best sailboats to live on and sail around the world

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17 Best Sailboats to Live On + What You Should Know First

Many dream of living aboard a sailboat, but finding the right one can be daunting. There are many different types, and countless manufacturers have come and gone over the years. 

Here’s a list of 17 options – a sailboat for every sailor on every kind of budget. 

Table of Contents

17 best sailboats to live on, pros of living aboard a sailboat, cons of boat life.

• Find Your Type of Boat 

Set Your Boat Budget

What size boat to pick, best liveaboard sailboats under 35 feet (< 35 feet), best liveaboard sailboats under 40 feet (35–40 feet), best liveaboard sailboats under 45 feet (40–45 feet), best liveaboard sailboats under 50 feet (45–50 feet), best liveaboard sailboats under 60 feet (50–60 feet), want to live on a sailboat, best sailboats to live on faqs.

• Catalina 34/35
• Panda/Baba 35, Tashiba 36a
• Gemini 105MC
• Islander Freeport 36
• Passport 40
• Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 42DS
• Leopard 42/43
• Beneteau Oceanis 473
• Hallberg Rassy 46/48
• Leopard 46/Moorings
• Amel Super Maramu 2000
• Privilege 585

What to Know First

So, boat shopping is a challenge, to say the least. Understanding where to start and what to look for comes down to understanding what you want to do with your boat.

Here’s a look at some pros and cons of living aboard to get you started.

• Seaside living at a fraction of the cost of a waterfront home
• Ability to travel anywhere by water
• Ability to move anytime—not tied to one location/town
• Different liveaboard lifestyle options to choose from: at a dock, mooring, anchoring, cruising (traveling)—tired of one, mix it up for a different experience
• Small living space lacks storage and privacy
• Limited resources: you must meter your fuel, water, and electricity use when not at a dock
• More exposed to the elements and more affected by weather events
• Seating and furnishings are less comfortable than in a house
• Constant maintenance to keep the boat seaworthy and clean

How to Find the Best Boat to Live on Year Round

At first, you might think boat shopping is like looking for a new car. But when shopping for a car, you have a small pool of manufacturers and models to choose from. In the end, you might have five choices and already have an opinion about each maker’s quality and reputation.

Boats are different. We’re usually shopping for boats that are a decade or more old. The manufacturers may have gone out of business years ago. When you total up all the possible makes and models of each type of boat, you might have dozens of choices with brands you’ve never heard of. Yikes!

Find Your Type of Boat

There are dozens of types of boats you could live on, depending on where you want to live and where you want to take it. Most people shopping for a sailboat will choose between coastal cruisers, bluewater boats, and sailing catamarans.

Here are some of the pros and cons of these sailboat types. 

The Coastal Cruiser

• Inexpensive compared to bluewater and catamarans
• Perfect for dock living or near-shore hops
• With modifications and the right outfitting, many have island-hopped the Caribbean
• Many to choose from, and often they are lightly used
• Designs are often race-inspired and faster than typical heavy bluewater boats
• Newer, bigger boat for your money
• Often production boats have low-quality, lightweight builds

Related: Best Trailerable Sailboats

The Bluewater Sailboat

• The best bluewater cruising sailboats are capable of going anywhere
• Built to last and take anything
• Give the most comfortable ride in rough conditions
• Newer examples are expensive
• Good ones sell quickly
• Older vessels may be tired and in need of an extensive refit
• Often lack the living space that coastal cruisers have—narrower beams and transoms

The Catamaran

• Cruising cats have the maximum living space, especially cockpit dining and upper salon
• Light-filled with plenty of airflow, perfect for the tropics and living at anchor
• Larger models (40+ feet) are bluewater boats capable of going nearly anywhere
• A shallower draft than most monohulls allows for more cruising and anchoring choices
• More expensive to purchase, keep, and maintain than similar-sized monohulls  
• The most in-demand vessels, prices are high and good ones sell fast 
• Sometimes hard or expensive to find dock space and boatyards that can haul it out for maintenance

Still unsure which side of the monohull vs. catamaran debate you’re on? Try to get aboard some boats and experience the living space first-hand.

Everyone has a budget when going boat shopping, even if you’re Jeff Bezos or Elon Musk. Establishing how much you can spend on your boat is the biggest factor that will affect your decision, and it’s the backbone for all other decisions. 

You must understand just how much boat costs increase as the size of boat increases. Boats are already expensive, and the average cost of owning and buying a liveaboard sailboat varies dramatically. But when the boat gets bigger, it needs bigger hardware, lines, rigging, sails, motors…everything. And bigger means more expensive, so these costs add up fast.

And then there are your storage and boat maintenance costs, all of which are charged per foot. The marina might charge you $15 per foot/per month for a dock slip, and the boatyard will similarly charge you per foot to haul and store the boat. Divers charge per foot for bottom cleaning, as do detailers for annual compounding and waxing of the hull.

When it comes to budgeting, there are two rules of thumb. 

• Always pick the smallest boat you can comfortably live on.
• If you have an amount budgeted for your boat purchase, spend half on the boat and save the other half for outfitting and maintenance.

As you’ll see below, boats can be grouped by price and size. When you go up in size, you go up in price—often by a lot.

The size of the boat is a factor of your budget, but also of how big a boat you can handle. Most people believe this means driving it and maneuvering it, which is true to some extent. But a good training captain can teach you what you need to know to drive any size boat in just a few sessions. 

No, the size of the boat you can manage refers more to how much maintenance you want to do. The bigger the boat, the more complex and plentiful its systems. There’s more to break on a bigger boat, and more things broken means more time fixing things.

Catamarans compound this by doubling a lot of the systems. Two engines, two saildrives, two hulls to wax, two hulls to bottom paint—you get the idea.

Another factor you should consider early on is getting insurance. Yacht insurance has gotten harder and harder to get in recent years. If you’ve never owned a boat and have no experience, you might be forced to get something small (think an under 30-foot daysailor) to get some experience on before you move up. It’s also difficult because many underwriters won’t write policies for liveaboards. 

As a general rule of thumb, most people will find boats under 35 feet too small to live on full-time. Most of these vessels don’t even have standing headroom. There is often only a “wet head,” one where you take showers while sitting on the toilet.

Boats 35 to 40 feet are good for solo travelers or couples who don’t mind living in small quarters. The beds will be small and accessed only from one side, as in a v-berth or a Pullman-style berth. If there is one, the second bunk is likely only for the occasional guest. 

You’ll get better accommodations when you move up to 40 to 45 footers. The second bunk may be in its own stateroom. The main suite will have an island-style berth that can be accessed from both sides—a huge upgrade for most couples. The head will likely have a separate, enclosed shower. This size sailing yacht makes a good liveaboard sailboat for most boaters.

Boats bigger than 45 feet are best for bigger families. If you often travel with kids or guests, these are the boats for you. They’re extremely spacious and make boat living easy, but the extra maintenance and cost may not be worth it.

The List — Best Sailboats to Live Aboard

All lists, whether found in internet blogs or international sailing magazines, have issues. There’s no one list to rule them all because there are simply too many different boats out there. And everyone uses their boat differently, so the “best” for you might be a terrible choice for me. Different boats for different folks, so to say.

So, what’s the deal with this list? It’s made from personal experience of having seen a lot of boats out cruising. And it’s a list that tries to put aside the fantasies—Oysters and Gunboats are pretty in magazines, but like Ferraris, not many of us will ever own one. So let’s look at some practical boats that fill each size category. 

For every boat on this list, a dozen or more could’ve been included. Use these models to research brands and see which sizes suit your needs.

Boats under 35 feet tend to be best suited for solo travelers or couples comfortable living in small spaces. As always, coastal cruisers in this class have much more space than bluewater boats do. Catamarans in this class are also coastal cruisers—you need more length and volume to get real bluewater performance out of a cat. No matter which type of boat you’re looking at here, storage space on this size of liveaboard boat will be limited.

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Coastal Cruiser Under 35 — Catalina 34/35

If you want to move aboard, you’re on a budget, and you want the most space you can get, it’s really hard to beat an older Catalina. Starting with the Catalina 30, these beamy boats have a surprising interior volume. They make great first liveaboards.

Bluewater Sailor Under 35 — Panda/Baba 35, Tashiba 36

The famous yacht designer Bob Perry drew these Taiwanese-built boats, all tracing their lineage to the older Tayana 37 . They’re updated slightly and built by different yards, but all full keels with cutaways and built for bluewater cruising. They all have gorgeous teak joinery and are comfortable and forgiving at sea. 

Catamaran Under 35 — Gemini 105MC

The Gemini 105M and 105MC were arguably the most popular cat models ever. They’re American-built, with a single diesel engine and a narrow beam that allows them to be parked in a standard boat slip. In the US, this means many more marina choices if that’s how you roll. The boat has centerboards and kick-up rudders, so the board-up draft is a scant 18 inches—gunkholing perfection. 

While some Geminis have crossed oceans, they aren’t made for it. They have average (sometimes below-average) build quality and fiberglass work. However, they’re perfect coastal cruisers and capable of heading into The Bahamas.

The Gemini should be on your shortlist if you’re looking for a cheap catamaran .

Runner Up: PDQ 32

Are you looking for a small cat with better build quality? They didn’t make many of them, but the PDQ 32 is what you seek. It’s an attractive small catamaran with a wider beam. It came with twin outboards in wells, but the LRC (long-range cruiser) option had inboard diesels.

Forty feet is the sweet spot for most cruising couples—big enough to be comfortable and carry enough provisions but small enough that handling and maintenance are manageable. This class of boat has a lot of excellent choices in both coastal cruiser and bluewater boats, making it a good size range to find the perfect affordable liveaboard sailboat.

The catamaran group from 35 to 40 feet has a few very popular choices, but they are right on the edge of being too small for most cruisers. Counterintuitively, these cats are perfect for couples who don’t mind downsizing and traveling lightly. These shorter cats are prone to hobby horsing and don’t provide as comfortable a ride in bluewater as slightly longer cats do. 

Coastal Cruiser Under 40 — Islander Freeport 36

The Islander brand is no longer around, but these California-built production boats from the 1970s and 80s were well-built and well-liked. The I32 and I36 were very popular cruising boats designed by Bob Perry. The Freeport 36 is a before-its-time European deck salon with enormous windows. The swing-down swim platform is another bonus for a boat from this era, as are the Pullman-style berth and forepeak-located head (some layouts). If you can find one in good condition, these boats make excellent liveaboards. 

Bluewater Sailor Under 40 — Passport 40

Yet another boat from the desk of Bob Perry, the Passport 40, is a sharp-looking aft-cockpit bluewater cruiser from one of the best yards in Taiwan. They feature a long fin keel and skeg-mounted rudder. Everything about this sloop is just right for long-term cruising.

Catamaran Under 40 — Prout 38

The Prout 38 traces its heritage back to the earlier Prout Snowgoose. The boat is still being made, now under the Broadblue brand. It’s a sturdy British-built cat made for serious offshoring. While it lacks some of the open feeling that newer charter boats have, it more than makes up for it with its robust and high-quality build.

Runner Up: Leopard 40 (2005-2009)

This early L40 (don’t get confused with the newer ones built around 2020) was designed by famous multihull designers Morelli and Melvin. It’s got more of the things you might expect from your typical charter cat: a sliding salon door, galley-up layout, and a huge walk-through cockpit.

While this seems a small step up from the size of boats above, prices increase rapidly above the 40-foot mark. At this point, the boat’s gear needs to be bigger and heavier, from all the lines and rigging to each block and winch. Engines are now larger four-cylinder diesels, and there’s much more hull area to clean and paint. 

A 45-foot coastal cruiser has enough space to keep a small family happy for short trips or a couple happy for any length of time. These boats usually have island berths in a spacious master bedroom, so no more crawling over each other just to go to the bathroom! Bluewater boats in this class are a little smaller inside, making them just right for most couples doing a long-term cruise.

As far as catamarans go, the 40 to 45-foot range is the perfect sweet spot for most cruising couples. A spacious interior plus excellent seakeeping abilities make these top picks. There are tons of boat choices out there, and most of the best cruising catamarans come from this size group.

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Coastal Cruiser Under 45 — Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 42DS

Jeanneau is part of Groupe Beneteau , but their boats often have a more refined finish than Beneteaus. The DS stands for “deck salon.” They feature larger windows that let in more light and have better visibility than a standard cruiser. This is especially welcome if you’re attracted to the living space in a catamaran but need something smaller and more affordable. 

The 42DS also has an enormous island berth, plus a huge twin-helm cockpit with lots of space for entertaining.

Bluewater Sailor Under 45 — Hylas 44

The Hylass 44 is regularly picked as one of the best offshore cruising boats. It’s a center cockpit boat designed by German Frers.  It has a wonderful layout with tons of living space and a large, usable galley. The aft cabin has a large island berth with an en suite head. 

Catamaran Under 45 — Leopard 42/43 (2001-2006)

These early Leopard charter cats are highly sought after on the used market. Like all charter cats, the best finds are the “owners versions” with one hull dedicated to the master stateroom with en suite head and shower. The Leopard 42, which came out in 2002, had a soft canvas cover over the cockpit and was updated to the Leopard 43 with a hardtop. 

Above 45 feet is another big price jump. For beginners, these big boats will require some training and experience before you head out on your own. 

Related: Best Boat for Beginners

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Coastal Cruiser Under 50 — Beneteau Oceanis 473

This big Beneteau came with either 2, 3, or 4 staterooms. Finding the right layout is as important as finding the right boat. The two-stateroom version has enormous berths and lots of storage, perfect for couples with occasional guests or families of three. Most have the standard keel with less than a six-foot draft, making this fin keel/spade rudder boat a rare find. They were built from 2000 to 2005.

Bluewater Sailor Under 50 — Hallberg Rassy 46/48

Hallberg Rassys are well-regarded boats built in Sweden, mostly designed by German Frers. These are high-end boats of the best quality, so don’t expect to find one available cheaply. They’re gorgeous, however, and make wonderful world cruisers.

Catamaran Under 50 — Leopard 46/Moorings 4600 (2006)

If you want a big catamaran, it’s hard to go wrong with the 2006 Leopard 46. Where modern Lagoon and Leopards have tall profiles with tons of windage, this is one of the newest, largest boats that still have single-level living. It has distinctive hull chines that increase living space without increasing wetted surface and plenty of sail area for good performance. In true Leopard fashion, all lines are led to the helm for easy short-handed cruising despite the boat’s large size.

Boats in this class are borderline yachts based on their sheer size. If you were to charter these boats, they’d usually come with a crew. That size means they’re more expensive and more of a handful to manage daily. 

Coastal Cruiser Under 60 — Irwin 54

The Irwin brand is long gone, but many examples are available on the used market. They were known especially for their large center cockpit ketches, like this 54-footer. This is a spacious, big water boat that certainly meets the qualifications of most bluewater boats. They can go anywhere, but they may need maintenance and refit given their ages. 

Don’t get to lured by the low prices of these boats. You’ll have to lay out some serious cash to get one ready to cruise long-range. But if you aren’t opposed to some hard work and projecting, the Irwin can get you a lot of boat for not much money.

Bluewater Sailor Under 60 — Amel Super Maramu 2000 (53′)

Made famous by the Delos YouTube channel, the Amel is a French-built brand of high-quality bluewater boats. Today, this brand’s new models look like many others—wide sterned, flat-bottomed sloops. But the Maramus that made them famous were unique—ketch rigged and ruggedly built, designed to take a cruising couple anywhere. Electric winches were standard on everything to keep such a large boat easy to operate.

Catamaran Under 60 — Privilege 585

Privilege is the French-made catamaran that you don’t hear enough about. Unlike Lagoon and Fountaine Pajot, these are beefy cruising boats ready to take you anywhere. Their construction and fit-and-finish are first-rate, as is the joinery down below. 

Living on a sailboat is an adventure—it’s not for everyone. Finding the right boat is an important part of doing it successfully, but it’s not the only step in preparing for the lifestyle.

You should also consider checking my post on liveaboard catamaran options, to make sure you research thoroughly enough!

What makes a great liveaboard sailboat?

Everyone’s priorities for a liveaboard sailboat are different—a bluewater cruiser looking to sail around the world might pick a very different boat from someone who lives full-time dock life. In general terms, you need to find a boat that is safely capable of taking you where you want to go and has enough living space to be comfortable while doing it. 

Sailing catamarans are some of the most popular liveaboard sailboats because their living space is unmatched. Most are also bluewater-capable cruisers that can go pretty much anywhere. 

What is the best size sailboat to live on?

The size of the boat you’ll be comfortable on long term is a personal choice that depends on your personality and the number of people you’ll be traveling with. Solo travelers may be content with a sailboat around 30 feet, while most couples are comfortable on something around 40 feet. Forty-five to fifty feet is more realistic if you often have guests or kind on board. 

With all of this in mind, however, it’s really important to remember that the costs of buying and maintaining a sailboat increase exponentially with length. Getting the smallest boat you are comfortable living on is always better because that will be easier to manage and keep in the long run.

What are the negatives of living on a sailboat?

People live on their sailboats differently, so it’s difficult to narrow down the biggest negatives. Everyone struggles with the small living space that a boat affords. You’ll have to downsize your possessions to the absolute minimum you need. And getting personal space away from your spouse or family is pretty much impossible on a small boat. 

Why are sailboats so expensive?

New boats require a massive investment in time and resources to produce. The nicer the boat, the more time and skill it takes to build, which makes costs soar. Some production companies, like Beneteau, have found ways to reduce production costs and keep the price of new boats more reasonable. But these boats pale compared to other yachts in terms of overall quality. 

Older used boats can be found pretty cheaply. In fact, it’s often possible to find free or nearly-free boats that are on their way to the junkyard or dumpster. The key is understanding how much work and money it will take to get these boats ready to go again. 

Is it a good idea to live on a sailboat?

Living on a boat is an amazing way to experience seaside living or traveling the world by water. But it’s also a unique, out-of-the-ordinary lifestyle choice that’s not without challenges. 

Before you move onto a sailboat, you’ll want to research the topic carefully and talk to some folks who already to it. Many people start with occasional boating, spending a week or more onboard to try it out. With a little experience, it’s easy to see if it’s something you could do for the long term or if it’s best to keep a land house and enjoy the water occasionally.

Can you live comfortably on a sailboat?

Many people live comfortably on sailboats, but a lot depends on the size of the sailboat and your tolerance for living in a small space. Even the largest sailboats can feel cramped, while some folks love the cozy feeling of living on the tiniest boats. 

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

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10 Best Used Cruising Sailboats

• By John Kretschmer
• Updated: May 24, 2024

The appeal of offshore voyaging is difficult to explain to land people who can’t imagine life without basic human rights like copious quantities of hot water and unlimited data. It can even be challenging to explain to fellow sailors who think the notion of spending days or weeks at sea is a form of water­boarding, some kind of self-inflicted torture.

But for those of us who understand, who relish intimacy with the untamed wilderness that is the ocean and embrace self-­reliance and individual expression while accepting the ­dispassionate whims of Neptune, this is the good life.

There are two essential truths about this life: One, money does not matter. Cruising budgets and lifestyles reflect bank accounts with variously positioned commas; it’s the passages and landfalls that add up, not your investment portfolio. And two, a good bluewater sailboat — not necessarily an expensive boat, but a well-­designed, solidly built, imminently seaworthy boat that is only limited by your moxie and imagination — is the key to successful bluewater passagemaking.

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

So, to that second point, I’ve compiled a list of interesting and affordable cruising sailboats for serious voyaging. A list of 10 sailboats for any purpose, much less world cruising, is sure to evoke outrage from strong-minded sailors, who by nature tend to be a bit opinionated. Stand by before hurling insults my way, and let me explain. I have decided to stay away from the sailboats we know by heart, the iconic old boats that usually populate a list like this: the Westsail 32, Tayana 37, Shannon 38 and Valiant 40 (the last of which, with a bit of searching, can still be found at or just below $100,000).

My list of some of the best liveaboard sailboats is eclectic and includes a mix of well-known and obscure manufacturers, but all the boats are linked in three ways: All are top-quality vessels capable of crossing oceans. They’re affordable, although in a few cases you have to look for older models in less-than-stellar condition to stay below $100,000. Indeed, in some ways, this list of used sailboats is a function of age; most of the boats were priced at more than $100,000 when new but have dipped below our self-imposed threshold in middle age. And finally, they’re all boats that I have encountered in the past few years in far-flung cruising destinations .

Island Packet 35

Love them or loathe them, Island Packets are everywhere. To some, the beamy, full-keel, high-freeboard hull designs seem quaint, to put it charitably. To others, the robust construction standards, roomy interiors and overall user-friendliness make them the ideal cruising boat. More than most, sailing vessels are compromises, and Bob Johnson and his crew at Island Packet were brilliant in prioritizing the needs of sailors. The IP 35 was introduced in 1988 and features a huge cockpit, an easy-to-handle cutter rig with a jib boom, and a clever, comfortable interior with the volume of many 40-footers. It might not be the fastest boat upwind, but the long waterline translates to good performance off the breeze, meaning the IP 35 finds its stride in the trade winds. In all, 188 boats were built before production stopped in 1994.

Don’t confuse the IP 35 with the IP 350, which was launched in 1997 and included a stern swim step. You won’t find a 350 for less than $100,000, but you will have a choice among 35s, especially those built before 1990. With two nice staterooms, the 35 is ideal for family cruising. I know of a couple of 35s that have completed the classic Atlantic Circle passage. It’s perfect for a sabbatical cruise because it holds its value and there’s a ready market when it comes time to sell.

Prout Snowgoose 37

There’s no room for discussion: Catamarans are crossing oceans, and many sailors are choosing cats for world cruising. My last visits to the Azores and Canary Islands, the classic Atlantic waypoints, proved the point. I’m not much of a statistician, but by my count, at least a quarter and maybe a third of the boats I saw were catamarans. There would be more on this list, but they are just too expensive. Finding a quality catamaran for less than $100,000 is tough. One boat to consider is the classic workhorse multihull, the Prout Snowgoose 37.

When the Snowgoose 37 was launched in 1983, English builder Prout & Sons had already been in business for nearly 50 years. The 37 was an updated version of the Snowgoose 35, one of the most successful cruising cats ever. In 1986, the 37 was updated again; the Snowgoose Elite model included more beam and interior upgrades. These models are challenging to find for under $100,000, but it’s possible. A quick glance at yachtworld.com shows several of both models available for less than $100,000. Again, the strong dollar makes European boats an excellent value.

The Snowgoose 37 is not sexy like go-fast cats, and not roomy like modern cruising cats. It is, however, seaworthy. Of the 500 built, many have circumnavigated. Older boats have solid fiberglass hulls, and more recent models are solid glass from the waterline down and cored above. The cockpit is rather compact by catamaran standards, and the bridgedeck is solid (no tramp). Many 37s and all Elites were rigged with staysails, a big plus in heavy weather. The masthead-­rigged Snowgoose 37 can be sailed like a monohull offshore, and it’s quite nice not having a huge, roachy mainsail to wrestle with in a storm. With a 15-foot-3-inch beam for the 37 and a 16-foot-3-inch beam for the Elite, it’s easy to find affordable dockage and yards for haulouts. Most boats have three double cabins, making the Snowgoose 37 an ideal family cruiser.

The Corbin 39 is not as well known as it should be. It’s a capable bluewater sailboat cruiser with many impressive voyages logged. My Quetzal spent several weeks moored alongside a handsome 39 in Corfu that had sailed around the world, and I also spent a winter in Malta in the same boatyard as another 39 that had recently crossed the Atlantic. A canoe-stern, flush-deck pilothouse cutter, the 39 was offered with either an aft or center cockpit. Designed by Michael Dufour and constructed by Corbin les Bateaux in Canada, hull number one was launched in 1977. Built in various locations in Quebec, 129 boats were launched before a fire destroyed the deck tooling in 1982. A new deck with a larger cockpit was designed, and 70 more boats were laid up before production ceased in 1990.

The rub on the Corbin 39 is that the majority of boats were sold as kits with owner-­finished interiors. Kits varied from just hull-and-deck to “sailaway,” with everything fitted except the interior. Only 15 boats were finished at the factory. Not surprisingly, the interior quality is unpredictable, from rough-hewn lumberyard specials to beautifully handcrafted gems finished by marine professionals. The difference is reflected in the price. A nicely finished, well-equipped model from the mid-’80s typically sells for between $60,000 and $80,000.

The hull shape features a long fin keel and skeg-mounted rudder. The hulls are heavily laid up and include Airex coring. Early decks were plywood-cored, but most boats have Airex in the deck as well. Ballast is 9,000 pounds of internal lead, translating to a 40 percent ballast-to-displacement ratio. The wide flush deck is spacious, and the sleek pilothouse usually includes inside steering. Massive double anchor rollers are incorporated into the bowsprit in later models. Most boats include a double-­spreader spar, and almost all were set up as cutters. There’s plenty of freeboard, which becomes obvious below. While interior arrangements vary considerably, there’s a lot of room to work with. I prefer the post-1982 aft-cockpit 39s; they’re generally of a higher quality than earlier boats.

– CARRY A BEACON – Satellite beacons such as EPIRBs or PLBs allow boaters to transmit distress signals and their exact coordinates from anywhere on the planet, no cell service required. It may be the best $400 you ever spend. Safety Tip Provided by the U.S. Coast Guard

Cabo Rico 38

“The Cabo Rico 38 hull shape is the one in which everything came together best,” wrote Bill Crealock in his design notes. He might have changed his mind later in life, considering that the Cabo Rico was introduced in 1977 and he designed many boats after that, but few will dispute that this 38-foot cutter, built in Costa Rica, is flat-out beautiful. From the clipper bow to the sweet sheer to the abundance of honey-colored teak, the Cabo Rico 38 is a boat to inspire the most practical among us to quit their job, buy this vessel, and head for the South Pacific.

Not surprisingly, many people have done just that. Cabo Rico built 200 full-keeled 38s, with most of the production occurring in the 1980s. There’s always a selection of boats for sale for less than $100,000. Cabo Rico was an outlier among manufacturers of the time, building serious cruising boats in Central America instead of Taiwan, but quality control was always excellent. The full keel is slightly cutaway, and the rudder is attached to the trailing edge. The prop is in an aperture and totally protected, but not well suited to backing into a slip. Full-keel boats may make some younger sailors cringe, but the CR 38 has a very soft ride in rough seas and heaves to effectively. It also has a solid fiberglass hull with a layer of balsa for insulation. Sometimes it’s noted that the hull is balsa-cored, but it’s not. After about hull number 40, lead was used instead of iron for internal ballast. The deck is balsa-cored, however, and there’s a substantial bulwark. Items to be wary of are the teak decks (most 38s have them) and the fittings supporting the bobstay.

A true cutter rig, the 38 has just under 1,000 square feet of working sail area and performs better than most people suspect. The staysail was originally set on a boom that cluttered the foredeck and limited sail shape. Many boats have been converted with furling staysails sans the boom — a nice upgrade. When the wind pipes up, the 38 tracks nicely with a reefed main and staysail. I encounter 38s all over the Caribbean. They’re easy to spot; they’re the beautiful boats in the anchorage.

Tayana Vancouver 42

Ta Yang, builder of Tayana sailboats, has been building capable cruising boats forever, it seems. The Robert Harris-designed Tayana Vancouver 42 has been a mainstay of the serious cruising fleet since the day it was launched in 1979, and is still in demand today. The company built 200 boats, mostly in the ’80s and early ’90s, although a few V42s were built into the 2000s. With a bit of digging and some haggling, you can find boats for less than $100,000, but they’re likely to be older models. As of this writing, yachtworld.com has eight V42s listed, with three asking less than $100,000.

I’ve encountered the V42 all over the world, and in my yacht-delivery days, I had the pleasure of delivering a couple of 42s up the East Coast and down to the Caribbean. The double-ended hull shape with a fin-skeg underbody is stiff and seaworthy, if not wickedly fast. Considering the rugged construction, with a solid fiberglass hull and balsa-cored deck, nobody has ever accused Ta Yang of going light on its boats. Ballast is internal iron, a massive single casting that weighs in at 11,800 pounds. Ta Yang has evolved as a builder, and later models included upgrades like vinylester resin and larger Yanmar diesels.

A true cutter, the V42 has a double-spreader rig and is heavily stayed. The seagoing deck is cambered to shed water. Teak decks, with all their virtues and vices, were common; I’d look for a boat that’s been de-teaked. Like the Corbin 39, the V42 came with either a center or aft cockpit, although most boats were aft-cockpit models. The aft cockpit is deep and secure, if a bit tight due to volume sacrificed by the canoe stern. The center cockpit is cramped but offers excellent visibility. The interior is lovely, with exquisite Taiwanese joinery. Although interior arrangements vary because Ta Yang encouraged owner input, across the board, this is a friendly boat for living aboard. The aft-cockpit model includes one head and a traditional layout with excellent light and ventilation. The center-­cockpit model features a large owner’s stateroom aft.

Wauquiez Pretorien 35

The Pretorien 35 does not pay homage to tradition. The Euro-style low-slung wedge deck and flattish lines were thoroughly modern when the Pretorien was launched in 1979. Sure, there are IOR influences in this well-proven Holman & Pye design, including a slightly pinched stern, cramped cockpit, and a high-aspect, short-boom mainsail that results in a large fore­triangle. But a small main is easy to handle offshore, especially in squally conditions, and a large poled-out furling genoa provides a low-stress way to cross oceans. The test of a design is revealed long after the launch, and the Pretorien has aged brilliantly. It’s often mistaken for a Swan or Baltic. Famed voyager and author Hal Roth chose a Pretorien for his last boat.

Below the water, which is what really matters at sea, the Pretorien pushes the right buttons for serious sailing. A fine entry provides enough of a forefoot to prevent pounding in lumpy conditions, and as on the Valiant 40, the fin keel incorporates a stub to which the external ballast is fastened. The rudder is mounted well aft for excellent steering control, especially on a deep reach, and is tucked behind a narrow but full-length skeg. The Pretorien displaces 13,000 pounds, of which 6,000 pounds is ballast, translating to a stiff, seakindly boat.

The construction is superb. The solid fiberglass hull includes longitudinal stringers that stiffen the panels and encapsulate the bulkheads. Tabbing and fiberglass work is first-rate throughout. Wauquiez was one of the first builders to use solid laminate beneath high-load deck fittings. The side decks are wide and, with the chainplates well inboard, easy to navigate. The interior arrangement is conventional, but ample beam amidships helps create a surprisingly spacious feel below.

There were 212 Pretoriens built during a seven-year production run, so there’s usually a good selection of boats on the used market. Today’s strong dollar makes European Pretoriens an excellent value.

– 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

Gulfstar 44

Gulfstar had a terrible reputation in the early ’70s: It was infamous for producing wide-body motorsailers with tiny rigs and chintzy Formica interiors. Company founder Vince Lazzara was adept at reading market trends and upped his game in the late ’70s and ’80s. Lazzara, who also founded Columbia Yachts, was a veteran of the production-­sailboat wars and realized that buyers were demanding high-quality boats that sailed well. The Gulfstar 44 was launched in 1978, and 105 were sold before the company started producing the Hirsh 45 in 1985.

Some mistake the G44 for a Bristol, and it has a similar profile, right down to the teak toerail and raked cabin trunk. A sleek center-­cockpit design, the hull shape features a 5-foot-6-inch fin keel, a skeg-hung rudder and moderate proportions. I know the boat well, having delivered one from Bermuda to Annapolis and another from Fort Lauderdale to Boston. It has a nice ride in lumpy seas and powers up when the big genoa is drawing on a reach. The construction is typical of the time, with solid fiberglass hulls and cored decks. Gulfstars were known to blister, and it’s likely that any 44 you find will have had an epoxy bottom job along the way — and if it hasn’t, it will need one. The keel-stepped spar has an air draft of 55 feet. Some owners have modified the sloop rig with a staysail. The cockpit is roomy, especially for a center-cockpit design, although there’s not much of a bridgedeck. All sail controls are led aft. Lazzara was an early proponent of this feature, and the boat is user-friendly overall.

The interior sells the boat. It’s nicely finished in teak, and the layout is made for living aboard. The aft cabin includes an enormous double berth with an en suite head and stall shower. The main saloon is spacious and well ventilated, although beware of the plastic opening portlights. If you are looking for a comfortable, well-built center-cockpit cruiser but can’t find one that you can afford, track down a Gulfstar 44; you’ll be pleasantly surprised.

Any list of bluewater cruising sailboats must include a Robert Perry design. I could have easily put together nine Perry boats for this list. The Nordic 40 may surprise some, especially because 40 feet is an iconic length, bringing to mind such boats as the Valiant 40, Hinckley Bermuda 40, Bristol 40, Pacific Seacraft 40, Passport 40 and others. The trick is finding a 40-footer for less than $100,000. Nonetheless, the Nordic 40 and its larger sister ship, the 44, are among my favorite boats.

Based in Bellingham, Washington, Nordic produced world-class yachts during its brief production run in the 1980s. Only 40 Nordic 40s were launched between 1982 and 1987, but they’re worth seeking out on the used-boat market. The 40 features the classic double-ended Perry hull shape, with a fine entry, a deep and powerful fin keel, a skeg-mounted rudder positioned well aft, and a reverse transom. Freeboard is moderate and the sheer line is subtle, but to my eye, with its double-spreader rig and gently sloping deck line, the boat is poetry in the water.

The hull is solid fiberglass and the deck is balsa-cored, with solid laminates below loaded-up deck fittings. Original boats came with Navtec rod rigging and a hydraulic backstay, but many have been upgraded by now. Sail-control lines are led aft to the compact but functional T-shaped cockpit. The traveler is forward of the companionway, allowing for a cockpit dodger. The Nordic 40 is nimble in light to moderate breeze but can also stand up in a blow and heave to decently.

The interior is well suited to a cruising couple. It’s really a two-person boat, with a V-berth forward and large C-shaped galley aft, with plenty of counter space and a huge fridge. It includes the normal deft Perry touches — excellent sea berths, a separate stall shower and generous tankage. If you do find a Nordic 40 on the used market, be sure to take a hard look at the Westerbeke diesel and the V-drive transmission.

Pacific Seacraft 34

A handsome, nimble and capable double-ender by legendary designer Bill Crealock, the Pacific Seacraft 34 is well proven, with scores of ocean crossings in its wake.

After the boat was first launched as the Crealock 34 in 1979, Pacific Seacraft introduced a fifth model years later, a scaled-down version of the popular PS 37. Though expensive at the time, the 34 was another success story for one of America’s premier builders, and hundreds of boats were built in the company’s yard in Santa Ana, California. There is always a good selection of used boats available for less than $100,000. Another nice perk for used-boat buyers is that the 34 is back in production at the reincarnated Pacific Seacraft yard in Washington, North Carolina, providing an outlet for parts and advice. The company is now owned and operated by marine archaeologist Stephen Brodie and his father, Reid.

The 34 blends traditional values above the waterline with what was then a more modern underbody, with a long fin keel and skeg-hung rudder. A bit hefty at 13,500 pounds of displacement, the design otherwise is a study in moderation, and drawn with a keen eye toward providing a soft ride in a seaway and staying on good terms with Neptune in a blow.

The hull is solid fiberglass, and early decks were plywood-­cored before Pacific switched to end-grain balsa. The hull-to-deck joint incorporates a molded bulwark that offers added security when you’re moving about on deck, and a vertical surface for mounting stanchions.

Most 34s are cutter-rigged for versatility but carry moderate-­size genoas instead of high-cut yankees for more horsepower off the wind. Down below, the layout is traditional, but the 6-foot-4-inch headroom is a pleasant surprise. The Pacific Seacraft 34 is perfect for a cruising couple.

John Kretschmer is a delivery captain, adventurer and writer, whose own boat Quetzal , a 1987 Kaufman 47, has seen a refit or two over the years. His latest book is Sailing a Serious Ocean: Sailboats, Storms, Stories and Lessons Learned from 30 Years at Sea , also available on his website .

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How To Pick the Best Sailboat To Live On (Full Guide)

I see you are ready to sell everything you own, buy a boat, bid your old life farewell, and spend the rest of the new one on the sea. Great choice. Romantic. Adventurous. Nothing gives you the freedom sailboats do. So let's have a look at how to pick the right one. Preparation is the key to success; that is, after all, why you are here.

So how do you pick the best sailboat to live on?

• Determine your budget
• If possible, try to save at least $30,000
• Know where you will sail to choose the right model
• Understand your comfort needs and choose the boat accordingly
• Be honest with yourself about what amenities are important to you
• Make sure you chose the right size

Because this is a complex topic, let's analyze this a bit.

Living on a sailboat can be sublime. The freedom to go pretty much wherever you set your mind to. The oceanic sunsets and sunrises. The neverending cradling. The feeling that you are always home, even though you are always traveling. The fact that you take your home with you wherever you go. Your micro-universe with its own rules. Your design.

Now to have all of the above, you need to pick the right boat . It's like with cars. There is a reason why the roads aren't filled with just one model. Different people have different needs.

There are a plethora of choices that can seem daunting at first. But know that though this is a complex topic, it isn't a complicated one. There are many moving parts to it, but once you know what questions to ask, you will get where you want to go successfully.

On this page:

How this article works, questions to ask yourself when choosing a boat, size matters, the perfect sailboat to live on.

This article is here to have you ask the right questions. If you do and answer them all, you will have thought about the most important categories to consider when choosing a liveaboard sailboat. I will try not to put specific boat models in your head, as I don't want to constraint you. But I want to give you a deep enough understanding of the topic so that you can arrive at the perfect answer yourself.

• What's my budget?
• What's my intention?
• What's my comfort level?
• What things would I like to have?

What's My Budget?

I know this is not the most exciting of categories, but it is important to consider. Regardless of your passion for the sea, this should be the first thing you ask yourself. Why? Well, of course, it is easy for me to recommend to you the Amel 60, a fabulous sailboat large enough for a whole family, built like a tank, to withstand a proper storm, easy to operate with just one person on board yet still compact enough to fit into most harbors. And that recommendation could be the end of this article, which would make for a great read for those who can face the over $2,000,000 price mark. And a disappointment for those who can not.

The good news is that you can most likely afford it whatever your current budget if you want to live on a sailboat. Either now or within a few months of saving. In my article The Cheapest, Smallest Boat to Sail Around the World , I talk about Hurley 22, which can be yours for about $3,000. And that's not a rare find of questionable quality; that is a boat in good condition, ready to go.

The minimal ideal budget is around $30,000

To give you a more concrete idea of how to navigate the vast sea of choices (no pun intended) so that you can successfully reach the harbor of your choice (really, not intended) and drop the anchor at the right place (okay, I'll stop now) let's answer the question 'what is the lowest ideal budget when buying a sailboat'.

Because yes, there are boats for all prices, starting at the aforementioned couple of thousands of dollars spanning all the way to hundreds of millions. Both of these extreme categories come with their sacrifices. A very cheap boat will either be in good condition but quite small or not very well equipped. Or it will be the right size but old and worn down, making you spend money down the line on repairs. On the other side of the spectrum, you'll have the quality and comfort you like, but for a price that could force you to postpone your boat life while you save up.

So at which point does a budget start to be considered a good amount of money to have when setting out to look for a boat? Around $30,000. Starting from around that budget, you won't have to make many considerable compromises in terms of quality, size, or the state of the boat.

Now that doesn't mean you can't get a great sailboat for less. In the age of the almighty internet, some rare finds are truly extraordinary. But imagine it as shopping for a car with two thousand dollars versus twenty.

$30,000 will easily get you a boat around 30 - 50 feet long, 15 - 30 years old, in a good, sailable state, without much money having to be put in repairs or refurbishment. So in case that isn't a possibility for you now, yet one you could save up in a reasonable timeframe, it pays off to wait until you have it. And if you aren't ready for that liveaboard life now but know that ten or fifteen years down the road you will be, start setting aside money with this amount as a good entry budget in mind.

On a side note, It's not all just about the upfront cost. Another thing to consider is the expenses that living on a boat needs. I am talking about potential marina fees, repairs, winterization, fuel, maintenance, all that jazz. Before beginning your onboard life, it is good to know about these and make a calculated decision to ensure that your travels won't get cut short.

I won't spend more time on this topic since it is just a part of the whole liveaboard matter, but do consult our article Average Cost of Buying & Owning a Sailboat , which goes into much more detail about these boat purchase costs as well as costs that wait on the other side once the boat is yours.

Average Cost of Buying & Owning a Sailboat This article compares thousands of sailboat prices at different ages and lengths, and also talks about all the costs of owning a sailboat.

What's My Intention?

This is a big one. If you are planning on buying a liveaboard, know what you intend to do with it. Not all boats are created equal.

Do you plan on staying relatively close to the coast, never very far from a marina? Do you want to sail on lakes, maybe explore some rivers around, never venturing out of sweetwater? Do you plan on staying in a harbor most of the time, taking the boat for a spin occasionally, not far from your home port? Do you want the freedom of a bluewater boat that can go anywhere?

Your choice of a sailboat will be mirrored in this. If you are a lake person , you might want to get yourself a shallow draft boat since you will probably run into many situations where too deep of a keel would limit you from entering. That either means something with a bilge keel or perhaps a wing keel , such as the Moody s31 , a boat that is affordable, decently sized and nicely furnished, to provide that home sweet home coziness you want from a liveaboard. Or, if the Moody's age puts you off and your budget allows it, you can go for something like the brand new GT35 . Both are shallow draft friendly.

If you want to be in a harbor most of the time , you don't have to care about the boat's performance, or its bluewater ability much. You would be spending money that could instead be spent on more comfortable equipment or layout. Why invest in stability for instance, when harbors tend to be in areas protected from the waves. Why care too much about whether all the ratios are correct, whether the sail setup is good enough for extreme conditions, and so on. You won't be making long passages and the times that you take the boat out, you can just wait for good weather, instead of having to face storms. An example of such boats would arguably be smaller Bavarias, Jeanneaus or Beneteaus and similar - sailboats that are capable of ocean crossings, but they are primarily designed for coastal cruising, putting emphasis on comfort and convenience, sacrificing rigidity, weight, tank size and so on.

If you want the freedom of a circumnavigator , you will need a seaworthy boat that will be able to face whatever the oceans send your way. For such scenario, a full-keel boat could come in hand. It will provide enough stability for crossing the oceans and add comfort to your ride when things get bumpy. You will also want to make sure your energy and water management makes sense when it comes to either storing or generating it. Without the ability to be connected to a grid, having solar panels will be something you will want to consider. Also, your boat will have to be in a solid condition, as opposed to those being docked most of the time at a place where help is easy to find in case something breaks.

What's My Comfort Level?

Sure, nobody wants to live on a racing boat that was constructed to be as light as possible without as much as a bench to sit on inside. But even among cruisers, there are various levels of equippedness, ranging from boats that focus on performance and stability, which, at times, can mean sacrificing comfort, to boats that are made to please your senses, even though they might not be the most practical to sail long-distances with.

Now although you might consider yourself an adventurer who needs little more than a rock under your head and a blanket of starry night over you, spending a few days on an uncomfortable boat versus actually making one your home are two very different things. So knowing this is your private moment and nobody sees inside your head, be honest to yourself about what you need. Especially men out there tend to act tough before and regret later.

This is highly personal, varies from person to person, so I won't put ideas in your head, but when looking for a boat, ask yourself:

• Does it feel spacious enough that I won't feel like I'm living in a coffin?
• Can I stand up straight in the salon?

If the space feels cramped, but that's all I can afford size-wise, does the deck make up for it?

• Am I okay with a manual pump toilet or do I want an electric one?
• Is the kitchen well equipped enough for me to store and make the food I want to
• Is the lack of a warm water shower not a problem, and if I want a hot shower, I'll just use my solar camp shower?
• Is there enough storage space for all the things I want to have with me? Is the boat well equipped with enough handles, cup holders, hooks for hanging things, places to sit comfortably?

Simply, has it been designed with the user comfort in mind and if not, am I okay with that?

Last but not least, is the ease of use sufficient, meaning can I reach all I need to reach from the helm or do I have to run marathons around the deck to operate the boat well?

If your answer to any of these questions is negative, don't worry, it's not a dealbreaker. A lot of things can be fixed with aftermarket solutions. But know about them and know that a potential fix will be within your budget.

Generally speaking, coastal cruisers that are primarily aimed at weekend sailors or the charter market are very good at comfort. I am talking about the aforementioned Bavarias , Jeanneaus , or Beneteaus . Then there is Hanse, Elan, Dufour … brands that you will often encounter when chartering a boat. These manufacturers know their target audience well and though they do make boats capable of interesting speeds and impressive crossings, their primary goal is to provide comfort. This means you will always have a handle to hold onto, making the heeled passages more convenient. It means there will be plenty of cushions and storage for all the little things you need. It means that things will be within reach. It means that the sailboat will likely be quite easy to operate since it is designed for people without much sailing experience. All in all, it means the lady or gentleman who designed the boat looked at their sketches thinking 'will this be a pleasant place to be at?' And that kind of mindset is what you need when it comes to living on a sailboat.

What Do I Consider Good Things To Have?

Going further, here are categories to consider when looking for a sailboat to live on. This partially relates to the previous chapter about comfort, partially to practicality. I'm not saying you need all of the things listed below, but know that these are important categories and very 'nice to haves'. They are important elements that many sailors would go for when choosing a liveaboard. So in case you decide not to have them, know about it and be consciously okay with it.

Not all sailboats will allow a grown-up to stand up in them. Though it is not a definite requirement, you will probably want to make sure you can move around the salon freely without the need to bow your head all the time.

Well equipped kitchen

Though you can cut your onions on the dining table just as well, and though you can boil your rice in a portable gas cooker, having a dedicated kitchen space with all the usual amenities is a big plus. That means a stove, sink, some counter space, and ideally a fridge. You want to keep the homeyness alive, which isn't gonna happen if you'll feel like you are on a camping trip. The less improvised certain things are, the better.

Proper Toilet

The above point relates to a toilet too. Though it is possible to do your business overboard or to use those nasty little smelly portable toilets, you don't want that to be the case. Thus a proper room with a proper toilet with proper storage or disposal mechanics will be highly appreciated by the future you.

We've touched upon this before. The portable solar showers or any other improvised way of going about this are a possibility and bathing in the sea has its charm too. But a shower is a shower. Even if it is just a shower head in your toilet room, as is quite often the case.

Interior Lights

The ability to flip a switch and have light indoors is a big one. Portable LED lamps work just as well, but they will add to the feeling of being on a camping trip. And that just doesn't sit well with the feeling of home sweet home.

Power Outlets

Though 12-volt outlets paired with converters work, you don't want to limit your options to that. A classical 120V wiring system with enough power outlets will make you happy when you have to charge your computer, phone, tablet, portable AC, and the smoothie maker you just couldn't resist buying.

That simple, yes. The small, one-room sailboats where the seating space is also your bed, lose their charm very quickly for most people. You want a sleeping place to be a sleeping place and a seat to be a seat. Again, we aren't talking about a 'must-have', but about something that will make you feel like home.

Air Management

Cooking on a boat gets the place steamy. Not mentioning the food smell, which is delicious, but you don't want it to linger for longer than necessary. Since there will be water all around, you want to make sure that your boat is mold-free, ventilated, so that the clothes you are drying indoors don't make the place all humid. This is something quite a few boats underestimate. Many weekend cruisers, otherwise well equipped, forget this, since a couple of days in a humid interior isn't a big deal, especially if you spend most of your days on deck. But a liveaboard is something different.

Comfortable Sleeping Space

A well-rested soul is a happy soul. Again, a few days on a holiday cruiser without comfortable sleep isn't a big deal, but a liveaboard should have a bedroom that is as ideal as possible. That means a large enough cabin with enough ventilation and the possibility to cover the windows with something light proof. One that is ideally close to the helm so that you don't have to run too far if an alarm wakes you up in the night.

Storage Space

Luckily, this is something most sailboats get right. But be sure that yours has all the storage you need. Yes, living on a sailboat will probably mean minimizing your lifestyle a notch, but the few unnecessary things you like to have should have a space of their own.

It matters, it really does. Ideally, you would want to have a sailboat as small as possible, because size costs money and can present handling and maneuvering difficulties.

The trouble is that this 'as small as possible' isn't as small as you might think. A small size presents several issues. Ranging from the obvious lack of space for you and your stuff to less obvious but very important comfort when on larger waves, to even less obvious but equally as crucial lack of speed that goes hand in hand with shorter hulls.

Sailboats have a maximum hull speed. In short, it means longer boats are faster. Learn more about how fast sailboats goes in our article What is the Average Speed of a Sailboat?

Space Constraints

Let's not spend too much time on this one as it is quite self-explanatory. Ask yourself what is the least space you need to feel good on a boat. Not the least space you need, since for that, a 20 foot Flicka suffices, but the least space you need so that you don't feel cramped and so that you can call the place your home. The same goes for storage space. Go as small as you can to still be able to fit all you want on your boat without having the annoying feeling you had to leave behind half of what you consider dear in the world.

Comfort On The Seas

A disadvantage of a small boat is that it is light and so the waves are felt way more than on a big boat. Even in smaller waves, you will feel the difference significantly - a 20 vs a 40 footer is a different world in even just 4 ft waves. A larger hull will point better in large waves, will be easier to operate, and a bit more forgiving.

All in all, living on a twenty footer is more than possible, it just comes with some comfort compromises, as well as the need for better sailing skills.

And then there is hull speed. I don't want to get too deep into the physics of it, partially because it wasn't my favorite subject in school, but long story short, the smaller your boat, the slower you can go. And though if you live on the sea, you probably aren't in a rush to get anywhere, you still want to have a reasonable ability to outrun bad weather as well as the ability to cross long passages in the minimal time possible. Because a longer passage requires more food and water, it means more time when something can break and is difficult to fix, which means more spares… and weighing your small boat down with hundreds of kilos of food, water, and parts, is the last thing you want to do.

Now I know that in the beginning, I said I won't give you specific models so that I don't rob you of the sea of options. But to put all of the above characteristics and ideas into a specific, tangible form, let me show you some concrete examples.

Great Budget Boat To Live On

We started this with a budget, so let's begin with that here too. We established that a great budget to have is around $30,000, but in case that isn't an option, let's see what would be a good choice if the funds are scarce.

And as already mentioned, Hurley 22 wins this category hands down. It is a perfectly seaworthy boat with which you can sail around the globe. It has character, despite its size. It has a separate sleeping space, two couches, a table, kitchen, possible toilet, inboard engine... Hell of a boat for that money.

Great Ideal Budget Sailboat To Live On

Back to the $30,000 budget . If you decide to spend this on a boat, a Catalina 38 would be among the ideal choices. It is large enough even for a couple that doesn't like to feel cramped and needs separate space from time to time. Kitchen, heads, all that jazz is of course included. Catalinas are generally well equipped.

Great Coastal Sailboat To Live On

Going further, we talked about those of you who want to stay in marinas most of the time, taking your boat for a spin sometimes. For this lifestyle, a great choice would, for instance, be the 40 foot Jeanneau Sun Legende . Jeanneaus are constructed to spoil and pamper you. Especially the newer types. Hardcore sailors might frown when you'd wanna take them across oceans, but with their plenty of space, light, and aim at comfort, you won't go wrong.

Great Circumnavigator To Live On

Then we mentioned those of you who need adventure and will spend much time on long crossings. For you, Hallberg Rassy 42F would be a fantastic choice. Swedes don't mess around, this one's built like a bull, to withstand pretty much anything. Its efficiency in terms of space usage is incredible, as is its attention to design. Comfort wasn't forgotten either. Plus it's fast enough to get you across the watery deserts quickly.

Great Big Sailboat To Live On

After talking about some practical equipment elements, of which most of the boats above have plenty, we said that having size helps. So without venturing too far up in terms of budget, C&C 43s or some Peterson 44s are great choices, since they are affordable models with decently long hulls. Of course, if you up the money, you can go bigger, but these two brands are among the choices where, for relatively little money, you start to get quite a lot of space.

Great Practical Sailboat To Live On

And last but not least, know that boats can and oftentimes will be a project. So the practical elements, like air ventilation, shower, heads, 120V electrical system, and so on, can sometimes be added if your boat of choice doesn't have them. Sure, it means some tinkering, and some models won't allow certain modifications. But it is good to approach choosing your future liveaboard with this in mind. Keep a few thousands aside for custom tweaks and keep the fact that tweaking can happen in mind and you will find that your possibilities just grew quite a bit larger.

So there we go. Choosing a liveaboard is a big thing, not unlike buying an apartment or a car. So take your time, make sure you understand what you are getting yourself into, read this article in depth, a couple of times even and before you'll know it, you will be waking up on a boat every morning.

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14 Best Monohull Sailboats

Monohulls are among the most popular boats in the world accounting for over 75% of the total number of boats.

This means that choosing the best monohull sailboats for your sailing adventures can be overwhelming. Fortunately, we're here to help you by highlighting the best monohull sailboats.

Whether you're an accomplished sailor or just starting in the world of sailing, a monohull boat is an ideal option for anyone who wants a true sailing experience.

Unlike other types of sailboats, the level of adrenaline that a monohull brings to your sailing adventure is almost unmatched.

It doesn't matter whether the conditions are rough , wild, flat, or calm, a monohull is the perfect boat type for anyone looking for the thrills of the sail.

Unfortunately, you might not fully enjoy the thrills of sailing on a monohull sailboat if you do not choose the best monohull sailboat for you.

While a monohull cannot compete with multihull sailboats in terms of cabin size, anchoring closer to the shore, and comfort, it should hold its own if you are planning to spend more time at the sea and in unpredictable conditions. ‍

A monohull sailboat will definitely be an ideal option if you're planning to go to more challenging places. This is exactly why you have to make the right choice when looking for the best monohull sailboat.

Over the years, we've sailed many monohull sailboats and that's precisely why we feel confident that we can help you choose the best monohull sailboats.

We've gone through various designs and launches, tested them, and sifted through many monohull brands to select the best monohull sailboats that we strongly believe should be on your bucket list.

So without further ado, let's walk you through them.

Table of contents

Best Monohull Sailboats

{{boat-info="/boats/amel-55"}}

For several decades, Amel 55 has not only been the epitome of easy downwind handling but has developed a cult-like following among sailors. It was designed as the successor to the legendary Super Maramu and brings to the fore incredible features that every serious sailor will value. From a sturdily built hull, solid guardrails to a skeg-hung rudder, watertight bulkheads, and lush bulwarks, Amel 55 is built with anything you could ever want in a perfect monohull sailboat.

And even with a list of standard features, this monohull sailboat is truly designed for those who want to live comfortably on a sailboat for long periods. It comes with superb sea berths with lee cloths, a dishwasher, crockery, an electric furling main and genoa, and several practical items that will make sailing very comfortable.

We have to admit that the design might look old going by modern standards, especially with the advent of easier sail handling systems. For example, the ketch rig design is no longer ideal and is out of fashion. But even with this downside, the Amel 55 remains a phenomenon; a legendary monohull sailboat that ticks all the right boxes in the sailing world.

2. Bavaria Cruise 46

{{boat-info="/boats/bavaria-46-cruiser"}}

Probably the most popular monohull sailboat in recent years, the Bavaria Cruise 46 is a formidable monohull sailboat that was voted "European Yacht of the Year" in 2015. Well, this shouldn't be surprising as you'll probably never find another monohull sailboat in its class that offers more comfort, more space, more luxury, and easier handling.

You can transform the boat's 3 cabins into 4 cabins by transforming the huge forward cabin into two smaller cabins in a few simple steps. In the bow, you'll find a large and luxurious master cabin that can be easily divided using an innovative Flexi-bulkhead.

Its sporty design on the exterior, lightweight composite steering wheels, and a flexible selection of wood tones makes it look so good while offering the best dimensions for both short and long trips. In essence, the Bavaria Cruise 46 is an elegant monohull sailboat that redefines modern sailboats with its clever and innovative design.

3. Hallberg-Rassy 48 Mk II

{{boat-info="/boats/hallberg-rassy-48-mk-ii"}}

Following in the footsteps of the original Hallberg-Rassy 48 Mk that was launched a decade ago, the Mk II was launched in 2014 as an updated version thanks to its modern profile, incredible hull portlights, and larger and frameless windows. This Swedish monohull sailboat is solidly built, gorgeously finished, and is famous around the world and among sailors for its kind and smooth behavior at sea.

Its center cockpit is a true definition of what comfort should entail at sea. This is a monohull sailboat that will provide you with steady sailing both upwind and downwind. It can effortlessly cover 200 miles a day and doesn't require you to be a pro sailor to be able to handle it. If anything, it offers smooth sailing and can be perfectly handled by a casual sailing couple .

In terms of additional features, this monohull comes with a large chart table, lots of stowage and space, a secure linear galley, as well as extra machinery and gear that would be of great help when out on the water. This is a well-thought-out monohull sailboat and is perhaps the best Hallberg-Rassy ever built. This boat guarantees reliability, top-notch quality, and superb resale value.

4. Catalina 545

{{boat-info="/boats/catalina-545"}}

As one of the largest monohull sailboats in the game, the Catalina 545 stands out in the way it's engineered and designed to make it a truly excellent monohull sailboat. If you're an ardent Catalina fan, you'll notice that the 545 has some of the most eyebrow-raising features in bluewater cruising.

For example, the fiberglass collar is designed all-round the top of the hull and shaped like a construction beam. This is to give the hull a more enhanced rigidity while providing a sturdy base for the deck. It's also designed with solid stanchions and cleats, as well as strong sheer rails.

This superb monohull sailboat is constructed with a set of scuppers that play a crucial role in draining near the waterline so that you can perfectly eliminate any development of streaks or strains on the top side of the boat. As far as the bow is concerned, the sprit brings to the table an essential but unique anchor roller, a self-tacking jib, and a light displacement that makes the boat quick even in light or moderate wind. In essence, this monohull sailboat is designed with simple but reliable systems that are easily accessible. Better still, it remains one of the biggest monohull sailboats around.

5. Discovery 55

{{boat-info="/boats/discovery-55"}}

Having been launched two decades ago in 2000, the Discovery 55 has unquestionably stood the test of time and remains one of the most preferred monohull sailboats for families and couples around the world. This is a well-balanced and elegantly designed sailboat that brings to the sailing world immense practicality, comfortable seating, a deep and secure cockpit, dedicated stowage, and a self- tacking jib among many other things.

If you've been on a sailboat and bruised or stubbed your toes, you simply appreciate hos the superb monohull sailboat is designed to keep you safe and secure at all times. From the grab rails and handholds to deep sinks in the galley, the Discovery 55 is designed with plenty of nifty details and the inclusion of many practical ideas.

This sailboat will probably never disappoint you. It is well-mannered, comfortable to live on for days if not months, and a true definition of modern and luxurious. 

6. Contest 50CS

{{boat-info="/boats/contest-50cs"}}

If you want a serious monohull boat that can help you extend your sailing ground with ease and perhaps without even realizing it, the Contest 50CS is the way to go. For close to two decades, this Dutch-made monohull sailboat has been a consistent performer even with its dry weight of 17.5 tons.

This monohull is designed with impeccable modern underwater sections and a completely balanced rudder. Although the in-mast furling may affect the boat's performance, this boat can still perform incredibly well without it.

The fact that this boat is designed with a mainsheet traveler and electric winches that can be easily accessed from the helm makes it an ideal boat for a small crew or if you're planning to sail shorthanded. The genoa is easy to tack and two people can easily gybe downwind under spinnaker.

In addition to having exceptional touches on the interior, you might be surprised to learn that the joinery finish of this boat is arguably among the best in the boating industry. This is a monohull sailboat that's easy to handle, well-built, and has weathered the test of time to still mix it nicely with the big boys of recent years. Well, the Contest 50CS might not be among the cheapest monohull sailboats around but its demand is still soaring even today.

7. Bénéteau Oceanis 45

{{boat-info="/boats/beneteau-oceanis-45"}}

Named yacht of the year in 2012, the Bénéteau Oceanis 45 remains one of the most popular monohull sailboats in the world and for a good reason. This is a sailboat that redefines the important themes that made the Oceanis 50 so popular in a much better way.

One of the most noticeable features of this boat is that the mainsheet is designed in such a way that it doesn't obstruct the cockpit as you tack or jibe. This just a start; the cockpit is nicely designed and will serve you just right during your sailing endeavors. This monohull sailboat comes with three or four cabins, two bathrooms, and has a larger cockpit than other boats in its class.

This is a boat that keeps up with the Bénéteau tradition of being ahead of the game in terms of innovation, attention to detail, and offering top-notch performance. Whether you're looking to live aboard or sail to the remotest of places, this gorgeous monohull sailboat has everything you need in place. 

8. Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 36i

{{boat-info="/boats/jeanneau-sun-odyssey-36i"}}

Another French monohull sailboat that makes it to this list, the Odyssey 36i is a great monohull sailboat that is acknowledged for having some excellent assets in terms of sailing as it is faster and more agile than most sailboats. This is, without a doubt, an elegant monohull sailboat that brings to the sailing world an overall melodious package in terms of its modern design, power, and capability when sailing.

Even though its hull is of modest size, this monohull sailboat offers great value as it is easy to sail, easy to moor, and dock. Its magnificent electronics, folding prop, and electric anchor winch seem to make everything so easy that you do not even need a crew to sail this boat. The hull is lively and offers good acceleration. Imagine a monohull that can clock around 6.4 knots when sailing upwind.

To be honest, the interior of this boat is still very traditional but the exterior looks quite modern. The exterior is designed like an avant-garde sailboat and looks appealing from just about every angle. In terms of performance, this boat is designed with a deeper keel, spinnaker gear, taller rig, and a much better standing and running rigging.

On the interior, the most noticeable feature is the removable dining table that can be easily removed to accommodate extra bodies. Apart from that, there is nothing complex about the cockpit and deck layout. The double-roller bow fitting is nice and it comes with an optional electric windlass. In essence, this monohull sailboat is designed with lots of features. It is good-looking and reasonably priced.

9. Gunfleet 43

{{boat-info="/boats/gunfleet-marine-gunfleet-43"}}

For many sailors who have the dream of spending most of their time sailing to exotic places, the prospects of downsizing and living most of your essentials at home can be daunting. In other words, it's almost impossible to pack all your life in a 40 feet vessel if you've lived your entire life in a 2,000 feet house. While you can't bring things like your hot bathtub to the ocean, the Gunfleet gives you the chance of bringing most of your essential onboard thanks to its immense spaciousness.

This British-built monohull sailboat is modern, sleek, but kind of feels like a classic sailboat. It comes with an efficient hull that's laid up by hand to enhance attention to detail. The reverse transom brings to the fore a three-step ladder leading to the deck and a small swim platform. It's also designed with a low coach roof and a windshield that seems to taper towards the aft of the cockpit.

Its impeccable low profile gives it a contemporary look but the center-cockpit design is the most attractive part of its design. The aft deck section is expansive and comes with excellent twin zones for sunbathing. They're divided by a skylight and a hatch that lead to the master stateroom that's located below. Its two cabins and two heads are essential if you're planning for long passages. The interior is posh and offers ample natural light.

As far as performance and acceleration are concerned, this monohull sailboat holds well. It accelerates nicely even when out of tacks since the helm is responsive no matter the point of sail. This is an outstanding monohull sailboat that has a solid feel and will most certainly boost your confidence if you're planning to go for long passages even in snobbish conditions.

10. Island Packet 35

{{boat-info="/boats/island-packet-35"}}

Designed to offer top-notch performance, stability, and comfort, the Island Packet 35 is widely known for its spaciousness, modern interior, U-shaped galley, and a vast cockpit that certainly compares to most modern 40 feet sailboats while still holding to the classic lines.

This incredible monohull sailboat is designed with a short spoon, generous spring to the sheer, and a chopped off transom. It is perfectly designed bowsprit elongates the sheerline, which essentially makes the boat appear longer, lower, and much better than it is. As far as the keel is concerned, this is a full keel that's not heavy but very moderate.

The interior of this boat will probably make you think that you're looking at a 40-footer sailboat. It's so spacious that you can use it for your liveaboard sailing escapades. It also offers notable improvements in performance and certainly surpasses some of the company's earlier models. In ideal conditions, very few boats will match the Island Packet 35 in terms of performance. This is a very stable and comfortable monohull sailboat that doesn't hold back as far as performance is concerned.

11. Bowman 40

{{boat-info="/boats/chuck-paine-bowman-40"}}

Thanks to its medium-to-heavy displacement structure, the Bowman 40 is designed to sail across open seas with ease. A modern classic, this monohull sailboat looks pretty much traditional thanks to its overhanging bow, deep-bilged, and narrow shoulders. This makes it very powerful on the waters and offers a lot easier motion during long passages.

Better still, this sailboat is perfectly stable and enjoyable since you won't be thrown about even in strong waves. It's designed with handholds within reach both above and below the deck, as well as no sharp edges to ensure that you don't injure yourself. This is enabled by the balanced hull and carefully integrated sails, as well as ample ballast that's neither heavy nor lightweight. In short, this is a solidly built monohull sailboat that will serve you diligently even when you are confronted with stormy conditions.

Honestly speaking, the Bowman 40 isn't a racing cruiser but neither is it a slouch. It has the ability to sail through the heaviest of oceans and might arrive at your destination just at the same time as other lightweight sailboats. This is, without a doubt, a sailboat that's designed to take you offshore in all weather and sea conditions. 

12. Bavaria Cruiser 51

{{boat-info="/boats/bavaria-51-cruiser"}}

Even though it is one of the largest monohull sailboats, you'll probably never notice this once you start sailing. Well, this is because it handles unbelievably so well and can easily and comfortably accommodate up to ten crew members thanks to its three cabins. To offer optimum luxury, this boat can be customized to have five cabins, which is clear evidence that it can meet various needs.

This boat isn't just about being spacious. Instead, it's designed with all functionalities to enable you to enjoy your sailing adventures. Whether you take a look at its exterior, interior, deck, or cockpit, you'll realize that every part of this gorgeous monohull sailboat oozes class. While the most striking of this vessel's interior is its enormous space, it's also designed elegantly and beautiful to ensure that you enjoy your sailing adventures.

In terms of its hull, you're getting a very agile boat that you can easily control even when the winds are extremely strong. In essence, this is a monohull sailboat that's well and generously proportioned in all aspects. It's modern, sleek, and will turn head whether at the dock or deep at sea. 

13. Wauquiez Centurion 57

{{boat-info="/boats/wauquiez-centurion-57"}}

Thanks to its exciting Mediterranean-style design and functionality, the Centurion 57 is a serious monohull sailboat that feels robust, solid, and truly marks the reincarnation of the legendary Centurion generation of luxury monohull sailboats. Designed as a racing sailboat, the Centurion 57 is thoroughbred, powerful, and impeccably maneuverable but that doesn't mean that you have to use it as a racing cruiser.

Instead, it's comfortable, luxurious, and elegant and brings to the fore everything that French boat makers are known for: class, beauty, and reliability. Its hull is unquestionably one of the most powerful and versatile. It's designed to withstand the harshest of sailing conditions .

It has a very spacious and large cockpit that's designed to afford you maximum versatility while out there. This means that you'll get lots of free space to efficiently maneuver the boat in the tightest situations and also to make things a lot easier if you're sailing shorthanded. From the electric winches to the helm position, you can easily access the transoms.

This is a monohull sailboat that guarantees calm, luxury, and comfort without compromising on performance and speed. It oozes modernity, solidity, and immense attention to details.

14. Rustler 42

{{boat-info="/boats/rustler-yachts-rustler-42"}}

If you've been looking for a monohull sailboat that combines serious performance attributes to other crucial blue water cruising elements, look no further than the Rustler 42. This is a gorgeous, fast, and reliable monohull sailboat that remains the benchmark of all monohull sailboats of its size. It not only offers directional stability but can also carry immense loads and is solid enough even for long passages.

This is a classing looking monohull sailboat that perfectly combines traditional style with modernity and innovativeness. It is not only elegant but also very stable and should be an ideal choice if you're looking for the best liveaboard monohulls.

Its spacious cabin is big enough to offer standing headroom and, of course, plenty of storage within the lockers. The hull is hand-laid using glass fiber reinforced polyester to ensure that it's solid, reliable, and durable.

In Conclusion

There you have it; the above-described vessels are the best monohull sailboats today. They are designed to enhance your sailing experience and ensure that you always enjoy your time out there on the water. Whichever boat you choose, it's essential to ensure that it's in good condition, well-maintained, and in perfect shape for your adventures.

Until next time, stay safe and happy sailing!

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Daniel Wade

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

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