hinckley yachts manufacturing

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Hinckley Yachts Factory Tour – Where Cruising Dreams Come True

Our RV travels have brought us up to the northern coast of Maine on Mount Desert island (pronounced “dessert” despite the spelling!), home of rich forests, rich seas and rich people. While driving down the road the other day, we noticed two big trucks pulling yachts out of a driveway. Then we noticed a sign:

Hinckley Yachts – Now Hiring!

Yachts leave the factory for great adventures on the ocean.

We did a quick U-turn and decided to have a look. Not because we need a job, but because Hinckley Yachts are among the finest yachts built — and we had just driven right past their factory! We stopped inside and asked if we could take a tour. Within minutes a really nice young fellow named Chris, who’s been with the company for 12 years, handed us safety glasses and off we went!

What a wonderful surprise to be given a spontaneous factory tour!

His enthusiasm for the company was infectious, and as we saw how these phenomenal boats are made, and the energetic environment they are made in, we could understand why.

Hinckley Yachts was founded by Benjamin Hinckley in 1928, and Hinckley has long been one of the highest end custom yacht builders around. Once the dream boat of sailors in every yacht club, almost all Hinckleys being built today are powerboats ranging from 29 to 55 feet (and from half a mil to several million dollars apiece. Ahem!).

The cabin “pan” bow section of a power boat under construction.

Hinckleys are assembled using modern nautical engineering techniques, forging three separate fiberglass pieces together: the hull, the cabin (which Chris referred to as the “pan”) and the deck. Our Hunter 44DS sailboat was assembled the same way, as are most modern production sailboats, and the finished product is a stiffer and more resilient hull than the old fashioned method of using “stringers” (like floor joists) as ribs in the hull.

Many boating traditionalists were skeptical of this business of building the cabin separately and then lowering the cabin “pan” into the hull back when the lower end boat builders like Hunter and Beneteau started doing it, but if Hinckley is doing it now, then it must be the best way to go!

Power boat deck sections get assembled.

All Hinckleys are built with kevlar along the entire length and breadth of the hull, from the waterline down. By comparison, our Hunter had a kevlar reinforced hull from the waterline down in the forward section from the keel to the bow, which is unusual for a cruising sailboat in its class.

When we visited the Hunter factory before buying our sailboat Groovy, we learned that they test their new models by driving them into the beach at top speed while engineers with probes, sensors and clipboards take notes, look for leaks after impact, and refine their designs.

Chris didn’t say that Hinckley crash tests their new boat designs, but these boats are built to go anywhere and do anything, and they can be found all over the world.

A completed cabin “pan” section is lowered into the hull.

Once the pan is situated in the hull, then the deck is lowered onto the whole thing and sealed with 3M 5200 and other sealants.

Finished product – Let’s go!

What Hinckley is known for is the gorgeous fitting out that each boat receives.

Hinckley builds boats strictly to order, so every one of the 30+ boats that are in production at any one time have been purchased by an individual. Lower end production boats are built 95% of the way at the factory and then commissioned the last little bit by the dealership.

On our sailboat, the AGM batteries , and engine alternator were upgraded by the dealership for the owner that commissioned the boat. Most sailboat buyers have a dodger made locally as well, rather than going with a factory dodger.

Hinckley yacht interiors are truly lavish.

Not so with Hinckley. The wealthy folks that buy these boats can request anything they want, from specific navigation electronics, to different woods and interior layouts, and on an on. Most of the buyers are repeat customers who are upgrading or just need another boat.

Many of the buyers are celebrities, so it’s not uncommon for the factory workers to see a famous person arrive with their entourage. Sometimes the celebs send representatives instead, and frequently an interior designer or other consultant will show up to specify how the boat should be outfitted.

You can specify anything you want on your Hinckley!

All boat builders (and RV manufacturers) had a terrible time with the financial collapse of 2008, and Hinckley sharnk to just 40 employees and 4-5 boats on the production line at the time. Now they employ 265 people and they are going gang busters.

What put Hinckley on the map in the last two decades wasn’t their gorgeous Sou’wester sailboats that sent their reputation soaring in the latter half of the 1900’s. Hinckley’s modern essence is power boats!

Back in 1998, they started putting jet drive engines into their power boats. These engines similar to the ones used on jet skis, and they Hinckley’s boats completely. Without a prop, a Hinckley poweryacht of 40 to 55 feet can float in just 2 to 3 feet of water — ideal for the Bahamas where every bay is super shallow — and they can cruise at 30 to 40 knots easily!!

Wouldn’t it be fun to step off the swim platform into waist deep water and walk onto a deserted palm tree studded white sand beach?!!

Transom view: Jet drive engines make Hinckleys both shallow drafted and very fast.

So, with your deluxe Hinckley poweryacht you can jump from Ft. Lauderdale to the westernmost island in the Bahamas in a little over an hour, and you can spend the winter season anchoring in bays that few other boats can get into, all while enjoying the sheer luxury and space and amenities of a 55 foot top-of-the-line yacht that was built just for you.

What a way to go!!

Hinckley yachts on the production line.

But how much diesel fuel does it take to power twin Yanmar 260 horse power engines at cruising speed? Oh, somewhere on the order of 23 gallons per hour per engine.

Boats under construction every way we turned…

That’s chump change for the folks that can buy these boats, but if you want the wind to power your boat instead, Hinckley still makes stunningly beautiful sailboats. While we were there, a 42′ day-sailer was on the line. What makes such a big yacht just a day-sailer? The mini cuddy cabin is very small.

Rather than going out for a daysail in a little Sunfish or Hobie cat, why not take your 42′ yacht?

Ready for some summertime fun.

Now, these wonderful boats are not megayachts like we saw all through our cruise in Mexico . Our British yachtworker friend Derren has the unique dream job of flying all over the world to the most exclusive and fanciest marinas on every coast to do warranty work on British Sunseeker megayachts . Hinckley yachts are of the same caliber but max out at a half or a third of the length of Sunseekers.

We were amazed to learn that many Hinckley poweryachts are actually used as tenders to megayachts. Chris said it’s not uncommon for their customers to pick up a 43′ Hinckley to be a tender to a 200′ megayacht. They even had one customer who found that one 29′ Hinckley runabout wasn’t enough for his megayacht, so he had them build a second one. But 29′ was too long for the spot he wanted to stow it on deck, so he had them make new molds and redesign the 29′ runabout to a shorter 26′ version, just for him.

If you are in the class that can buy two Hinckleys and have the second one be a total redesign of the standard fare, then you aren’t really watching your wallet when it comes to repairing these things down the road.

Sheer elegance on the water — and skillfully driven too!

However, for luxury yacht owners on a budget, it turns out that the warranty on Hinckley yachts is lifelong, and we chatted with one fellow on the line who has done warranty work on boats that are decades old, all at no cost to the owner, even the current owner didn’t buy the boat new from Hinckley. No need for a third party RV warranty on these babies!

An hour after we drove off from this really fun tour, we were prowling around the cute town of Northeast Harbor when we looked out on the water and saw a familiar shape — a Hinckley powerboat! The captain swung it around in an expert maneuver and backed it into the slip effortlessly. Then he calmly stepped off the boat himself to cleat the docklines — without any assistance from anyone. Wow. These yachts and that kind of seamanship are the stuff boating dreams are made of.

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Hinckley Yachts – Official Website Sunseeker Megayachts – Official Website

Other fun posts from factory tours we’ve taken:

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Volume 1 reviews the geography, weather and seasons in Mexico and shows you what the best anchorages between Ensenada and Manzanillo are like.

Volume 2 gives detailed info that can't be found in any of the guidebooks about the glorious cruising ground between Manzanillo and the Guatemala border.

Volume 3 (right) provides all the info you need to get off the boat for an adventure-filled trip to Oaxaca.

9 thoughts on “ Hinckley Yachts Factory Tour – Where Cruising Dreams Come True ”

Your neat article on Hinckley brought back many memories, when I was working with Ted Hood in Marblehood years ago, and Hinckley was a customer for both sails and masts. They were a fun customer to call on…as well as dream having one of those Bermuda 40’s.

What a great job you had, and how fun to work with Ted Hood and Hinckley. I’m glad this post brought back good memories!

What a lucky accident to just be driving by and get the factory tour!

In the mid-1970s, we were visiting Wrightsville, Beach, NC, and stumbled on the Westsail factory in the same way. They had just opened their factory there and had several 32′-43′ sailboats in their yard. They were very proud, rightly so, of both the new location and the beautiful boats, so we Colorado landlubbers also got the grand tour. I dreamed about one of those boats for years, but they were a little impractical for Corps of Engineers reservoirs at 5,000 ft. above sea level! Don’t know if Westsail is even in business anymore.

That sounds like a great tour too, Steve. Old Westsails are very popular cruising boats (on the oceans) to this day!

Never even thought of going to a yacht factory, this could be a really interesting vacation event for my family.

That tidy wiring on the back of the pan? I did that!

OMG!!! You work at Hinckley??!!! How totally cool is that! I wish we’d met you when we were there! What dream boats they are!!

It’s a hectic and fast-paced job, but still interesting and enjoyable. Not so many people in this country anymore get to help build something that people will enjoy for years to come.

I got that sense when we were there, Scott. How fulfilling to work on such a high end product and to be able to make your customers’ boating dreams come true!

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Hinckley Yachts © 2024

Hinckley Yacht Services

Sw harbor & ne harbor, maine.

The Southwest Harbor yard is at the heart of the Hinckley legend. It began in 1928 as a small service yard and today ranks as a world-class service facility. The Hinckley Southwest Harbor yard attracts a local, national, and international community of yachtsmen who want their boats to have the highest level of care and service.

From boat painting to fiberglass fabrications for refits, to boat canvas and upholstery, marine diesel service and rigging, all the marine services and trades are standing by for you and your boat.

Hinckley now also operates a Northeast Harbor facility to offer slips for vessels up to 80 feet and a complete service and repair yard at the coveted entrance to Acadia National Park. Our Northeast Harbor yard is ideally situated for cruising boaters with access to many local restaurants, provisioning services, tennis courts, showers, laundry facilities, fuel, and pump-out services.

YACHT REPAIR + refit

Yacht Storage

Marina Services

Northeast Harbor

14 Harbor Dr, Northeast Harbor, ME 04662

207-300-2010

[email protected]

Southwest Harbor

130 Shore Road, SW Harbor, ME 04679

Yacht Refits

Yacht refits of all shapes and sizes are our specialty. The Hinckley yard shares resources with our nearby Hinckley production facility so we can bring extraordinary expertise to bear including engineering of on board systems or help and advice with design changes. If you are planning a yacht refit, talk to us. We have over 95 years of experience to share.

At Hinckley Southwest Harbor, our mechanical department is highly experienced with certified technicians to work on marine engines, marine generators, exhaust and fuel systems, prop, jet or pod drive systems. From marine diesel repair to propeller repair or pod replacement, Hinckley’s machine shop is a boat repair resource providing captains and owners with in-depth service.

Hinckley Southwest Harbor has marine diesel repair and repower experience with Cummins Marine diesels, Yanmar, Volvo marine diesels and IPS, Westerbeke, Caterpillar, and all major marine diesel engines. We also repair and replace bow thrusters, windlasses, hydraulic systems, fixed and variable pitch props, and shafts.

Boat Painting, Marine Finishes, Fiberglass Repair

Hinckley Southwest Harbor excels in yacht painting and finishing. Our state-of-the-art paint booth is equipped for Awlgrip, Alexseal, Interlux, and more. From hull to deck, we provide estimates and complete your project on time and within budget. While your yacht is here, explore our fiberglass and gel-coat repair services. We handle boats up to 140′ and offer mast refinishing.

boat storage

With our 16 acres of waterfront and 113,000 square feet of indoor boat storage, Hinckley will make sure your boat is secure and dry for the winter storage season. We have room to store over 300 boats, which can be professionally shrink-wrapped with or without access door. Hinckley provides more indoor boat storage than any boatyard in the area. For boat storage, all the options are available for all makes and models at Hinckley Southwest Harbor.

Hinckley Southwest Harbor also has boat moorings available on Somes Sound, in the heart of Maine’s favorite cruising grounds. We are happy to arrange dockage upon request.

Boat Upholstery

We offer complete boat upholstery, boat cushion fabrication and marine canvas services for all boat seating, indoor and outdoor canvas. From bimini to settees, to port shades, boat curtains and crew carpet, call on us. Our marine upholstery department will work with you or your designer to create just the right boat interior.

Welding And Fabrication

Hinckley Southwest Harbor completes structural boat repairs and modifications in steel, aluminum, bronze, titanium and stainless steel for all types of marine applications. Southwest Harbor can handle any marine metal fabrication for deck hardware, mechanical, thru-hull or other marine fitting repair or replacement. We have a full polishing shop on site.

Whether you need to repair the running rigging, replace a hydraulic system or install a new winch or roller furler, our sailboat rigging department has the expertise. We are servicing dealers for Antal, Lewmar, Edson, Harken, Navtec, Ronstan, Schaefer and more.

Marine Electronics

Take advantage of the advancements in marine electronics and improve the safety, security and efficiency of your boat. We are servicing marine electronics dealers for Foruno, Raymarine, KVH, Simrad, B&G, Flir, Northstar, Garmin and most other marine electronics.

Marine Carpentry

Hinckley’s reputation is well deserved and recognized throughout the world. Let our shipwrights work on your teak deck, toe rail, overhead, cabinetry or any fine detail including port and windshield replacements.

What Our Customers Say

Your team has been responsive,thorough and great at diagnosing problems. We are very happy to have our boat in your care.

Absolutely a 10 out of a 10 the entire team checked all the boxes were incredibly professional. Amazing follow-up amazing attention to detail. Can’t wait to go back.

Exceptional service, flexibility with meeting both anticipated and unanticipated needs. My experience at this yard goes back over 25 years now. The key is prompt and clear communications on both sides.

Your off season service and storage program is the reason we chose Hinckley

Always please with the technicians on my boat. Thank you

There is noone else I would trust to work on my beautiful boat! Incomparable.

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MEL BELLE Hinckley Talaria 55 MKII MY 2018

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• Hinckley Yachts

The Hinckley Company’s roots are deep in soil of Maine boatbuilding. The company, founded in 1928 to build and care for the boats of the local lobstermen, has been in continuous operation building such classics as the Bermuda 40 and the Picnic Boat. Henry Hinckley set the course with the Bermuda 40 in the early 1960s when he crafted her stunning lines out of a radical, new material, fiberglass. This combination of elegant form, material innovation and brilliant attention to finishing detail set the course Hinckley has been on ever since in the pleasure boat business.

Today, Hinckley builds Jetboats and sailboats from 29 to 55 feet and supports its owners and other yachtsmen with its network of service yards from Maine to Florida. Two other distinguished boat builders, Hunt Yachts and Morris Yachts, were acquired in 2013 and 2016 respectively.

• Hunt Yachts

Hunt Yachts presents two lines of efficient, high-performance powerboats designed by C. Raymond Hunt Associates. Each model delivers the legendary sea-keeping, rough-water capability and dry, comfortable ride of the authentic Hunt Deep-V hull, the eye-catching and timeless appeal of “Hunt style”, and the opportunity for owners to personalize. Unlike mass market boats, Hunts are unique in that each has been built to order, customized to the owner’s needs and desires. The Coastal Series includes models from 25 to 36 feet. The Ocean Series includes yachts from 46 to 80 feet. The Ocean Series yachts are built in Taiwan by Global Yacht Builders. Hunt Yachts was acquired by The Hinckley Company in 2013 and Hinckley’s service network provides support for all Hunt products.

• Morris Yachts

Become America's premier builder of fine sailing yachts for discriminating sailors around the world. Morris yachts are stunningly beautiful handcrafted boats built by Maine craftsmen who have demonstrated the highest standards in quality, style, performance, and luxury. 

• Palm Beach Motor Yachts

In 1995, Mark Richards launched a boat-building business in the breathtaking beach community of Palm Beach, New South Wales, Australia focusing on specialized sailing yachts. In 1999, Palm Beach Motor Yachts set sail in a new direction which would change the face of Palm Beach, and the future of the company. Today Palm Beach builds Downeast style motor yachts ranging from 42’ to 70’ in express and flybridge configurations 

MJM is a family-owned business that designs and builds outboard & inboard yachts in a modern Carolina/Downeast style. MJM’s are world-renowned for, exceptional stability, smoothness of ride, rinse down finishes, and liveaboard comfort.

• Grand Banks

Since 1956, Grand Banks Yachts has built yachts of excellent quality that have become industry hallmarks and earned a loyal following around the world. Grand Banks trawlers and Eastbay express cruisers are renowned for their handmade craftsmanship, distinctive good looks, and tried and true all-weather capabilities.

Eastbay is a Downeast style series of motor yachts launched by Grand Banks in 1993. Since 1956, Grand Banks Yachts, Ltd. has built yachts of excellent quality that have become industry hallmarks and earned a loyal following around the world. Grand Banks trawlers and Eastbay express cruisers are renowned for their handmade craftsmanship, distinctive good looks, and tried and true all-weather capabilities.

Sabre Yachts has crafted Maine-built yachts since 1970. Faithful to that heritage, Sabre is dedicated to manufacturing the high-quality dual-engine pod-driven yachts, in the signature Downeast style. Crafted by Maine boat builders with cumulative centuries of experience, Sabre’s iconic American-cherry woodworking and classic profiles turn heads in any harbor.

Back Cove Yachts crafts owner operator yachts that epitomize traditional Maine values – quality, ingenuity, and nautical sensibility. True to their heritage, Back Cove yachts are single engine motor yachts designed in signature Downeast style. Back Cove Yachts are efficient, practical, elegant and built in the State of Maine.

Vicem Yachts Vintage Line is built using the cold-molding process. A construction technique which embodies all the construction methods of the Turkish historical marine tradition; a modern procedure different from traditional boat building. Based on engineered wood construction, cold-molding uses laminated mahogany and a specific formulated epoxy resin to create the hull, decks and principal superstructures. This results in a strong vessel with a smooth ride, and natural insulation from humidity and noise.

Why Buy with Hinckley?

At Hinckley, our team makes the difference. Our dedicated Brokerage Team specializes in pre-owned Hinckley Yachts and other premium yacht brands. Our goal is to make the entire buying process as smooth and enjoyable possible. From the beginning of your search to narrowing down the yacht that is just right for you, our Brokerage Team will be there to lead you through the entire process with ease.

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• Why List with Hinckley?

Hinckley Yacht Brokerage has been the preferred way for owners to sell their boats since it was established within the Company in 1970. For nearly 50 years, the team at Hinckley has been the go-to source for buying and selling America’s most beautiful yachts. Today, our website receives thousands of visitors each day who learn about the heritage of our yachts, our service programs, and our central brokerage listings.

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Certified Pre-Owned

When you list your Hinckley with Hinckley Yacht Brokerage, you have the opportunity to certify your yacht through the Hinckley CPO Warranty Program.

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• Hinckley 29c
• Picnic Boat 37 MKIII
• Runabout 29
• Talaria 55 MKII
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• Picnic Boat 40
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• Talaria 48 MKII
• Sou'wester 53
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What Sailboats Are Made In The USA?

‍ Key Takeaways

• Catalina and J/Boats are proud of their American standard of creating sailboats
• Sailboats made in the US follow a strict consistency to craftsmanship and performance
• Many US branded sailboats rival top competitors across the world
• There are various reasons why many sailors believe American made sailboats are best
• The US has a long history of sailing and you could say it is in their blood

‍ The United States has some of the best sailboats in the sailing world. But what sailboats are made in the USA?

Some of the most popular sailboat brands made in the US are Catalina Yachts, J/Boats, and Hinckley. Other top US made sailboat brand companies include Island Packet Yachts and Tartan Yachts. The US is known for its robust sailing manufacturing and rich maritime history.

In my experience, casual sailors or those wanting to explore more can find quality boats that are made in the US. Many of the boats made in the US have developed an outstanding reputation with some lasting over five decades.

Table of contents

‍ Top 10 Sailboats Made in the USA

A lot of boaters want to know exactly where their sailboat was created. Many favor a boat that was made from an American company that sets an industry standard versus cheaper comparable overseas. Not to say that all boats made elsewhere are bad but consistency is key in the US.

In a lot of situations buying an American made sailboat is best for those that live near the company. It makes it a thousand times easier to order parts or to get first hand knowledge of your boat when the company that built it is right around the corner.

The Catalina lineup offers plenty of options to choose from when it comes to casual sailing boats or yachts. The company is located in Largo, Florida and has sustained a good reputation for their durable and performance on the water.

Since 1969 they have become America’s largest sailboat builder. They also rival top competitors such as Nautor’s Swan for the sailboat market.

J/Boats are unique and set themselves apart from other types of sailboats like their J/22 and J/70 models. They have been established in Newport, Rhode Island since 1977.

They have everything you can think of for sailboats with the customer in mind. These luxury and sleek designs that they offer help to combat anything the water has in store.

Hinckley Yachts

Hinckley had their sailing origins date back to 1928 in Southwest Harbor, Maine but is now headquartered in Rhode Island. Many sailors are drawn to the craftsmanship and luxury attributes of these sailboats.

The Bermuda 40 for example are timeless classics that use high quality materials. Many of their designs have proven to be fan favorites.

Island Packet Yachts

Island Packet has been aiming towards making sailboats in Largo, FLorida that are treasured among various generations. Their IP 349 and IP 439 models are some of the best sailboats you can find on the market.

Sailors love these American made sailboats. These are typically due to their reliability and comfort you can achieve while exploring blue water areas.

Tartan Yachts

Tartan has been around since 1960 in Ohio and has developed beloved sailboats. Their most popular models are the 3400 and 4000 but they also have new classics in the making.

They even have a program where you can bring your old Tartan and talk with the team to see about restoring your old classic for a given price. This allows you to hang onto your treasured sailboat and potentially one day have it restored to its former glory.

Morris Yachts

Morris has roots in Maine around 1972. They are owned by Hinckley and they make some excellent modern models for sailboats.

The M36 and M42 are classics that many agree are excellent options for any level of sailor. They feature other models that are geared towards larger families or you are wanting more living space throughout the boat.

Viking Yacht Company

Viking is based in New Jersey and has some of the best yachts you can possibly imagine. Their 44C and 48C are some of their best moderate sized models but they get even crazier with their 92C offering.

If you want a true American experience on a yacht you cannot go wrong with anything Viking has in store. They have a wide range of models to suit your needs for luxury on the ocean.

Oyster Yachts

Oyster Yachts have been around for over 50 years and have dominated the Rhode Island area for yachts. One appealing feature that stands out compared to other sailboat brands is that you can customize a majority of your boat online before having to pick it up. Oyster has a boat for you that is able to handle blue water capabilities and luxury.

Broward Yachts

Broward is actually a superyacht builder that often gets lumped into the sailboat category since they are luxury boats that are blue water capable. This shipyard is located in Fort Lauderdale, Florida and has designed over 300 yachts to date since 1948.

In fact they earn the business of sailboat owners that are on the fence about other sailboat brands that are looking for a yacht. They are a one of kind yacht brand that deserves a shout out from the sailboat community.

Boston Whaler

Boston Whaler is not exactly a modern sailboat either but is a blue water cruiser that is perfect for any situation out on the water. These boat builders from Florida helped make the perfect boat for fishing or cruising in blue water territories. You can find various models such as the Vantage or Conquest to help fit your blue water needs.

Are Sailboats Made Better in the US?

Quality and performance are very important for a sailboat brand to remain in business. Many boat brands in the US have been around for several decades and you do not do that by accident. Boat builders have to create something special for a good price or depending on the market value.

Rich History

The US has a rich maritime history that bodes well with their craftsmanship and dedication to making the perfect sailboat. Many companies such as Catalina and Island Packet have established themselves as some of the best in the US that many boat owners would agree with.

What Makes a Brand Unique

Many sailboat brands offer various models to cater to a wider range of buyers. These could be a cruiser series or sport series for example. Some even consider it their house on the water as long as it is seaworthy.

The design team will also need to factor in living space and effortless performance to be considered a luxury sailboat. If a brand offers a lot of options to fit many needs then that boat brand is one step ahead of the competition.

Rivals Across the Globe

It is important to understand that there are other top quality sailboat brands in the world and that some American made brands rival those found in France and Sweden. Nautor’s Swan and Dufor are to name a few.

Your Sailing Desires and Budget

Claiming that one brand is better than another is simply based on market opinion and your current situation. Your budget and sailing goals will ultimately help shape what you believe is the best sailboat or whether or not the US has the best ones period.

Why is Sailing Popular in the US?

Sailing has been popular around various parts of the world for centuries. As technology and attention to detail has evolved over the years it has created the foundation for the love of sailing.

Florida is Home to Sailing

Many boat builders aim to make the best boats in places where sailing should thrive. Florida for example is the highest rate of boat owners in the US. You will likely see many brands of boats especially a French brand or two.

People Love the Water

There are roughly 12 million registered boats in the US for recreational purposes. There are many purposes for boats on the water such as racing or fishing. A sailboat will help you cover a lot of those activities on the water and Americans tend to spend a lot of time on the ocean.

Recreational use is a driving force for Americans that want to spend more time on the water. Sailboats are likely the reason for most of these numbers especially in parts of Maine or further up the east coast of the US.

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Daniel Wade

I've personally had thousands of questions about sailing and sailboats over the years. As I learn and experience sailing, and the community, I share the answers that work and make sense to me, here on Life of Sailing.

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