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The CP 23 Pilothouse

The true delight of this boat is the brightness and view while in the pilothouse..

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The brand-new trailerable cruiser CP 23 Pilothouse offers a revolutionary combination of trailerability, cruisability, and livability. The CP 23 Pilothouse is designed with numerous well-thought-out features and Com-Pac's legendary attention to detail:

• Steering from inside the pilothouse during inclement weather, in addition to tiller steering in the aft cockpit
• Excellent natural light and visibility from inside the pilot house while under way or at anchor
• Abundant storage space, including 2 hanging lockers
• Draft of only 2'3"
• Twin cylinder freshwater-cooled diesel engine
• Dinette that converts to a berth
• Roomy v-berth
• Galley and enclosed head
• Mast is mounted in a tabernacle that allows it to be folded down for trailering
• Stainless steel handrails on deck (optional teak handrails available)

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• Sailboat Reviews

Like the Volkswagen Beetle, this pocket cruiser has been much refined over the years. While most of the innovations are clever, some, at least occasionally, are a bother.

As with many of our used boat reports, we invited owners of the Rhodes 22 to comment on its design, construction, quality of workmanship, performance, and customer service from the factory. We received a greater response, and a more uniformly enthusiastic response, than we’ve had to any similar request in recent years. Impressive, especially when you consider that only 50 of these boats are built each year. When we got an opportunity to take one out and put it through its paces, we gained some insight into just what prompted all this loyalty.

Designed by Phillip Rhodes back in 1960, the Rhodes 22 is a trailerable cruiser for a couple that wants the amenities of a larger boat without putting up with the hassles and expenses of a larger boat. It’s clearly not a racing boat. It’s also not a “shoehorn special,” whose claim to fame is how many persons it can sleep. And it’s not an inexpensive boat for its size. The Rhodes 22, from its inception, has been a purpose-built boat. And, with a history of detail improvements and some innovative thinking, it meets that purpose quite well.

The Rhodes 22 has a fairly long waterline—20′. Overhangs are minimal. This is clearly the first step towards cramming a lot of cruising conveniences into what is, after all, a small boat.

The most readily noticeable feature of its hull is a pronounced flare at the gunwales, much like that found on a 505 or similar racing dinghy. The look is odd on a keelboat, but the flare provides a few notable advantages: The compound curvature stiffens the hull, provides a hiking seat to reduce heeling, helps deflect spray, and provides some extra buoyancy when the boat is heeled over, helping to prevent capsize, according to Stan Spitzer, the owner of General Boats.

Unlike most trailerable sailboats sold today, the Rhodes 22 uses neither a swing keel nor water ballast. Instead, there’s a shoal keel with a centerboard built in. With the board up, the boat draws 20″; 48″ with the board down.

Compared to a swing keel, this arrangement may lose a bit of stiffness because the keel’s weight is carried higher; but it has the advantages of eliminating the swing keel’s highly stressed pivot pin as well as the necessity for a winch and a cable to haul up the keel (which may hum annoyingly when you’re underway).

Compared to water ballast of the same weight, the shoal keel/centerboard arrangement carries its weight lower, making the boat stiffer. In any case, the Rhodes 22 can be sailed in 20″ of water with the board up; it sails just fine that way, though it can’t point as high as it can with the board down. The board is designed to kick up if it strikes an obstruction.

The 100-sq. ft. mainsail rolls up into a 26′ mast and a 175% 200-sq. ft. genoa is roller-furled on the forestay. The arrangement does not make the most efficient sail shape, particularly with a partially-furled jib in heavier weather, and without battens to support a large mainsail roach. But it’s hard to argue with the convenience of this rig. A less-obvious advantage is that you don’t have to deal with the problem of finding a place to store bulky sailbags belowdecks.

The Rhodes 22 makes up for whatever loss of sail efficiency may be caused by its furling features by providing a generous 300 sq. ft. of sail. Other sail options are available, including a self-tending jib and conventional hank-on sails.

The hinged mast is well-supported by a forestay, a pair of backstays, upper shrouds, forward and aft lowers. Each of these has its own chainplate. One nice thing about having all this standing rigging is that the loss of any one stay shouldn’t bring the mast crashing down. (If the forestay breaks, the forward lower shrouds hopefully will keep the mast up until you can jury-rig a new forestay.)

Chainplates are mounted solidly. The forestay’s padeye is through-bolted to the deck and hull, while the two backstay plates are bolted through the corners of the transom. The upper shroud chainplates are bolted through the hull-deck joint, while the four lower shroud chainplates are glassed into the cabin top. This location provides a “corridor” between the upper and lower shrouds that facilitates movement fore and aft on deck.

Construction

The Rhodes 22’s construction is best described as conventional, with good attention to detail. The hull is laid up with a layer of chop on the skin, followed by a layer of roving, followed by Coremat. The deck uses a glass syntactic foam core, making it and the cabin top about 1″ thick.

Twenty-five different molds provide finished surfaces where otherwise none would exist. The lazarette hatch, for example, has a finished liner instead of a rough fiberglass surface, and coaming compartments have finished, built-in storage shelves. Galley doors are molded in two separate sections and cemented together to avoid warping.

The hull-to-deck joint is a “shoebox” design, with a vertical deck flange slipping over the hull. The joint is screwed together with stainless steel fasteners and then caulked. There are heavier through-bolts at the bow and stern, and at chainplate areas, which are preferable. The joint is covered with a rub rail.

The Rhodes 22 has two molded foam sections glassed into the hull; one under the forward bunk and one under the cockpit sole. Spitzer said that these make the boat unsinkable, an important safety feature not found in most small cruisers.

The keel is a molded-in, integral part of the hull, eliminating problems of keelbolts as well as reinforcing the boat’s bottom. Inside, there’s a separately molded centerboard trunk, and 630 lbs. of encapsulated-shot ballast. The centerboard’s pivot is inside the boat and can’t leak; the 70-lb. centerboard requires no hold-down line while sailing, but is still light enough to be raised by a braided pennant and secured with a cleat. It’s made of molded fiberglass with some ballast inside.

Hardware is of good quality throughout. Cleats, for instance, are four-bolt 10″ stainless steel open base models; hand rails, including a unique one at the aft end of the cabin trunk, are stainless steel, though teak is available. Winches are made by Lewmar.

Working on the theory that most cruisers spend much of their time in the cockpit, the Rhodes 22 was designed with a huge cockpit that’s 7′ 4″ long and nearly 8′ wide. It’s self-bailing, with a full-length bench seat on each side. The benches have open fronts, which makes for comfortable seating (closed-front benches force you to keep your legs extended), are independently self-bailing, and there’s room underneath for plastic storage bins. Aft, there’s a transverse bench covering a lazarette, which opens to a 6′ wide area that provides access to transom-mounted hardware as well as a great deal of storage space.

The coamings, which function as backrests, have a pair of compartments, each with two shelves. The flared gunwales are comfortable for hiking out. And there’s a socket in the sole so that a table can be moved from belowdecks to the cockpit. The stern rail is mounted on the side decks, outboard of the coaming, to make sitting on the coaming tops more comfortable. Optional are a pair of swivel seats—complete with backrest and padded armrest on the rail—that mount on the coaming.

The cabin door is hinged horizontally halfway up, with a stainless steel piano hinge. This can be folded out to make a chart table or card table depending upon your inclinations; there’s a molded-in socket for a supporting leg. Or, you can fold the top section down to let you see what the kids are doing in the cabin. Or, you can remove the door completely and stow it inside the gunwale.

All the controls are cockpit-mounted and fall readily to hand. The roller furling control line for the genoa is cleated on the cabin top. The mainsail roller furling is controlled by the outhaul and a control line that passes through the boom, with boom-mounted cleats. The boom can be raised via a topping lift to clear the pop-top, or lowered to reduce heeling. There is no vang, which is unfortunate.

The jib sheets run through adjustable track-mounted blocks to a pair of winches located aft so that they can be handled conveniently by the helmsman for single-handing. The traveler is very unique. It rides on a stainless steel rod mounted transversely across the twin backstays. The mainsheet cleat is mounted on the traveler block; the traveler controls are at the ends of the rod. This arrangement, odd as it may look, keeps the traveler from intruding into the cockpit space, and provides a bit of shock absorption in case of an accidental jibe. We tried it, and it works.

The tiller swings up for stand-up sailing or for easier maneuvering around the cockpit. A hiking stick lets one sail the boat from just about anywhere in the cockpit or up on the coamings, and there are even a pair of clips mounted on the aft rail that hold the tiller in any position in which it is set. The rudder kicks up if it strikes an obstruction, and can be adjusted to provide as heavy or as light a helm as you prefer.

The cabin top features a pop-top with 6′ 4″ headroom; when down, there’s about 50″ of sitting headroom. The boat can be sailed with the top in either position.

Like so many other pieces of equipment on the Rhodes 22, the pop-top is a unique design. Unlike most pop-tops, which are supported by pivoting arms, the aft section of the Rhodes 22’s top is supported by a pair of telescoping stainless steel tubes, with spring-loaded detents. To raise the top, you start by lifting the rear portion—lifting only half the top’s weight—until the detents lock into position. A fitting on the forward edge of the pop-top rides in the mast’s sail slot.

There are two side-by-side opening hatches in the deck forward of the pop-top, one above the head and one above the dinette. There’s no gasket between the pop-top and the rest of the cabin—a generous overhang and deep lip allow air to circulate and prevent water leaks. The sliding companionway hatch has a built-in key lock.

The cabin layout of the Rhodes 22 is roomy and remarkably livable. It is, in large part, a tribute to the idea of making a firm decision about what you want a boat to be, and then resisting all temptations to make it something else. The Rhodes 22 is a cruiser for a couple, with possibly several youngsters.

Sleeping accommodations for the couple consist of a 6′ 6″ double berth on the port side of the dinette area; the secondary bunks consist of 6′ V-berths. If you need more sleeping room than this, there’s an optional boom-supported canopy system that General Boats calls a “Boom Room.” It converts the cockpit to a standing-headroom second cabin with a padded floor, and provides luxurious camp-aboard accommodations, though with minimal privacy.

When the dinette berth isn’t in use, half the “mattress” sections become backrest cushions for a settee, while a rotating, telescoping-base table that helps form the center section can be raised to table height and used in the dinette, or moved out to the cockpit, or stored in tracks under the forward deck.

The galley and head are on the starboard side. The galley features a 4-1/2′ counter containing a sink, stove and a large, front-opening icebox with adjustable shelves and an ice-water tap. There’s a large open storage shelf just below the portlights, and a deep cabinet just below that. There’s more storage underneath the counter. Built into the face of the top shelf are 12-volt DC and 110-volt AC outlets. Access to plumbing and electrical connections is good.

Spitzer (who has a weakness for puns) describes the Rhodes 22’s head as The Swell Head. When we compare it to the primitive accommodations on most small cruisers, we must agree. It’s fully enclosed, with a clever multi-paneled door that opens up to provide a large, non-claustrophobic space, or closes to occupy a minimum of floor space when it’s not in use. Inside, there’s a marine toilet, with sea cock-controlled water intake, holding tank and fittings for dockside pump-out or macerated discharge.

Inside, there is a mirror, cosmetic shelf, toilet paper holder, medicine cabinet, towel rack, magazine rack lighting and a 110-volt outlet for a hairdryer or electric shaver. The sole is tiled. For showering, Spitzer suggests that you take a solar-heated shower in the self-bailing cockpit. The head can be accessed from either the dinette or the V-berths.

The large hatch over the head, aside from providing ventilation and light, performs another function when the pop-top is down. If the 50″ of headroom isn’t enough to permit convenient use of the head, you can open the hatch and let your upper body emerge—presumably with a relieved smile—while you use the head in relative privacy.

Miscellaneous

The Rhodes 22 has so many gadgets that it’s hard to list them all. One particularly nice one is its adjustable motor mount. Instead of the usual recalcitrant jointed aluminum affair, it slides up and down on a pair of low-friction plastic tracks on the port side of the transom. To raise the engine, you pull a rope lanyard that passes through a 6:1 purchase magic box—almost no effort, and excellent position control. There’s a three-step boarding ladder attached to the starboard side of the transom.

Performance

We took the Rhodes 22 out on a breezy day—18-20 knots, with a 1′-3′ chop. Getting underway was as easy as advertised; we started out with the full 175% genoa and full main.

The boat is initially tender, but stiffens up quickly as it heels. The flared gunwales make hiking-out easy (and not particularly demanding athletically); putting two people on the rail did a great deal towards flattening out the ride. We suspect that if we’d been single-handing the boat, we would have reduced sail, just to help keep the boat sailing on her lines.

The Rhodes sailed nicely with the board down, and presentably with it up, though pointing ability naturally suffered.

We tried sailing the boat under jib alone, which worked fine, with no problems tacking. We did the same under main alone with similar results. As with any boat, the more a sail is furled, the poorer its shape; after about 30% has been furled, ideally you’d switch to as smaller sail. But when you’re starting with a 175% genoa, you’ll still have a lot of sail up even after furling a third.

In any case, we found the Rhodes 22 to be a lively-feeling boat that’s fun to sail, which is probably more important in a cruiser than absolute speed. The hull is fast, especially off the wind. The Rhodes has a PHRF rating of about 258, which is a bit faster than, say, the Catalina 22 (270), the O’Day 22 (279) or the Chrysler 22 (282) It’s by no means a racing boat (the J-22 has a rating of 177).

The Rhodes 22 is an easy boat to sail, with enough basic adjustments to satisfy most sailors, though we do wish for a boom vang. Controls are very well laid out for sailing from just about anywhere in the cockpit, though we’d like to see foot rests or toe straps to help keep the skipper and crew from sliding about in the large open cockpit.

Conclusions

It’s nice to see a boat that does what it’s intended to do as well as the Rhodes 22 does. It’s a cruiser, and packs a lot of cruising capability into a small trailerable boat. You can daysail it, obviously, but it’s really on the pricey side if a daysailer is all you want. Andyou can squeeze some more adults aboard for cruising, but at the expense of comfort, privacy or both. As a cruiser for two, it’s hard to beat without going up considerably in size and price. The reports we’ve received from readers are almost universally enthusiastic.

General sells the Rhodes 22 in a variety of models, depending upon equipment, from $19,000 to $29,000. General Boats has a buy-back policy for used boats, so that factory-reconditioned models are available, at prices starting from about $10,000.

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20 Best Small Sailboats for the Weekender

• By Mark Pillsbury
• Updated: May 24, 2024

In order to go cruising, most of us require a sailboat with a head, a galley, and bunks. The boat, likely a 30-footer and more often a 40-footer, will have electronics for navigation and entertainment, refrigeration if the trip is longer than a coastal hop, an engine for light wind, and, depending on our appetites for food and fun, perhaps a genset to power our toys and appliances.

To go sailing , however, all we really need is a hull, mast, rudder, and sail. To experience the pure joy of sheeting in and scooting off across a lake, bay, or even the open ocean, there’s nothing better than a small sailboat – we’re talking sailboats under 25 feet. You can literally reach out and touch the water as it flows past. You instantly feel every puff of breeze and sense every change in trim.

Some of the boats in this list are new designs, others are time-tested models from small sailboat manufacturers, but every one is easy to rig, simple to sail, and looks like a whole lot of fun either for a solo outing on a breezy afternoon or to keep family and friends entertained throughout your entire sailing season. This list is made up of all types of sailboats , and if you’re looking for a list of some of the best small sailboats for beginners, you’ll find exactly that here.

Any one of these popular boats could be labeled as a trailerable sailboat, daysailer, or even a weekender sailboat. And while most would be labeled as a one or two person sailboat, some could comfortably fit three or even four people.

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

Marblehead 22 Daysailer

If you have an eye for elegant lines and your heart goes pitter-patter over just the right amount of overhang beneath a counter transom, the Marblehead 22 daysailer, designed by Doug Zurn and built by Samoset Boatworks in Boothbay, Maine, will definitely raise your pulse. Traditional-looking above the waterline and modern beneath, the cold-molded hull sports a deep bulb keel and a Hall Spars carbon-fiber mast with a wishbone rig and square-top main. The 11-foot-9-inch cockpit can seat a crowd, and a small cuddy forward will let you stow your friends’ gear for the day. samosetboatworks.com

Catalina 22 Sport

Many a harbor plays host to an active fleet of Catalina 22s, one of the most popular small sailboats over the years, given its basic amenities and retractable keel, which allows it to be easily trailered. Recently, the company introduced the Catalina 22 Sport, an updated design that can compete with the older 22s. The boat features a retractable lead keel; a cabin that can sleep four, with a forward hatch for ventilation; and a fractional rig with a mainsail and a roller-furling jib. Lifelines, a swim ladder, and an engine are options, as are cloth cushions; vinyl cushions are standard. The large cockpit will seat a crowd or let a mom-and-pop crew stretch out and enjoy their sail. It’s clear why the Catalina 22 is one of the best sailboats under 25 feet. catalinayachts.com

With its large, open-transom cockpit and sloop rig, the Hunter 22 makes a comfortable daysailer for family and friends. But with its cuddy cabin, twin bunks, optional electrical system, opening screened ports, and portable toilet, a parent and child or a couple could comfortably slip away for an overnight or weekend. Add in the optional performance package, which includes an asymmetric spinnaker, a pole, and a mainsheet traveler, and you could be off to the races. The boat features a laminated fiberglass hull and deck, molded-in nonskid, and a hydraulic lifting centerboard. Mount a small outboard on the stern bracket, and you’re set to go. marlow-hunter.com

Not sure whether you want to race, cruise or just go out for an afternoon sail? Since 1958, sailors have been having a ball aboard the Uffa Fox/George O’Day-designed Daysailer. Fox, who in the 1950s was on the cutting edge of planning-dinghy design, collaborated with Fall River, Massachusetts boatbuilder O’Day Corp. to build the 16-foot Daysailer, a boat that features a slippery hull and a small cuddy cabin that covers the boat roughly from the mast forward. Thousands of Daysailers were built by various builders, and they can be found used for quite affordable prices. There are active racing fleets around the US, and new Daysailers are still in production today, built by Cape Cod Ship Building. capecodshipbuilding.com

BayRaider from Swallow Boats

Easy to rig and trailer, the BayRaider from England’s Swallow Yachts is a relative newcomer to the small-boat market in the United States. Nearly all of its 19 feet 9 inches is open cockpit, though a spray hood can be added to keep the forward sections dry. The BayRaider is ketch-rigged with a gunter-style mainmast. The topmast and mizzen are both carbon-fiber, which is an option for the mainmast as well. The BayRaider can be sailed with a dry hull in lighter conditions or with 300 pounds of water ballast to increase its stability. With the centerboard and hinged rudder raised, the boat can maneuver in even the thinnest water.

$28,900, (904) 234-8779, swallowyachts.com

Big fun can come in small packages, especially if your vessel of choice happens to be the 12 ½-foot Beetle Cat. Designed by John Beetle and first built in 1921, the wooden shallow draft sailboat is still in production today in Wareham, Massachusetts at the Beetle Boat Shop. With a draft of just 2 feet, the boat is well-suited for shallow bays, but equally at home in open coastal waters. The single gaff-rigged sail provides plenty of power in light air and can be quickly reefed down to handle a blow. In a word, sailing a Beetle Cat is fun. beetlecat.com

– LEARN THE NAVIGATION RULES – Know the “Rules of the Road” that govern all boat traffic. Be courteous and never assume other boaters can see you. Safety Tip Provided by the U.S. Coast Guard

West Wight Potter P 19

With berths for four and a workable galley featuring a cooler, a sink, and a stove, West Wight Potter has packed a lot into its 19-foot-long P 19. First launched in 1971, this is a line of boats that’s attracted a true following among trailer-sailors. The P 19′s fully retractable keel means that you can pull up just about anywhere and go exploring. Closed-cell foam fore and aft makes the boat unsinkable, and thanks to its hard chine, the boat is reportedly quite stable under way. westwightpotter.com

NorseBoat 17.5

Designed for rowing and sailing (a motor mount is optional), the Canadian-built NorseBoat 17.5—one of which was spotted by a CW editor making its way through the Northwest Passage with a two-man crew—features an open cockpit, a carbon-fiber mast, and a curved-gaff rig, with an optional furling headsail set on a sprit. The lapstrake hull is fiberglass; the interior is ply and epoxy. The boat comes standard with two rowing stations and one set of 9-foot oars. The boat is designed with positive flotation and offers good load-carrying capacity, which you could put to use if you added the available canvas work and camping tent. NorseBoats offers a smaller sibling, the 12.5, as well; both are available in kit form.

$19,000, (902) 659-2790, norseboat.com

Montgomery 17

Billed as a trailerable pocket cruiser, the Montgomery 17 is a stout-looking sloop designed by Lyle Hess and built out of fiberglass in Ontario, California, by Montgomery Boats. With a keel and centerboard, the boat draws just under 2 feet with the board up and can be easily beached when you’re gunkholing. In the cuddy cabin you’ll find sitting headroom, a pair of bunks, a portable toilet, optional shore and DC power, and an impressive amount of storage space. The deck-stepped mast can be easily raised using a four-part tackle. The builder reports taking his own boat on trips across the Golfo de California and on visits to California’s coastal islands. Montgomery makes 15-foot and 23-foot models, as well. If you’re in search of a small sailboat with a cabin, the Montgomery 17 has to be on your wish list.

With long overhangs and shiny brightwork, the CW Hood 32 is on the larger end of the daysailer spectrum. Designers Chris Hood and Ben Stoddard made a conscious decision to forego a cabin and head in favor of an open cockpit big enough to bring 4 or 5 friends or family out for an afternoon on the water. The CW Hood 32 is sleek and graceful through the water and quick enough to do some racing, but keeps things simple with a self-tacking jib and controls that can be lead back to a single-handed skipper. A top-furling asymmetrical, electric sail drive and Torqeedo outboard are all optional. The CW Hood 32 makes for a great small family sailboat.  cwhoodyachts.com

Sun Cat from Com-Pac

Shallow U.S. East Coast bays and rock-strewn coasts have long been graced by cat boats, whose large, gaff-rigged mainsails proved simple and powerful both on the wind and, better yet, when reaching and running. The 17-foot-4-inch Sun Cat, built by Com-Pac Yachts, updates the classic wooden cat with its fiberglass hull and deck and the easy-to-step Mastender Rigging System, which incorporates a hinged tabernacle to make stepping the mast a one-person job. If you want a personal sailboat ideal for solo sailing, the Sun Can is a great choice. Belowdecks, the twin 6-foot-5-inch berths and many other features and amenities make this cat a willing weekender.

$19,800, (727) 443-4408, com-pacyachts.com

Catalina 16.5

The Catalina 16.5 sits right in the middle of Catalina Yachts’ line of small sailboats, which range from the 12.5 to the 22 Capri and Sport, and it comes in both an easy-to-trailer centerboard model and a shoal-draft fixed-keel configuration. With the fiberglass board up, the 17-foot-2-inch boat draws just 5 inches of water; with the board down, the 4-foot-5-inch draft suggests good windward performance. Hull and deck are hand-laminated fiberglass. The roomy cockpit is self-bailing, and the bow harbors a good-sized storage area with a waterproof hatch. catalinayachts.com

No roundup of best small sailboats (trailerable and fun too) would be complete without a mention of the venerable Hobie 16, which made its debut in Southern California way back in 1969. The company has introduced many other multihulls since, but more than 100,000 of the 16s have been launched, a remarkable figure. The Hobie’s asymmetric fiberglass-and-foam hulls eliminate the need for daggerboards, and with its kick-up rudders, the 16 can be sailed right up to the beach. Its large trampoline offers lots of space to move about or a good place to plant one’s feet when hanging off the double trapezes with a hull flying. The boat comes with a main and a jib; a spinnaker, douse kit, trailer, and beach dolly are optional features. hobiecat.com

Novice sailors or old salts looking for simplicity could both enjoy sailing the Hunter 15. With a fiberglass hull and deck and foam flotation, the boat is sturdily built. The ample freeboard and wide beam provide stability under way, and the heavy-duty rubrail and kick-up rudder mean that you won’t have to worry when the dock looms or the going grows shallow. Both the 15 and its slightly larger 18-foot sibling come standard with roller-furling jibs.

$6,900/$9,500 (boat-show prices for the 15 and 18 includes trailers), (386) 462-3077, marlow-hunter.com

– CHECK THE FIT – Follow these guidelines to make sure your life jacket looks good, stays comfortable and works when you need it. Safety Tip Provided by the U.S. Coast Guard

Super Snark

Under various owners, the Snark brand of sailboats, now built by Meyers Boat Co., has been around since the early 1970s. The Super Snark, at 11 feet, is a simple, easily car-topped daysailer that’s fit out with a lateen rig and sail. Billed as unsinkable, the five boats in the company’s line are built with E.P.S. foam, with the external hull and deck vacuum-formed to the core using an A.B.S. polymer. The Super Snark weighs in at 50 pounds, and with a payload capacity of 310 pounds, the boat can carry two.

$970, (800) 247-6275, meyersboat.com

Norseboat 21.5

Built in Canada, the NorseBoat 21.5 is a rugged looking craft that comes in a couple of configurations: one with an open cockpit and small doghouse, and another with a smaller cockpit and cabin that houses a double berth for two adults and optional quarter berths for the kids. Both carry NorseBoat’s distinctive looking carbon fiber gaff-rigged mast with main and jib (a sprit-set drifter is optional), and come with a ballasted stub keel and centerboard. Because of its lightweight design, the boat can be rowed and is easily trailered.

$36,000 (starting), 902-659-2790, norseboat.com

Flying Scot

Talk about time-tested, the 19-foot Flying Scot has been in production since 1957 and remains a popular design today. Sloop rigged, with a conventional spinnaker for downwind work, the boat is an easily sailed family boat as well as a competitive racer, with over 130 racing fleets across the U.S. Its roomy cockpit can seat six to eight, though the boat is often sailed by a pair or solo. Hull and deck are a fiberglass and balsa core sandwich. With the centerboard up, the boat draws only eight inches. Though intended to be a daysailer, owners have rigged boom tents and berths for overnight trips, and one adventurous Scot sailor cruised his along inland waterways from Philadelphia to New Orleans.

Known primarily for its line of racing dinghys, RS Sailing also builds the 16-foot, 4-inch Venture, which it describes as a cruising and training dinghy. The Venture features a large, self-draining cockpit that will accommodate a family or pack of kids. A furling jib and mainsail with slab reefing come standard with the boat; a gennaker and trapeze kit are options, as is an outboard motor mount and transom swim ladder. The deck and hull are laid up in a fiberglass and Coremat sandwich. The Venture’s designed to be both a good performer under sail, but also stable, making it a good boat for those learning the sport.

$14,900, 203-259-7808, rssailing.com

Topper makes a range of mono- and multihull rotomolded boats, but the model that caught one editor’s eye at Strictly Sail Chicago was the Topaz Taz. At 9 feet, 8 inches LOA and weighing in at 88 pounds, the Taz is not going to take the whole crowd out for the day. But, with the optional mainsail and jib package (main alone is for a single child), the Taz can carry two or three kids or an adult and one child, and would make a fun escape pod when tied behind the big boat and towed to some scenic harbor. The hull features Topper’s Trilam construction, a plastic and foam sandwich that creates a boat that’s stiff, light, and durable, and shouldn’t mind being dragged up on the beach when it’s time for a break.

$2,900 (includes main and jib), 410-286-1960, topazsailboats.com

WindRider WRTango

WRTango, a fast, sturdy, 10-foot trimaran that’s easy to sail, is the newest portable craft from WindRider International. It joins a line that includes the WR16 and WR17 trimarans. The Tango features forward-facing seating, foot-pedal steering, and a low center of gravity that mimics the sensation of sitting in a kayak. It weighs 125 pounds (including the outriggers and carbon-fiber mast), is extremely stable, and has single-sheet sail control. The six-inch draft and kick-up rudder make it great for beaching, while the hull and outriggers are made of rotomolded polyethylene, so it can withstand running into docks and being dragged over rocks.

$3,000, 612-338-2170, windrider.com

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Better Sailing

Best Small and Trailerable Sailboats

Cruising with a trailerable sailboat means that you can voyage in a small and comfy sailboat with the advantage of saving some serious costs. Having a trailerable sailboat saves you money for storage fees, boatyard haulout, and boat insurance, among others. There are two main categories of trailerable sailboats; performance-oriented boats and all-round pocket cruisers.   So, if you’re a part-time sailor but still want to experience the joys of sailing continue reading this article so as to find out which are the best small and trailerable sailboats on today’s market. Know that there are many decent trailerable sailboats that managed both offshore and coastal cruising. So, keep reading and find the one that suits you best!

Catalina 22 Sport – The Best Trailerable Sailboat

Catalina brand is one of the most constructed sailboats in the US and has manufactured a great deal of capable and robust sailboats. The Catalina 22 Sport is one of the most preferred pocket and race cruisers since 2004. The model pioneers for the one-piece hull liner that has become standard in most high volume small boats. Furthermore, it has enough trim along with a well-proportioned rig and a hand-laid fiberglass hull construction. Other great features include a retractable lead keel, a roomy cabin, a spacious cockpit, and a fractional rig with a mainsail and a roller-furling jib. You can get a used Catalina 22 for as low as $5,000 and a brand spanking new one for around $40,000.

>>Also Read: Beneteau vs. Catalina: Which Is a Better Sailboat?

West Wight Potter 15

The West Wight Potter 15 is one of the best small trailerable and seaworthy 15-foot sailboats of all time. It’s easy to handle and great for both coastal and offshore cruising. She has an aluminum mast and tiller, a small cabin that comfortably sleeps a couple and also we can’t miss referring to her elegant design. Furthermore, it can be easily stored, it’s relatively cheap to buy and can be purchased both as a new or used boat, as many sailors prefer it for stepping up from a dinghy to a pocket cruiser.

>>Also Read: Best Pocket Cruisers Under 20 Feet

This small trailerable boat features a modern design and can be a top choice for many sailors, both for beginners or even for experienced ones. She surprisingly manages well in different weather conditions and she’s also relatively easy to handle. As a result, she has earned by right the title of a truly seaworthy small cruising vessel. Moreover, her robust design from the masthead to keel design is proven to be highly durable and comes with a mainsail and 110% genoa. A great feature of this model is the comfy and interior layout that offers a great amount of space for her size.

And that’s why the Hunter 27 is a great liveable sailboat having enough storage space, 6ft of standing headroom, berths, as well as plenty of counter space and seatings. Lastly, as a true trailer sailor, she has a shoal draft of under 4ft and a displacement of less than 8,000lbs. You can find her in today’s market as a used or brand-new model with a price ranging from $20,000 to $45,000.

>>Also Read: Best Sailboats Under 100k

BayRaider 

The BayRaider from UK’s Swallow boats is a somehow newcomer to the small trailerable boat market in the US. She features a large and open cockpit, is ketch-rigged, and has a gunter-style mainmast. As for the topmast and mizzen, they’re both carbon-fiber; you can also apply this to the mainmast. This model can be sailed with a dry hull in lighter weather conditions or if you want to maximize its stability you can do so by removing the 300lbs of water ballast. The water ballast offers great performance in light to medium winds and makes the boat suitable for different sailing or weather conditions and levels of experience. Lastly, as she has the centerboard and hinged rudder raised she can be maneuvered even in the thinnest water. She has a self-tacking rig and is easy to trailer; all these features make her a great choice for novices.

>>Also Read: Most Popular Sailboats

Contessa 26

The Contessa 26 is an all-time-classic and small trailerable sailboat. Even if this vessel is quite small she has proven her seaworthiness and is still preferred as an ideal pocket cruiser. She has a roomy cabin and comfortable cockpit, so there’s no need to worry about below deck space. As for the rigging, it’s quite easy to handle and is rigged as a masthead sloop. Also, her construction comprises of a deep keel and hull-mounted rudder; and that’s why she was also used as a racer. The main downside is her narrow beam which contributes to heeling although she stiffens up quickly and becomes easy to sail. In any case, there are many who admit that she’s one of the most reliable sailboats in the mid-size category.

The Hunter 22 is a great daysailer and features an open-transom cockpit and sloop rig, making her the ideal choice for friends and family outings. Moreover, the considerable amount of below-deck space has twin bunks, a roomy cabin, and a portable toilet. Rigging also includes an asymmetric spinnaker and a mainsheet traveler in case you’re keen on racing. Her construction is made out of laminated fiberglass hull and deck, molded-in nonskid, and a hydraulic lifting centerboard. Last but not least, she’s fast, stable, responsive, and is, therefore, an ideal starter-boat for novices.

Islander 24

The 24-foot Islander is a classic choice in the small trailerable sailboat market. This fiberglass model features a sturdy design and has proven her seaworthiness for coastal and family-day cruising. This model was first built in 1961 but is still available on the used market. She has a masthead sloop rig, simple overall rigging, and is appropriate for single-handing. As for below-deck space, she has a spacious cabin for two with a V-berth, and space for a head. Last but not least, many sailors admit that she’s a lot more capable than many of the later model boats in this size range.

>>Also Read: Best Sailboats Under 30 Feet

Macgregor 25

This trailerable cruising sloop is a safe, easy-handling, and robust sailboat for 2 persons; perfectly suitable for coastal cruising. The boat has a spacious cabin and great safety features like foam flotation as well as the ability to self-right. Its innovative design features a retracting keel, pop-up rudder, and an easy mast-stepping system that enhances its cruising performance. Moreover, it has a large foredeck and cockpit and its lifelines and shrouds are equipped with handholds. You can easily find a Macgregor 25 on the used market with just $9,500.

>>Also Read: Best Small Sailboats To Sail Around The World

Cape Dory 28

The Cape Dory 28 is a popular trailerable sailboat known for its great performance both offshore and inland. Even though it has a small size it offers comfortable living spaces below the deck. In addition, she has proven to be more capable than other larger sailboats. It’s designed with a well-balanced deck arrangement along with a full-length keel with an attached rudder, a low freeboard, and a well-proportioned traditional trunk cabin. These sailboats were originally rigged as sloops with self-tending and club-footed jibs. This sail plan is really great for stiff weather conditions. Lastly, it can be easily hauled-out and transported regardless of its 28ft size. Ideal for salt-water cruising and for tighter coastal waters you can find a used model for $12,900.

>>Also Read: How Much Do Sailboats Weigh?

The Newport 27 is an all-time-classic that was first built in 1971 and is still considered a common choice for small sailboats amongst sailors. Although it has a small size it doesn’t lack interior space. The standing headroom is just over 6ft, there’s a V-berth, a head, and a hanging locker forward of the bulkhead. Also, settees measure 6ft in length and extend to either side of the saloon. Some variations include a fixed dinette with raised seating fore and aft, a starboard quarter berth, and an aft-placed head. You can find them on the used market from $10,000 to $18,000, depending on their condition and any possible upgrades. Even though it’s not a really robust offshore cruiser, the Newport 27 is still a capable trailerable sailboat and if upgraded and equipped accordingly it can definitely offer decent coastal cruising to a singlehander or a couple.

>>Also Read: What Are The Best Beginner Sailboats?

Trailerable sailboats are a great choice for beginner sailors as well as for couple and family outings. Keep in mind that the aforementioned boats are not the only options on today’s market. I recommend these boats because they’re easy to handle, small but roomy, easy to trailer, and have an overall robust design. Generally, a trailer sailor will save you costs for purchasing but also for marina fees. Keep in mind that many sailors choose to sail overseas with a trailerable sailboat, so there are suitable models for a long-passage voyage. Lastly, small sailboats can offer different kinds of sailing adventures; weekend cruising, coastal cruising, island hopping, and sometimes an offshore voyage. I hope that you enjoyed reading this article and that it will help you out in order to pick the right trailerable sailboat for your needs.

Peter is the editor of Better Sailing. He has sailed for countless hours and has maintained his own boats and sailboats for years. After years of trial and error, he decided to start this website to share the knowledge.

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Smallest Sailboats with Standing Headroom in the Cabin and/or Inboard Engine

• Thread starter jepomer
• Start date Sep 9, 2010
• Forums for All Owners
• Ask All Sailors

I'm just researching the possibilities right now. I am trying to identify the smallest sailboats which have standing headroom in the cabin (6 feet minimum) and/or which ones have an inboard engine. There are many parameters that go into choosing a sailboat. These two are difficult to identify in searches so I am hoping that people will chime in with their knowledge. My wife and I started sailing about 5 years ago (I had sailed casually before in the early '80s) when a friend lent us his small 12 footer while he and his wife sailed on a Hobie Cat 16. My wife squeezed into the cockpit much like one does in a kayak and I thought it would be the last of our sailing. On the contrary, she loved it! The next season we purchased a Hobie Cat 14 which was great for small lakes but when we got stranded for many hours with no wind on Lake Champlain one July 3rd, we decided that our "mature" bodies needed seats and a cabin with "facilities". We then purchased an O'Day 19 and sailed it for 3 seasons beginning to venture out into both Portsmouth and Boston harbors. This year we have a Capri 22 berthed in Winthrop and a Cape Dory 25 getting ready for next season. The Cape Dory 25 has more headroom and cabin space than the Capri 22 but not significantly more. Both are fine for overnighting and weekends. I can trailer either one of these back home for winter storage which had been an important criteria up until now. This is the first year that we have had a boat in a slip. We enjoyed the convenience over trailer sailing and the option just to sit in the boat on the hot summer days we had this year in New England. Our long term goal is to have a cruising "summer home" and to journey the intercoastal waterway when we retire (in the next 5 years or so). We do want reasonable cabin space for standing, preparing food, etc. and to be more than just "camping" like the our Capri 22 is (I know this is subjective). Since I do enjoy working on the boat's maintenance, fiberglass and mechanical repairs, I want to find that "special" boat that needs some TLC. So far we have not poured humongous amounts of money into our holes in the water. Size helps control the costs. Hence the question --- What are the Smallest Sailboats with Standing Headroom in the Cabin and/or Inboard Engine? John  

Sandy Stone

Flicka 20? You said smallest, not cheapest.  

Suggest that you post your question also on the Cherubini Hunter forum. http://forums.hunter.sailboatowners.com/forumdisplay.php?f=44 I don't know if 27 ft is "small" enough, but might be worth a quick read about the Cherubini Hunter 27 from the late 70's to early 80's. The one time that I looked at one, I was struck by what felt as an extremely spacious feeling cabin for such smaller boat. I believe it had enough head room for a 6' person to move around fully erect. You could also look at the owner reviews/comments. Here's a link to the original Hunter brochure: http://www.huntermarine.com/Models/HunterPreviousModels/27_1982.pdf  

Re: Flicka 20? Probably the flicka. http://www.flicka20.com/  

Scott T-Bird

Always a compromise when considering 'smallest' ... I've seen a 27' boat that had headroom for a 6' person ... in my eyes it was ugly because the profile was simply too high, had way too much windage, and performance suffered greatly. On the other hand, we considered purchasing a Cal 27-2 which was pleasing and had headroom for the most part for a 6' person (me) but the sole of the boat was essentially the hull and it sloped to a small flat spot over the bilge/keel assembly. The comments I read about the boat complained mainly that because the bilge is so shallow, water overflows the floor anytime the bilge filled by more than a couple of inches. This also was not for me. Our 27' boat is very pleasing to the eye and has very sweet performance because it is designed well, but I can only stand erect under the sliding top or if the top is slid back so I can stand in the sun. Otherwise, I stoop. My wife, at 5'7" can walk comfortably anywhere in the cabin and only has to stoop to duck under the companionway to the head. I live with this compromise because I love the way the boat looks and performs. So far, I have not found any boat at 27' that has standing headroom for me AND has decent performance and looks like a sleek sailboat. I don't like sailing a boat that looks like a slug to me. That includes all of the boats in that size or smaller that are touted for blue-water safety. But that's just me ... beauty is in the eye of the beholder, I think everyone realizes.  

Hello, I think that you should be able to find a boat in the 27-28' range that meets your requirements. My first 'big' boat was a Newport 28. That was the smallest boat I liked that had inboard diesel, standing headroom (I'm 5'7" so I don't know if it has 6' headroom everywhere), real marine head with holding tank, pressure hot and cold water, and a decent galley with stove, oven, and icebox. The Catalina 27' would probably work for you too. I have been on a few and I liked the Newport 28' better, but that was just me. Check out the Sabre 28, Tartan 27, O'day 28', etc etc etc Barry  

Yes, I did say "smallest" meaning the shortest LOA, not "cheapest". I do like the Flicka. "Smallest, practical" may be a better way to ask the question. The other parameters will come into play soon enough before any serious decisions need to be made. What I have seen so far is when the boats go from 25 to 27 feet LOA, headroom increases and the outboard becomes an inboard. I am 5' 8" and my wife is an even 5' so that helps. I do suspect that we will find something around the 30 foot range to be a practical solution. Our dock neighbor suggests a 32 footer. (He wants one that size.) Looking at the Cape Dory 25 verses the Cape Dory 25D, there appears to be a significant increase in headroom and other cabin space for two. When problem solving, I try to look at the extremes and then the subtle differences. We will be sailing the Cape Dory 25 next year. In the meantime we are trying to see what we like and don't like. I don't think my wife would really enjoy extended "camping" in the limited space if we were to be on an extended cruise. Thank you for the input so far. It is all useful. John  

The Hunter 27 has everything you are looking for. They have crossed oceans and we know of 3 of them in the VI's that are live aboard. Check it out. They did come with various keels from shallow to not so shallow.  

Look up a Bristol 28. Very competitive which means good performance under sail and has all the bell and whistles.  

You don't need 6 feet of headroom unless you jump around a lot. You need bunk length more than headroom. Sometimes when they add two feet in length it is mostly in the cockpit. My Islander 30 had an 8 foot long cockpit, My friend's O'Day 26 had a 5 foot long cockpit and nearly as much room inside as my 30.  

Warren Milberg

Just keep in mind what the famous designer Herreshoff had to say about headroom: The interior of a boat is only used for three things: eating, sleeping, and making love. None of which require standing headroom. or something to that effect....  

Depends on which page of the boata-sutra you're on. But honestly, it is nice to stand fully upright and not bump one's head.  

SailArkansas

The Precision 28 has standing headroom and an inboard diesel. The cabin has a very spacious feeling as the v-berth has no bulkhead. A curtain provides privacy. The model was discontinued several years back but you can find a couple of listings at PrecisionSaiboatOwners.com Its a great boat and I am very satisfied with my 1994 copy.  

My CAL 2-25 (aka CAL 25 mk II) has more usable interior room, wider beam and longer waterline length than a CAT 27. She also has standiing head room, Yanmar YSM12 diesel, easy to single hand, fast and will take heavy weather. http://sailboatdata.com/viewrecord.asp?class_ID=711  

I have a Crown 28: inboard diesel, standing headroom, decent galley (often missing in the newer models that are focused on daysails), enclosed head with sink... Back then, a 28-ft boat was considered a good size for cruising and were built as such. Now it's hard to get a decent galley in anything under 32 ft. So - I'd look at some older boats if you want a good cruising boat under 30 ft. druid  

A well fed crew is likely to be a happier crew so be certain that the galley is complete. The stove must have an oven and a broiler and two burners is minimum. Plenty of Ice Box volume with at least 4 inches of insulation.  

Although some may argue that they are not true sailboats, but the Nimble Kodiak and the Nimble Wanderer have huge cabins.  

I sail a lot on a friend's Tartan 28. It has good headroom ( I am 6'3" ) throughout and is a great cruiser for 2 or 3 people. There is a good head. V berth, double in the cabin, quarter berth. A good table in the cabin and a good galley with stove and oven. It sails really well also. This is the earlier design of Tartan 28, ( 1984-1990), not the 28 Piper.  

Well, we've had: Flicka (wins the race on size, standing headroom and inboard diesel) Cape Dory 25D (best value in this race) I would add Dana 24 to these small, "Blue water" boats, but plan on spending a small fortune to get one. Your plans don't seem to include "Blue water," so I'd look at small boats with outboard engines, particularly those that have lazarette-mounted engines, like your CD25. The Bristol 24 comes to mind, as do some of the Pearsons. Putting your pants on standing up is great. Not hanging upside down into a diesel engine compartment is even better. Think it through and good luck.  

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Sail Far Live Free

Camping on a keel - trailer sailers for cruisers.

Great compendium Kevin. Also a sensible choice for those who've done the conventional cruising and are looking at phase 2 options. All the best.

While I'm not sure how old this post is, Ill add another boat to consider using your criteria above. We have a S2 7.9 Gran Slam which we cruise locally in Milwaukee and also take a few weeks out of the summer and trailer to better cruising grounds. We pull it with a Chevy Suburban and are quite please with having a performance boat that is straight forward to launch and rig. The beam is actually over legal limit at 9', but these boats have been trailered extensively to one design regattas over many years and I have never heard of anyone being stopped by the hi way revenuers.

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Escape to the Sea: How to get from the Great Lakes to the Caribbean

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Trailer Sailors and Standing Headroom

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I am looking to probably downsize to a smaller boat this spring. My primary motivation for downsizing is cruising range. I likely have another 20 years of employment to look forward to and currently only 4 week's vacation a year. I like the idea of exploring a lot of different places like Cape Breton Island, the North Channel and the Gulf of Mexico. The problem is, my current cruising sailboat just isn't fast enough to reach any of those places in a two week vacation. So, after two cruising sailboats over 30', I think I have figured out the best type of sailboat for my current sailing style is a trailer sailor. I have already decided there is nothing under 20' that appeals to me. I have a wife and son and dog that come with me, so I would like a proper head and a galley. I have narrowed my search down to 2 options a proper trailer sailor with swing keel such as a CS 22 or Catalina 22 or a semi trailerable boat that is trailerable but not ramp launchable, such as a Tanzer 26. I currently lean towards the semi trailerable options like the Tanzer 26 due to them having standing headroom (at least the ones I would be interested in), however, by making that choice I am disallowing myself use of a lot of remote wilderness boat launches. So my question is for those of you in cruising boats without standing headroom. How big of an inconvenience do you find not being able to stand upright in the cabin? Does it drive you crazy after a few days or a couple of weeks out cruising, or is it no big deal? I'm not looking for hard facts here, just mostly how people feel about cruising on this type of boat. I am not worried about seaworthiness, I have owned and sailed to lively open boats in open water including a Fireball 17 and my current Prindle 16, so I am aware of a small boats limitations with regards to weather, I am mostly just interested in the liveability of the cabins for 2 or 3 weeks time?  

Budget will, of course, make a difference.. but if you're talking sub-10K boats then it's a bit limited. Our first and second boats (Shark 24 and Viking 28 - ironically both iconic Great Lakes boats, and we've always been on the West coast) had 5 feet headroom. We owned the Viking for 10 years as our son grew up, he first sailed on her at 18 days of age. A sweet sailing boat, and in reality, most of our time below was spent sitting or sleeping. At the galley, one stood in the companionway with infinite headroom. While we were much younger then, I don't recall a lot of complaining or 'wishing for more headroom' rather than more 'space'. Presently it's nice to be able to walk around upright, and to be able to dress without having to crouch, but still most of our time below is not spent standing except at the galley. It may be more difficult going the other way (from having standing headroom to not) esp depending on your agility and fitness. Downsizing is interesting on many fronts.. we moved, over the years, from 24 to 28 to 40, then decided to downsize to a 30. Going up was easy and amazing, but after over a decade with a 40 footer all the 30s seemed way too tight, and we ended up with our 35 footer which suits us still, yet another 12 years on.  

Have you considered a Seaward 25 or 26? They are pricey but should satisfy all of your requirements.  

paulinnanaimo said: Have you considered a Seaward 25 or 26? They are pricey but should satisfy all of Ayour requirements. Click to expand...

Since we own a Seaward 25, I'll admit to being biased. I can say that it would probably fit your requirements well. It's roomy, seaworthy enough for the Great Lakes, and tows and launches fairly easily (so long as you have the vehicle for the job). A used Seaward 25 can be found for half the price of a used Seaward 26rk. Personally, I like the interior better on the 25, but the 26 has the retractable keel, and a stiffer mast step due to the keel trunk. It serves the 2 of us well for 2 or 3 weeks. Add a kid and dog to that...hmmm. That depends on the kid and the dog, I guess, but there is room. I think a Catalina 22 would be claustrophobic for your intended use, but they are nice boats. We've been up to the North Channel with a group of trailer sailors a couple of times. Catalina 25 and Oday 26, are not out of the question for this. I'm always amazed at the creative ways owners of these boats have come up with tricks for mast raising, etc. Hunter 260 is another good choice, especially if the water ballast would be important to you in getting the towing weight down some. Here's a link to some of the boats that have trailered up to the North Channel to sail with the group: Boat types that have cruised with us | Trailer/Sailors Association BTW, there were 2 Catalina 25's (a wing keel and a swing keel) up there last summer, and an Oday 26 up there the year before.  

There are really two issues here: Standing headroom (or near standing) and tow vehicle consideration. They are related fairly closely and your most likely consideration is whether you have a suitable tow vehicle (3/4 ton pickup or van, preferably 4WD) that will give you the capacity to tow 5K to 7.5K safely. If your tow vehicle limits you to the typical 3.5K to 4.5K of a 22' boat, consider the Chrysler 22 as well as the Catalina 22, Oday 22/23. If you can tow more, and won't really do much local trailer sailing, I'd go with a keel boat like a C&C 24/25, Cal 25, or others that typically can be trailered but must be launched with a travellift. You will have either standing headroom or just a tad short in any of these. And, the Cal 25 draws 4' and has standing headroom with the pop top up. If you want ramp launchable, I'd give the Catalina 25 a heavy thumbs up. While they still have a swing keel and only draw about 18" with keel up, they are very roomy inside and, if you find one with a pop top, you will have standing headroom that parallels much bigger boats. Others in this class (but without pop-tops) include the Oday 25 and Chrysler 26. My son owned a Catalina 22 years ago and I had a Catalina 25 for many years. While the 22 was fun for lake sailing, it had neither the room nor the seaworthiness on the Great Lakes that the 25 had. Unless you don't have a suitable tow vehicle, I'd stay clear of the 22/23 foot boats and go to 25/26.  

Everyone's different. However, with every day that goes by, creature comforts become more necessary than optional. Body parts have use-by dates.  

Arcb said: So much good information from everyone here. Sesmith, I enjoyed your link. Do Canadians participate as well? Click to expand...

I don't know how agile you are, but if you are thinking about staying out for longer periods of time, I would be less concerned about headroom and would lean towards boats with a bit more accommodations than a Catalina 22. Personally I would minimally look at boats with a permanent galley set up and a head that is not under the berths. If my budget was tight, I would look at some of the 1960's era keel/centerboard MORC rule boats like the Morgan 24/25, Dolphin 24, Sailmaster 22/23, Seafarer 22, and similar designs. These boats sail well in most conditions and have a bit more in the way of living accommodations than the trailerables that followed ,10 years later. If you have a bigger budget there are some neat dagger board with a bulb andboats like the Tripp 26. And if don't mind crane launching there are boats like Laser 28 that was designed to be trailerable and which has great accommodations for a boat of this size and performance. Jeff  

Jeff_H said: I don't know how agile you are, but if you are thinking about staying out for longer periods of time, I would be less concerned about headroom and would lean towards boats with a bit more accommodations than a Catalina 22. Personally I would minimally look at boats with a permanent galley set up and a head that is not under the berths. If my budget was tight, I would look at some of the 1960's era keel/centerboard MORC rule boats like the Morgan 24/25, Dolphin 24, Sailmaster 22/23, Seafarer 22, and similar designs. These boats sail well in most conditions and have a bit more in the way of living accommodations than the trailerables that followed ,10 years later. If you have a bigger budget there are some neat dagger board with a bulb andboats like the Tripp 26. And if don't mind crane launching there are boats like Laser 28 that was designed to be trailerable and which has great accommodations for a boat of this size and performance. Jeff Click to expand...

I looked at trailer boats a long time ago and thought the Rhodes 22 looked like it offered a lot for its size. Well thought out with inherent compromises. A small, weekend fart-around with a bit of comfort kinda thing. It's a niche boat and many people love them. Compac also has boats in this market - quite a few with older and new models. Pop-tops lend themselves to nice weekender camping trips.  

Jeff man you surprise me... you forgot my prior boat, the S2 7.9... ramp launchable anywhere, self righting without the keel down, and a nice 5' draft when you lower the 600lb daggerboard. Boat is as fast as a J24 (faster actually).. 1 person can raise the mast, some are inboards (nice little 9hp 1 cyl diesel yammie)... Well built and a good one can be had for about $10k (on a trailer). The "standing headroom" isn't so much, its about 5'8" at best, but has either a real head or a big enclosed porta pottie head (depends on model)... V berth is huge. Pipe berths are decent. Boat handles well, and is built to last. Only downside to the boat is it's not light at 4050lbs, realistically its more like 4700lbs (all up), you need areal tow vehicle to pull it (1500 pickup good idea with a V-8 or at least a proper tow package). Draws 18" board up (rudder up)... 5' board down (rudder down). I'm gonna shoot myself in the foot with this one... but a Starwind 27 also give nearly standing headroom, reasonably fast, deep draft (and shoal draft models), and deck stepped mast. Oh a better boat to trailer than either of the above, and much nicer down below is an Oday 26, shoal/centerboard model. Again not really standing headroom, but a lot of boat for 26 feet, and still trailer launchable at 24" draft.  

So just a thought,why not have the boat you like at home and when you want to try different waters go where you want and rent one( bare boat?) with the price of fuel,trucks and the time that could be better spent sailing,enjoying yourself.i bet it may pencil out to be feasible..it would very much expand where you could go ,from Vancouver island to sea of coryez to caribean or the east coast...wherever. As an aside I have just just recently acquired a nice S2 7.9 so it intresting to hear about them( but ineed a mast for it). Seems a very well built boat  

Shnool, I am losing my touch. I fear that I am no longer worthy of being curmudgeon at large. The S2 7.9 would be a near perfect choice. How could I forget? Then again how could you have sold yours? Jeff  

Jeff_H said: Shnool, I am losing my touch. I fear that I am no longer worthy of being curmudgeon at large. The S2 7.9 would be a near perfect choice. How could I forget? Then again how could you have sold yours? Jeff Click to expand...

I would sell mine.as it's more boat Than I know how to sail..so far..and my c/l 16 is enough for most lakes here in alberta..and i don,t have time to get into racing.but it seems like a easy boat to trailer around for a 26 ish footer. But I think a minimum heavy 3/4 or better yet 1 ton to pull it around.....safety first  

Perhaps you have some expertise but my experience is that there is little difference between a 1 ton and a 3/4 ton. Slighter stiffer springs? Diesels have a lot of pulling torque and are good for serious towing. But you will pay for the diesel motor though the resale value holds far better than gas.  

Bruce Kirby's Norwalk Island sharpies are pretty cool. One of the designs may have a pop top.  

I can't really speak to how well it would do in your cruising area as I used it on lakes, but I could raise the mast and launch my Hunter 26 by myself (was in my 50's at the time). Used an S-10 Blazer to tow it (too small for anything but basically flat roads). With the canvas poptop (screen w/zip up transparent panels) you could stand at the galley (2 burner Origo alcohol stove and sink, hand pump w/water from 5gal container). It's a water ballast (as is the newer 260) boat with a swing keel and had an enclosed head w/porta-potty. The Catalina 250 is a similar boat as well.  

I have a C22 and the wife and I camped with it on the Lake George Islands for a week last summer. The boat did the job, as in its like a huge dingy that you can fill with your gear. But then it is too full and not much room for you. If you know how to sail and handle a boat it can do more than you would think. But its just too small. We were always camped on various islands so we had that space and the boat got semi unpacked. Now as far as towing, rigging and launching it is relatively easy but still a minor workout and about 45 minutes of hard work to get ready on the ramp. I have considered a bigger trailor sailer and in theory it works but you would have even more trouble launching and rigging to get ready. Those boats are really relocatable boats. That is - if I moved it out to Newport, then it would be out there for a month or two say half the season. And if I moved it back then I'm not inclined to launch it more than one more time because it is such an ordeal. So I'd be back at my home port Kingston NY. In fact next summer I will probably do a split season with the boat in Long Island Sound and then either back in Kingston or possible Lake George. I know it will be hard sweaty work. With all that considered, including what my sweating laboring in the hot sun is worth, for what will realistically be 2-4 long weekends - renting a boat starts to look better and better.  

A Catalina 22 with the pop top option is worth a look. I cruised in one for two summers. Troon to Stornaway then Pula to Albania. Taught me a lot about sailing and cruising.  

The nice thing about our little piece of floating waterfront property is that it can be relocated. Perhaps consider moving the boat you have and driving to it. I know folks that drive to Newport RI from Montreal.  

My wife and I have stayed on our Catalina 22 for three days in a row and are planning a longer trip. We don't have the pop-top, but I haven't found the lack of standing headroom to be much of a problem. Putting on long pants can be a bit acrobatic if you don't have the hatch open. We put boards across the settees and sleep across the cabin, it's quite roomy that way. There's a porta-potti in the v-berth behind a curtain. We use the rest of the v for storage. It works great for us. Definitely camping, but very cozy and lots of fun. However… If you add a child and a dog into the mix… I'm sure you could make it work but I don't think it'd be fun. A Catalina 25 with a pop-top would be great for you! Enclosed head, standing headroom, definitely room for a couple and a child. However at 4500 lbs once you add the trailer you'd be pushing the weight limit for your tow vehicle. Last year a friend of mine bought a Rhodes 22 that has been sailed extensively on Lake Superior. It would probably work for you. It's set up as a cruiser, even has pressure water if you can believe it. An enclosed head and a usable but compact galley. The Rhodes 22 Reviewed  

We started out on a Helms 25 swing keel, similar to the C22 and also with non-standing headroom. My back ached every morning and I couldn't wait to reach the cockpit to stretch and stand up straight. It was a fun, simple boat but I'll never be without standing headroom in any boat I plan to overnight on. How about a trailer sailer with a pilothouse like the Kodiak Nimble? She's got 6'5" of headroom and plenty of protection from bugs and weather if you do plan to cruise the North Channel. I just finished a round up of my favorite trailer sailers here . You might find a few others that could be suitable for your needs.  

Sal Paradise, if I read your post correctly, you tent camped on islands rather than staying on the boat. This is exactly the type of information I was looking for, some of the places and conditions I sail in would be far from ideal for tent camping, especially considering my Prindle 16, which I am not selling is a pretty good boat for this type of operation. Minnewaska, things are already in motion with my 35. I really do want a smaller more nimble boat, I enjoyed my boat immensely as a live aboard, but she is a lot of boat for me to tack up wind through the 1000 Islands single handed, if I still lived near open water, I wouldn't consider selling her, but I am 90 miles upstream against the prevailing winds before I even reach Lake Ontario, so for me, right now, smaller is better, I may get a bigger boat again one day. Minnesail, it sounds your experience is similar to Sal Paradise, if I read your post correctly, you see your C22 almost more as a large camp cruiser. This is making me think my idea of 26, 27 ft might be a little more comfortable for a couple weeks on board. Kwaltersmi, those nimble arctics are really cool boats, they would be ideal for my home waters, but I think those flat sharpie hulls would not ride big steep great lakes seas very well. I will definitely read your article this evening, I enjoy them, they are well thought out and well researched.  

Arcb said: Minnesail, it sounds your experience is similar to Sal Paradise, if I read your post correctly, you see your C22 almost more as a large camp cruiser. This is making me think my idea of 26, 27 ft might be a little more comfortable for a couple weeks on board. Click to expand...

If there's any boat on your short list I'd want to be out in a 4' Lake Ontario chop in, it's the S2 7.9. But I wouldn't want to tow it thousands of km's, even with a big truck. I think your answer is one of the pop-up MacGregor 25/26 (D or S only!) models. Half the towing weight.  

I really like our Chrysler 26. It is a lot of boat to haul and launch, but is doable. We spent just under 2 weeks in the North Channel this year with our family of 6 aboard. We live in southern Michigan, so we drove to Northern Michigan then crossed Lake Huron to the North Channel. We are thinking of visiting the Apostle Islands this year if we don't buy a bigger boat.  

Unlike other things, there is no " sweet spot" in this size problem. Too big to launch and too small to go anywhere. Or if there is a perfect size,I think it is pretty close to 23-24 feet. I find that sailing is one of those activities where saying something does not give you the feeling of what its like to do it. The rigging and launching of a 26 foot boat is going to be a real pain. Things get big and heavy real fast. For example, the swing keel on the C22 is 500 lbs. The swing keel on the C25 is 1500 lbs. And it uses the same hardware and lifting cable. That keel on its support beam on the trailer doesn't want to move and makes it hard to get off the trailer. Also, the mast of a C22 is aboout 70 lbs and the weight of a C25 mast is 150 lbs. And you are lifting the mast, with all the standing rigging and spreaders on it, on a wobbly deck and usually its been in the hot sun so the mast is 150 degrees and the sun is in your eyes as you look up at it. Iwo Jim style you stand the mast up and beg the guy in the bow to get the forestay on quickly. Then you have to carry and lift the 9.9 outboard which is 100 lbs. Carry it over to the boat and lift it up onto the bracket. My 5 HP merc is about 55 lbs and carrying it hurts my arm after about 100 feet. Then its time to dig out the boom. See where this is going? You haven't even backed the trailer in yet. You will need strong men to help you. Then go have fun!! This is supposed to be fun. LOL I usually have help and it still takes me nearly an hour. A sweaty stressful hour. I will say that I have the pop top and it does work miracles in terms of space and ventilation. The other thing I hate about the C22 is that my outboard is offset to port so in rough conditions on port tack the prop can come out of the water if the boat is really heeled over. I like to get the motor idling in forward and sail in. Sometimes trying to get in an inlet single handed in waves and wakes the prop is cavitating and things can get frustrating. I wish it were possible to mount the outboard on the centerline but the rudder is there.  

Sal Paradise said: I wish it were possible to mount the outboard on the centerline but the rudder is there. Click to expand...

Attachments

I totally agree with your assessment Sal Paradise, which is why I phrased my original question how I did. If I am going with a 26 or 27' boat, it will be a keel boat, because I don't want to rig something that size without a mast crane any way. I rig my Prindle 16 each time I go sailing and even it's a pain. I think my search will be focused mostly on 26 to 27 ft locally built used keel boats that are light and narrow enough to be occasionally relocated behind a full size truck.  

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Yamarin 88DC 2024 Review

The flagship of the yamarin fibreglass boat range, the 88dc is a low profile half cabin cruiser with sports boat handling, ride and performance..

This Scandinavian styled, racy-looking rig is a furiously fast offshore day boat with the features and amenities of a family weekender.

We tested this cool cruiser offshore from the Gold Coast with the Surfers Paradise skyline our backdrop, the morning sun glinting off the high-rise buildings on the glitter-strip.

Finland boat manufacturer, Yamarin, is making inroads into the Australian market, following the introduction of this sport boat brand to local shores earlier this year.

Yamarin also produces the Busta alloy fishing boat range and Cross sports boats and bowriders, the latter made with a plate aluminium hull topped with a fibreglass deck.

All Yamarin boats are made in Finland by parent company, Inha Works Ltd.

A few months ago, we published reviews on the impressive Yamarin Cross 62BR and Yamarin 63DC.

This time around we were able to secure the Yamarin range-topper, the ultra-impressive 88DC (Day Cruiser) paired with Yamaha’s epic 425hp V8 four-stroke outboard.

As you can imagine, the Yamaha XTO 425 packs a mighty punch – accelerating the Yamarin 88DC to a top speed approaching 50 knots. Yes – this is one very fast day cruiser.

Price and equipment

The 88DC is the flagship of the Yamarin fibreglass boat range. Other models include the 60DC, 63DC, 67DC, 79DC, and the 80DC.

Similar to its siblings, the 88DC is very well equipped. There are enough features and amenities in the standard boat to keep everyone happy.

Package pricing starts at $383k when the boat is paired with a white-coloured Yamaha 300hp extra-longshaft four-stroke outboard engine.

Included in the standard boat is a low profile, timber-trimmed cabin complete with a double berth, stand-alone head compartment with toilet and shower, as well as a transverse berth/storage space beneath the helm station deck.

Other key features include a deluxe helm station with Yamarin’s Q+ multi-function onboard computer system (with 2 x 16-inch flush-fitted displays); stereo with speakers; a tilt-adjust steering wheel; as well as a pair of helm bucket chairs and a port side bucket chair fronting the lockable cabin door.

Overhead is the low profile toughened glass, centre-opening windscreen with heavy-duty stainless steel frame and windscreen wipers.

Elsewhere, the 88DC has a moulded aft cockpit seating area with removable cushions; a garage/enclosure compartment for the optional bimini cover; forward anchor locker; 45L fresh water tank; 30L black water tank; interior lighting; opening hull windows; cabin ceiling windows; 12 volt and USB sockets; Yamaha Y-COP immobiliser; boarding platforms and ladder; cup holders; transom fender/rope lockers; cockpit entertaining/storage unit with sink and stove; cockpit table.

The 88DC is rated to accept Yamaha’s largest outboard engine, the XTO 450 Offshore. Our test boat was optioned with the slightly less powerful XTO 425.

Packaged with the big Yamaha V8, our test boat price climbs to $440,480.

This higher price also includes the Yamarin Deluxe option package – which adds the pull-out bimini cover; sunbed in aft cockpit; harbour cover; trim tabs; twin battery system; bow thruster; cockpit refrigerator; and shore power.

With the Touring package also fitted, the 88DC gains an electric anchor winch, shower on bathing platform, and a heater or air conditioner.

Hull and engineering

The Yamarin 88DC has a maximum length of 8.8m and a wide, 2.90m beam.

As such, the 88DC is not trailerable here in Australia – but it is the perfect size to keep at a canal-front home, in a marina pen, or dry-stacked at a marina.

The Yamarin’s distinctive looking fibreglass hull, with its upright, steep-stem bow shape is exceptionally soft riding in chop and offshore.

The hull deadrise is modest at 19 degrees at the transom, but the bow has a very fine wave cutting vee angle forward to cleanly part the waves.

There’s not a whole lot of flare in the topsides, yet the hull rides smooth and dry offshore.

Noticeable from the photos is the anchor at the bow which is suspended from the stem so that it is ready to drop at a moment’s notice.

The test rig was also optioned with a bow thruster for maximum manoeuvrability at docking speeds.

Internally, the 88DC is very well equipped, and I found the fit and finish to be excellent throughout.

Like the smaller Yamarin models, the 88DC conforms to European CE and Australia standards for safety and flotation.

Runabout or cuddy cabin?

The 88DC is the latter of course – but you wouldn’t know it from the outside as the cabin has a very low profile, topped then with a curved glass windshield.

Due to the 8.8m length of the hull, the exterior topsides appear to be quite low – but there is more depth/height here than you might first think; there’s enough in fact to conceal a full size cabin with full standing headroom at cabin entry.

The cabin layout is unusual but effective. One step down from the helm station, there is a port side upholstered lounge bench seat, beneath a handy storage/clothing cupboard.

Immediately to starboard is the stand-alone head compartment with electric toilet, vanity with sink and pull-out shower rose, as well as overhead lighting and hull-side window. 

Moving forward, the 88DC has a double bed which angles across from the starboard side up to the forepeak.

The ceiling and cabin surrounds have a smooth white gelcoat finish which is offset by dark, diamond-stitched upholstered vinyl side panels - which stretch the length of the cabin.

Berth cushions are upholstered using a neutral coloured cloth material which blends in nicely with the light-coloured timber veneer trim and the dark upholstered side panels and curtains.

Other features include tinted/smoked ceiling and cabin side windows, ventilation hatch, forepeak mirror, interior lighting, and storage compartments beneath the double bed and port side lounge seat.

In the rear of the cockpit, behind the single cabin step, there is a crawl-space leading through to a surprisingly large transverse double bed.

It is not easy for adults to climb into – and there’s very little headroom - but it would be ideal for a pair of youngsters. 

This 2.0m long aft transverse bed/storage area can also be accessed via a gas-strut opening hatch behind the two helm chairs up in the cockpit.

Related: Yamarin Cross 62BR 2024 Review Related: Yamarin 63DC 2024 Review Related: Yamarin bowriders, day cruisers, fishing boats launch in Australia

At the helm.

There is enough space behind the broad dash and windshield to fit two bucket helm chairs side-by-side - in addition to a third chair over to port.

The chairs have flip-up front bolsters for maximum comfort when sitting or standing.

The starboard side bucket seat pair is mounted above a moulded storage box - behind which is an aft facing seat and the hatch to gain access to the sub floor berth/storage space.

The port side bucket chair also sits above a moulded fibreglass box which incorporates cutlery storage drawers as well as the galley unit - which comes standard with a sink with freshwater faucet, fold-out bench space and stove.

Our test boat was also optioned with a refrigerator.

Fronting the twin bucket chairs is a wide, angled fascia panel which easily accommodates the two included Yamarin Q+ 16-inch multi-function displays.

Yamarin Q+ is a multi-function onboard computer system which can be setup to display Yamaha engine data.

Other functions include chart plotting (using Navionics charts) and sonar, internet/hot-spot connection, boat user manuals, boat theft protection/position monitoring and more.

In the centre of the dash, moulded steps lead up from the floor to the centre-opening windscreen to provide access onto the foredeck for disembarking over the bow – where there are sturdy hand rails to make that task easier.

Reconfigurable cockpit layout

The rear cockpit is all about comfortable, reconfigurable seating and lounging.

There’s a moulded L-shaped box lounge on the port side, and stretching across the transom, as well as an aft facing seat behind the skipper to starboard.

Naturally, each seat box contains a storage compartment and is topped by comfy, well padded vinyl upholstered cushions and backrests.

A cockpit table slots into the floor to service the port side L-shaped lounge – but can also be reached by those sitting opposite and further forward to starboard.

The L-shaped lounge also converts into a sunbed with additional cushions and infill boards.

Behind the rear bench seat backrest is the garage/compartment from which you can open and easily erect the included bimini cover.

Other noteworthy features in the rear of the Yamarin include the starboard side entry steps, storage/gear lockers to each side of the single-engine outboard well, stern cleats, and twin rear boarding platforms with starboard side telescopic ladder. 

On the water

The Yamarin 88DC is a big, fast and capable offshore sports runabout and day boat.

It’s also sleek and good looking – though not in a traditional US Scarab/Cigarette race boat way.

Instead – and to its credit, the Yamarin 88DC is clearly Scandinavian, unmistakably modern.

But that’s enough about its looks. How does the Yamarin 88DC perform? In a word: superb.

I thoroughly enjoyed my time zooming about offshore from the Gold Coast, as the 88DC is very fast, very smooth, nicely balanced.

Did I mention it was fast? Paired with the Yamaha 425hp V8 four-stroke the 88DC accelerates to a top speed of 47 knots. And getting there is a heck of a lot fun.

Mind you the Yamarin’s speed can be deceptive. It gathers in a wave, rather than hitting you with a rush – as the 88DC feels so solid and well-planted that you don’t always realise how fast you are going – until you look down at the GPS.

And that’s what this flagship Yamarin is all about – effortless performance and handling coupled with an interior layout that suits day boating and overnighting equally well.

As an aside, we were unable to conduct our usual full performance trials on this boat/engine combination. However, in the table below we have listed the performance data gathered overseas on the Yamarin 88DC with the slightly more powerful Yamaha XTO offshore 450.

Performance (when paired with a Yamaha XTO 450)

REVS    SPEED                            FUEL USE          RANGE

1000     4.5kt (8.3km/h)             6.6L/h                194.3nm

2000     8.2kt (15.1km/h)           17.0L/h              137.5nm

2500     11.6kt (21.5km/h)        24.9L/h              132.8nm

3000     18.2kt (33.7km/h)        32.6L/h              159.1nm

3500     24.1kt (44.6km/h)        41.0L/h              167.5nm

4000     28.7kt (53.1km/h)        55.7L/h              146.8nm

4500     33.0kt (61.0km/h)        72.9L/h              129.0nm

5000     37.3kt (69.0km/h)        94.5L/h              112.5nm

5500     41.8kt (77.3km/h)        118.5L/h            100.5nm

5700     47.1kt (87.1km/h)        152.4L/h            154.1nm

Range on 95% of the 300L fuel supply at 3500rpm: 167.5nm

The Yamarin 88DC is a cool, capable sports day boat and weekender. It’s very fast and fun to drive, soft and seaworthy in the rough stuff, solid and stable at rest.

These performance attributes combine with a surprisingly spacious cabin and an abundance of seating/storage space to make the Yamarin 88DC a fine choice for family boating.

Specifications

Model: Yamarin 88DC

Length overall: 8.8m

Beam: 2.90m

Deadrise: 19 degrees

Hull weight: 2,420kg

Weight with Yamaha XTO425: 2,890kg (approx)

Maximum power: 450hp

Engine as tested: Yamaha 425hp four-stroke extra-longshaft outboard

Passengers: 10

Priced from: $382,856 including a white-coloured Yamaha 300hp extra-longshaft four-stroke outboard; cabin with double berth; head compartment with toilet and shower; transverse berth/storage space; deluxe helm station with Yamarin’s Q+ multi-function onboard computer system (with 2 x 16” flush-fitted displays); stereo with speakers; a tilt-adjust steering wheel; 3 x helm bucket chairs; moulded aft cockpit seating area with removable cushions; a garage/enclosure compartment for the optional bimini cover; forward anchor locker; 45L fresh water tank; 30L black water tank; interior lighting; opening hull windows; cabin ceiling windows; 12 volt and USB sockets; Yamaha Y-COP immobiliser; boarding platforms and ladder; cup holders; transom fender/rope lockers; cockpit entertaining/storage unit with sink and stove; cockpit table.

What we like

• Soft, stable ride
• Excellent handling and performance
• Versatile day boat/overnighter layout

Not so much

• Difficult access to transverse berth/storage space

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Biggest Trailerable Sailboats

Last Updated by

Daniel Wade

June 15, 2022

Many sailboats up to about 27 feet in length can be trailered safely on American roads. These vessels are limited by weight, beam, and overall height.

In this article, we'll go over ten of the best large trailerable sailboats on the market. These vessels feature comfortable cabins, excellent sailing characteristics, and they all meet the requirements for towing on U.S. highways.

The best and largest trailerable sailboats are the Cal 20, the Catalina 22, the O'Day 240, The Islander 24, the Moore 24, the Cal 25, the Helms 25, the MacGregor 26, and the Nor'Sea 27. Most of these vessels can be towed behind a well-equipped truck or SUV.

We sourced information and vessel specifications for this article from sailboat manufacturers and record books. We also considered the opinions of sailors who own these vessels and sail them regularly.

Table of contents

What Makes a Sailboat Trailerable?

Trailerable sailboats must meet certain requirements in order to operate on American roads. The primary limitations are width (beam), as the vessel and its trailer must fit in regular traffic lanes and through tunnels. Another consideration is weight, as the vessel should be light enough to be towed by a 3/4 ton or 1-ton pickup truck.

Generally speaking, there's not a specific limit to boat weight in order to be towed. That said, most single and tandem-axle trailers can't exceed about 3,300 pounds per axle. With that in mind, the upper limit for a trailerable sailboat is around 7,000 to 8,000 pounds.

Keel type is an important factor to consider, as it determines how high off the ground the boat has to ride on the trailer. The majority of trailerable sailboats have a centerboard or swing keel that retracts for towing and beaching. Some vessels have shorter displacement keels or fin keels.

The maximum allowable for a trailerable sailboat is 8 ft 6 in. This is because these dimensions are the maximum limit for standard trailers on American roads. A larger boat can be transported on the road, but only as an oversize load.

In practice, very few trailerable sailboats have a beam of exactly 8 ft 6 in. The majority of large trailerable sailboats have a beam of between 7 1/2 ft and 8 ft 3 in. This makes it easier to negotiate tunnels and tighter traffic lanes.

Overall Length

The maximum trailer length for standard trailers is 65 ft, but it's nearly impossible for a trailerable sailboat of this length to meet the width requirements. In practice, the longest trailerable sailboats are around 30 ft in length or shorter. The average is about 20 to 25 ft.

In most states, the maximum height for a trailer load is 14 ft. This necessitates that the mast folds down and that the keel and vessel height combined doesn't exceed 14 ft. You must also take into account the height of the trailer, as a tall boat may not be able to clear highway overpasses.

10 Largest Trailerable Sailboats

Trailerable sailboats come in all shapes and sizes, including some large and roomy configurations. The vessels we chose range in length from 19 ft to 27 ft, and they offer the best accommodations on the market. Here are ten of the best large trailerable sailboats.

1. West Wight Potter 19

It's impossible to write an article about trailerable sailboats without mentioning the West Wight Potter 19. This vessel is perhaps the best and most capable in its class, and it offers surprisingly comfortable accommodations for a lightweight trailerable sailboat.

The West Wight Potter 19 is easy to sail fast and features a roomy cabin with a sink and space for a head. It's considered a pocket Cruiser, and it is very popular in coastal areas. Due to its lightweight construction, this fiberglass sailboat is trailerable behind an SUV or half-ton pickup.

The West Wight Potter 19 has positive buoyancy material throughout the whole, making it effectively unsinkable. Additionally, the mast and rigging collapse and set up in minutes. These vessels were produced up until recently, so they're common on the used market.

• Lightweight
• Rigs up fast
• Roomy cabin
• Relatively slow

The Cal 20 has been around for decades, and this capable racing boat is ideal the coastal cruising and sailing in semi-protected waters. That said, it's also quite seaworthy, as several have participated in TransPac races between San Francisco and Hawaii.

The Cal 20 is known for its low-profile cabin and easy trailering. At 20 ft in length overall, the Cal 20 is well within limits for trailering on American roads. While not the lightest trailerable sailboat on the list, a well-equipped pickup truck should tow it without issues.

The Cal 20 isn't the boat to choose if you're looking for the most spacious accommodations. That said, the cabin is functional, and the boat excels in handling. It's fast, safe, and agile, thanks to its long and thin profile. It's also a joy to sail in all kinds of weather conditions.

• Easy to sail
• Stable in high winds
• Spartan cabin
• Deep draft from the fixed keel

3. Catalina 22

The Catalina 22 is one of the most famous large trailerable sailboats ever built. It's one of Catalina's most popular models, and it was a big hit in the 1970s and 1980s. The Catalina 22 has a spacious and thoughtfully designed cabin with a wide companionway and a comfortable V-berth.

The Catalina 22 is a centerboard boat. This means that the keel retracts into the hull for trailering and lowers down easily using a system block-and-tackle or a crank. The vessel is 7.67 feet wide, making it easy to tow on typical American highways.

The vessel is still produced today, and over 15,000 have been built since 1969. This makes it one of the most popular sailboats ever, and hundreds are available on the used market for reasonable prices. Thanks to its superior handling and excellent design, the Catalina 22 is one of the best large trailerable sailboats available.

• Well-designed cabin
• Affordable iconic sailboat
• Minimal headroom
• Finicky companionway hatch

4. O'Day 240

The O'Day 240 is one of the more seagoing trailerable sailboats on our list. It's beamy and stable, and it handles well in rougher weather conditions. It has a surprisingly comfortable cabin for its size and measures just 24 feet in length overall.

The vessel's wide beam contributes to its stability. However, with a width of 8 ft 3 in, the O'Day 240 approaches the upper limit of trailerable dimensions. The vessel weighs more than comparably sized boats, so you'll need a more powerful vehicle to tow it.

The cabin of the O'Day 240 stands out. It features a V-berth, berthing aft, a galley, and space for a head. There's ample headroom throughout the cabin, which makes the O'Day 240 ideal for extended coastal cruising.

• Stable Spacious cabin
• May be too wide for comfortable trailering
• Unusual cabin design

5. Islander 24

Islander is known for its larger sailboats (28 feet and larger), though it has produced a few excellent trailerable models. We chose the trailerable Islander 24, as it's known in the sailing community for its speed, comfort, and easy handling.

The phrase "they don't build them like they used to" applies to the Islander 24. When this vessel was designed in the early 1960s, boat manufacturers used more fiberglass and produced thicker hulls. This practice is costlier and made the boat weigh more. But it produced stronger vessels that last much longer than their flimsier contemporaries.

This fiberglass sailboat is thoughtfully designed and is well-suited for coastal cruising in the 21st century. It features stronger construction than similar models, and its keel design encourages stable and comfortable sailing.

• Strong hull and deck
• Stiff sailing
• Great windward performance
• Small cabin
• Heavy trailer weight

6. Moore 24

The Moore 24 was the first in a new class of vessels called the ultralight displacement sailboat. It has the handling characteristics have a large keelboat but the dimensions of a coastal cruising trailer-sailer.

From the outside, the flush deck of the Moore 24 looks like it couldn't possibly accommodate a cabin. Closer inspection reveals that the vessel has a roomy cabin that resembles that of much larger boats. It features a galley, a head, a V-berth upfront, and attractive paneling throughout.

The Moore 24 is a pocket cruiser by all definitions. It's

an excellent choice for those looking for a trailerable and seaworthy sailboat. Though a bit taller than some other models, the vessel is still well within limits for on-road transportation.

• Excellent handling
• Large cabin
• Heavier than many other 24-foot sailboats

The Cal 25 is essentially a stretched version of the Cal 20. It features the same basic hull design with the iconic flush deck and streamlined cabin. However, it's faster, offers superior accommodations, and it's more seaworthy.

The Cal 25 is known for its stiff handling characteristics in high winds. This is primarily due to its 1,700-pound lead keel, which keeps it upright and tracking straight. However, this does increase the overall weight of the vessel, which is an even 4,000 pounds dry. Thankfully, this is within the towing capacity of most standard pickup trucks.

The interior of the Cal 25 resembles the cabins of larger boats. In other words, it doesn't feel cramped. There's a large sitting area across from the galley and partitions separating the V-berth from the rest of the cabin. Overall, the Cal 25 is an excellent compact sailboat for racing or cruising.

• Good accommodations
• Marginal headroom in some areas

8. Helms 25

The Helms 25 is a compact vessel with a true swing keel. Unlike a centerboard, which descends through the hull straight down, a swing keel swings down on the hinge and occupies less space inside of the vessel. With the removal of the centerboard trunk, the Helms 25 retains its trailerable properties while freeing up living space in the cabin.

The Helms 25 is long and fast but not particularly tall. It fits well on a trailer, and its rounded hull doesn't pound in choppy water. The cabin is comfortable and features a small but usable galley, a table with two seating areas, a V-berth, and additional berthing aft.

Some versions of the Helms 25 also feature a separate head area between the V-berth and the central living spaces. The Helms 25 strikes the perfect balance between comfort, seaworthiness, and trailerability. It's safe and fun to sail and sells on the used market for affordable prices.

• Spacious cabin
• Long, narrow, and shallow
• Not ideal for offshore sailing
• Too long for some trailers

9. MacGregor 26

The MacGregor 26 is larger and more modern than most of the sailboats on our list. As a result, it takes advantage of recent design developments that make it an excellent large trailer-sailer. At 26 ft overall, the MacGregor 26 is also one of the fastest vessels on our list.

At first glance, the dimensions of the MacGregor 26 seem unusual. The hull shape resembles a bathtub, and the vessel's high profile is notable. These characteristics make it stable and easy to handle, and they also give it exceptional headroom in the cabin.

The McGregor 26 came in numerous configurations, which are designated with letters such as '26D' and '26M.' These include various cabin window orientations, colors, accessories, and interior layouts. Some versions of the MacGregor 26 came with a dual rudder setup, which is uncommon in its size range.

• Modern design
• Excellent headroom
• Unusual shape

10. Nor'Sea 27

The final trailerable sailboat on our list is also the most capable. The Nor'Sea 27 is a true offshore sailboat with accommodations that rival any mid-size cruising sailboat. the Nor'Sea 27 is a full-keel displacement sailboat that's designed for stability and motion comfort. It's one of the beefiest sailboats that still fits on a trailer.

The Nor'Sea 27 features standing headroom throughout the cabin. It has a head, galley, and berthing area forward that converts into a table. The cabin is lined with attractive wood paneling, and the entire vessel has a very high level of fit and finish.

The Nor'Sea 27 is built for cruising, and it's ideal for longer voyages and offshore passages. If you're looking for a true cruising sailboat that stores well on a trailer, you can't go wrong with the NorSea 27. Due to its size and capabilities, you'll need a larger vehicle to trailer this vessel safely.

• Biggest cabin
• Full-size accommodations
• Offshore capable
• Too large for SUV towing
• Slow to rig and disassemble

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

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