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14 Great Pocket Cruisers in 2023

• By Victor Tan
• Updated: July 20, 2023

Pocket cruisers and mini yachts are generally vessels under 50 feet in length overall, and can include express cruiser designs, flybridge yachts as well as either monohull or catamaran hull forms. They are cruising boats easily handled by a small, or even shorthanded, crew. Pocket cruisers generally have wave-taming hull designs and have the ability to take on sporty seas, offer comfortable accommodations belowdecks with one or two staterooms for extended voyages, “homelike amenities,” and the ability to cruise as slowly or as quickly as an owner desires with inboard- and outboard-power options. These pocket-cruising boats have the range for longer voyages , can pull up in skinny water at the sandbar thanks to shallow drafts, and head over the horizon where cruising adventure awaits. Pocket cruisers are true multitasking yachts. When it comes to family and couples cruising, it’s hard to beat a well-built and well-equipped and pocket cruiser.

Best Cruising Boats Under 50-Feet

The following 14 pocket cruisers and mini yachts are all vessels we’ve seen, been aboard, and tested. They are listed in no particular order.

• Hood 35 LM: high-tech, family-friendly pocket cruiser
• Galeon Yachts 375 GTO: mid-size boat with plenty of below-deck space
• Aquila 42: sleek power catamaran ready to entertain
• Azimut Verve 42 : small, yet mighty yacht ready for open water
• Hinckley Yachts 35: luxury picnic cruiser with range
• Beneteau Gran Turismo 45: sleek cruising yacht with all the amenities
• Solaris Power 48 Open: eye-catching power yacht with 360-degree views
• Cruisers Yachts 42 GLS: luxury cruiser yacht with powerful outboard options
• Back Cove 34O: modern outboard power combined with classic Downeast styling
• Picnic Boat 40: speedy and fuel-efficient vessel with great looks
• Aquila 36: comfortably seat up to 20 guests for fun on the salt
• Boston Whaler 350 Realm: multitasker built for fishing and entertaining
• MJM 35z: sporty, aesthetically pleasing, cruising-conscious features and elegant lines
• Greenline 39: sturdy-looking lines and environmentally-friendly power

When Android co-founder, Rich Miner, wanted a new family-friendly pocket cruiser , he turned to a custom-penned C.W. Hood design and a Lyman-Morse-built 35-footer, which has a timeless Down East profile matched to seriously modern technology under the hood.

This yacht looks like a traditional, cold-molded Down East dayboat, but actually, it has everything, from Hamilton HJX Series water-jet drives to a planned Sea Machines autonomous command-and-control system . Top speed: 40-plus knots.

Quick Specifications

Galeon Yachts 375 GTO

Even the remnants of Hurricane Ian, couldn’t dissuade the Galeon Yacht 375 GTO from its cruising mission. The small yacht’s wave-splitting hull form is paired to torque-filled 600 hp Mercury Verado outboards , giving this fun-in-the-sun boat a 47-knot top hop.

The 375 GTO is a speedster, to be sure, but it’s also so much more. Just about every aspect of the main deck seating is transformable and multifunction, from the aft seating to the alfresco dining abaft the helm, and beyond. It also has a family-size and eminently cruise-worthy belowdecks space for four guests, all while providing a foredeck entertaining lounge too.

The Galeon Yachts 375 GTO ticks all the boxes for an easy-to-handle and sporty cruiser.

Aquila 42 Yacht Power Catamaran

Following the success of its 44-, 54- and 70-foot power catamaran models, Aquila has launched the stable-as-a-table, owner-operator-ready Aquila 42 Yacht Power Catamaran .

The Aquila 42 is the entry point into the builder’s yacht line and is noteworthy for its ability to accommodate anywhere from a two- to four-stateroom layout, depending on the owner’s cruising requirements. There are alfresco spaces to manage the sunset cruise with friends and family, including a foredeck lounge area that can be accessed via centerline steps from the flybridge. The Aquila 42 is available with several Volvo Penta diesel-engine options .

Azimut Verve 42

Want to cruise from Florida to Bimini in about an hour? The Azimut Yachts Verve 42 can do that thanks, in part, to triple 450 hp Mercury Racing outboards and a hull designed to dice-and-slice a seaway. Top hop: 45 knots. The Verve 42 also has style for miles with a fine entry, raked hardtop, and a razorlike sheerline accented by sweeping hull glass from bow to stern. It’s striking.

With accommodation for a family of four, the Verve 42 is also solid under the hull tokeep everyone safe on those passages. The Verve 42’s hull is built of fiberglass and uses vinylester resins for blister protection. The yacht’s deck and hardtop are comprised of carbon fiber for strength without added weight. This all means that the Azimut Verve 42 is built to CE Classification Type A , making it suitable for sea voyages where winds can exceed 45 mph and seas to 13 feet.

Hinckley Yachts 35

The Hinckley Yachts 35 takes everything that yachtsmen like about this pedigreed-brand’s classic profile and infuses today’s modern outboard power to create 40 knots of sheer fun wrapped in sheer luxury.

This 35-foot Hinckley is built on a Michael-Peters-penned hull form with a fine entry, wider-than-average chines and a moderate deadrise. While the boat is built to sprint when desired, it’s also a relatively economical cruiser. For instance, a comfortable 24-knot cruise the Hinckley Yachts 35 has a 276-nautical-mile range.

It also has a tech-build thanks to vacuum-infused carbon-fiber composites and epoxy resin. An integrated interior structure is infused with the hull adding rigidity. The hull is then post-cured in an 80-foot oven, further strengthening the structure.

Beneteau Gran Turismo 45

The Beneteau Gran Turismo is the flagship of the builder’s four-model GT series, which also includes 32-, 36- and 41-foot models.

The Gran Turismo 45 ’s cruise-centric layout includes two staterooms and two heads belowdecks, as well as a galley down. There is also a dinette for meals and a settee for rainy-day lounging. Entertaining guests and enjoying the sun is the primary mission of the main deck.

Solaris Power 48 Open

The Solaris Power 48 Open was the first powerboat from this longtime builder known for its sailing yachts, ranging from 40 to 110 feet length overall. The Solaris Power 48 Open is notable for its wave-slicing plumb-bow design, high freeboard forward and 32-knot-plus speed. Power is twin 480 hp Volvo Penta IPS650 diesels.

The high freeboard keeps the deck dry and help creates sizable volume belowdecks with an average 6-foot-6-inch headroom. This enables real estate for either one or two staterooms. With the single-stateroom setup, there is a forepeak master stateroom while an L-shaped settee converts to sleeping accommodations for family or occasional guests. Interior wood options are oak or walnut.

Cruisers Yachts 42 GLS

Outboard-power cruising aficionados will appreciate the triple-engine options for the Cruisers Yachts 42 GLS . The 42 GLS we got aboard had the triple 400 hp Mercury Verados , which produced a top hop of 45 knots, but triple 450 hp Verados are available. Triple 350 hp Mercury Verados are the standard engine option. No matter the power arrangement, this express cruiser can easily be used for wakeboarding and tube towing. The 42 GLS is designed to handle the rough stuff too, with a fine entry and 21-degree transom deadrise.

For cruising enthusiasts, the 42 GLS has a master stateroom with an athwartships and a nearly queen-size berth, and the lower salon’s U-shaped dinette converts to a queen-size berth for the kids.

Back Cove 34O

Combining modern outboard power with classic Downeast styling, the Back Cove 34O touts award-winning standards with cruising in mind. The 34O is equipped with twin 300 hp Yamaha outboards, engines that allow the Newport International Boat Show’s 2018 Best Powerboat Under 35 Feet winner to travel up to 214 nautical miles at 24 knots on a 250-gallon fuel tank.

Belowdecks, the 34O has an island double berth and a split-head arrangement with the toilet to port and a separate shower stall to starboard. On the main deck, a U-shape dinette to port accommodates four or more guests on the Back Cove Yachts vessel. The 34O’s galley is equipped with a Cuisinart microwave, a two-burner Kenyon electric cooktop and a Vitrifrigo fridge and freezer.

Picnic Boat 40

Hinckley Yachts unveiled its first Picnic Boat more than two decades ago. Now, after two previous, sub-40-foot models, the Maine-based boatbuilder has developed its largest and most advanced model to date: the Picnic Boat 40.

Twin 480 hp Cummins diesel engines paired to twin Hamilton 322 jet drives propel the yacht to a 30-knot cruising speed and 34 knots on the pins. With optional twin 550 hp Cummins diesels, cruise and top-end speeds jump to 35 and 38 knots, respectively.

There is an L-shaped settee with a table and a wet bar on the main deck to port. The helm station is forward and to starboard with a benchseat for two. There is also a companion seat across from the helm. Belowdecks, there is 6-foot-2-inch headroom, and the dinette table drops to form a California-king berth for overnights and weekending.

Aquila Power Catamarans started its line with 44- and 48-footers, and now the builder’s Aquila 36 takes the line into the midsize market.

The 36 features a single, main-living area from bow to stern, helped in part by the vessel’s 14-foot, 7-inch beam. The boat can comfortably seat up to 20 guests for fun on the salt. Several Mercury Verado engine options are available for the Aquila 36, including twin 250-, 300- and 350-hp four-strokes. With the 350s, the Aquila has a top-end speed of 37 knots.

Other notable features include a fiberglass hardtop, a dinette, a cooktop, a fridge, a sink and a smokeless grill. Belowdecks, there are two staterooms with nearly queen-size berths, en suite heads and 6-foot-6-inch headroom in each.

Boston Whaler 350 Realm

From fishing and entertaining guests to diving and overnight cruising, Boston Whaler ‘s 350 Realm is a multitasker. And it’s fast, too. It’s powered with either triple 300 hp or triple 350 hp Mercury Verados. The 350 Realm can reach a top speed of 46 knots.

At the helm, two Raymarine displays provide vital navigation data. The captain can take in the displays’ view from a doublewide helm seat. There’s a flip-down platform for standing when needed and a footrest when desired.

There is a V-shaped berth that converts into a double berth with a filler cushion. The separated head has a VacuFlush MSD and a hot-and-cold shower. Owners also have the option to add a microwave and a flat-screen TV.

The MJM 35z can reach a top speed of 44 knots and a cruising speed of 33 knots on its optional 350 hp Mercury Verado outboards; twin 300 hp outboards are standard on this MJM Yachts vessel. Additionally, the 35z can travel up to 304 nautical miles on its 250-gallon fuel tank.

The 35z has a flush-deck layout and to port is space for an electric grill, a baitwell, a sink, an ice maker and a fridge. There are two Stidd helm seats—one for the helmsman and the other for a copilot—that rotate to face the rest of the seating aft. In the cabin is V-shaped seating forward that can be converted to a berth.

Owners also have the option of adding a Seakeeper 3 gyrostabilizer and a full-length Bimini top to shade the cockpit.

Greenline 39

Greenline Yachts ‘ vessels are aptly named for their environmentally friendly means of moving about; the Greenline 39 is no different. The Slovenian yacht manufacturer produces two types of this model: hybrid and solar.

If owners opt for the latter, the 39’s four solar panels atop the salon power all of the vessel’s systems for three hours. With the power of the sun, the 39 can achieve a max speed of 6.5 knots and a cruising speed of 4 knots. The hybrid type uses those same panels to help power a 220 hp Volvo Penta D3 with a Mahle electric-drive system. Owners have the option of replacing the standard engine with a 370 hp Yanmar 8LV diesel.

Belowdecks, scissor berths provide accommodations for long weekends.

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11 Best Small Sailboat Brands: How to Choose Your Next Daysailer or Pocket Cruiser

12th oct 2023 by samantha wilson.

Sailing is a relaxing, invigorating pastime that allows you to harness wind and waves in a unique and historic way without requiring a 50-foot yacht to enjoy what’s special about the experience. In fact, small sailboats allow a delightful back-to-basics experience that often gets lost on larger, systems-heavy sailboats.

On a small sailboat you can connect with the sea, feeling the boat move beneath you. The boat is typically easy to rig, simple to sail, and can even be sailed solo. Small sailboats give you the freedom to trailer your or car-top your boat and go anywhere, and they’re perfect for learning the nuances of sailing. There are many excellent brands and models of small sailboat, each with their own appeal, and here we narrow down some of our favorite in the daysailer and pocket cruiser categories under 30 feet. 

Difference Between a Daysailer and a Pocket Cruiser

While there are many different types of sailboat on the market and there is no single definition of either a daysailer or a pocket cruiser, they are used in a particular way, as the names imply. The term daysailer covers a huge array of sailboats, smaller and sometimes larger, and is generally defined as any day boat used for local sailing, with a simple rig, and easy to get underway. A pocket cruiser typically offers a cabin and head, and adequate accommodations for an overnight stay and sometimes longer cruises. Having said that, there is a large overlap between the two in many instances, so the lines may become blurred. 

What Size is a Small Sailboat?

Small is a relative term of course, but in general—and for the purposes of this article—a small sailboat is one that could be sailed by a small crew, often with one or two people aboard. It will have a simple rig and be trailerable, and it might be either a daysailer or pocket-cruiser style vessel as above. Within those categories, there are many models and styles, but when it comes to length we consider a sailboat as small when it’s under 30 feet in overall length. 

The Best Sailboats Under 30 Feet

Pocket cruiser: Beneteau First 27.  The Beneteau First 27 is a modern example of a pocket cruiser, earning Cruising World ’s Boat of the Year award in the Pocket Cruiser category in 2022. With space for up to six people accommodated in a separated bow-cabin and open saloon, it offers families the chance to go farther, explore more, and cruise in comfort. There is a galley with freshwater and a head, adding to the interior home comforts. The sailboat itself is modern, fast, and stable, designed by Sam Manuard, and has been designed to be incredibly safe and almost unsinkable thanks to its three watertight chambers. The handling is also refreshingly intuitive, with a well-designed cockpit, simple deck controls, and double winches allowing it to be sailed solo, by two people, or a small crew. 

Photo credit: Beneteau

Daysailer: Alerion 28.  You’ll certainly turn heads cruising along in an Alerion 28, a daysailer whose forerunner by the same name was designed by Nathanael Herreshoff in 1912 and then updated with a modern underbody for fiberglass production by Carl Schumacher in the late 1980s. This pretty daysailer manages to combine a traditional silhouette and classic feel, with very modern engineering creating an excellent package. Over 470 of these sailboats were built and sold in the past 30 years, making it one of the most popular modern daysailers on the water. With a small cabin and saloon, complete with miniature galley area, it offers respite from the sun or wind and the option for a night aboard. The cockpit offers a beautiful sailing experience, with plenty of space for the whole family. 

Photo credit: Alerion Yachts

The Best Sailboats Under 25 Feet

Pocket cruiser: Cornish Crabber 24.  British manufacturer Cornish Crabber has been producing beautiful, traditional style small sailboats for decades, ensuring they honor their heritage both in the construction style and appearance of their boats. The Cornish Crabber 24 is the most iconic of their range and dates back to the 1980s. It offers a simple yet surprisingly spacious interior layout with cabin, galley, and head, and a good sized cockpit, as well as seating for up to six people. It’s the perfect family sailboat, with clever use of storage as well as just under 5000 pounds of displacement providing stability and easy tacking. Aesthetically the 24 is simply beautiful, with a traditional silhouette (combined with modern engineering), finished in hardwood trims. 

Photo credit: Cornish Crabber

Daysailer: Catalina 22 Capri.  Catalina sailboats need little introduction, and are one of the world’s best-known, most-respected brands building small sailboats. The Catalina 22 Capri (also available in a sport model) is a great example of what Catalina does so well. While we’ve classified it as a daysailer, it could easily cross into the pocket cruiser category, as it offers excellent sailing performance in almost all conditions as well as having a small cabin, galley, and head. Loved for its safety, stability, ease of handling and simple maintenance, it makes for a good first family boat for getting out onto the bay or lake. 

Photo credit: Catalina

The Best Sailboats Under 20 Feet

Pocket cruiser: CapeCutter 19.  This is another model that combines the beauty of the traditional silhouettes with modern-day advancements. The design originates from the classic gaff cutter work boats, but today offers excellent performance—in fact it’s one of the fastest small gaffers in the world. The interior is cleverly spacious, with four berths, two of which convert into a saloon, as well as a simple galley area. With quick rigging, it can be sailed solo, but is also able to accommodate small groups, making it a capable and hugely versatile pocket cruiser. 

Photo credit: Cape Cutter 19

Daysailer: Swallow Yachts’ BayRaider 20.  Classic looks with modern performance are combined in Swallow Yachts’ beautiful BayRaider 20. This is one of the most capable and safest daysailers we’ve seen, but also incredibly versatile thanks to the choices of ballast. Keep the ballast tank empty and it’s light and fast. Fill the tank up and you’ve got a stable and safe boat perfect for beginners and families. While it’s got an eye-catching traditional style, the engineering is modern, with a strong carbon mast and construction. While this is a true daysailer, you can use the optional spray hood and camping accessories to create an overnight adventure. 

Photo credit: Swallow Yachts

The Best Sailboats Under 15 Feet

Pocket Cruiser: NorseBoat 12.5.  Can we truly call the NorseBoat 12.5 a pocket cruiser? Yes we can! The sheer versatility of this excellent little sailboat has convinced us. These beautiful hand-crafted sailboats offer exceptional performance and are described by the manufacturer as ‘the Swiss Army Knives of sailboats’. The traditionally styled 12.5 can be sailed, rowed, and motored. It can be trailered, easily beached, and even used as a camp cruiser, allowing for overnight adventures. There is no end to the fun that can be had with this easy-to-sail and easy-to-handle boat, which makes it a dream to learn in. With positive flotation, lots of clever storage, and a full-size double berth for camp cruising, it really is the perfect mini pocket cruiser. 

Photo credit: NorseBoats

Daysailer: Original Beetle Cat Boat 12: All across the bays of the US east coast cat boats have long been part of the ocean landscape. Able to access shallow rocky coves yet also withstand the strong coastal winds, these traditional New England fishing boats have an iconic shape and gaff-rigged mainsails. Beetle Cat have been producing elegant wooden cat boats for over 100 years – in fact they’ve made and sold over 4,000 boats to date. Their 12 foot Cat Boat 12 is one of their finest models, offering lovely daysailing opportunities. It has a wide beam and centerboard that lifts up, allowing it to access shallow waters, as well as a forward mast and single sail gaff rig in keeping with the traditional cat boats. To sail one of these is to be part of the heritage of New England and Cape Cod, and to honor the ancient art of hand-made boat building. 

Beetle Cat official website

Photo credit: Beetle Cat

The Best Small Sailboats for Beginners

When it comes to learning to sail, it’s important to have a boat that is easy to handle. There’s no quicker way to put yourself or your family off sailing than to start off with a boat that is either too big or too complicated. When choosing your first boat we recommend the following characteristics:

• Small: The benefits of starting off with a small boat are many, as we’ve seen above. They’re easier to control as well as to moor, and they react more quickly to steering and sails. They can be trailered and launched easily, and the loads generated are much lower than on bigger, heavier boats.
• Easy to sail: You want a boat that is stable and forgiving of mistakes, doesn’t capsize easily, and isn’t too overpowered in a stronger breeze. Keep things simple and learn as you go.
• Simple sail configuration: Choosing a boat that can be rigged by one person in a few minutes, and easily sailed solo, makes it easier to take along inexperienced crews. With regards to the rig, all you need are a halyard to hoist the mainsail and a sheet to control the mainsail.
• Tiller steering: We recommend boats with tiller steering over wheel steering when starting out. The tiller allows you to get a real feel for the boat and how the rudder works as it moves through the water. 

For more information on choosing the best beginner sailboat check out our full guide. There are many popular brands of beginner boats including Sunfish, Laser, and Hunter Marlow. Some of our favorites include;

Hobie 16: The classic Hobie catamaran has been a well-loved beginner sailboat for years, and the Hobie 16 started life back in 1969. Since then they’ve made and sold over a staggering 100,000 of the 16s. It has twin fiberglass and foam hulls, a large trampoline, and a pull-up rudder so it can be sailed straight onto the beach. The basic package comes with an easy to handle main and jib with plenty of extras available too such as a spinnaker and trailer. The Hobie 16 promises a great learning experience and lots of fun in a very nifty and inexpensive package. 

Photo credit: Hobie

Paine 14: You’ll immediately fall in love with sailing when you step into a beautiful Paine 14. Made from seamless epoxy cold-molded wood, the P-14 is simply beautiful and offers the classic sailing experience with the design and innovation of a more modern hull and rig. Two people will be able to enjoy getting out on the water together and learning the ropes. The Paine 14 has a lead ballast keel that accounts for nearly half her weight, giving her the feel of a much larger boat, but is still trailerable and easy to manage offering the best of both worlds.

Photo credit: Chuck Paine

High-Performance Small Sailboats

Small sailboats generally become high performers if they are light, have a lot of sail area, or they have more than one hull. More recently, some of have been designed with foiling surfaces, as well. For the purposes of this article, we’d like to close by pointing out one model that is super fast and has versatile pocket-cruising capabilities.

Corsair 880 trimaran : The Corsair 880 trimaran is the grandchild of the company’s F27, a model that launched the popularity of trailerable leisure trimarans about 40 years ago. The 880 has taken the model to new heights and exemplifies the incredible space benefits you can achieve in a 29-foot sailboat. We’re talking an aft cabin, room to sleep 5 people, an enclosed head, and standing headroom in the galley and main saloon. It brings many of the opportunities that a much larger yacht plus the ability to cruise in extremely shallow water. Whether you want to cruise to the Bahamas or enjoy a high-adrenaline race, the Corsair 880 offers incredible performance and unlimited adventures in a truly pocket size. 

Photo credit: Corsair

Written By: Samantha Wilson

Samantha Wilson has spent her entire life on and around boats, from tiny sailing dinghies all the way up to superyachts. She writes for many boating and yachting publications, top charter agencies, and some of the largest travel businesses in the industry, combining her knowledge and passion of boating, travel and writing to create topical, useful and engaging content.

More from: Samantha Wilson

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10 Small Superyachts That Offer Supersized Interiors

These sub-100-footers combine broad beams with unconventional interiors to create the space of superyachts that are sometimes twice as long., howard walker, howard walker's most recent stories.

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For many yacht owners, the solution to finding more space aboard for friends and family is summed up by that immortal line by Chief Brody in Jaws : “You’re gonna need a bigger boat.”

Until now, bigger has typically meant longer. But that’s quickly changing as more and more builders are creating interior volume by going wider and taller. For disrupter builder Wally Yachts and its polarizing new Wallywhy 150—which refers to its internal volume rather than the boat’s length—the quirky design is said to deliver 50 percent more space than more traditional 78-footers.

Other builders like Princess have been in the game since 2021. Its X95 first appeared several years ago, effectively throwing down the gauntlet as a way forward for sub-100-foot yachts to supersize both interior and exterior volumes.

Since then, many other builders of small superyachts have jumped on board, with designs that typically have somewhat bloated profiles, far-forward main suites, and open transoms—features all designed to maximize space but minimize length.

Here are 10 new yachts 100 feet and under that are breaking the mold in an attempt to dominate the nautical space race.

wallywhy150

It’s no wonder that disrupter Italian builder Wally—now part of the Ferretti Group—calls its latest head-turner a “spaceship.” Claiming up to 50 percent more space than comparable 78-footers, the 150 (named after interior volume rather than length) has standout features like a main salon with over eight feet of headroom, and a beam of more than 22 feet. The pragmatic design includes a one-level main deck attached to an open rear cockpit that offers easy access to the water. Its most noteworthy feature is the rule-breaking, full-beam master suite tucked into the bow on the main deck. It has wraparound glass—stretching all the way around the bow—for panorama-like views from the main bedroom. Priced from about $6.7 million.

Lazzara UHV 87

Short for Ultra High Volume, this new Turkish-built pocket superyacht is a sistership to Lazzara’s UHV 100 and 125 models. The newest Lazzara boasts an impressive 2,153 square feet of interior space in its 87-foot length. Arguably, the boat is not pretty in a classic sense. The towering hull sides, blunt, plumb bow, and dark-tinted glass make it look more like a dinner cruiser than a mini-superyacht. But the interior space is astonishing, from the cavernous Sky Lounge, with its floor-to-ceiling windows, to the salon with a separate, chandelier-lit dining area and chef’s galley. With a fuel capacity of 3,000 gals, the twin 1,000 hp Volvo D13s deliver a top speed of 16 knots. The boat also has transatlantic range. Base price starts at about $10.9 million.

Sunseeker 100 Yacht

Movie nights under the stars should have a whole new appeal aboard UK builder Sunseeker’s brand-new 98-footer. Lie back on the yacht’s extra-wide foredeck sunpad and watch the latest blockbuster on a 140-inch screen with laser projection. Or, if you’re the lucky owner, stargaze from your private terrace tucked away in the bow, just steps from the full-beam main-deck master suite, with atrium-style glass sliding doors. One of the best innovations here is the wide, uninterrupted walkway around the entire top deck, which provides safe, easy access from the flybridge to the forward entertaining space. With its twin 2,600 hp V16 MTU diesels, top speed is an impressive 29 knots. Priced from about $10.5 million.

Azimut Grande 26M

For its brand-new Grande 26M compact superyacht, Italian builder Azimut has gone extra wide to create massive interior and exterior spaces. Spatial highlights include a full-width flybridge that’s almost 20 feet across and close to 40 feet long, and a foredeck entertaining area that seems more like an outdoor patio. The Alberto Mancini-styled go-fast cruiser is crammed with space-enhancing innovations, such as a teak-decked garage door that, at the touch of a button, hinges upwards to extend the rear cockpit by almost five feet. New ZF pod drives coupled to the yacht’s twin 1,650 hp MAN V12 diesels also save space. It is priced from about $6.2 million.

Princess X95

As we said during our 2021 tour of Britain’s Princess Yachts’ tri-deck X95 “When it comes to the polarizing, head-spinning design, there are no half-measures, no in-betweens. You either love it. Or loathe it.” But what those eye-popping lines hide is perhaps the most spacious 95-foot luxury cruiser in the category. Reckoned to be some 40 percent roomier than cruisers with the same length, the X95 has stretch-out accommodations for up to 10 in five cabins and living spaces that rival most apartments. The flybridge covers almost the entire length of the yacht. The 100 is also fast, with twin 1,990 hp MAN V12s delivering a top speed of 23 knots. Prices start at about $12 million.

Extra X96 Triplex

This broad-beamed 96-footer is from the Italian builder Extra Yachts, which is part of the Palumbo Superyachts Group. While it’s called the Triplex, there are actually four levels if you include the cozy upper sundeck with its outdoor kitchen, dining area, and oversized sunpads. The exterior comes courtesy of Italian designer Francesco Guida, while interiors are by Milan-based Hot Labs. Both teams have made the most of the yacht’s class-leading 25-foot beam. Notable features include a vast full-beam master on the main level and an upper salon dedicated entirely to dining, with a table for 10, an open chef’s galley, and an adjoining outdoor bar. Twin Volvo IPS1350s deliver a 16.5-knot top speed. Priced from $12 million.

Sunreef 100

This Sunreef power catamaran’s beam spans a staggering 44 feet, offering the kind of interior and exterior spaces you only get with superyachts twice the length. Every element of the yacht is XXL-size—from the massive hydraulic swim platform to the full-width flybridge that covers almost 1,000 square feet. Down in the salon is a huge 11-seat U-shaped bar that would delight any mixologist. The five staterooms in the twin hulls have space for 10. A pair of 1,300 hp MAN V8 diesels delivers a six-knot top speed. It is priced from about $15.3 million.

Absolute Navetta 75

In Italian, the word “navetta” translates to “little ship.” Which is a perfect description for Absolute’s new 75-foot fast cruiser. It’s an evolution of the strong-selling Navetta 73 but with nearly two feet of extra length. The yacht’s expansive interior volumes will remain the same, with features like a forward master stateroom on its own level that has a private entrance steps away from the main salon. The salon features floor-to-ceiling glass, with full views of the water, courtesy of open bulwarks. Twin 1,000 hp Volvo IPS1350 diesels deliver a top speed of 25 knots. Pricing starts at about $4 million.

Arcadia A96

Cross a spacious Miami high-rise penthouse with a Canyon Ranch spa and the result could be this new 96-foot superyacht from Italian builder Arcadia. Boasting a remarkable 4,300 square feet of total living space, there’s room for 12 guests and five crew. And the living spaces even expand, courtesy of fold-down terraces in the main salon and on the rear deck. But the yacht’s focus on wellness and healthy living sets it apart. That expansive, teak-decked foredeck, spanning over 500 square feet, is perfect for yoga sessions or meditation, while the cockpit and beach club offer another 1,000 square feet of social space. For extra peace and quiet at anchor, solar panels can provide up to nine hours of generator-free power.

Numarine 26XP Fast

Think of it as offering pace, with space. Turkish yard Numarine has been building its bold 85-foot 26XP explorer style mini-superyacht since 2018, but later this year, it will launch the U.S.-focused 26XP Fast. Instead of slow-churning 435 hp diesels and nine-knot cruising, it’s bolting-in a pair of mighty 1,800 hp MAN V12s and modifying the hull to deliver a top speed of 31 knots. What hasn’t changed is the XP’s cavernous interior and expensive deck space. Take the top-deck flybridge which, thanks to the yacht’s 21-foot beam and far-forward helm, spans over 700 square feet. That space will include a dining table for eight, a full outdoor kitchen, and more lounges than a Saint-Tropez beach bar. Prices start from $6.95 million.

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10 Best Small Sailboats (Under 20 Feet)

Compact, easy to trailer, simple to rig, easy to maintain and manage, and affordable, the best small boats all have one thing in common: they offer loads of fun while out there on the water.

So whether you're on a budget or just looking for something that can offer ultimate daytime rides without compromising on safety, aesthetic sensibilities, alternate propulsion, and speed, the best small sailboats under 20 feet should be the only way to go.

Let's be brutally honest here; not everyone needs a 30-foot sailboat to go sailing. They come with lots of features such as electronics, entertainment, refrigeration, bunks, a galley, and even a head. But do you really need all these features to go sailing? We don't think so.

All you need to go sailing is a hull, a mast, rudder, and, of course, a sail. And whether you refer to them as daysailers, trailerable sailboats , a weekender sailboat, or pocket cruisers, there's no better way to enjoy the thrills of coastal sailing than on small sailboats.

There are a wide range of small boats measuring less than 20 feet available in the market. These are hot products in the market given that they offer immense thrills out on the sea without the commitment required to cruise on a 30-footer. A small sailboat will not only give you the feel of every breeze but will also give you the chance to instantly sense every change in trim.

In this article, we'll highlight 10 best small sailboats under 20 feet . Most models in this list are time-tested, easy to rig, simple to sail, extremely fun, and perfect either for solo sailing or for sailing with friends and family. So if you've been looking for a list of some of the best small sailboats , you've come to the right place.

So without further ado, let's roll on.

Table of contents

{{boat-info="/boats/hunter-15"}}

The Marlow-Hunter 15 is not only easy to own since it's one of the most affordable small sailboats but also lots of fun to sail. This is a safe and versatile sailboat for everyone. Whether you're sailing with your family or as a greenhorn, you'll love the Hunter 15 thanks to its raised boom, high freeboard, and sturdy FRP construction.

With high sides, a comfortable wide beam, a contoured self-bailing cockpit, and fiberglass construction, the Hunter 15 is certainly designed with the novice sailor in mind. This is why you can do a lot with this boat without falling out, breaking it, or capsizing. Its contoured self-baiting cockpit will enable you to find a fast exit while its wide beam will keep it steady and stable no matter what jibes or weight shifts happen along the way.

This is a small sailboat that can hold up to four people. It's designed to give you a confident feeling and peace of mind even when sailing with kids. It's easy to trailer, easy to rig, and easy to launch. With a price tag of about $10k, the Hunter 15 is a fun, affordable, and versatile boat that is perfect for both seasoned sailors and novices. It's a low-maintenance sailboat that can be great for teaching kids a thing or two about sailing.

Catalina 16.5

{{boat-info="/boats/catalina-16-5"}}

Catalina Yachts are synonymous with bigger boats but they have some great and smaller boats too such as Catalina 16.5. This is one of the best small sailboats that are ideal for family outings given that it has a big and roomy cockpit, as well as a large storage locker. Designed with a hand-laminated fiberglass sloop, the Catalina 16.5 is versatile and is available in two designs: the centerboard model and the keel model.

The centerboard model is designed with a powerful sailplane that remains balanced as a result of the fiberglass centerboard, the stable hull form, and the rudder. It also comes with a tiller extension, adjustable hiking straps, and adjustable overhaul. It's important to note that these are standard equipment in the two models.

As far as the keel model is concerned, this is designed with a high aspect keel as the cast lead and is attached with stainless steel keel bolts, which makes this model perfect for mooring or docking whenever it's not in use. In essence, the centerboard model is perfect if you'll store it in a trailer while the keel model can remain at the dock.

All in all, the Catalina 16.5 is one of the best small sailboats that you can get your hands on for as low as $10,000. This is certainly a great example of exactly what a daysailer should be.

{{boat-info="/boats/hobie-16"}}

There's no list of small, trailerable, and fun sailboats that can be complete without the inclusion of the classic Hobie 16. This is a durable design that has been around and diligently graced various waters across the globe since its debut way back in 1969 in Southern California. In addition to being durable, the Hobie 16 is trailerable, great for speed, weighs only 320 pounds, great for four people, and more importantly, offers absolute fun.

With a remarkable figure of over 100,000 launched since its debut, it's easy to see that the Hobie 16 is highly popular. Part of this popularity comes from its asymmetric fiberglass-and-foam sandwiched hulls that include kick-up rudders. This is a great feature that allows it to sail up to the beach.

For about $12,000, the Hobie 16 will provide you with endless fun throughout the summer. It's equipped with a spinnaker, trailer, and douse kit. This is a high-speed sailboat that has a large trampoline to offer lots of space not just for your feet but also to hand off the double trapezes.

Montgomery 17

{{boat-info="/boats/montgomery-17"}}

Popularly known as the M-17, The Montgomery 17 was designed by Lyle C. Hess in conjunction with Jerry Montgomery in Ontario, California for Montgomery Boats. Designed either with keel or centerboard models, the M-17 is more stable than most boats of her size. This boat is small enough to be trailered but also capable of doing moderate offshore passages.

This small sailboat is designed with a masthead and toe rail that can fit most foresails. It also has enough space for two thanks to its cuddly cabin, which offers a sitting headroom, a portable toilet, a pair of bunks, a DC power, and optional shore, and a proper amount of storage. That's not all; you can easily raise the deck-stepped mast using a four-part tackle.

In terms of performance, the M-17 is one of the giant-killers out there. This is a small sailboat that will excel in the extremes and make its way past larger boats such as the Catalina 22. It glides along beautifully and is a dog in light air, though it won't sail against a 25-knot wind, which can be frustrating. Other than that, the Montgomery 17 is a great small sailboat that can be yours for about $14,000.

Norseboat 17.5

{{boat-info="/boats/norseboat-17-5"}}

As a versatile daysailer, Norseboat 17.5 follows a simple concept of seaworthiness and high-performance. This small sailboat perfectly combines both contemporary construction and traditional aesthetics. Imagine a sailboat that calls itself the "Swiss Army Knife of Boats!" Well, this is a boat that can sail and row equally well.

Whether you're stepping down from a larger cruiser or stepping up from a sea kayak, the unique Norseboat 17.5 is balanced, attractive, and salty. It has curvaceous wishbone gaff, it is saucy, and has a stubby bow-sprit that makes it attractive to the eyes. In addition to her beauty, the Norseboat 17.5 offers an energy-pinching challenge, is self-sufficient, and offers more than what you're used to.

This is a small, lightweight, low-maintenance sailboat that offers a ticket to both sailing and rowing adventures all at the same time. At about 400 pounds, it's very portable and highly convenient. Its mainsails may look small but you'll be surprised at how the boat is responsive to it. With a $12,500 price tag, this is a good small sailboat that offers you the versatility to either row or sail.

{{boat-info="/boats/sage-marine-sage-17"}}

If you've been looking for a pocket cruiser that inspires confidence, especially in shoal water, look no further than the Sage 17. Designed by Jerry Montgomery in 2009, the Sage 17 is stable and should heel to 10 degrees while stiffening up. And because you want to feel secure while sailing, stability is an integral feature of the Sage 17.

This is a sailboat that will remain solid and stable no matter which part of the boat you stand on. Its cabin roof and the balsa-cored carbon-fiber deck are so strong that the mast doesn't require any form of compression post. The self-draining cockpit is long enough and capable of sleeping at 6 feet 6 inches.

The Sage 17 may be expensive at $25k but is a true sea warrior that's worth look at. This is a boat that will not only serve you right but will also turn heads at the marina.    

{{boat-info="/boats/laserperformance-laser-sb3"}}

Having been chosen as the overall boat of the year for 2008 by the Sailing World Magazine, the Laser SB3 is one of the coolest boats you'll ever encounter. When sailing upwind, this boat will lock into the groove while its absolute simplicity is legendary. In terms of downwind sailing, having this boat will be a dream come true while it remains incredibly stable even at extraordinary speed.

Since its debut in 2004, the Laser SB3 has surged in terms of popularity thanks to the fact that it's designed to put all the controls at your fingertips. In addition to a lightweight mast, its T- bulb keel can be hauled and launched painlessly. For about $18,000, the Laser SB3 ushers you into the world of sports sailing and what it feels to own and use a sports boat.

{{boat-info="/boats/fareast-18"}}

As a manufacturer, Fareast is a Chinese boat manufacturer that has been around for less than two decades. But even with that, the Fareast 18 remains a very capable cruiser-racer that will take your sailing to the next level. In addition to its good looks, this boat comes with a retractable keel with ballast bulb, a powerful rig, and an enclosed cabin.

Its narrow design with a closed stern may be rare in sailboats of this size, but that's not a problem for the Fareast 18. This design not only emphasizes speed but also makes it a lot easier to maintain this boat. Perfect for about 6 people, this boat punches above its weight. It's, however, designed to be rigged and launched by one person.

This is a relatively affordable boat. It's agile, safe, well-thought-out, well built, and very sporty.

{{boat-info="/boats/chuck-paine-paine-14"}}

If you're in the market looking for a small sailboat that offers contemporary performance with classic beauty, the Paine 14 should be your ideal option. Named after its famous designer, Chuck Paine, this boat is intentionally designed after the classic Herreshoff 12.5 both in terms of dimensions and features.

This is a lightweight design that brings forth modern fin keel and spade rudder, which makes it agile, stable, and faster. The Paine 14 is built using cold-molded wood or west epoxy. It has varnished gunnels and transoms to give it an old-time charm. To make it somehow modern, this boat is designed with a carbon mast and a modern way to attach sails so that it's ready to sail in minutes.

You can rest easy knowing that the Paine 14 will not only serve you well but will turn heads while out there.

{{boat-info="/boats/wd-schock-lido-14"}}

Many sailors will attest that their first sailing outing was in a Lido 14. This is a classic sailboat that has been around for over four decades and still proves to be a perfect match to modern small boats, especially for those still learning the ropes of sailing.

With seating for six people, the Lido 14 can be perfect for solo sailing , single-handed sailing, or if you're planning for shorthanded sailing. While new Lido 14 boats are no longer available, go for a functional used Lido 14 and you'll never regret this decision. It will serve you well and your kids will probably fall in love with sailing if Lido 14 becomes their main vessel during weekends or long summer holidays.

Bottom Line

There you have it; these are some of the best small sailboats you can go for. While there are endless small sailboats in the market, the above-described sailboat will serve you right and make you enjoy the wind.

Choose the perfect sailboat, invest in it, and go out there and have some good fun!

Related Articles

Daniel Wade

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

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11 Best Pocket Cruiser Sailboats to Fit a Budget

• By Cruising World Staff
• Updated: May 24, 2024

Looking for a trailerable pocket cruiser that offers that liveaboard feeling? This list features 11 small sailboats with cabins that have the amenities often found on larger vessels. They may not be ocean crossing vessels, but they’re certainly capable of handling big bays and open waters.

What is a pocket cruiser? It’s a small trailerable sailboat, typically under 30 feet in length, that’s ideal for cruising big lakes, bays, coastal ocean waters, and occasionally bluewater cruising. Pocket cruisers are usually more affordable, compact, and offer a level of comfort that’s comparable to bigger liveaboards.

Small cruising sailboats are appealing for many reasons, but if you’re like most of us, you want to maintain a certain level of comfort while on the water. We took a poll and these are what we found to be the best cruising sailboats under 30 feet.

– DON’T LET CARBON MONOXIDE SNEAK UP ON YOU – Install detectors on your boat to sniff out any buildup of carbon monoxide gas. Avoid running engines or generators while anchored or stopped for extended periods. Safety Tip Provided by the U.S. Coast Guard

Open and airy below deck, the Andrews 28 doesn’t sacrifice comfort for speed. Designed by Alan Andrews, the Southern California naval architect renowned for his light, fast raceboats, this 28-footer will certainly appeal to the cruiser who also enjoys a little club racing. Sporting a total of 6 berths, a galley, head and nav area, you might forget you are on a boat small enough to be easily trailered. The retractable keel allows the Andrews 28 to be easily launched and hauled and ensures it’s as comfortable as a daysailer as it is a racer. Click here to read more about the Andrews28.

Beneteau First 20

Small sailboat with a cabin? Check! Fun to sail? Modern design? Capable of flying a spinnaker? Check! Check! Check! The Finot-Conq-designed Beneteau First 20, which replaced the popular Beneteau first 211 nearly a decade ago now, is a sporty-but-stable pocket cruiser suitable for newcomers to the sport who are eager to learn their chops before moving up to a bigger boat or for old salts looking to downsize to a trailerable design. The boat features twin rudders, a lifting keel, and a surprisingly roomy interior with bunks for four. Click here to read more about the Beneteau First 20 .

Conceived as a way to bridge the gap between a safe, comfortable, family cruiser and a competitive racer, Gary Mull’s Ranger 26 does exactly as it was designed to. Undeniably fast, (one won the 1970 IOR North American Half-Ton Cup) the boat sails as well as it looks. However speed isn’t the Ranger’s only strong-suit, with over 7 feet of cockpit there’s plenty of room for socializing after an evening of racing. The Ranger 26 sports a nice balance of freeboard and cabin height ensuring that a handsome profile wasn’t sacrificed for standing headroom. Click here to read more about the Ranger 26.

Catboats were once a common site in coastal waters, where they sailed the shallow bays as fishing or work boats. Their large single and often gaff-rigged sail provided plenty of power, and a centerboard made them well-suited for the thin waters they frequently encountered. In the late 1970s, Canadian builder Hinterhoeller introduced the Nonsuch 30, a fiberglass variation of the catboat design, with a modern Marconi sail flown on a stayless mast, and a keel instead of a centerboard. The boat’s wide beam made room below for a spacious interior, and the design caught on quickly with cruising sailors looking for a small bluewater sailboat. Click here to read more about the Nonsuch 30 .

– SHOW THEM HOW MUCH YOU CARE – Nothing says ‘I love you’ like making sure the kids’ life jackets are snugged up and properly buckled. Safety Tip Provided by the U.S. Coast Guard

Debuted in 1971 in California, the Newport 27 was an instant success on the local racing scene. For a modest 27-footer, the Newport 27 has an unusually spacious interrior with over 6 feet of standing headroom. With 4 berths, a table, nav station, head and galley the Newport 27 has all the amenities you might find in a much bigger boat, all in a compact package. While quick in light air, the drawback of the tiller steering becomes apparent with increasing breeze and weather helm often leading to shortening sail early. Click here to read more about the Newport 27.

First splashed in 1969, the Balboa 26 continues to enjoy a strong following among budget-minded cruisers. Built sturdy and heavy, all of the boat’s stress points are reinforced. The spacious cockpit comfortably seats 4 and is self bailing, ensuring that sailors stay dry. While only 26 feet, the Balboa still has room for a double berth, galley with stove and freshwater pump, and an optional marine head or V-berth. The Balboa has the ability to sleep five, though the most comfortable number is two or three. Under sail, the Balboa is fast and maneuverable, but may prove a handful in heavy breeze as weather helm increases. Click here to read more about the Balboa 26.

Cape Dory 28

While the sleek lines and the teak accents of the Cape Dory 28 may grab the eye, it is the performance of the boat that make it unique. The Cape Dory comes with all amenities that you might need available, including a V-berth, 2 settees, and a head. Safe, sound and comfortable as a cruiser it is still capable of speed. Quick in light wind and sturdy and capable in heavy air, it is off the wind where the Cape Dory 28 shines with a balanced helm and the ability to cut through chop and still tack perfectly. Click here to read more about the Cape Dory 28.

Islander Bahama 28

On top of being a real eye-catcher, the Islander Bahama 28, with its 5-foot-6-inch draft and 3,300 pounds of ballast, sails beautifully, tracks well, and responds quickly to the helm. Inspired by the International Offshore Rule, it is unusually wide, offering stability in breeze without sacrificing the sheer and lines that make it so attractive. Below deck, the Islander Bahama 28 comes standard with plenty of berths and storage space and a galley complete with stove, icebox and sink. Click here to read more about the Islander Bahama 28.

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

Much like its older sibling, the S2 8.6 still holds its contemporary style, despite its 1983 introduction. Like all other S2 Yachts, the 8.6 is recognized for the quality craftsmanship that allows the boat to hold up today.The S2 8.6 is a very comfortable and easily managed coastal cruiser and club racer. It’s relatively stiff, its helm feels balanced, and it tracks well. On most points of sail, it compares favorably with other boats of similar size and type. Click here to read more about the S2 8.6.

Contessa 26

When the Contessa 26 was released in 1965, it immediately proved itself to be a strong, seaworthy vessel. The Contessa has continued to prove itself throughout its lifetime, being the boat of choice for two solo circumnavigations under the age of 21. While upwind performance leaves some wanting, the boat is sturdy and can carry full sail in up to 20 knots of breeze. Suited more for single-handing, the Contessa lacks standing headroom and the accommodations are sparse. Nonetheless, the Contessa 26 performs well as a daysailer with guests aboard. Click here to read more about the Contessa 26.

The Hunter 27 perfectly encompasses the pocket cruiser ideal. Even if you don’t want a big boat, you can still have big boat amenities. With the generously spacious layout, wheel steering and a walkthrough transom the Hunter feels much larger than 27 feet. Step below deck and any doubts you had that the Hunter was secretly a big boat will be gone. The amenities below are endless; a full galley including stove, microwave and cooler, head with full shower, several berths and not to mention a saloon with seating for 6. The Hunter 27 has reset the benchmark for 27-footers. Click here to read more about the Hunter 27.

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The 18 best small cruise ships sailing the world

In a world where gigantic megaships draw all the attention, I've always found small ships to be the best.

I've sailed on more than 125 cruise ships of all sizes, but my favorites have never been the big "floating resorts."

I'm drawn to the intimacy and instant community that develops between a small number of passengers and crew cruising together. I enjoy the serenity of small-ship cruising, with no lines to wait in or crowds to contend with on board.

I also gravitate to the off-beat itineraries small ships offer because they focus on unusual and remote places that only small vessels can access.

Who needs the bustling Caribbean when you can explore Svalbard, a Norwegian archipelago in the Arctic Ocean; lesser-known Greek Islands like Skopelos and Skiathos; French Polynesia; or the Galapagos Islands?

People often ask me which are the best small ship cruises, and that question is difficult to answer.

The new high-tech expedition ships, outfitted with the latest hardware and design touches, are incredibly appealing. However, I also adore certain older small ships for their heritage and atmosphere.

Of course, the best small ship for you may depend on where you wish to sail and whether you're looking for a relaxing yacht-like experience or a rugged adventure.

If you're like me and find that bigger isn't always better, this list is for you. Here are 18 of the world's best ocean-going small cruise ships, both older and new. Each carries fewer than 400 passengers and all are ideal for your next intimately sized travel adventure.

Lindblad Expeditions: National Geographic Resolution and National Geographic Endurance

How small? 128 passengers. Best for: Gadget-loving adventurers.

Lindblad Expeditions has been a leader in small-ship expedition cruising since 1966 when company founder Lars-Eric Lindblad pioneered expeditions to Antarctica, Easter Island and the Galapagos.

Today, the line's fleet of small ships explores nearly the entire planet, always with an impressive lineup of experts and photographers along for the ride.

Lindblad's newest 128-passenger ships, National Geographic Resolution (2021) and National Geographic Endurance (2020), were built for hard-core exploration in the polar regions they call home.

They sport a striking X-bow design (an inverted ship bow design for fuel efficiency), a polar class rating of PC 5 Category A (a notch above most Antarctica cruise ships), and a dynamic positioning system that keeps the ships hovering quietly in place.

Passengers can utilize each ship's fleet of Zodiacs and kayaks and stash of snowshoes and cross-country skis that aid in exploration.

High-tech toys, such as a remotely operated vehicle and underwater video camera, hydrophone, remote-controlled aerial camera and video microscope, allow guests to view footage of undersea life wherever the ships may be.

The ships also feature a gym, yoga studio, spa, ocean-view saunas, library and two dining venues. On deck, two infinity hot tubs offer amazing views.

All cabins are outward-facing (and 12 are single cabins, a rarity) with an "expedition command center" that includes a tablet, multiple electrical and USB outlets, a TV, a barometer and a National Geographic Atlas.

Cruise fare covers wine and spirits, excursions and excursion gear.

Related: These are the best Antarctica cruise ships

SeaDream Yacht Club: SeaDream I and II

How small? 112 passengers. Best for: Yacht enthusiasts seeking the sun.

SeaDream Yacht Club 's 40-year-old ships may not be new, but they're still some of the prettiest classic luxury yachts afloat. Suites don't have balconies. However, they're spacious, recently refurbished, and feature wood details that evoke a classic nautical feel.

What the ships lack in modern touches, they make up for in experience and service. The food is excellent and served both on the romantic outdoor decks and inside the cozy restaurant.

The line's iconic weekly beach barbecue on a remote stretch of sand, complete with Champagne and caviar in the surf, is a cruise highlight on all itineraries. An open bar contributes to the social atmosphere on board, and watersports from a stern marina when conditions are right are a great perk for active travelers.

The SeaDream twins winter in the Caribbean and summer in the Mediterranean, Northern Europe and Scandinavia.

Related: Why it's easier to meet new people on a smaller cruise ship

Sea Cloud Cruises: Sea Cloud I

How small? 64 passengers. Best for: History buffs and sailing ship lovers.

The one-of-a-kind, four-masted Sea Cloud was originally commissioned as a private luxury yacht by multi-millionaire Wall Street titan E. F. Hutton in 1931. Hutton's extravagant heiress and businesswoman wife, Marjorie Merriweather Post, oversaw the ship's interior design, outfitting it in marble, mahogany and gold-plated fixtures.

After passing through various owners, Sea Cloud I has spent the last several decades offering casually elegant windjammer cruises to old-ship lovers from Europe and North America.

Passengers choose from 10 original cabins, including Post's own suite with its Louis XIV–style bed and nightstands, marble fireplace and bathroom, chandeliers and intricate moldings.

Sea Cloud winters in the Caribbean and summers in Mediterranean, visiting the Greek Islands, Italy and the Canary Islands.

Related: Big vs small cruise ships: Which will I like better?

UnCruise Adventures: Wilderness Legacy

How small? 90 passengers. Best for: Sporty cruisers who love quirky ships.

Constructed in 1983, UnCruise Adventures ' Wilderness Legacy is truly a one-of-a-kind quirky ship. Its throw-back style exterior harkens back to a 20th-century steamboat.

The ship attracts a loyal fan base thanks to its roomy size and cabins that open onto covered promenade decks (rather than a central interior corridor). It even features a hot tub on deck and an elevator, a rarity on older small adventure ships like this.

The portable, custom-made "sea dragon" platform at the stern makes for easy access to kayaking, paddleboarding and swimming, activities popular with UnCruise's sporty fans. The adventurous can also enjoy hiking, bushwhacking and cycling in some ports.

Fares include everything from wine, beer and spirits to daily excursions.

The largest ship in the UnCruise fleet and built for coastal cruising, Wilderness Legacy spends its time in Alaska's Inside Passage and Glacier Bay National Park, as well as on the Columbia and Snake rivers.

Related: The best Alaska cruises for every type of traveler

Star Clippers: Royal Clipper

How small? 227 passengers. Best for: Sailing enthusiasts with a penchant for the past.

Star Clippers' handsome five-masted tall ship Royal Clipper is considered the largest square rigger in service. Modeled after the great 1902 German clipper Preussen, the ship is a real throwback, with lots of wood and brass features and nautical-style elements.

Royal Clipper also has impressive modern niceties for a ship of its size, including three small pools and an aft marina for easy access to complimentary water sports. It also offers a small gym and spa.

In the winter, Royal Clipper island hops around the Caribbean, sailing round trip from Barbados to some of the lesser-known islands. During the summer, it cruises the Mediterranean along the French and Italian rivieras and explores the coast of Croatia and the Canary Islands.

Windstar Cruises: Wind Star and Wind Spirit

How small? 148 passengers. Best for: Romantics and foodies.

Windstar Cruises ' 148-passenger four-masted motorized yachts are beloved for their upscale yet casual sailing vibe and great food in partnership with the James Beard Foundation.

Standing on deck when the sails are unfurled is one of the more romantic moments you'll likely experience on any ship.

The expansive wooden sun decks on Wind Star and Wind Spirit make you want to be on topside as much as possible to enjoy the yachting life. Each has multiple dining options, both indoor and on deck, including a weekly barbecue on deck under the stars.

Both have a stern marina for easy access to water sports like kayaking and paddle boarding.

The cozy cabins aren't huge, but they are well-appointed with wood details and nautical flair. Suites are a combination of two cabins.

Windstar offers both cruise-only and all-inclusive fares. You can build an a la carte vacation or pay upfront for an easy trip that includes an open bar, unlimited Wi-Fi and included crew gratuities.

Wind Spirit is stationed in the islands of French Polynesia, sailing year-round out of Tahiti through February 2024. Wind Star is its globe-trotting sister, focusing mostly on the Greek Islands in the summer and Costa Rica and Panama in the winter.

Related: The 2 classes of Windstar ships, explained

Ponant: L'Austral

­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­How small? 264 passengers (200 in Antarctica). Best for: Chic Francophile foodies.

Ponant has been busy launching six new ships in its impressive Explorers series. However, L'Austral (with sister ships Le Boreal, Le Soleal and Le Lyrial) is my favorite ship in the fleet.

Why? L'Austral is the ideal size for a small ship — intimate but still large enough for amenities such as a gym, spa and show lounge.

Its gorgeous tiered stern decks feature a lovely outdoor pool area at the back of Deck 6 with a perfect stretch of deck for sunbathing and scenery watching and an open-air bar above for stunning views.

With Ponant's French pedigree, it's not surprising that food is a cut above, especially the desserts, cheeses and wine. I had the best chocolate mousse of my life on L'Austral. Dine outdoors on the pool deck or in the elegant indoor restaurant. Enhance your evening with complimentary wine (mostly French), Charles Heidsieck Champagne, beer and spirits.

L'Austral explores both polar regions and spends time in the Mediterranean, cruising along the coast of Croatia and around the smaller, less touristy Greek Islands like Amorgos, Milos and Delos.

Emerald Cruises: Emerald Azzurra

How small? ­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­100 passengers. Best for: Travelers seeking intimate luxury.

Emerald Cruises' new Emerald Azzurra (and soon-to-debut sister Emerald Sakara) is one of the smallest luxury cruise ships afloat and a good choice for travelers who want something more intimate than what Silversea or Seabourn offer.

The ship's six gleaming white-tiered decks sport a futuristic pyramid-like profile that turns heads when it arrives in port.

Emerald Azzurra features a watersports platform at the stern for convenient access to kayaking, paddle boarding, snorkeling and riding SEABOBs (electric underwater scooter-like jet skis). Inside, you can avail of a small gym and spa.

Choose from open-air and indoor dining for your meals. Wine and spirits are included, so take advantage of two impressive outdoor spots for a drink and stunning views — the Sky Bar at the top of the ship and the chic infinity pool at the stern of Deck 3, adjacent to a lounge and cafe.

Itineraries focus on the Mediterranean during the summer, with mostly one- to two-week cruises that call on ports along the coasts of Croatia, Albania, Italy, France, Turkey and the Greek Islands. It spends the winters in the Caribbean.

Explore these destinations in depth with included excursions.

Scenic Cruises: Scenic Eclipse

­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­How small? 228 passengers (200 in polar regions). Best for: Design fans with wanderlust.

An impressively kitted-out expedition ship, Scenic Eclipse has an ice-strengthened hull with a C6 rating suited for polar cruising, including navigating the Northwest Passage. High-tech features include a GPS dynamic positioning system to maintain a location without dropping anchor.

The Australia-based line's debut into ocean cruising had Scenic Eclipse drawing attention with impressive additions like a pair of six-passenger helicopters and a five-passenger submarine (both offered at an additional cost), as well as kayaks, zodiacs and e-bikes. (Sister Scenic Eclipse II is set to debut soon.)

The ship's sleek angled silhouette makes for a handsome profile. The eye-catching interior is sophisticated, with a stark black, gray and beige color palette, lovely wood details, white Carrara marble surfaces and bold art.

Passengers can enjoy a relatively large spa and fitness area, plus multiple dining venues, including Asian, Japanese, French and Continental restaurants. Wine and spirits are included in the fare.

While small luxury ships typically have fancy owners' suites, the pair of top accommodations on Scenic Eclipse is on another level. Each measures over 2,000 square feet with a huge forward-facing teak-lined terrace, complete with a large whirlpool tub.

Scenic Eclipse cruises to nearly every corner of the world, including French Polynesia and the Pacific Islands, Australia, the Indonesian archipelago and Antarctica. The cruise fare includes excursions.

Related: These cruises cost $30,000 and have no set itinerary. Here's what to expect

Silversea Cruises: Silver Endeavour

How small? ­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­200 passengers. Best for: Intrepid travelers who demand the utmost luxury.

Silversea Cruises is a pro at luxury small-ship cruising — the line has been at it for more than 30 years. With Silver Endeavour, it achieves the perfect mix of ultra-luxury surroundings with tough-as-nails expedition hardware for its focus on polar cruising.

On board, many rooms are veranda suites measuring 356 square feet (including a private balcony), all with marble baths. The largest Grand and Owner's suites are massive multi-room affairs with huge private verandas. The passenger-to-crew ratio is one-to-one; service is excellent.

For dining, there are four main restaurants, including an Italian and a French-inspired venue. The Grill is an eatery enclosed in floor-to-ceiling glass for the best views in the house.

There's an impressive spa, salon and gym with panoramic ocean views and several lounges for drinks (always included) and lectures.

Near the well-stocked library is the Expedition Study, where the 20-member expedition team is accessible for questions. Outdoor deck space includes the forward-facing bow area with an outdoor hot tub.

With its PC6 ice-class rating, Silver Endeavour spends November through April in Antarctica and the rest of the year in the Arctic, including Greenland, Arctic Canada, Iceland and Norway. Excursions are always complimentary.

Related: The best luxury cruise lines for elegance and exclusivity

Seabourn: Seabourn Venture

­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­How small? 264 passengers. Best for: Travelers with high standards for luxury and special itineraries.

Seabourn 's new Seabourn Venture (and upcoming sister Seabourn Pursuit) are on par with Silver Endeavour and Scenic Eclipse when it comes to pairing top-of-the-line luxury and pampering with incredible itineraries.

Elegant interiors include a main restaurant, several lounges and bars where drinks are all included, a plush lecture hall, a cafe for coffee and snacks, and spacious balcony suites that start from 355 square feet (including the balcony).

The windowed fitness center and spa area includes an ocean-view sauna and the infinity pool at the back of Deck 5 boasts killer views.

Not just a pretty ship, Seabourn Venture is tough, built to PC6 Polar Class standards for a focus on expedition cruising in the polar regions. The ship carries two submarines, as well as a fleet of double sea kayaks and 24 Zodiacs that can accommodate all guests at once.

Seabourn's large expedition team leads daily complimentary excursions, such as Zodiac sightseeing tours, shore walks, hikes, snorkeling and kayak outings. Also, accomplished guest lecturers give onboard talks.

Like Silver Endeavour, Seabourn Venture will spend the year in the polar regions, with long repositioning cruises in between, such as a 51-day Antarctica, Atlantic and Northwest Africa voyage from Buenos Aires to Malaga, Spain.

Related: The 5 best destinations you can visit on a Seabourn cruise ship

Atlas Ocean Voyages: World Navigator

­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­How small? 196 passengers. Best for: Travelers craving luxury and lots of open deck space.

World Navigator is a deluxe expedition ship sporting a 1B Ice Class-certified hull and the latest technologies, such as a GPS-based dynamic position system to minimize movement and noise.

Multiple dining options include the main restaurant with indoor and outdoor seating overlooking the ship's wake and a steakhouse on the Lido Deck. For cocktails, head to either of two piano bars, the Dome Observation Lounge or the Atlas Lounge, just outside the lecture theatre.

The Atlas Ocean Voyages ship has terrific outdoor spots for remarkable views (not hogged by a helipad or stern and aft suite balconies), including a close-to-the-water spot on Deck 5 forward and a "secret" arc of deck on Deck 6 aft.

You can also take in the scenery from the ship's shallow pool and two adjacent hot tubs.

Don't miss the spa, even if you don't book a massage. It features an appealing seating area facing the sea and an ocean-view sauna. Walkers and joggers keep fit on the top-of-ship track.

World Navigator's itineraries focus on the polar regions, but the ship visits Europe and the Canary Islands while repositioning.

Landings and Zodiac safaris are included on Antarctica cruises, but excursions are not included on other itineraries. All non-polar cruises offered from April through October are called Epicurean Expeditions (with one complimentary wine- or food-focused experience per cruise).

American Queen Voyages: Ocean Victory

­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­How small? 186 passengers. Best for: In-depth Alaska cruises for nature lovers.

Newcomer Ocean Victory is large for a small cruise ship, which allows it to offer more on its Alaska expeditions.

Its sizable expedition team, which can number 18 on select voyages, comprises seasoned authorities in a wide range of fields, such as geology, whale communications and photography. Team members lead complimentary excursions on sea kayaks and 18 Zodiacs so passengers can experience glaciers, icebergs and wildlife up close.

In place of an observation bow with direct views of the water, as many similar ships offer, Victory has a pair of viewing platforms on each side of the ship, thanks to its distinctive X-bow design. These platforms are cantilevered directly over the water for great views of bergy bits and potential marine life.

The American Queen Voyages ship offers three dining venues, plus multiple bars and lounges (drinks are included in your fare).

Like any good expedition ship, Ocean Victory has one lounge dedicated to lectures with large flat screens to view presentations. You'll find an ocean-view fitness center, a small spa and an outdoor pool with two hot tubs.

Ocean Victory's 11- and 12-night Alaska cruises depart between May and September. The ship sails between Vancouver, British Columbia, and Sitka, Alaska. It visits destinations such as Frederick Sound, Endicott Arm, Tracy Arm, the Waterfall Coast (Gut Bay), Misty Fjords National Monument and Fiordland (Kynoch Inlet) in Canada's Inside Passage.

Your fare includes a one-night pre-cruise hotel stay.

In winter, Ocean Victory sails in Antarctica for Albatros Expeditions.

Related: Looking for nature and adventure on an Alaska cruise? Choose a smaller ship

Swan Hellenic: SH Vega

How small? 152 passengers. Best for: Cruisers looking for unique itineraries including Africa and South America.

Swan Hellenic's compact, well-laid-out SH Vega is built for expedition cruising with a PC5 ice-strengthened hull.

The interior has a contemporary, Scandinavian-inspired low-key design ethos. SH Vega is nearly identical to its younger sister, Minerva. The third, slightly larger sibling Diana is set to debut in May.

When returning from a frigid Antarctica excursion, you will appreciate the fireplaces (yes, that's right) built into the walls of all cabins. They're electric but quite realistic, with flames and crackling sounds.

When the weather's good, skip the main restaurant and eat at the buffet, which is set up at the back of Deck 7, adjacent to the attractive (and heated) infinity swimming pool. Vega also has a small gym and a spa with an ocean-view sauna.

The expansive Observation Lounge takes up most of Deck 7 and is the spot for expedition lectures. Thirteen Zodiacs and eight kayaks take guests on water adventures and ashore.

Don't miss the little observation point called the Swan's Nest all the way forward on Deck 6. You play out your Jack and Rose fantasies there.

SH Vega cruises the Arctic region (visiting Greenland, Iceland and northern Canada), South America, the coast of Africa (including South Africa, Namibia and Angola) and the Antarctic Peninsula.

Cruise fare includes a one-night pre-cruise hotel stay and one excursion in each port.

Viking Cruises: Viking Octantis

How small? 378 passengers. Best for: Expedition cruisers with an academic bent.

Among the larger ships on our list, Viking 's new 378-passenger Viking Octantis (along with sister Viking Polaris) was designed to explore the polar regions with some pretty cool features, including a large two-level garage called the Hangar.

Inside are not only Zodiacs and kayaks but a pair of six-passenger submarines and military-grade speed used to shuttle cruisers on excursions.

The ship is equipped for scientific inquiry with a remote-controlled underwater robot, baited underwater camera and a FerryBox system for collecting water samples, which you can view under a microscope in the ship's science lab. Weather balloons are released on every cruise to capture info on temperature, humidity and wind speed.

For decidedly less academic pursuits, Viking Octantis has a fitness center and a spa that includes a lovely indoor pool with sea views, plus a sauna, snow grotto (with snowflakes descending gently from the ceiling through chilled air) and outdoor spa tub.

Four dining options include Manfredi's Italian and several attractive lounges, such as the windowed Aula auditorium for lectures.

Viking Octantis spends part of the year in Antarctica and the rest of the year cruising the Great Lakes and Canada, with a handful of repositioning cruises in between.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

• The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
• A beginners guide to picking a cruise line
• The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
• The ultimate guide to what to pack for a cruise
• A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
• 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
• 15 ways cruisers waste money
• The ultimate guide to choosing a cruise ship cabin

Home » Blog » Buy a boat » 5 best small sailboats for sailing around the world

5 best small sailboats for sailing around the world

By Author Fiona McGlynn

Posted on Last updated: April 19, 2023

A small sailboat can take you big places

Small sailboats are the ticket to going cruising NOW — not when you retire, save up enough money, or find the “perfect” bluewater cruising boat. In fact, it’s the first principle in Lin and Larry Pardey’s cruising philosophy: “Go small, go simple, go now.”

Small yachts can be affordable, simple, and seaworthy . However, you won’t see many of them in today’s cruising grounds. In three years and 13,000 nautical miles of bluewater cruising, I could count the number of under 30-foot sailboats I’ve seen on one hand (all of them were skippered by people in their 20s and 30s).

Today’s anchorages are full of 40, 50, and 60-foot-plus ocean sailboats, but that’s not to say you can’t sail the world in a small sailboat. Just look at Alessandro di Benedetto who in 2010 broke the record for the smallest boat to sail around the world non-stop in his 21-foot Mini 6.5 .

So long as you don’t mind forgoing a few comforts, you can sail around the world on a small budget .

What makes a good blue water sailboat

While you might not think a small sailboat is up to the task of going long distances, some of the best bluewater sailboats are under 40 feet.

However, if you’re thinking about buying a boat for offshore cruising, there are a few things to know about what makes a small boat offshore capable .

Smaller equals slower

Don’t expect to be sailing at high speeds in a pocket cruiser. Smaller displacement monohulls are always going to be slower than larger displacement monohulls (see the video below to learn why smaller boats are slower). Therefore a smaller cruiser is going to take longer on a given passage, making them more vulnerable to changes in weather.

A few feet can make a big difference over a week-long passage. On the last leg of our Pacific Ocean crossing, our 35-foot sailboat narrowly avoid a storm that our buddy boat, a 28-foot sailboat, couldn’t. Our friend was only a knot slower but it meant he had to heave to for a miserable three days.

Small but sturdy

If a pocket cruiser encounters bad weather, they will be less able to outrun or avoid it. For this reason, many of the blue water sailboats in this list are heavily built and designed to take a beating.

Yacht design has changed dramatically over the last 50 years. Today, new boats are designed to be light and fast. The small sailboats in our list are 30-plus year-old designs and were built in a time when weather forecasts were less accurate and harder to come by.

Back in the day, boat were constructed with thicker fiberglass hulls than you see in modern builds. Rigs, keels, rudders, hulls and decks – everything about these small cruising sailboats was designed to stand up to strong winds and big waves. Some of the boats in this post have skeg-hung rudders and most of them are full keel boats.

The pros and cons of pocket cruiser sailboats

Pocket cruiser sailboats present certain advantages and disadvantages.

More affordable

Their smaller size makes them affordable bluewater sailboats. You can often find great deals on pocket cruisers and sometimes you can even get them for free.

You’ll also save money on retrofits and repairs because small cruising sailboats need smaller boat parts (which cost a lot less) . For example, you can get away with smaller sails, ground tackle, winches, and lighter lines than on a bigger boat.

Moorage, haul-outs, and marine services are often billed by foot of boat length . A small sailboat makes traveling the world , far more affordable!

When something major breaks (like an engine) it will be less costly to repair or replace than it would be on a bigger boat.

Less time consuming

Smaller boats tend to have simpler systems which means you’ll spend less time fixing and paying to maintain those systems. For example, most small yachts don’t have showers, watermakers , hot water, and electric anchor windlasses.

On the flip side, you’ll spend more time collecting water (the low-tech way) . On a small sailboat, this means bucket baths, catching fresh water in your sails, and hand-bombing your anchor. Though less convenient, this simplicity can save you years of preparation and saving to go sailing.

Oh, and did I mention that you’ll become a complete water meiser? Conserving water aboard becomes pretty important when you have to blue-jug every drop of it from town back to your boat.

Easier to sail

Lastly, smaller boats can be physically easier to sail , just think of the difference between raising a sail on a 25-foot boat versus a 50-foot boat! You can more easily single-hand or short-hand a small sailboat. For that reason, some of the best solo blue water sailboats are quite petite.

As mentioned above small boats are slow boats and will arrive in port, sometimes days (and even weeks) behind their faster counterparts on long offshore crossings.

Consider this scenario: two boats crossed the Atlantic on a 4,000 nautical mile route. The small boat averaged four miles an hour, while the big boat averaged seven miles an hour. If both started at the same time, the small boat will have completed the crossing two weeks after the larger sailboat!

Less spacious

Living on a boat can be challenging — living on a small sailboat, even more so! Small cruising boats don’t provide much in the way of living space and creature comforts.

Not only will you have to downsize when you move onto a boat  you’ll also have to get pretty creative when it comes to boat storage.

It also makes it more difficult to accommodate crew for long periods which means there are fewer people to share work and night shifts.

If you plan on sailing with your dog , it might put a small boat right out of the question (depending on the size of your four-legged crew member).

Less comfortable

It’s not just the living situation that is less comfortable, the sailing can be pretty uncomfortable too! Pocket cruisers tend to be a far less comfortable ride than larger boats as they are more easily tossed about in big ocean swell.

Here are our 5 favorite small blue water sailboats for sailing around the world

When we sailed across the Pacific these were some of the best small sailboats that we saw. Their owners loved them and we hope you will too!

The boats in this list are under 30 feet. If you’re looking for something slightly larger, you might want to check out our post on the best bluewater sailboats under 40 feet .

Note: Price ranges are based on SailboatListings.com and YachtWorld.com listings for Aug. 2018

Albin Vega 27($7-22K USD)

The Albin Vega has earned a reputation as a bluewater cruiser through adventurous sailors like Matt Rutherford, who in 2012 completed a 309-day solo nonstop circumnavigation of the Americas via Cape Horn and the Northwest Passage (see his story in the documentary Red Dot on the Ocean ). 

• Hull Type: Long fin keel
• Hull Material: GRP (fibreglass)
• Length Overall:27′ 1″ / 8.25m
• Waterline Length:23′ 0″ / 7.01m
• Beam:8′ 1″ / 2.46m
• Draft:3′ 8″ / 1.12m
• Rig Type: Masthead sloop rig
• Displacement:5,070lb / 2,300kg
• Designer:Per Brohall
• Builder:Albin Marine AB (Swed.)
• Year First Built:1965
• Year Last Built:1979
• Number Built:3,450

Cape Dory 28 ($10-32K USD) 

This small cruising sailboat is cute and classic as she is rugged and roomy. With at least one known circumnavigation and plenty of shorter bluewater voyages, the Cape Dory 28 has proven herself offshore capable.

• Hull Type: Full Keel
• Length Overall:28′ 09″ / 8.56m
• Waterline Length:22′ 50″ / 6.86m
• Beam:8’ 11” / 2.72m
• Draft:4’ 3” / 1.32m
• Rig Type:Masthead Sloop
• Displacement:9,300lb / 4,218kg
• Sail Area/Displacement Ratio:52
• Displacement/Length Ratio:49
• Designer: Carl Alberg
• Builder: Cape Dory Yachts (USA)
• Year First Built:1974
• Year Last Built:1988
• Number Built: 388

Dufour 29 ($7-23K)

As small bluewater sailboats go, the Dufour 29 is a lot of boat for your buck. We know of at least one that sailed across the Pacific last year. Designed as a cruiser racer she’s both fun to sail and adventure-ready. Like many Dufour sailboats from this era, she comes equipped with fiberglass molded wine bottle holders. Leave it to the French to think of everything!

• Hull Type: Fin with skeg-hung rudder
• Length Overall:29′ 4″ / 8.94m
• Waterline Length:25′ 1″ / 7.64m
• Beam:9′ 8″ / 2.95m
• Draft:5′ 3″ / 1.60m
• Displacement:7,250lb / 3,289kg
• Designer:Michael Dufour
• Builder:Dufour (France)
• Year First Built:1975
• Year Last Built:1984

Vancouver 28 ($15-34K)

A sensible small boat with a “go-anywhere” attitude, this pocket cruiser was designed with ocean sailors in mind. One of the best cruising sailboats under 40 feet, the Vancouver 28 is great sailing in a small package.

• Hull Type:Full keel with transom hung rudder
• Length Overall: 28′ 0″ / 8.53m
• Waterline Length:22’ 11” / 6.99m
• Beam:8’ 8” / 2.64m
• Draft:4’ 4” / 1.32m
• Rig Type: Cutter rig
• Displacement:8,960lb / 4,064 kg
• Designer: Robert B Harris
• Builder: Pheon Yachts Ltd. /Northshore Yachts Ltd.
• Year First Built:1986
• Last Year Built: 2007
• Number Built: 67

Westsail 28 ($30-35K)

Described in the 1975 marketing as “a hearty little cruiser”, the Westsail 28 was designed for those who were ready to embrace the cruising life. Perfect for a solo sailor or a cozy cruising couple!

• Hull Type: Full keel with transom hung rudder
• Hull Material:GRP (fibreglass)
• Length Overall:28′ 3” / 8.61m
• Waterline Length:23’ 6” / 7.16m
• Beam:9’ 7” / 2.92m
• Displacement:13,500lb / 6,124kg
• Designer: Herb David
• Builder: Westsail Corp. (USA)
• Number Built:78

Feeling inspired? Check out the “go small” philosophy of this 21-year-old who set sail in a CS 27.

Fiona McGlynn is an award-winning boating writer who created Waterborne as a place to learn about living aboard and traveling the world by sailboat. She has written for boating magazines including BoatUS, SAIL, Cruising World, and Good Old Boat. She’s also a contributing editor at Good Old Boat and BoatUS Magazine. In 2017, Fiona and her husband completed a 3-year, 13,000-mile voyage from Vancouver to Mexico to Australia on their 35-foot sailboat.

Saturday 1st of September 2018

Very useful list, but incomplete - as it would necessarily be, considering the number of seaworthy smaller boats that are around.

In particular, you missed/omitted the Westerly "Centaur" and its follow-on model, the "Griffon". 26 feet LOA, bilge-keelers, weighing something over 6000 pounds, usually fitted with a diesel inboard.

OK, these are British designs, and not that common in the US, but still they do exist, they're built like tanks, and it's rumored that at least one Centaur has circumnavigated.

Friday 31st of August 2018

This is a helpful list, thank you. I don't think most people would consider a 28' boat a pocket cruiser, though!

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Yachting Monthly

• Digital edition

25 of the best small sailing boat designs

• Nic Compton
• August 10, 2022

Nic Compton looks at the 25 yachts under 40ft which have had the biggest impact on UK sailing

There’s nothing like a list of best small sailing boat designs to get the blood pumping.

Everyone has their favourites, and everyone has their pet hates.

This is my list of the 25 best small sailing boat designs, honed down from the list of 55 yachts I started with.

I’ve tried to be objective and have included several boats I don’t particularly like but which have undeniably had an impact on sailing in the UK – and yes, it would be quite a different list if I was writing about another country.

If your favourite isn’t on the best small sailing boat designs list, then send an email to [email protected] to argue the case for your best-loved boat.

Ready? Take a deep breath…

Credit: Bob Aylott

Laurent Giles is best known for designing wholesome wooden cruising boats such as the Vertue and Wanderer III , yet his most successful design was the 26ft Centaur he designed for Westerly, of which a remarkable 2,444 were built between 1969 and 1980.

It might not be the prettiest boat on the water, but it sure packs a lot of accommodation.

The Westerly Centaur was one of the first production boats to be tank tested, so it sails surprisingly well too. Jack L Giles knew what he was doing.

Colin Archer

Credit: Nic Compton

Only 32 Colin Archer lifeboats were built during their designer’s lifetime, starting with Colin Archer in 1893 and finishing with Johan Bruusgaard in 1924.

Yet their reputation for safety spawned hundreds of copycat designs, the most famous of which was Sir Robin Knox-Johnston ’s Suhaili , which he sailed around the world singlehanded in 1968-9.

The term Colin Archer has become so generic it is often used to describe any double-ender – so beware!

Contessa 32

Assent ‘s performance in the 1979 Fastnet Race makes the Contessa 32 a worth entry in the 25 best small sailing boat designs list. Credit: Nic Compton

Designed by David Sadler as a bigger alternative to the popular Contessa 26, the Contessa 32 was built by Jeremy Rogers in Lymington from 1970.

The yacht’s credentials were established when Assent , the Contessa 32 owned by Willy Kerr and skippered by his son Alan, became the only yacht in her class to complete the deadly 1979 Fastnet Race .

When UK production ceased in 1983, more than 700 had been built, and another 20 have been built since 1996.

Cornish Crabber 24

It seemed a daft idea to build a gaff-rigged boat in 1974, just when everyone else had embraced the ‘modern’ Bermudan rig.

Yet the first Cornish Crabber 24, designed by Roger Dongray, tapped into a feeling that would grow and grow and eventually become a movement.

The 24 was followed in 1979 by the even more successful Shrimper 19 – now ubiquitous in almost every harbour in England – and the rest is history.

Drascombe Lugger

Credit: David Harding

There are faster, lighter and more comfortable boats than a Drascombe Lugger.

And yet, 57 years after John Watkinson designed the first ‘lugger’ (soon changed to gunter rig), more than 2,000 have been built and the design is still going strong.

More than any other boat, the Drascombe Lugger opened up dinghy cruising, exemplified by Ken Duxbury’s Greek voyages in the 1970s and Webb Chiles’s near-circumnavigation on Chidiock Tichbourne I and II .

The 26ft Eventide. Credit: David Harding

It’s been described as the Morris Minor of the boating world – except that the majority of the 1,000 Eventides built were lovingly assembled by their owners, not on a production line.

After you’d tested your skills building the Mirror dinghy, you could progress to building a yacht.

And at 24ft long, the Eventide packed a surprising amount of living space.

It was Maurice Griffiths’ most successful design and helped bring yachting to a wider audience.

You either love ’em or you hate ’em – motorsailers, that is.

The Fisher 30 was brought into production in 1971 and was one of the first out-and-out motorsailers.

With its long keel , heavy displacement and high bulwarks, it was intended to evoke the spirit of North Sea fishing boats.

It might not sail brilliantly but it provided an exceptional level of comfort for its size and it would look after you when things turned nasty.

Significantly, it was also fitted with a large engine.

Credit: Rupert Holmes

It should have been a disaster.

In 1941, when the Scandinavian Sailing Federation couldn’t choose a winner for their competition to design an affordable sailing boat, they gave six designs to naval architect Tord Sundén and asked him to combine the best features from each.

The result was a sweet-lined 25ft sloop which was very seaworthy and fast.

The design has been built in GRP since the 1970s and now numbers more than 4,000, with fleets all over the world.

Credit: Kevin Barber

There’s something disconcerting about a boat with two unstayed masts and no foresails, and certainly the Freedom range has its detractors.

Yet as Garry Hoyt proved, first with the Freedom 40, designed in collaboration with Halsey Herreshoff, and then the Freedom 33 , designed with Jay Paris, the boats are simple to sail (none of those clattering jib sheets every time you tack) and surprisingly fast – at least off the wind .

Other ‘cat ketch’ designs followed but the Freedoms developed their own cult following.

Hillyard 12-tonner

The old joke about Hillyards is that you won’t drown on one but you might starve to death getting there.

And yet this religious boatbuilder from Littlehampton built up to 800 yachts which travelled around the world – you can find them cruising far-flung destinations.

Sizes ranged from 2.5 to 20 tons, though the 9- and 12-ton are best for long cruises.

The innovations on Jester means she is one of the best small sailing boat designs in the last 100 years. Credit: Ewen Southby-Tailyour

Blondie Hasler was one of the great sailing innovators and Jester was his testing ground.

She was enclosed, carvel planked and had an unstayed junk rig.

Steering was via a windvane system Hasler created.

Hasler came second in the first OSTAR , proving small boats can achieve great things.

Moody kicked off the era of comfort-oriented boats with its very first design.

The Moody 33, designed by Angus Primrose, had a wide beam and high topside to produce a voluminous hull .

The centre cockpit allowed for an aft cabin, resulting in a 33-footer with two sleeping cabins – an almost unheard of concept in 1973 –full-beam heads and spacious galley.

What’s more, her performance under sail was more than adequate for cruising.

Finally, here was a yacht that all the family could enjoy.

Continues below…

What makes a boat seaworthy?

What characteristics make a yacht fit for purpose? Duncan Kent explores the meaning of 'seaworthy' and how hull design and…

How boat design is evolving

Will Bruton looks at the latest trends and innovations shaping the boats we sail

How keel type affects performance

James Jermain looks at the main keel types, their typical performance and the pros and cons of each

Boat handling: How to use your yacht’s hull shape to your advantage

Whether you have a long keel or twin keel rudders, there will be pros and cons when it comes to…

Nicholson 32

Credit: Genevieve Leaper

Charles Nicholson was a giant of the wooden boat era but one of his last designs – created with his son Peter – was a pioneering fibreglass boat that would become an enduring classic.

With its long keel and heavy displacement, the Nicholson 32 is in many ways a wooden boat built in fibreglass – and indeed the design was based on Nicholson’s South Coast One Design.

From 1966 to 1977, the ‘Nic 32’ went through 11 variations.

Credit: Hallberg-Rassy

In the beginning there was… the Rasmus 35. This was the first yacht built by the company that would become Hallberg-Rassy and which would eventually build more than 9,000 boats.

The Rasmus 35, designed by Olle Enderlein, was a conservative design, featuring a centre cockpit, long keel and well-appointed accommodation.

Some 760 boats were built between 1967 and 1978.

Credit: Larry & Lin Pardey

Lyle Hess was ahead of his time when he designed Renegade in 1949.

Despite winning the Newport to Ensenada race, the 25ft wooden cutter went largely unnoticed.

Hess had to build bridges for 15 years before Larry Pardey asked him to design the 24ft Seraffyn , closely based on Renegade ’s lines but with a Bermudan rig.

Pardey’s subsequent voyages around the world cemented Hess’s reputation and success of the Renegade design.

Would the Rustler 36 make it on your best small sailing boat list? Credit: Rustler Yachts

Six out of 18 entries for the 2018 Golden Globe Race (GGR) were Rustler 36s, with the top three places all going to Rustler 36 skippers.

It was a fantastic endorsement for a long-keel yacht designed by Holman & Pye 40 years before.

Expect to see more Rustler 36s in the 2022 edition of the GGR!

It was Ted Heath who first brought the S&S 34 to prominence with his boat Morning Cloud .

In 1969 the yacht won the Sydney to Hobart Race, despite being one of the smallest boats in the race.

Other epic S&S 34 voyages include the first ever single-handed double circumnavigation by Jon Sanders in 1981

Credit: Colin Work

The Contessa 32 might seem an impossible boat to improve upon, but that’s what her designer David Sadler attempted to do in 1979 with the launch of the Sadler 32 .

That was followed two years later by the Sadler 29 , a tidy little boat that managed to pack in six berths in a comfortable open-plan interior.

The boat was billed as ‘unsinkable’, with a double-skinned hull separated by closed cell foam buoyancy.

What’s more, it was fast, notching up to 12 knots.

Credit: Dick Durham/Yachting Monthly

Another modern take on the Contessa theme was the Sigma 33, designed by David Thomas in 1979.

A modern underwater body combined with greater beam and higher freeboard produced a faster boat with greater accommodation.

And, like the Contessa, the Sigma 33 earned its stripes at the 1979 Fastnet, when two of the boats survived to tell the tale.

A lively one-design fleet soon developed on the Solent which is still active to this day.

A replica of Joshua Slocum’s Spray . Credit: Alamy Stock Photo

The boat Joshua Slocum used for his first singlehanded circumnavigation of the world wasn’t intended to sail much further than the Chesapeake Bay.

The 37ft Spray was a rotten old oyster sloop which a friend gave him and which he had to spend 13 months fixing up.

Yet this boxy little tub, with its over-optimistic clipper bow, not only took Slocum safely around the world but has spawned dozens of modern copies that have undertaken long ocean passages.

Credit: James Wharram Designs

What are boats for if not for dreaming? And James Wharram had big dreams.

First he sailed across the Atlantic on the 23ft 6in catamaran Tangaroa .

He then built the 40ft Rongo on the beach in Trinidad (with a little help from French legend Bernard Moitessier) and sailed back to the UK.

Then he drew the 34ft Tangaroa (based on Rongo ) for others to follow in his wake and sold 500 plans in 10 years.

Credit: Graham Snook/Yachting Monthly

The Twister was designed in a hurry.

Kim Holman wanted a boat at short notice for the 1963 season and, having had some success with his Stella design (based on the Folkboat), he rushed out a ‘knockabout cruising boat for the summer with some racing for fun’.

The result was a Bermudan sloop that proved nigh on unbeatable on the East Anglian circuit.

It proved to be Holman’s most popular design with more than 200 built.

Credit: Alamy Stock Photo

Laurent Giles’s design No15 was drawn in 1935 for a Guernsey solicitor who wanted ‘a boat that would spin on a sixpence and I could sail single-handed ’.

What the young Jack Giles gave him was a pretty transom-sterned cutter, with a nicely raked stem.

Despite being moderate in every way, the boat proved extremely able and was soon racking up long distances, including Humphrey Barton’s famous transatlantic crossing on Vertue XXXV in 1950.

Wanderer II and III

Credit: Thies Matzen

Eric and Susan Hiscock couldn’t afford a Vertue, so Laurent Giles designed a smaller, 21ft version for them which they named Wanderer II .

They were back a few years later, this time wanting a bigger version: the 30ft Wanderer III .

It was this boat they sailed around the world between 1952-55, writing articles and sailing books along the way.

In doing so, they introduced a whole generation of amateur sailors to the possibilities of long-distance cruising.

Westerly 22

The origins of Westerly Marine were incredibly modest.

Commander Denys Rayner started building plywood dinghies in the 1950s which morphed into a 22ft pocket cruiser called the Westcoaster.

Realising the potential of fibreglass, in 1963 he adapted the design to create the Westerly 22, an affordable cruising boat with bilge keels and a reverse sheer coachroof.

Some 332 boats were built to the design before it was relaunched as the Nomad (267 built).

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• Motor Yacht
• Motor Yachts

The Best Motor Yachts by Length  in 2024

The motor yachts assembled here are ordered by length (LOA) and include a range from super cabin cruisers to superyachts.

This is a guide to the 15 most impressive motor yachts in different sizes and categories.

This review of motor yachts is a celebration of design in both form and function. Brands, model and size of motor yacht. These water vessels give individuals unlimited freedom and access to all the oceans, and lakes of the earth.

Motor yachts today are both rugged and highly sophisticated. They are large watercraft with impressive levels of functionality that provide safety, comfort, and privacy. They are the ideal haven to chill and unwind, especially if you love being on the water like we do.

We’ve been going to boat shows and hitching rides when possible to make this list.

Here are 15 of the best motor yacht brands to make it easy.

They are shown in order of size, increasing to the super yachts that require a large crew to run.

We have removed some models owned by associates of the Russian regime. The Lurssen Nord is just one example.

Top 5 Best Motor Yachts in 2024

All the motor yachts we've tested, tecnomar lamborghini 63 yacht.

Where to buy:

Where to buy tecnomar lamborghini 63 yacht:.

Lamborghini has big plans to commemorate the brand’s 60th anniversary. The iconic Italian automaker started manufacturing in 1963. Building 63 limited edition supercars, dubbed the Siàn, wasn’t enough. The carmaker also has teamed up with Tecnomar, part of the Italian Sea Group shipyards, to build 63 limited-edition yachts.

The result is the Tecnomar for Lamborghini 63. It’s 63 feet long and will do 63 knots flat out. That puts it on a short list of the world’s fastest motor yachts. To achieve such a feat, twin V12 MAN diesel engines are paired with a state-of-the-art hull design. The ride is fast but also smooth, comfortable, and sporty. It’s a nautical experience that is becoming of the Lamborghini name.

• Length: 63 feet (19.2 meters)
• Beam: 18 feet (5.5 meters)
• Dry displacement: 52,910 pounds (24 tonnes)
• Engines: 2x MAN V12-2000 twin-turbo, 24.24 liter, common-rail marine diesels
• Total power: 4,000 hp (2,942 kW)
• Total torque: 9,388 lb-ft (13,000 Nm)
• Max Speed: 63 knots (73 mph, 117 kph)
• Cruising Speed: 41 knots (46 mph, 74 kph)
• Fuel consumption (max): 212 gph (800 l/h)
• Fuel consumption (cruising) : 132 gph (500 l/h)
• Fuel tankage: 951 gal (3,600 liters)
• Water tankage: 159 gal (600 liters)
• CE Category: B-16

Things we like:

Things we don't like:.

Jeanneau US

Jeanneau Worldwide

Jeanneau Merry Fisher 1295

Where to Book:

Where to book jeanneau merry fisher 1295:.

All new for 2023, Jeanneau has introduced the Merry Fisher 1295 Fly, also called the NC Weekender 1295 Fly. At just over 40 feet, this true three-level yacht boasts three staterooms, two heads, tons of comfortable seating and lounge space, and enough storage to bring all your stuff with you.

Beyond helm features for easier docking, this cabin cruiser is designed to carry you and your family comfortably. There’s not really another 40-foot flybridge that offers as much as the 1295 for the same price point.

The spacious salon level features sliding glass doors that open onto the aft cockpit. The aft galley is fully appointed and allows for the perfect flow for socialization during meals and hanging out. The cockpit features a walkthrough boarding door to port and a large fold-down swim terrace to starboard.

Finally, the staterooms and heads are large and comfortable, with plenty of storage and headroom below.

• Length: (Overall/Hull) 41 feet, 2 inches/12.56 meters; 39 feet, 1 inch/11.92 meters
• Beam: 12 feet, 6 inches/3.80 meters
• Draft: 2 feet, 6 inches/0.76 meters
• Hull Weight: 18,031 pounds/8,181 kilograms
• Bridge Clearance: 16 feet, 5 inches/5.0 meters
• Fuel Capacity: 310 gallons/1,174 liters
• Engines: 3x 300 horsepower Yamaha outboards
• CE Category: B10/C12

Fleming Yachts

Where to buy Fleming 55:

The Fleming 55 motor yacht is stylish and designed for comfortable long range cruising and boasts a huge storage capacity with a total area of over 250 sq ft. The nautical design displacement hull has a range of 2,000 nm with an environmentally friendly low fuel burn of just over 10 gph.

The yacht is fitted with an aquadrive anti-vibration drive system for smooth cruising. The Fleming 55 aft deck is large and spacious and extends into the salon with loads of room for deck chairs and water gear. Interior has beautiful mood lighting.

It consists of 3 good size cabins so can overnight 6 – 8 adults in comfort, and it has 3 separate heads and a beautiful raised pilot house for the skipper or captain. The master cabin is set forward as a queen berth and the bed is remote and can retract. The aft bulkhead can be used as a remote work office. The salon has an L-settee, fitted icemaker, bar, cute coffee table and TV lift area and there is room for added entertainment system components.

Another awesome added feature is the fitted “dumbwaiter” that assists in getting refreshments up from the galley. The galley is fitted with a side-by-side fridge freezer set and an under-mount double stainless steel sink with a waste disposer. This yacht is a classic and is worth viewing.

• Length: 55’9"
• Dry Weight: 67,801 lbs
• Capacity: 6 - 8 people
• Motor: 2 x 500HP Cummins QSC Engines

Grand Trawler 62

Where to buy Grand Trawler 62:

The Grand Trawler 62 from Beneteau hits the mark all round and is super comfortable for both live aboard and long-distance cruises. Designed to overnight 6 to 8 adults on board this gorgeous motor yacht showcases one the largest flybridges on the market for its hull length. The crisp clean interior design reflects the superior quality and workmanship that sets Beneteau’s unmistakable brand apart from the rest.

Beneteau has absolutely hit the mark with the design on this motor yacht. It features an open flowing galley, huge lounge salon and raised cockpit. The transom has a unique sea terrace area, and the master cabin layout is private and beautiful and boasts a full size double bed. It provides soft smooth comfort on board if planning long range cruising with a gyro-stabilizer and the auto-glide trim tabs.

• Length: 62’
• Beam: 17’10"
• Dry Weight: 29,500 lbs
• Motor: MANi6 730 2 x 730 HPDiesel (2x537kW)

Leopard Catamarans

Leopard 46 Powercat

Where to buy Leopard 46 Powercat:

If you are seeking extra space for entertaining and separate private berths for the crew on long passages, then the Leopard 46 is a great alternative motor yacht option to consider when deciding on a brand. Awesome for cruising, docking and anchoring, the top deck offers a great 360-degree view for sundowners. The advantage of a cat-style motor yacht is the low hull depth it has making it easy to cruise, dock or anchor in low depth ocean waters.

The exterior and interior spaces flow into each other, so the use of space is maximized, giving great volume. There is a spacious 3 or 4 cabin en-suite configuration for this hull length, perfect for guests where privacy matters. Loads of deck space for everyone to spread out and enjoy. It is streamlined and neat in terms of layout, practical use of space, giving you a nice feeling of relaxation and a home away from home feel. Awesome size U-shaped settee caters for 8 guests to dine in comfort, so perfect for entertaining or unforgettable candle-light evenings.

• Length: 46’4"
• Beam: 24’1"
• Dry Weight: 36,945 lbs
• Capacity: 8 - 12 people
• Motor: 2 x Yanmar 52 HP

Back Cove Yachts

Back Cove 41

Where to buy Back Cove 41:

The Back Cove 41 is designed and constructed in Maine, USA. The 41 is the flagship of the Back Cove motor yacht range. The motor yacht is a perfect combination of traditional and modern in terms of its design. It is a very economical and comfortable classic for long range excursions.

The yacht is fitted with an efficient single diesel engine and straight shaft, thrusters, a generator set, and reverse cycle heat and air conditioning systems for more extreme weather conditions. With no fly bridge it is easy to captain and maneuver singlehanded and it can overnight up to 6 adults.

This elegant yet practical motor boat consists of two state cabins, two heads and a well-thought-out saloon. The interior is balanced and sensible with a dual stainless steel refrigerator & freezer set, a simple ceramic cooktop surface and a fitted convection microwave and a groovy U-shaped settee that converts into a dinette. Comfortable, stately and classic cruising yacht for all purposes.

• Length: 46’6”
• Capacity: 6 people
• Motor: Cummins QSC8.3 marine diesel engine

Nordic Tugs

Nordic Tug 54

Where to buy Nordic Tug 54:

These sturdy ocean vessels are made in the US in the original classic tugboat style, rugged from the outside and the best kept secret is that they are incredibly beautiful and comfortable on the inside. A perfect floating home away from home for a live-aboard adventure and capable of exploring and facing all types of oceans that may have more adverse weather systems.

This tug style motor yacht has both a pilothouse and lower deck, and then an open flow from the salon into the aft deck. The hull is made from solid knitted fiberglass reinforced plastic and fitted with solid stainless steel handrails. The design offers safety and absolute comfort and they are built to last for many years. For long range expeditions, it has 1,300 gallon fuel capacity in a dual set of tanks and 300 gallon water holding capacity and large black water holding tank at 130 gallon capacity.

This cruising motor yacht boasts classic teak interiors, a classic chart drawer and there is every attention to detail on the cabinets and draws throughout. It has 2 comfortable queen size berths below. Day – night shaded solid fitted windows are in the salon. The galley is beautiful and features a functional and spacious U-shaped solid surface countertop. Viewing this motor yacht interior is worth it. Solid lasting stainless steel finishes throughout and a functional extra stainless steel basin fitted in the aft deck. Split air heating and cooling system installed so perfect for all extreme weather conditions.

• Length: 56’1"
• Beam: 16’1"
• Dry Weight: 68,000 lbs
• Capacity: 4 - 6 people
• Motor: Volvo Penta – D11 – 670 HP Diesel

Bertram Yachts

Bertram 61 Convertible

Where to buy Bertram 61 Convertible:

The Bertrams 61 is a sporty bluewater fishing cruiser and is a perfect man cave that is fit for a king and perfect for a 6 person cruising or fishing adventure. Every attention to solid long lasting detail on layout, fittings and the hull design. The expansive 188 ft cockpit has a barbeque and has huge customized fish boxes.

The classic Amtico teak and maple wood interior is unreal and the saloon has a 360 degree view with large windows. It has 2 cabins, the master has a queen size double bed, and the second has 2 single beds (bunk bed option). The galley doubles up into a bar with shellacked wood stools. Well worth viewing in person, and definitely wet weather gear required with this one!

• Length: 61’1"
• Beam: 18’3"
• Motor: Caterpillar C32 ACERT diesels

Azimut Yachts

Azimut Magellano 66

Where to buy Azimut Magellano 66:

The Azimut Magellano 66 has a striking visual appeal. The innovative dual-mode hull on this motor yacht decreases the use of horsepower making this vessel super fuel efficient for long range distances.

This 66 foot motor yacht has a near 2,000 mile range, so all those secret hideaway coves and overnight destinations will be well within your reach. The progressive interior space allows for 6 – 8 adults to be in total comfort for cruising, docking or adventures on anchor.

Aesthetically balanced, this motor yacht interior is streamlined and contemporary with attention to every detail. The fly bridge is fitted with a barbecue for entertainment, and an outdoor shower for fresh water splashes after an early morning swim. The saloon offers a beautiful indoor entertainment space. The entire motor yacht is fitted with customised innovative cabinets for storage and neatness. Below deck are three spacious private staterooms. Well worth viewing the Azimut 66 in person, this is a very sought after motor yacht design.

• Length: 66’1"
• Dry Weight: 46,400 lbs
• Capacity: 6 - 10 people
• Motor: 425-hp Cummins QSB 5.9s

Prestige Yachts

Prestige X70

Where to buy Prestige X70:

Prestige Yachts X70 launches the unique compact motor superyacht that dreams are made of. Captains, owners and skippers are going to love the infinite cockpit area, it is super comfortable and spacious. A new feature is that the upper fly deck layout has a walk area on each side for ease of access. The maritime-angled window gives the classic yacht exterior shape a more çheeky sporty feel.

A refreshing spacious open plan layout that flows right throughout the yacht allows you to add small elements of comfort to match your personal taste. This motor yacht can accommodate 6 – 10 adults in total comfort for cruising, docking or vacations. The engine room workmanship and layout are worth a special mention and the yacht is driven by dual Volvo Penta 900-hp diesel engines.

The main deck is light and has a very open plan feel with comfortable seating couches that keep you close to the water. The galley is open plan and centrally positioned for serving meals and refreshments, and can be closed off for privacy. Below deck it has 3 ensuite cabins, and the master suite boasts a full size bed with en-suite and has it’s own private access portside. The aft swim platform is on the transom and it has a fitted retractable couch so this space can also be enjoyed. Definitely worth viewing this motor yacht in person.

• Length: 71’7"
• Beam: 17’6"
• Dry Weight: 73,634 lbs
• Motor: 2 x 1200 or 1350 hp Volvo Penta D13

Viking Yachts

Where to buy Viking 82:

Viking 82 is utter luxury and excellence combined. Modern with clean space and awesome layout. It is also compact, rugged and versatile for fishing or water sport activities. The motor yacht command station has full weather protection and is outfitted with custom designed navigation and entertainment systems.

Below deck are 4 ensuite cabins with walk-in showers and generous windows, the master suite has a king size bed, and enhanced lighting. The open bridge layout is spacious and has a full size dinette and electric grill and the galley has stone counters.

There’s a beautiful sun pad and lounge area and it comes with a wet bar. World class walnut cabinets throughout. The huge transom fish box can double up as stowage to fit extra water gear. This motor yacht offers the owner control and access to absolutely everything the ocean has to offer.

• Length: 84’9”
• Beam: 20’6"
• Dry Weight: 158,850 lbs
• Motor: MAN / V12 15500CRM 1550 MHP

Sunreef Yachts Eco

Sunreef 100 Eco

Where to buy Sunreef 100 Eco:

This twin-hull rose-gold superyacht with its beautiful grey metallic hull is a special one to look at. Sunreef yachts’ green-powered catamarans are next generation in ethical and responsible boating.

Green propulsion is the way to go, fitted with wind turbines, eco-aware materials, and solar skin lighting system this vessel is setting stage for the future of motor yacht design. If you are passionate about the environment and conservation then this motor yacht brand is leading the way with enlightened future sustainability.

The 42,65 ft beam gives you incredible space aboard. It can be customised and you can select decor for the vast relaxation areas. It has a full-beam bow terrace with a sunken lounge, huge flybridge, spa pool, gym area and of course a bar. Layout plan includes a huge aft storage locker that fits 2 jet skis and has a fitted hydraulic platform. There is super comfortable accommodation for up to 10 guests.

The Sunreef Eco 100 motor yacht gives the discerning and progressive owner exceptional comfort and peace of mind. The perfect blend of luxury and sustainability make this brand stand out. Hybrid green yachts are the progressive next step.

• Length: 100’
• Beam: 42’65"
• Capacity: 10 - 14 people
• Motor : 2 x 1300 HP engines [2 x 180kW - 2 x 360kW]

Conrad Shipyard

Conrad C144S

Where to buy Conrad C144S:

The Conrad C144S is just above and beyond. Already took the top place at the 2019 World Superyacht Award ‘Viatoris’. This superyacht is just above and beyond. So far there are only 2 of these babies on the water so far. Whether or not this yacht is within your reach, it is worth taking a sneak preview at this timeless and prestigious straight hull design. Go big or go home.

4 VIP ensuite guest cabins, 4 crew cabins, beach club, 4 lounge zones, 2 beautiful bar areas, 2 dining spaces, full cinema – you can probably modify this space into a gym or remote office, the world is your absolute oyster here. Best you get cracking and sign off on your order today as this timeless superyacht needs at least 24 months pre-production time.

• Length: 145’
• Beam: 29’2"
• Dry Weight: 472 ton
• Capacity: 16 + people
• Motor: 2 x CAT C18 ACERT

Related Reviews

Read full review

The World of Motor Yachts: Luxury, Performance, and Freedom

Motor yachts offer a unique combination of power, comfort, and freedom on the water. Designed primarily for pleasure cruising or racing, these impressive vessels put the world at your fingertips.

A Spectrum of Sizes: Finding Your Perfect Motor Yacht

Motor yachts come in different sizes, catering to every desire. From compact and maneuverable models around 33 feet (10 meters) to sprawling luxury palaces exceeding 131 feet (40 meters), there’s a perfect fit for every dream.

Pricing Considerations:

• Smaller motor yachts (33ft – 50ft) typically range from $500,000 to $3 million.
• Mid-size yachts (50ft – 80ft) can fall between $3 million and $15 million.
• Superyachts (over 80ft) enter a whole new pricing category, reaching into the hundreds of millions and beyond, depending on size, customization, and features.

Power and Maneuverability: Taking Control on the Water

Motor yachts usually have two or more motors. This has several advantages:

• Better Maneuverability: Two engines allow captains to better deal with challenging weather conditions. Thanks to vessel control software systems, it also provides some advantages when docking.
• Fuel Efficiency and Range: With dual engines and customized fuel tanks, extended cruises at constant speeds with lower fuel consumption are possible. This is where the explorer yacht, designed to roam, even cross the Atlantic, thrives.
• Shallow Water Access: Unlike deep-keel sailboats, motor yachts have a shallower draft, allowing them to explore beautiful coves and hidden bays inaccessible to other vessels.

The Flybridge Advantage: Elevated Yachting Experience

Many motor yachts, particularly larger models, will also have a flybridge. This offers captains better visibility for navigation, docking, and it provides passengers with higher vistas. Flybridge boats, like the smaller Merry Fisher , have that additional social space, featuring seating areas, wet bars, and sundecks.

Beyond Ownership: Exploring the Charter Option

Chartering offers a fantastic alternative for those seeking a taste of the motor yacht lifestyle without the full commitment of ownership. Chartering allows owners to offset some of the cost of their boats.

In 2020, an estimated 15,000 yachts were exceeding 79 feet available for charter worldwide.

Charter yachts often involve annual maintenance costs of around 15% of the yacht’s value. For vessels valued over $3 million, that’s almost a half million a year!

Our boating editors recently checked out the Miami boat show to understand this decadent market. We found many owners who don’t even get to use their yachts as much as they’d like, so the chartering world makes sense for everyone.

Entering the Realm of Superyachts: Luxury Redefined

The “Commercial Yacht Code” categorizes motor yachts exceeding 79 feet (24 meters) as superyachts and those surpassing 131 feet (40 meters) as mega-yachts. These behemoths represent the pinnacle of luxury yachting, with meticulously crafted interiors, advanced technological marvels, and crew quarters to cater to the owner’s every need. Naturally, these vessels come with exceptionally high construction standards and price tags.

Buying a Motor Yacht

Once you have made a decision to purchase a motor yacht, the next step is to determine exactly what make of motor yacht will best fit your requirements. There are so many different motor yachts, give yourself time to find the right one and ask yourself this.

• Budget capacity?
• New or used?
• What type of user experience do you want out of the vessel?
• What hull size of motor yacht is best?

Once you have created a shortlist, you can then refine your search. Take time out to go and view in person. Book yourself an experience aboard and head over to your closest marina and speak to owners. Consider these points before purchasing a motor yacht.

• Pre-book buyer’s sea trials for your shortlist
• Select the perfect motor yacht
• Used – get a certified hull survey, safety comes first
• Get annual insurance quotes
• Calculate dockage – purchase or rent a slip or dock
• Calculate monthly upkeep and maintenance
• Calculate extra costs like navigational devices & fittings
• Draft your own checklist
• Draft & sign off sale & purchase contracts
• Draft & sign off a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA)
• Ensure satisfied 100%
• Execute payment and take transfer of ownership
• Register and insure the motor yacht

Frequently Asked Questions About Motor Yachts

These 5 questions give you some clarity on what to consider when purchasing a motor yacht.

• How many guests and crew (combined) are you comfortable with aboard? Privately registered motor yachts can carry no more than 12 passengers, so often this will define the length of the vessel.
• Then consider functionality and lifestyle. Decide upfront what you want out of the motor yacht, are you planning to use it for charter, private cruising, sport, remote office, family vacations or entertainment or all of the above?
• Do you plan to use it on inland water systems or oceans or both?
• Do you want to captain and skipper yourself or would you prefer a crew, so you have time to enjoy the experience?  Set a limit to your budget both in terms of purchase and then beyond that one has to consider the long term upkeep, storage, and monthly maintenance costs
• What is the best length for a Motor Yacht?

If you plan on becoming your own captain, the best hull size on average for a single-handed skipper would be between 32ft to 42ft.

The best motor yacht length is defined by both the objective and purpose of the vessel. Added to this one should consider both the budget and upkeep costs, including dockage fees, as these are most often calculated at a per foot rate. The next factor would be to select a good for the number of passengers you wish to have aboard (family, guests, crew), as the number of sleeping berths are limited on smaller hull sizes. As you increase your hull size, you need to consider that this will then add an extra headcount because you have to factor in additional space for crew.

They say the old golden unwritten nautical rule is that boat length is always defined by a person’s age. Whatever your age, double it, and that gives you a perfect hull length in feet (for example, if you are 40 years of age you should consider an 80ft hull length).

They can cost anywhere between $100,000- $10,000,000. The sky’s the absolute limit when it comes to what you can spend on a motor yacht. Used or new, the cost is often defined by the design, size and year of manufacture. Quality motor yachts are built to last and most often retain market related value if they are properly maintained and have an accident free history.

Motor yachts are generally between 33ft – 79 feet, super yachts are generally over 79 feet in hull length, and mega yachts are over 100 feet.

If you purchase a globally recognized brand, it makes selling the boat in the future much easier. The established global motor yacht brands offer a range of existing designs that can be customized to suit any individual requirement. These approved motor yacht designs are often updated with the latest technology and modifications over the years. A tip is that reputable international brands retain market value over the years so are considered a valuable investment.

There is never one best hull type for a motor yacht, there is rather a series or collection of yachts or vessels that are released and they often use the exact same hull design for different lengths in a series. There is a huge selection and variation of hull designs, and this is exactly what defines a yacht. Motor boat hulls are specifically designed to cut through water with the least possible resistance while remaining balanced in all types of weather and water conditions. Each year hull designs improve and often a new hull release is about using the latest carbon fiber molding techniques for structural strength, rather than a modification to the actual shape of the design.

Super yachts are power driven water vessels specially designed by yacht engineers and shipbuilders and are normally 71 – 99 feet in length. Super yachts that exceed 100ft in length are classified as mega yachts.

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The Ultimate Guide to Small Boats: What Are Your Options?

Small boats offer a unique way to enjoy the water, whether you’re an angler, a day cruiser, or a weekend adventurer. They provide affordable entry points into boating while delivering versatile and personalized experiences. In this guide, we will explore different types of small boats, their key features, price ranges, and specs to help you decide which option best suits your needs.

Why Choose a Small Boat?

Small boats are ideal for those looking to get into boating without the commitment or expense of a large vessel. Some key advantages include:

• Affordability : Small boats generally cost less to buy and maintain.
• Ease of Use : Many are simple to operate, requiring minimal skill or certification.
• Maneuverability : Their smaller size makes them easier to navigate through tight spaces and shallow waters.
• Portability : Many small boats can be trailered or even carried by hand.
• Versatility : Suitable for a range of activities, from fishing to watersports.

Types of Small Boats

1. jon boats.

Jon boats are lightweight, flat-bottomed boats typically made from aluminum or polyethylene. They are favored by anglers and hunters because of their stability in calm waters like lakes and rivers.

• Specs : Range in length from 10 to 18 feet. Most models have a shallow draft, allowing you to navigate very shallow waters.
• Engine : Often powered by small outboard motors, though some are manually rowed.
• Capacity : Seats 2 to 4 people comfortably.
• Price : $700 to $5,000 depending on size and material.
• Easy to maneuver and transport
• Great for fishing in shallow waters
• Limited in rough waters
• Basic design without many features

2. Dinghies

Dinghies are small, open boats that can be powered by oars, small outboard motors, or sails. They’re commonly used as tenders to larger boats or for short-distance transportation in calm waters.

• Specs : Typically between 6 to 12 feet in length.
• Engine : Often powered by a small outboard engine (2-15 hp) or manually rowed.
• Capacity : Seats 2 to 6 people, depending on the size.
• Price : $500 to $2,000 for basic inflatable or hard-shell models.
• Versatile for various water activities
• Easy to transport (especially inflatable models)
• Often small enough to carry
• Not ideal for long-distance travel
• Vulnerable to capsizing in rough conditions

3. Inflatable Boats

Inflatable boats are constructed from durable rubberized fabric and are designed to be lightweight and easy to store when not in use. These boats are excellent for families or recreational boaters who need something compact and portable.

• Specs : 6 to 18 feet in length.
• Engine : Can be equipped with a small outboard motor or paddled manually.
• Capacity : Can carry anywhere from 2 to 8 people.
• Price : $200 to $5,000 depending on size, material, and brand.
• Extremely portable and easy to store
• Versatile for different activities
• Stable and buoyant
• Limited speed and power compared to rigid hull boats
• Requires inflation and deflation with every use

4. Kayaks and Canoes

These human-powered vessels are ideal for solo adventurers or small groups looking to explore lakes, rivers, and coastal areas. Kayaks are generally enclosed, while canoes are open-topped.

• Specs : Range from 8 to 17 feet for kayaks, and 12 to 20 feet for canoes.
• Engine : Paddled manually.
• Capacity : Kayaks are typically single or double-seaters; canoes can hold 2 to 4 people.
• Price : $300 to $2,500 depending on material and design.
• Perfect for exercise and exploration
• Low maintenance and affordable
• Suitable for quiet, peaceful waters
• Not ideal for open water or rough conditions
• Limited in speed and storage space

5. Jet Skis and Personal Watercraft (PWC)

Jet skis are small motorized vessels designed for high-speed thrills and are excellent for watersports enthusiasts. They offer a more adventurous experience compared to most small boats.

• Specs : Average length is 8 to 12 feet.
• Engine : Powered by an inboard jet drive with engine sizes ranging from 60 hp to over 300 hp.
• Capacity : Usually 1 to 3 riders.
• Price : $5,000 to $15,000 depending on the brand and engine power.
• Fun and fast; great for watersports
• Easy to tow on a trailer
• High maneuverability
• Limited storage space
• Not ideal for long trips or rough waters

6. Pontoon Boats (Small Models)

Pontoon boats are flat-decked boats that float on two or more aluminum tubes called pontoons. Smaller pontoon boats are great for families or groups who want a stable and comfortable ride on lakes or calm waters.

• Specs : Small models range from 12 to 20 feet.
• Engine : Outboard motors ranging from 25 hp to 90 hp.
• Capacity : Can comfortably accommodate 4 to 8 passengers.
• Price : $10,000 to $35,000 depending on size and features.
• Comfortable and spacious
• Great for family outings and relaxation
• Stable and safe
• Not suitable for rough waters
• Bulkier than other small boats

7. Center Console Boats (Small Models)

Center console boats are popular among anglers because of their 360-degree fishing capability and the central helm. Smaller versions provide versatility for both fishing and leisure.

• Specs : Typically 15 to 20 feet long.
• Engine : Outboard engines ranging from 60 hp to 150 hp.
• Capacity : Holds 4 to 6 people.
• Price : $15,000 to $40,000 depending on size and engine power.
• Excellent for fishing
• Good speed and power
• Limited in rough ocean conditions
• Not much shelter from the elements

How to Choose the Right Small Boat

When selecting a small boat , consider the following factors:

• Intended Use : Are you looking to fish, relax, or engage in watersports? Different boats serve different purposes.
• Water Type : Will you be boating in lakes, rivers, or the ocean? Choose a boat that’s designed for the conditions you’ll face.
• Budget : Small boats vary significantly in price. Determine how much you’re willing to spend, including maintenance, insurance, and storage costs.
• Storage and Transportation : Some boats can be easily trailered, while others may require a dock or mooring.
• Capacity : Consider how many people you’ll typically bring on board and make sure the boat can accommodate them safely.

Small boats offer a world of possibilities for boating enthusiasts, whether you’re after a leisurely cruise or a high-speed adventure. From affordable Jon boats to sporty jet skis, there’s an option for everyone. By understanding your needs and the specifications of each type, you can find the perfect small boat to get out on the water and enjoy the experience to the fullest.

Happy Boating!

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Read The Top 10 Winter Boating Destinations to Visit This Winter until we meet in the next article. 

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The Ultimate Guide to Small Boats: What Are Your Options?

Small boats are where many people discover a love for the water, and if you’ve been browsing our Boat Finder Tool looking for small boats that would be ideal for your needs, you’ve surely encountered many options. 

Small boats are less expensive to buy and operate than large ones, are easier to tow or load on a trailer, and can sneak into tiny waterways that bigger boats can’t access.

Small boats also have an esoteric value that’s difficult to pin down. There’s something special about being physically closer to the water, surrounded by nature without all the extra tools and features found on larger, more complex boats. 

In fact, many boat lovers who own large boats also have a small boat or two that they love and enjoy just as much as their bigger craft. But which small boats would be best for you? To make the search easier, we'll review the top 10 small boat contenders.

Types of Small Boats

Inflatable boats, aluminum fishing boats.

• Pontoon Boats

Car-Toppers

Canoes and kayaks, personal watercrafts (pwcs).

Jon Boats are among the simplest and most popular boats around. Many consist of little more than an aluminum hull with a flat bottom and a squared-off bow, bench seats, and an outboard or electric outboard engine. They’re incredibly easy to launch, load, and store and are among the least expensive options for buying a boat .

Skiffs are another form of very simple, basic, all-purpose utility boats. What exactly makes a boat a skiff? This is a catch-all term often used to describe any relatively small and open boat. Due to this, there’s an extensive range of candidates.

Dinghies come in many shapes and sizes and in different versions that can be rowed, motored, or sailed. But they all share a few common traits: they’re usually very small (eight or 10 feet is standard) and are often used as tenders to transport people and gear from a boat to shore.

Inflatable boats come in two basic styles: those that are completely inflatable and those that have a rigid hull surrounded by an inflatable “collar” or ring (usually called a “RIB,” short for rigid inflatable boat). 

Most inflatables are made of materials like Hypalon or PVC fabrics. Their main advantage is the ability to bounce off anything they might hit. Still, RIB versions are also considered seaworthy and used in many commercial and search-and-rescue applications and for recreational purposes.

Aluminum fishing boats come in all shapes and sizes, the only common denominator being that they’re constructed of aluminum. Aluminum boats tend to be light, relatively inexpensive, and fuel-efficient.

Small Pontoon Boats

Although there are some very large and costly pontoon boats on the water, plenty of small models are available that are easy to trailer, easy to afford, and still get you a taste of luxury on the water. There are even different models and designs ranging from mini fishing pontoons to small performance pontoon boats.

Learn more in Buying a Pontoon or a Deck Boat?

This is another catch-all category of boat, with one common denominator: if a couple of people can lift it up and secure it to a roof rack on a car, the boat’s officially a car-topper. Usually, these are very small, simple boats, like Jon boats and dinghies.

These small crafts are popular, and even though most don’t have any mechanical propulsion, they’re still boats. In fact, there are some shockingly advanced models designed for specific purposes (such as fishing or maximum speed). Many boaters develop their initial love for the water while paddling or pedaling on a canoe or kayak.

While there are some large and rather complex jet boats , some small ones can be pretty thrilling to drive. Most have inboard jet engines that create thrust by blasting high-pressure water through a nozzle rather than spinning a propeller. However, there are outboard versions of jet engines, too.

Many people think of personal watercraft (PWCs) more like motorcycles of the water, which has led some to refer to them as waterbikes, or boatercycles. But despite their small size and limited passenger capacity, these are still boats in every sense of the word. They’re also among the most exciting to drive, and many are capable of neck-snapping acceleration, hair-raising high speeds, and exhilarating hairpin turns.

So—have you made up your mind as to which small boat you’d like to own? With all these options, it’s no surprise if you’re still trying to determine which one is right for you. No matter which ones you may be considering, however, one thing is a sure bet: whether it’s the only boat you have or it’s one of several in the family fleet, your love of the water is only going to grow when you spend time on your own small boat.

Read Next: Choosing the Right Boat Type for You

Editor’s Note:  This article was updated in December 2022.

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Best Yachts – Top 15 Picks for 2024

Carver 52 Command Bridge

Hatteras M75 Panacera

Sabre 58 Salon Express

What’s the first thing that comes to mind when you think of a yacht? Probably those huge luxury cruisers reserved for the high society folks, right? Well, that’s true, but those are a special group of ships referred to as luxury yachts.

The questions you need to be asking are – What is a yacht? At what point is a yacht regarded as a ship? And, what exactly makes a yacht a yacht? Here’s a little boating lesson for you.

A yacht is any fast cruising watercraft used for pleasure or sport. Yachts can be classified into cruisers, superyachts, and mega yachts. The difference between them all boils down to their respective sizes.

Luxury vessels that are less than 12 meters long fall in the class of cabin cruiser yachts – or simply, cruisers. Those that measure more than 24 meters are classified as superyachts. Anything that’s 50+ meters long is a mega yacht. Anything larger than a mega yacht is generally referred to as a ship and generally describes a working vessel as opposed to something recreational.

So, as you can see, you don’t necessarily have to be swimming in a ton of money to become a yacht owner. The only difference will be in the size of the craft you get. Clear enough?

Without further ado, here are the 15 best yachts, as well as a few useful tips on how to choose the best one.

Top on our list of best yachts is the Carver 52 Command Bridge. Its unique design, spacious salon, expansive foredeck seating area, and well-thought-out amenities make this one the best yachts bar-none.

It comes with a master head, a spacious stall shower, and a full-beam master stateroom that even has its own private entrance. It doesn’t get any better than that.

 Carver  →

● Designed for long-range cruising ● Ample living space ● Comes with loads of convenience amenities

● Not ideal for use in icy waters

The Hatteras M75 Panacera yacht is the perfect embodiment of superior craftsmanship and timeless elegance. One look at it, and you can tell that it was built with impeccable attention to detail.

Everything from the galley layout and the open-concept deckhouse salon to the 360-degree panoramic windows and state-of-the-art amenities adds a completely new dimension to luxury yachting.

 Hatteras  →

● Ample space ● Exquisite interiors and exteriors ● Fully-customizable

● High maintenance

Yachts don’t exactly come cheap. So, the term “budget” yacht might be a bit of a stretch when referring to the price. Nonetheless, if you’re shopping for a watercraft that delivers excellent value for money, the Sabre 58 Salon Express is a great option to consider.

It has an open yacht design that seamlessly merges the interior with the exterior and has large windows that flood the interior spaces with lots of natural light. The Sabre also has three en-suite cabins, abundant storage, and several other great features that make it stand out from other boats in its class.

 Sabre Yachts  →

● Great value for money ● Spacious interior ● Ample storage

● Not ideal for use in the high seas

Tiara Yachts 53 Coupe

The Tiara Yachts 53 Coupe is the perfect family watercraft. It is designed for indoor and outdoor living. The bridge deck space and salon offer breathtaking 360-degree panoramic views of the ocean. It also has comfortable living quarters below deck that are guaranteed to give the entire family an exceptional cruising experience.

 Tiara  →

● Great for making memories ● Comfortable living quarters ● Offers panoramic views all round

● High maintenance costs

The 60 Cantius from Cruiser was built for long-distance passages. It has spacious living quarters both above and below deck, as well as lots of comfort and convenience amenities that allow you to spend extended periods out on the water.

You’ll particularly enjoy the retractable sunroof that allows you to bask in the sun while enjoying breathtaking panoramic ocean views as you cruise along.

 Cruisers Yachts  →

● Ideal for long-distance passages ● Beautiful, elegant design ● Spacious living areas above and below deck

● Pricier than other boats in its class

93 Motor Yacht

If you’re looking for a watercraft that can go the distance, it doesn’t get any better than the 93 Motor Yacht from Viking Yachts. First impressions: It is gorgeous.

Its beauty isn’t skin-deep either. The 93MY was built to navigate the rough, choppy waters of the high seas, making it the perfect vessel for anyone who wants to go on an ocean-crossing adventure of a lifetime.

 Viking Yachts  →

● Stunning exterior and interior design ● Built to navigate rough water conditions ● It is pretty massive

● Requires a small crew to operate it

Jeanneau NC 37

The Jeanneau NC 37 is an excellent beginner boat. Its fluid layout and ergonomic design make movement in this yacht a breeze. It comes with large panoramic windows with an open sunroof that bathe the living space in lots of natural light.

There’s an owner’s cabin, as well as a guest cabin that both offer ample standing headroom. Its well-proportioned interior alongside the multitude of comfort and convenience amenities it comes with makes it one of the best beginner yachts in the market today.

 Jeanneau  →

● Ample living space and storage ● Great value for money ● Open ergonomic layout

● Not ideal for ocean crossing

Regal 36 XO

If you’re looking for a yacht that combines both comfort and functionality, the Regal 36 XO delivers on both fronts. This beauty is powered by two outboard engines and offers multi-bow seating that also doubles up as casting decks.

It has a spacious cabin, open-air salon, seamless galley that integrates the aft seating area with the roomy saloon, and a windshield walk-through that provides easy access to the bow.

 Regal  →

● Versatile ● Spacious interiors and exteriors ● Fully-customizable

Back Cove 390

If you thought yachts were reserved for ocean-use only, that couldn’t be further from the truth. There are several models specially designed for lakes. The Back Cove 390 yacht is the perfect example.

Its smaller size makes it ideal for lake cruising. It has a fully-enclosed helm, as well as an owner and guest cabin below-deck, making it perfect for overnight stay.

 Back Cove Yachts  →

● Perfect size for lakes ● Ideal for entertaining ● Delivers optimal handling and maneuverability

● May not be ideal for a long extended stay

Formula 45 Yacht

The Formula 45 Yacht is the perfect liveaboard watercraft. It has all the comfort and convenience amenities you would expect to find in any standard land-based home. It is spacious with a well-thought-out practical layout that makes movement on the yacht easy. It has enough room to comfortably accommodate a small family of four.

 Formula  →

● Best yacht for the money ● Spacious interior ● Comes with lots of convenience amenities

Ocean Alexander 36L

If you’re thinking of venturing out into the rough seas, you’re going to need a yacht that can hold its own in the sloppiest of weather conditions. The Ocean Alexander 36L is built to do just that.

Beyond its stunning exterior and interiors, this yacht’s overall rugged construction is focused on giving passengers the smoothest ride possible regardless of the water conditions outside. Its deep V-hull design and its 324,500 lbs. displacement capacity are largely responsible for the exceptional stability it displays when cruising through the high seas.

 Ocean Alexander  →

● Exceptionally stable ● Packed with loads of comfort and convenience amenities ● Expansive interior and exterior

● Needs a crew to run it

Westport 112 Motor Yacht

As far as luxury yachts go, the Westport 112 Motor Yacht is in a class of its own. This 111 ft. 8 in. long watercraft is built to deliver extraordinary performance inside and out.

It has four en-suite staterooms that sleep eight individuals and can accommodate up to five crew members, including the captain. The interior oozes luxury, sophistication, and a timeless elegance that’s hard to come by these days.

 Westport Yachts  →

● Spacious indoor and outdoor living areas ● Exquisite interiors ● Suitable for cruising the high seas

● Expensive

Beneteau Oceanis 60

The Beneteau Oceanis 60 is by far the best sailing yacht we’ve come across. It is built on a hull that guarantees safety and unmatched performance at every turn.

This luxury sailing yacht has a unique deck plan that allows for single-handed maneuvering across the water. The glossy woodwork, cozy upholstery, and the spacious living quarters below-deck make it the perfect sailing yacht for your ocean getaway.

 Beneteau  →

● Exceptional fuel economy ● Spacious living areas ● Ideal for single-handed sailing

● May not be as fast as other non-sailboat yachts

Having a crew is great and all, but it’s also nice to have a yacht that you can operate on your own for that measure of added privacy when you need it. The Antares 9 is the perfect owner operator yacht.

It is modern, stylish, and compact, allowing you to run it on your own and discreetly slip away from the hustle and bustle of day-to-day life anytime you need to.

● Elegant design ● Can be operated solo ● Comfortable and safe navigation

● Not ideal for the rough, choppy waters of the high seas

Prestige 690

Let’s get to what yachts are best known for – hosting memorable parties. The Prestige 690 has everything you need to keep the party going all day and all night.

Its open design layout and its expansive deck make it the perfect yacht for entertaining. The elegant, timeless design of its exterior, alongside the breathtaking finishing, are just a few of the 690’s attributes that add to its appeal.

 Prestige  →

● Massive open deck ● Comes with lots of comfort and convenience features ● Sleeps up to 10 people

How to Choose the Best Yachts – Buyer’s Guide

A yacht is a pretty big purchase. So, you need to know what to look for when choosing the right one for your needs. Here are a couple of pointers that might come in handy.

Type of Yacht

The type of yacht you buy depends in large part on your intended use for it. Most yachts tend to fall into one of three categories – For water sports like wakeboarding , fishing motor yachts, or the overnight cruising variety. Once you know what kind of recreational activities you plan on engaging in, that should help narrow down your choices.

Next, you need to consider what size of yacht you should get. Do you have a young family that you intend to expand in the coming years? Do you plan to use the vessel for day cruising, or do you intend to spend a couple of nights on board from time to time?

Will the yacht be just for you and your significant other, or do you plan to frequently entertain several guests on board? This will advise whether you should buy a cabin cruiser yacht, a superyacht, or a mega yacht.

In a perfect world, you would have all the money you need to buy any kind of watercraft you want. Sadly, that’s not the reality we live in. Keep in mind that yachts don’t exactly come cheap. So, even if you’re planning to purchase a small yacht, you’ll still need to spend quite a bit of cash to get it.

The best thing to do would be to set a budget and compare the different models on offer from different manufacturers . Aside from the boat’s purchase price, you also need to think about the costs associated with owning a yacht. These include insurance, repairs, maintenance, cleaning, and the vessel’s general servicing.

Figure out what kind of comfort and convenience features are a must-have for you. How many cabins should it have? Do you need it to have a summer grill up top? Or will the one in the mini kitchen below-deck suffice? Ensure that the yacht you get has all the amenities you need.

Last but not least, before you sign any purchase contract, ensure that you schedule a sea trial with the dealer. That way, you get a true feel for the boat before you buy it.

Look Before You Leap

If you’re in the market for a shiny new yacht, any of the 15 vessels we’ve detailed in this guide will make an excellent choice. Do your homework beforehand, and make sure your desired craft has all the features and amenities you seek.

Use the tips we’ve outlined in this guide to help you choose the best yachts from all the different options that are hot on the market right now. Happy yachting!

In the meantime, if you’re looking for the best aluminum fishing boat , we’ve got you covered. Check out our review for our top picks.

About Chris

Outdoors, I’m in my element, especially in the water. I know the importance of being geared up for anything. I do the deep digital dive, researching gear, boats and knowhow and love keeping my readership at the helm of their passions.

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Six Great Boats Under $20,000

• By The Boating Tech Team
• Updated: April 1, 2020

Think you’re priced out of buying a new boat? Think again. Whether you’re looking for a small family boat to get everyone out on the water, or a small fishing boat that gets the job done at an affordable price, there are plenty of great boats available in a variety of styles that cost less than $20,000.

Our curated list of affordable boats includes runabouts, fishing boats, pontoon boats, and PWC. You will find both fiberglass and aluminum boat options, all of which we consider to be some of the best boats under $20k. Check out the list below to see what tickles your fancy. And when you’re ready to buy, don’t forget about our tips for how to sea trial a boat .

Family Boat: Bayliner Element E16

Rated for up to six people and 80-hp, Bayliner’s Element E16 provides a great way for the family to get out on the water and discover the experiences exclusive to those who own a boat. Deep freeboard and high gunwales provide security and the secure feeling many boaters seek. The seating rotates to facilitate conversation at the sandbar or cove.The unique M-Hull hull design offers quick planing and stability. It comes with a single axle trailer, and, weighing tk, can be easily towed by many vehicles. Also comes with cupholders, accessory power outlet, swim platform with ladder and more.

More Information: bayliner.com

Freshwater Fishing Boat: Bass Tracker Classic XL

Try to get fishing cheaper than this. And, try to get a better list of standard equipment, better warranty, (limited lifetime, transferable, 5-year on electrical components and 3 years on Diamond Coat, black or royal red powder coating) and a trailer to boot. Tracker’s exclusive Diamond Coat finish is baked on. Powered by a Mercury 40 horsepower outboard, it includes an aerated livewell, plenty of rod storage, two pedestal fishing seats, a Lowrance Hook 3 fish finder, Minn Kota Edge 12 Volt trolling motor and trailer.

More Information: trackerboats.com

Sea-Doo GTI SE 170

Capable of carrying three riders, Sea-Doo’s GTI SE 170 still delivers sporty feel and handling, thanks to its hard chine hull, low center of gravity and a new 170 hp version of the Rotax 1630 ACE engine. Sea-Doo’s 100-watt Audio-Premium system streams music directly from a smartphone to the pair of waterproof, MTX Audio-developed speakers neatly integrated into the forward wall of the footwells. A touchpad control mounted adjacent to the left speaker turns the system on, adjusts volume, and skips forward and back in the user’s selected playlist. Because the speakers essentially point directly at the driver and passengers, volume is ample. And accessories make it versatile:Twin recessed, 16-inch-on-center composite cleats raise into position to secure a variety of optional accessories, including a gas caddy, premium coolers, storage caddy or roll-top dry bag via a cam-type latch system.

More Information: sea-doo.com

Saltwater Fishing: Dragonfly Marsh Hen Micro Skiff

Want to get up close and personal with shallow water fish? A micro-skiff is a great way to pursue a lifetime catch–and memories–for an economical price. This 15-foot flats boat features rounded chines for a quiet entry, spray rails and a 9.9-horsepower outboard engine. There is stowage fore and aft, built-in nonskid surface and you can have them build it in a choice of colors. Boat, motor and trailer packages can be had for $13,000. Go get ‘em!

More Information: dragonflyboats.net

Yamaha WaveRunner EXR

Under $10,000, but delivering speeds exceeding 50-mph and capable of handling a crew of three, this Yamaha WaveRunner could be the path to the water for a boating family. Yamaha’s high-tech Nano 2 system reduces the EXR’s weight to 540 pounds, a 60-pound drop from the otherwise comparable EX Deluxe. Added power comes from modifying the engine control unit (ECU), which ups the 1,049 cc three-cylinder TR-1 engine’s horsepower by roughly 10 percent. The now-110 hp engine also features an increased 8,000 rpm rev limit, a 700 rpm boost over the existing 7,300 rpm threshold. RiDE, Yamaha’s dual control system, gives forward and reverse thrust separate throttles on opposite sides of the handlebar. There’s also two-tone Hydro-Turf EVA traction mats, a spring-loaded boarding step, and dual mirrors are all standard.

More Information: yamahawaverunners.com

Entertaining: Sun Tracker Party Barge 18 DLX

The cost of boats can be intimidating to many potential buyers, first timers or not. If you’re in the market for a pontoon boat to play host to you and eight of your friends, and you’re looking to spend less than $20,000, look no further than the Party Barge 18 DLX from Sun Tracker. Built on 24-inch, multi-chambered pontoons with internal bracing for added strength – and with “10+LIFE” limited lifetime warranty – this party barge is built to last. Standard options at the listed price include a Mercury 40hp ELPT CommandThrust motor, bimini top, Bluetooth equipped stereo, illuminated dash gauges and rocker switches, ample storage and much more. Tack on optional extras like a rail-mounted BBQ, soft cooler, and bimini top drop-down curtain and you’re still comfortably under $20k – making this one of the most affordable pontoon boats on the market. Just note, these prices do not include a trailer.

More Information: suntrackerboats.com

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• 9 Undiscovered Small Towns in California

From dense forests to dry deserts, California is known for its diverse landscape and unique geography. The state is a top tourism destination and is considered the fifth-largest economy in the world. Travelers often seek to experience the natural beauty of places like Yosemite and Lake Tahoe or visit populated cities such as Los Angeles and San Francisco . While these areas receive most of the attention, there are undiscovered gems that are equally as interesting. Little communities are scattered throughout the state's High Sierra, rural coastline, and hilly vineyards. The charming downtowns, access to outdoor adventure, and exciting art culture offer a unique experience for travelers. During your next trip to the Golden State, explore these 9 undiscovered small towns in California.

Located on the southern slope of Mount Shasta , McCloud is a hidden treasure surrounded by scenic rivers and wilderness. It used to be a lumber mill town and is known for its architecture from that time. The downtown area is a Nationally Registered Historic District with 17 buildings designated as landmarks from when the McCloud River Lumber Company owned much of the town. The historic McCloud Hotel is a popular place for visitors to stay. Built in the early 1900s, it used to house lumber mill workers.

McCloud is surrounded by endless natural beauty. It’s about 43 miles from Lake Shasta Caverns National Natural Landmark , a network of caves tourists can explore, and about 25 miles from Castle Crags State Park, which holds a dramatic and well-known rock formation. Further, Mount Shasta Ski Resort is only 15 minutes away from town along the gorgeous Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway.

Avalon is a hidden gem in Southern California and is a place that the rich and famous often escape to. The isolated resort town on Catalina Island is a few hours outside of Los Angeles , and most people take a ferry to get there. The upscale community is known for its gorgeous beaches and quaint shops on Crescent Avenue along Avalon Bay. There’s also a rich fishery history on the island . The Tuna Club is the oldest fishing club in the United States and is on the National Register of Historic Places. Many dignitaries, such as President Teddy Roosevelt , have been members. Further, the Green Pleasure Pier is a town staple. It was originally built to ease the congestion of incoming boats and fishermen and is now a town centerpiece. It's a place where visitors can relax seaside at restaurants like Avalon Seafood.

The island holds 7,000 years of history, from its Indigenous roots to its transformation as a resort town. A great place to learn about it all is at the Catalina Museum for Art and History. The museum has preserved the rich cultural heritage and discusses what it’s like to live on an island and which rich and famous people have lived here.

Located about an hour east of San Diego , Julian is a mountain town tucked away between the desert and the coast, which makes for a great day trip. The community has long attracted artists, and you can see the work of local painters and makers at shops along Main Street. While wandering around, tourists will also likely notice signs for the region’s iconic apple pie. After the gold boom ended here, apples were planted for income and now thrive in surrounding orchards. Julian Pie Company is a popular spot to pick up a pie.

For those who want to learn about the gold mining history, tours are given at Eagle Mining Company. The mines were dug out of a mountain with picks and shovels a hundred years ago. Guides take visitors to underground tunnels while explaining what it is like to work in a mine. There are also fun opportunities to pan for gold. The Julian Pioneer Museum is another interesting stop that holds artifacts from the gold mining days.

To get out and see nature, visitors can attempt to summit Cuyamaca Peak in Cuyamaca Rancho State Park and take in the beautiful views of the town and desert. The peak is San Diego County's second-highest point.

Downieville

Located on Highway 49 in the Lost Sierra region of Tahoe National Forest, Downieville is a gorgeous mountain town that often goes unnoticed because of its remote setting. It was founded in 1849 during the historic gold rush and has transformed into a mountain biking and outdoor destination. The town rests at the confluence of the Yuba River and Downie River, and visitors can enjoy the beauty by walking across the Downieville Bridge, a historic landmark. It’s near the historic downtown area, with many buildings illustrating the California Gold Rush architecture. For example, the Hirshfeldter Building was built shortly after the Downieville fire in 1852. It was used as a hardware store and is now a grocery store where visitors can pick up supplies and talk to locals.

Another interesting stop is the Sierra County Sheriff’s Gallows, where you can learn about the era of capital punishment and how it ended. The historic site is located near the Sierra County Courthouse. From there, history buffs can then venture to Cannon Point. It was purchased in the late 1800s to celebrate events like the Fourth of July , with the capacity to fire a 12-pound ball.

Nestled within ancient redwoods on the Lost Coast is the adorable Victorian town of Ferndale. The town is surrounded by rolling green hills and fertile farmland. Dairying is one of the largest industries here, and its prosperity resulted in the Butterfat Palaces, a Victorian-style building or home decorated with gingerbread. The entire town is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

While traveling here, visitors will go over the Fernbridge historic bridge. The 1300-foot bridge goes over the Eel River and is the longest-poured concrete bridge in the world. It has withstood earthquakes and major floods over the years. Another popular spot is the Ferndale Historic Cemetery, known for its pioneer-era historic markers and stunning hillside setting overlooking the town.

The views in Ferndale and the surrounding area are stunning. You can take in the coast at Fleener Creek Overlook or take a scenic drive on the Lost Coast Scenic Byway that meanders along the King Range's northern edge and has breathtaking Pacific Ocean vistas.

Pacific Grove

Located on the central coast right outside of Big Sur on the Monterey Peninsula, the small seaside community of Pacific Grove is a hidden secret. It’s a hub for gorgeous beaches, architecture, and monarch butterflies . Visitors can go to the Monarch Grove Sanctuary, where you can learn how thousands of monarch butterflies overwinter in Pacific Grove . Another place visitors can’t miss is the butterfly house, which tells a story about love and devotion and celebrates butterflies. Sonja Jackson and her husband moved into the house when she lost sight. Despite being almost legally blind, she could still see bright colors, so her husband transformed their home into a colorful butterfly house.

Visitors can stay at the Asilomar Conference Grounds for a unique experience. It was a women’s summer camp, and California’s first licensed female architect designed the buildings. To this day, many of the buildings are still used for conference space and lodging.

Pacific Grove is surrounded by unforgettable beauty. Lovers Point Park and Beach is a great place to take in the seaside landscape. Also, the town is home to the Point Pinos Lighthouse, the oldest continuously operating lighthouse on the West Coast.

On the far southern side of Napa Valley rests the charming community of Calistoga. Surrounded by vineyards, the wine country town tends to be more laid back compared to the rest of Napa Valley . There are charming shops and delicious bakeries that line Lincoln Street in historic downtown, as well as Spanish-influenced wineries such as Castello di Amorosa.

There’s also quite a bit of history here too. Travelers can visit the Calistoga Depot of the Napa Valley Railroad, the second oldest surviving railroad depot in California. The Sharpsteen Museum is another great place to learn about Calistoga and Napa’s upper valley and how it became a hot springs resort developed by California’s first millionaire, Sam Brannan.

Calistoga is an outdoor lovers' paradise. To the northwest, there’s close access to the Mayacamas Mountains, home to Robert Louis Stevenson State Park offering 13 miles of trails. A popular hike is Mount Saint Helena, offering breathtaking views of the valley.

Located in Santa Ynez Valley, Solvang is one of Southern California’s best-kept secrets. It's known for its Danish-style architecture and many wineries. While strolling downtown, visitors will instantly notice the Danish icons such as windmills, the giant red clog, and the little mermaid fountain. There’s quite a bit of historic architecture, such as the Old Mission Santa Ines, an early 1800s Franciscan church.

As far as museums go, visitors can learn about the Danish heritage at the Elverhøj Museum of History & Art, which has interesting personal stories, photographs, and displays. Further, the Solvang Vintage Motorcycle Museum exhibits dozens of classic American, Japanese, and European motorbikes.

The treasured town of Ojai rests in a valley surrounded by the Topatopa mountains. It’s located northwest of Los Angeles and east of Santa Barbara and is an oasis for sustainable design living and organic agriculture. Because of the Mediterranean climate, olive farming is a large industry here. Visitors can see the process at places like Ojai Olive Oil, a third-generation family-owned farm.

The untouched land surrounding Ojai makes it an ideal spot to regroup and spend time in nature. People travel from afar to visit the Meditation Mount, a meditation center that promotes enlightenment. There are plenty of hiking trails in Los Padres National Forest , such as Wheeler Gorge Natural Trail, and opportunities for recreation at Lake Casitas.

To learn about Ojai’s history, visitors can head to the Ojai Valley Museum, which tells how the valley was first home to the Chumash Tribe. The museum is housed in St Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, rebuilt in 1919 after the original building burned in a fire. It’s listed on t he National Register of Historic Places.

From the rugged Lost Coast to the deep forests in the Sierra Nevada, numerous small towns remain to be hidden treasures in California. Whether one ventures north and visits the mountain town of McCloud, or heads south and get a taste of elite island life in Avalon, there's something new for everyone to discover. Places like Ferndale illustrate the state's strong farming and dairy industry, while Calistoga offers Napa Valley wine and a great spa culture. Visiting these towns instead of the popular destinations offers a unique experience while exploring the Golden State.

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Welcome to Weymouth, the British seaside resort with a twist

With a prime position on the Jurassic Coast, this Dorset harbour town is well placed for fossil-hunting walks on Chesil Beach and boat trips to the magnificent rock arch of Durdle Door.

Strung along a bay in southwest England, Weymouth still possesses many of the characteristics that once charmed Georgian and Victorian holidaymakers: the children waving from bulb-lit carousels, the boats slung with nets of rock oysters, the fisherfolk unloading the day’s catch in a harbour backed by pastel-hued houses. In many ways, it’s the quintessential English seaside town — only with a clifftop fortress and a World Heritage Site thrown in for good measure. Set on the UNESCO-listed Jurassic Coast, a 95-mile stretch of fossil-rich cliffs and beaches straddling Devon and Dorset, it serves as an ideal base for those looking to delve into the geology of the surrounding landscape. Wind-lashed isles are within easy reach, while exhilarating boat trips along the coast offer a fresh perspective on Dorset’s marine life and otherworldly rock formations.

How should I spend my time?

Take a stroll on Chesil Beach, the 18-mile shingle barrier that gave its name to one of British author Ian McEwan’s most famous novels. A pebbled swathe pinned between the sea and The Fleet lagoon, its sheer expanse makes it a peaceful spot to spend the day searching for ammonites and other fossils. Scramble up its undulating mounds, which are threaded with wildflowers like thrift and sea campion come spring, and you’ll be treated to endless views of the English Channel at the top. For panoramas of Weymouth itself, make for Nothe Fort , built between 1860 and 1872 by Lord Palmerston in anticipation of a French invasion that never happened. The coastal defence is now an award-winning war museum with its own nuclear bunker, and offers an array of family-friendly events, including silent discos, Punch and Judy shows and open-air Shakespeare performances. For an exhilarating 20-minute trip east along the Dorset coast, book a seat on a boat with Weymouth Bay RIB Charters . Watch out for seals and dolphins as you speed towards Durdle Door, a serpentine rock arch known locally as the ‘drinking dragon’.

Where should I go for food?

On a clear day, breakfast doesn’t get much better than a plate of syrup-drenched pancakes at The Lookout Café . Not far from the Romano-Celtic temple ruins on Jordan Hill, the family-run restaurant looks onto Preston Beach, where you might spot the occasional windsurfer taking advantage of the coastal breeze. At Billy Winters Bar & Diner , ice-cold pints are best accompanied by a basket of battered fish. Strung with lanterns, the improvised beach bar shares the shingle with Ferrybridge Boatyard near Chesil Beach Visitors Centre. A five-minute walk brings you to its sister restaurant, Crab House Café , home to huge seafood platters and a terrific list of English sparkling wines. For relaxed fine dining overlooking Weymouth Harbour, book one of the window tables at Les Enfants Terribles , where head chef and owner Eric Tavernier brings French flare to a menu highlighting local seafood. Try the sea bass, steamed with carrots and oranges.

Where are the best places to stay?

Weymouth’s promenade is lined with a strip of Georgian terraced houses, many of which have been converted into bed and breakfasts. A standout includes Gloucester House, where a morning enjoying unbroken views over Weymouth Bay is topped off by a locally sourced breakfast. Alternatively, check into Clifftops, a set of five lodges hewn into the cliffs on the Isle of Portland. Set within the grounds of Pennsylvania Castle and only a 15-minute drive from Weymouth, the minimalist apartments — all slick, stylish furnishings and floor-to-ceiling windows — seem to float above the crashing waves below. They’re built with local stone found on the four-mile-long islet, so guests may even notice fossils embedded in the walls.

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Stuffed Zucchini Boats

If you have an excess of zucchini and want to prepare them in a delicious way, try these stuffed zucchini boats! Zucchini are scooped out and filled with a delicious Italian pork and fennel sausage and cheese. These are a delicious way to serve up this versatile vegetable for dinner and you can use this method to stuff all sizes of zucchini from small to huge!

Confession: I LOVE stuffed and roasted vegetables. They're such an easy way to serve up veggies in an appetising way and zucchini are particularly good for it as they are a milder tasting vegetable that can take on other flavours well. This was inspired by Yemista or Greek stuffed vegetables.

Tips for Making Stuffed Zucchini Boats

1 - I have a really handy little zucchini corer that makes fast work of coring the zucchini. You can find these at Middle Eastern stores.

2 - If you don't have pork and fennel sausage, you can sub with your other favourite sausage or you can also use mince like chicken, turkey or beef mince. You may just add a bit more seasoning as sausages have seasoning added to them.

3 - I actually recommend doubling the quantity and doing this in two trays. The leftovers are really delicious the next day and they reheat very well.

4 - Some recipes call for you to scoop out the seeds in the centre and discard them. We use them in the stuffing, especially with smaller zucchinis where the seeds are tiny and cook down well in the filling mixture.

5 - I cover these with foil for the first part of the cooking so that they don't dry out.

6 - Only add the cheese in in the last 10 minutes once you have uncovered the zucchini otherwise the cheese will brown and dry out.

Other Delicious Zucchini Recipes that you might like to try!

• Incredible Zucchini Slice
• Creamy Zucchini Hummus
• Stanley Tucci's Zucchini Pasta
• Gilli's Amazing Zucchini Pickles

Although zucchini aren't really my favourite vegetable and I wouldn't ever really buy them I get them in my vegetable box and every fortnight it's a mad scramble to use everything up. There are some vegetables that I love like salad leaves, tomatoes, broccolini and snow peas and there are some that I just want to use up. I don't think I've ever really thrown anything out because it has gone off because the vege box isn't cheap and I don't like to waste money or food.

I came across this phrase recently that I have started using. It's when someone is cheap they have "short arms". Like their hands can't reach to their pockets to pay for anything. Most of my friends don't have short arms. My friends and I are always giving each other things and we would honestly give the shirts off our own backs.

My friend Agatha (not her real name, she wants to stay anonymous on this in case her friend read this!) has a friend called April. Agatha is always doing things for April and April is not shy to ask for things.

"Could you pick me up?" April will ask even though she lives in the opposite direction and has a car. Agatha always drives them and when it comes to parking Agatha always ends up paying (and parking in Sydney isn't cheap). April stands there with her hands in her pockets or dawdling when getting out of the car. And when it comes to paying for dinner April often forgets to pay Agatha for her portion of the bill and she has to hassle her to get the money. She is fond of April and she does of course have a good, fun side but her attitude towards money is annoying for Agatha.

Every time I see Agatha she tells me about another instance where April has cheaped out. "She has short arms!" I told Agatha. She laughed and pointed out that April's arm length was standard but I explained the saying of short arms to her. And from now on, we both use that phrase to describe someone that juuuust can't reach their pockets to pay for their share!

So tell me Dear Reader, do you know anyone with "short arms"? And do you try and use everything from your fridge if possible?

An Original Recipe by Lorraine Elliott

Preparation time: 15 minutes

Cooking time: 50 minutes

Serves: 2-4 people with a side dish

• 4x 170g/6oz zucchinis or courgettes
• 2 teaspoons oil
• 1 white or brown onion, peeled and diced
• 200g/7ozs pork and fennel sausage, cases removed, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, peeled and diced
• 2 cups/500ml/1pint marinara or red pasta sauce, divided
• 2 teaspoons Italian herb mix
• 3 tablespoons water
• 50g/1.7ozs parmesan cheese, finely grated
• 150g/5ozs mozzarella, grated

Step 1 - Cut the zucchinis in half lengthways and trim the tops off. Scoop out the centre with a teaspoon or a zucchini corer - you want to dig out enough to fit in a lot of the flavoursome filling but don't go all the way to the edge, leave a border (as shown). Fit them snugly into a baking dish. Finely chop up the zucchini centres.

Step 2 - Add oil to a saucepan and sauté the onion on medium heat for 3-4 minutes or until soft and fragrant. Add the sausage meat and brown until almost completely cooked making sure to break it up with a wooden spoon. Add the garlic and saute for 1 minute. Then add 1.5 cups pasta sauce, chopped zucchini centres and Italian herb mix and sauté for 10 minutes. Take off the heat. Spoon this mixture into the zucchini and then spoon the extra pasta sauce on top of this. Add 3 tablespoons of water to the dish and cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and sprinkle the parmesan cheese and then the mozzarella on top and bake for another 10 minutes or until melted and starting to brown.

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Published on 2024-09-18 by Lorraine Elliott .

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