13 Best Cruising Sailboats in 2023 & Why They're Better
If you're interested in long-distance exploration at sea, cruising sailboats are a popular choice. The best cruising sailboats are designed to provide comfort, durability, and seaworthiness. From high-performance cruisers with heirloom-quality materials to versatile boats, there's something in this lineup for your skill level and preference. These boats have raised the bar and are set to provide memorable sailing experiences.
The best cruising sailboats are:
Beneteau Oceanis Yacht 54
Jeanneau sun odyssey 490, x-yachts x49, dufour grand large 460, hallberg-rassy 340, tartan 4300, island packet 420, fountaine pajot saona 47, lagoon 450f, bavaria cruiser 46.
One aspect that sets these sailboats apart is their focus on innovation and performance. Let's take a closer look at the 13 best cruising sailboats of 2023 and explore what makes them stand out from the rest.
These cruising sailboats feature spacious interiors, sturdy hulls, and versatile sail configurations.
These sailboats are equipped with navigation and communication systems, as well as additional features such as watermakers, generators, and refrigeration systems.
You can buy these boats for anything between $250,000 and $1.4 million or more.
A cruiser is a type of sailboat that is generally larger and more comfortable than a racing sailboat.
On this page:
Best cruising sailboats, why these sailboats are better, the most popular cruising sailboat.
Size
Accommodation
Starting Price
50 feet
6 to 8 people
$1.3 million
56.5 feet
6 to 8 people
$1.4 million
54 feet
6 to 8 people
$690,000
49 feet
6 to 8 people
$425,000
49 feet
6 to 8 people
$1.2 million
46 feet
6 to 8 people
$370,000
45.8 feet
6 to 8 people
$350,000
34 feet
4 to 5 people
$300,000
43 feet
6 to 8 people
$600,000
42 feet
6 to 8 people
$550,000
47 feet
8 to 10 people
$900,000
45 feet
8 to 10 people
$700,000
46 feet
6 to 8 people
$250,000
In this section, we'll explore the 13 best cruising sailboats of 2023, highlighting their unique features and reasons why they stand out in the market.
Living Space
Seaworthiness
Sailing Performance
Safety
Storage Space
Energy Efficiency
Durability
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Comfortable living space : A cruising sailboat should have a comfortable living space that can accommodate the crew for an extended period of time. This includes a spacious cabin, galley, head, and berths.
Seaworthiness : A cruising sailboat should be able to handle rough seas and adverse weather conditions. It should have a sturdy hull, a well-designed keel, and a balanced rigging system.
Sailing performance : A cruising sailboat should have good sailing performance, which includes speed, stability, and ease of handling. It should be able to sail efficiently in different wind conditions.
Safety features : A cruising sailboat should have safety features such as a reliable navigation system, adequate safety equipment, and a strong anchoring system.
Storage space : A cruising sailboat should have enough storage space for provisions, equipment, and personal belongings. This includes storage lockers, shelves, and compartments.
Energy efficiency : A cruising sailboat should have an energy-efficient system that can provide power for lighting, electronics, and other equipment without relying on shore power.
Durability : A cruising sailboat should be built to last and withstand the wear and tear of extended cruising. This includes using high-quality materials and construction techniques.
The Amel 50 is known for its luxurious and comfortable accommodations, and excellent seaworthiness. Its unique features include a spacious interior with modern design, an innovative cockpit layout, and a powerful yet easy-to-handle sailing system.
The Amel 50 has a unique feature called the "Amel Easy Docking" system, which allows for easy and precise maneuvering in tight spaces. It also has a unique "Amel Silent Block" system, which reduces noise and vibration for a more comfortable ride.
The Oyster 565 is known for its high-quality construction, attention to detail, and luxurious accommodations, as well as its excellent safety features. It provides you with exceptional performance and comfort. Its sleek hull design offers fast, stable sailing, while the spacious, high-quality interior ensures you'll enjoy your time onboard.
The Oyster 565 has a unique feature called the "Oyster Deck Saloon," which provides 360-degree views and adequate natural light in the living space. It also has a unique "Oyster DNA" system, which allows for customization of the boat to suit the owner's preferences.
With its cutting-edge design and performance, the Beneteau Oceanis Yacht 54 lets you sail in style. Its chined hull, twin rudders, and easy handling make it a pleasure to sail, while the spacious, modern interior ensures your comfort on longer voyages.
The Beneteau Oceanis Yacht 54 has a unique feature called the "Dock & Go" system, which allows for easy and precise maneuvering in tight spaces. It also has a unique "Beneteau Smart Sailing" system, which includes a suite of electronic and navigational tools for easy and safe sailing.
The Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 490 is known for its hard chine design, and excellent performance and stability. It offers innovative design and functionality. Its walk-around decks, unique cockpit layout, and high-quality interior make it ideal for cruising in comfort.
The Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 490 has a unique feature called the "Walk-Around Deck," which allows for easy and safe movement around the boat. It also has a unique "Jeanneau Sun Loft" system, which provides a flexible and customizable living space.
The X-Yachts X49 combines performance, luxury, and comfort. It is known for its high-performance hull design, excellent speed and stability. With its fast hull, advanced sailing systems, and plush interior, the X49 is perfect for both racing and cruising.
The X-Yachts X49 has a unique feature called the "X-Yachts Pure X" system, which includes a suite of performance-enhancing features such as a carbon fiber mast and boom, a racing-inspired sail plan, and a deep lead keel.
The Dufour Grand Large 460 provides you with both comfort and performance. It is known for its innovative design, featuring a self-tacking jib and retractable bow thruster for easy handling. Its spacious interior, ergonomic deck layout, and powerful sailing capabilities make it an excellent choice for long-distance cruising.
The Dufour Grand Large 460 has a unique feature called the "Dufour Easy" system, which includes a suite of tools for easy and safe sailing, such as a self-tacking jib and retractable bow thruster. It also has a unique "Dufour Grand Large Lounge" system, which provides a flexible and customizable living space.
Experience easy handling and modern style with the Hanse 458. It is known for its sleek and modern design, self-tacking jib, large swim platform. Its innovative self-tacking jib, efficient deck layout, and comfortable accommodation make it perfect for family cruising.
The Hanse 458 has a unique feature called the "Hanse Easy Sailing" system, which includes a suite of tools for easy and safe sailing, such as a self-tacking jib and retractable bow thruster. It also has a unique "Hanse Individual Cabin Concept" system, which allows for customization of the living space to suit the owner's preferences.
Known for its quality and craftsmanship, the Hallberg-Rassy 340 offers you comfort and performance in a compact package. It is known for its classic design, long waterline, spacious cockpit, and comfortable and practical accommodations. With its stable hull, efficient sailplan, and well-designed interior, it's ideal for long-range cruising on a smaller scale.
The Hallberg-Rassy 340 has a unique feature called the "Hallberg-Rassy Hardtop," which provides protection from the elements and a spacious cockpit area. It also has a unique "Hallberg-Rassy Quality Concept" system, which includes high-quality construction materials and techniques for durability and longevity.
The Tartan 4300 delivers a perfect balance of performance and comfort. It is known for its high-quality construction, cored hull and deck for added strength and durability. Its epoxy-infused hull provides lightweight strength, while the spacious, beautifully crafted interior ensures a luxurious cruising experience.
The Tartan 4300 has a unique feature called the "Tartan Infusion Molding Process," which allows for precise and consistent construction of the hull and deck for added strength and durability. It also has a unique "Tartan Smart Sailing" system, which includes a suite of electronic and navigational tools for easy and safe sailing.
For those who value comfort and classic design, the Island Packet 420 won't disappoint. It is known for its full keel design, excellent stability and seaworthiness. Its spacious, well-appointed interior and solid construction make it a reliable choice for long voyages.
The Island Packet 420 has a unique feature called the "Island Packet Full Foil Keel," which provides excellent stability and seaworthiness. It also has a unique "Island Packet Anchoring System," which includes a powerful windlass and a custom-designed anchor roller for easy and safe anchoring.
The Fountaine Pajot Saona 47 catamaran offers you the perfect combination of speed, stability, and space. Its sleek hulls and spacious, well-designed living areas make it an excellent choice for cruising with friends and family.
The Fountaine Pajot Saona 47 has a unique feature called the "Fountaine Pajot Helmsman's Position," which provides excellent visibility and control of the boat. It also has a unique "Fountaine Pajot Lounge Deck" system, which provides a spacious and comfortable living space.
Cruise in style on the Lagoon 450F, known for its spacious accommodations and excellent performance under sail. With its distinctive flybridge, comfortable cabins, and efficient sailing system, it's ideal for multi-day getaways.
The Lagoon 450F has a unique feature called the "Lagoon Flybridge," which provides excellent visibility and control of the boat. It also has a unique "Lagoon Spacious Cockpit" system, which provides a comfortable and practical living space.
The Bavaria Cruiser 46 is a versatile and stylish cruiser that offers excellent performance and comfort. It is known for its innovative design, featuring a drop-down transom for easy access to the water. Its user-friendly sailing systems, attractive interior, and practical deck layout make it an ideal choice for a wide range of cruising adventures.
The Bavaria Cruiser 46 has a unique feature called the "Bavaria Hybrid Propulsion System," which allows for energy-efficient sailing and propulsion. It also has a unique "Bavaria Smart Storage" system, which provides enough storage space for gear and supplies. Additionally, the Bavaria Cruiser 46 has a unique "Bavaria Vision" design concept, which includes a spacious and comfortable living space with plenty of natural light and ventilation.
Cruising Gear Essentials
Key features to look for
Versatile hull design.
This allows your sailboat to navigate in various conditions, making it ideal for long-distance cruising.
Efficient sail plan
By having a well-designed sail layout, your boat provides better control, handling, and propulsion.
High-quality construction
Top-quality materials and craftsmanship not only increase the boat's durability, but also enhance its performance.
Comfortable accommodations
When you spend extended periods at sea, you want your sailboat to feel like home, with adequate living space and modern amenities. For an extended sailing trip, you are going to need these 41 sailboat cruising essentials .
How they improve sailing experience
Easier boat handling.
Advanced rigging systems, self-tacking jibs, and other innovative technologies make it easier for you to manage your boat, allowing for more time spent enjoying the sea.
Increased safety
State-of-the-art navigation equipment and weather forecasting systems help you anticipate environmental changes, ensuring a safe voyage.
Sustainable power options
Many sailboats in 2023 come with solar panels, hydro generators, or hybrid propulsion options, reducing your environmental impact and providing more sustainable choices while out at sea.
Integrated connectivity
These boats boast digital systems that allow you to stay connected, monitor your journey, and update your friends and family with your adventures.
Their advantages over others
Better performance.
These boats have been designed with speed, stability, and maneuverability in mind, ensuring top-notch sailing experiences.
Longevity and value
Since they're built with high-quality materials and expert craftsmanship, these boats are certain to last, making them a wise investment.
Customization options
Many of these sailboats offer customizable features, allowing you to tailor the boat to your specific needs and preferences.
Award-winning designs
Several of these boats have received prestigious awards for their innovative features and performance, making them the ultimate cruising sailboats for any passionate sailor.
The Island Packet 420 and Lagoon 450F are the two most popular cruising sailboats known for their comfort, seaworthiness, and versatility.
The Island Packet 420 is a well-regarded cruising sailboat that has a loyal following. It is known for its spacious interior, comfortable accommodations, and good sailing performance.
The Island Packet 420 features a full keel and a cutter rig, which makes it a stable and seaworthy vessel that can handle a variety of weather conditions. The sailboat has a large master cabin, a well-equipped galley, and a comfortable salon area, making it a popular choice for those who enjoy extended periods of time at sea.
The Lagoon 450F is a popular choice for those who want to explore the world by boat. It is known for its spacious interior, stable platform, and good sailing performance.
The Lagoon 450F features a catamaran hull design, which provides a stable and comfortable platform that is ideal for long-distance cruising. The sailboat has a spacious cockpit, multiple sleeping quarters, and a well-equipped galley, making it a popular choice for those who want to travel with family or friends.
The best size cruising sailboat
The best size cruising sailboat is in the range of 40 to 50 feet. Sailboats in this size range are large enough to provide comfortable accommodations for an extended period of time at sea, yet small enough to be easily handled by a small crew or even single-handed.
Sailboats that are too small may lack the necessary amenities and space for long-distance cruising, while sailboats that are too large may be difficult to handle and require a larger crew. Ultimately, the best size cruising sailboat will depend on individual preferences, needs, and intended use, and it's important to consider factors such as comfort, safety, and ease of handling when choosing a cruising sailboat.
The safest cruising sailboat
Hallberg-Rassy 340, and Island Packet 420 are considered among the safest cruising sailboats. These sailboats are known for their sturdy construction, well-designed hulls, and reliable systems. They are also known for their ability to handle a variety of weather conditions and their comfortable accommodations. However, safety can also depend on the boat maintenance, and the skill and experience of the crew.
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Cruising Yachts 40' to 45'
Popular Cruising Yachts 40 to 45 feet Long Overall Their Physical Properties & Key Performance Indicators
Welcome to this ever-growing gallery of some of the most popular cruising yachts between 40 and 45 feet (12.2m to 13.7m) long overall. But it's more than just a gallery - every image is a link to a page setting out the boat's physical properties, key performance indicators and other data.
Cruising Yachts featured on this page...
With plenty of room for a cruising couple to live aboard comfortably, production cruising boats within this size range are understandably very popular with long distance sailors.
However, marina charges worldwide seem to take a bit of a hike at 12m, so be warned...
If you'd like to submit a suitable image of a cruising yacht (yours perhaps?), please click here to send your pic. It doesn't have to be within this boat length category; if it isn't we'll move it to the appropriate one.
Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 40
Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 409
Slocum 43
Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 44 DS
Beneteau Oceanis 440
Morgan Out Island 41
Beneteau Oceanis 43
Catalina Morgan 43
Moody 41 Classic
Dehler 43 CWS
Hunter Passage 42
Beneteau First 435
Hallberg-Rassy 41
Sweden Yachts 42
Seastream 43
Morgan 41 Out Island Classic
Jeanneau Sun Magic 44 (also known as the Sun Odyssey 44)
Formosa 42
Feeling 446
Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 44i
Hallberg-Rassy 43
Freedom 44 (Cat Ketch)
Catalina Morgan 440
Catalina 445
Catalina 42 MkII
Beneteau 411
Bavaria Match 42
Island Packet 40
Roomy, comfortable and robust, the long-keeled Island Packet 40 could be many sailors ideal cruising yacht. 139 of them were built between 1994 and 2000.
'Zephyr' , an Ovni 395 dried out on a Cornish beach. Many thanks to Colin & Rebecca Campbell for this pic of their versatile cruising yacht.
Pearson 424
The Peason 424 cruising yacht is available as a ketch as the version shown below, or as a cutter. There's no denying that the Pearson 424 is an attractive cruising yacht.
The J/40 is a highly regarded performance cruising yacht. Designed and built to really sail well, passage times will be impressive.
Derived from C&C's Redline 41, the Newport 41 had a long and successful production run. It might lack some of the amenities of 'full-volume' modern cruising yachts below decks, but is a tough, fast and seakindly boat offshore.
Sirius 40 DS
The Sirius 40 DS motorsailer can be built with a number of keel options: A deep fin keel of 7'6", 6'6" or 5'9"; a swing keel that draws 8'0" and 3'2" up; or twin keels that allow the boat to dry out upright.
Columbia 43 MkIII
The gentle sheer and flush deck of this Columbia 43 MkIII aft-cockpit cruising yacht make for a very attractive sailboat.
Pacific Seacraft 40
Many thanks to Mike Price for this fine pic of his Contest 44 'Tumbledown Wind' as she crosses the ARC (Atlantic Rally for Cruisers) finishing line.
Mason 43 Cruising Yachts
Many thanks to Sally & Al Pribyl for this pic of their Mason 43 staysail ketch 'Artemis' , at anchor in Prickly Bay, Grenada.
Many thanks to Richard Clement and family for this fine pic of their Moody 425 cruising yacht 'Vega' .
Norseman 447
Many thanks for this pic to Dartanyon Race, co-Captain of this Norseman 447 cruising yacht 'Lutris' .
Hunter 40.5
Caliber 40 LRC
Swan 43 (S & S)
C&C Landfall 42
RH 43 (Also known as the CT 43)
Jeanneau Sun Legende 41
Hinckley Sou'wester 42 MkII
Ovni AluBat 43
Hallberg Rassy 42 (Frers)
She looks like a cutter in this pic, but the inline stays converging at the masthead shows that the Hallberg-Rassy 42 cruising yacht 'Cavatina' is a solent rigged sloop.
Beneteau 423
Beneteau Oceanis 42CC
Moody Eclipse 43
Trintella 44
Catalina 400 Mk2
Islander 44
Grand Soleil 39
Westerly Oceanlord 41
CSY 44 (Walk-Through)
Many thanks to Jeff and Carolee, for this pic of their CSY 44 Walk-Thru' staysail ketch 'Contessa' .
CSY 44 (Mid-Cockpit)
Jeanneau 'Sun Odyssey' 40.3
Outbound 44
Island Packet 445
Many thanks to Jim Shanahan for this great pic of his Island Packet cruising yacht 445 'Watermark III'.
Pocket cruisers and mini yachts are generally vessels under 50 feet in length overall, and can include express cruiser designs, flybridge yachts as well as either monohull or catamaran hull forms. They are cruising boats easily handled by a small, or even shorthanded, crew. Pocket cruisers generally have wave-taming hull designs and have the ability to take on sporty seas, offer comfortable accommodations belowdecks with one or two staterooms for extended voyages, “homelike amenities,” and the ability to cruise as slowly or as quickly as an owner desires with inboard- and outboard-power options. These pocket-cruising boats have the range for longer voyages , can pull up in skinny water at the sandbar thanks to shallow drafts, and head over the horizon where cruising adventure awaits. Pocket cruisers are true multitasking yachts. When it comes to family and couples cruising, it’s hard to beat a well-built and well-equipped and pocket cruiser.
Best Cruising Boats Under 50-Feet
The following 14 pocket cruisers and mini yachts are all vessels we’ve seen, been aboard, and tested. They are listed in no particular order.
Back Cove 34O: modern outboard power combined with classic Downeast styling
Picnic Boat 40: speedy and fuel-efficient vessel with great looks
Aquila 36: comfortably seat up to 20 guests for fun on the salt
Boston Whaler 350 Realm: multitasker built for fishing and entertaining
MJM 35z: sporty, aesthetically pleasing, cruising-conscious features and elegant lines
Greenline 39: sturdy-looking lines and environmentally-friendly power
When Android co-founder, Rich Miner, wanted a new family-friendly pocket cruiser , he turned to a custom-penned C.W. Hood design and a Lyman-Morse-built 35-footer, which has a timeless Down East profile matched to seriously modern technology under the hood.
This yacht looks like a traditional, cold-molded Down East dayboat, but actually, it has everything, from Hamilton HJX Series water-jet drives to a planned Sea Machines autonomous command-and-control system . Top speed: 40-plus knots.
Quick Specifications
34’10”
11’6″
350 Gal.
60 Gal.
19,000 lbs.
Galeon Yachts 375 GTO
Even the remnants of Hurricane Ian, couldn’t dissuade the Galeon Yacht 375 GTO from its cruising mission. The small yacht’s wave-splitting hull form is paired to torque-filled 600 hp Mercury Verado outboards , giving this fun-in-the-sun boat a 47-knot top hop.
The 375 GTO is a speedster, to be sure, but it’s also so much more. Just about every aspect of the main deck seating is transformable and multifunction, from the aft seating to the alfresco dining abaft the helm, and beyond. It also has a family-size and eminently cruise-worthy belowdecks space for four guests, all while providing a foredeck entertaining lounge too.
The Galeon Yachts 375 GTO ticks all the boxes for an easy-to-handle and sporty cruiser.
37’9″
12′
396.25 Gal.
53 Gal.
27,270 lbs.
Aquila 42 Yacht Power Catamaran
Following the success of its 44-, 54- and 70-foot power catamaran models, Aquila has launched the stable-as-a-table, owner-operator-ready Aquila 42 Yacht Power Catamaran .
The Aquila 42 is the entry point into the builder’s yacht line and is noteworthy for its ability to accommodate anywhere from a two- to four-stateroom layout, depending on the owner’s cruising requirements. There are alfresco spaces to manage the sunset cruise with friends and family, including a foredeck lounge area that can be accessed via centerline steps from the flybridge. The Aquila 42 is available with several Volvo Penta diesel-engine options .
41’6″
21′
290 Gal.
132 Gal.
41,895 lbs.
Azimut Verve 42
Want to cruise from Florida to Bimini in about an hour? The Azimut Yachts Verve 42 can do that thanks, in part, to triple 450 hp Mercury Racing outboards and a hull designed to dice-and-slice a seaway. Top hop: 45 knots. The Verve 42 also has style for miles with a fine entry, raked hardtop, and a razorlike sheerline accented by sweeping hull glass from bow to stern. It’s striking.
With accommodation for a family of four, the Verve 42 is also solid under the hull tokeep everyone safe on those passages. The Verve 42’s hull is built of fiberglass and uses vinylester resins for blister protection. The yacht’s deck and hardtop are comprised of carbon fiber for strength without added weight. This all means that the Azimut Verve 42 is built to CE Classification Type A , making it suitable for sea voyages where winds can exceed 45 mph and seas to 13 feet.
42’4″
12’11”
462 Gal.
66 Gal.
30,865 lbs.
Hinckley Yachts 35
The Hinckley Yachts 35 takes everything that yachtsmen like about this pedigreed-brand’s classic profile and infuses today’s modern outboard power to create 40 knots of sheer fun wrapped in sheer luxury.
This 35-foot Hinckley is built on a Michael-Peters-penned hull form with a fine entry, wider-than-average chines and a moderate deadrise. While the boat is built to sprint when desired, it’s also a relatively economical cruiser. For instance, a comfortable 24-knot cruise the Hinckley Yachts 35 has a 276-nautical-mile range.
It also has a tech-build thanks to vacuum-infused carbon-fiber composites and epoxy resin. An integrated interior structure is infused with the hull adding rigidity. The hull is then post-cured in an 80-foot oven, further strengthening the structure.
38’8″
11′
250 Gal.
35 Gal.
13,174 lbs.
Beneteau Gran Turismo 45
The Beneteau Gran Turismo is the flagship of the builder’s four-model GT series, which also includes 32-, 36- and 41-foot models.
The Gran Turismo 45 ’s cruise-centric layout includes two staterooms and two heads belowdecks, as well as a galley down. There is also a dinette for meals and a settee for rainy-day lounging. Entertaining guests and enjoying the sun is the primary mission of the main deck.
48’6″
13’9″
238 Gal.
106 Gal.
24,782 lbs.
Solaris Power 48 Open
The Solaris Power 48 Open was the first powerboat from this longtime builder known for its sailing yachts, ranging from 40 to 110 feet length overall. The Solaris Power 48 Open is notable for its wave-slicing plumb-bow design, high freeboard forward and 32-knot-plus speed. Power is twin 480 hp Volvo Penta IPS650 diesels.
The high freeboard keeps the deck dry and help creates sizable volume belowdecks with an average 6-foot-6-inch headroom. This enables real estate for either one or two staterooms. With the single-stateroom setup, there is a forepeak master stateroom while an L-shaped settee converts to sleeping accommodations for family or occasional guests. Interior wood options are oak or walnut.
48’8″
15’10”
396 Gal.
114 Gal.
37,037 lbs.
Cruisers Yachts 42 GLS
Outboard-power cruising aficionados will appreciate the triple-engine options for the Cruisers Yachts 42 GLS . The 42 GLS we got aboard had the triple 400 hp Mercury Verados , which produced a top hop of 45 knots, but triple 450 hp Verados are available. Triple 350 hp Mercury Verados are the standard engine option. No matter the power arrangement, this express cruiser can easily be used for wakeboarding and tube towing. The 42 GLS is designed to handle the rough stuff too, with a fine entry and 21-degree transom deadrise.
For cruising enthusiasts, the 42 GLS has a master stateroom with an athwartships and a nearly queen-size berth, and the lower salon’s U-shaped dinette converts to a queen-size berth for the kids.
42′
13′
403 Gal.
50 Gal.
27,000 lbs.
Back Cove 34O
Combining modern outboard power with classic Downeast styling, the Back Cove 34O touts award-winning standards with cruising in mind. The 34O is equipped with twin 300 hp Yamaha outboards, engines that allow the Newport International Boat Show’s 2018 Best Powerboat Under 35 Feet winner to travel up to 214 nautical miles at 24 knots on a 250-gallon fuel tank.
Belowdecks, the 34O has an island double berth and a split-head arrangement with the toilet to port and a separate shower stall to starboard. On the main deck, a U-shape dinette to port accommodates four or more guests on the Back Cove Yachts vessel. The 34O’s galley is equipped with a Cuisinart microwave, a two-burner Kenyon electric cooktop and a Vitrifrigo fridge and freezer.
38’11”
11’10”
242 Gal.
60 Gal.
17,000 lbs.
Picnic Boat 40
Hinckley Yachts unveiled its first Picnic Boat more than two decades ago. Now, after two previous, sub-40-foot models, the Maine-based boatbuilder has developed its largest and most advanced model to date: the Picnic Boat 40.
Twin 480 hp Cummins diesel engines paired to twin Hamilton 322 jet drives propel the yacht to a 30-knot cruising speed and 34 knots on the pins. With optional twin 550 hp Cummins diesels, cruise and top-end speeds jump to 35 and 38 knots, respectively.
There is an L-shaped settee with a table and a wet bar on the main deck to port. The helm station is forward and to starboard with a benchseat for two. There is also a companion seat across from the helm. Belowdecks, there is 6-foot-2-inch headroom, and the dinette table drops to form a California-king berth for overnights and weekending.
42′
12’10”
375 Gal.
80 Gal.
25,000 lbs.
Aquila Power Catamarans started its line with 44- and 48-footers, and now the builder’s Aquila 36 takes the line into the midsize market.
The 36 features a single, main-living area from bow to stern, helped in part by the vessel’s 14-foot, 7-inch beam. The boat can comfortably seat up to 20 guests for fun on the salt. Several Mercury Verado engine options are available for the Aquila 36, including twin 250-, 300- and 350-hp four-strokes. With the 350s, the Aquila has a top-end speed of 37 knots.
Other notable features include a fiberglass hardtop, a dinette, a cooktop, a fridge, a sink and a smokeless grill. Belowdecks, there are two staterooms with nearly queen-size berths, en suite heads and 6-foot-6-inch headroom in each.
36′
14’7″
330 Gal.
52 Gal.
21,572 lbs.
Boston Whaler 350 Realm
From fishing and entertaining guests to diving and overnight cruising, Boston Whaler ‘s 350 Realm is a multitasker. And it’s fast, too. It’s powered with either triple 300 hp or triple 350 hp Mercury Verados. The 350 Realm can reach a top speed of 46 knots.
At the helm, two Raymarine displays provide vital navigation data. The captain can take in the displays’ view from a doublewide helm seat. There’s a flip-down platform for standing when needed and a footrest when desired.
There is a V-shaped berth that converts into a double berth with a filler cushion. The separated head has a VacuFlush MSD and a hot-and-cold shower. Owners also have the option to add a microwave and a flat-screen TV.
35’6″
10’10”
385 Gal.
45 Gal.
18,830 lbs.
The MJM 35z can reach a top speed of 44 knots and a cruising speed of 33 knots on its optional 350 hp Mercury Verado outboards; twin 300 hp outboards are standard on this MJM Yachts vessel. Additionally, the 35z can travel up to 304 nautical miles on its 250-gallon fuel tank.
The 35z has a flush-deck layout and to port is space for an electric grill, a baitwell, a sink, an ice maker and a fridge. There are two Stidd helm seats—one for the helmsman and the other for a copilot—that rotate to face the rest of the seating aft. In the cabin is V-shaped seating forward that can be converted to a berth.
Owners also have the option of adding a Seakeeper 3 gyrostabilizer and a full-length Bimini top to shade the cockpit.
38’3″
11′
250 Gal.
58 Gal.
13,279 lbs.
Greenline 39
Greenline Yachts ‘ vessels are aptly named for their environmentally friendly means of moving about; the Greenline 39 is no different. The Slovenian yacht manufacturer produces two types of this model: hybrid and solar.
If owners opt for the latter, the 39’s four solar panels atop the salon power all of the vessel’s systems for three hours. With the power of the sun, the 39 can achieve a max speed of 6.5 knots and a cruising speed of 4 knots. The hybrid type uses those same panels to help power a 220 hp Volvo Penta D3 with a Mahle electric-drive system. Owners have the option of replacing the standard engine with a 370 hp Yanmar 8LV diesel.
Belowdecks, scissor berths provide accommodations for long weekends.
39’5″
12’4″
185 Gal.
105 Gal.
15,432 lbs.
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Home » Blog » Bluewater sailboats » The best bluewater sailboats (we analyzed 2,000 boats to find out)
The best bluewater sailboats (we analyzed 2,000 boats to find out)
By Author Fiona McGlynn
Posted on Last updated: May 16, 2023
We analyzed two-thousand bluewater sailboats to bring you a list of proven offshore designs
What are the best bluewater sailboats?
This was a question we asked a lot of experienced cruisers when we decided to sail across the Pacific. We needed a boat after all, and we wanted to buy the best bluewater sailboat we could afford.
We heard a lot of strong opinions.
Some sailors thought it was reckless to go offshore in any boat that didn’t have a full keel.
Others prioritized performance, and wouldn’t dream of going anywhere in a slow boat like the Westsail 32 (a.k.a. a “Wet Snail 32”).
Opinions like these left us feeling confused like we had to choose between safety and performance.
If we learned anything from these conversations, it’s that what makes a bluewater boat is a hotly debated topic!
However, there’s a way to cut through all the opinions and get to the bottom of it. The solution is….
We analyzed just under 2,000 boats embarking on ocean crossings (over a 12 year time period) and came up with a list of the ten best bluewater sailboats.
Where did we get our data?
The data for our best bluewater sailboats list comes from 12 years of entries in the Pacific Puddle Jump (PPJ), an annual cross-Pacific rally. We took part in 2017 and had a ball!
You can read about the methodology we used to analyze this data at the bottom of the post.
What do we mean by “best”?
We know, that word is overused on the internet!
Simply, based on our data set, these were the most common makes and models entered in the PPJ cross-Pacific rally. There were at least 10 PPJ rally entries for every make of boat on our top 10 list.
So, these boats are 100% good to go?
No! A bluewater boat isn’t necessarily a seaworthy boat. Almost every cruiser we know made substantial repairs and additions to get their offshore boat ready, adding watermakers , life rafts, solar panels, and more.
Also, you should always have a boat inspected by a professional and accredited marine surveyor before buying it or taking it offshore.
But my bluewater baby boat isn’t on this list!?
There are hundreds of excellent bluewater yachts that are not on this list. For instance, we sailed across the Pacific in a Dufour 35, which didn’t even come close to making our top 10 list.
Choosing the right boat is very much an individual journey.
Where can I find these bluewater boats for sale?
We recognize that a top 10 list won’t get you very far if you’re shopping for a bluewater boat (especially if you’re looking in the used market).
So, to help you find your perfect boat, we’re going to create a big list of bluewater boats that you can use to refine your search on Yachtworld, Craigslist, or any other places to buy a used boat .
Sign up for our newsletter to get our big list of bluewater boats list as soon as it comes out.
We’re also working on a series of posts by size class. For example, if you’re looking for a smaller boat, you can narrow it down to the best bluewater sailboats under 40 feet .
Takeaways from our analysis
There were no big surprises on an individual boat level. All of these makes are considered good cruisers, some of them are even best-selling designs! However, there were a few things that caught our eye.
“Go simple, go small, go now” still holds water
We were thrilled to see the smallest boat in our roundup at the very top of the list! Westsail 32 owners can take pride in their small but mighty yachts (and ignore all those snail-sayers).
While undoubtedly there’s been a trend towards bigger bluewater cruisers in recent years, small cruising sailboats seem to be holding their own. 60% of the monohulls on this list were under 40 feet (if you count the Valiant 40 which sneaks just under at 39.92 feet).
Cat got our tongue
So, we knew catamarans were a thing, but we didn’t fully appreciate HOW popular they’d become!
50% of our top 10 bluewater boat list consists of catamarans—a good fact to toss out the next time you’re trying to garner a happy hour invite on the party boat next door (which will undoubtedly be a catamaran).
Still got it!
We’ve got good news for all you good old boat lovers! 60% of the boats on our list were first built before 2000.
While these older models are less performance-oriented than modern designs, cruisers value these boats for their ability to stand up to rough seas and heavy weather. It just goes to show that solid bones and classic looks never go out of style.
Alright, without further ado, let’s dive into our list of the 10 best bluewater boats!
The 10 best bluewater boats
1. Westsail 32
The Westsail 32 is one of the most iconic bluewater cruisers and 19 have set out to cross the Pacific in the PPJ rally since 2009.
In 1973, this small cruising sailboat garnered a 4-page spread in Time magazine. The article inspired many Americans to set sail and the Westsail 32, with its double-ender design, set the standard for what a real bluewater cruiser should look like.
There were approximately 830 built between 1971 and 1980.
This small boat has taken sailors on ocean crossings and circumnavigations. Though considered “slow” by some, the heavily-built Westsail 32 has developed a loyal following for her other excellent offshore cruising characteristics.
If you’re interested in small bluewater sailboats, check out our post on the best small sailboats for sailing around the world .
LOA
32.00 ft / 9.75 m
First built
1971
Builder
Westsail (USA)
Designer
W. Crealock / W. Atkin
Hull type
Long keel, trans. hung rudder
Rig type
Cutter
Displacement
19,500 lb / 8,845 kg
2. Lagoon 380
The Lagoon 380 is a reliable, solidly built catamaran and considered roomy for its size. We counted 18 of them in our data set. With over 800 boats built , it may be one of the best-selling catamarans in the world. Like the other boats on this list, the Lagoon 380 has proven itself on long passages and ocean crossings, winning it many loyal fans.
LOA
37.89 ft / 11.55 m
First built
2000
Builder
Jeanneau (FRA)
Designer
V. Peteghem / L. Prévost
type
Cat. twin keel
Rig type
Fractional sloop
Displacement
16,005 lb / 7,260 kg
More specifications
3. Lagoon 440
18 Lagoon 440s have set out to cross the Pacific in the PPJ rally since 2009.
Why leave the comforts of home, when you can take them with you? The Lagoon 440 is a luxurious long-range cruiser, offering beautiful wood joinery, spacious accommodations, and a deluxe galley. Oh, and you have the option of an electric boat motor !
SAIL and Sailing Magazine have both done in-depth reviews of the Lagoon 440 if you want to learn more.
LOA
44.65 ft / 13.61 m
First built
2004
Builder
Lagoon (FRA)
Designer
V. Peteghem / L. Prévost
Hull type
Cat. twin keel
Rig type
Fractional sloop
Displacement
26,786 lb / 12,150 kg
4. Amel Super Maramu (incl. SM 2000)
If you follow the adventures of SV Delos on YouTube, you probably know that the star of the show (SV Delos— in case the title didn’t give it away ) is an Amel Super Maramu. These classic bluewater sailboats can be found all over the world, proof they can go the distance.
We counted 16 Amel Super Maramus and Super Maramu 2000s in our list of PPJ entries.
Ready to join the cult of Amel? Read more about the iconic brand in Yachting World.
LOA
52.49 ft / 16.00 m
First built
1989
Builder
Amel (FRA)
Designer
H. Amel / J. Carteau
Hull type
Wing keel
Rig type
Masthead ketch
Displacement
35,274 lb / 16,000 kg
5. Valiant 40
When I interviewed legendary yacht designer, Bob Perry, for Good Old Boat in 2019, he told me that the Valiant 40 was one of the boats that most defined him and marked the real start of his career.
At the time, heavy displacement cruisers were considered sluggish and slow, especially in light winds.
Perry’s innovation with the Valiant 40 was to combine a classic double ender above the waterline, with an IOR racing hull shape below the waterline. The result was the first “performance cruiser”, a blockbuster hit, with over 200 boats built in the 1970s.
It’s no surprise we counted 16 Valiant 40s in our data set.
Cruising World magazine dubbed it “a fast, comfortable, and safe cruising yacht,” and there’s no doubt it’s covered some serious nautical miles.
It’s worth noting that there were blistering problems with hull numbers 120-249 (boats built between 1976 and 1981). Later models did not have this problem. Despite the blistering issues, the Valiant 40 remains one of the most highly thought of bluewater designs.
LOA
39.92 ft / 12.17 m
First built
1973
Builder
Uniflite/Valiant (USA)
Designer
R. Perry
Hull type
Fin keel, rudder on skeg
Rig type
Cutter
Displacement
23,520 lb / 10,668 kg
6. TAYANA 37
The Tayana 37 is another hugely popular Perry design. The first boat rolled off the production line in 1976 and since then, nearly 600 boats have been built. Beautiful classic lines and a proven track record have won the Tayana 37 a devoted following of offshore enthusiasts.
12 Tayana 37s have set out to cross the Pacific in the PPJ rally since 2009. Read more about the Tayana 37 in this Practical Sailor review .
LOA
36.67 ft / 11.18 m
First built
1976
Builder
Ta Yang (TWN)
Designer
R. Perry
Hull type
Long keel
Rig type
Cutter
Displacement
22,500 lb / 10,206 kg
7. Lagoon 450
If this list is starting to sound like a paid advertisement, I swear we’re not on Lagoon’s payroll! This is the third Lagoon on our list, but the data doesn’t lie. Lagoon is making some of the best cruising sailboats.
The 450 has been a hot seller for Lagoon, with over 800 built since its launch in 2014. While not a performance cat, the Lagoon 450 travels at a reasonable speed and is brimming with luxury amenities.
At least 12 owners in the PPJ rally chose the Lagoon 450 to take them across the Pacific. It’s no wonder SAIL had so many good things to say about it.
LOA
45.80 ft / 13.96 m
First built
2014
Builder
Lagoon (FRA)
Designer
V. Peteghem / L. Prévost
Hull type
Cat. twin keel
Rig type
Fractional sloop
Displacement
33,075 lb / 15,003 kg
8. Fountaine Pajot Bahia 46
There were 11 Fountaine Pajot Bahia 46s in our data set.
Fountaine Pajot released the Bahia 46 in 1997, a sleek design for traveling long distances. Its generously-sized water and fuel tanks along with ample storage for cruising gear are a real plus for the self-sufficient sailor.
According to Cruising World , “Cruising-cat aficionados should put the Bahia 46 on their “must-see” list.”
LOA
46.10 ft / 14.05 m
First built
1997
Builder
Fountaine Pajot (FRA)
Designer
Joubert-Nivelt
Hull type
Cat. twin keel
Rig type
Fractional sloop
Displacement
21,385 lb / 9,700 kg
See
9. Catalina 42 (MKI, MKII)
10 Catalina 42s (MKI and MKII) have set out to cross the Pacific in the PPJ rally since 2009.
The Catalina 42 was designed under the guidance of the legendary yacht designer and Catalina’s chief engineer, Gerry Douglas.
One of Catalina’s philosophies is to offer “as much boat for the money as possible,” and the Catalina 42 is no exception. According to Practical Sailor , Catalina aims to price its boats 15% to 20% below major production boats like Hunter and Beneteau.
Practical Sailor has a great in-depth review of the Catalina 42 .
LOA
41.86 ft / 12.76 m
First built
1989
Builder
Catalina (USA)
Designer
Catalina
Hull type
Fin keel, spade rudder
Rig type
Masthead sloop
Displacement
20,500 lb / 9,299 kg
10. Leopard 46
Since 2009, 10 Leopard 46s have embarked on Pacific crossings in the PPJ rally.
Leopards have won legions of fans for their high build quality, robust engineering, and excellent performance.
The Leopard 46 also boasts something of a racing pedigree. It was built in South Africa by Robertson and Caine and designed by Gino Morelli and Pete Melvin, who came up with the record-breaking catamaran Playstation / Cheyenne 125 .
Read more about the Leopard 46 in this Cruising World review .
LOA
46.32 ft / 14.12 m
First built
2006
Builder
Robertson & Caine (RSA)
Designer
Morelli & Melvin
Hull type
Cat. twin keel
Rig type
Fractional sloop
Displacement
24,206 lb / 10,980 kg
Methodology
What the data is and isn’t.
The PPJ data was a real boon because it reflects a wide range of cruising boats: small, big, old, new, expensive, and affordable. We think this may be because the PPJ is a very financially accessible rally—the standard entry cost is $125 or $100 if you’re under 35 (age or boat length!).
We did look at data from other (pricier) rallies but found that the results skewed towards more expensive boats.
Needless to say, the data we used is just a sample of the bluewater boats that crossed the Pacific over the last 10+ years. Many cruisers cross oceans without participating in a rally!
Entries vs. completions
The data we used is a list of the PPJ entries, not necessarily the boats that completed the rally. In instances where we saw the same boat entered multiple years in a row, we assumed they’d postponed their crossing and deleted all but the latest entry to avoid double counting.
Boat make variations
The world of boat building and naming can get pretty complicated. Sometimes a manufacturer changes a boat’s name a year or two into production, other times the name remains the same but the boat undergoes a dramatic update.
For the most part, we’ve used SailboatData.com’s classification system (if they list the boats separately, then we have also), except where there are two separately listed models that have the same LOA, beam, and displacement.
Fiona McGlynn is an award-winning boating writer who created Waterborne as a place to learn about living aboard and traveling the world by sailboat. She has written for boating magazines including BoatUS, SAIL, Cruising World, and Good Old Boat. She’s also a contributing editor at Good Old Boat and BoatUS Magazine. In 2017, Fiona and her husband completed a 3-year, 13,000-mile voyage from Vancouver to Mexico to Australia on their 35-foot sailboat.
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2024 Boat of the Year Best Trimaran: Dragonfly 40 Ultimate
By Dave Reed
December 20, 2023
“Classy.” That was the first word that came to mind for Boat of the Year judge Mike Ingham when he stepped aboard the formidable 40-foot trimaran from Dragonfly, an unexpected and welcome late entry to the competition in Annapolis. “It almost feels as if the boat is intentionally understated but overdelivered because once you start looking closer at the details and craftsmanship, it just keeps getting more impressive.”
Builder and company owner Jens Quorning, whose family has been building trimarans in southern Denmark since 1967, says the Dragonfly 40 is the biggest boat they now build and a worthy holder of the flagship title. “Building a boat of this scale is complicated,” he says of the folding trimaran. “It takes three years to develop a new design, and this is for owners looking for a bigger boat, with better performance, capable of more long-distance sailing.”
The result is a powerful trimaran aimed at experienced owners who appreciate the sheer pleasure of racing and cruising on three hulls. This is not your average production multihull. It is a powerful and luxurious sailing machine capable of knocking off fast miles in comfort. Slip down below and you’re immediately immersed in a master class of woodwork and joinery. There are berths for four, including a giant master under the cockpit, plenty of standing headroom, and a comfortable salon and galley arrangement that’s monohull-cozy. “We do not offer a big house on the water,” Quorning tells the judges. “But if you really want a fine and elegant yacht with double-digit sailing, this is what we do.”
For our tests, Dragonfly presented its Ultimate edition, the midrange version. An upscaled Performance model is an all-carbon version with a taller mast. And in the lightest wind of the week, sub-10 knots, the trimaran teased the judges with its potential. Still, in the light stuff, the boat delivered a winning experience.
“It was a dream to sail upwind and downwind, almost effortlessly,” Ingham says. “With the gennaker up, at about 100 degrees true, we were going faster than the wind, and with winch pods on each side of the steering wheel, everything was as ergonomic as you could possibly imagine. The electric winches made it a cinch to furl and unfurl the headsails through the tacks and jibes, and the sails trimmed in perfectly every time.”
The feather-light feel of the helm, Ingham adds, was as smooth as a balanced dinghy. “With tiny movements on the wheel, the boat would immediately respond, but I could also walk away from the helm for a few minutes and the boat would stay right on track. Crazy—I think it steered itself better than I did.”
That’s the trait of a good trimaran, Greg Stewart says. The Dragonfly 40 has a lot of buoyancy in the bows, and while the center hull is substantial, the tall trussed rig and square top mainsail provide plenty of power. “The biggest thing that struck me is how easily accessible everything is,” Stewart says. “Clearly, every detail is painstakingly thought out, and I can’t believe how beautifully built the interior is. It’s top-notch, from the glasswork to the paintwork inside and out. Down below, we were all blown away by the finish.”
There’s no denying the boat is expensive at upward of $1 million, but the test boat had quality race sails, a full electric-winch package, and a long list of high-spec extras. At nearly 15,000 pounds light, it’s a substantial boat—not trailerable, but foldable with Dragonfly’s trademark technique that Corning describes as mimicking parallel rules. The floats are 2 feet longer than the center hull, with buoyancy pushed well forward into the reversed bows, and the center hull is narrow at the waterline before sweeping upward to a high and hard chine. This pronounced hull shape allows for the generous amount of headroom, and high bench seats that flank a long centerline table, which can, of course, drop down to create a double-size berth.
Allen noted that the center hull’s wide side decks provide a secure pathway to the bow, rather than across the trampolines. He was also impressed with the ease of sailing the boat and the comfort belowdecks. “When we were doing 9 knots, I went below and there was silence. It’s comfortable and beautiful. It would be a blast to do some long point-to-point racing on it, doublehanded or with like a crew of four, max.”
Stewart agreed, adding that beyond its noteworthy gunkholing attributes, the engine is well aft on the center hull, allowing it to be motored safely into shallow anchorages. The daggerboard is mechanically raised into the trunk, and the rudder kicks up. “I also think it would be great for a distance race or rally type of event,” Stewart says. “Its performance and versatility are what appeal to me, but the build quality is what really sets it apart.”
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My Cruiser Life Magazine
17 Best Sailboats to Live On + What You Should Know First
Many dream of living aboard a sailboat, but finding the right one can be daunting. There are many different types, and countless manufacturers have come and gone over the years.
Here’s a list of 17 options – a sailboat for every sailor on every kind of budget.
Table of Contents
17 best sailboats to live on, pros of living aboard a sailboat, cons of boat life.
Find Your Type of Boat
Set Your Boat Budget
What size boat to pick, best liveaboard sailboats under 35 feet (< 35 feet), best liveaboard sailboats under 40 feet (35–40 feet), best liveaboard sailboats under 45 feet (40–45 feet), best liveaboard sailboats under 50 feet (45–50 feet), best liveaboard sailboats under 60 feet (50–60 feet), want to live on a sailboat, best sailboats to live on faqs.
Catalina 34/35
Panda/Baba 35, Tashiba 36a
Gemini 105MC
Islander Freeport 36
Passport 40
Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 42DS
Leopard 42/43
Beneteau Oceanis 473
Hallberg Rassy 46/48
Leopard 46/Moorings
Amel Super Maramu 2000
Privilege 585
What to Know First
So, boat shopping is a challenge, to say the least. Understanding where to start and what to look for comes down to understanding what you want to do with your boat.
Here’s a look at some pros and cons of living aboard to get you started.
Seaside living at a fraction of the cost of a waterfront home
Ability to travel anywhere by water
Ability to move anytime—not tied to one location/town
Different liveaboard lifestyle options to choose from: at a dock, mooring, anchoring, cruising (traveling)—tired of one, mix it up for a different experience
Small living space lacks storage and privacy
Limited resources: you must meter your fuel, water, and electricity use when not at a dock
More exposed to the elements and more affected by weather events
Seating and furnishings are less comfortable than in a house
Constant maintenance to keep the boat seaworthy and clean
How to Find the Best Boat to Live on Year Round
At first, you might think boat shopping is like looking for a new car. But when shopping for a car, you have a small pool of manufacturers and models to choose from. In the end, you might have five choices and already have an opinion about each maker’s quality and reputation.
Boats are different. We’re usually shopping for boats that are a decade or more old. The manufacturers may have gone out of business years ago. When you total up all the possible makes and models of each type of boat, you might have dozens of choices with brands you’ve never heard of. Yikes!
Find Your Type of Boat
There are dozens of types of boats you could live on, depending on where you want to live and where you want to take it. Most people shopping for a sailboat will choose between coastal cruisers, bluewater boats, and sailing catamarans.
Here are some of the pros and cons of these sailboat types.
The Coastal Cruiser
Inexpensive compared to bluewater and catamarans
Perfect for dock living or near-shore hops
With modifications and the right outfitting, many have island-hopped the Caribbean
Many to choose from, and often they are lightly used
Designs are often race-inspired and faster than typical heavy bluewater boats
Newer, bigger boat for your money
Often production boats have low-quality, lightweight builds
Related: Best Trailerable Sailboats
The Bluewater Sailboat
The best bluewater cruising sailboats are capable of going anywhere
Built to last and take anything
Give the most comfortable ride in rough conditions
Newer examples are expensive
Good ones sell quickly
Older vessels may be tired and in need of an extensive refit
Often lack the living space that coastal cruisers have—narrower beams and transoms
The Catamaran
Cruising cats have the maximum living space, especially cockpit dining and upper salon
Light-filled with plenty of airflow, perfect for the tropics and living at anchor
Larger models (40+ feet) are bluewater boats capable of going nearly anywhere
A shallower draft than most monohulls allows for more cruising and anchoring choices
More expensive to purchase, keep, and maintain than similar-sized monohulls
The most in-demand vessels, prices are high and good ones sell fast
Sometimes hard or expensive to find dock space and boatyards that can haul it out for maintenance
Still unsure which side of the monohull vs. catamaran debate you’re on? Try to get aboard some boats and experience the living space first-hand.
Everyone has a budget when going boat shopping, even if you’re Jeff Bezos or Elon Musk. Establishing how much you can spend on your boat is the biggest factor that will affect your decision, and it’s the backbone for all other decisions.
You must understand just how much boat costs increase as the size of boat increases. Boats are already expensive, and the average cost of owning and buying a liveaboard sailboat varies dramatically. But when the boat gets bigger, it needs bigger hardware, lines, rigging, sails, motors…everything. And bigger means more expensive, so these costs add up fast.
And then there are your storage and boat maintenance costs, all of which are charged per foot. The marina might charge you $15 per foot/per month for a dock slip, and the boatyard will similarly charge you per foot to haul and store the boat. Divers charge per foot for bottom cleaning, as do detailers for annual compounding and waxing of the hull.
When it comes to budgeting, there are two rules of thumb.
Always pick the smallest boat you can comfortably live on.
If you have an amount budgeted for your boat purchase, spend half on the boat and save the other half for outfitting and maintenance.
As you’ll see below, boats can be grouped by price and size. When you go up in size, you go up in price—often by a lot.
The size of the boat is a factor of your budget, but also of how big a boat you can handle. Most people believe this means driving it and maneuvering it, which is true to some extent. But a good training captain can teach you what you need to know to drive any size boat in just a few sessions.
No, the size of the boat you can manage refers more to how much maintenance you want to do. The bigger the boat, the more complex and plentiful its systems. There’s more to break on a bigger boat, and more things broken means more time fixing things.
Catamarans compound this by doubling a lot of the systems. Two engines, two saildrives, two hulls to wax, two hulls to bottom paint—you get the idea.
Another factor you should consider early on is getting insurance. Yacht insurance has gotten harder and harder to get in recent years. If you’ve never owned a boat and have no experience, you might be forced to get something small (think an under 30-foot daysailor) to get some experience on before you move up. It’s also difficult because many underwriters won’t write policies for liveaboards.
As a general rule of thumb, most people will find boats under 35 feet too small to live on full-time. Most of these vessels don’t even have standing headroom. There is often only a “wet head,” one where you take showers while sitting on the toilet.
Boats 35 to 40 feet are good for solo travelers or couples who don’t mind living in small quarters. The beds will be small and accessed only from one side, as in a v-berth or a Pullman-style berth. If there is one, the second bunk is likely only for the occasional guest.
You’ll get better accommodations when you move up to 40 to 45 footers. The second bunk may be in its own stateroom. The main suite will have an island-style berth that can be accessed from both sides—a huge upgrade for most couples. The head will likely have a separate, enclosed shower. This size sailing yacht makes a good liveaboard sailboat for most boaters.
Boats bigger than 45 feet are best for bigger families. If you often travel with kids or guests, these are the boats for you. They’re extremely spacious and make boat living easy, but the extra maintenance and cost may not be worth it.
The List — Best Sailboats to Live Aboard
All lists, whether found in internet blogs or international sailing magazines, have issues. There’s no one list to rule them all because there are simply too many different boats out there. And everyone uses their boat differently, so the “best” for you might be a terrible choice for me. Different boats for different folks, so to say.
So, what’s the deal with this list? It’s made from personal experience of having seen a lot of boats out cruising. And it’s a list that tries to put aside the fantasies—Oysters and Gunboats are pretty in magazines, but like Ferraris, not many of us will ever own one. So let’s look at some practical boats that fill each size category.
For every boat on this list, a dozen or more could’ve been included. Use these models to research brands and see which sizes suit your needs.
Boats under 35 feet tend to be best suited for solo travelers or couples comfortable living in small spaces. As always, coastal cruisers in this class have much more space than bluewater boats do. Catamarans in this class are also coastal cruisers—you need more length and volume to get real bluewater performance out of a cat. No matter which type of boat you’re looking at here, storage space on this size of liveaboard boat will be limited.
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Coastal Cruiser Under 35 — Catalina 34/35
If you want to move aboard, you’re on a budget, and you want the most space you can get, it’s really hard to beat an older Catalina. Starting with the Catalina 30, these beamy boats have a surprising interior volume. They make great first liveaboards.
Bluewater Sailor Under 35 — Panda/Baba 35, Tashiba 36
The famous yacht designer Bob Perry drew these Taiwanese-built boats, all tracing their lineage to the older Tayana 37 . They’re updated slightly and built by different yards, but all full keels with cutaways and built for bluewater cruising. They all have gorgeous teak joinery and are comfortable and forgiving at sea.
Catamaran Under 35 — Gemini 105MC
The Gemini 105M and 105MC were arguably the most popular cat models ever. They’re American-built, with a single diesel engine and a narrow beam that allows them to be parked in a standard boat slip. In the US, this means many more marina choices if that’s how you roll. The boat has centerboards and kick-up rudders, so the board-up draft is a scant 18 inches—gunkholing perfection.
While some Geminis have crossed oceans, they aren’t made for it. They have average (sometimes below-average) build quality and fiberglass work. However, they’re perfect coastal cruisers and capable of heading into The Bahamas.
The Gemini should be on your shortlist if you’re looking for a cheap catamaran .
Runner Up: PDQ 32
Are you looking for a small cat with better build quality? They didn’t make many of them, but the PDQ 32 is what you seek. It’s an attractive small catamaran with a wider beam. It came with twin outboards in wells, but the LRC (long-range cruiser) option had inboard diesels.
Forty feet is the sweet spot for most cruising couples—big enough to be comfortable and carry enough provisions but small enough that handling and maintenance are manageable. This class of boat has a lot of excellent choices in both coastal cruiser and bluewater boats, making it a good size range to find the perfect affordable liveaboard sailboat.
The catamaran group from 35 to 40 feet has a few very popular choices, but they are right on the edge of being too small for most cruisers. Counterintuitively, these cats are perfect for couples who don’t mind downsizing and traveling lightly. These shorter cats are prone to hobby horsing and don’t provide as comfortable a ride in bluewater as slightly longer cats do.
Coastal Cruiser Under 40 — Islander Freeport 36
The Islander brand is no longer around, but these California-built production boats from the 1970s and 80s were well-built and well-liked. The I32 and I36 were very popular cruising boats designed by Bob Perry. The Freeport 36 is a before-its-time European deck salon with enormous windows. The swing-down swim platform is another bonus for a boat from this era, as are the Pullman-style berth and forepeak-located head (some layouts). If you can find one in good condition, these boats make excellent liveaboards.
Bluewater Sailor Under 40 — Passport 40
Yet another boat from the desk of Bob Perry, the Passport 40, is a sharp-looking aft-cockpit bluewater cruiser from one of the best yards in Taiwan. They feature a long fin keel and skeg-mounted rudder. Everything about this sloop is just right for long-term cruising.
Catamaran Under 40 — Prout 38
The Prout 38 traces its heritage back to the earlier Prout Snowgoose. The boat is still being made, now under the Broadblue brand. It’s a sturdy British-built cat made for serious offshoring. While it lacks some of the open feeling that newer charter boats have, it more than makes up for it with its robust and high-quality build.
Runner Up: Leopard 40 (2005-2009)
This early L40 (don’t get confused with the newer ones built around 2020) was designed by famous multihull designers Morelli and Melvin. It’s got more of the things you might expect from your typical charter cat: a sliding salon door, galley-up layout, and a huge walk-through cockpit.
While this seems a small step up from the size of boats above, prices increase rapidly above the 40-foot mark. At this point, the boat’s gear needs to be bigger and heavier, from all the lines and rigging to each block and winch. Engines are now larger four-cylinder diesels, and there’s much more hull area to clean and paint.
A 45-foot coastal cruiser has enough space to keep a small family happy for short trips or a couple happy for any length of time. These boats usually have island berths in a spacious master bedroom, so no more crawling over each other just to go to the bathroom! Bluewater boats in this class are a little smaller inside, making them just right for most couples doing a long-term cruise.
As far as catamarans go, the 40 to 45-foot range is the perfect sweet spot for most cruising couples. A spacious interior plus excellent seakeeping abilities make these top picks. There are tons of boat choices out there, and most of the best cruising catamarans come from this size group.
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Coastal Cruiser Under 45 — Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 42DS
Jeanneau is part of Groupe Beneteau , but their boats often have a more refined finish than Beneteaus. The DS stands for “deck salon.” They feature larger windows that let in more light and have better visibility than a standard cruiser. This is especially welcome if you’re attracted to the living space in a catamaran but need something smaller and more affordable.
The 42DS also has an enormous island berth, plus a huge twin-helm cockpit with lots of space for entertaining.
Bluewater Sailor Under 45 — Hylas 44
The Hylass 44 is regularly picked as one of the best offshore cruising boats. It’s a center cockpit boat designed by German Frers. It has a wonderful layout with tons of living space and a large, usable galley. The aft cabin has a large island berth with an en suite head.
Catamaran Under 45 — Leopard 42/43 (2001-2006)
These early Leopard charter cats are highly sought after on the used market. Like all charter cats, the best finds are the “owners versions” with one hull dedicated to the master stateroom with en suite head and shower. The Leopard 42, which came out in 2002, had a soft canvas cover over the cockpit and was updated to the Leopard 43 with a hardtop.
Above 45 feet is another big price jump. For beginners, these big boats will require some training and experience before you head out on your own.
Related: Best Boat for Beginners
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Coastal Cruiser Under 50 — Beneteau Oceanis 473
This big Beneteau came with either 2, 3, or 4 staterooms. Finding the right layout is as important as finding the right boat. The two-stateroom version has enormous berths and lots of storage, perfect for couples with occasional guests or families of three. Most have the standard keel with less than a six-foot draft, making this fin keel/spade rudder boat a rare find. They were built from 2000 to 2005.
Bluewater Sailor Under 50 — Hallberg Rassy 46/48
Hallberg Rassys are well-regarded boats built in Sweden, mostly designed by German Frers. These are high-end boats of the best quality, so don’t expect to find one available cheaply. They’re gorgeous, however, and make wonderful world cruisers.
Catamaran Under 50 — Leopard 46/Moorings 4600 (2006)
If you want a big catamaran, it’s hard to go wrong with the 2006 Leopard 46. Where modern Lagoon and Leopards have tall profiles with tons of windage, this is one of the newest, largest boats that still have single-level living. It has distinctive hull chines that increase living space without increasing wetted surface and plenty of sail area for good performance. In true Leopard fashion, all lines are led to the helm for easy short-handed cruising despite the boat’s large size.
Boats in this class are borderline yachts based on their sheer size. If you were to charter these boats, they’d usually come with a crew. That size means they’re more expensive and more of a handful to manage daily.
Coastal Cruiser Under 60 — Irwin 54
The Irwin brand is long gone, but many examples are available on the used market. They were known especially for their large center cockpit ketches, like this 54-footer. This is a spacious, big water boat that certainly meets the qualifications of most bluewater boats. They can go anywhere, but they may need maintenance and refit given their ages.
Don’t get to lured by the low prices of these boats. You’ll have to lay out some serious cash to get one ready to cruise long-range. But if you aren’t opposed to some hard work and projecting, the Irwin can get you a lot of boat for not much money.
Bluewater Sailor Under 60 — Amel Super Maramu 2000 (53′)
Made famous by the Delos YouTube channel, the Amel is a French-built brand of high-quality bluewater boats. Today, this brand’s new models look like many others—wide sterned, flat-bottomed sloops. But the Maramus that made them famous were unique—ketch rigged and ruggedly built, designed to take a cruising couple anywhere. Electric winches were standard on everything to keep such a large boat easy to operate.
Catamaran Under 60 — Privilege 585
Privilege is the French-made catamaran that you don’t hear enough about. Unlike Lagoon and Fountaine Pajot, these are beefy cruising boats ready to take you anywhere. Their construction and fit-and-finish are first-rate, as is the joinery down below.
Living on a sailboat is an adventure—it’s not for everyone. Finding the right boat is an important part of doing it successfully, but it’s not the only step in preparing for the lifestyle.
You should also consider checking my post on liveaboard catamaran options, to make sure you research thoroughly enough!
What makes a great liveaboard sailboat?
Everyone’s priorities for a liveaboard sailboat are different—a bluewater cruiser looking to sail around the world might pick a very different boat from someone who lives full-time dock life. In general terms, you need to find a boat that is safely capable of taking you where you want to go and has enough living space to be comfortable while doing it.
Sailing catamarans are some of the most popular liveaboard sailboats because their living space is unmatched. Most are also bluewater-capable cruisers that can go pretty much anywhere.
What is the best size sailboat to live on?
The size of the boat you’ll be comfortable on long term is a personal choice that depends on your personality and the number of people you’ll be traveling with. Solo travelers may be content with a sailboat around 30 feet, while most couples are comfortable on something around 40 feet. Forty-five to fifty feet is more realistic if you often have guests or kind on board.
With all of this in mind, however, it’s really important to remember that the costs of buying and maintaining a sailboat increase exponentially with length. Getting the smallest boat you are comfortable living on is always better because that will be easier to manage and keep in the long run.
What are the negatives of living on a sailboat?
People live on their sailboats differently, so it’s difficult to narrow down the biggest negatives. Everyone struggles with the small living space that a boat affords. You’ll have to downsize your possessions to the absolute minimum you need. And getting personal space away from your spouse or family is pretty much impossible on a small boat.
Why are sailboats so expensive?
New boats require a massive investment in time and resources to produce. The nicer the boat, the more time and skill it takes to build, which makes costs soar. Some production companies, like Beneteau, have found ways to reduce production costs and keep the price of new boats more reasonable. But these boats pale compared to other yachts in terms of overall quality.
Older used boats can be found pretty cheaply. In fact, it’s often possible to find free or nearly-free boats that are on their way to the junkyard or dumpster. The key is understanding how much work and money it will take to get these boats ready to go again.
Is it a good idea to live on a sailboat?
Living on a boat is an amazing way to experience seaside living or traveling the world by water. But it’s also a unique, out-of-the-ordinary lifestyle choice that’s not without challenges.
Before you move onto a sailboat, you’ll want to research the topic carefully and talk to some folks who already to it. Many people start with occasional boating, spending a week or more onboard to try it out. With a little experience, it’s easy to see if it’s something you could do for the long term or if it’s best to keep a land house and enjoy the water occasionally.
Can you live comfortably on a sailboat?
Many people live comfortably on sailboats, but a lot depends on the size of the sailboat and your tolerance for living in a small space. Even the largest sailboats can feel cramped, while some folks love the cozy feeling of living on the tiniest boats.
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.
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42ft Catamaran Models Comparisons
We compare the specifications, dimensions, sail area, and pricing on the most popular 42ft catamarans in 2020. The Lagoon 42 , Bali 4.2 , FP Astrea 42 , and Leopard 42 are within a similar price range and dimensions, but there are major differences. Let’s compare apples to apples to see how the match up.
42Ft Catamaran Model Specifications
42ft Catamaran Deck Layout Comparisons
42ft Catamaran Flybridge Layout Comparison
42ft Catamaran Sail Plan Comparisons
42ft Catamaran Cabin Layouts Comparisons
3-cabin layout.
4-Cabin Layout
Compare 42ft Catamaran Interior Features
The Bali 4.2 has all the popular and successful trademarks expected of the Bali catamaran range. It has the huge open platform which provides a convertible indoor/outdoor living space using tilting “garage door” that lifts up into the ceiling. The convertible door is a unique feature on the Bali. When open, it look like a much bigger catamaran. The Bali 4.2 also features a door in the front of the salon that opens up onto the expansive forward cockpit. With the 4.2 Bali has adopted the newer trend of “Jack & Jill” bathrooms in the 4-cabin version which creates more space in the cabins. The big American-style refrigerator is another popular feature especially for families and liveaboards.
The Lagoon 42 is one of the most popular models for cruising couples. She is a beefy and a very comfortable liveaboard catamaran with an oversized cockpit. The mast is centered in the salon which could be a deal breaker for some, but considering how many L42s we have sold, it does not seem to bother the people who own and adore them. The galley lacks storage, but there is space available to add cabinets and baskets. The cabins are ample with island beds and plenty of storage, particularly the owner’s cabin. It features the “Jack & Jill” bathrooms in the 4-cabin version, a great use of space.
The Leopard 42 features all the popular and successful trademarks of the hugely successful Leopard 50. Like its big sister, it features the opening door to an intimate forward cockpit. The semi-raised helm station and “upper lounge area” is a very well done and a great feature for cruisers. It is luxuriously finished and all bunks are island berths that allow access from both sides. The forward-facing galley is well-designed.
The Fountaine Pajot Astréa 42 is plush and comfortable catamaran with a well-appointed galley and sliding doors that open the salon up to the very big cockpit. The cabins are a nicely sized and spacious with island beds.
For more information, price lists, specifications, or available programs, contact us to let us know what boat you are looking for
What are your thoughts?
The Bali 4.2 and Leopard 42 models are brand new and not actually built yet while the Lagoon 42 and FP Astrea 42 models have been around for a few years now and both are very popular models for cruising couples. So how will the two newbies stack up?
Estelle Cockcroft
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4 thoughts on “42ft Catamaran Models Comparisons”
I have two specs that I would like to see on all four of these. The first is holding tank capacity. I find the holding tank capacity on most boats insufficient for live aboards. The other is air draft. The 42 foot and below range are ones that in the Southern US we have bridge anxiety. I would like to know if any of these have an ICW friendly mast option and what the height is.
Jay thank you for the comments! They are all good questions. We will have a good spec sheet and hopefully all the answers you may have during our Zoom Bali discussion on August 27th. Join our newsletter to receive a notice about the Zoom discussion in your mailbox.
Thanks for the comparison chart… It’s a great start!
In addition to Jay’s request… I would like to see some sort of price/performance/construction comparison too.
I’ve been a mono-hull sailor and live-aboard all of my life, but really am a novice with catamarans. I’m fairly familiar with the Leopard 44, having chartered them several times and really like them. I’m anxious to find out about what else is out there so I can make the best decision possible for my next boat. I’m really interested in a cat because I feel like I can sail a catamaran further into my later years then a mono hull.
Ron, I suggest you join the Bali Discussion if you can on the 27th of August [2020] on Zoom. Many of these questions will be answered during that discussion. As regards to your question about “price/performance/construction comparison” – I am not too sure what you want to know. I have added base prices in the comparison charts for all the models. The weight vs sail area (power) has some impact of course but for hulls of similar water length and hull shapes as these models have, performance for all four models will be similar, give or take a knot or so.
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Sailboat Reviews
Catalina 42 Mk I and Mk II
One of the most successful large boats ever built, the catalina 42 offers good looks, comfortable accommodations, and decent sailing ability at a low price..
Under the guidance of Frank Butler, who founded the company in 1969, Catalina Yachts’ philosophy is to offer “as much boat for the money as possible.” The boats are relatively well made and reasonably contemporary in their designs.
Butler is able to build boats that are less expensive than similarly sized vessels by focusing on several areas: a) economy of scale; because it builds so many boats, Catalina can get a better price than smaller builders on diesel engines and just about any other equipment; b) a refusal to spend money on advertising, which can translate to a 5% to 10% savings in the cost of each boat, and c) installation of less expensive gear than is found on other boats. It’s likely, too, that the Southern California labor pool works for less than workers in, say, the Pacific Northwest or Northeast.
Catalina’s objective is to price its boats 15% to 20% below its major competitors—Hunter and Beneteau. All three are high-volume builders that move boats through the production line as quickly as possible, hence the opportunity for glitches here and there, most of which are seldom serious, but can be vexing.
The Catalina 42 In the words of Gerry Douglas, Catalina’s chief engineer and designer for the past 24 years, “The Catalina 42 is a rather simple, sturdy boat. What you get is good quality, because the structure is there. If you want to make it more elaborate, you can take it as far as you want to go.”
Introduced in 1989, the Catalina 42 was originally envisioned as a 40-footer.
“We followed in the footsteps of the designs for the 36- and 38-footers, which were very successful, then stretched this two feet to allow room for the swim platform,” he said.
“One objective was to build a three-stateroom boat,” the first of its size introduced by an American production builder, Douglas said.
Two versions of the Catalina 42 have been built, each in a two-or three-stateroom configuration. The Mark I (hulls #1-477) was produced until February 1995, when the Mark II, which is still in production, was introduced. More than 670 have been built, evenly divided between the two- and three-stateroom models.
“The design of the Mark II was influenced somewhat by the Europeans,” Douglas said, referring to the contemporary, rounded stern and modifications to the cockpit.
Just about everything else—the hull, deck, accessories, auxiliary engine and standing rigging—are virtually identical in both the MK 1 and MK 11.
Though marketing literature indicates that the Mark II, which displaces 20,500 lbs. on a 36′ waterline, is 2,500 lbs. heavier than its predecessor, that apparently isn’t the case.
“Our mistake,” Douglas said. “The Mark I was not that light (18,000 lbs.).”
“Two requirements,” he said, “were that the shape have lots of volume but still be slippery. She’s finer forward than her predecessors, has a straight run aft and is relatively flat at the keel. The skeg is reminiscent of that on the Catalina 34 and 36.”
Owners say that they feel the skeg improves tracking and stiffens her while pounding to weather.
The keel is trapezoidal—parallel at top and bottom. The first shoal draft boats have a wing on the 4′ 10″ keel and a rather short rudder. Later models have a 6′ fin keel, but the same rudder. Ballast in each is 8,300 lbs.
When the MK II was launched, it was given a deeper, high-aspect, semi-elliptical rudder. Owners who retrofitted the deeper rudder reported improved handling and less pressure on the helm.
“Some owners mistake the pressure on the wheel with the shorter rudder as being weather helm but it’s really only more pressure on the rudder and skeg,” Douglas said.
In any case, owners recommend the deep rudder.
The high-aspect ratio sailplan carries 797 sq. ft. of sail. The mast is an anodized NG80 Isomat with double spreaders that are swept aft 17°.
Standing rigging is 3/8″ wire for the backstay, forestay, upper and lower shrouds, and 5/16″ wire for the lower shrouds. Running rigging includes halyards that are 1/2″ braid, and the mainsheet and genoa sheet are 1/2″ Dacron. Owners of 10-year- old boats report the rig and rigging to be in good condition.
Early boats were equipped with a Seafurl 3250 furler. Newer models are equipped with a Schaefer 3100.
As one dealer told us, “The benefit of the rig is that it’s simple. Once it’s up and tuned, it can be ignored.”
The rig was not designed to be tuned while underway.
“The addition of an adjustable backstay to increase headstay tension reduces the tension on the shrouds created by the spreaders, and could result in the mast failing, though we’ve never had that occur,” Douglas said. Running backstays could counterbalance the risk, “but that’s more equipment than our owners want.”
Several owners surveyed have added inner forestays for offshore use. “There’s no downside to that except the possible need to add running backstays,” Douglas said.
Performance Based on Douglas’ polar predictions, a 42 equipped with a fin keel, radial spinnaker and 155% genoa will have sluggish performance in winds of less than 5 knots, but still sail to her rating.
The polars indicate 4.5 knots of boat speed in 6 knots of wind sailing at 47° to true wind; in 10 knots of wind she should sail at 6 knots at 45° to true wind. Maximum downwind performance is in 16-20 knots of wind sailing at 120°-135°, when speed reaches 9 knots.
Most owners rate upwind and downwind performance as above average to excellent when compared to boats of similar size.
Both speed and pointing ability can be improved with the deep fin keel, higher-priced sails, and replacement of the furler with a headfoil.
The maximum sheeting angle is 11-1/2° degrees, which allows pointing to within 32° of apparent wind when hard on the breeze.
Perhaps one of the most functional additions to Catalina’s equipment lists are sheet stoppers, which allow halyards to be led aft to the bridge deck without having a winch for each line. This keeps crew off the deck at night or in heavy seas, and reduces the amount of deck clutter and amount of weight attached to the mast. The internal halyards run aft through Garhauer turning blocks to Garhauer sheet stoppers and two-speed self-tailing Lewmar 40 winches atop the bridge deck; winches were upgraded to Lewmar 42s with the Mark II model.
The 6:1 purchase mainsheet is on a traveler located forward of the main companionway, and controls for a solid Garhauer vang are led to the cockpit.
Genoa sheets are led aft through Garhauer turning blocks mounted on the toerail where they are out of the way and provide better sheeting angles for offwind sailing; a short section of T-track on the cabintop provides closer sheeting angles for small headsails. The primary winches are two-speed self-tailing Lewmar 54s, which replaced Lewmar 52s on the Mark I.
Two serious sailors, a singlehander in San Francisco and an owner who sails a fully crewed boat in Lake Pontchartrain, provided additional insight.
Bob Maher told us, “In 1997 the boat was the boat-of-the-year in the spinnaker class based upon a 12-race schedule, and the same year took first in the Lake Pontchartrain Racing Circuit Cruiser-Racer division with four firsts and a fourth. Typical conditions during the winter are 10-25 knots winds and 4-5 foot seas.
“On one Pensacola race we covered the distance of 101 miles in 12 hours and 15 minutes.
“In order to be competitive in the light air of summer we lengthened the spinnaker pole by one foot, which allowed for a larger spinnaker and genoa. This made the boat competitive in lighter air but under 5 knots we don’t do well against lighter boats like the Olson 30. Our PHRF is 96.”
In most areas, a stock Catalina 42 rates about 105.
Doug McClaflin finished first in the Singlehanded Farallones race, a 58-mile round trip event held outside the Golden Gate Bridge. Often sailed in a punishing northwester, this year’s race was held in 15- to 20-knot southerlies with 6′ to 8′ seas.
“She does well on reaches and in heavy air—18-plus knots, but she’s not good in light air racing,” he told us. Sailing with a fully battened Dacron mainsail and headsail on a furler, “I carried the 150% genoa up to 22 knots and averaged 8 knots over the ground.”
Most owners said they tuck in a reef when wind speed exceeds 18 knots, which balances the boat and eases the helm. All reported that she stiffens at 10°-15° of heel, and an oft-repeated comment was, “I can’t get the rail in the water.”
“With the sails properly trimmed she sails well with an Autohelm 6000, which doesn’t work very hard,” was a comment echoed by several owners.
One Seattle sailor, who owned Mark I hull #240 and now owns Mark II hull #498, said the primary difference between the two models is in the stern.
“The Mark II has a fatter section aft, and is more buoyant,” John Spring told us. “When I first started sailing the Mark II it seemed heavier to steer and the bow seemed to dive into the water. It doesn’t hobbyhorse. I’m just sitting higher than in the old boat, more like a center cockpit model, and it’s taken a year to adjust to the difference.”
Spring also replaced the factory sails with North 3DL sails, “which give me better shape and performance. My only complaint is that Catalina only gives a $1,000 allowance if a buyer doesn’t use factory sails.”
Construction The hull is solid fiberglass. The ABS-approved lamination schedule consists of skin coats of 2-ounce mat and 7.5-ounce cloth. From the centerline to 6″ above the molded bootstripe are eight alternating layers of mat and roving in weights ranging from 1.5 to 21.7 ounces, all of which are overlapped 6″. Additional support on the centerline is provided by a 50″ wide strip of 24-ounce Promat running the length of the hull.
Above the waterline are 11 overlapping layers of mat, roving and Coremat in 1.5- to 21.7-ounce weights.
Douglas says hull thickness at the keel is 1-3/8″ to 1-1/2″, 5/8″ to 3/4″ at the turn of the bilge, and 1/2″ to 9/16″ at the sheer.
Since 1995 the company has been using vinylester resin in the barrier coat to protect against blisters, but has nonetheless suffered its share of blister problems.
Less than 10% of survey respondents reported blisters. One said minor repairs were made to “six to seven pimple-sized blisters repaired at a cost of $30 each.” Another reported blisters covering 60% of the bottom. Because osmotic blistering is covered on a prorated basis under the Catalina warranty, most repairs were made at factory expense.
The deck lay-up schedule is similar to the hull, though it is cored with a combination of 1/2″ marine plywood (where deck hardware is installed) and 3/4″ end grain balsa.
Hull rigidity is provided by a fiberglass pan bonded to the hull at the sheer by 1/2″ thick, four-ply marine plywood glassed between the hull and liner, which is C-clamped in place until cured. The pan also incorporates the cabin sole and berth foundations. Butler, one of the early proponents of pans, credits this development with dramatically reducing construction costs.
The hull-deck joint is an external flange bonded with fiberglass-reinforced polyester, then through-bolted on 8″ centers with 1/4″ stainless steel fasteners. The seam is covered by an aluminum rubrail attached on 3″ centers that is covered with a vinyl insert. Only one survey respondent reported a leak at the hull-deck seam.
Though we advocate the use of motor mounts that are through bolted or threaded into steel plates, Douglas defends the use of lag bolts.
“We bed the engine bolts in a 3/8” thick molded glass pan that is filled with hardwood, and use 6″ long screws to secure the engine. I don’t think that the engine bed would fail if the boat was upside down. We’ve never had a problem,” he said.
Depending on who you query, Catalina yachts are either a) cheap, or b) a good value.
Jerry Edwards, a Seattle surveyor with Reisner, McEven and Associates, Inc., who is familiar with the 42 told PS, “I think the construction of the 42 is better than some of the other Catalina boats and superior to many other production builders.”
Catalina owners understand they are buying the boating equivalent of a Chevrolet; a typical comment is: “We know we’re not buying a Swan or Hinckley.”
On Deck Aside from the change in the transom, the primary difference between the MK I and MK II is the size and arrangement of the cockpits.
The Mark I’s cockpit seats are 6′ 8″ long. Neither seat opens to access spaces belowdecks. In the aft starboard corner there is a 40″ wide and deep compartment that will hold an inflatable dinghy and miscellaneous gear. The port corner has a propane bottle locker that vents overboard.
The swim platform incorporates a five-step stainless steel ladder lashed to the stern pulpit; it extends into the water a long way, farther than most, which is good.
The Edson pedestal and 44″ stainless steel destroyer style wheel are mounted well aft, so are not impediments to movement about the cockpit, except when entering or exiting via the cutout in the stern rail.
The cockpit in the Mark II, by comparison, presents more comfortable lounging arrangements and better access to stowage.
Its seats are the same length as the MK I. There are two “observation seats” fitted into the corners of the stern pulpit.
A 48″ drop-leaf table is mounted in the center of the cockpit forward of the binnacle. A stainless steel frame provides a sturdy home for the table and a footrail for crew to brace their feet when heeled. Though it’s a nice touch, we’d rather have a removable table and wide open cockpit when underway, especially when jibing a spinnaker.
Stowage in the port and starboard seat lockers are large enough to hold a deflated dinghy, dock lines and miscellaneous gear; the starboard one also has a large shelf that holds an outboard motor, barbecue and the like—a much-preferred arrangement to hanging them off the stern pulpit. A propane locker is located in the deck aft of the primary winches.
A removable seat in the transom replaces the cutout in the Mark I, though one can step on and over it to get to the swim platform.
Even with a dodger, movement forward is unobstructed on the 24″ sidedecks. The 6’ teak handrails on the cabintop have been replaced with stainless steel handrails.
The anchor windlass is located in a locker so the only potential toe stubbers forward of the mast are three Lewmar hatches.
Accommodations Even with a 36′ waterline and 13′ 10″ beam, Douglas has crammed an impressive amount of living space in the 42. Many owners indicated that the downside to the large interior volume is a dearth of stowage.
The two-stateroom model has an aft stateroom in the starboard quarter, a smallish head forward of it that’s about 38″ square, a galley in the port quarter, opposing settees amidships, and a nav station to starboard with swing-out seat and large table.
The master stateroom in both models has a Pullman-style berth forward of the saloon. The berth measures 72″ on the centerline, 52″ wide at the shoulder and 43″ at the foot. The skipper’s head is in the bow. It is 6′ 5″ long and 6′ 2″ wide at counter height, and has 6′ of headroom.
In the three-cabin arrangement, there are two mirror-image aft staterooms and the galley is amidships opposite the dinette.
The navigator is shortchanged in the three-cabin arrangement. He faces aft on a much smaller working surface while seated on the end of the port settee.
Each of the aft staterooms have 6′ of headroom, a 7′ long double berth, reading lights mounted on the hull, and a hanging locker. Light and ventilation are provided by ports in the hull and in the cockpit footwell.
The primary advantage of the two-stateroom model is the additional storage in the galley and in the port quarter behind it. This cavernous space is equipped with shelves large enough for installation of a heater, inverter, refrigeration and for other stuff such as tools. It also provides good access to the steering system.
Regardless of its location, the galley provides large working surfaces on countertops now constructed of fiberglass GraniCoat, a Corian lookalike. Early models had Formica-type coverings.
Though working surfaces are nearly the same size, galley stowage on the three-cabin model has been reduced significantly by the loss of the pantry. It will be a challenge to find space for larger pots and pans. The two stateroom model also has a small hinged countertop.
Both models have a three burner Princess Stove with oven and broiler, twin stainless steel sinks, and Groehe faucets for hot and cold water.
The dinette in both models seats six to eight adults, and converts to a 80″ x 66″ double berth.
The cushions are mounted on plywood boards covering storage areas below the settees, which prompted one skipper to complain that they are heavy and cumbersome. They are especially risky if they should come loose with the boat heeled, which one owner said was a problem.
Other Considerations As the boat has evolved during its 10-year production run, a number of small improvements have been made. Articulating halogen lights in the saloon have replaced cheaper fixtures. Doors and drawers that flew open underway on older models have positive latches and roller bearing slides.
The boat is well ventilated and lighted by Lewmar hatches located in all living areas and in the heads, and hatches and fixed portlights are covered by bug and privacy screens.
The 39-gallon fuel capacity is adequate for short cruising but distance cruisers have added tankage below the cabin sole. Two plastic water tanks are located below the sole, and there are plastic holding tanks under the aft berth and the Pullman berth. Except for the aft holding tank, they are easily accessible.
The engine is accessible from four sides. A small hatch in the starboard cabin leads to the oil filter. The companionway stairway reveals the front, and removable panels in the galley access the port side and aft end of the Yanmar 50.
Wiring is color coded, and newer boats have tinned connections.
Conclusion The well-maintained Mark I’s we inspected looked as good as the newer Mark IIs. There were no signs of gelcoat crazing. Owners we talked to were less concerned with performance and more interested in the design and decor below.
Most owners are very satisfied with quality of construction, though one owner complained that his hull flexes in 4’ seas and has had numerous problems with electrical and plumbing installations.
Douglas says the company has been unfairly criticized.
“We may not use Harken, but Garhauer guarantees its gear for 10 years, and Bill Felgenhauer returns phone calls. You’ll find Lewmar, Perko, Rule, Schaefer and Yanmar brands on our boats, for example, not some knock-off product manufactured overseas.”
A late model Mark I sells for $120,000-$130,000, a newer Mark II for $140,000-$145,000 depending upon equipment. Base price of the new Mark II is $151,000-$171,000 including engine and sails, depending upon cabin configuration and factory installed options.
Contact- Catalina Yachts, 21200 Victory Boulevard, Woodland Hills, CA, 91367; 818/884-7700.
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Published on April 29th, 2020 | by Editor
Boat Review: Comparing 40 foot cruisers
Published on April 29th, 2020 by Editor -->
Paulo Pernão of Interesting Sailboats takes a look at the new mass production 40-foot sailboat offers: the Bavaria 42 C and the Beneteau Oceanis 40.1:
Judging by the name the Bavaria is not a 40ft but a 42ft and that is misleading. In fact the Oceanis is 1mm longer (hull length) than the Bavaria.
Both boats look good and very successfully manage to disguise the high freeboard and the big interior volume, not to call “fatness”. I would say the Beneteau looks just a bit better, meaning more sportive than the Bavaria, but I admit that some will prefer the more sober and elegant Bavaria look.
Both boats have about the same length being the Bavaria in what regards hull length 1mm shorter (11.98m to 11.99) and about the same LOA, both boats with bowsprit (12.90 to 12.87). The Bavaria bowsprit is optional; it remains to be seen if the one on the Oceanis 40.1 will be standard or also optional.
The Bavaria is beamier (4.29 to 4.18m) with the Oceanis 40.1 slightly less beamier than the previous model, the 41.1, that notwithstanding the name is 1mm shorter in length. The Bavaria has a bigger displacement (9678kg to 8180). This is due partially to the bigger ballast (2698kg to 2007kg with a draft of 2.10m to 2.17).
I confess that this difference in weight is quite intriguing because due to hull building techniques, the Bavaria should be lighter and stronger for the same weight. Bavaria uses vacuum infusion and polyester resins on a sandwich hull having Divinycell foam as core and a structural grid bonded to the hull.
Beneteau uses similar resins but on a monolithic hull with a structural inner moulding bonded to the hull. Only on deck the technologies are similar, using both a sandwich composite using injection technology.
For the same weight the Bavaria should be stronger and considerably stiffer than the Oceanis so it is hard to explain why the Bavaria weights 807kg more (already discounting the difference in ballast weight).
Full report… click here .
Tags: Bavaria 42 C , Interesting Sailboats , Oceanis 40.1 , Paulo Pernão
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Is a 42-Foot Sailboat Big Enough to Liveaboard?
In our last episode, we explored two 42-foot sailboats – the Jeanneau Voyage 12.5 and the Hunter 420 (see below). Both boats are large enough to sail the Gulf of Mexico (our current home waters), Coastal Atlantic, and one of the boats already has an Atlantic crossing under her belt.
But is a 42-foot sailboat big enough to liveaboard?
Yes, plenty of folks are already doing it, but here are our thoughts after giving the sailboats serious consideration.
Jeanneau Voyage 12.5
First designed in 1987, this 17,000lb displacement sailboat was created in France and intended for safe ocean passages. Its layout is very safe with deep cockpit combings and secure handholds throughout the living space below deck. This boat seemed well-built much like the Catalina 42 mkII .
Here’s what we enjoyed and disliked about the Jeanneau Voyage from aft to bow:
Likes
Dislikes
– Clean transom steps for sitting, boarding, and fishing. – Simple cockpit layout with storage and safe seating. – Rigid and wide dodger (rain protection/windshield). – 100+ gallons of water. – Wide side decks for safe walking on the deck. – Tight space in the saloon provides safety underway. – Easy to afford. – One composting head. – Addition storage in port aft cabin.
– Teak deck needs updating. – Tight space in cabins and saloon for our family living aboard. – Solar mounts are under the shade of the mainsail. – “Dirty” feeling.
Hunter 420 Center Cockpit
The center cockpit seems to be designed for living on the boat. It offers ample deck space to stretch your legs or for alone time, and below deck, it’s about comfort.
Some will argue these are all the reasons the Hunter 420 is not a serious sailboat, but the question for us is not about winning races in the weekend regatta (though that sounds really fun!) – for us, it’s about comfortably and safely traveling the oceans to a variety of places.
This Hunter 420 needed some cleanup. That said, here are our thoughts:
Likes
Dislikes
– Large deck space and seats aft of the cockpit (back of boat). – Center cockpit creates full walkaround deck. – Large main cabin with queen bed and plenty of storage. – 100+ gallons of water. – Perfect forward cabin for Olivia (11 years old). – Large galley with storage.
– The cockpit is small. – Cockpit combings (backrests) are low – less safe and less support. – This particular sailboat seemed “old.” – Floors had a few soft spots.
The Hunter 420 has the large aft cabin like the Catalina 400 mkII , but the Hunter is a full cabin with over 6ft of headroom and storage cabinets lining the hull sides.
The sales brochure from Marlow Hunter (download the full PDF here ) says the Hunter 420 is designed for, “Extended cruising or even living aboard, the Hunter 420 is designed to provide the comfort and livability you desire in a manageable and affordable package… While many center cockpit yachts trade performance with comfort, Hunter has found the equilibrium and delivers both in a world-class boat.”
I don’t know.
What do you think?
Leave us your thoughts. What do you think about each of these boats? Is what benefits did we overlook? What concerns did we not mention?
2 responses to “Is a 42-Foot Sailboat Big Enough to Liveaboard?”
Both look good… it would be interesting to see a cost comparison of updates, cleaning, and repairs necessary to set voyage on the two safely and comfortably.
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Cruisers Yachts 42 Cantius
With 360 degree windows and an open-plan main deck that offers outdoor fun and protection from the elements, the 42 Cantius does it all. Satisfy your appetite in the full galley, play and sunbathe on the spacious deck, and retreat to the tranquil staterooms to slumber after sunset. Contact your local dealer for pricing.
Upper Salon
The Upper Salon is your central hub. Large windows and the retractable sunroof let you breathe in the sea air and enjoy the views from the comfort of the interior couch. The open-concept design provides simple access to the helm, galley, and dinette seating.
Prep a lavish spread in the smartly designed galley. Its clean lines and open air design provides an effortless entertainment area. Enjoy ample storage, a microwave/convection oven, sink with spray faucet, flat screen TV, and refrigerator/freezer.
Aft Stateroom
Forward Stateroom
Everyone onboard will enjoy the spacious head. Shower in the sleek, contemporary stall and get ready for the on-deck party with all the products you need, conveniently stored in the above and below-vanity storage.
The best seat onboard, kick up your feet and relax on the bow lounge with your closest friend. Enjoy refreshments and snacks as you soak up the sun with convenient cup holders and a refined wood table.
Cook up a tantalizing barbecue on the outdoor grill. Easily flip up the lid to get cooking and grill with the finest stainless steel features.
Specifications
43’ 2” / 13,15 m
13’ 8” / 4,16 m
13’ 10” / 4,22 m
40" / 1 m
300 gallons / 1136 L
80 gallons / 303 L
50 gallons / 189 L
28,469 lbs / 12913 kg
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42 Yacht Power Catamaran
Speeding ahead of the competition, the boat of your dreams is waiting for you. The Aquila 42 Yacht Power Catamaran is equipped with features that will bring a smile to any boater's face—whether you plan on cruising near or far. The 42 Yacht is built to CE Certification Category A and designed by world-renowned power catamaran design firm VPLP Design , so you can be assured that it is safe and seaworthy. Advanced electronics packages make this boat easy to operate, and are also sure to make your friends jealous. Engine options from Volvo Penta are both remarkably efficient and easy to maintain. For guests, the yacht features three alfresco entertainment areas serviced by a full galley and wetbar. And when all is said and done, there are various stateroom options to suit your boating lifestyle.
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The Aquila 42 Yacht Power Catamaran is ahead of the competition and ready for your next on-the-water adventure! Whether you are a hardcore cruiser or enjoy a day on the water, the seaworthy, luxurious, and stylish vessel has something for everyone.
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Specifications
Specs Category
Specs Dimensions
Length Overall
12.64 M / 41' 6"
Beam Overall
6.4 M / 21' 0"
Height Above Waterline with Hardtop
5.49 M / 18' 0"
Light Displacement
15,700 KG / 34,168 LB
Fully Loaded Displacement
19,000 KG / 41,895 LB
CE Certification
A: 8, B:12, C:16, D:24
Sleeps
8+
Max Passengers
24
Cabins/Heads/Showers
2 / 3 / 4
Heads with Separate Showers
2 / 3
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TECHNICAL FEATURES
Specification at a glance, water capacity.
174 gal / 660 L
fuel Capacity
158 gal / 600 L
Displacement
47 203 lbs / 21 411 k
STANDARD ENGINES
2 x Yanmar 45 hp Diesel
OPTIONAL ENGINES
2 x Optional 1
2 x Optional 2
Waterline length
40 ft 10 in / 12.44 m
length overall
41 ft 7 in / 12.67 m
4 ft 7 in / 1.40 m
23 ft 1 in / 7.04 m
TOTAL SAIL AREA
1217 sqft / 113.10 sqm
Load Carrying Capacity
11056 lbs / 5015 kg
Holding Tank Capacity
44 gal / 166 L
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February 8, 2024, in the same range.
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X-Yachts X46: Best Full-Size Cruiser 45 to 55 Feet
By Herb McCormick
Updated: December 9, 2019
The big-boat classes in the 2020 Boat of the Year competition presented some big problems for the judging panel. Take the Full-Size Cruiser 45 to 55 Feet fleet, with a quartet of extremely solid contenders across a wide range of price points and with different design briefs and objectives, ranging from versatile performance-style cruisers to a dedicated bluewater passagemaker. Decisions, decisions, decisions.
At $550,000, the Bavaria C50 packed a lot of punch into a 50-footer. “It’s billed as a family cruiser, and features twin helms and a single rudder,” judge Dan Spurr said. “The representative who presented the boat emphasized the division between the entertainment area and the cockpit and working areas, and that cockpit really resonated with me—for a bigger boat, it’s very efficient to sail.” The Bavaria also struck a chord with fellow judge Ed Sherman: “I’ve been watching the evolution of Bavarias since they first started coming to the United States, and they’ve come a long way. Everything about them is significantly better than the earlier boats, and you get a lot of features for the price. It’s a player in this group.”
From a value standpoint, the Elan Impression 41.5 left a strong, good impression on the judging panel. Judge Ralph Naranjo was particularly enamored with the overall build quality of the hull laminate. “It’s an ISO-approved Category A offshore boat; they did a really nice job with the vacuum infusion,” he said. “I was crawling in those aft lockers looking at the autopilot arrangement, and could see how well the deck elements and bulkheads went in. And the autopilot installation was great, with an excellent stainless-steel bracket that was bolted and cantilevered to catch both the deck and the bulkhead. The autopilot and rams have to take a huge amount of thrust or push/pull; they need to be in there securely. And they were.”
It was clearly going to take an outstanding vessel to sway the panel’s opinions. It turned out there was not only one other formidable yacht to choose from, but two.
“The Amel 50 is truly an oceangoing globe-trotter,” Sherman said, speaking about the latest, highly anticipated model from the long-standing stalwart French builder. “With a signature watertight forward crash bulkhead, a centrally located sea chest for easily isolating a leak and shutting it down, to a globally conscious shore-power system that can deal with 50 or 60 hertz and 120 or 230-240 volts, Amel has designed a boat that will have you covered wherever your travels take you. For those who want to cruise in luxury, this is the boat.”
“Amel has long been one of the only worldwide companies to offer what is essentially a ‘ready to cruise’ boat,” Spurr said. “The boat can be operated entirely from the security of the cockpit, which has a windshield and hardtop, like many solo offshore racers. Some of my colleagues didn’t like this feature, feeling it isolated the helm from feeling the weather. The boat is not inexpensive, but it also seemed to have the highest-quality finish.”
“To me, it’s more of a motorsailer than a traditional cruising sailboat,” Naranjo said. “Her performance under sail is somewhat limited by a fairly high displacement and a modest sail area. She is easy to handle, though, because of her power-assisted sail trimming and setting capabilities.”
Sailing prowess is never a debatable issue with X-Yachts, however, and after treating the judges to a world-class sailing experience, they ultimately decided that the X-Yachts X46 was the Best Full-Size Cruiser 45 to 55 Feet for 2020. (It was a back-to-back winning effort from X-Yachts; in 2019, X-Yachts’ X49 was also honored as the Best Full-Size Cruiser.)
“This was just a joy to sail,” Sherman said. “A performance sailing boat in every sense —very close-winded. It was everything I’ve come to expect from X-Yachts. They are put together by real craftspeople who take a great deal of concern in everything they do. So many little things. For instance, the wiring connections behind the panel board are all bent to 90 degrees and secured in place, and they hand-solder the solid copper bus links between the switches. This is all labor-intensive stuff that you just don’t see on most boats. They’ve always been known for using top-quality gear, and they certainly didn’t cut any corners here.
“X-Yachts are put together by real craftspeople who take a lot of pride in their work.”
“The epoxy resin they use in the layup is going to last forever, and the post-cure process is just top shelf,” Sherman continued. “I mean, what can I say? And I believe the pricing is actually pretty darn good. This boat costs $740,000, which is nothing to laugh at—it’s a significant amount of money. But when you compare it dollarwise to some of the other boats out there of similar lengths, you know what? It kind of stands out. And so, yes, I’m a fan. I’ve always been.”
“Like all X-Yachts, it has a unique feature in the construction, with a steel grid that sits on stringers with a balanced lifting point where you can actually lift the entire boat with a crane, with a strop that comes down through a hatch,” Spurr said. “The quality of construction all around seemed very good, with the keel actually bolted to the grid. Basically, we were told that you can’t lose the keel on this boat, which is pretty remarkable. And it’s really a handsome boat all the way around.”
Not to mention, when the final votes were cast, it was a winning one.
See All Winners:
2020 Boats of the Year
Other Winners:
Overall Boat of the Year
Best Performance Cruiser
Best Midsize Cruiser Under 45 feet
Best Full-size Cruiser
Best Full-size Cruiser Over 55 Feet
Best Midsize Cruising Catamaran
Best Full-size Multihull
Best Charter Boat
Most Innovative
More: boty , boty 2020 , Sailboats
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Best Midsize Cruiser 40-44 Feet
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Aquila 42 Yacht Power Catamaran. Following the success of its 44-, 54- and 70-foot power catamaran models, Aquila has launched the stable-as-a-table, owner-operator-ready Aquila 42 Yacht Power Catamaran.. The Aquila 42 is the entry point into the builder's yacht line and is noteworthy for its ability to accommodate anywhere from a two- to four-stateroom layout, depending on the owner's ...
The best bluewater sailboats (we analyzed 2,000 boats to find out)
The 10 best bluewater boats. 1. Westsail 32. Photo credit: SailboatData.com. The Westsail 32 is one of the most iconic bluewater cruisers and 19 have set out to cross the Pacific in the PPJ rally since 2009. In 1973, this small cruising sailboat garnered a 4-page spread in Time magazine.
2024 Boat of the Year Best Trimaran: Dragonfly 40 Ultimate
The Dragonfly 40 Ultimate is a work of art inside and out, and when the sails are up, this tri flies. By Dave Reed. December 20, 2023. The craftsmanship and performance of Dragonfly's flagship ...
Best Sailboats of 2022: From Top To Sail
Picking out a great vessel is imperative to enjoying a great sailing experience. We have selected the creme de la creme of sailboats suitable for a range of budgets and needs. Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 380. Beneteau First 44. Fountaine Pajot Isla 40. Hylas 57. Leopard 42.
The Live-Aboard Life: Best Liveaboard Yachts
Best Live Aboard Sailboats Brands. Catalina Yachts (the Cataline 30 is the most popular) Beneteau Boats; Pearson Sailboats; Islander 36 / I36 Boat Models; ... This fee is quoted as a set amount per foot or meter - i.e. $2/foot. Catamarans are usually charged this LOA fee multiplied by 1.5 or 2, as they can occupy two standard berths ...
17 Best Sailboats to Live On + What You Should Know First
The List — Best Sailboats to Live Aboard. All lists, whether found in internet blogs or international sailing magazines, have issues. ... Catamaran Under 45 — Leopard 42/43 (2001-2006) ... 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 ...
42ft Catamaran Models Comparisons
42ft Catamaran Models Comparisons. We compare the specifications, dimensions, sail area, and pricing on the most popular 42ft catamarans in 2020. The Lagoon 42, Bali 4.2, FP Astrea 42, and Leopard 42 are within a similar price range and dimensions, but there are major differences. Let's compare apples to apples to see how the match up.
Catalina 42 Mk I and Mk II
Two versions of the Catalina 42 have been built, each in a two-or three-stateroom configuration. The Mark I (hulls #1-477) was produced until February 1995, when the Mark II, which is still in production, was introduced. More than 670 have been built, evenly divided between the two- and three-stateroom models.
40 Best Sailboats, Types of Sailboats & Manufacturers
30. Swan 44. A strong, robust cruising boat built for high-seas, blue water adventures, the Swan 44 was designed by Sparkman & Stephens, and the yacht's well-known Finnish manufacturers, Nautor Swan, produced 76 boats in a production run that lasted from 1972-1975.
Boat Review: Comparing 40 foot cruisers
Paulo Pernão of Interesting Sailboats takes a look at the new mass production 40-foot sailboat offers: the Bavaria 42 C and the Beneteau Oceanis 40.1: Judging by the name the Bavaria is not a ...
Is a 42-Foot Sailboat Big Enough to Liveaboard?
Jeanneau Voyage 12.5. First designed in 1987, this 17,000lb displacement sailboat was created in France and intended for safe ocean passages. Its layout is very safe with deep cockpit combings and secure handholds throughout the living space below deck. This boat seemed well-built much like the Catalina 42 mkII. Jeanneau Voyage 12.5 (Pin Me!)
Cruisers Yachts 42 Cantius
Cruisers Yachts 42 Cantius. With 360 degree windows and an open-plan main deck that offers outdoor fun and protection from the elements, the 42 Cantius does it all. Satisfy your appetite in the full galley, play and sunbathe on the spacious deck, and retreat to the tranquil staterooms to slumber after sunset. Contact your local dealer for pricing.
Catalina 42 boats for sale
Find Catalina 42 boats for sale in your area & across the world on YachtWorld. Offering the best selection of Catalina boats to choose from.
42 Yacht Power Catamaran
42 Yacht. Speeding ahead of the competition, the boat of your dreams is waiting for you. The Aquila 42 Yacht Power Catamaran is equipped with features that will bring a smile to any boater's face—whether you plan on cruising near or far. The 42 Yacht is built to CE Certification Category A and designed by world-renowned power catamaran design ...
Leopard 42
Call us at 954-925-8050. Step aboard the new Leopard 42 and experience a new era of sailing. Joining the Leopard 45 and Leopard 50, the Leopard 42 leaves no detail overlooked in size or possibility. Sailing performance and livability exist harmoniously under one sleek profile. The Leopard 42's signature coachroof lounge provides ample space ...
10 Best Used Cruising Sailboats
Tayana Vancouver 42. Tayana Vancouver 42 Dave Backus. Ta Yang, builder of Tayana sailboats, has been building capable cruising boats forever, it seems. The Robert Harris-designed Tayana Vancouver 42 has been a mainstay of the serious cruising fleet since the day it was launched in 1979, and is still in demand today.
Boat that caught fire at Schooners in Wildwood recovered
WILDWOOD — A 42-foot boat that sunk after bursting into flames at the Schooner Island Marina fuel dock last week has been recovered, Sea Tow Cape May said in a Facebook post. The company said ...
X-Yachts X46: Best Full-Size Cruiser 45 to 55 Feet
Take the Full-Size Cruiser 45 to 55 Feet fleet, with a quartet of extremely solid contenders across a wide range of price points and with different design briefs and objectives, ranging from versatile performance-style cruisers to a dedicated bluewater passagemaker. Decisions, decisions, decisions. At $550,000, the Bavaria C50 packed a lot of ...
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Winner: Elan GT5. This is going to be a tough category," said Bill Bolin of the Best Midsize Cruiser 40 to 44 Feet division. "We have three very different but very good boats in this class — the Elan GT5, the Hallberg-Rassy 412 and the Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 440.". To begin, Bolin said of the Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 440, "It's the best ...
Overall, judge Ed Sherman thought its stated purpose—"a family coastal cruiser"—was an honest and straightforward one. The Sun Odyssey 380 is the fourth boat in Jeanneau's line of cruising sailboats to employ the walk-around deck that has earned a host of awards and recognition in Boat of the Year circles. Rather than having to climb over the coaming to reach the deck, the side deck ...
Lagoon 450F. 45 feet. 8 to 10 people. $700,000. Bavaria Cruiser 46. 46 feet. 6 to 8 people. $250,000. In this section, we'll explore the 13 best cruising sailboats of 2023, highlighting their unique features and reasons why they stand out in the market.
Catalina 275 Sport. Catalina 275 Sport Billy Black. "This is a complete package; it's a good sailing boat and well-thought-out. It's definitely ready for prime time," says Boat of the Year judge Ed Sherman. Click here to read why the Catalina 275 Sport won Best Pocket Cruiser in 2014.
For almost 20 years, we've called this awards program SAIL Best Boats, but this year, we're refining and renaming this program to better and more fairly represent the boats we've selected. Restricting boats to categories and labels—such as Best Cruising Monohull 30-40 feet and Best Performance Monohull 40-50 feet—doesn't bring our readers the full picture.
Sweden Yachts 42; Taswell 43; Trintella 44; Westerly Oceanlord 41; Whitby 42; With plenty of room for a cruising couple to live aboard comfortably, production cruising boats within this size range are understandably very popular with long distance sailors. However, marina charges worldwide seem to take a bit of a hike at 12m, so be warned...
Aquila 42 Yacht Power Catamaran. Following the success of its 44-, 54- and 70-foot power catamaran models, Aquila has launched the stable-as-a-table, owner-operator-ready Aquila 42 Yacht Power Catamaran.. The Aquila 42 is the entry point into the builder's yacht line and is noteworthy for its ability to accommodate anywhere from a two- to four-stateroom layout, depending on the owner's ...
The 10 best bluewater boats. 1. Westsail 32. Photo credit: SailboatData.com. The Westsail 32 is one of the most iconic bluewater cruisers and 19 have set out to cross the Pacific in the PPJ rally since 2009. In 1973, this small cruising sailboat garnered a 4-page spread in Time magazine.
The Dragonfly 40 Ultimate is a work of art inside and out, and when the sails are up, this tri flies. By Dave Reed. December 20, 2023. The craftsmanship and performance of Dragonfly's flagship ...
Picking out a great vessel is imperative to enjoying a great sailing experience. We have selected the creme de la creme of sailboats suitable for a range of budgets and needs. Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 380. Beneteau First 44. Fountaine Pajot Isla 40. Hylas 57. Leopard 42.
Best Live Aboard Sailboats Brands. Catalina Yachts (the Cataline 30 is the most popular) Beneteau Boats; Pearson Sailboats; Islander 36 / I36 Boat Models; ... This fee is quoted as a set amount per foot or meter - i.e. $2/foot. Catamarans are usually charged this LOA fee multiplied by 1.5 or 2, as they can occupy two standard berths ...
The List — Best Sailboats to Live Aboard. All lists, whether found in internet blogs or international sailing magazines, have issues. ... Catamaran Under 45 — Leopard 42/43 (2001-2006) ... 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 ...
42ft Catamaran Models Comparisons. We compare the specifications, dimensions, sail area, and pricing on the most popular 42ft catamarans in 2020. The Lagoon 42, Bali 4.2, FP Astrea 42, and Leopard 42 are within a similar price range and dimensions, but there are major differences. Let's compare apples to apples to see how the match up.
Two versions of the Catalina 42 have been built, each in a two-or three-stateroom configuration. The Mark I (hulls #1-477) was produced until February 1995, when the Mark II, which is still in production, was introduced. More than 670 have been built, evenly divided between the two- and three-stateroom models.
30. Swan 44. A strong, robust cruising boat built for high-seas, blue water adventures, the Swan 44 was designed by Sparkman & Stephens, and the yacht's well-known Finnish manufacturers, Nautor Swan, produced 76 boats in a production run that lasted from 1972-1975.
Paulo Pernão of Interesting Sailboats takes a look at the new mass production 40-foot sailboat offers: the Bavaria 42 C and the Beneteau Oceanis 40.1: Judging by the name the Bavaria is not a ...
Jeanneau Voyage 12.5. First designed in 1987, this 17,000lb displacement sailboat was created in France and intended for safe ocean passages. Its layout is very safe with deep cockpit combings and secure handholds throughout the living space below deck. This boat seemed well-built much like the Catalina 42 mkII. Jeanneau Voyage 12.5 (Pin Me!)
Cruisers Yachts 42 Cantius. With 360 degree windows and an open-plan main deck that offers outdoor fun and protection from the elements, the 42 Cantius does it all. Satisfy your appetite in the full galley, play and sunbathe on the spacious deck, and retreat to the tranquil staterooms to slumber after sunset. Contact your local dealer for pricing.
Find Catalina 42 boats for sale in your area & across the world on YachtWorld. Offering the best selection of Catalina boats to choose from.
42 Yacht. Speeding ahead of the competition, the boat of your dreams is waiting for you. The Aquila 42 Yacht Power Catamaran is equipped with features that will bring a smile to any boater's face—whether you plan on cruising near or far. The 42 Yacht is built to CE Certification Category A and designed by world-renowned power catamaran design ...
Call us at 954-925-8050. Step aboard the new Leopard 42 and experience a new era of sailing. Joining the Leopard 45 and Leopard 50, the Leopard 42 leaves no detail overlooked in size or possibility. Sailing performance and livability exist harmoniously under one sleek profile. The Leopard 42's signature coachroof lounge provides ample space ...
Tayana Vancouver 42. Tayana Vancouver 42 Dave Backus. Ta Yang, builder of Tayana sailboats, has been building capable cruising boats forever, it seems. The Robert Harris-designed Tayana Vancouver 42 has been a mainstay of the serious cruising fleet since the day it was launched in 1979, and is still in demand today.
WILDWOOD — A 42-foot boat that sunk after bursting into flames at the Schooner Island Marina fuel dock last week has been recovered, Sea Tow Cape May said in a Facebook post. The company said ...
Take the Full-Size Cruiser 45 to 55 Feet fleet, with a quartet of extremely solid contenders across a wide range of price points and with different design briefs and objectives, ranging from versatile performance-style cruisers to a dedicated bluewater passagemaker. Decisions, decisions, decisions. At $550,000, the Bavaria C50 packed a lot of ...