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What are cruising sailboats, and how do they differ from other types of sailboats?
Cruising sailboats are designed for users that would like to spend an extended amount of time onboard, and possibly head across oceans or off the beaten path. As such, cruising sailboats need to have ample living space, comfortable sleeping quarters, be seaworthy and have the capacity and storage to spend weeks onboard at a time.
Perhaps the greatest contrast to this would be racing sailboats as they are built for speed and agility over comfort. Unlike cruising sailboats, racing sailboats don’t always prioritize cabins and will often avoid too much storage space or communal areas since this can weigh the boat down.
Browse racing sailboats for sale here.
What sizes of cruising sailboats are available?
Cruising sailboats come in a wide range of sizes. You’ll be able to find plenty of comfortable cruising boats starting at 20-25ft with small cabins and dining areas, all the way to cruising sailing yachts over 200ft.
An important thing to note here is that if you do plan to cross any oceans with your cruising sailboat, we do recommend purchasing a sailboat at least 35-40ft in length. At this size, a boat will be more comfortable for longer periods at sea, while also providing safety, security, and storage for all of your provisions.
Click here for more information on crossing the ocean with your boat.
How much do the cruising sailboats cost?
With such a robust resale market for cruising sailboats, you shouldn’t have a problem finding the right sailboat to fit your budget. A few factors will impact the overall listing price of a cruising sailboat:
- Year of build
- Brand
- Length
- Location
History – Especially important to note if buying a yacht that has spent a long-time off grid, was used to live onboard full time, or spent most of its life in salt water. All of these things can increase the wear and tear of the vessel.
As an example, there are cruising sailboats for sale on YATCO.com currently as low as a few thousand dollars, and those costing up to tens of millions of dollars.
Click here to search all new and used sailboats for sale.
What are the best cruising sailboats?
You have plenty of choice when looking at the best cruising sailboats for sale. A few of the most popular and reputable companies on the market today are:
- Alloy Yachts
- Beneteau
- Catalina
- Hallberg-Rassy
- Hunter
- Island Packet Yachts
- Jeanneau
- Nautor’s Swan
- Perini Navi
- Oyster Yachts
Click here to search all types of boats and yachts for sale.
What factors should I consider when choosing the right cruising sailboat?
If you know a cruising sailboat is the right style and model for you, there’s a few things you should consider and ask yourself before purchasing:
- Hull and materials – Depending on the type of cruising you want to do, you’ll need to look for sailboats with sturdy hull construction. The most popular type on the market you’ll come across today is fiberglass, with aluminum being a great contender if you are planning on long-distance cruises in all types of weather conditions.
- Size – If you are planning on cruising for long periods at a time, pick a cruising sailboat that is the right size for you and your group. Planning on going solo? A small cruising sailboat could be just right; however, if you are a family spending weeks onboard at a time, you’ll want the space to spread out a bit.
- Maneuverability – If cruising at length, you want a sailboat that reacts well to steering and you won’t have to fight with it when the going gets tough.
- Interior Spaces – This means comfy cabins, a working toilet and shower, plenty of storage for food and necessities, etc.
- Exterior Spaces – Extra deck space is great when the weather is good, and you want to enjoy the views. Don’t forget, with ample space above and below deck, you’ll have even more opportunities to spread the group out when cabin fever sets in! Some like center cockpit sailboats for this reason.
- Power – Extra sails (and different ones for different wind conditions), back up engine power and extra fuel are key to making sure all goes well on our trip. And should something go wrong while in the middle of the ocean, you’ll have plenty of backup onboard since you planned for all scenarios (and help will be far from available).
