls and rigging systems that can withstand regular use and exposure to harsh weather and water conditions.

Seaworthiness

Even though you're looking for a budget-friendly option, make sure the boat is seaworthy and safe. A well-designed hull , sturdy construction , and manageable sail plan are characteristics of a good, cheap, and big trailerable sailboat.

Functionality

Think about your needs and sailing preferences. Do you plan to sail mostly on weekends, or are you looking forward to longer cruising trips? The interior space , storage capacity , and available amenities on your boat should match your sailing objectives.

Last but not least, make sure you find a boat that fits your budget. There are plenty of used boats on the market that can provide good value for money. In this list, you can find the best deal for a trailerable sailboat that meets all the criteria mentioned above.

While it can be tempting to opt for the least expensive option, it’s essential to weigh the cost with features like ease of assembly, durability, and size. A slightly more expensive sailboat may save you money in the long run if it requires less frequent repairs and is easier to set up and use. Finding a balance between quality and affordability will ensure you make a smart investment in a sailboat that suits both your budget and your sailing needs.

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• Shallow Draft Sailboats

Shallow Draft Sailboats Boats for sale

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1983 Irwin 34 Shoal Draft

New Port Richey, Florida

Model 34 Shoal Draft

Posted Over 1 Month

A stereo provides your background music. She features large cockpit and comfortable interior. the forward head compartment has vanity with shower. Auxiliary power is provided by a Yanmar 27-hp diesel engine. Day cruising is enhance by a spacious cockpit with pedestal helm with stainless steel wheel cushioned seating cockpit table and room for cocktails or alfresco dining. There is a stainless steel ladder for easy boarding after a refreshing swim. She is well equipped carefully maintained and ready to cruise in style. Sailboats Cruiser 8536 PSN . Call now to schedule a showing of this wonderful Irwin 34. Whether you are planning a weekend getaway or a cruise to the islands this beauty is ready to accommodate. the forward stateroom features v-berth under-berth storage bulkhead storage and hanging locker. the open salon has facing settees with dining table provide an area for relaxation entertainment or dining. Her four foot draft allows access to shallow water destinations. the dinette converts to provide a double berth. A buyer should instruct his agents or his surveyors to investigate such details as the buyer desires validated. Wide side decks allow easy movement. Cockpit electronics include Autohelm along with speed wind and depth displays. 1983 Irwin 34 Shoal Draft Location: Fall River MA US (LOCATION: Fall River MA) This Irwin 34 has classic good looks comfortable accommodations and is designed to cruise in style. This vessel is offered subject to prior sale price change or withdrawal without notice. Across from the galley is a nav station with chart table electronics and chart storage. An eight-foot sailing dinghy provides access to thin water beaches. She is equipped with aluminum mast and boom with stainless steel rigging. Aft to starboard is a full galley with teak cabinets solid surface counter top stainless steel sink a three-burner gas range with oven ice box and ample storage for all your galley necessities. the roomy interior is designed for comfortable overnight and weekend getaways. Accommodations Forward cabin with v-berth ample storage and head with vanity and shower Open salon with sofa to port and a wraparound dinette to starboard Teak cabinets lots of storage Propane cabin heater Nav station with chart table electronics and electrical panel Full galley with gimballed 3-burner propane range with oven Cockpit Aft cockpit Bimini and dodger with new frames Cushioned seating Fold-away cockpit table Helm pedestal with wheel and wheel cover Two self-draining propane lockers with 11# tanks Helm & Nav Station HELM: Wheel steering with Autohelm Compass Wind Depth and Speed displays  GPS Remote VHF radio NAV STATION: Chart table with swivel seat Depth sounder Radar Two VHF radios GPS Compass Chart storage Deck & Hull Shoal draft fin keel Anchor roller 35# CQR anchor with 35' chain and nylon rode 25# Danforth anchor with 35' chain and nylon rode 8' sailing dinghy Three-person inflatable dining Side-mount stainless steel boarding ladder Sails & Rigging Mainsail Roller-furling Jib & flasher Staysail Sail cover Lazy jacks Jib pole Mechanical & Electrical 1998 Yanmar 27-hp diesel engine New instrument panel in 2008 Three-blade propeller Four 6V batteries 30-amp shore power Electric head Propane water heater Disclaimer the Company offers the details of this vessel in good faith but cannot guarantee or warrant the accuracy of this information nor warrant the condition of the vessel. On deck we have bow and cockpit stainless steel rails...

1987 Catalina Yachts Shoal Draft Wing Keel

Make Catalina Yachts

Model Shoal Draft Wing Keel

Features include aluminum mast and boom stainless steel standing rigging and self-tailing winches. the galley is equipped with cabinets with solid surface countertop stainless steel two-burner range with oven top loading ice box and stainless steel double sinks. Sails include full batten main sail and roller furling 135 jib. Forward is the main cabin with v-berth filler under-berth storage hanging locker with drawer and shelf storage and enclosed head with shower. Accommodations V-Berth Forward with Insert Enclosed Head with Vanity and Shower Open Salon Single Settee to Starboard Nav Station with Chart Table Double Berth Aft Convertible Settee to Port Foldaway Dining Table Full Galley Aft Galley Stainless Steel Double Sink Two-Burner Propane Range with Oven Ice Box Sharp Microwave Oven Six Gallon Water Heater Deck & Hull Danforth Anchor with 150' Rode Spare Danforth Anchor Three Opening Hatches Fiberglass Bimini Pedestal Steering with Engine Controls Standard Horizon VHF Radio with Remote 5" Ritchie Compass Folding Cockpit Table Bottom was painted 06/04/2009 with Nighthawk Tropicote Plus Biocide Sails & Rigging Main Sail with Reef Points and Cover Hood Roller Furler 135 Jib Whisker Pole Stainless Steel Rigging and Lifelines Two Lewmar 30 Winches Two Lewmar 16T Winches Mechanical & Electrical 14-hp Universal Model 18 Diesel Engine 120V Shore Power with Cabin Outlets Guest Battery Charger Deep Cycle House Battery Engine Starting Battery Disclaimer the Company offers the details of this vessel in good faith but cannot guarantee or warrant the accuracy of this information nor warrant the condition of the vessel. This vessel is offered subject to prior sale price change or withdrawal without notice. She has all the necessary accommodations for a family getaway. A buyer should instruct his agents or his surveyors to investigate such details as the buyer desires validated. Auxiliary power is provided by a 14-hp Universal diesel engine. the wing keel allows for shallow draft cruising in Florida and the Bahamas. One of the most popular cruising sloops built she is easy to sail with roller furling jib battened main sail self-trailing winches cockpit controls and diesel engine. She features a roomy cockpit and comfortable interior with room for four. Call now to schedule a showing of this wonderful 30' Catalina Shoal Draft Wing Keel Sloop. the salon is open with L-shaped dinette foldaway dining table settee and chart table with storage and full galley. Built to accentuate style performance and comfort this Catalina has become the choice of sailors worldwide. 1987 Catalina Yachts Shoal Draft Wing Keel Location: Sarasota FL US (LOCATION: Sarasota FL) the Catalina 30 has earned an international reputation as the leader in her class. On deck we have a spacious cockpit with fiberglass top ample seating and centerline pedestal helm. There are comfortable accommodations for four people. Aft to starboard is a double berth. the interior is open and extremely comfortable.   Overview This 30' Catalina is a one owner boat. Sailboats Cruiser 8536 PSN . Whether you are planning a weekend getaway or a cruise to the islands this 30 footer is ready to accommodate...

Com-Pac 19 Sailboat

Regency, Virginia

Make Com-Pac

Model Com-Pac 19

Category Cruiser Motorcycles

Length 19.0

1984 Com-Pac 19 Sloop. Great family pocket cruiser sailboat. Shallow draft NACA foil draft keel. Very stable with 800 lbs. concrete fiberglass encased keel. You can gunk hole just about anywhere under sail or under power. 6 hp long shaft 2006 Nissan 4 strike outboard with low hours. Well- equipped sailboat with self- furling genoa. Jib also included (never used). Fresh bottom paint. Recently replace interior cabin cushions. Custom cockpit cushions. Trailer included: Magic Tilt trailer with recently replaced tires. Trailer has been "overhauled/refurbished" Summer 2015. Trailered only a few times. Easy to launch. Price offered includes boat, sails, cushions (cabin and cockpit), motor and trailer. Does not include certain items pictured. Do your research and find out about this great pocket cruiser. Boat currently in water and docked in Norfolk, VA.

1983 Macgregor 25 Sailboat

Safety Harbor, Florida

Make Macgregor

Model 25 Sailboat

Category Sailboats

1983 Macgregor 25 Sailboat,The Macgregor 25 sailboat is sought after for its shallow draft, fast sailing and ability to be easily trailered. With a cast iron swing keel this sail boat floats in only 22 inches of water. - Perfect for day sailing in the bay and island hopping.This sailboat has been well maintained and comes with lots of newer parts. Includes: trailer, 2 main sails, genoa, jib, 9.9 Johnson outboard, canvas poptop, nice interior cushions, new teak, new windows, deep cell battery, fish finder and much more.Everything that you need to go sailing today.The boat is located in Safety Harbor close to Tampa Bay and Clearwater Beach Florida. Call now to schedule a showing. (727)902-8165 $3500, 7279028165

1984 Renkin Tangerine Sailboat

Sterling, Colorado

Model Tangerine

Category Daysailer Sailboats

Length 18.0

The Renkin 18 was a hugely popular sailboat. It is a shallow keel making it easy to maneuver on smaller lakes etc. This boat was also made with an orange hull and was called a Tangerine. If you are familiar with the Tangerine this is probably the nicest one you'll find available! Why? Because this boat has been in storage in a dry garage since 1994 with the sails were tucked away in a nylon sail bag. When we pulled it out of storage this year the only issue was the tires on the trailer. We bought brand new tires and rims and its ready to go.For me the look and feel of the tiller is something important. I've included a picture for all you skippers. We also have a custom made boat cover. It was torn in a storm but could be used as a pattern or possibly repaired.Technical InformationBoat name: Renken 18 Sailboat (R18)LOA: 17'6"LWL: 15'3"Draft: 24"Beam: 6'4"Keel: fixed shoalDisplacement: 1220 lbsBallast: 450 lbsSleeps: 2 adults, 2 childrenSail area: main = 91 sq ft, jib = 59 sq ft, (total = 150 sq ft)Portsmouth # (for regattas): 112.4

21' Macgregor venture sailboat

Opelousas, Louisiana

Model Venture 21

Length 21.0

68' Venture 21 sailboat with trailer and outboard motor. This is a swing keel trailer sail boat with a shallow draft. 18" with keel up and 5' 6" down. Hull is in good shape and was painted 2yrs. ago. All fittings, mast, boom, rigging , and sails in good shape. A main, working jib , and 150% genoa are included. A mast raising rig is included. Its not original to the boat. I have raised the mast several times alone with it so it works. Though it is much easier with 2 people. Kick-up rudder with 2 tillers are in good shape. A new aux. engine mount was installed 2yrs. ago. Trailer is in excellent shape. New tires,lights, bearings,spare, all in good condition. The coupler extends to help keep your vehicle dry when at the launch. The little cabin stays dry and the door and hatch are fiberglass. Not wood. The keel winch looks almost new. I also have some of the original documents the boat came with. Including a 12 volt Motor Guide trolling motor and marine battery.

Roomy, comfortable sailboat. Diesel powered.

Marina Del Rey, California

Make Challenger

Length 35.0

Soft Parade is a 1975 Challenger Ketch, American built of heavy duty fiberglass construction. Her long keel with internal lead ballast, wide beam and shallow draft (4.5') make her a seakindly, solid cruising boat, capable of crossing oceans or taking her crew to Catalina for the weekend. Her spacious cabin feels like a much larger boat, and can accommodate six adults comfortably. With a well-appointed galley, the cook will keep the crew happy as well. Equipped with radar, depth, GPS, and autopilot, she is capable of sailing in all weather. Deck improvements include custom stainless steel grab rails and a full stainless steel pushpit surrounding the cockpit. Replacing the cockpit lifelines with stainless tubing increases safety while providing a secure platform should larger solar panels ever be desired. With a large diesel engine, 3 bladed prop, and plenty of fuel tankage, she can motor sail at 6.5-7 knots burning less than a gallon of fuel per hour. The windvane steering is removable for coastal cruising and can be replaced with stainless steel davits to carry a dinghy and outboard. When heading offshore again, just stow the dinghy and davits, replace the steering gear, then set off across the ocean! Dodger in photos is included, but currently not installed because the canvas needs to be updated. I have the old canvas for use as a pattern. Dinghy and outboard are not included in the sale. She is for sale locally so I may end listing early. Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE

CATALINA CAPRI SAILBOAT 14.2

Palm Beach Gardens, Florida

I'm selling my 1988 Catalina Capri 14.2. It has very good sails and all running and standing rigging is in the great shape. It includes 3 sails - main, jib, and genoa. The trailer is in great shape as well, it has a mast crutch built in for easy trailering, and it has new tires. This is an extremely popular, fun, and diverse boat. It is great boat to learn on as well as to have fun sailing. There are scores of information online about this boat. One person can easily rig and launch the boat in 15 minutes, the mast comes up and down very easily. The centerboard comes up when in shallow water. The draft is only 4 inches with the keel up so it will go thru very shallow areas without a fear of grounding. When the centerboard is down the draft is 3.5ft for great stability and pointing ability. It has a kick up rudder, and the tiller has an extension for healing and hiking. It has a positive flotation and it will not sink. It will stay on top of the waves even in the choppy water. It goes very good in light breeze with bigger genoa sail and it also has a jib for a moderate winds. The boat is still in production and it is very easy to obtain all the original parts from the manufacturer website. It is very easy to trailer even with a small car.

Sailboat Pocket Cruiser Bayfield 25

Lake Worth, Florida

"Grace" is set up for ease of sailing and single handing and is capable of extended trips in a small package. Shallow draft allows sailing almost anywhere. Main is in excellent condition with full battens, jiffy reefing, Mack Pack and lazy jacks. 6 year old 120% Genoa is on roller furling. 20-pound plow anchor with spare 15-pound Danforth anchor. Galley has 2-burner alcohol stove, ice box, and foot pump fresh water in 12-gallon water tank. Diesel is a well maintained and reliable Yanmar 1YGM with 15-gallon diesel fuel in new aluminum tank. Engine burns approximately .3 gallons/hour for 5 knots under power. #12 stainless steel self-tailing Anderson jib sheet winches, 6 metal opening port lights and one forward hatch. All through-hull fittings are either Marelon or Bronze. Cockpit cushions, settee, and V-berth cushions all matching Sunbrella and recent. Sheaves and standing rigging all replaced within 5 years. Life lines and swim ladder offer safety and easy access for swimming and snorkeling. New marine head with holding tank as required by USCG. This is a good old boat with new parts.

SAILBOAT: ALLIED PRINCESS 36 KETCH

St Pete Beach, Florida

HAVE A 1979/80 36' ALLIED PRINCESS KETCH FOR SALE, WITH MANY, MANY UPGRADES TO TAKE YOU OFFSHORE IN COMFORT AND SAFETY. FOR THOSE THAT ARE LOOKING FOR A SOLID OFFSHORE VESSEL THIS IS WORTH CONSIDERING. I HAVE A 9 PAGE DETAILED SPEC SHEET AND 24+ PHOTO'S AVAILABLE. FEEL FREE TO CONTACT ME VIA EMAIL AND I WILL BE MORE THAN HAPPY TO SEND THEM.   About the Allied Princess: She is a robust character ketch that does not pretend to be anything other than a simple, comfortable cruising boat. In truth, it is a boat only a cruiser could love. Designed by Arthur Edmunds and first introduced in 1972, the Princess enjoyed a 10-year production run during which about 140 hulls were built, which likely makes it the most successful boat produced by Allied during its 22 years of existence (1962-84). Of all the boats Allied built–including the Luders 33, sailed by the famous boy-cruiser Robin Lee Graham; the Seawind 30, first fiberglass boat to circumnavigate; and the Princess is the one that still commands the most loyal following among modern cruising sailors. Though the Princess is undeniably a chunky craft, it is not unattractive. Its somewhat exaggerated sheer line leads up to a high bow, but blends nicely with its moderate overhangs and shoal-draft cutaway full keel. The boat’s performance under sail, though is smooth and steady. The Princess is a bit beamy for a vessel of its vintage, and this combined with the shallow keel and modestly sized ketch rig makes it slow to windward but when the seas kick-up and other light weight boats seek shelter the Princess comes into her own. A ketch-rigged Princess is very versitle and will sail best on a reach. The long keel tracks well, the ketch rig is easy to balance, and together with the non-reversing worm-gear steering found on most Princesses, makes it very easy to leave the helm unattended for long periods. The boat rarely buries its rail, and otherwise has a comfortable motion in a seaway. As with all boats built by Allied, construction is very strong and simple. The Princess hull is solid hand-laid fiberglass–24-ounce woven roving and mat with a surface layer of cloth under the gel-coat–with thicker laminate at the turn of the bilge and down low around the keel. The ballast is lead, glassed over and encapsulated within the keel. The deck is balsa-cored. All bulkheads are tabbed directly to the hull. The rudder stock, impressively, is bronze. For coastal or offshore cruising the Princess is certainly one that deserves a look, she will take you anywhere you want to go in comfort and safety. It will serve admirably, too, as a coastal cruiser in any deep-water locale, as long as you aren’t too worried about getting places in a hurry. With its stout construction and easy motion it is also a good candidate for blue-water cruising. I am the third owner of the Princess, owner #1 was a doctor whom kept the boat in Va. On the hard 6mos out of the year, owner #2 bought the boat in 98 and cruised until 2000 when I purchase the boat and have had her since doing most of the up-grades.

Morgan out island 41' cutter sailboat

Venice, California

1974 Morgan out island 41 sloop/cutter. Designed for Bahamas charter, this full keel, heavy displacement, shallow draft boat is perfect for liveaboard cruising. Very roomy, stable, and sea kind, the Morgan OI41 is a joy to sail - both coastal and offshore. She points comparatively well with her cutter rig, and is extremely stable - tracking like a train. Come take her for a sea-trail, you'll see... I am the third owner of this beautiful yacht. It was ordered custom from the factory for the original owner with every available option. Walk-through. Teak cockpit accents, toe-rail, and handholds. Solid cruiser. She has been across the Pacific twice, and through the Panama Canal three times. 320gal water and 140gal diesel capacity. Recent refit to prepare for another extended cruise, but owner's plans have changed. Everything comes with the boat; spares, 100's of feet of extra line, blocks, rigging, nuts, bolts, filters, 2 spare alternators, gusher manual pump, hoses, fuel filters, oil filters, racor filters, perkins parts, bosun's chair, ditch bag, life raft, fishing poles, propane, 140gal diesel, tools, laser thermometer, galley foot pump, fiberglass repair tools, batteries, anchor balls, bimini, MOB strobe, more, too much to list. Everything I've done to this boat has been done to the highest standard, no short-cuts or shoddy workmanship. I spared no expense to do it correctly. That's something you won't find on 90% of boats you'll look at. Come see for yourself. email for full specs

NEW Bavaria B/One Sailboat - Ready to Sail

Annapolis, Maryland

Make Bavaria

Model B/One

Length 23.2

A brand new Bavaria B/One, built by Bavaria Yachtbau. The package includes an entirely assembled, commissioned boat, Hyde cruising main and jib, and Triad trailer. The B/One is a perfect boat for daysailing and club racing, featuring simple controls, an asymmetrical spinnaker and lifting keel. Designed by Farr Yacht Design and built by Bavaria Yachtbau in Germany. Hull/Deck Construction Details The hull shape clearly shows the influence and direct descent of the Farr 400 and Volvo Open 70 in its full bow shape, broad and powerful stern sections, and chined aft topsides. These features combine to provide exceptional speed, optimal balance, and solid, dependable handling in all conditions. The maximum beam limit for trailering (2.5m) is seamlessly integrated into the hull and deck detailing to conceal fittings, provide a smooth, rounded deck edge, and maximize crew weight stability. Inspired by the sleek look of larger, modern high-performance one designs such as the Farr 400, the deck is flush with only a slightly raised cabin top to create the necessary headroom down below and contain the required sailing functions on deck. The cockpit is wide and open providing plenty of room for crew maneuvers during racing or seating for friends and family on a weekend harbor cruise. Sail handling is performed without winches or excessive hardware, but while still providing all the necessary sail controls demanded by advanced one-design sailors, including adjustable jib tracks and a powerful boomvang. The large, round foredeck hatch provides ample light and ventilation to the interior, and serves as the opening for launching and retrieving the spinnaker via a string takedown system. The waterproof companionway cover hinges completely forward providing a large opening to the interior. The cover can also be partially opened to cover the horizontal surface of the companionway while still providing ventilation to the interior via the open vertical surface. The hull shell is hand laminated using E-glass chopped strand mat and multi-axial fabrics over Coremat with additional uni-directional reinforcements used in high stress areas. The deck shell also is hand laminated using E-glass chopped strand mat and multi-axial fabrics over a PVC foam core with additional uni-directional and multi-axial reinforcements used in high stress areas. The hull shell support is provided by a simple one-piece structural liner composed of transverse floors and a centerline longitudinal. The keel trunk is integrated into the structural liner allowing for easy movement through the interior. Interior Layout For cruising oriented customers the interior features accommodation for 4. There is a generous V-berth forward and 2 pipe berths with seated headroom on either side of the keel trunk. Space forward of the mast allows for a chemical toilet, while volume below the companionway accommodates a removable cooler. To keep racing weight low, all of the aforementioned interior items, including the joinery for the V berth, are easily removable. The acrylic companionway and keel opening cover both provide ample light to the interior. Spars & Standing Rigging The single spreader, tapered aluminum rig has swept spreaders and does not require a backstay. Calibrated shroud turnbuckles allow for easy and quick tuning changes. The mast is deck stepped for quick and easy rigging. Mast bend is controlled with a powerful 16:1 boomvang. The jib is set on a furler for ease of handling. The square-headed mainsail features a generous roach profile for maximum sailplan efficiency. The bowsprit retracts into an external recess in the foredeck, thereby eliminating the possibility of water ingress into the boat which commonly occurs on other boats of this size. Additional Comments The keel/bulb arrangement on the B/One is a T-keel style configuration, as featured on most of today’s high tech racing yachts. The keel’s down draft is 1.65m (5.41ft) and may be raised to an up draft of only 0.4m (1.31ft) for docking, anchoring, or trailering. In its raised position the keel passes through a separate opening in the deck, forward of the main companionway, making it possible to completely lock the companionway cover closed, thereby securing the boat with the keel raised. The retractable rudder is supported inside a transom mounted cassette and may be raised for docking or anchoring in shallow waters.

Rebel 16 Mark II Sailboat with Aluminum Trailer

Angola, Indiana

Length 16.6'

Stable fiberglass sailing boat carries six people (or 1170 pounds). Includes trailer, full rigging, and TWO suits of sails. One suit of sails is in like new condition, the other set is in very good condition. Serial number 1929 (built in late sixties to early seventies I believe). The centerboard swings up into the cockpit, so you can change the depth to dock in shallow water. The rudder also swivels up if it hits an obstruction. The trolling motor in the photos is not included. There is, however a permanent motor mount on the stern. The boat will take up to a 5hp motor, but my 30lb. thrust trolling motor drives it around just fine. The boat is located on West Otter Lake, Angola, IN. Buyer with the selling price in cash or Pay Pal payment can drive it away. (Trailer takes an 1 7/8" ball hitch.) The following article from Sailing Magazine gives a great description of Rebel sailboats. You can access the original on SailingMagazine.net. Rebel 16 2008 January 8 By Staff This nimble and tough classic is perfect for a daysail or a day of racing This year the boat that holds claim to being America's first production fiberglass one-design will celebrate its 60th birthday. That the boat is still in production makes this milestone that much more remarkable. In 1948, fresh out of the Navy, Ray Greene began building a 16-foot family daysailer out of his Toledo, Ohio, shop using a revolutionary new material called fiberglass. The design of the boat was based on lines drawn by a local high school drawing instructor by the name of Alvin Younquist. With its wide, 6-foot, 7-inch beam and 110-pound steel centerboard the stable little boat known as the Rebel soon became a hit on the Midwest's inland lakes. And while Greene said he never intended to create a racer, thanks to the boat's performance-courtesy of a large 120-square-foot main and 46-square-foot jib on a fractional rig-it wasn't long before a competitive structure was built around the boat. By 1952 a class association had been firmly established and by 1963 the class boasted 138 active members. Not bad. Fleets started popping up across the Midwest, south into Kentucky and all the way down to Texas. Meanwhile, class members could be found sailing the inland lakes of the Eastern Seaboard from New York to Florida. After 25 years of building the Rebel, with more than 3,000 hulls produced, Greene was ready to call it quits and sold the works to a group of Chicago investors. Production of the Rebel continued at a steady pace during the 1970s, and was done under a number of names: Melling Tool Co., Rebel Industries and finally Spindrift One Designs. After Spindrift folded, the Rebel moved to Michigan in 1988 when Nickels Boat Works of Fenton took over with the production of the Mark V model. Nickels continues to build the Rebel, offering buyers a choice of a daysailer version for $9,860 or the optimum racing version for $11,872 less sails and trailer. A stainless steel centerboard now comes standard with the Rebel. Nickels also continues to be a great source for parts and accessories, as well as information, on the Rebel. One tough Rebel While there have been reports of problems with the foam flotation on older boats becoming waterlogged, that has been less of a problem on boats from the 1970s and later. Other than that, a buyer of a used Rebel should find few issues with the condition of this durable little boat. Indeed, boats 25 years and older will still top regatta leaderboards. "They're well made, very rugged boats that will last forever," said Al Vorel, National Rebel Association Commodore, who has been racing the same boat, No. 3914, for almost 20 years. "You don't have to run out every 5 to 10 years to buy a new boat." This is one of the reasons for the longevity of the class. Boats tend to stay in the family, passed down from parent to child, with the younger generations wanting to keep the racing going. "My mother races, and my daughter sometimes races, so there are times we'll have three generations on the course," Vorel said. This also, of course, keeps a lot of boats off the market, and finding a used Rebel can be a bit of a challenge. But thanks to the Internet, it's possible to locate a few sellers. Prices can vary from just under $1,000 for an older boat in need of some work to $3,000 or more for a later model. Buyers can typically expect to pay in the neighborhood of $1,500 for a pre-Nickels-era boat in good shape. We were fortunate enough to find a late 1970s Rebel listed for sale on www.craigslist.org. Better yet, the seller was within trailering distance. The offer on the boat was $1,400, so we drove out to take a look. The boat was well cared for, kept under a roof winters, and showed no structural damage. Other than some algae stains and scuff marks the finish looked good, and all the gear was there, including the main and jib, which the owner said he bought new about seven years ago. We did see some possible issues, including a rusty, pitted centerboard and a wooden rudder that looked to have some rotting. So we offered to pay the full $1,400 if the owner threw in the trailer, which he originally wanted an extra $200 for. The deal was closed and we drove off with the Rebel in tow. Rebel with a cause With the boat parked in our yard the first item of business we wanted to take care of was the rusty centerboard. Nickels offers a stainless steel replacement board, and we could picture how sweet the boat would look with a shiny new stainless fin. Unfortunately, these centerboards run close to $1,000; more than two-thirds the cost of the entire boat. So such an extravagant purchase didn't make much sense. Instead we set about rehabilitating the old board. We removed, with a bit of difficulty, the 110-pound board and set in on sawhorses. The first step was to remove the old paint using paint stripper, then power sanding. We then slathered on some Duro Naval Jelly to remove the rust, wiping down everything with paper towels then finishing up with a clean, acetone-soaked rag. Next, we filled in the pits and hollows with West Marine Surfacing Putty, and sanded everything smooth. We made certain the blade was fair by running a straight edge along the board. We also further faired the rounded leading edge of the board to within the class rule limits, which prohibit tapering less than 1/16th of an inch and more than one inch in from the leading edge. We then primed the board with several coats of Interlux Primocon primer, which when dried we wet sanded with 400-grit paper, and finished with a couple coats of Interlux VC-17m Extra bottom paint. With the centerboard done, we then turned to the rudder. An ice pick determined the wood was beginning to rot near the lower trailing edge. We probably could have rehabilitated the rudder as well, but since we had saved some money by not replacing the centerboard we decided to spring for a new rudder. We opted for a fiberglass blade, supplied by Nickels for $375. This cost covered just the blade, as the original aluminum rudder cheeks and hardware were still in good shape. While we were on the phone with Nickels, we decided to order all new running rigging to replace the weathered lines the boat came with. This included lines for the cunningham, boom vang, centerboard system, as well as sheets and halyards for both main and jib. The total for 112 feet of ¼-inch line and 105 feet of 5/16-inch line came to $100. Next we took a closer look at the standing rigging. The spars showed no defects, and with a bit of metal polish and elbow grease the rotating mast, boom and aluminum whisker pole looked good as new. The 1-by-9 stainless steel shrouds and forestay also showed no visible defects. We did, however, find the diamond stays on the mast to be tuned rather tight. According to the North Sail's One-Design tuning guide for the Rebel, an overly tight diamond can limit fore and aft mast bend, and can even cause negative pre-bend, where the mast bends forward at the tip. Since we want to have a competitive boat, we loosened the diamond tension and will readjust after doing some sea trials. As we said, we ultimately wanted to race our Rebel and didn't want a slow boat. So obviously the 7-year-old suit of sails had to go. This would be our biggest expense, and a new suit of sails would alone exceed the original cost of the boat. A new main and standard jib (a light air jib is also available) from North Sails set us back $1,615, which included $20 for class royalties but not shipping. Certainly this was a blow to our budget, but we rationalized it by thinking about the fun we would be having with some close racing come summer. Our last order of business was getting our bottom clean and smooth. We first scrubbed the hull down with a detergent then wet sanded everything below the rails to a slick surface with 1,200-grit paper. After a rinse and wipe down with the hose and clean towels we were satisfied we had a slick bottom. We finished off by treating all our hardware and moving bits to a little McLube Sailkote spray. We now have what we feel will be a contender on the course for our racing crew of two. Yet, with the roomy Rebel cockpit that can seat six, we're also looking forward to some lazy summer daysailing when friends and family show up. Either way, we'll certainly get our money's worth from this tough but nimble little classic. LOA 16' 1.5" LWL 15' 10" Beam 6' 7.5" Draft 3' 4" Weight 700 lbs, Sail area 166 sq. ft.

1989 Catalina 27 Wing Keel Sailboat, Excellent Condition!

New York, New York

I have a 1989 Catalina 27 wing keel with a 2000 Westerbeke Fresh Water cooled, 3 cylinder diesel engine (FWC M3-20B) with only 350 hours, excellent running condition. All new sails in 2011 and all are in excellent condition; North Dacron Main with Dutchman Flaking System, North Dacron Genoa on Harken Roller Furler, North .75 Oz. Asymmetrical Spinnaker with Sock. Edson wheel steering with new steering cable and chain in 2012. Matching main sail cover, Dodger, and wheel cover in 2012 all in excellent condition. Nuteak on cockpit seats and sole. Raymarine autopilot 2012, Autohelm Bidata knotmeter, and depthfinder, VHF, Ritchie magnetic compass, Foot and and hand pump in galley and head, Sanipottie. All new lexan ports/hatches-No Crazing. Screens for all opening ports/hatch/companionway. Two Danforth anchors with rode, fenders, docklines, lifejactets, cockpit cushions. Thanks for looking. That Catalina 27 offers standing headroom, shallow draft, ease of sailing, and makes a great low maintenance coastal cruiser. Also listed on sailboatlistings dot com and craigslist NYC.

46' Motorsailer Yacht: FISHER 46 - Powerboat / Sailboat - Estate sale

Bellingham, Washington

Make 46' Motorsailer Yacht Powerboat Sailboat

Model FISHER 46

Length 46.0

46' Motorsailer Yacht: FISHER 46 - Powerboat / Sailboat - Estate sale Due to unique circumstances, and the passing of her longtime owner (31 years), we are offering this beautiful Fisher 46 motorsailer yacht for immediate auction sale. This situation offers a great opportunity for a new owner to acquire this very rare, and desirable vessel, and pilot her on many more happy voyages into the future. PLEASE NOTE: We are not mariners, or boat experts, but we have tried to describe this yacht to the best of our ability. Read on to, discover more about legendary Fisher yachts, and the fascinating story behind The Meretune! The Meretune: This beautiful yacht features a distinctive design large displacement hull that offers ample room down below, with 2 cabins, and 2 washrooms. It also offers a neat galley, and large saloon with couches, and ample storage. The over-sized Pilot house with large sunroof that makes a warm enclosed area above deck, that can comfortably seat the whole crew, which is very much appreciated in the evening, or in cooler or windy weather. It is equipped with an inline 6 cylinder 6.2 liter Ford Diesel engine, located directly below the pilothouse, and accessible from both a hatch in the pilothouse floor, and from alongside in the passageway down below. It has a front and rear private cabin, 2 heads (full washrooms), and a well equipped galley. The saloon area with couches on each side can be used as a lounge, for dining, or additional sleeping area. Ceiling height is a very comfortable 6' 6". Pictures of the Meretune - Fisher 46 HULL: DECK: PILOT HOUSE: BELOW DECK: SALOON: FORWARD PRIVATE CABIN: GALLEY: FRONT WASHROOM: PASSAGEWAY TO AFT: ENGINE ROOM: REAR PRIVATE CABIN: REAR BATHROOM: The Fisher legend: Considered to be one of the best designed Motor-Sailers ever built, the Fisher Sailing Yachts strength is renowned for being able to deliver her crew safely to any destination in the world. The Fisher Sailing Yacht line is easy recognizable: The professional looking wheelhouse and a hull resembling a North Atlantic fishing boat with rounded stern and high freeboard. The double masts with Ketch sailplan is another distinctive feature of the larger yachts in the Fisher line. They have always revered for their seaworthiness and the ability to remain unflustered in extreme weather. Fishers were built in a number of different sizes, with only about a dozen built in the largest size: The Fisher 46 The Meretune Story: The Meretune started life in 1977 in a boatyard, in Chichester England. The heavy solid fibreglass hull was built around a long shallow 10 ton cast iron keel. After the major construction work was completed she was christened "The Meretune of Chichester" before being moved to Sri Lanka for woodwork finishing in exotic hardwoods there by Neil Marine. The early part of her life just after being built is a bit unclear, but at some point she was sold to her first owner in 1978 at at some point made it across the Atlantic and ended up in Florida where she was purchased by her second owner in 1984. She was brought through the Panama canal in the early 1990's, and has explored the coastlines, and islands of the Pacific Northwest ever since. Specifications: Length: 46 Feet Beam: 15 Feet Draft Minimum: 6' 6" Displacement: 49.999 Lbs Headroom between decks: 6' 6" Fuel Capacity: 400 Gallons (2 stainless steel tanks) Fresh water Capacity Capacity: 300 Gallons (2 tanks) Engine: Ford 6.2 Liter inline 6 Cylinder diesel - 140 HP Engine cooled: Fresh water Steering: Wheel Drive: Shaft Prop: Bronze 3 Blade Rigging: ketch rigged with aluminum spars, and stainless steel rigging. Fuel consumption (approx): 1.3 Gallons/ Hr. at cruising speed (according to sales brochure) Cruising Speed: 9 Knots Batteries: 3 x 12 Volt Deck Gear: 3 halyard winches, 3 sheet winches, Electric Francis Marine 400 Windlass Anchors: Danforth and Plow - 328 feet of chain Safety gear included: Life jackets, Search Light, Danbouy, Horn, Emergency rudder steering. Bilge pumps: 3 electric Heads: 2 manual, with handbasin and shower. Cabin: Heating and dual A/C Fresh Water: Pressurized. Hot Water. Galley / Kitchen: Sink, Oven, Icebox Disclaimer?: The particulars detailed herein are intended to give a fair description of the vessel but their accuracy cannot be guaranteed, these particulars are not a part of any contract or offer and are supplied to give the best general description of the vessel possible, as basic reference only. Recent Restoration & Refurbishing (completed a year and a half ago): About 3 years ago the Meretune was brought ashore for some extensive restoration work that included all new windows throughout, all exterior finishes were redone, with considerable reworking of the scuppers. The interior has had considerable refinishing too including most of the woodwork, and paneling. Sadly the long time owner passed away before the work was completed. The work went on and was finished, and took over a year to complete. She has been sitting for about a year and a half in a boatyard ever since. She has not returned to the water, but is looking for a new owner now to take charge of her, and pilot her onto future adventures. Approximately $90,000.00 was spent on this extensive exterior, and interior restoration work. See photos below: A partial Marine Survey was done around a year and a half ago focusing mainly on electrical systems, with some minor look at mechanical points too. It was determined that some of the electrical systems should be brought up to date, as most of them are original. We will leave this up to next owner to decide how to proceed with this. Update to your specifications, or continue to use her as-is. This survey is available as a PDF file by email for your reference. We will cooperate fully with any current complete Marine Surveys that you wish to have done (at your expense). Pricing and Terms: Although offered by broker recently at 249,000USD we are offering it direct for $199,999.00. A non-refundable $2,000.00 deposit is due immediately, payable by Paypal. Balance must be paid in full within 7 days of sale. The boat is sold as-is, where-is, and it will be the new owners responsibility to do any final fitting and adjustments, and pay to have it moved back into the water at the boatyard, and any applicable taxes etc. Replacement cost on a yacht like this is $800,000.00, and possibly much more, depending on fittings, and accessories. This is a superb vessel. In the right hands, with minor finishing, it can deliver many more years of faithful service and enjoyment. With the reputation Fisher yachts have, and with only about a dozen made in this largest size, these are not available often. The new owner of this beautiful yacht won't be disappointed! Inspection arrangements and reimbursement: We recommend you visit the Meretune firsthand located in a boatyard in Bellingham WA. I am available to show prospective bidder/buyers this beautiful Yacht, and can meet them in the area, or pick them up at the Bellingham airport if they are flying in to see it. Reimbursement of travel expenses (regular air & hotel) will be deducted from purchase price on a completed transaction. Contact Info: Click here - if you have any questions you would like answered by email Or, call or text Paul at cellular: 604-377-3225 if I can give you any support, or to arrange an inspection or purchase of this beautiful yacht. Links: Fisher Yachts International Fisher Owners Association - UK based Fisher Owners Group (FOG) - North America

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Find Out the Best Shoal Draft Sailboats

Feb 17, 2020

less than a min

re you looking to buy a boat or a yacht? Are you new to the whole naval industry and the marine world? Are you utterly confused right now? It does sound like the beginning of a very random ad, however do not panic! If you are looking to buy a boat and are not sure where to start, know that this is something common for many people. The boating industry is a very interesting and complex one, offering a variety of models and makes with different characteristics that could or could not be appropriate for you. As a result, before buying a boat or settling on a model, make sure to do your research properly . A good first step is to learn the terminology and what different sailboats have to offer.

Let’s start with what a shoal draft sailboat is and what the best shoal draft sailboats can offer you.

A shoal-draft sailboat has a non-centerboard fin keel. They offer the ability to enter very shallow waters and even sail in those waters. That is the main advantage shoal draft sailboats display compared to center-line keels. They are easier to maneuver in complicated situations and their fins take up less interior space. Also, they require less maintenance overall. 

The 3 best shoal draft sailboats

Shoal draft sailboats have become quite popular in the last few years due to their undeniable advantages. Here are the three best shoal draft sailboats that you should have a look at before making a purchase.

• BENETEAU FIRST 435

The Beneteau First 435 is a 1980s construction that became popular quite fast. It features a big hull that allows for ample accommodation space. It includes a three-cabin/three-head layout as well as an aft cabin with a peninsula bed. As a result, during the 80s and 90s this yacht was considered a large one. It also came with the opportunity to choose between a shallow or deep keel, or even three keels, a 2.3-meter draught fin, a 1.9-meter shallow fin and a centerboard, however this model was not much in demand. 

The Bavaria 40 Cruiser is a big boat featuring a large space at a convenient price due to its design and engineering. It was first built in 2000, with two types of keels, the deep iron, a 1.95-meter draught, and a shallow iron, a 1.65-meter draught. It has a three-cabin and a two-heads layout. In addition, the interior space is well lit and aerated. 

• JEANNEAU SUN ODYSSEY 36.2

The Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 36.2 is a shallow fin sailboat with a 1.37-meter fin. The boat still remains stable when on water due to an increased ballast. The hull of this model is well proportioned and allows for comfortable accommodation space. It also features a big fore-cabin, aft cabin, and a large aft heads compartment area. All in all, this is a good model for those looking for a comfortable cruise boat rather than a race boat. 

You can compare these three boats with other models on TheBoatDB and decide for yourself which one is the most appropriate for you!

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The Best Shallow Draft Liveaboard Sailboat 2024

Looking for the best shallow draft liveaboard sailboat.

If you’re looking for the best shallow draft liveaboard sailboat then look no further.

After four years of living aboard our super shallow draft monohull, we are shallow draft boat connoisseurs and we can’t imagine being happy in anything other than a shallow keeled boat.

There are many different types of sailboats, and the best shallow draft liveaboard sailboat may not be the same for everyone. Some factors you might want to consider when choosing a sailboat include size, type of sailing, comfort, and cost.

One thing is fir sure, when choosing a vessel you will want to take into account the draft of a boat to make sure you can access the waterways you intend on cruising.

In this post, we will take a look at some of the best shallow keel liveaboard sailboats on the market today. So if you are in the market for a new sailboat, keep reading!

Table of Contents

The best large shallow draft sailboats.

• The best small shallow keel sailboats

Shallow water sailing

The best spot in the anchorage, less chance of grounding, extra moving parts.

• How To Find The Perfect Liveaboard Sailboat For You

We’ve got some great suggestions for shallow draft liveaboard sailboats that are 38ft or above. Boats of this size are usually more practical for ocean crossings and have enough living space for a couple who expect to have guests regularly, or for a family.

#1 Kadey Krogen 38

The Kadey Krogen 38 is one of the best large shallow draft sailboats on the market today, offering plenty of space and comfort for all your sailing adventures (and we’re not just saying that because we live on one!)

With a maximum draft of just 3 feet, it can easily go where other boats cannot, making it perfect for exploring shallow waters. We have often entered a busy anchorage, snuck in shallow, and had all the room in the world.

The Kadey Krogen 38s are quite unique. All the ballast is in the tiny keel, and she has two centreboards that help performance. The large centreboard in the middle of the boat helps it point closer to the wind.

After a year of sailing without a functional centreboard we did find our upwind performance improved with the centreboard and tacking and heaving to was easier as well.

The after board helps with weather helm in heavy seas. It does make the steering handle a lot easier and is a great thing to have at your disposal, but we have also been in heavy seas and forgotten to lower it and the boat still tracked fine.

What we really love about this design is the flexibility. As there is no weight in the boards we aren’t worried about losing them, and therefore losing the keel. The keel is fully encapsulated and going nowhere!

As a liveaboard sailboat, the Kadey Krogen 38s are extremely roomy. They have a wide beam and really make the most of the space. In fact, you could almost say they were designed for liveaboard, as the space is that cleverly laid out.

The cockpit is spacious which is perfect for entertaining. We have regularly seated 8 people in the cockpit and it has never felt like a squeeze. The locker lids are large enough to sleep on and we regularly do in the summer months when it’s stuffy below.

Saying that, we have never felt unsafe in big seas as there is coving all the way around and plenty of handholds and clip-in points.

The interior is slightly different on each different boat, but they all have a separate shower in the head which is super handy, and the cabins have their own sinks. The owner’s bed is a full-sized double so you can use an off-the-shelf mattress, and there is storage for days.

One of the biggest drawbacks of this small keeled liveaboard sailboat is the compromise in steerage astern. She doesn’t do well with Med-mooring!

If you’re looking for a great shallow draft liveaboard sailboat that offers plenty of space and comfort, be sure to check out the Kadey Krogen 38.

Check it out on Sailboat Data

#2 Freedom Cat 40 Centreboard

If you’re looking for a great liveaboard sailboat with a shallow draft that offers plenty of space and comfort, be sure to check out the Freedom Cat 40 Centreboard. With a maximum draft of just 4 feet, this boat has no problem exploring the shallow waters of your favorite cruising grounds.

This boat sails well, especially on a reach, and is easy enough to handle as a couple or even a solo sailor.

Like the Kadey Krogen 38, this sailboat has a large cockpit but the Freedom 40 has a centre cockpit, which many prefer.

Another standout feature of the Freedom Cat 40 is its spacious and well-designed interior. This boat is a great size for a liveaboard couple, with a large double bed aft as well as a v-berth forward.

While it does have some drawbacks–like poor maneuverability in reverse – there’s no doubt that the Freedom Cat 40 Centreboard is one of the best shallow draft liveaboard sailboats on the market today.

So if you’re looking for comfort, space, and flexibility, be sure to check out this amazing liveaboard sailboat!

#3 C&C 40 Centreboard Version

If you’re looking for an amazing shallow draft sailboat to live on that offers plenty of space and comfort, then the C&C 40 Centreboard Version is definitely worth considering.

With a maximum draft of just over 4 feet, this boat has no problem exploring the shallow waters of your favorite cruising grounds.

To maintain the same stability as the deeper keel versions of this sailboat, the centerboard boat carries an additional 885 pounds of ballast, making her noticeably slower in light air.

In tests, she was shown to be about 4 seconds slower per mile than the normal keel version in about 8 knots of wind, but basically identical in speed with 15+ knots of wind. For most cruisers, this won’t be an issue, but if you’re planning on using this sailboat for racing too then you might opt for the standard keel instead.

Another standout feature of this liveaboard sailboat is its spacious interior, designed for long-term living aboard. This boat can easily accommodate a couple, with a large v-berth forward as well as plenty of storage space throughout the interior.

there’s no doubt that the C&C 40 Centreboard Version is an incredibly comfortable and practical boat to sail.

#4 Privilege 435 Catamaran

The Privilege 435 is built for performance and comfort, making it the perfect shallow keel liveaboard sailboat.

Most of these sailboats were built relatively recently, so while you might not be able to bag a bargain, you will find the latest navigation and safety equipment on board.

The fit and finish of these catamarans are excellent. You can expect high-quality materials and smart storage solutions. There are four separate cabins with their own heads, making it a great liveaboard sailboat for a family.

#5 Lagoon 40

✅ Buy your liveaboard guidebook now

If you’re looking for a great shallow draft liveaboard sailboat that’s packed with top-of-the-line features, then the Lagoon 40 is definitely worth considering.

With a maximum draft of 1.35m, this boat offers plenty of space and comfort while being able to explore the shallow waters of your favorite cruising grounds.

One of the biggest benefits of this amazing sailboat is its spacious and well-designed interior. With plenty of room for a couple or even a solo sailor, you’ll love spending long days at sea aboard the Lagoon 40.

One of the biggest downsides of catamarans is usually their upwind performance, but the Lagoon 40 will keep her speed even at a 50-degree apparent wind angle.

So if you’re looking for comfort, space, and flexibility, be sure to check out this amazing liveaboard sailboat today!

#6 Prout Snowgoose 37

Prout catamarans have a great reputation among liveaboard sailors, and the Snowgoose is one of the most popular designs.

Prout no longer exists as a company, as it was bought by Broadblue in the 90s. Broadblue still makes catamarans today, and they have very similar features to the original Prouts, though obviously they are far fancier and have all the benefits of a more modern design!

The Snowgoose catamaran benefits from a shallow draft of 2.08ft, meaning you won’t have any trouble at all in shallow waters. It sails well and is a suitable bluewater sailboat, however, a low bridge deck clearance makes the boat slam in waves, both at anchor and underway.

The best small shallow draft sailboats to live on

As these are still liveaboard sailboats, we haven’t added any under 30ft. If you’re living aboard solo then 30ft is probably the smallest you will want to go before the sailing lifestyle starts to feel a bit too much like camping!

Here are our top picks for small small keel liveaboard sailboats.

#7 Columbia 31

If you’re looking for a compact, high-quality shallow keel sailboat that’s perfect for both recreational sailing and liveaboard cruising, then the Columbia 31 is definitely worth checking out.

With a maximum draft of just over 3 feet, this sailboat will be able to sneak into shallow anchorages with ease. It sails adequately and will be more than good enough for coastal cruising.

With its small size comes some definite compromises – while it may be great for traveling in sheltered waters and coastal areas, the Columbia 31 doesn’t have much in the way of speed or stability when going offshore.

That said, this little sailboat is incredibly well-built and carries all the hallmarks of quality craftsmanship. Its solid fiberglass hull and spacious interior for a boat of this size make the Columbia 31 a great option for both recreational and liveaboard sailing.

So whether you’re looking to sail in shallow water, explore coastal areas, or just spend some time living aboard, the Columbia 31 is definitely worth considering!

#8 Pearson 35

Pearson makes some great sailboats and is mostly well-regarded within the sailing community. The Pearson 35 is no exception and boasts the longest production run of any other Pearson model.

Boasting a shallow draft of just under 4 feet and a surprisingly spacious interior for a boat of this size, the Pearson 35 is an excellent small-sized liveaboard sailboat that won’t disappoint.

Due to its relatively simple construction, however, there are some definite downsides – while you’ll be able to find older models at great prices, they often have several issues that will need to be repaired before setting off on your next sailing adventure.

That said, if you’re looking for a dependable little sailboat that will allow you to explore shallow waters and coastal areas, the Pearson 35 is definitely worth considering.

#9 Gemini 105Mc (34ft)

The Gemini 105Mc is still in production in the US, which speaks to its popularity.

If you’re looking for a small keel sailboat on the smaller side, that still has plenty of space for living aboard, then this might be the perfect compromise. Many of these small catamarans have completed ocean passages so you won’t be limited on cruising grounds.

It has two double cabins, good headroom throughout, and nice finishes too.

A significant negative to this boat is the bridge deck clearance which isn’t amazing so you may experience some slamming. But that aside, this is a great small draft sailboat for anyone wanting to live aboard.

#10 Prout Event 34

These multihulls are quite hard to find, but if you like the Snowgoose but are on a tighter budget then they might be just what you’re looking for. These shallow draft catamarans share lots of features with the popular Snowgoose designs, just on a smaller scale.

There are three cabins, one head, a salon, and a galley, only they are rather squeezed in compared to the larger model.

The Prout Event 34 sails well and has crossed oceans, though it is also known for its slamming so if this is something that bothers you then you might want to think again before buying this liveaboard sailboat.

These shallow draft catamarans have an excellent reputation among cruisers because of their solid build and use of decent materials.

The boat has three cabins, a galley, saloon, and a head, so it’s perfect for slightly larger crews, though it’s obviously on the smaller side compared to some of the large shallow draft liveaboard boats on this list.

This catamaran sails well and people have crossed oceans in them, though they are probably better suited to coastal cruising

The bridge deck clearance is good on this catamaran so you shouldn’t experience too much slamming.

Why buy a narrow keel sailboat to live on?

There are many reasons why someone might choose to buy a sailboat with a small draft as a liveaboard.

Perhaps you don’t want the hassle of anchoring in deep water or dealing with the challenges that come with mooring, or maybe you simply enjoy being able to explore shallow coastal areas where other boats can’t go.

We’ll explore some of the reasons in more depth below.

Shallow water sailing refers to cruising in coastal areas where other boats cannot go.

The shallow draft of a sailboat means that you can easily explore coves, anchorages, and bays off the beaten track. Even if it’s just for an afternoon, there is something really special about being able to truly get away from it all by sailing away from the crowds in a secluded cove or anchorage.

One of the great things about living aboard a sailboat is that you have the freedom to go wherever you want, whenever you want. You can easily move on if you find somewhere that better suits your needs, or stay put and enjoy all the great amenities at your favorite anchorage.

While many people love big marinas with all their facilities and good ground tackle, many others prefer the peace and quiet of a secluded anchorage. If you’re one of those people who simply love finding the best spot in an anchorage then living aboard a shallow draft sailboat is perfect for you.

You will be able to sneak into bays that no one else can reach, or anchor in shallow waters of busier anchorages when there is seemingly no space.

On a sailboat with a lifting centreboard you have lowered odds of damaging your boat.

In fact, we have even heard of experienced sailors using their centreboard as a worst-case depth sounder, allowing you to risk sneaking into unchartered shallow waters without any significant risk of damaging your boat.

If you hit rock bottom (literally) then at best your centreboard will be knocked higher into its slot, and at worst you might damage the centreboard a little, but either way, your keel will remain unharmed!

The disadvantages of a shallow draft liveaboard sailboat

As always, alongside the advantages of shallow draft sailboats are some disadvantages to make you question your decision.

For us, after four years of living aboard, we would say the advantages outweigh the disadvantages, but it is so depending on personal opinion and taste.

Here are the main disadvantages of shallow keel liveaboard sailboats.

One reason that many people choose not to live aboard a sailboat with a small draft is the reduced stability.

Compared to a deeper draft boat, your centre of gravity is lower on a shallow draft sailboat which can be worrying when you are in open water, particularly if there are swells or high winds.

On our Kadey Krogen 38 we haven’t found this to be a problem. She handles brilliantly in big seas and we have always felt very safe and stable. In swelly anchorages, she doesn’t fair so well and is usually one of the more rolly boats in the anchorages (though interestingly quite often not the worst!)

Another disadvantage of a shallow draft sailboat is that they are not always easy to steer, especially when going astern.

Our sailboats prop walk is quite impressive! Getting into mooring slips astern is very tricky indeed. This is a problem on a lot of deep, full-keeled sailboats so we aren’t alone in our troubles! One way around this is to just enter mooring slips forward and drop an anchor astern.

A sailboat with a centreboard is not as simple to maintain as one without.

In the four years that we’ve owned our boat, we have replaced both her swing keel bearing and the cable that connects it to the winch on deck. For some people, this might be more than they are willing or able to deal with, but for us, it has been simple to do and is part of the reason we love our boat.

How To Find The Perfect Liveaboard Sailboat With A Shallow Draft

If you’re looking to buy a shallow keel sailboat then you’ll need to take a few things into consideration.

Budget is key for most people when buying a boat to live in. You will need to compromise between size, age of the boat, and budget. Smaller, older monohulls tend to be cheaper than larger, newer multihulls.

One of the most convenient ways to decide where to search for sailboats is to look in the location you will be cruising in. This is easy enough if your cruising grounds are popular and large, like in Europe or the USA.

You will find it much harder to find the right boat for you if you’re only prepared to buy in a very specific place or on cruising grounds that are tricky to reach, like remote islands. That being said, if you can find the right boat for you in one of these places then you are more likely to get a great deal.

Size of Sailboat

As mentioned earlier, the bigger the boat the more you are likely to pay. That being said, if you’re looking for a liveaboard sailboat then the last thing you want to do is buy a boat that is far too small to meet your requirements.

Consider how many people will be living aboard full time, or almost full time. For a couple, a 38ft boat is usually a comfortable size, though there are couples living on 34-36ft boats (and they’re still together!)

For a family, or if you plan on having crew on for longer periods of time, you might consider getting a larger monohull or a catamaran so that everyone can have their own private space on board.

Larger boats tend to be more comfortable at sea too, so make sure you go for something a little bigger if you plan on crossing oceans.

Conclusion: The Best Shallow Draft Liveaboard Sailboats

Ultimately, finding the perfect boat will depend on what is important to you and what kind of experience you want to have while living on board.

The best shallow keel liveaboard sailboat is one that meets all of your needs and requirements. Whether you are looking for something large or small, budget-friendly or luxurious, there is sure to be a boat out there that will fit the bill.

So do your research, talk to other boaters in your area, and make sure you find the perfect vessel for your unique needs. Happy hunting!

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