new sailboats under 100k

Better Sailing

Best Sailboats Under 100k

There is a variety of sailboat types available for purchase all over the world today. If you are looking to buy a sailboat, be that a weekend sailing trip or a liveaboard, and you have a budget of 100k, this article is most definitely worth your time. We have realized many boats and sailing enthusiasts would like to go on boat cruises but do not have the means to afford extremely expensive sailboats. In this article, we are taking a look at the 10+1 of the best bluewater cruising sailboats with prices ranging from 50,000 to 100,000 dollars. For this article, we looked at both list prices for new sailboats plus asking prices for used sailboats on various websites.

Here are Some of the Best Liveaboard Sailboats Under 100k: 

Hallberg-Rassy 352 

Price: Used From $65,000 to $100,000

The overall length of the Hallberg-Rassy is about 35 feet. This boat possesses a relatively tall rig. Although the design and building for this ship began in 1978, it has been upgraded and changed multiple times. However, there has not been an upgrade since the 2018 version. 

The hull length of this top-grade sailboat is 10.54m/34’9″. The weight of its keel is 3 tons, and its headroom salon is about six feet. Its keel is made up o At rest, the waterline of this sailboat is 8.70m/28’7″. The fuel tank and water tank of this vessel can hold 240 liters (about 63 US gallons)of diesel and 300 liters (about 86 US gallons)of water, respectively. With a 3.38m/11’1″-long beam, the Hallberg Rassy uses a Volvo MD 21, 2003 Turbo, MD 22 engine.

Beneteau Oceanis 30.1 – Best New Sailboat Under 100k

Price: New From $83,000

The Oceanis 30.1 simply takes on the appearance of a small yacht. Thin bow, optimized weight, bolina lining, and horn mainsail allow you to quickly move on to all gaits. Starting or sailing in a small crew, self-veering bows and unique winches provide the necessary simplicity.

Thanks to the precious inches in strategic points of the boat that can make a difference, the Oceanis 30.1 manages to reach 1.98m (6 feet 6 inches) interior height in all areas of the boat where it is comfortable to stand. The two square divas become two additional berths. The large bathroom is divided between a toilet on one side and a shower on the other. At the foot of the descent with a gentle slope, the L-kitchen has high and low cabinets, a 75-liter refrigerator, and a real oven under the gas stove.

Beneteau First 24

Price: New From $85,000, Used From 50k

As stylish in regatta as in fast cruising, the Beneteau First 24 offers an unbeatable compromise in the category of efficient, transportable, and habitable sailboats. Ideal for sailing with a crew of four, it accommodates up to six people on a coastal cruise and can embark up to eight for day trips. At only 14 feet long, I wouldn’t recommend this sailboat as a liveaboard, but it is great for sailing trips a few days long.

>>Also Read: Best Sailboats Under 30 Feet

Beneteau First 42

Price: User From 25,000 to 85,000 (Depending On Age and Condition)

This vessel was designed by German Frers in 1981. It doubles as a cruiser and a racer. This boat was undoubtedly designed by one of the best boat designers for one of the best brands in the industry. And, just as expected, it is of great quality. The Beneteau First 42 has a fiberglass hull and holds four berths. Its fuel tank can hold about 40 gallons of diesel, while its water tank holds 100 gallons of water. 

With a durable Perkins engine, this boat qualifies to be described as “old but gold.” It has a fin keel, a draft max of 1.8 meters (5 feet 11 inches), three cabins, and an overall length of 12.8m (42ft). One special feature of the Beneteau First 42 is that its cockpit is big enough to house eight people. It is a great boat if you are going to be at sea for a while.

Nautor’s Swan 43

Price: Used Around $90,000

Designed by Olin Stephen and built by Nautor’s Swan, the Nautor’s Swan 43 weighs 10,220 kg (22,530 lb). The boat was produced constructed between 1969 and 1972, with 67 boats constructed. It has a 7.2 feet draft. With a hull length of 42.8 feet and a waterline length of 31.0 ft, the Nautot’s Swan is a perfect cruiser. This sailboat possesses the Volvo MD2B 25 hp engine – it can double as an offshore cruiser and a racer. Also, this sailboat can boast of a masthead rig with a foretriangle height adjustable from 15.24m to 15.71m, a mainsail luff adjustable from 13.81m to 14.03m, and a mainsail foot adjustable between 5.2m and 4.94m.

Catalina 42

Price: New From 150,000 But Used From 60,000

Designed chiefly by Gerry Douglas and the rest of the Catalina company design team, the Catalina 42 is quite popular among cruisers and “sailors.” The deck of this boat is made chiefly of fiberglass and balsa wood. 

The Catalina 42 is about 41 feet, and its draft is 4m to 10m long. Its cockpit has seats that are quite easy to relax on. This boat actually has two versions now, the Mk I and Mk II. At manufacture, about 700 Catalina 42s were produced. Hence, it is still very much available for sale today.

Price: Used For Around 100k

The Hunter 410 was first designed and built in 1990. It was designed by the Hunter Design Team and built by the Hunter Marine. This monohull, fiberglass boat weighs about 20,200 lb (9,163 kg). It uses the Japanese Yanmar 50 hp diesel engine, and its hull draft is just about 5 feet long. This hull draft possesses a standard winged keel and an optional fin keel that is about 6.33 feet long. 

With a fuel tank that can hold 51 gallons, a full Hunter 410 tank can last for more than 1000 miles. The Hunter 410 has three cabins, and that is pretty impressive for the price tag.

Oyster 39 

Price: Used From $50,000 to $80,000

The Oyster 39 was first specially designed for cruising. The 1981 boat possesses a ketch rig. Its beam is about 12.47 feet long. Overall, this boat is 39.33 feet long. The Oyster 39’s beam is 3.8m long, and its hull is made of fiberglass. Possessing a strong Perkins engine, the Oyster 39 is sure to meet your demands as a compact water vessel. This boat also possesses a fin keel, two cabins, and three berths.

Bavaria 38 

Price Used: 70,000

The Bavaria 38 Sailboat is perfect if you are looking to go on a boat cruise with your spouse. Its overall length is about 38 feet. Built-in 1997, the Bavaria 38 is relatively well known by yacht and sailboat enthusiasts. Its fuel tank and water tank can hold about 150 gallons and 300 liters, respectively. 

The Bavaria 38’s beam is s standard 4.0 m long. The overall length of this sailboat is a good 12 meters. Along with a strong Volvo engine, the Bavaria 38 sailboat possesses three cabins, six berths, and an engine horsepower of 40 hp.

This sailboat has been around for a while, so finding a new one is not very likely. However, it is a very sturdy, durable boat; hence there is a wide availability of fairly used ones.

Sparkman & Stephens S&S 34

Price: Used 50-100k

This boat was originally designed sometime in 1968 by Olin Stephens of the renowned boat manufacturers Sparkman and Stephens. It possesses a Bermuda rig and skeg-hung rudder. The draft of this boat is 1.78 meters long, its overall length is 34 feet long, and its beam is 3.08 meters. The waterline length of the vessel ranges from 7.45 to 7.7 meters. 

The S&S 34 has been involved in many racing competitions since its production, and it has won a good number of them. Examples of these competitions are Lord Howe Island Race and the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race. This is a testament to the efficiency of this boat. 

There are new productions of the S&S 34 that possess more modern features. They are lighter and are made up of materials like vinyl ester resins and multiaxial glass. Depending on the specific model, S&S 34 sailboats can go for 25,000 to 100,000 dollars. However, most of the more recent S&S 34 models cost between 50,000 and 100,000 dollars. 

Price: New From 95k

You might think that nowadays, Hanse is focusing on selling large yachts; and for a good reason. Hanse sells many 45 and 60-foot boats. However, the Hanse 315 is a very impressive sailboat. It is great to sail and very easy to maneuver. It is also a very fun sailboat that will never let you down. The interior is beautiful with a lot of headroom considering the length of the boat; the saloon, galley, and cabins are also excellent and very comfortable. This boat is proof that size doesn’t matter, at least when it comes to having fun and practicality when sailing.

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

Related Posts

The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Best Fishing Line for Trolling

Lagoon Catamaran Review: Are Lagoon Catamarans Good?

Best Inboard Boat Engine Brands

Are O’Day Sailboats Good? A Closer Look at a Classic Brand

• Buyer's Guide
• Destinations
• Maintenance
• Sailing Info

Hit enter to search or ESC to close.

10 Best Boats Under 100K

Table of Contents

Last Updated on November 3, 2023 by Boatsetter Team

You don’t need the budget for a superyacht to enjoy boating. In fact, there are many great boats under $100,000 that are perfect for fishing , cruising, partying, sailing , or sporting. 

• Heyday WT Surf 
• Ski Nautique Surf 200 
• Chaparral 21 SSI OB Ski & Fish 
• Boston Wahler Dauntless 220 Center Console  
• Scout 215 SXF Luxury Center Console 
• Four Winns H2 Bow Rider (Electric outboard) 
• Sea Ray SPX 210 OB
• Bennington 22 LXSB Tritoon
• Catalina 275 Sport Sailboat
• SeaDoo Explorer Pro 170 PWC 

Read all the way through to catch all Pro Tips .

List your boat & start earning an avg. of $20K yearly with Boatsetter

1. Heyday WT Surf

When you want to surf as well as have room for a large crowd, check out Heyday’s spacious 23-foot surf boat that uses water ballast to create perfect ridable waves and carries 17 people at the same time. 

Learn more at Heyday Wake Boats .

2. Ski Nautique 200

Whether you’re skiing a slalom course or enjoying wakeboarding, there’s nothing like a Nautique tow boat to help you build skills and enjoy all that a sport boat has to offer. With a towing arch/tower and a smooth inboard engine that delivers an even and consistent pull, Nautique serves up everything that skiers and boarders love. 

Learn more at Nautique Boats . 

3. Chaparral 21 SSI OB Ski & Fish

It’s right there in the name – this boat is for fishing and towing, but it’s a great family runabout as well. Put a trolling motor on the bow and a large single Yamaha outboard on the stern , and you can go anywhere and do just about anything. 

Learn more at Chaparral Boats . 

READ MORE: 7 Most Affordable Jet Skis, WaveRunners, and PWCs

4. Boston Whaler Dauntless 220 Center Console

For the angler, there’s nothing better than a center console with a T-top, an open bow, a baitwell, and a 250-hp Mercury outboard on the back. The Dauntless 220 is a compact package with tons of fishing features. 

Learn more at Boston Whaler . 

5. Scout 215 XSF Luxury Center Console

With its NuV3 fuel-saving hull and a 150-hp Yamaha outboard, this small boat delivers great economy, impressive performance, and luxury touches which include premium upholstery, upmarket finishes, and a walkthrough transom . 

Learn more at Scout Boats . 

6. Four Winns H2 Bow Rider (Electric outboard)

When you have a crowd, a bowrider provides seats for everyone. The Four Winns H2 is perfect for afternoons at the sandbar or shuttling to a waterfront restaurant. This model is also available with Vision Marine’s 180-hp electric outboard , but that’s an option that adds significantly to the base price. 

Learn more at Four Winns . 

Pro Tip : You will encounter boat maintenance costs; it’s important to remember this when budgeting and preparing to buy your first boat. When budgeting, consider boat sharing! It is one sure way that your boat can pay you back. Renting out your boat on your non-boating days has brought many boat owners a solid second income and means to offset boating expenses. 

7. Sea Ray SPX 210 OB

For a fun family runabout, you can’t beat Sea Ray’s SPX Series, specifically the 210 with a 150-hp Mercury outboard engine. From the swim platform and sunbed aft to the sophisticated helm and open seating in the bow, this compact model has all you’ll need to play, pull, and party. 

Learn more at Sea Ray . 

8. Bennington 22 LXSB Tritoon

Pontoon boats have changed since your dad’s version and now they’re multi-purpose platforms that can do just about anything from fishing to towing to cruising. Bennington’s mid-level L Series has models 22-26 feet with plush seating and walk-through bows. Versatile, comfortable, and fast (with a 200-hp outboard), these sophisticated tritoons are excellent for lakes and bays.

Learn more at Bennington . 

9. Catalina 275 Sport Sailboat

If you prefer to hoist sails and enjoy the free power of the wind, check out a sporty sailboat like the Catalina 275. With a 14-hp Yanmar inboard engine, an enclosed head , a compact galley , and a convertible berth , you can take this boat on coastal jaunts for a weekend or longer. 

Learn more at Catalina Yachts . 

10. SeaDoo Explorer Pro 170 PWC

Don’t be fooled, this personal watercraft is a full-blown boat when you load it up with accessories to carry extra fuel, a cooler, and tons of storage bins. You can go adventuring in waterways not accessible by car and spend under $20,000. 

Learn more at Sea-Doo . 

So much to choose from

Prices vary as you load up a basic boat with options. You also need to consider taxes, insurance, financing, and moorage when creating a budget, but whatever kind of boating you want to do, there’s a new model that will fit your lifestyle and your wallet. 

If you want to dabble in different kinds of boats at different destinations, consider chartering a boat from a peer-to-peer boat rental company like Boatsetter to enjoy a greater variety or to learn about a particular type of boat that you may want to purchase in the future. 

Check out the hottest boats in the market at Boat Types , and make sure to scroll through Boat Guides to find your next boating destination . 

About us 

Boatsetter is a unique boat-sharing platform that gives everyone — whether you own a boat or you’re just renting — the chance to experience life on the water. You can list a boat , book a boat , or make money as a captain . 

List, Rent, Share— Only at Boatsetter

Boatsetter empowers people to explore with confidence by showing them a world of possibility on the water. Rent  a boat,  list  your boat, or become a  Boatsetter captain  today.

Browse by experience

Explore articles

Things to Do in Lake Tahoe With a Boat Rental

The 5 Biggest Boating Stories of 2023

Catamaran vs. Monohull: Which Is Better?

9 Best Sandbars in Florida

• Skip to primary navigation
• Skip to main content
• Skip to primary sidebar
• Skip to footer

Yacht Cruising Lifestyle

Everything fun you can do from your yacht

20 Blue Water Cruising Catamarans Under $100k

October 13, 2021 by Martin Parker 1 Comment

The debate between single-hull sailboats and blue water catamarans has raged since the beginning of time, and it’s unlikely ever to end! Both types of yachts have dedicated followers who are unlikely to ever be swayed by the benefits of the other. A lot of this is based on misconceptions and the influences of the people around them, though. We recommend that if you’re considering a blue water catamaran, get in a few good hours of sailing through varied conditions before making a decision. 

What Makes Blue Water Catamarans Great for Cruising?

Stable platform s.

Bluewater catamarans offer fantastic stability, despite what you may hear from single-hull yacht owners. There’s no high lean angle when sailing into the wind and no need to strap everything down to prevent it from moving. Add to this little or no rolling when moored, and a catamaran is a lovely place to be.

Additional Space 

An excellent beam to length ratio is essential on bluewater catamarans, and a 40-foot yacht will usually have a 20-foot beam. That gives you a 20-foot bridge deck, plenty of space on the hulls, and even more space forward on the netting.

Cruising Speed

The amount of wet surface area on a catamaran is significantly reduced compared to a monohull yacht. Without the need for a prominent, heavy keel for ballast, the catamaran can easily outperform a single hull yacht.

Shallow Draft s

Shallow draft boats allow easy navigation through shallow waters and exceptional stability for maximum comfort. You are far less likely to make mistakes with tide height predictions when sailing on a cat. 

Enclosed Cockpit s

Bluewater catamarans virtually always have an enclosed cockpit. Not only does this shield you from the sun in winter, but the elements in winter making cruising far more comfortable.

Safety 

The enclosed cockpit makes sailing safer, plus of course, when you need to get out on the deck, the stable catamaran is not pitching and rolling.

Our Top Choices For Blue Water Catamarans Under $100,000

Designed and built by Rajen Naidu, the Rayvin 30 is a 29.5-foot cruising catamaran built for comfort. With a draft of just one meter, there are few places you can’t go on the Rayvin. The hull is constructed of epoxy glass fiber, but carbon-kevlar has been used for added strength below the waterline.

Inside, you’ll find three cabins, plenty of space, and even a bath! These are great value blue water catamarans with excellent performance.

Prout Snowgoose 37

Probably one of the most well-known blue water catamarans available, the Snowgoose 37 was designed and built by Prout and Sons in the United Kingdom. With a displacement of 6 tons, this is not a light boat, but the 600 square feet sail area gives a healthy hull speed of up to 10 knots. Many people have completed a circumnavigation in a Snowgoose.

It has a cutter design, but the overhang is substantial, leaving it susceptible to bridge slam, particularly on a close reach.

Over 500 examples were built, with plenty available under the $100,000 mark.

Prout Quasar 50

Sticking with Prout, the Quasar 50 was the largest catamaran designed and built by the company. The company was still making the Quasar until its closure in 2020, so you can find plenty of examples.

Constructed with fiberglass, the cutter design has a displacement of 10 tons and a sail area of almost 1185 square feet, giving a maximum hull speed of around 14 knots.

It has to be said the Quasar is not a pretty boat, but it makes a perfect large cruiser.

Catalac 12M

Catalac was a British boat building company owned by Tom Lack, hence the Catalac name. Over 600 examples of Catalac’s (9M, 10M, 11M, and 12M) were built. All around, they’re known as solid boats that handle well.

Designed as a sloop, the 12M displaces almost 9.3 tons. With a sail area of just 700 square feet, this cat offers a relatively slow hull speed of 9.5 knots.

An interesting point is the double thickness hulls, designed to withstand the North Sea weather.

Maldives 32

The Maldives 32 is a more modern design by Joubert-Nivelt. It features a short overhang with a netting deck to avoid bridge slam, initially built by Fountaine Pajot in 1988. The Maldives has a light displacement of 3.3 tons thanks to the fiberglass and foam sandwich construction. Add in a sail area of 592 square feet, and the Maldives can cruise at up to 11 knots.

The Maldives 32 is an excellent basic boat readily available well under our $100,000 price point.

Edel Cat 33

Thanks to the fiberglass construction, the Edel Cat 33 is another light boat, at just 3.6 tons and with a shallow draft of just 2.6 feet.

The Edel was designed by Yvonne Faulconnier and built by the Edel company in France, with the first bots being produced in 1985.

The 635 square feet of sail is enough for a good turn of speed for such a light boat without over-powering the hull.

A notable feature is the very short bridge hull, avoiding almost any bridge slam problems.

Endeavourcat 30

Designed by Cortland Steck and built in America by the Endeavour Catamaran Corp, the Endeavourcat 30 is a lightweight 30-foot catamaran constructed using fiberglass with a foam core.

It has to be said; the Endeavourcat is not pretty, but you get a lot of space for your money. Another issue is the enclosed bridge deck, making this suitable for gentle cruising only.

The sloop-rigged catamaran is a good, reasonably priced starter boat for taking the first dip into blue water catamarans.

Island Packet Packet Cat 35

If you are looking for comfort with a bit of style, then the Island Packet Cat 35 could be it. Designed by Robert K. Johnson and built in the USA by Island Packet, the Cat 35 makes the perfect boat for cruising the Keys.

The displacement of 6.25 tons gives the boat a solid, dependable feel, while the 2.6-foot draft allows you to explore water-restricted areas.

Inside there’re acres of room, but the fully enclosed bridge deck will cause issues in heavy weather.

Gemini 105MC

The Gemini 105MC is a sloop-rigged boat designed by Tony Smith and built by Performance Cruising in the United States. It was in production for over 27 years, and they delivered over 1000 boats, so there are plenty available to suit most budgets.

An interesting design feature is a lifting centerboard, giving excellent stability when down but a draft of just 1.65 feet when lifted.

A displacement of 4 tons combined with 690 square feet of sail area gives the 105MC outstanding performance characteristics.

With 760 examples of the Lagoon 380 produced, there are plenty on the market at reasonable prices. Built by Jeanneau, it is one of the most popular bluewater catamarans ever made.

The distinctive vertical windows offer maximum internal space, and it has a spacious interior, but the tradeoff is a displacement of 8 tons, so performance suffers a little. You can cruise comfortably at 7 knots, and with the short bridge deck, you won’t suffer too much bridge slam.

If you can track down a Dean 365, it’s well worth a look. You can find these solidly built boats for $50,000 upwards. Designed by Peter Dean and built by his company, Dean Catamarans, they have an excellent reputation.

For a 36 foot boat, the 6-ton displacement is not light, but it does benefit from twin engines, and with the sloop rigging, it can sail downwind at up to 11 or 12 knots. With the genoa providing the main sailing power, sailing into the wind is not great.

Sold as a self-build design, the Tiki 38 is a solid cruising catamaran designed by James Wharram. There are plenty available, but all will be different depending on the builder. With a displacement of around 6 tons, it’s not the lightest, and the cruising speed is about 5 or 6 knots.

With a ketch rig, using two 30-foot masts, the sail area is around 730 square feet, but you can also use a 530 spinnaker. The draft is shallow at 2.5 feet.

The Tiki makes an interesting – perhaps quirky choice.

Crowther Spindrift 40

If you are more interested in performance than interior space, the Crowther Spindrift 40 could be an excellent choice. Designed by Lock Crowther, the Spindrift features narrow hulls, reducing the wet surface area and increasing your sailing speeds. The downside is a lack of space.

The sloop rigging gives you a total sail area of 791 square feet combined with a light 4-ton displacement, making the Spindrift excellent in light winds.

MacGregor 36

Three hundred of the Roger Macgregor designed 36-foot boats were built, so there are plenty available. It’s built as a racing catamaran, so space is at a premium. There is only a trampoline between the two hulls, but the weight saving makes the displacement just 1.4 tons, and with the 534 square feet of sail, you can achieve speeds touching 28 knots.

Accommodation is restricted to the two hulls, but there are bunks for four people and a galley in the starboard hull.

The Flica 36 was designed by Richard Wood is a proven design capable of crossing oceans. A displacement of 5 tons gives a good balance between speed and stability, and the cutter rigging allows for a main and two foresails.

The hulls have been made from ply and fiberglass, which accounts for the slightly heavier weight and strength. The bridge deck offers plenty of space with a small overhang but will suffer from bridge slam in heavier weather.

Mirage Yachts 37

Only a few of the open deck Mirage 37’s were produced, but consider them in your search. Designed by David Feltham and built by Thames Marine, the ketch-rigged boats are sturdy and safe.

At 7.3 tons, it’s heavy for a 36-foot cat, and the small sail area of just 548 square feet makes it slow, with a hull speed of only 7.4 knots. As a coastal cruiser, it certainly makes sense to give you a comfortable base for exploring.

Simpson 35 Wildside

The Simpson 35 Wildside is an excellent cruiser, with three double cabins, two of which are across the bridge deck. Roger Simpson is the designer, and he’s well known for his sturdy, reliable boats.

The Bermuda rigged sloop design features a fully covered bridge deck, so expect bridge slam if you sail in anything more than slight to moderate conditions. With a displacement of 5

tons, and a small sail area, the performance will never be exciting, but it’s okay for coastal cruising.

Gemini 3400

The Gemini 3400 is the predecessor to the Gemini 105 mentioned earlier. If you can’t find a 105 at your price, then a 3400 is a good alternative. Although weighing the same as the 105, at four tons, the sail area is smaller at just 490 square feet, giving a reduced performance.

As with all Geminis, the 3400 features retractable centerboards for better tracking when on a close reach, without increasing the draft.

The 3400 was designed by Tony Smith and built by Performance Cruising in the US, who still produce catamarans now.

Seawind 850

Originally built in Australia by Seawind Catamarans and designed by Scott Jutson, the 850 is a 28-foot cat featuring fractional sloop rigging. At a relatively light displacement of 2.4 tons, the 350 square feet of sail gives good performance and comfortable cruising.

The short bridge deck overhang is filled with a trampoline, allowing the 850 to sail in rougher weather without too much bridge slam. The Seawind makes an excellent cruiser despite its 28-foot LOA.

Aventura 23.5

Our last catamaran is the smallest in the review. The Aventura 235 is just 23 feet long, has a light displacement of only 0.77 tons, and a sail area of 312 square feet. Two cabins offer four berths despite its diminutive size, making it a comfortable cruiser for a small family.

There are, of course, compromises, with just a single outboard engine on the centerline, and internal space is limited. But with its lightweight design, easy handling, and shallow draft of 1.8 feet, it is a perfect first step into catamaran ownership.

Blue Water Catamarans Are a Fantastic Budget Option

Remember: When buying a bluewater cruising yacht for less than $100,000, compromise is inevitable. 

The best advice for buying a boat is to be truly honest with yourself by defining your needs and separating them from your desires. 

Need more advice on buying great blue water catamarans? Get a conversation started on our community forum by leaving a question or comment!

If you found this article helpful, please leave a comment below, share it on social media, and subscribe to our email list., for direct questions and comments, shoot me an email at [email protected].

Sharing is caring!

Reader Interactions

July 2, 2022 at 2:52 pm

Surprised you don’t list the PDQ 32.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

MB #20512 PO BOX 480 Sevenoaks Kent TN13 9JY

Tel: +44 56 0386 9163

Keep In Touch

Thank you for reading.

Join our online crew and find more about the #boatlife

Best Bluewater Yachts Under 100K

Published by oceanwave on september 6, 2023 september 6, 2023.

By “blue water yachts,” we mean a particular class of sailboats that are built and intended for extended offshore cruising. These boats are built to survive the rigors of open ocean trips, allowing sailors to confidently explore distant locations.

Inexpensive blue water yachts are particularly appealing to prospective explorers and sailors. They provide the promise of affordably realizing fantasies of exploring remote paradises and wide-ranging oceans. These boats offer a doorway to a world of discovery, excitement, and independence.

This article will explore the world of affordable bluewater boats without breaking the bank. Our goal is to assist you in navigating the challenges involved in selecting a reasonably priced blue water yacht by offering insightful analysis, important factors, and a selection of exceptional choices. This guide is your road map to reasonably priced blue water yachts, regardless of your sailing experience level or desire to do a first-time bluewater excursion.

Key Features of Affordable Blue water Yachts

1. Seaworthiness on a Budget

Seaworthiness is the fundamental component of any bluewater yacht, regardless of price. Your ship needs to be able to withstand the erratic difficulties of the open sea. This section will discuss how to choose according to sailing boat data to handle challenging circumstances and rough seas while being reasonably priced.

2. Comfort vs. Cost

For lengthy bluewater trips, comfort is just as important as affordability. We’ll talk about how to find the ideal compromise between affordable choices and the conveniences required for a comfortable life at sea.

3. Maintenance and Refit Expenses

Expenses associated with boat ownership are continuous and include refits and maintenance. Learn how to efficiently manage these expenses without sacrificing the safety or performance of your vessel.

4. Sourcing Options (New vs. Used)

Is a used bluewater yacht a better option than a brand-new one? Together with you, we’ll assess the benefits and drawbacks of each choice so you can decide on the best course of action for your money and tastes.

5. Notable Features to Look for

In an effort to help you make the best decision possible, we’ll go over the key elements and qualities you should look for in a reasonably priced blue water yacht. When you’re sailing the wide waters, these amenities will increase your safety, comfort, and general enjoyment.

Follow us as we explore the world of reasonably priced bluewater sailboats in further detail, offering you professional advice and a selection of our best choices to help you go on bluewater adventures without going over budget.

Top Picks: Blue water Yachts Under $100K

1. catalina 36.

For those looking for reasonably priced bluewater sailboats, the Catalina 36 is a well-liked option. Spacious internal living areas make it very livable. It is excellent for both novice and experienced sailors due to its straightforward rigging, which makes it easy to handle.

Depending on age and condition, used Catalina 36 bluewater boats can be purchased for between $30,000 and $70,000. The market for used boats has a large selection of them.

• Roomy interior with lots of headroom.
• It is manageable and appropriate for sailing alone.
• The price of bluewater sailboats is reasonable.
• For offshore crossings, some sailors might want greater performance.
• Upgrades and refitting may be necessary for older models.

2. Island Packet 31

The sturdy construction and seaworthiness of the Island Packet 31 are well-known. With a roomy cockpit and tastefully decorated interior, it provides a pleasant and secure sailing experience. Its fully designed-keel offers stability.

Depending on the condition and equipment used Island Packet 31 bluewater sailboats are typically found for between $40,000 and $70,000. The market for used boats has a fair number of them.

• Demonstrated durability and seaworthiness.
• Pleasant interior design.
• Ideal for extended-distance travel.
• Reduced speed in mild breezes.
• For some, the design might be more conventional.

3. Pearson 424

The Pearson 424 is renowned for its well-built exterior and roomy interior. It provides a secure feeling at sea thanks to its center cockpit design. Living aboard cruisers say it’s a comfortable vessel.

Price Range and Availability: Depending on age and condition, used Pearson 424 bluewater sailboats may be purchased for anywhere from $50,000 to $80,000. The market for used boats has them available.

• Powerful and well-made.
• Light-filled interior with cozy living areas.
• Designing a center cockpit improves safety.
• Possibly slower than some other bluewater sailboats.
• Upgrades and refits might be necessary for older versions.

4. Tayana 37

The Tayana 37 is a conventional bluewater sailboat with long-distance sailing capability. Its cabin is well-appointed and comfy, making it ideal for long trips.

Depending on age and condition, used Tayana 37 bluewater sailboats can range in price from $50,000 to $100,000. The market for used boats has them available.

• A solid history of success when cruising offshore.
• A cozy environment with a classic design.
• High potential for resale.
• Performance that is slower than that of more recent designs.
• It can be expensive to maintain older models.

5. Bristol 35.5

The high caliber of construction used in Bristol yachts is well known. With its roomy cockpit and elegant interior, the Bristol 35.5 provides a pleasant cruise. It is regarded as a traditional bluewater sailboat.

Depending on age and condition, used Bristol 35.5 bluewater sailboats are typically found for between $30,000 and $70,000. The market for used boats has a fair number of them.

• Superior building and craftsmanship.
• Roomy and pleasant interior.
• Classic design with a strong following.
• In comparison to more contemporary designs, performance could be sluggish.

6. Westsail 32

Often linked with long-distance travel, the Westsail 32 is a tough and seaworthy cruiser. It has a conventional interior design with a full keel for stability.

Depending on age and condition, used Westsail 32 bluewater sailboats are typically found for between $30,000 and $60,000. The market for used boats has a fair number of them.

• Evidence of bluewater sailboats’ established seaworthiness.
• Roomy interior with a classic vibe.
• The cockpit area is less than on some comparable cruisers.

7. Pacific Seacraft 34

The offshore capabilities and fine craftsmanship of Pacific Seacraft boats are well-known. A well-liked bluewater sailboat with a cozy interior and seaworthy construction is the Pacific Seacraft 34 .

Depending on age and condition, used Pacific Seacraft 34 bluewater sailboats are typically found for $50,000 to $90,000. The market for used boats has a fair number of them.

• Superior structure for sailing offshore.
• Slower performance than sailboats designed for racing.
• It could be necessary to maintain and upgrade older models.

8. Ericson 38

Designed for bluewater cruising, the Ericson 38 delivers a comfortable and performance-oriented combination. With its roomy cockpit and luxurious interior, it’s perfect for long flights.

Depending on age and condition, used Ericson 38 bluewater sailboats are typically found for between $40,000 and $80,000. The market for used boats has them available.

• A good mix between comfort and performance.
• Roomy interior and cockpit.
• Well renowned for its bluewater prowess.
• Updates and refitting may be necessary for older models.
• Not as quick as some yachts designed for racing, perhaps.

9. Tartan 37

Tartan yachts are renowned for their high caliber, and the Tartan 37 is a popular bluewater sailboat with a roomy interior and seaworthy construction.

Depending on age and condition, used Tartan 37 bluewater sailboats are typically found for $50,000 to $90,000. The market for used boats has a fair number of them.

• Excellent construction and craftsmanship.
• Pleasant and luxurious interior.
• Its performance might not be on par with sailboats for racing.
• Updating and maintaining older models might be necessary.

10. Morgan Out Island 41

Although most well-known for their roomy interiors, some Morgan Out Island 41s are affordable and have been used for blue water boating . They provide lots of storage space in addition to cozy living accommodations.

Depending on age and condition, used Morgan Out Island 41 bluewater sailboats are typically found for between $30,000 and $60,000. The market for used boats has a fair number of them.

• Plenty of storage for long trips.
• Cost-effectiveness in contrast to several other bluewater choices.
• Might not perform as well as devoted bluewater cruisers.
• Some sailors might want more contemporary conveniences.

The exhilaration of bluewater sailing is not exclusive to individuals with limitless finances. You can fully experience the beauties of the open ocean without being limited by your budget by taking a thrifty and creative approach.

We strongly advise prospective bluewater sailors to investigate the wide range of reasonably priced choices out there. Everyone can enter the world of blue water boating , whether it’s selecting the ideal used blue water yacht or engaging in frugal cruising.

When searching for affordable bluewater experiences, keep in mind that your greatest resources may be preparation, ingenuity, and relationships with locals. Be conscious of your budget as you set out with confidence, rise to the obstacles, and savor the unique experiences that bluewater sailing has to offer. Experience the thrill of exploring blue water yachts; the journey starts today.

Visit our sailing destinations page for some incredible ideas and places to explore if you’re feeling motivated to organize your sailing holiday. Start preparing for your upcoming sailing excursion right away with Ocean Wave Sail !

Related posts.

How to Buy the Best Beginner Sailboat?

Sailing is an alluring activity because it offers the possibility of independence on the broad sea and the rush that comes from using the wind. You’re in for a gratifying experience if you’ve made the Read more…

OceanWaveSail updates

How to anchor a boat.

One of the key abilities you must acquire before setting sail on your boat, whether it’s for a weekend getaway or a long-distance trip, is how to anchor a boat. While you’re out on the Read more…

How Fast Does a Cruise Ship Go?

Have you ever pondered “How fast does a cruise ship go?” while standing on a cruise ship’s deck and looking out at the great ocean? Many people have this thought on their minds when they Read more…

Subscribe to our newsletter

Don’t miss new updates on your email.

© OceanWave Sail. All Rights Reserved 2022

Terms & Conditions – Privacy Policy – Cookie Policy

About Us – Privacy Policy

• New account

Forgot your password?

Lost your password? Please enter your email address. You will receive mail with link to set new password.

Back to login

Privacy Overview

Best Boats Under $100K

Explore top boats under $100K! Find the perfect blend of affordability & luxury with our list of 16 best boats, complete with prices, specs & photos. Ideal for travelers.

Boats are a great investment for people that enjoy spending time on the water. However, the price range of boats doesn't fit everyone's budget. When you're looking at the cost of different boats, you'll likely come across some that are just as expensive as a house. If you're on a budget, you might be wondering about more affordable models. So, what are the best boats under $100K?

The 2018 Regal 2100 is a great boat for families. It's comfortable and designed for water activities. One of the best sailboats under $100K to consider is the Hallberg-Rassy 352. It has a cabin that you can spend the night in. If you want a pontoon under $100K, you should check out the spacious Bennington Q25.

Buying a boat doesn't mean you have to clear out your life savings. There are several great boats on the market that won't break the bank. Today, we're going to introduce you to 16 of the best boats under $100K. Keep reading to find out which boats you should be looking at.

1. 2018 Regal 2100

Full Performance Marine / YouTube

Average Price:  $48,430

‍ Passenger Capacity:  7

The 2018 Regal 2100 is ideal for leisurely days on the water.  It's a preferred boat for watersports, like water skiing and tubing. This boat is high-performing and great for cruising. On top of that, it's a very sleek and stylish bowrider.

Why We Love The 2018 Regal 2100

The 2018 Regal 2100 has a great amount of storage space.  It feels a lot roomier than most 21' boats because there's enough space to put all of your belongings out of the way. The seating arrangement also provides enough space for all passengers to sit comfortably, even when the boat's at full capacity.

2018 Regal 2100 Specifications

• Length:  21'
• Width:  8'2"
• Weight:  3650 lbs
• Fuel Capacity:  40 gallons

2. Bennington Q25

Bennington Pontoon Boats / YouTube

Average Price:  $96,666  

Passenger Capacity:  18

Bennington is a popular boat brand, and many people want to be the owner of the Q25.  This pontoon boat allows people to enjoy the luxurious features of a premium boat at a much lower cost. This boat even features the same material for seating that's used on high-end yachts. You can expect a very comfortable ride.

Why We Love The Bennington Q25

Bennington is a name people trust when they are looking for a pontoon.  This boat provides all the luxuries that people want in a pontoon for less money, like reclining seats and wood accents. There are several different floor plans to choose from, allowing people to choose the best fit for their lifestyle. There's also the choice to include add-ons, like a performance package.

Bennington Q25 Specifications

• Length:  27'3"
• Width:  8'6"
• Weight:  4519 lbs
• Fuel Capacity:  50 gallon

3. Skeeter SX240

Skeeter Boats

Average Price:  starting at $58,500 ‍

Passenger Capacity:  8

Skeeter SX240 is a favorite boat under $100K among boating enthusiasts.  This versatile boat is great for cruising along nearly any body of water. There is more protection on this boat, just in case you hit rough waters.

Why We Love The Skeeter SX240

There are several features that make the Skeeter SX240 one of the best boats under $100k.  There's more storage space than other boats of a similar size. The windshield is removable, which is a great feature for people looking to gain more clearance. This is also an excellent fishing boat because it comes with 2 wells.

Skeeter SX240 Specifications

• Length:  24'1"
• Width:  8'5"
• Weight:  2925 lbs
• Fuel Capacity:  75 gallons

4. Four Winns Horizon 210 RS Bowrider

Four Winns / YouTube

Average Price:  $64,385  

Passenger Capacity:  9

The Four Winns Horizon 210 RS Bowrider is an excellent choice if you're looking for a watersports boat.  This boat is a top-choice because it's stable and maintains a steady plane. Even at slower speeds, you can still get an amazing performance from this boat.

Why We Love The Four Winns Horizon 210 RS Bowrider

Four Winns Horizon  210 RS Bowrider is stylish and comfortable. The custom seats are just as comfortable as your living room furniture. They are even made using handstitched upholstery. For the boat itself, you can choose from 4 different color options. You'll be able to customize this boat to your own taste for less money.

Four Winns Horizon 210 RS Bowrider Specifications

• Length:  21'7"
• Weight:  3450 lbs

5. Boston Whaler 210 Montauk

Average Price:  $61,854

‍ Passenger Capacity:  9

Boston Whaler 210 Montauk has caught boaters' interest because it's unsinkable.  Even if the boat is deconstructed, the parts will still float above water. This boat has been constructed using some of the best parts on the market, including several stainless steel components.

Why We Love The Boston Whaler 210 Montauk

Boston Whaler wanted to make sure people could customize the 210 Montauk to their enjoyment.  You will have the option to add facilities to your boat for water activities, like water skiing and fishing. The design of the boat also allows users to enjoy more comfort and flexibility.

Boston Whaler 210 Montauk Specifications

• Length:  21'4"
• Weight:  2650 lbs
• Fuel Capacity:  66.5 gallons

6. Hallberg-Rassy 352

Hallberg-Rassey

Average Price:  starting at $39,169  

Passenger Capacity:  12

One of the best under $100K sailboats is the Hallberg-Rassy 352.  This is a great sailboat to consider if you want to have overnight adventures on the water. It's known for being a very steady boat, even if the water is rocky.

Why We Love The Hallberg-Rassy 352

The Hallberg-Rassy 352 features many of the amenities you have at home.  This is why it's one of the best choices for overnight cruising. In the cabin, there is a kitchenette and bathroom. The bathroom includes a toilet and shower, with running water. You can also enjoy luxuries, like the onboard stereo system.

Hallberg-Rassy 352 Specifications

• Length:  35'
• Width:  11'1"
• Weight:  14,800 lbs
• Fuel Capacity:  250 lbs

7. Yamaha 210 FHS Sport

Boating Magazine / YouTube

Average Price:  starting at $44,500  

Passenger Capacity:  10

One of the best center console boats under $100K is the Yamaha 210 FHS Sport.  Like most Yamaha boats, you can expect top-of-the-line performance from this boat. It's a great option to consider if you want to bring friends or your family out on the water to enjoy activities. This boat is excellent for tubing, water skiing, fishing, and more.

Why We Love The Yamaha 210 FHS Sport

One of the best features of the Yamaha 210 FHS sport is the twin engines.  You can pick up speed quickly, making this boat more exciting for water activities. It also features a jet-drive system to help propel the boat. This boat also features a curtained privacy area. You can use this area as a changeroom or bring a portable toilet on board for when you need to go.

Yamaha 210 FHS Sport Specifications

• Length:  21'3"
• Weight:  3003 lbs
• Fuel Capacity:  50 gallons

8. Regal 28 Express

Regal Boats

Average Price:  starting at $84,900  

Passenger Capacity:  12

The Regal 28 Express is a fun motorboat that doesn't put people overbudget.  This stylish boat allows people to customize the exterior with 8 different color choices. It is one of the most comfortable boats from Regal for traveling to different destinations.

Why We Love The Regal 28 Express

The Regal 28 Express has all the luxuries for half the cost.  One feature we love is the Ultralounge. Guests can stay comfortable in this area while enjoying the surrounding view. The cabin is very sleek and spacious, with 6 feet of headroom and a queen-size berth. It also has picture windows that create amazing lighting in the cabin.

Regal 28 Express Specifications

• Length:  28'9"
• Weight:  7585 lbs
• Fuel Capacity:  73 gallons

9. Sunseeker Tomahawk 41

Average Price:  starting at $76,800  

One of the best Sunseeker Tomahawk boats is the #41.  This boat was built to remain steady in Mediterranean conditions, so you can expect easy cruising with good speed. It's an excellent boat for water sports or simply cruising and soaking up the sun.

Why We Love The Sunseeker Tomahawk 41

It's easy to see why the Sunseeker Tomahawk 41 keeps getting 5-star reviews after all these years.  This high-quality boat is also stunning, with lavish upholstery and beautiful woodwork. It uses a 2X250CV diesel engine, which gives the motor a lot of power. You can also spend the night in this boat because there's a double bed in the cabin.

Sunseeker Tomahawk 41 Specifications

• Length:  42'1"
• Width:  10'1"
• Weight:  15,432 lbs
• Fuel Capacity:  206 gallons

10. Nauticstar 191 Hybrid

NauticStar Boats

Average Price:  $40,381 ‍

Passenger Capacity:  7

Nauticstar 191 Hybrid is one of the top modern boat models on our list today.  This affordable boat has a very stylish and functional design. The spacious seating plan allows for more room on board, so your guests won't feel cramped. This allows you to bring more friends along when you go fishing.

Why We Love Nauticstar 191 Hybrid

If you enjoy fishing, the Nauticstar 191 Hybrid is an excellent boat to consider.  It features an aft fishing deck, which includes rod holders. It's one of the best tournament-ready boats for anglers on a budget. This boat is also designed to remain sturdy, even when the water is choppy. It helps keep everyone on board dry throughout the ride.

Nauticstar 191 Hybrid Specifications

• Length:  18'11"
• Weight:  2160 lbs
• Fuel Capacity:  32 gallons

11. Chaparral 250 Suncoast

Sunrise Marine / YouTube

Average Price:  starting at $60K  

Passenger Capacity:  14

Chaparral is one of the top boat brands in America.  Boat enthusiasts were thrilled to find out that they could be the owners of 250 Suncoast for a more affordable price.  Like most Chaparral boats, this model comes with all the features people really want when they're choosing a boat, like a polished spoke steering wheel and well-lit cockpit.

Why We Love Chaparral 250 Suncoast

While the Chaparral 250 Suncoast is a large boat, it's very easy to tow.  You don't have to be an expert on the water to be able to drive this boat safely. Another impressive feature is the spacious interior of this boat. While it has plenty of seating for all of your guests, it still doesn't feel crowded on board.

Chaparral 250 Suncoast Specifications

• Length:  24'
• Weight:  4100 lbs

12. Beneteau First 27

sailmoto / YouTube

Average Price:  $99,990  

Passenger Capacity:  6 to 10

Another great sailboat under $100K is the Beneteau First 27 . Some people are initially turned off by the very small fuel capacity of this boat. However, once they set sail, they are more than impressed by how fast of a cruiser this boat really is. It uses the wind to its advantage to pick up a good speed without going too fast.

Why We Love The Beneteau First 27

The interior of this sailboat feels very luxurious.  It's spacious with very good lighting from the windows. There's also plenty of storage space to stow away items that aren't in use. This boat also features a bathroom on board. You can bring guests out for longer journeys without having to worry about people's comfort. There are many amenities on this boat that you get at home.

Beneteau First 27 Specifications

• Length:  26'
• Width:  7'9"
• Weight:  5291 lbs
• Fuel Capacity:  7 gallons

13. Fairline Targa 34

Average Price:  starting at $50,943 ‍

Passenger Capacity:  6

The Fairline Targa 34 has an excellent reputation in the boating community.  Even people that are extremely picky about their boat's features love this boat. Part of the reason this boat is a hit with nearly everyone that steps foot in it is that it was in production for a decade. There was time to iron out all of the issues and design the perfect boat.

Why We Love Fairline Targa 34

The Fairline Targa 34 has been a best-selling boat for several years.  While new models are introduced to the market, they aren't enough to convince loyal Targa 34 enthusiasts to make the switch. From the spacious cabins to the impressive cockpit design and incredible speed, it's easy to see why people love this boat.

Targa 34 Specifications

• Length:  34'5"
• Width:  11'4"
• Weight:  14,330 lbs
• Fuel Capacity:  156 gallons

14. Sea Ray 320 Sundancer

Average Price:  starting at $47,799  ‍

Passenger Capacity:  4

If you don't have the budget for a yacht, the Sea Ray 320 Sundancer is the next best thing.  The floorplan on this motorboat is very spacious. It also features cabinets and stowage space, so your items won't be in the way.

Why We Love The Sea Ray 320 Sundancer

The luxury cabin has us in love with this boat.  The kidney-shaped sofa offers ample room for passengers to get cozy. You can enjoy beautiful details and finishes throughout the boat, including cherry-wood cabinets. However, you will be able to easily convert the cabin space so you can spend the night in the boat. It even includes a double bed.

Sea Ray 320 Sundancer Specifications

• Length:  32'3"
• Width:  10'8"
• Weight:  13,305 lbs
• Fuel Capacity:  170 gallons

15. Avalon 2585 Catalina Elite

Pontoon & Deck Boat Magazine / YouTube

Average Price:  starting at $40,999

‍ Passenger Capacity:  13

The Avalon 2585 Catalina Elite   is another fantastic pontoon boat for under $100K.  This stylish boat doesn't skip on any of the luxuries that pontoon enthusiasts are used to. You can enjoy a day on the water with family and friends for a fraction of the price. While most Avalon boats sell for over 6 figures, this boat stays budget-friendly.

Why We Love The Avalon 2585 Catalina Elite

We love the seating plan on this stylish pontoon.  While it does appear unusual at first, the seating allows you to comfortably fit more guests onboard. It even features a unique lounge area behind the captain's chair. In the rear, there are low-reclining chairs. They have been designed so that even tall adults can sit comfortably without feeling crowded.

Avalon 2585 Catalina Elite Specifications

• Length:  25'5"
• Weight:  2450 lbs
• Fuel Capacity:  38 gallons

For a comprehensive guide to the top leisure boats on the market, including expert reviews, performance analysis, and insider tips, check out our in-depth leisure boat buyer's guide . This article covers everything from luxurious yachts to versatile day cruisers, helping you navigate the waters of boat buying with confidence and insider knowledge.

Kit Evans is a seasoned marine journalist and naval architect, bringing over 20 years of multifaceted experience in the boating industry to his writing and consultancy work. With expertise ranging from boat design and marine surveying to charter operations and vessel restoration, Kit offers unparalleled insights into all aspects of maritime life. When he's not penning articles for top boating publications or hosting his popular YouTube channel, Kit can be found sailing his lovingly restored 1960s Columbia 29 on the Chesapeake Bay, embodying his commitment to both preserving nautical heritage and embracing modern innovations in boating.

Recommended Read

Best Boat Brands for Leisure: Ranked by a Marine Journalist

From luxurious yachts to versatile day cruisers, navigate the waters of boat buying with insider knowledge and hands-on experience.

Trending Reads

15 Best Lobster Boat Tours in Maine

Explore the top 15 lobster boat tours in Maine for an unforgettable experience. Learn to catch lobster, enjoy marine life sights, and more. Ideal for travelers!

How Much Does Freedom Boat Club Cost?

Explore Freedom Boat Club costs state by state! Learn about membership fees, benefits, and why it's a budget-friendly option for boating enthusiasts.

20 Best Liveaboard Marinas in North Carolina

Explore the top 20 liveaboard marinas in North Carolina, perfect for travelers seeking a unique on-water living experience with all amenities included.

Your trusted source for travel guides, tips, and insights since 2020. Empowering adventurers with expert advice for smarter, more rewarding journeys.

10 Best Catamarans Under 100k: The Affordable Dream!

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. We may also earn commissions if you purchase products from other retailers after clicking on a link from our site.

I have been told that good catamarans under $100 000 are impossible to find, and since I’m not a millionäire but I love catamaran sailing, I said, challenge accepted!

The best catamarans under 100k include the Prout Quest, the Gemini 105Mc and 3200, the Dean 365, Tiki 38, and the Prout Snowgoose 37. All these catamarans are good but they are best suited for different types of sailing.

In this article, ill show you some of the most promising cats under 100k; this article could be a starting point for finding yourself an affordable cat. And if you’re not attracted by any cats on this list, at the end of the post, you will find factors to consider when buying a cheap cat so that you may do your own assessments of boats that are interesting to you.

Table of Contents

Prout Quest

The Prout Quest is a classic catamaran boat from Prout, cruising catamaran boat manufacturers who dominated the market in the 1970s and 1980s. Though these boats are no longer in production, the Prout Quest is a seaworthy catamaran that boasts an enviable reputation.

This boat is suitable for couples or single sailors looking for a liveaboard as it sports a spacious salon. In addition, there’s good access to natural light, a functional galley, generous storage, plus the boat is sturdy and excellent for solo sailing. Also, it’s pretty gentle and comfortable on a reach or downwind. 

If you want more info on the Prout Quest , check this article out.

The main downside of the Prout Quest is that it doesn’t have much headroom. You can get this 33ft (10.05m) pre-owned catamaran for about $55,000.   

Gemini 105Mc

Gemini catamarans boast a refined manufacturing process that results in attractively designed catamaran boats. They feature a pleasant performance, practical handling, livability, and good value for the money. Gemini 105Mc itself is a popular model with a legendary sailing performance. 

The boat has roomy, light, and airy accommodation areas, while the deck layout and rig provide a stable and safe platform. Gemini 10Mc comes with centerboards and kick-up rudders that allow you to venture into shallow waters and a beam that allows anchoring in a regular slip. 

I have written an entire article on Gemini cats , so if you want more info click this link.

While this boat is no longer in production and has been replaced by the Gemini Legacy 35, you can get pre-owned versions starting from around $89,000.

Gemini 3200

For a coastal cruise, the Gemini 3200 delivers a superb sailing performance. The boat features the basic comfort and spacing of a budget catamaran and is pretty easy to sail and motor single-handed. It also comes with centerboards designed to retract without breaking upon hitting an object.  

The Gemini’s beam allows it to fit into a standard size slip, thus reducing marina fees while the outboard motor makes for a quieter boat. This light boat performs well downwind or on a broad reach but can be challenging to maneuver cross currents and crosswinds without centerboards. It’s also not ideal for bluewater sailing (more info on bluewater cats here).

The Gemini 3200 goes for below $100k.

For a review of the most popular Gemini boats , go here!

Dean 365 catamaran is incredibly spacious and boasts plenty of headroom, making it well-suited for a cruising family. This boat comes with 4 cabins, a big saloon, a huge galley, and generous storage making it safe, stable, and comfortable for open sea cruising and long voyages.

The Dean 365 is also on my list of best cats between 100 and 200k .

High-quality cabinetry characterizes the interior, and a comfy u-shaped dinette is located in the main saloon. There are additional lockers built within the quarter berth floors, creating additional storage space for all your sailing needs. 

Dean 365 is not a fast boat, and its bridgedeck clearance is below average , but its downhill cruising is impressive. This model is rare, but when available, you can get the boat for between $50,000 to $100,000.

Prout Snowgoose 37

The Snowgoose 37 is popular with bluewater cruisers looking for a robust, seaworthy, and budget-friendly catamaran. Though this boat is not a performance catamaran, it’s a strong ocean crosser that boasts an unrivaled circumnavigation record. The cat sails pretty well despite her length, performs well in light air, and handles rough weather rather impressively using her canoe sterns.

If you are confused with all the terminology, don’t worry, so was I, to get up to speed I would recommend you to either buy the book The Complete Guide for Cruising Sailors (here’s a link to amazon ) or read my article on catamaran parts .

Because of the aft mast rig and all control lines redirecting back to the cockpit ( catamaran parts explained here), the Snowgoose is relatively easy to sail single-handed. The boat is easy to maneuver into a marina and fits nicely into standard berths, further lowering your costs. Even better, the flat keels plus narrow beam makes the Snowgoose easy to beach – and keeps a lid on your maintenance costs.

The Snowgoose 37 has her share of downsides; minimal salon headroom, a slow speed of 6 knots, a low bridgedeck resulting in slamming in rough seas, and a solo engine that renders the boat less maneuverable than twin-engine cats. Still, the boat offers good value for money and you can get one for under 100k.

Tiki 38 is a James Wharram design catamaran. This reasonably priced bluewater catamaran ensures your safety on the high seas, performs well, and is ideal as a family cruising boat. It has 2 double cabins and single cabins, a navigation station, galley, toilet cum shower, and ample storage space for all your stuff in the bow and stern.

These cats are sleek, light, fast, and easy to handle. They are fun to sail in open water since they are highly maneuverable, and their shallow drafts allow you to explore new places. The boats also feature a large deck and a deckpod with a bunk for shelter during open sea cruising. With $100,000, you can get yourself a Tiki 38.

Crowther Spindrift 40

The Crowther Spindrift 40 is an excellent performance catamaran that you can buy without making a big dent in your pocket. Designed by the renowned Australian designer Lock Crowther, Spindrifts are sleek, fast, and capable of sailing quickly in light winds. They have good bridgedeck clearance, and though slamming occurs in rough seas (more on rough sea sailing here ), the boat sails quite smoothly in normal conditions. 

One key thing to note here is that these cats are generally old, so it’s important to examine the beams, decks, and boat systems carefully before purchasing one. They also have shorter headroom, plus you have to leave the main cabin and get into the cockpit to enter either of the two hulls. This can be a bit tiring if you are not young or agile.

Another issue is the Spindrift’s hulls are pretty narrow, so you need to keep off excess weight to avoid hampering the vessel’s sailing performance. On the plus side, the engines are easy to access, which makes your maintenance work more manageable. 

You can sail the Spindrift alone or with a minimal crew as the boat is easy to handle even during heavy weather. What’s more, there’s great visibility from either of the two helms. In light winds, the cat performs amazingly well, and maneuvering is simple and straightforward. Plus, the boat can fit easily into marina slips and is pleasantly comfortable at anchor. 

The Spindrift is not as spacious as the newer model catamarans, but you can still have guests over as the seating space is more than adequate. And the best part? You can purchase this beautiful boat for less than $100K.

This is also the same boat that the youtube channel Tulas endless summer used to sail.

Shuttleworth Open 35

Another catamaran that fits within the $100K budget is the Shuttleworth Open 35. This 35 foot (10.66m) cat is an open-bridgedeck John Shuttleworth design, built in the US. An excellent performer, the vessel bears the proven ability to cross oceans with great poise and sail in excess of wind speed. 

Large enough to fit a crew of 6, the boat’s impressive construction features composite foam, epoxy resin, e-glass, carbon fiber reinforcements, kick-up rudders, and daggerboards on each hull. The other exciting features include flush decks, an open cockpit, rounded bilges, and companionways with steps leading down to the cabins in the hulls. 

I discuss interior layout in one of my other posts here.

Below decks, the accommodation consists of 3 double berths – 2 to port and 1 to starboard. Each hull contains a head with a holding tank, while the galley comes equipped with a stove, refrigerator, and microwave, making the Shuttleworth comfortable to live in. 

This catamaran is a sailor’s dream; it can sail, race, and cruise too. And whichever option you go for, the boat’s capabilities are sure to impress you as this stylish boat can clock pretty high speeds.   

$80-100,000 and you’ll secure a pretty cool boat!

Woods Banshee

The Woods Banshee is a small but powerful cruiser-racer catamaran designed with a 35 foot (10.66m) hull molding. Richard Woods, the boat’s designer, opted for a vast beam, a characteristic feature quite unlike other 35-foot sailing catamarans whose beams are typically around 17.5′ (5.33m). At 20.5′ (6.24m), the Banshee’s beam is indeed pretty wide. 

But there’s a good reason for having an extra-wide beam on this offshore cruising cat. It dramatically increases the vessel’s accommodation space, allows for reduced wave interference between the two hulls, and enhances the vessel’s stability resulting in minimal heeling. While the Banshee comes fitted with an outdoor engine, the last two features allow the Banshee to deliver a sailing performance similar to that of a larger-sized catamaran. 

This post on catamaran capsize will better your understanding of catamaran stability, so check that out!

The Banshee’s high-thrust outboard allows the boat to cruise at between 6-8 knots (11.11-14.82 km/h) while the V-shaped, softly rounded hulls help it move with great ease. You can even withdraw the outboard from the water while under sail whenever there’s a need to eliminate drag.  

This light foam-core catamaran has an excellent performance windward thanks to its daggerboards and outboard engine. Furthermore, bridge deck slamming, a common challenge with cruising catamarans in a non-issue with the Banshee.

Without a doubt, the Banshee is one spacious boat. Behind the sizeable sliding hatch is an expansive salon, there’s well-spaced accommodation, adequate headroom, and you have access to a large cockpit. Plus, there’s extra seating space on the bridgedeck saloon for dining and socializing. The full-sized navigation station boasts ample storage space while the bridgedeck plays host to a master bunk and a collapsible settee that comes in handy at anchor.

The Banshee is a pocket-friendly cruising catamaran that delivers superb performance, and you can get one at around $85,000.

Catalac 10M

Catalac Catamarans are British sailing vessels from the 1980s. These sturdy, well-built cats are designed to handle hostile seas, and the Catalac 10M is among the best family and couple liveaboard cruisers in the Catalac family. Excellent at offering a safe, comfortable, and spacious floating home over an extended period, they have minimal maintenance and operating costs. As a result, these rare but affordable boats are much sought after. 

The Catalac 10M is a 34 foot (10.36m) well-thought-out, quality cat that’s as strong as a battleship. Its spacious saloon contains a sizable u-shaped settee plus an expandable rotating table that can accommodate up to 8 people. The interior is well-lit owing to the large windows that also provide panoramic views. It also has ample storage space and spacious countertops. 

Double thick fiberglass makes the boat hulls undeniably strong , and it’s no wonder these boats are still crossing oceans today. The boat is exceptionally stable due to the short rig and the hull’s hard chine design. If your budget is about $100,000 , you can get yourself one of these unique boats.

How To Buy the Best Catamaran

Is there a perfect catamaran? Not exactly. The thing is, selecting the perfect catamaran is a personal choice. And like buying a home, you might need to compromise, customize or sacrifice one thing or the other. Having said that, there are guidelines you need to follow to avoid making painful mistakes.

I would also like to recommend two books that have helped me to better understand catamaran characteristics. The first one is called The complete guide for cruising sailors (here’s a link to amazon ). It is a good basic introduction to hull shapes and the balance between performance and comfort. It also includes a lot of pictures.

If you are more interested in how to sail and manage your catamaran, I have another recommendation for you, this one covers a lot of tips and tricks such as how to prepare your boat for offshore cruising or what to think of in case of capsizing. One thing I don’t like about Multihull seamanship is the graphics, they are hand-drawn and feel cheap but the information is great.

Let’s explore some of the important factors to consider when making a purchase decision in order to get the best possible catamaran. 

Factors To Consider When Purchasing a Catamaran

When looking to buy a catamaran, there are several crucial factors you need to consider apart from your budget. Below is a brief discussion on each essential factor.

What Is the Intended Use?

How do you plan to use your catamaran? Do you intend to spend most of your time cruising offshore, docked at the marina or anchor, or do you want to live onboard? 

For instance, a spacious Lagoon catamaran might be the perfect luxury liveaboard with creature comforts like a refrigerator and air conditioning, but it could turn out slower underway. This means it would not be an ideal choice for someone interested in long-distance cruising.

Comfort Versus Performance

Modern catamarans come equipped with luxurious amenities and top-end finishes like Corian countertops. But while these gorgeous extras add to your comfort level, they translate to additional weight which affects your catamaran’s cruising performance. For instance, this weight can lead to increased wave slamming in heavy seas, which can be quite uncomfortable.

Comfort, performance, or low price, you only get to pick two (unless you’re filthy rich ;))

Your Mechanical Skills

When buying a pre-owned boat, it’s best to buy one whose owner maintained it in great condition, particularly if you are not good with your hands. This is because your repair and maintenance costs could go through the roof. However, if you are mechanically inclined, you can do the repairs, thus significantly reducing costs.

Your Budget

You will need to set a realistic budget for your new catamaran. Doing so will help cover the cost of buying the boat and allow you to handle other related payments. These include paying for insurance, registration, marina fees, upgrades, maintenance, and repairs.

Daggerboards Versus a Fixed Keel

Most cruising cats sport fixed keels. This enables you to get more usable space in the hulls and also makes it easier to beach the boat. The keel is also less expensive to fabricate and adds more buoyancy to your boat. The downside is that you shed a couple of degrees when sailing upwind. On the other hand, catamarans with daggerboards sail faster and tend to make less leeway.  

Your Sailing Skills

Catamarans are easy to handle. Besides, you can take a sailing course to improve your skills. Still, you might want to consider going for a catamaran that’s rigged for single-handing. Such a boat comes with electric winches and, at times, a self-tacking jib.

Final Thoughts

Buying a catamaran is a significant investment. Thus, it’s essential to do your due diligence first before making a final commitment. Start by doing your research on the kind of boats you’re interested in, use this list as a guide to help you make the right choice, then find all the relevant information you can to make an informed decision. 

• Catamaran Guru: Top Ten Tips for Buying a Catamaran
• Multihull Solutions: What to look for When Buying a Used Catamaran
• Multihull Company: The 14 Biggest Mistakes When Purchasing a Used Catamaran…
• Multihull Company: Boat Details
• Catamaran Site: Gemini 3200 Owner Review…
• Catamaran Site: Catalac Catamarans for Sale By Owner
• Katamarans: Prout Snowgoose 37 Review
• Wharram: Tiki 38 Self- Build Boat Plans
• Katamarans: Tula’s Endless Summer: Crowther Spindrift 40 Owner’s Review

Owner of CatamaranFreedom.com. A minimalist that has lived in a caravan in Sweden, 35ft Monohull in the Bahamas, and right now in his self-built Van. He just started the next adventure, to circumnavigate the world on a Catamaran!

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name and email in this browser for the next time I comment.

Recent Posts

Must-Have Boat Gear for Catamaran Sailors!

Sailing is probably the most gear-intensive activity I've ever done; there are so many decisions to be made about what gear to buy now, for tomorrow, and what to definitely never buy. The gear on...

6 Best Trailerable Trimarans For Bluewater and Coastal Sailing

Having a boat costs a lot of money, even when you are not using it, marina fees, etc. And once it is in the water most sailors never go very far from their "home marina" and sailing will be somewhat...

Sail Far Live Free

Blue water on a budget: 5 budget cruisers for crossing oceans.

Excellent post, I agree! I could never afford these boats listed in SAIL mag and truthfully wouldn't buy one if I could afford one. The 5 boats you have listed can take you anywhere with some minor "blue water" upgrades.

Also looked at 1966 Pearson Wanderer, They've got the right hull and start at around $6,500 up to 10k for a really clean one. I've been talking about doing this far to long. I currently reside in China and would love to take myself and my filipino future wife over to the states and sail down the coast all around the Gulf of Mexico and then head to the bahamas. Damn.. stop talking.!!!

Classic sailboats are like classic cars in that they look really cool.....but they have obsolete technology, simple, systems and obsolete technology means spending more than it's worth and you still will have maintenance issues...........I've owned a PEARSON ARIEL 26 ....1966 model year (small version of the Triton) It had on outboard in a well behind the tiller. super cool idea......pushed her along at 5 knots. I bought her in 1988 for $5000. I sailed her from Maine to New Jersey. I've also owned a Cal 28 inboard diesel, 1986 model. Sailed her back and forth from Chesapeake Bay to Florida. Paid $ 23,000 in 2001. Do you want a project boat? or a boat to sail & relax? I've done both, but the less maintenance the better.... ..Best of luck....keep in touch tonysmith101.com

Outstanding... Don't forget a liferaft & GPIRB will add around $6-8K to all of these. There are passel more in the <$50K range including some Cal 40s. Cheers - Tim

Good reminders, Tim. As many experienced folks say, your bluewater outfitting budget should realistically be about half of the purchase price for the boat. This varies, obviously, but the point is it's expensive to add all the offshore goodies like a liferaft, etc.

Thank you for this post and insight into the cheaper option of blue-water cruising. I am in the market for a boat and read avidly all comments, posts and mentions of possible boats that are out there. My budget is realistically around the £30,000 mark, though that is to have it ready to sail with all bells, flutes and whistles in place ;-) Keep up the good work. Loving this blog.

Darren - Thanks for compliment and being a reader here at SFLF. I'm always inspired by people who can look past the big fancy and expensive sailboats to still make their bluewater cruising dreams come true. Best of luck with your search for cruiser!

Please stop it! These budget cruisers are a well-fed thread of myth. They have been sailed by sailors up to the challenge of navigating the oceans with minimal gear, extreme discomfort and hopeful optimism. An average used production cruiser of 36 to 40 feet would be a more sensible bet. This choice of boat would require the same upgrades and attention as those old tiny classics like a Contessa. If you have ever been aboard a Contessa you will come around. If you want to cross oceans you will need $35,000 for the boat, another $12,000 in upgrades, boatyard expenses and new gear (like a windvane) and another $10,000 in cash reserve as you sail the world. Sell everything. You can do it!

Thank you for the experienced perspective, O Trader! I agree to some extent, but boat choices aren't also practical decisions. Emotion, history, "myth" and more all play a role. In any case, I think you raise some good points and I appreciated you sharing them here.

Doesn't cost of upkeep for a boat increase with the size of the boat? And not linearly?

Sorry, that is not true. 24 foot boats have sailed the world safely and comfortably, and are still doing it. EPIRB's are ok, but not mandatory. Argh!

Sorry O Trader but I cannot agree. My wide and I sailed a Pearson Triton from Texas to Australia. It was great fun. We took 8 years doing it and met many boats under 30ft on our way. There is great beauty in keeping life simple.

I get sea sick. Would a submarine be a better bet for me? Or would I still get sea sick? As for crossing the ocean in a say 36 footer, once I get my sea legs would I still get sea sick? I was in Typhoon Karen back in the early 60's and was so sick I wanted to die.

Hi Joe. The sub will help with seasickness, but what about claustrophobia? At least that would be my concern!

LOL I wunder how fast your pet whale could drag it. ;)

every one can get seasick, there is a wave length for everyone.

Best cure for seasickness.: Stand under a tree

There are so many good old boats that have or can cross oceans, some needing extensive mods, some not that many, that it really pays to do your homework. My old "sailing instructor", the late Jean LaCombe, had crossed the Atlantic no less than 5 times singlehanded in boats from 18' ( Hippocamp. a wooden double ender he designed and built) to the Lapworth 23 I was on. He also sailed a 21' Golif in an early OSTAR (singlehanded transatlantic race). He later designed and built a 25'er (Yang) that he cruised to Europe and back. Most people today think a larger boat is the way to go, but so do the costs. For a couple, boats from around 24' - 25' and up seem to have done the job. There are so many old fiberglass boats around I think a little work would make a lot of them suitable for long distance cruising. For those who get seasick, try sailing on a trimaran or catamaran, although they'll be perhaps more expensive. The old British Heavenly Twins 26 / 27 has circumnavigated for example, and has twin aft double cabins. Searunner trimarans, or Tri-Stars (31' and up) make excellent long distance cruisers too, even though most are made of wood. They have excellent safety records too. Know that the movement on a multihull can be somewhat different from a monohull... they tend to move more at the ends, but you'll never have a long roll as with some monohulls, or much of a hobby horse motion. You'll also have access to some very shallow areas that monohulls may not be able to get into.

I bought a southern cross 31 in Carolina Beach NC, for 8500 dollars, sailed it to Bermuda Antigua, Montserrat, Guada loop, back to Bermuda, and then on to Scotland, Ok the boat is now pretty trashed, and out of the water, but it was pretty trashed when I got it, its now just more trashed.

i love reading these comments. one day i will have 30ft cruiser

Damn. I lost my Catalina 27 in Hurricanne Katrina and have now just decided to replace it. Thanks for this post, it has me thinking.

Thinking is good! Hope you get to replace your C27 soon.

As a x commercial fisherman who used to curse at the sailboats and there dainty fenders i now love sailing and am planning a transatlantic crossing back to Scotland from Virginia hence looking at affordable boats to do the job. Thanks for the information.

Skote - Thanks! Best wish for finding just the right boat that checks the boxes and stirs your soul.

I am currently in the market for a Whitby Alberg 37 which I plan to sail with y wife and 3 year old around the world. These boats are the perfect blend of affordability and seaworthiness. They are beautiful and can be had well equipped for off shore cruising at under $55k (USD). Actually almost any Carl Alberg design will get you there beautifully.

Hello to all, a great sailing boat for me is the one that is all paid for, ocean going and that i can do 45 mph on the road with it. I sail a Albin Vega 27, there will be no other boat. David

How is trailering your Vega 27? It must sit really high on trailer. Do you lift it on? I have a 23 foot swing keel Venture of Newport 23 cutter that keel tucks up to 18 inches, I just nudge it up a ramp with trailer winch and a bit of engine thrust. Your fixed keel would raise trailer center of gravity a lot. I'd like to trailer to inland lakes like Thousand Islands NY yet also sail down US East Coast. Thanks, Bud R, Virginia March 19, 2021

I understand cats when they flip over can't be righted again very easily? But mono sailboats do right themselves again? I would think the mono sailboat would be safer. Especially with the world wide weather patterns changing so drastically now days. Do they make a blue water sailboat that if knocked down doesn't get any water inside the boat? And if the mono sailboat can float again after a knock down can one get away with no life raft? I hear there is an unsinkable sailboat made that the name starts with a B but it is very expensive? The danger of running into a cargo container or floating tree would be less if the hull was steel too, are they more prone to upkeep and maintenance or other trouble? Finally Sterling Hayden use to come back to the USA when he ran out of money and star in another movie. This way he could continue sailing. He had no money problems then. He was quite a guy and one of my hero's and his book is a good read.

a good unsinkable proper cruiser is the Sadler 32/34, the 34 is one that i am very keen on

It's virtually impossible to "flip" a catamaran in winds under 100 knots. There are hundreds of articles out there clearing the air about this myth. People like to equate fast racing cats that are racing way over powered in massive seas and winds. These boats will flip very easily. Production cats made for the public are very underpowered and by most counts far safer than monohulls in equally bad weather given the fact they are positively buoyant and will not sink. PLEASE do more research before spreading the ignorant myth that catamarans aren't safe and will flip easily. With radar and better charts and the ability for most catamarans to reach twice the speed as mono's it's plausible to never be in bad weather and deadly seas at all. The only, although slightly, negative point about a catamaran is they can tend to be a bit rough going into the wind. However with the introduction of daggerboards this "problem" is all but eliminated and the cat will reach just as high into the wind at equal or higher speeds as a mono.

You are quite wrong. Most capsizing, mono or multihull, is due to wave action and not wind speed. It is very possible to "flip" a catamaran in winds under 100 knots if the waves are big enough.

I strongly suggest that anyone seriously contemplating buying a bargain boat and living aboard or cruising should read this book! https://www.google.com/aclk?sa=L&ai=DChcSEwiw7O7dxvnzAhUFobMKHRAUBTgYABADGgJxbg&ae=2&sig=AOD64_1ULeKMesmAbLC0XtFFeXRcueri8A&ctype=5&q=&ved=2ahUKEwix_-DdxvnzAhVYoXIEHbIpBmMQwg96BAgBEBM&adurl=

Paid for is a really good characteristic. Buy cheap. Outfitted - sails, rigging, engine, rudder, all the practical hardware, not new, just working. PFDs, flares, paper charts, VHF, lights, battery, oar. Food, water, release docklines, go locally even if its just on engine Mine is 23 feet, not ocean going but its sailing, coastal, solo. An ocean trip i would need a companion. Yes i love looking at the photos and specs and look at under 28 feet, e.g. Nor'Sea 27, Flicka. Im not in a hurry but do like rugged, solid and rugged salty look Hans Christian ($!) You have great boats here. Sail it, dont paint it. Sail it, dont install new cushions. Sail it, dont work on anything not absolutely needed to sail locally. No sails? Motor it. No motor? Sail it away from dock shakedown ancome back to a mooring easily under sail. Your shakedowns may show you there are lots of things you do Not need. Fair winds, Kahuna

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog, top 10 favorite affordable bluewater sailboats, go small and go now 5 pocket cruisers to take you anywhere.

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

13 Best Cruising Sailboats in 2023 & Why They're Better

If you're interested in long-distance exploration at sea, cruising sailboats are a popular choice. The best cruising sailboats are designed to provide comfort, durability, and seaworthiness. From high-performance cruisers with heirloom-quality materials to versatile boats, there's something in this lineup for your skill level and preference. These boats have raised the bar and are set to provide memorable sailing experiences.

The best cruising sailboats are:

Beneteau Oceanis Yacht 54

Jeanneau sun odyssey 490, x-yachts x49, dufour grand large 460, hallberg-rassy 340, tartan 4300, island packet 420, fountaine pajot saona 47, lagoon 450f, bavaria cruiser 46.

One aspect that sets these sailboats apart is their focus on innovation and performance. Let's take a closer look at the 13 best cruising sailboats of 2023 and explore what makes them stand out from the rest.

• These cruising sailboats feature spacious interiors, sturdy hulls, and versatile sail configurations.
• These sailboats are equipped with navigation and communication systems, as well as additional features such as watermakers, generators, and refrigeration systems.
• You can buy these boats for anything between $250,000 and $1.4 million or more.
• A cruiser is a type of sailboat that is generally larger and more comfortable than a racing sailboat.

On this page:

Best cruising sailboats, why these sailboats are better, the most popular cruising sailboat.

In this section, we'll explore the 13 best cruising sailboats of 2023, highlighting their unique features and reasons why they stand out in the market.

Comfortable living space : A cruising sailboat should have a comfortable living space that can accommodate the crew for an extended period of time. This includes a spacious cabin, galley, head, and berths.

Seaworthiness : A cruising sailboat should be able to handle rough seas and adverse weather conditions. It should have a sturdy hull, a well-designed keel, and a balanced rigging system.

Sailing performance : A cruising sailboat should have good sailing performance, which includes speed, stability, and ease of handling. It should be able to sail efficiently in different wind conditions.

Safety features : A cruising sailboat should have safety features such as a reliable navigation system, adequate safety equipment, and a strong anchoring system.

Storage space : A cruising sailboat should have enough storage space for provisions, equipment, and personal belongings. This includes storage lockers, shelves, and compartments.

Energy efficiency : A cruising sailboat should have an energy-efficient system that can provide power for lighting, electronics, and other equipment without relying on shore power.

Durability : A cruising sailboat should be built to last and withstand the wear and tear of extended cruising. This includes using high-quality materials and construction techniques.

The Amel 50 is known for its luxurious and comfortable accommodations, and excellent seaworthiness. Its unique features include a spacious interior with modern design, an innovative cockpit layout, and a powerful yet easy-to-handle sailing system.

The Amel 50 has a unique feature called the "Amel Easy Docking" system, which allows for easy and precise maneuvering in tight spaces. It also has a unique "Amel Silent Block" system, which reduces noise and vibration for a more comfortable ride.

The Oyster 565 is known for its high-quality construction, attention to detail, and luxurious accommodations, as well as its excellent safety features. It provides you with exceptional performance and comfort. Its sleek hull design offers fast, stable sailing, while the spacious, high-quality interior ensures you'll enjoy your time onboard.

The Oyster 565 has a unique feature called the "Oyster Deck Saloon," which provides 360-degree views and adequate natural light in the living space. It also has a unique "Oyster DNA" system, which allows for customization of the boat to suit the owner's preferences.

With its cutting-edge design and performance, the Beneteau Oceanis Yacht 54 lets you sail in style. Its chined hull, twin rudders, and easy handling make it a pleasure to sail, while the spacious, modern interior ensures your comfort on longer voyages.

The Beneteau Oceanis Yacht 54 has a unique feature called the "Dock & Go" system, which allows for easy and precise maneuvering in tight spaces. It also has a unique "Beneteau Smart Sailing" system, which includes a suite of electronic and navigational tools for easy and safe sailing.

The Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 490 is known for its hard chine design, and excellent performance and stability. It offers innovative design and functionality. Its walk-around decks, unique cockpit layout, and high-quality interior make it ideal for cruising in comfort.

The Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 490 has a unique feature called the "Walk-Around Deck," which allows for easy and safe movement around the boat. It also has a unique "Jeanneau Sun Loft" system, which provides a flexible and customizable living space.

The X-Yachts X49 combines performance, luxury, and comfort. It is known for its high-performance hull design, excellent speed and stability. With its fast hull, advanced sailing systems, and plush interior, the X49 is perfect for both racing and cruising.

The X-Yachts X49 has a unique feature called the "X-Yachts Pure X" system, which includes a suite of performance-enhancing features such as a carbon fiber mast and boom, a racing-inspired sail plan, and a deep lead keel.

The Dufour Grand Large 460 provides you with both comfort and performance. It is known for its innovative design, featuring a self-tacking jib and retractable bow thruster for easy handling. Its spacious interior, ergonomic deck layout, and powerful sailing capabilities make it an excellent choice for long-distance cruising.

The Dufour Grand Large 460 has a unique feature called the "Dufour Easy" system, which includes a suite of tools for easy and safe sailing, such as a self-tacking jib and retractable bow thruster. It also has a unique "Dufour Grand Large Lounge" system, which provides a flexible and customizable living space.

Experience easy handling and modern style with the Hanse 458. It is known for its sleek and modern design, self-tacking jib, large swim platform. Its innovative self-tacking jib, efficient deck layout, and comfortable accommodation make it perfect for family cruising.

The Hanse 458 has a unique feature called the "Hanse Easy Sailing" system, which includes a suite of tools for easy and safe sailing, such as a self-tacking jib and retractable bow thruster. It also has a unique "Hanse Individual Cabin Concept" system, which allows for customization of the living space to suit the owner's preferences.

Known for its quality and craftsmanship, the Hallberg-Rassy 340 offers you comfort and performance in a compact package. It is known for its classic design, long waterline, spacious cockpit, and comfortable and practical accommodations. With its stable hull, efficient sailplan, and well-designed interior, it's ideal for long-range cruising on a smaller scale.

The Hallberg-Rassy 340 has a unique feature called the "Hallberg-Rassy Hardtop," which provides protection from the elements and a spacious cockpit area. It also has a unique "Hallberg-Rassy Quality Concept" system, which includes high-quality construction materials and techniques for durability and longevity.

The Tartan 4300 delivers a perfect balance of performance and comfort. It is known for its high-quality construction, cored hull and deck for added strength and durability. Its epoxy-infused hull provides lightweight strength, while the spacious, beautifully crafted interior ensures a luxurious cruising experience.

The Tartan 4300 has a unique feature called the "Tartan Infusion Molding Process," which allows for precise and consistent construction of the hull and deck for added strength and durability. It also has a unique "Tartan Smart Sailing" system, which includes a suite of electronic and navigational tools for easy and safe sailing.

For those who value comfort and classic design, the Island Packet 420 won't disappoint. It is known for its full keel design, excellent stability and seaworthiness. Its spacious, well-appointed interior and solid construction make it a reliable choice for long voyages.

The Island Packet 420 has a unique feature called the "Island Packet Full Foil Keel," which provides excellent stability and seaworthiness. It also has a unique "Island Packet Anchoring System," which includes a powerful windlass and a custom-designed anchor roller for easy and safe anchoring.

The Fountaine Pajot Saona 47 catamaran offers you the perfect combination of speed, stability, and space. Its sleek hulls and spacious, well-designed living areas make it an excellent choice for cruising with friends and family.

The Fountaine Pajot Saona 47 has a unique feature called the "Fountaine Pajot Helmsman's Position," which provides excellent visibility and control of the boat. It also has a unique "Fountaine Pajot Lounge Deck" system, which provides a spacious and comfortable living space.

Cruise in style on the Lagoon 450F, known for its spacious accommodations and excellent performance under sail. With its distinctive flybridge, comfortable cabins, and efficient sailing system, it's ideal for multi-day getaways.

The Lagoon 450F has a unique feature called the "Lagoon Flybridge," which provides excellent visibility and control of the boat. It also has a unique "Lagoon Spacious Cockpit" system, which provides a comfortable and practical living space.

The Bavaria Cruiser 46 is a versatile and stylish cruiser that offers excellent performance and comfort. It is known for its innovative design, featuring a drop-down transom for easy access to the water. Its user-friendly sailing systems, attractive interior, and practical deck layout make it an ideal choice for a wide range of cruising adventures.

The Bavaria Cruiser 46 has a unique feature called the "Bavaria Hybrid Propulsion System," which allows for energy-efficient sailing and propulsion. It also has a unique "Bavaria Smart Storage" system, which provides enough storage space for gear and supplies. Additionally, the Bavaria Cruiser 46 has a unique "Bavaria Vision" design concept, which includes a spacious and comfortable living space with plenty of natural light and ventilation.

Cruising Gear Essentials

Key features to look for

Versatile hull design.

This allows your sailboat to navigate in various conditions, making it ideal for long-distance cruising.

Efficient sail plan

By having a well-designed sail layout, your boat provides better control, handling, and propulsion.

High-quality construction

Top-quality materials and craftsmanship not only increase the boat's durability, but also enhance its performance.

Comfortable accommodations

When you spend extended periods at sea, you want your sailboat to feel like home, with adequate living space and modern amenities. For an extended sailing trip, you are going to need these 41 sailboat cruising essentials .

How they improve sailing experience

Easier boat handling.

Advanced rigging systems, self-tacking jibs, and other innovative technologies make it easier for you to manage your boat, allowing for more time spent enjoying the sea.

Increased safety

State-of-the-art navigation equipment and weather forecasting systems help you anticipate environmental changes, ensuring a safe voyage.

Sustainable power options

Many sailboats in 2023 come with solar panels, hydro generators, or hybrid propulsion options, reducing your environmental impact and providing more sustainable choices while out at sea.

Integrated connectivity

These boats boast digital systems that allow you to stay connected, monitor your journey, and update your friends and family with your adventures.

Their advantages over others

Better performance.

These boats have been designed with speed, stability, and maneuverability in mind, ensuring top-notch sailing experiences.

Longevity and value

Since they're built with high-quality materials and expert craftsmanship, these boats are certain to last, making them a wise investment.

Customization options

Many of these sailboats offer customizable features, allowing you to tailor the boat to your specific needs and preferences.

Award-winning designs

Several of these boats have received prestigious awards for their innovative features and performance, making them the ultimate cruising sailboats for any passionate sailor.

The Island Packet 420 and Lagoon 450F are the two most popular cruising sailboats known for their comfort, seaworthiness, and versatility.

The Island Packet 420 is a well-regarded cruising sailboat that has a loyal following. It is known for its spacious interior, comfortable accommodations, and good sailing performance.

The Island Packet 420 features a full keel and a cutter rig, which makes it a stable and seaworthy vessel that can handle a variety of weather conditions. The sailboat has a large master cabin, a well-equipped galley, and a comfortable salon area, making it a popular choice for those who enjoy extended periods of time at sea.

The Lagoon 450F is a popular choice for those who want to explore the world by boat. It is known for its spacious interior, stable platform, and good sailing performance.

The Lagoon 450F features a catamaran hull design, which provides a stable and comfortable platform that is ideal for long-distance cruising. The sailboat has a spacious cockpit, multiple sleeping quarters, and a well-equipped galley, making it a popular choice for those who want to travel with family or friends.

The best size cruising sailboat

The best size cruising sailboat is in the range of 40 to 50 feet. Sailboats in this size range are large enough to provide comfortable accommodations for an extended period of time at sea, yet small enough to be easily handled by a small crew or even single-handed.

Sailboats that are too small may lack the necessary amenities and space for long-distance cruising, while sailboats that are too large may be difficult to handle and require a larger crew. Ultimately, the best size cruising sailboat will depend on individual preferences, needs, and intended use, and it's important to consider factors such as comfort, safety, and ease of handling when choosing a cruising sailboat.

The safest cruising sailboat

Hallberg-Rassy 340, and Island Packet 420 are considered among the safest cruising sailboats. These sailboats are known for their sturdy construction, well-designed hulls, and reliable systems. They are also known for their ability to handle a variety of weather conditions and their comfortable accommodations. However, safety can also depend on the boat maintenance, and the skill and experience of the crew.

Leave a comment

You may also like, 41 sailboat cruising essentials for long trips.

In this post I list the items you are unlikely to have if you have never done bluewater or long-term cruising before. There are some essential safety product and …

What's the Best Size of Sailboat for Coastal Cruising?

The Best Boat for Cruising the Mediterranean (3 Types)

The best beginner sailboats for ocean cruising (under $25,000).

My Cruiser Life Magazine

Best Bluewater Cruising Sailboats: Top Picks & Reviews

A bluewater sailboat is designed from the keel up to cross oceans. Of the many thousands of sailboats manufactured every year worldwide, only a few meet this definition.

Before diving into the best examples, let’s take a moment to think about what really counts as a bluewater sailboat and what criteria you might use to evaluate different designs.

Table of Contents

What does bluewater sailboat mean, hull shape and design, strong construction, carries sufficient power, water, fuel, and food, comfort ratio and ride quality, flexible sailplan for all types of weather, handholds and safe decks, pacific seacraft/crealock 37/40/44, baba/tashiba/panda 40, valiant 40/42/47/50, norseman 447, passport 40, hallberg-rassy 42/44, amel super maramu, cabo rico 38/42, final thoughts.

When searching for boats online, the term “bluewater” gets batted around quite a bit. “Bluewater” refers to that mythical color that the ocean takes on when you are far offshore. The sunlight illuminates only the first hundred feet or so, and the endless abyss beneath gives that color an other-worldly quality.

The implication is that a “bluewater sailboat” is capable of seeing those blue waters. It’s capable of venturing offshore, and it’s capable of the self-sufficiency required to survive out there.

But there are still many questions to be answered. For every sort of bluewater expedition that you could dream up, you can find a type of sailboat that was built to do it.

A better and more descriptive term for the type of boat is a passage-making sailboat. This is a sailboat built to cross oceans. Most people want to do this in a sailboat between 40 and 65 feet long, all in all. Larger yachts are, more or less by definition, bluewater boats.

The distinction lies in the company that these mid-sized ocean-going vessels keep. There have been many thousands of sailboats ranging from 40 to 65 feet sold all over the world. But a vast majority of these designs were not built with ocean voyaging as their primary purpose.

Instead, many can be described as coastal cruisers—built for protected waters or maybe even carefully planned hops across sections of big water. Others were designed as charter boats that can provide luxurious accommodations for a week-long island vacation.

By and large, other priorities shine through that detract from their sea-kindliness and passage-making abilities on these boats. Manufacturers may choose to use hull shapes that provide bountiful interior and living space, making the ride rougher in rough seas.

They may choose a fin keel and spade rudder for better upwind performance and more overall speed, knowing that these designs are less sturdy and more prone to damage than a full-keel bluewater cruiser. They may include large windows, which add lovely light to the living space but also pose a danger should they be breached offshore in storm conditions.

Many boats like this have completed long passages or even circumnavigated successfully. To say that it wasn’t designed for the journey isn’t to say that it isn’t possible to make the journey. But they still should not be considered “bluewater sailboats” because they have done it and gotten lucky—or have done it carefully and been heavily modified to do it safely.

Criteria for Picking Your Bluewater Boat

Everyone has a different vision for what they want from a bluewater sailboat. The term carries a lot of baggage. There are traditional heavily-built cruisers that can weather anything. And then, there are the well-equipped and upgraded production boats that can get the job done.

For our article, we will look at the first option—boats designed and built with voyaging across oceans in mind. Unfortunately, the list isn’t long and is full of older boat designs. This is mainly because this type of boat has fallen out of style, replaced by production boats that emphasize living accommodations and crew comfort while in port.

In the end, the bluewater boat you pick shows your priorities. Of course, no boat is perfect, and every sailor makes some sacrifices. Here are a few of the things that seasoned bluewater sailors will be looking for in an offshore-bound vessel.

The hull design of a boat affects many things about its performance, but most critically, it affects its ride and comfort at sea. This is especially true going upwind. Modern production boats are almost uniformly flat bottomed, which can pound dreadfully in a heavy seaway.

On the other hand, classic full-keel designs are renowned for their easy motions at sea. They are commonly described as slow compared to modern designs. But truthfully, all sailboats are slow. Would you rather have a comfortable boat that cruises at 7 knots or lose your teeth while doing 9 knots?

Conditions offshore can deteriorate with horrifying speed. Even with the excellent weather forecast products available in the 21st century, a bluewater boat should be capable of surviving storm conditions at sea. The crew’s skill and their heavy-weather sailing strategy have an enormous impact on storm survival. A sturdy vessel built to take the beating gives the crew a solid, trustworthy platform that is less likely to have serious breakages in storm conditions.

The list of things that you could include in this category is endless. Most of these things do not exist on production boats but are considered must-haves on offshore vessels.

• All deck and sailing hardware is through-bolted with heavy backing plates
• All seacocks are mounted on proper mounting plates and flanges
• All rigging is redundant so that no one failure can cause a rig to come down
• Hull is thickly built to survive possible impacts better
• Strongly built rudder mounted to the keel or skeg for protection and strength
• Prop and prop shaft are protected from entanglement and damage

There is simply no substitute for the warm feeling a sailor has when they do not doubt that their boat can take on any challenge. Smart sailor spends more time worrying about their own abilities and skills than the quality of their vessel.

Passage-making means living aboard for an extended time at sea. That means that the vessel needs to be large enough to accommodate you and your stuff for at least one and a half times the length of your longest trip. It also means that there is space for everyone on board to live comfortably and cohabitate for that length of time. 

Yes, the 20-foot-long Pacific Seacraft Flicka has completed circumnavigations, as has the 22-foot Falmouth Cutter or the Contessa 26. All are examples of extremely well-built and sturdy blue water vessels. But for most crews that consist of two or three people, they aren’t big enough to survive long passages without living exceptionally minimally.

Thus, their utility is limited to solo long-distance voyagers who are far more into the adventure of living small than cruising comfortably.

Comfort is a vastly underrated quality in today’s ideal cruising boat. A comfortable ride at sea is simply invaluable. It means a better-rested crew and better living conditions on board all voyages, long and small, calm and rough.

Many websites talk about a yacht’s “comfort ratio”.  This is of little interest to the racer or the coastal cruiser. But it measures how nice a boat rides offshore. The best boat designs score 30 or better. Long and heavy bluewater cruisers may score better than 50. The comfort ratio considers the loaded displacement of the vessel, its length, and beam—so larger boats have the advantage.

The comfort ratio does not apply to catamarans , however. The ride comfort on multihulls is much more difficult to judge. While the motion of a heavy monohull in a seaway can be rhythmic and predictable, wave action is felt on two independent hulls and the bridge deck of a cruising catamaran . The result is a jerky and unpredictable motion.

Some crews much prefer this motion to the extra rolling that a monohull experiences. The differences are subjective and cannot easily be quantified. Some people never get seasick on monohulls and are miserable on sailing catamarans , and the opposite is true just as often.

Besides the ride motion, it’s worth noting that multihulls have no ballast at all. Instead, they are lightly built for the best speed and performance, translating into a bouncy and pounding ride over even the slightest chop.

A bluewater sailor will want to make a way in nearly every set of conditions imaginable, short of a survival-condition storm. To do this, their sail inventory should provide them with an option they desire. From light winds to gales and heavy seas, the boat should have options.

Far and wide, the Bermudian sloop rig has taken over as the sailplane of choice on the typical coastal bluewater cruiser. Traditional bluewater sailboats tend to be either cutters or cutter-rigged ketches. These setups provide more options and easier sail handling than sloops do.

Another significant consideration when working offshore is how easy it is to get around the boat when the world is moving every which way. Down below, everything should have round corners and soft edges—you never know where your next painful bruise will come from. Up on deck, tall gunwales and secure lifelines are the difference between a death-defying adventure or a routine walk to the bow.

10 Best Offshore Bluewater Sailboats

Here are just a few of the biggest names in bluewater sailboats. Some of these vessels have been out of production for decades, but they still make a name for themselves with those who appreciate this type of vessel.

As noted above, we’re sticking with the classic definition of “bluewater sailboat” here. Of course, many will argue that modern production sailboats and multihulls can and do cross oceans. They certainly can and do. But very few of them in this size range are purpose-built from the start to provide comfortable and safe rides at sea—and so they are omitted here. 

Fiberglass boats of this style began with the Westsail 32. This was one of the cruising sailboats that created a cultural movement. Today, these boats are not particularly memorable. They were first built in 1971 and were the first of an entirely new class of sailboats—the attainable, fiberglass-built, bluewater-capable cruiser.

While there are still Westsails out there, many better designs have popped up since. But it was the Westsail that got many dreamers dreaming of sailing off into the sunset, and it was the success of the Westsail that convinced many companies to try their hand at building beefy offshore boats.

One of the first successful competitors to the Westsail was the Tayana 37. Designed by Bob Perry and built-in Taiwan, the Tayana 37 was one of the most popular bluewater sailboats of the 1970s. Over 500 were built, and they are prized to this day for their seakeeping abilities and sturdy construction. Their canoe stern design makes them especially easy to handle in quartering seas. The Tayana is a full-keeled cutter, heavily constructed and sturdily built.

William “Bill” Crealock is known for putting a premium on designs that ride comfortably. Pacific Seacraft produced the most popular of his designs. In fact, nearly every one of the company’s sailboats came from his drawing board. Pacific Seacrafts are extremely well-built boats that anyone would feel comfortable in. 

These boats feature a long keel and a sturdy skeg-mounted rudder. Their performance is theoretically slightly better than full-keeled boats, but they’re still comfortable in a seaway.

Similar to the Tayana 37, this series of boats were also designed by Bob Perry and built by Taiwanese boatyards. They feature a slightly modernized cutaway full keel. They’re best known for their lovely interiors that showcase some of the best Taiwanese craftsmanship you’ll find.

These boats came in a wide variety of designs and sizes, but all are roughly similar. The Baba 30 is the smallest, while the 37 and 40-footers are better equipped for extended passage making.

Bob Perry updated his double-ender design for Texas-based Valiant Yacht. These are premium American-built yachts that are highly sought after to this day. The Valiant 40 incorporated a long fin keel and skeg-mounted rudder. The goal was to improve performance, especially when sailing upwind while keeping a structurally sound and sturdy design.

The results spoke for themselves, and the design has pretty much been adopted by every other design of offshore sailing yacht since.

Another modern design from the desk of Bob Perry, the Norseman 447, was built by Ta Shing in Taiwan, one of the premier boatyards in the world. Its underside is similar in design to the Valiants, with a long keel and skeg-mounted rudder. It’s heavily built and features just enough room and waterline for comfortable long passages.

Like the Norseman, the Passport is a ruggedly built offshore sailing yacht with a modern design. Also designed by Bob Perry and also built in Taiwan, the Passport was first launched in 1980. The line of boats eventually expanded to include yachts from 37 to 52 feet.

The Passport features a fin keel and skeg-hung rudder. It’s a sloop and was designed to be sailed under main alone for easy single-handing. The boats are incredibly well-built and sturdy. Sailor John Kretchmer wrote an excellent review for Sailing Magazine. https://sailingmagazine.net/article-537-passport-40.html The Passport offers the beautiful lines and sea kindly design of a Bob Perry boat, but with the modern finish and appeal of a newer boat.

The Hylas line of Taiwanese-built boats is a popular one. Unlike many others on the list, these yachts featured aft cabins and center cockpit designs. This provides a more central location to drive the yacht from. Down below, the arrangement allows for a large master stateroom aft with an island berth.

Hallberg-Rassy builds seaworthy and sturdy vessels in Sweden. Most of their designs, and all of their current offerings, come from the drawing boards of renowned European designer German Frers. The best-known models are center cockpit designs with excellent construction and beautiful joinery down below. The newer boats have modern undersides with fin keels and beefy, skeg-mounted rudders. Older boats have long or full keel designs.

This once little-known French manufacturer of beefy offshore ketches has experienced a renaissance thanks to the YouTube sailors on SV Delos. Amels are larger yachts, ranging from 50 to 60 feet long. They’re heavily built but feature a modernized ketch rig that makes sail handling easy. Much of the line handling is done by power winches, including furlers on all sails. Their newest designs are sleeker cutters and sloops.

Cabo Ricos are hand-built in Costa Rica by an American company, or they were until about 2010. The early 34s and 38s were designed by Bill Crealock, while Chuck Paine designed the larger yachts like the 42 and 56. They are one of the newest-built full-keeled cruisers you can find.

They’re known for their fantastic woodwork and joinery down below, but the lines of these lovely boats only hint at how comfortable they ride at sea. Their solid fiberglass hulls are extraordinarily well-built and ready for anything. They have cutter rigs and heavy displacements. In short, they were designed from the keel up for bluewater passage making.

There are very few companies that are still making pure-blood bluewater cruising boats. While the market for production and charter sailboats is enormous, the number of private owners who want to cross oceans is small. Most of the owners will prefer to find a boat on the used market anyway. That means fewer sales and a high retail price, making the endeavor’s profitability for the manufacturer difficult.

But there are plenty of used yachts out there, and many are ready to go cruising tomorrow. Some of the yachts on this list are so well built and sturdy that they will keep crossing oceans for decades to come.

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.

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Best Single-Handed Bluewater Sailboats

Last Updated by

Daniel Wade

December 28, 2023

Sailing alone in racing or time on the water is a great experience. Finding the best single-handed blue water sailboat for those needs can be a tough task.

Regardless if you have a cruiser or racing sailboat, a single-handed one can offer many opportunities versus larger boats. So what are some of the best ones on the market?

The Hunter Channel 31, J/109, and West Wight Potter 19 are great budget-friendly, single-handed sailboats. Moving up in price, you can look at Hanse 371, Jeanneau Sunfast 3200, and even a Dehler 29. Depending on the size and the amount of features it has will determine what they are worth.

While the budget will play a role in finding the right single-handed boat for you, there are plenty of other factors to consider. These range between comfort, stability, and useful features.

According to experts in sailing, most prefer comfort over price as long as it is justifiable with the amount you are paying. As long as it is not too far over your budget, you could consider a slightly higher-priced boat if it has a few more bells and whistles to make your life easier.

Table of contents

‍ 12 Single-Handed Sailboats to Consider

Whether you are planning to cruise around or going out for the day sailing, there are a handful of sailboats to consider. You want to choose one that is best operated alone and would not need additional hands to make it work.

{{boat-info="/boats/rs-sailing-rs-aero"}}

For a fun day out at sea, it is hard to pass up on a quality dinghy . This one, in comparison to other dinghies, is fairly light and takes hardly any time to set up.

The RS Aero is one of the more technologically advanced dinghies for one individual to use. This one in particular has amassed a handful of awards for the best performance overall.

Due to its popularity and quality, these range between $10,000 to $15,000. If you find it any cheaper than that, it could be worth the investment.

2. Beneteau Oceanis 62

{{boat-info="/boats/beneteau-oceanis-yacht-62"}}

If you are feeling a bit adventurous or feel confident in your ability to handle a large boat by yourself, then try out the Beneteau Oceanis 62 . This boat is slightly over 60 feet, so it is recommended that you have all your ducks in a row before setting sail.

Thankfully, the boat was designed with ease of use in mind. So this could easily be operated by one person if they have some experience with it.

If you purchased this one for the family, then you can still have the added benefits of taking people with you. But if you decide you want to be by yourself, that is an option too.

This boat is valued around $600,000, so it is arguably one of the more expensive options for just a single handed sailboat. But if you are looking for a family boat, you are killing two birds with one stone.

3. Hunter Channel 31

{{boat-info="/boats/hunter-channel-31"}}

This British made sailboat debuted in 2001 with a twin keel, making it a great choice for solo sailing. While it has a rich history in racing, the design has gone through slight adjustments over the years to make it a solid cruiser.

With its incredible handling and quick turns, this sailboat has excellent handling. The hull structure allows it to have a low center of gravity and provide it with increased stability compared to other racing boats.

The deck layout, in combination of the self-tacking jib and tiller steering, allow this boat to be one of the best on the market if you can find it.

You can usually sail these fractionally rigged and reef with ease from the cockpit. For around $35,000, you are getting a great deal on a boat that has everything you need.

{{boat-info="/boats/j-boats-j109"}}

If you are not quite ready to venture out alone or want the availability to take people out with you, then the J/109 is a great sailboat to look into. These were first built in 2004, so you should be able to still find them today.

If you decide that you want to take it out by yourself, you could look into going offshore and into areas where other boats have difficulty reaching. You might be able to get it to plane on open water, but it is a little heavy.

With its asymmetric spinnaker, you should be able to jib from the cockpit with light wind. Even in heavier winds, this boat offers great stability.

Due to its high standards of construction and long term stability, these boats are still valued around $60,000. If you can find one a little less for that, it could be a steal.

5. West Wight Potter 19

{{boat-info="/boats/west-wight-potter-19"}}

This boat design has been around since 1979, which prioritized safety and handling. Those factors alone make it a quality solo handling boat.

This sailboat has grown on many over the last three decades. People have probably overlooked it due to its name, but you should definitely check it out if you find one.

The slight design changes over the years have turned this into a tough little boat. It has a Bermuda rigged sloop and can handle various conditions.

With its lifting keel, it allows it to navigate shallow waters. This boat might be one of the more versatile options out there if you plan on sailing in shoal drafts.

For the price, it is hard to beat something less than $10,000. If you are wanting a newer version with upgraded features, you could be spending around $25,000.

6. Hanse 371

{{boat-info="/boats/hanse-371"}}

For a mid-sized cruiser, it will be hard to pass up a Hanse 371 if you come across it. This boat design is geared towards single handed sailing, with a perfect mix of older and newer technology.

It has a furlong and self-tacking jib, along with an autopilot feature making it easy to use for one person. For a boat that was built around 2000, it was well ahead of its time.

Even though the boat is a bit larger than some others for solo sailing, you will have plenty of space to move around. With the large galley and quite a bit of cabin room, you will feel like you are in a mansion.

The look and handle of this boat is favored by many, which is why it still holds its value. You can potentially find ones for sale around $60,000.

7. Jeanneau Sunfast 3200

{{boat-info="/boats/jeanneau-sun-fast-3200"}}

From the first glance at this boat, you can see that it has a traditional look compared to other sailboats. Since it is smaller and lighter, it makes it easy to handle through many conditions.

The boat was originally designed to be a racer, so you have stability and strength in addition to speed. These were built around 2008, but still offer some of the best technology you will find today.

For space, you will have plenty of room just for yourself. There are two double cabins, galley, and a head compartment.

This fractional sloop, along with the keel, can provide easy sailing in either direction of the wind. You can comfortably have the mast around 60 percent to reach a comfortable speed.

This boat is still modern, so you will see these a little bit more often than some others. You will likely find them for about $160,000 but you get all of the latest technology and a boat that is built to last.

8. Tartan 3700

{{boat-info="/boats/tartan-3700"}}

The Tartan 3700 is another quality boat that you can live on and comfortably cross the sea with. Thanks to the self-tacking jib, it allows the boat to be used easily by one person.

This boat was originally designed in the 1970’s, but still has value today. It has been proven to be a great boat to cover long distances and with multiple people on board.

Even though this one might be a little bit older in comparison to other single handed boats, the price still ranges close to $150,000. Rest assured, there is still quality and reliability with this sailboat.

9. Dehler 29

While this boat is not as popular in America, the Dehler 29 is a popular German sailboat. This boat is starting to become popular as more sailors look for single handed boats.

In 1998, this boat earned the honors for boat of the year and sailing boat of the year in the Cruising World Magazine. Since then, it still performs with quality since day one.

Since it is equipped with a tiller, you can steer this boat with ease. This offers one of the best opportunities to steer a boat without having to have an extra set of hands.

For the price, you can still find these on the market for slightly under $60,000. This is what you will pay for top quality German sailboats.

10. Rhodes 19

{{boat-info="/boats/oday-rhodes-19"}}

The Rhodes 19 is another classic style sailboat that many will gravitate to when they see it. Not only is it perfect for solo sailing, but you can have a few people on board if you enjoy family time.

The hull design is meant to be forgiving on the water, allowing it to easily handle heavier conditions. Since day one, this boat’s design has stood the test of time whether you are experienced or a newbie when it comes to sailing.

You can sprit rig this boat or simply use a Bermuda rig to help push you along with the wind. Since it has a low center of gravity, you do not have to worry about stability with this one.

Depending on your location, you can still find these for about $20,000. Assuming it is in good condition, you might find them slightly higher priced.

11. Pacific Seacraft Flicka 20

{{boat-info="/boats/pacific-seacraft-flicka-20"}}

This boat has a strong history of solo sailing , simply because having more than one or two people would be uncomfortable. These were very common around the 1980’s and there were roughly 400 of these built. If you can find one that was built in the late 90’s, that would be your best bet.

The reason this boat deserves some attention is that you can potentially find it for a great price and live on it. This boat is also towable, making it easy to take with you no matter where you go. For just under $20,000, you can find plenty in good condition.

{{boat-info="/boats/vanguard-laser"}}

The Laser is a specific boat that you have probably seen in the Olympics. This small boat is simple and ready to go exploring for solo sailing.

This is arguably one of the most popular single handed boats out there. If you want the simplest option for sailing by yourself, look no further than a Laser.

This boat can use various rig types, so whichever method you prefer. Most use cat rigging since there is no headsail and just one mainsail. It also helps that this boat is easy to set up, making it desirable for solo handlers.

For the price point, you cannot beat $7,000 compared to other single handed boats. Due to its popularity and quality, you might have to pay a little more.

Why You Should Solo Sail

Solo sailing is an experience like no other and even replicates similar adrenaline rushes in other sports. If you are not seeking the thrill, there are boats drained to take it a little bit slower on the water.

Regardless of your skill level, you should consider the experience at least once in your life. The beautiful thing about this is, it does not have to be the perfect boat to get it done.

There are even plenty of sailors that have sailed on much larger boats or ones that were designed for more people. It all depends on the adventure you are trying to seek, but there is clearly not another like it when sailing on your own.

Features to Look for in Single-Handed Boats

When solo sailing, there are plenty of features that can separate one boat from another. These can make a big difference in how your adventure goes for the day.

The conditions at sea are often unavoidable and something that everyone has to deal with. Whether you are solo saling or with a crew, everyone has to be aware of tough conditions.

If you sail alone, you are required to do everything in order to make it back safely. Having something with an automation system will be huge for solo sailors.

If you have a quality boat, the next best thing would be automation systems on board to help your life sailing much easier. Some of these systems include autopilot, electric windlass, roller furling, and even a radar.

Other sailors might want lines that run to the aft, a wind vane, or a hydraulic system for the bow or stern. Basically anything that you can do with a click of a button to reduce manual labor.

While this is an obvious option, you do not want to forget about stability. No matter how fast the boat is or how many cool features it has, those will be useless if you have issues with handling.

You want a boat that has wide beams and shorter waterlines. While this limits some speed, that is a much better trade off than having nothing at all.

Easy to Use

When picking out your single handed sailboat, you want one that is easy to use. If there are too many features that are required to get it going, you either need more experience or that boat is not right for you.

Try finding one that only requires a few steps in comparison to other ones. You might have to pick one that is a bit smaller in order to get used to it all, which is all you really need since your are by yourself.

Many sailors will have their preferred sails when going out on the water. A unique sail design that you could look for is the Bermuda sail with a gaff sail.

This allows you to have more sail area on a shorter mast. It also allows you to have better control and less heeling force that is common for longer sails.

It does make sense to choose the one that is right for your boat and what is most comfortable to you. After you find the right boat for you, you should strongly consider the sails it has.

Rigging Type

When it comes to solo sailing, the gaff rig is one of the best rig types. Even though the Bermuda is the most common, you lose some windward capabilities since it is lower.

The gaff rig makes the most sense because it is easier to use and has the best downwind performance. Each sailor will have their preferred rig type, but in solo sailing, the gaff stands out the best.

Price Point Makes a Difference

You do not have to break the bank when deciding what boat is best for solo sailing. There are boats that can fit within any budget, and you just have to know what you are looking for.

Just because a boat is priced over $100,000, does not guarantee that it is the best on the market. Depending on the brand, how many features it has, and how big the boat is will determine the price.

Some of the best single handed sailboats are priced less than $20,000. It all depends on the type of adventure you are seeking and how much money you are willing to spend.

Related Articles

Best Bluewater Pocket Sailboats

Best Bluewater Sailboats Under $100k

Best Bluewater Sailboats Under 24 Feet

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.

by this author

Best Sailboats

Most Recent

What Does "Sailing By The Lee" Mean?

October 3, 2023

The Best Sailing Schools And Programs: Reviews & Ratings

September 26, 2023

Important Legal Info

Lifeofsailing.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon. This site also participates in other affiliate programs and is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies.

Similar Posts

Affordable Sailboats You Can Build at Home

September 13, 2023

Best Small Sailboats With Standing Headroom

Best Bluewater Sailboats Under $50K

Popular posts.

Best Liveaboard Catamaran Sailboats

Can a Novice Sail Around the World?

Elizabeth O'Malley

June 15, 2022

4 Best Electric Outboard Motors

How Long Did It Take The Vikings To Sail To England?

10 Best Sailboat Brands (And Why)

December 20, 2023

7 Best Places To Liveaboard A Sailboat

Get the best sailing content.

Top Rated Posts

Lifeofsailing.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon. This site also participates in other affiliate programs and is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies. (866) 342-SAIL

© 2024 Life of Sailing Email: [email protected] Address: 11816 Inwood Rd #3024 Dallas, TX 75244 Disclaimer Privacy Policy

• BOAT OF THE YEAR
• Newsletters
• Sailboat Reviews
• Boating Safety
• Sails and Rigging
• Maintenance
• Sailing Totem
• Sailor & Galley
• Living Aboard
• Destinations
• Gear & Electronics
• Charter Resources

10 New Cruising Sailboats Under 35 Feet

• By Cruising World Staff
• Updated: November 3, 2020

It wasn’t so long ago that 30- to 35-foot cruising sailboats were likely to be the largest yachts found in many a harbor. And while 40-something and even 50-something footers are all the rage at boat shows today, there’s a lot to be said for setting sail on a boat big enough to carry family and friends, but still small enough to be easily maintained and handled alone from time to time. Small cruising sailboats are simple to dock or tie up to a mooring, and finding long-term marina space is easier as well.

Choosing a cruising sailboat, no matter the size, is a big decision. And it helps to have a trusted list of boats to get started. Here, then, is a look at 10 of the best daysailers , weekenders and coastal cruising sailboats under 35 feet that are all in production and can be purchased new.

Alerion Sport 30

A quarter-century ago, Garry Hoyt launched what would come to be known as the daysailer genre with the introduction of the Alerion Express 28, a boat designed by the late Carl Schumacher that featured a minimal interior and a large cockpit where an owner and guests could enjoy the simple joy of sailing. Traditional and lovely looking—but with a quite modern underbody and a powerful sail plan—Hoyt, ever the marketer, proclaimed the boat to be “the prettiest girl at the dance.”

Since then, a number of siblings ranging from 20 to 41 feet have been added to the Alerion family, including the Alerion Sport 30, which retains the graceful sheer line, oval ports and stylish overhangs of the original Schumacher design. Yet with input from naval architect Langan Design Partners, it also embraces a solid measure of performance-oriented DNA.

Read more about the Alerion Sport 30 »

Bavaria Cruiser 34

In every Boat of the Year contest, it seems, a boat rises up after sea trials to make a lasting impression on the judges. For 2018, that boat was the Bavaria Cruiser 34.

Says Boat of the Year Judge Tim Murphy, “The Bavaria was a lovely boat to sail. It has a single rudder, and she answered her helm just beautifully in the conditions we had today. We started off with around 10 knots of breeze that built to 13 to 15 knots. As a sailboat, it was just a pleasurable sailing experience, among the best we had during our judging. It was among the boats that felt like a really happy sailing experience.

Read more about the Bavaria Cruiser 34 »

Beneteau Oceanis 30.1

Sailed as part of the 2020 Boat of the Year sea trials, the 31-foot-3-inch Beneteau Oceanis 30.1 was the compact yacht best-equipped and spec’d out as a dedicated cruising boat, and not coincidentally, it was also awarded the title of Best Performance Cruiser for 2020. But don’t let her cozy interior accommodations fool you; this is also one peppy little vessel.

Read more about the Beneteau Oceanis 30.1 »

The 2017 Boat of the Year (BOTY) contest featured a stellar crop of crossover cruiser/racers; however, when all the testing was said and done, our independent panel of judges was sold on the Dehler 34, naming it the year’s Best Performance Cruiser. Designed by the highly regarded Judel/Vrolijk naval-architecture consortium, whose reputation was fostered by longtime success in international yacht-racing circles, the 34-footer combined contemporary good looks and a sweet turn of speed with better-than-average comfort and accommodations below. It didn’t hurt that the boat, nicely equipped at $215,000, was the least-expensive entry in the entire 2017 fleet. All in all, it proved to be a winning formula.

Read more about the Dehler 34 »

Dufour Grand Large 360

Dufour Yachts introduced its new 360 Grand Large model to CW’s Boat of the Year team in 2018 as a coastal cruiser intended for a couple or perhaps a small family. With that in mind, judge Alvah Simon found numerous clever elements to praise within the boat’s 35-foot-2-inch hull—a relatively modest LOA compared to the many 40-, 50- and 60-footers on display at the U.S. Sailboat show in Annapolis, Maryland.

Read more about the Dufour Grand Large 360 »

After a roughly 10-year hiatus from the U.S. marketplace, the Slovenian builder Elan is back in a big way. For the 2017 Boat of the Year contest, the company launched a pair of new boats in the States, including the Elan E4, a 34-foot-9-inch performance cruiser with an emphasis on performing, designed by renowned British naval architect Rob Humphreys. The brand has been in business for seven decades and lately is perhaps even better known in America for its skis. Not surprisingly, given its complementary product lines—lots of sailors are fine skiers—its boats are as sleek and sporty as its boards.

Read more about the Elan E4 »

Grand Soleil 34

Way back in the 1970s, when the well-known Italian boatyard Grand Soleil was just getting started, its first model was a Finot-designed 34-footer. With over 300 units sold, it was an instant success, and launched the company on an upward trajectory that spanned the intervening decades, mostly with an ongoing series of much larger, more complex racer/cruisers. For 2020, the builder decided to return to its roots with a completely revamped Grand Soleil 34, and it’s a terrific boat.

Read more about the Grand Soleil 34 »

Value. How does one determine it? Price is most certainly a factor. In the case of new boats, and our Boat of the Year competition, it means something more. As sailors, we wish to recognize good boats that not only are affordable but offer other, tangible rewards. The ability to get couples and families out on the water, to have a weekend escape, to take them on coastal vacations and even maybe a sabbatical to the islands, all without breaking the bank. For 2019, the judging panel determined that one boat had the potential to do these things better than the rest, which is why they awarded the Best Value prize to the Hanse 348.

With a price tag under $200,000, during sea trials the Hanse 348 wowed the judging team from the get-go. “In only about 8 knots of breeze, we were seeing 5.7 knots upwind and pointing very nicely, and even registered 6.5 knots once we cracked off,” said Tim Murphy. “It’s a pretty sweet little boat.”

Read more about the Hanse 348 »

Italia 9.98

Of the performance cruisers that made their North American debut in 2020, in terms of sheer appearance, the futuristic 34-foot Italia 9.98 was easily the most distinctive. There are actually two versions of the boat: the 34 Club—which is the cruising alternative, the primary features of which are its twin wheels—and the 34 Fuoriserie—the racing model, and the one we tested, with its tiller steering being the identifying characteristic.

Read more about the Italia 9.98 »

Beginning with the popular little J/24 way back in 1977, J/Boats has become famous for its steady introduction of terrific racing and cruising boats, almost all of which shared one main characteristic: They sailed like a witch. More than four decades later, having built more than 50 separate, mind-boggling models, the Johnstone family that designs, markets and sells the brand shows no signs of slowing down. Their latest offering, for 2020, was another fast and fun racer/cruiser: the 32-foot-7-inch J/99.

Read more about the J/99 »

• More: boty , coastal cruiser , new boats , Sailboats
• More Sailboats

New Sailboat Brand: Mishi Yachts

For Sale: 2005 Tayana 48

For Sale: 2015 Catalina 355

For Sale: 1998 Hinckley 51

Hurricane Beryl Relief Efforts: How You Can Help

Gary Jobson To Talk U.S. Prospects in Upcoming World Sailing Competitions

Make Downwind Sailing Fun Again. Turn Off That Motor and Unfurl Your Kite!

• Digital Edition
• Customer Service
• Privacy Policy
• Email Newsletters
• Cruising World
• Sailing World
• Salt Water Sportsman
• Sport Fishing
• Wakeboarding

Watch CBS News

Project 2025 would overhaul the U.S. tax system. Here's how it could impact you.

By Aimee Picchi

Edited By Anne Marie Lee

Updated on: July 12, 2024 / 1:42 PM EDT / CBS News

Project 2025, a 900-page blueprint for the next Republican president, is gaining attention for its proposals to overhaul the federal government. Among those changes: a major restructuring of the U.S. tax code. 

President Biden and Democrats have been citing Project 2025 in recent weeks as they seek to highlight what could be in store if former President Donald Trump wins at the polls in November and retakes the White House in January.  Many of the blueprint's proposals touch on economic matters that could impact millions of Americans, as well as social issues such as abortion and diversity, equity and inclusion, or DEI, topics. 

Project 2025 , overseen by the conservative Heritage Foundation, is spearheaded by two ex-Trump administration officials: project director Paul Dans, who was chief of staff at the Office of Personnel Management, and Spencer Chretien, former special assistant to Trump who is now the project's associate director.

Trump: "I know nothing about Project 2025"

For his part, Trump has distanced himself from the blueprint, writing on Truth Social early Thursday that he isn't familiar with the plan. His campaign has proposed its own goals through " Agenda 47 ," which tends to focus on social and political issues such as homelessness and immigration rather than taxes.

"I know nothing about Project 2025. I have not seen it, have no idea who is in charge of it, and, unlike our very well received Republican Platform, had nothing to do with it," Trump wrote  Thursday.

His pushback comes after Heritage Foundation President Kevin Roberts opined in a podcast interview that the U.S. is "in the process of the second American Revolution, which will remain bloodless if the left allows it to be." 

According to Project 2025's website, its goal is to have "a governing agenda and the right people in place, ready to carry this agenda out on day one of the next conservative administration."

A shift to two brackets

The tax proposals of Project 2025, if enacted, would likely affect every adult in the U.S. by tossing out the nation's long-standing system of multiple tax brackets, which is designed to help lower-income Americans pay a smaller share of their income in federal taxes compared with middle- or high-income workers. 

Currently, there are seven tax brackets — 10%, 12%, 22%, 24%, 32%, 35% and 37% — with each based on income thresholds. For instance, a married couple pays 10% in federal income tax on their first $23,200 of income, and then 12% on earnings from $23,201 to $94,300, and so on. Married couples need to earn over $487,450 this year to hit the top tax rate of 37%.

Project 2025 argues that the current tax system is too complicated and expensive for taxpayers to navigate. To remedy those problems, it proposes just two tax rates: a 15% flat tax for people earning up to about $168,000, and a 30% income tax for people earning above that, according to the document . It also proposes eliminating "most deductions, credits and exclusions," although the blueprint doesn't specify which ones would go and which would stay.

"The federal income tax system is progressive, and people who make more money pay a higher marginal tax rate than people who make less money," Brendan Duke, senior director for economic policy at the left-leaning Center for American Progress, told CBS MoneyWatch. "Conservatives look at that, and they feel that that's unfair to the wealthy to ask them to pay a greater share of their income in taxes than lower income families."

The Project 2025 proposal "is a dramatic reform of how we fund our government, where we ask the wealthy to pitch in more than lower income families," he said. "This shifts taxes from the wealthy to the middle class, full stop."

Project 2025 didn't immediately respond to a request for comment. 

In a statement, the Heritage Foundation said it will ultimately be up to the next conservative president do decide which recommendations to implement, adding "As we've been saying for more than two years now, Project 2025 does not speak for any candidate or campaign." 

Project 2025's tax rates 

Millions of low- and middle-class households would likely face significantly higher taxes under the Project 2025's proposals.

He estimated that a middle-class family with two children and an annual income of $100,000 would pay $2,600 in additional federal income tax if they faced a 15% flat tax on their income due to the loss of the 10% and 12% tax brackets. If the Child Tax Credit were also eliminated, they would pay an additional $6,600 compared with today's tax system, Duke said. 

By comparison, a married couple with two children and earnings of $5 million a year would enjoy a $325,000 tax cut, he estimated. 

"That 15% bracket is a very big deal in terms of raising taxes on middle-class families," Duke said. 

Millions of U.S. households earning less than $168,000 would likely face higher taxes with a 15% rate. Currently, the bottom half of American taxpayers, who earn less than $46,000 a year, pay an effective tax rate of 3.3%  — which reflects their income taxes after deductions, tax credits and other benefits. 

Among other tax and economic changes proposed by Project 2025: 

• Cutting the corporate tax rate to 18% from its current 21%, which was enacted in 2017's Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. Prior to the TCJA, the corporate tax rate stood at 35%.
• Reducing the capital gains tax to 15%. Currently, high-income earners pay a tax of 20% on their capital gains.
• Eliminating credits for green energy projects created by the Inflation Reduction Act.
• Considering the introduction of a U.S. consumption tax, such as a national sales tax. 
• Eliminating the Federal Reserve's mandate to maintain full employment in the labor market.

To be sure, overhauling the tax system would require lawmakers to approve changes to the tax code, which could be difficult if either the House or Senate is controlled by the opposing party. For instance, Trump was able to get his Tax Cuts and Jobs Act passed by a Republican-led Congress, even though no Democrats voted in support of the measure. 

What does Trump say about taxes?

Trump hasn't yet proposed any concrete tax plans, but analysts expect that he would seek to extend the tax cuts enacted through the TCJA if he is reelected. Currently, many of the provisions of the TCJA, including lower tax brackets, are set to expire at the end of 2025. 

One likely scenario if Trump is reelected is that Republican lawmakers would extend the TJCA's tax cuts, while seeking to fund the reduction in tax revenue by repealing some of the clean energy and climate-related provisions in the Biden administration's Inflation Reduction Act, according to an April report from Oxford Economics. Lawmakers could also seek to cut spending on social benefits to offset the tax cuts, the research firm added.

Trump has suggested a proposal to create a 10% tariff for all imports and a 60% tariff for Chinese imports that could raise enough money to eliminate the federal income tax. 

Tax experts also say the math doesn't work out because money raised from new tariffs would fall far short of replacing the more than $2 trillion in individual income taxes collected by the IRS each year. Consumers are also likely to pay more in higher costs for imported consumer goods and services with tariffs tacked onto them, experts note.

"A tariff is a consumption tax, and there is a throughline between [Project 2025's] tax reform and what Trump has talked about, getting rid of taxes in favor of a consumption tax," Duke noted. 

• Donald Trump

Aimee Picchi is the associate managing editor for CBS MoneyWatch, where she covers business and personal finance. She previously worked at Bloomberg News and has written for national news outlets including USA Today and Consumer Reports.

More from CBS News

Highlights from the 2024 Republican National Convention

At Trump's GOP Convention, there's little to be heard on health care

Investors are putting their money on the "Trump trade."

Fact check of Trump, others on Day 4 of the Republican National Convention