The Top Sailboat Manufacturers (According to Sailors)
Whether you are buying or chartering a boat, or whether you simply want to stay informed, you might be asking the question: who are the top sailboat manufacturers? As is the case with most 'who's the best' questions, the answer isn't simple. So this article takes a stroll among the crowds and asks - “who's your favorite?” .
What are the top sailboat manufacturers?
Groupe beneteau.
This is the ultimate all-star list. Now let’s see why.
First of all - I want to make this lineup relatively short. There are tens of names that bounce around when you ask about favorite manufacturers, and if I had made this a long list, in the end, it wouldn’t represent the famous all-stars that really stand out in the eyes of the people. If you want a longer, less detailed list, check out our article about 50 popular sailboat brands . This time though, we are looking only at the manufacturer champions of the ‘popular choice’ contest.
“This is a loaded question!”, the internet forums yell, “there are thousands of options!”, they cry, enraged, “it’s not about the boat, but about the crew!” they scream. But we don’t give up and continue, determined to find out who you all like the most.
Cover Image : Bavaria Cruiser 55 - Copyright BavariaYachtbau under CC BY-SA 4.0
I know, I know, I hear you. Let’s start with the cons of these boats to quench the thirst of the bloodthirsty critics. Yes, Wallys are very costly, they go all the way up to tens of millions of dollars and so won’t be more than a bedroom poster for most of the readers.
That’s about it when it comes to the negatives, though. The reason they made it on this list despite their price tag is that they are pioneers in many aspects. Visually they are beyond gorgeous, and their price allows for exquisite build quality. The cost of these hi-end racer/cruisers means they aren’t particularly user friendly since most users won’t be able to use them, but just as Rolls Royce belongs on the list of the best cars, Wally belongs on the list of the best boats. They are the brainchild of Luca Bassani, founder and chief of the brand, a stylish Italian man who knows what’s right.
And it is this poster worthiness that gained them popularity among the crowds. A video of a simple Atlantic crossing on a 100 foot Wally has millions of views not necessarily because that particular journey would be exciting, in fact, it is quite an uneventful one, but because it is on a boat that makes the design junkies salivate. The Wally designs alone were the reason these boats made it into Hollywood feature films and series, and if you look at one, you’ll understand why. This is what happens when extravaganza meets good taste and has all the money in the world to realize the idea.
What do they make in terms of sailboats? Superyachts around 100 ft long, each focused on sporty cruising, design, and comfort. They only make custom sailboats, no factory models here. Buying a used one is a safe situation, they hold up even after a long time both in terms of quality, performance as well as design. During their existence, Wally only made a handful of boats, so if you ever stumble upon one, take a selfie. It is like meeting a celebrity.
To level the scales, let’s now jump at the opposite side of the spectrum and have a look at Catalina, the people pleaser. If Wally was the Rolls Royce of the boating world, Catalina is the Ford, making, as they say, “honest, sturdy boats that hold up to real-world conditions, perform well and cost less to maintain”. The mission of this company then seems to be to make boats as practical as possible for the common folk. That means: a practical interior layout, practical handling, and last but definitely not least, a practical price.
And this strategy has worked out well - according to experiences of hundreds of thousands of sailors, Catalinas stand up to their reputation of a boat that’s got your back. It is one of the largest boat producers in the world, with over sixty thousand of its boats sailing the world. Boat manufacturers oftentimes go through quite a lot of rough patches, that turn into bankruptcy for many, it isn’t an easy business to be in, but Catalina has been on a roll for decades. And this success has come with its perks - the business stability allowed for some impressive manufacturing facilities, which helps mass production, which in turn helps drive the price down. So with Catalina, you’ll likely be getting more bang for your buck than from their competition.
They make boats ranging from tiny daysailers all the way to 50-foot seaworthy vessels. What made them the most famous though are their mid-sized cruisers - the staple of the classical American sailing fan. Whether you like it or not, slow and steady is the name of the game when it comes to mainstream, and that is precisely what Catalina understands so well. They don’t take large risks. Their models are long-running with slight tweaks and facelifts, concepts that don’t surprise or insult, but offer stability. This conservativeness has been what some sailors hold against Catalinas, which is easy to understand when looking at many other brands that offer more in terms of fanciness, but this is the Catalina way, and it has worked out splendidly for them.
The long years of experience make for a great manufacturer that makes boats which won’t be the fastest, won’t be the prettiest or the boldest in terms of design or technological innovation, but they will do precisely what they are made to do - their job.
Bavaria is to Europe what Catalina is to the United States. Affordable, practical, nothing special, but does what it’s supposed to. It is the main diet of many Mediterranean sailors. To stay with the cars equivalent, just because I like it so much, if Catalinas were the Ford, Bavarias would be the Volkswagen. They are generally cheaper than Catalinas but don’t see that as an indicator, sailors can’t seem to find one or the other significantly worse or better in build quality. There are of course a few voices rooting for one or the other, but that can be assigned to fandom rather than to actual benefits. The price difference is there partly due to a different manufacturing process, the Bavaria factories are more efficient (they are German after all), and the production is more streamlined, allowing cutting costs without cutting corners.
Reliability, ease of use, and affordability are aspects that lead the design decisions here - which is what makes them so prevalent in charter companies. Even a nonexperienced sailor can get on a Bavaria and operate it with relative ease. But as I’ve been told by the boss of an unnamed charter company, after five or so years, you will start to feel the lower price tag as their reliability starts to go down unless money is put into repairs. With an older Bavaria, you will feel its age more than with other manufacturers. As one owner puts it, they tend to get “quite exhausted”.
So in case you belong among the Bavaria fans and have your eye on a used one, keep the above sentences in mind and when shopping, make sure you understand the ‘health’ of the boat in question. Moreover, be aware of the difference between a boat that was used by a handful of sailors over the years versus one that was chartered to more people than you could count. In other words, you wouldn’t want to buy a few-year-old rental car because who knows what the poor thing had to suffer, - especially since you can bet that many of the clients weren’t particularly good sailors due to generous sailing license policies in Croatia, which allows virtually anybody to ‘become a sailor’ within hours for a friendly fee.
What can you expect when you get on one? Good things - the manufacturers know what their products are used for, and that is why Bavarias are designed as easy comfortable cruisers. Everything you need to have within reach will be within reach, to the point of you having something to hold on almost all the time wherever you go through the boat - Bavaria knows well that many of its users won’t have their ‘sea legs’ and act accordingly. Even smaller models have generous amounts of space because it is the smaller models that are charter kings - Bavaria gives a lot of attention to them. The layouts will be comfy, so Bavarias make good boats for longer voyages - pair that with reliability and price and you will understand why the vox populi speaks so fondly of them.
The reason I am mentioning the name of the parent company here is that they own both Beneteau and Jeanneau, brands that are distinguishable on the surface, but if you look close enough, you will find them pretty similar, down to the fact that they are produced in the same factory. So since both Beneteau and Jeanneau are very popular sailor’s choices, both deserve a place on this list, but dedicating a subchapter to each would feel like making a duplicate.
By the way, Groupe Beneteau also owns Lagoon, a renowned catamaran maker, Prestige, luxury yacht manufacturer, Monte Carlo Yachts, CNB Yacht builder, the semi-custom sailboat maker, Four Winns, Glastron, Scarab, Wellcraft, Excess, and Delphia… some of these make motor yachts only, but if you combine fans of all of these, you get a sizable crowd. This company has figured out what people of various tastes want and serves quite a few of these niches.
Business aside, let’s see how this French company managed to find its way into the hearts of so many. Well, first of all, they are French. So chic style is to be expected. And with this, fans come. Image wise (and design-wise to a bit) Jeanneau is the sporty one that sails better, while Beneteau aims at the family comfort market. But on both, you will feel loved by the designer. They are made to make you feel good when you use them, and they’ll spoil you with luxury that fits within the specific price tag.
Comfort is a big deal here. On Jeanneaus for instance, you will sometimes find quite unique layouts, often different from the traditional ones, to really pamper the sailors - such as their two master bedroom setup, with the stern one being under the cockpit. A lot of them come with the 360 docking system, which allows you to move the boat around with a joystick and makes maneuvering in marinas so easy you feel like you are cheating. Or consider their decision to make the hull finer to cut through the water better, resulting in less movement - something that helps with comfort. All of this comes for a price but less so than you would expect since the buying power of the enormous Groupe Beneteau helps with shaving off dollars where smaller manufacturers couldn’t. This is, for instance, the reason why they can afford to use wood on their crafts to an extent you wouldn’t expect from a production boat for that price - again, buying volume allows for this even without you necessarily having to pay the expected premium.
Of course, you will mostly find them in Europe, where they are plentiful in marinas, though the aforementioned Bavarias dominate as far as numbers go. But that is mostly because of charters, since last year, over 80 percent of chartered boats were Bavarias. As personal boats, products of Groupe Beneteau belong among the top choices.
Now, this is a bit of a tricky one. The manufacturer doesn’t exist anymore, in fact, it produced boats from 1960 to 1989, making it over thirty years old, but despite that, the Cal models are still a favorite and worthy member of the cruising as well as performance world.
During the company’s existence, almost twenty thousand boats were built, partially because they were one of the first brands to mass-produce fiberglass sailboats. That, along with Cal models winning impressively in races, helped them to make a name for themselves, a name that still sounds to this day.
Why is it on this list? Partially because of its prevalence on the seas, partially because of its prevalence in internet forums and pub talks. Cal sailboats are loved by their owners mostly for their responsiveness when under sail, good build quality, (even though many say the interior could have been done way better) as well as reliability even after long years of use. Many of the design features have indeed been improved since, so if thirty years ago you could dominate races with Cals, today you won’t be on the lightest and most up to date boat around anymore. But you won’t be sailing a cruiser either. The boat might not be a pureblood racer, but it was built with racing in mind. Which might give the more sporty ones of your peace of mind that no Bavaria or any traditional cruiser will provide.
Quite a few owners say though that the success from the sixties gained Cal a name that you will pay for when buying one. If you are one of those who want to make sure they are paying for physical value rather than reputation, this might be a dealbreaker for you. There is a certain portion of slight arrogance that comes with racing success, one that shows in later models. But given the brand’s popularity, this is not too big of a deal.
So if cruising is your goal, if long crossings are what you desire, if you simply want a boat that was built with honesty and can take you basically anywhere you want, Cals are a safe bet. You’ll be joining a big, happy and an old family. And an affordable one at that.
In conclusion
To sum it all up, it seems that practicality, affordability, and reliability are the main factors that influence whether a sailboat manufacturer will become popular among sailors or not. As well as extravagant design and beauty, but that’s another story.
There have been many shipyards throughout the ages, some long-lasting, some surviving but a couple of years. Each tried to come up with an angle to sell well. Sometimes it was quirky design, and sometimes it was an intriguing feature, sometimes it was the use of new technology. Sometimes it worked out quite well, other times it did not. But in the end what sailors seem to want is a boat that will not fail them when they need it the most, a boat that is well built enough to cross oceans, because that gives one a sense of freedom and a boat that is built with the user-friendliness in mind. Simply, a boat that is your good friend.
A road to a sailor’s heart is simple, after all.
Daniel O'Connell
Really good article. I was enlightened.
Dan O’Connell
Leave a comment
10 Best Sailboat Brands (And Why)
There's no denying that sailors are certainly a passionate bunch. We’re so passionate about our boats that we always try going for the best sailboats. To make it a lot easier for you, here are the best sailboat brands.
Owning a sailboat is an indulgence that many of us only dream about but very few ever have the privilege of sailing the seas in what they can actually call their own.
While there's nothing wrong with renting a sailboat, the honor of owning one is certain what many sailors dream of.
With a perfectly crafted sailboat as company, gliding through the water, waves, and wind brings some sort of unmatched comfort and peace.
Add this to the fact that sailing takes you far away from the daily hustles and bustles that we've become accustomed to in our daily lives and you'll see why the life of sailing is very appealing to the masses.
But without a proper sailboat, all this fun and the good life of sailing are thrown out of the window.
Contrary to the widespread opinion, owning a sailboat isn't beyond anyone's reach. It's something that we can all achieve. But before getting into that, it's important to know some of the best sailboat brands.
The best sailboat brands will make your life as a sailor a lot easier and more fun. The best sailboat brands have, for decades if not centuries, mastered the art of woodworking. They've dedicated their skills and immense amount of their time to designing and manufacturing nothing but the best quality of sailboats in the industry.
So if you've been looking for the best sailboat brands from all over the world, you've come to the right place. We'll discuss the best of the best, something that will give you a perfect getaway from your normal life.
Table of contents
Must-Have Features for Your Sailboat
Before highlighting the best sailboat brands, it would be appropriate to jog your mind a little with some of the features that must be available in your sailboat.
Choosing a sailboat can sometimes be a matter of compromises. In other words, it's sometimes sensible to accept that a sailboat cannot have all the features that you desire.
As such, it's all about going with a sailboat that has the features that matter to you most.
For this reason, let's look at the most basic features that can make the difference in both safety and comfort while improving your sailing experience.
A Safe and Comfortable Sailing Cockpit
You'll most definitely be spending a huge amount of time in the cockpit. Whether you're keeping watch, trimming sails , helming, or just enjoying the scenery, there's no better place to do all these than from the cockpit. That being said, a good cockpit should have the following.
- Have a good depth for safety reasons and adequate drainage
- Should give you a quick and easy access to jammers, cleats, and other important parts of the winch system
- Should have a seat or seats that are about 35 cm high, 50 to 55 cm wide to provide ideal support
- The seats should be adjustable to offer maximum comfort and allow you to change your position
GPS Chartplotter
Use a GPS Chartplotter once and your sailing will never be the same without it. It not only allows you to map a course but is also a great way of ensuring that your sailboat exactly follows that course. It also gives you constant updates on ocean conditions, weather conditions , and potential hazards such as deadly currents and sandbars.
A GPS Chartplotter is also an important safety device that can help you in some very critical situations while out there on the water.
For instance, it has a man-overboard button that is essentially meant to allow you to receive coordinates of the exact location should someone fall off your boat.
Electric Winch System
This is an amazing addition to any sailboat. It allows you to sheet a jib even in high and strong winds with a simple press of a button. It also gives you the chance of trimming a mainsail easily while still carry out other essential tasks in the sailboat.
An electric winch system can be of great importance, especially if you're short on crew. This is because it can free up some crew members to carry other important tasks. In other words, it can make duties that would otherwise require more crew members a lot easier.
More importantly, an electric winch system can maintain safety even in the roughest of conditions, thereby preventing you and your crew from getting injured. In essence, an electric winch system will make your sailing a lot safer, less stressful, and more enjoyable.
Reverse Osmosis Watermaker
This is a very valuable accessory, especially if you're going on long sea voyages. You can spend days on end without drinking clean and safe water.
As the name suggests, you can use this accessory to turn seawater into purified drinking water. It uses the reverse osmosis method that's essential not only in removing bacteria and parasites from the water but also in turning the water into purified and safe drinking water.
Even though this device is pricey, it's a great way to mitigate the over-reliance on huge water tanks. All you have to do is to ensure that it's properly maintained and you'll have an endless streak of safe drinking water no matter where you are.
Wide and Clutter-free Deck
While the deck is often an overlooked feature of a sailboat, it can be the difference between a great sailing experience and a stressful one. In essence, the deck of a sailboat should be wide enough and clutter-free.
This is significant as it can enable you to quickly access different parts of your sailboat with hindrance or getting tangled. As you can see, this is particularly important in improving safety and reducing stress.
With that in mind, make sure that the deck is organized in such a way that you can have easy access to sails, masts, and winches.
You should, therefore, avoid sailboats with decks that are designed in such a way that you have to climb on top of the cabin just to access these features. Needless to say, this can be quite unstable and very dangerous especially when conditions are rough.
The Best Sailboat Brands and Why
1. hallberg-rassy.
Hallberg-Rassy is a Swedish yacht maker that's very well-known in the blue water cruising circles for making some of the highest quality and sturdiest sailboats. For many sailors, this is the number one sailboat brand as it offers absolute comfort, utmost safety, and good and easy handling.
This brand is not only synonymous with sturdy construction but you won't worry getting soaking wet while out there on the water. This is because it has a well-protected deck and cockpit, finished with nice woodwork, and has a powerful engine with a big tankage just to ensure that you can go on long voyages.
When designing its sailboats, this brand has made it a norm to add some features that stand out from the rest. For instance, the bowsprit is an integral feature that makes sailing a Hallberg-Rassy quite easy and much enjoyable. This is because it grants easy access to and from the deck. Its electric anchor winches facilitate smooth maneuvering. Even more, its large steering wheels makes it much easier to control the boat even in the roughest of conditions. In essence, this brand has features that provide good control and an extra sense of safety.
Although this brand has evolved over the years, you'll easily recognize it even from a distance. And why is this? A Hallberg-Rassy never goes out of style. This is a unique sailboat brand that has always stayed true to its principles and concept. No matter which part of the world you go, Hallberg-Rassy will remain the undisputed king of blue water cruising.
2. Nautor's Swan
For over 50 years, Nautor's Swan has endlessly raised the sailing levels by designing and manufacturing new sailboat models that not only push the boundaries but also meet that many requirements and demands of sailors across the world. Thanks to its wide range of seaworthy, timeless, elegant, and highly-performing sailboats, the Nautor's Swan remains one of the best if not the best sailboat makers in the world.
Based in Jakobstad, Finland, this brand has severally set the industry standard with its speedy and sleek models such as the Swan 48, Swan 65, Swan 98, Swan 78, and Swan 120. These models have one thing in common: they never compromise on safety. As a brand that puts safety first, it ensures that its models are made of foam-cored glass fiber and reinforced both with carbon-fiber and epoxy. In essence, Nautor's Swan is widely revered for its unmatched seafaring and safety records.
Additionally, Nautor's Swan models are incredibly responsive. You can easily tell this just by the feel of the wheel. This brand has models that will gracefully slice through the biggest of waves with ease. That's not all; the interior of these models that are very comfortable even when the going gets tough. This is, without a doubt, a brand that strives to create self-contained worlds with each model.
3. Beneteau
This is perhaps the most selling sailboat brand in the world. For over a century now, this brand has based its models in a combination of simplicity and performance. This is a brand that will serve you just right across all latitudes and in all circumstances. Whether you prefer the Oceanis Yacht 62 or the Figaro Beneteau 3, this brand will never let you down on all fronts.
This brand revolves around a simple concept of creating a link around the world. From the deck space to its design and light, this brand does everything possible not just to uniformly transform life at sea but also to open doors to new horizons in a very luxurious yet practical way. Its models are designed with clear deck plans, stable hulls, simplified maneuvering and interior materials and equipment that can be easily personalized.
Whether you're looking for a racing sailboat or something that's designed to explore and enjoy the world in the company of friends and family, Beneteau is a true combination of sensations and simplicity. This is a brand that brings to the seas fun, simplicity, smartness, toughness, safety, intuitiveness, as well as dazzling reinvention.
4. Amel Yachts
Based on the ethos of designing and manufacturing comfortable, robust, and easy-to-handle boats, this French brand has, for over five decades, offered sailors and other sailing enthusiasts the perfect opportunity to explore the seas with the utmost quality, comfort, and more importantly, safety.
Using 100% French know-how, this brand has brought to the sailing world some of the best boats such as the Santorini, the Mango, the Super Maramu, and the Maramu. We would be doing this brand total injustice if we said that they're distinctive. Truth be told, there's nothing comparable to an Amel model. Well Amel was and still is, the ultimate standard by which other sailboat models are measured.
From items such as electric winches and furling, to generators, Watermaker , and washing machine down to the simplest of items such as towels. Spare filters, bathrobes, deck brush, and a boat safe, the Amel is in reality with what the real life of a sailor is and should be.
Although some may say that Amel still has room for improvement in terms of specifications and personalization, it cannot be denied that the Amel is a serious brand that designs and manufactures complete boats. With this brand, you'll be guaranteed of a higher degree of reliability, safety, and an edge of fun while out there on the water.
5. Hinckley Yachts
Based in Maine, United States, Hinckley Yachts is a brand that has been building robust, luxury, and safe sailboats for more than 90 years now. In its sailboat class, you'll find several sailboats that have classic shapes, inner strength, dramatic lines, and features that are absolutely essential in dealing with the challenges of the North Atlantic.
This brand has been successful in integrating impeccable craftsmanship with new technologies to ensure that their models always stand out while articulating advanced sailing practices, timeless aesthetic, robust construction, and the utmost safety. Whether you choose the Bermuda 50, the Sou'wester 53 or any model for that matter, you'll never be short of advanced performance based on the best design and technology.
In terms of features, this brand provides sailboat models with modern performance hulls. These hulls are constructed with inner layers of carbon, outer layers of Kevlar, and are aligned with computer-designed load paths. Every feature is designed without compromising comfort.
To this end, this brand offers you a perfect combination of both fun and sail. This brand offers more than just sailing. Instead, it offers a unique sailing experience that's combined with the pure joys of sailing in the blue waters with an ease of ownership and maneuverability.
6. Oyster Yachts
If you've been looking for luxury more than anything else, Oyster Yachts provides you with numerous solutions. This British brand is widely known for manufacturing a wide range of luxury cruising sailing yachts. Its sailboats are among the finest in the world and are immensely capable of taking you to some of the far-flung places in the world without having to worry about high winds and hellish waves.
Whether you choose the iconic Oyster 565 or the immense Oyster 595 you never fall short of experiencing the new world like never before. These are models that will enable you to own your adventure, choose your destination, set your courses, pick your anchorage, and stay safe at all times. If you want to hold the wheel and pull the sail while feeling the tang of salt spray on your face, Oyster Yachts is the way to go.
This is, unquestionably, a brand that's meant for you if you want to explore the seas in comfort, luxury and utmost safety. From craftsmanship, sailboat design, to hull, deck, and keel configurations, everything is designed to allow you to circumnavigate the world in comfort, elegance, and style.
7. Tartan Yachts
Based in Fairport Harbor, Ohio, there's arguably no better to begin your sailing adventures than with a sailboat designed and manufactured by Tartan Yachts. With several award-winning designs and construction, this brand is widely known for providing easy handling, great performance, and an ultimately stable platform.
This brand always strives to deliver a unique and the best possible experience to every sailor. As a brand, Tartan fully understands that every sailor has his/her unique sailing needs. As such every component of their models is designed with engineering levels that guarantee optimum performance, excellent on-deck visibility, and luxurious interior.
From the Tartan 5300, the Tartan 4300, the Tartan 345 to the New 365 and the Fantail, this brand makes it a priority to ensure that its models are among the strongest, lightest, and more importantly, the safest in the sailing industry. In essence, this brand can be ideal if you appreciate performance. It has rewarding sailing features both in narrow water lines and wider passages. Add this to its easy handling and you'll have a top-notch performer in virtually every condition.
8. Catalina Yachts
As one of the most popular boat manufacturers in the world, this American brand is widely revered for building the sturdiest boats that can hold up perfectly well in real-world conditions. These are generally family-oriented boats that are intelligently designed to ensure that your entire family can have fun out there on the water.
Some of the models include the cruiser series such as the Catalina 315, the Catalina 385, the Catalina 425 while the sport series include the Catalina 12.5 Expo, the Catalina 16.5, and the Catalina 14.2 Expo. As the current winner of the "Boat of the Year" Cruising World, you'll rarely go wrong with a Catalina model.
It offers a wide range of sailboat sizes that suits your lifestyle. This brand makes it a priority to ensure that all their models are not only safe but offer the best ownership and sailing experience. If anything, this brand is widely known to have one of the most excellent resale values in the sailing industry.
9. Island Packet Yachts
From the IP 525, the IP 439 to the IP 379, the Island Packet Yachts is a brand that encourages its customers not to keep the world waiting. This brand is meant for sailors who want to explore the world in utmost comfort and safety.
The first thing you'll notice in an IP sailboat is its large aft deck. This is not only perfect for sunbathing but can also serve you well if you want an impromptu dinner with friends and family while out there on the water. The living space is also large enough to carry most of your belongings, which is an added advantage especially if you've been planning to spend longer periods in the seas.
With modern evolution and refinement, as well as proven features, this brand is known to offer sailors maximum comfort, luxury, and safety. You'll have better access to the cockpit, have enough space, and are excellently designed to provide superior seafaring and the best features to enable you to spend extended periods when cruising.
10. Sparkman & Stephens
For more than 90 years, Sparkman & Stephens has been at the forefront of the belief that sailboat excellence goes beyond hull lines and deck plans. Instead, this brand believes in excellent naval architecture, innovation, sophistication, and beauty. This is a brand that has laid the foundation of sailboat as a sport not just in America but all over the world.
These models have graced the world for decades and bring immense pleasure to their owners in terms of innovation, performance, and excellence. Though rooted in tradition, the brand has pushed sophistication, technology, and sailing experience to a whole new level. You'll be a proud owner of the Sparkman & Stephens model.
There you have it; these are the best sailboat brands in the world. Although there are several other sailboat brands to choose from, the-above described brands stand shoulder above others in terms of quality, safety, performances and luxury.
Hopefully, you're at a much better place when it comes to choosing a sailboat that suits your lifestyle, needs, and budget .
Happy sailing!
Related Articles
10 Best Sailboats To Live In
Common Issues With Hallberg-Rassy Sailboats
Common Issues With Catalina Yacht Sailboats
Common Issues With Island Packet Yacht Sailboats
Daniel Wade
I've personally had thousands of questions about sailing and sailboats over the years. As I learn and experience sailing, and the community, I share the answers that work and make sense to me, here on Life of Sailing.
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
Best Small Sailboats With Standing Headroom
December 28, 2023
Best Bluewater Sailboats Under $50K
How To Choose The Right Sailing Instructor
August 16, 2023
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?
7 Best Places To Liveaboard A Sailboat
December 20, 2023
9 Best Trailerable Sailboats
- Catalina 12.5 Expo
- Catalina 14.2
- Catalina 14.2 Expo
- Catalina 16.5
- Catalina 22 Sport
- Catalina 22 Capri
- Catalina 275 Sport
- Catalina 315
- Catalina 355
- Catalina 385
- Catalina 425
- Catalina 445
MAINSHEET MAGAZINE
- TRUE NORTH YACHTS
A legacy built on precision, innovation and unmistakable American craftsmanship.
Elevate your sailing experience with a touch of true American Luxury.
CHEERS! TO OUR OWNERS, DEALERS & TEAM
A key to our success and longevity is the relationship and communication with our owners, dealers and team. For more than 50 years they have propelled us forward as America’s largest sailboat builder.
We are a Catalina family.
MEET OUR FLEET
We’re not just building sailboats; we’re creating experiences that resonate with the essence of American Luxury. Our fleet is a testament to a legacy built on precision, innovation, and the spirit of adventure, with the unmistakable touch of American craftsmanship.
SPORT SERIES
CRUISER SERIES
OCEAN SERIES
Find your dealer.
We have a roster of dealers across the country who represent the Catalina fleet and there’s a good chance they’re planing a show, event or open house to showcase their in-stock Catalina models.
CATALINA YACHTS STORE
CATALINA YACHTS OFFICIAL RETAIL PARTNER
Performance hardware, sails, custom apparel, mats, sheets and much more!
The official publication for thousands of Catalina Yachts sailboat owners around the world.
FORGING AHEAD
From the past 50 years, and to the next 50, Catalina is devoted to providing owners and dealers with quality and value that has made Catalina America’s largest sailboat builder.
Frank Butler’s vision and philosophy carries forward with Sharon Day, who worked alongside Frank for 48 years, at the helm of a veteran leadership team.
TRUE NORTH BY CATALINA
True North initiates Catalina’s entry into the growing market segment of Downeast-style powerboats and promises traditional style with great performance and Catalina value.
PROUDLY OWNED, DESIGNED & BUILT IN AMERICA
Additional resources.
- Brochure Archives
- Associations
PARTS & TECH SUPPORT
727-544-6681
7200 Bryan Dairy Rd
Largo, FL. 33777
- Event calendar
- Miami International Boat Show
- Oceanis 30.1
- Oceanis 34.1
Oceanis 37.1
- Oceanis 40.1
- Oceanis 46.1
- Oceanis 51.1
- Oceanis Yacht 54
Oceanis Yacht 60
- FIGARO BENETEAU 3
- Heritage Sailing Yacht
- Flyer 7 SUNdeck
- Flyer 7 SPACEdeck
- Flyer 8 SUNdeck
- Flyer 8 SPACEdeck
- Flyer 9 SUNdeck
- Flyer 9 SPACEdeck
- Antares 7 Fishing
- Antares 8 Fishing
- ANTARES 11 FLY
- Gran Turismo 32
- Gran Turismo 36
- Gran Turismo 41
- Gran Turismo 45
- Swift Trawler 35
- Swift trawler 41 Sedan
- Swift trawler 41 Fly
Swift Trawler 48
Swift trawler 54.
- Grand Trawler 62
- Heritage Powerboats
- Future Owners
- A REMARKABLE ANNIVERSARY
- Our History
- Our Architects and Designers
- Our philosophy
- Our Innovations
- Your way to ownership
- Tests and Awards
BENETEAU - Designed to be remarkable
A remarkable anniversary.
Our long history and tradition demonstrate our commitment to continuous innovation and pride in the quality and craftsmanship. They strive to push the boundaries of what is possible in terms of boat design and performance while making sailing and boating accessible to everyone, from experienced sailors to newcomers.
LET'S CELEBRATE TOGETHER
There’s a whole world to discover out there, and there’s no better way to discover it than at our BENETEAU events . Come and join our family at our events, boat shows, owners rendezvous, and leave with a lifestyle !
Vendée Globe
Next events, fort myers boat show, chicago boat show, charlotte county boat show.
We built our first boats in 1884 and many things have changed since then. We’ve transformed living spaces and the list of innovations in hull design and navigation continues to grow at a rapidly increasing pace. However, some things haven’t changed and never will. BENETEAU’s philosophy of building the strongest, safest, most beautiful boats on the water is alive and well. The BENETEAU family’s pride in craftsmanship and passion for performance can easily be recognized in every sailing yacht and powerboat.
Exclusive Updates
Did you know that every month BENETEAU sends out a newsletter that gives you exclusive updates and the latest news from around the Americas? Don't miss VIP invitations to events, sneak previews of our new launches, tips from the experts, stories from owners, and more!
BENETEAU Waterfront Freedom Plan
Have you ever imagined the ultimate second home—one with endless views, flexible vacation options, and limitless potential for cherished memories?
Enjoy 2.99% Interest Rates with Our Boat Show Exclusive Buy-Down Deal*
BENETEAU is excited to offer a special 2.99% Buydown Program for the first 24 months through Shore Premier Finance!
Seizing the Moment: Uncover Exceptional Value in BENETEAU Ownership
Current market conditions offer unprecedented opportunities to purchase a BENETEAU at discounted prices, with faster delivery times, and potential long-term financial benefits.
We love sharing the boating lifestyl e with our family and friends. This love manifests itself in every BENETEAU built in any one of our many manufacturing facilities worldwide. Every BENETEAU sailboat and powerboat on the water reflects the best efforts of the finest architects, designers, and craftsmen along with the highest quality materials and the latest innovations. BENETEAU has been building sailing yachts and powerboats for all types of boating practices since 1884. Would you like to buy a new boat ? Leisure boating, short trips, cruising, competitive sailing – whatever type of sailing you envision, there is a boat to suit you at your local BENETEAU dealer .
BENETEAU: A LONG STORY THAT BEGAN IN 1884
The first BENETEAU boats sailed from the shipyards of Croix-de-Vie over 136 years ago. Since that time, the BENETEAU brand has been synonymous with quality and innovation to all those who have taken to the water – first by the fishermen who made their livelihood from the sea and then by the legions of recreational boaters around the globe.
Over the years, our commitment to innovating and embracing ideas, no matter how unconventional, has been at the forefront of who we are in order to bring you the best boat possible. BENETEAU was one of the first boatbuilders many years ago to use computer-aided design (CAD) as well as lighter, stronger composite building materials. We’ve also been at the cutting edge of using greener materials and processes to do our part in protecting the incredible world which we explore. However, all this innovation doesn’t mean we’ve turned our back on tradition. One thing we’ve discovered in over a century of boatbuilding is that new-world innovations work best with old-school craftsmanship. This combination has resulted in some of the most iconic sailboats and powerboats in the world – supremely seaworthy yachts renowned for their sense of style, luxury, and comfort along with their creative use of space and new technologies.
WIDE RANGE OF SAILING YACHTS AND POWERBOATS
Sailboat Range
We built our first sailboats over 135 years ago and many things have changed since then. The oak we once relied on has been replaced with strong but lightweight resin and carbon fiber. Where canvas once caught the wind, now it’s Kevlar and Vectran. We’ve transformed dark, confining saloons and cabins into bright, open living spaces. And the list of innovations in hull design and navigation continues to grow at a rapidly increasing pace.
However, some things haven’t changed and never will. Benjamin BENETEAU’s philosophy of building the strongest, safest, most beautiful boats on the water is alive and well. The BENETEAU family’s pride in craftsmanship and passion for performance can easily be recognized in every FIRST, FIRST SE, FIGARO, OCEANIS, and OCEANIS YACHT built today.
Knowing what to keep and what to change – that’s why BENETEAU continues to set the bar in sailing.
Powerboat Range
In North America, we might be considered by some to be a late-comer to the powerboat market, but in fact, we’ve always been a major force in it. As with most things, we have our founder, Benjamin BENETEAU, to thank. He was one of the first to put a petrol engine on his fishing trawlers in the early 1900s, thus changing the French commercial fishing fleet forever.
His successors found that power was a perfect fit for the bold, new hull materials they were pioneering in the ’60s. Since then, new technologies in propulsion have always found their way aboard a BENETEAU first, and power has long been part of our equation for success.
Today, there’s a BENETEAU powerboat or motor yacht for whatever you’re looking for – from casual cruising to long-distance adventuring, from fishing and diving to water skiing. They can be found on the open ocean, coastlines, harbors, lakes, and rivers. There’s a whole world to discover out there, and there’s no better way to discover it than at the helm of a BENETEAU powerboat, trawler or motor yacht.
THE LARGEST WORLDWIDE DEALER NETWORK
No matter where you cruise in the world or what port you drop anchor, there is a BENETEAU dealer close by to help if needed. With over 400 dealers on five continents, our network is a dedicated and motivated army of hand-selected, factory-trained individuals standing ready to provide you with expert advice and service.
Our infrastructure honed by years of experience, means each dealer has access to the spare parts and expertise needed to effect repairs and get you back on the water as soon as possible.
To purchase a new or pre-owned BENETEAU sailboat or powerboat, locate an authorized BENETEAU dealer near you. They will be there every step of the way to help you choose the right boat and maintain it properly for years to come.
Select your area and your language
- Chinese, Simplified
- Green Propulsion
- Renewable Energy
- Energy efficiency
- Sustainable materials
- Eco Insights
- News & Events
- Sunreef News Magazine
- Press About Sunreef
- 60 Sunreef Power
- 70 Sunreef Power
- 80 Sunreef Power
- 100 Sunreef Power
- Sunreef Ultima Range
- Sunreef 44 Ultima
- Sunreef 55 Ultima
- Sunreef 66 Ultima
- Sunreef 77 Ultima
- Sunreef 88 Ultima
- Sunreef fleet
- Sunreef Zero Cat
- Sunreef 100
- Sunreef Fleet
- Sunreef 35M
- Sunreef 43M
- 49M Sunreef Power
- 210 Sunreef Power Trimaran
- Sunreef Explorer
- 40M Sunreef Explorer
- 40M Sunreef Explorer Eco
- 50M Sunreef Explorer
- Superyachts Fleet
Building a future
Of sustainable innovative solar yachting.
Sunreef Yachts is the world’s leading designer and manufacturer of luxury sailing and power multihulls.
Each catamaran, motor yacht, and superyacht built is a bespoke creation. Every yacht is a vision brought to life, thoughtfully designed to deliver luxury, style and comfort.
EXPLORE OUR CATAMARANS
Sailing yachts, power yachts, superyachts, with a 360° approach.
to eco cruising, they offer cutting-edge electric propulsion , naturally-sourced sustainable materials, smart energy management and new technologies including a patent-pending solar skin produced in-house.
Green Propulsion for Eco Catamarans
Renewable energy on yachts, energy efficiency on yachts, sustainable finishing materials.
Equipped with the world’s first and only composite-integrated solar panel system and using the industry’s lightest batteries, the Sunreef Yachts Eco catamarans provide the best of autonomy and energy efficiency for environmentally-conscious luxury cruising.
The Sunreef Yachts Eco harvest power from the sun more efficiently than most solar catamarans. First in the world In-house pattented designed and manufactured by the shipyard, Sunreef Yachts’ solar panels are fully-integrated with the composite bodywork, vastly increasing the amount of solar power generated.
OUR AMBASSADORS
Fernando alonso.
brand ambassador since: September 2021
Two-time Formula 1® World Champion Fernando Alonso commissioned a custom 60 Sunreef Power Eco catamaran with Sunreef Yachts.
brand ambassador since: June 2022
An unstoppable and passionate adventurer, Mike Horn has accomplished a series of groundbreaking expeditions including a legendary solo journey around the equator without motorized transport
LATEST NEWS
Sunreef 43M Eco: The Biggest Single-Shot Hull Infusion Project in the World
Sunreef Yachts is proud to announce a significant milestone in the construction of the Sunreef 43
60 Sunreef Power Eco Wins at the World Yacht Trophies 2024
The Cannes Yachting Festival concluded with a pinnacle celebration recognizing the top winners in
Sunreef Yachts And Brabus Form Strategic Partnership To Develop High-End Luxury Catamarans
Sunreef Yachts is thrilled to announce the start of a new strategic partnership with BRABUS –
SUNREEF YACHTS SHINES AT THE CANNES YACHTING FESTIVAL
The Cannes Yachting Festival was a resounding success for Sunreef Yachts. The industry-leading lu
Creating History in Custom Yachting: Sunreef Yachts X Manutti
Hailing from Belgium, Manutti is a renowned outdoor luxury furniture brand founded by CEO Stephan
Reception Desk +48 58 769 77 77
Marketing +48 502 870 292
Sales Office:
+48 516 149 443 (General)
+34 661 082 145 (ES)
+48 693 920 325 (RU)
+90 532 644 70 21 (TR)
+971 524 118 266 (CN)
+1 305 321 2582 (US)
SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER
- Sailing Yachts
- Power Yachts
- Superyachts
- Making a Change
- Green Concept
- Energy Efficiency
- Sustainable Materials
Copyright © 2024 Sunreef Yachts . All rights reserved.
- Whistleblowing
- Privacy Policy
Sunreef Venture S.A.
Sunreef Yachts Shipyard
ul. Tarcice 6
80-718 Gdańsk, Poland
+48 58 769 77 77
Sailing Catamarans
Motor Yachts Catamarans
Dufour Yachts
- Commitments
History & Expertise
Team management
- Newsroom: news, events, webcasts...
Sailing towards carbon neutrality
A global signature, heading to carbon-neutral cruising, catamarans, motor yachts & sailboats.
Enjoy extraordinary experiences and share precious moments aboard your Fountaine Pajot sailing catamaran…
Motor Yachts
Choose the refinement of a motor yacht, with the luxury of space and comfort… A new horizon of experiences is opening up before you…
Dufour Sailboats
Step aboard legendary sailing yachts, synonymous with fast cruising and pleasure at the helm… A unique line bearing the Dufour signature…
More than half a century of passion and innovation
Inspired by a passion for sailing and a love of the oceans, Fountaine Pajot has been combining vision, expertise and innovation to design the very best boats for over half a century.
23 Oct 2024
VIDEO: Discover the New 41 from every angle
10 Sep 2024
Fountaine Pajot announces a new motor yacht model in collaboration with Couach
LAUNCHING a new generation of catamarans
06 Sep 2024
Exclusive announcement at the Cannes Yachting Festival 2024
England | Southampton Boat Show
Owners RendezVous | Punta Ala
22 Jul 2024
Fountaine Pajot Motor Yachts team wishes you a radiant summer!
Interview with an Alégria 67 Owner & guided tour
Xavier Embroise
Alégria 67 Owner
2024 Monaco Yacht Show
22 May 2024
International Event | Open Days La Rochelle
24 Apr 2024
Thíra 80: voted “Best Production Sailing Catamaran” by Yacht Style
08 Mar 2024
Alégria 67 – The Flagship Catamaran Star at the International Multihull Show – La Grande-Motte
Stay connected for the latest Fountaine Pajot news
Follow the adventures of Fountaine Pajot Owners, discover the latest news and upcoming events, and take part in the development of the Boat of tomorrow!
How can we help you?
You would like to :
Are you a homeowner? We answer your questions
contact-owner.text
Receive an offer as a Charter Company
You own a charter company and wish to renew or expand your fleet? Contact our sales team to discuss your project
Contact us for any other request
For a partnership proposal or any other professional request, please contact our team
Subscribe to the newsletter
- BOAT OF THE YEAR
- Newsletters
- Sailboat Reviews
- Boating Safety
- Sails and Rigging
- Maintenance
- Sailing Totem
- Sailor & Galley
- Living Aboard
- Destinations
- Gear & Electronics
- Charter Resources
- Ultimate Boating Giveaway
40 Best Sailboats
- By Cruising World Editors
- Updated: May 24, 2024
Sailors are certainly passionate about their boats, and if you doubt that bold statement, try posting an article dubbed “ 40 Best Sailboats ” and see what happens.
Barely had the list gone live, when one reader responded, “Where do I begin? So many glaring omissions!” Like scores of others, he listed a number of sailboats and brands that we were too stupid to think of, but unlike some, he did sign off on a somewhat upbeat note: “If it weren’t for the presence of the Bermuda 40 in Cruising World’s list, I wouldn’t even have bothered to vote.”
By vote, he means that he, like hundreds of other readers, took the time to click through to an accompanying page where we asked you to help us reshuffle our alphabetical listing of noteworthy production sailboats so that we could rank them instead by popularity. So we ask you to keep in mind that this list of the best sailboats was created by our readers.
The quest to building this list all began with such a simple question, one that’s probably been posed at one time or another in any bar where sailors meet to raise a glass or two: If you had to pick, what’re the best sailboats ever built?
In no time, a dozen or more from a variety of sailboat manufacturers were on the table and the debate was on. And so, having fun with it, we decided to put the same question to a handful of CW ‘s friends: writers and sailors and designers and builders whose opinions we value. Their favorites poured in and soon an inkling of a list began to take shape. To corral things a bit and avoid going all the way back to Joshua Slocum and his venerable Spray —Hell, to Noah and his infamous Ark —we decided to focus our concentration on production monohull sailboats, which literally opened up the sport to anyone who wanted to get out on the water. And since CW is on the verge or turning 40, we decided that would be a nice round number at which to draw the line and usher in our coming ruby anniversary.
If you enjoy scrolling through this list, which includes all types of sailboats, then perhaps you would also be interested in browsing our list of the Best Cruising Sailboats . Check it out and, of course, feel free to add your favorite boat, too. Here at Cruising World , we like nothing better than talking about boats, and it turns out, so do you.
– LEARN THE NAVIGATION RULES – Know the “Rules of the Road” that govern all boat traffic. Be courteous and never assume other boaters can see you. Safety Tip Provided by the U.S. Coast Guard
40. Moore 24
39. Pearson Vanguard
38. Dufour Arpege 30
37. Alerion Express 28
36. Mason 43/44
35. Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 43DS
34. Nor’Sea 27
33. Freedom 40
32. Beneteau Sense 50
31. Nonsuch 30
30. Swan 44
29. C&C Landfall 38
28. Gulfstar 50
27. Sabre 36
26. Pearson Triton
– CHECK THE FIT – Follow these guidelines to make sure your life jacket looks good, stays comfortable and works when you need it. Safety Tip Provided by the U.S. Coast Guard
25. Islander 36
24. Gozzard 36
23. Bristol 40
22. Tartan 34
21. Morgan Out Island 41
20. Hylas 49
19. Contessa 26
18. Whitby 42
17. Columbia 50
16. Morris 36
15. Hunter 356
13. Beneteau 423
12. Westsail 32
– CHECK THE WEATHER – The weather changes all the time. Always check the forecast and prepare for the worst case. Safety Tip Provided by the U.S. Coast Guard
10. Alberg 30
9. Island Packet 38
8. Passport 40
7. Tayana 37
6. Peterson 44
5. Pacific Seacraft 37
4. Hallberg-Rassy 42
3. Catalina 30
2. Hinckley Bermuda 40
1. Valiant 40
- More: monohull , Sailboats
- More Sailboats
Beneteau’s First 30 is Here
Sailboat Review: Hallberg-Rassy 40C
2 New Models from Balance Catamarans
Featured Nominee: Windelo 54
Couples Cruising: Making His Dream Ours
Supersede Launches Green Alternative to Marine-grade Plywood
Point Your Compass Due South, Bitter End Yacht Club Reopens October 23rd
- Digital Edition
- Customer Service
- Privacy Policy
- Terms of Use
- Email Newsletters
- Cruising World
- Sailing World
- Salt Water Sportsman
- Sport Fishing
- Wakeboarding
Priligy enthält den Wirkstoff Dapoxetin, der die Serotoninwiederaufnahme im Gehirn hemmt. dapoxetine kaufen Bestellen Sie Priligy heute und verbessern Sie Ihr Sexualleben! Warten Sie nicht länger und genießen Sie längeren und befriedigenderen Sex mit Priligy
Click to view current models
Yacht Service
Click to view our yards
Pre-Owned Hinckley Yacht Brokerage
Click here to view our pre-owned sail and powerboat listings
- First Name *
- Last Name *
- Boating State * Outside US / Canada Alabama Alaska Alberta Arizona Arkansas California - North California - South Colorado Connecticut Delaware District Of Columbia Florida - East Coast Florida - West Coast Gulf Coast Georgia Hawaii Idaho Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Maine Manitoba Maryland Massachusetts - North of Boston Massachusetts - Boston and South Michigan Minnesota Mississippi Missouri Montana Nebraska Nevada New Brunswick New Hampshire New Jersey - North of Sandy Hook New Jersey - South of Sandy Hook New Mexico New York - Great Lakes New York - Coastal North Carolina North Dakota Nova Scotia Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania - East Pennsylvania - West Puerto Rico Rhode Island Saskatchewan South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas Utah Vermont Virgin Islands Virginia Washington West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming
ADVENTURE STARTS HERE
Explore further on the Oyster 675. Versatile luxury living spaces, magnificent volume and impeccable sailing performance for global adventures
Follow the Oyster World Rally 2024-25 fleet live as they sail around the world on the sailing adventure of a lifetime
CARIBBEAN BLISS
Experience the magic of the Caribbean this winter with a luxury charter on board the iconic Oyster 885
OYSTER WORLD RALLY 2028-29
Explore the world on the ultimate luxury sailing adventure
OYSTER 675 LONG TERM TEST
Join sailing journalist Matthew Sheahan as he reviews the Oyster 675
INSPIRING ADVENTURES
Inspiring unforgettable bluewater adventures for independent cruisers since 1973
Oyster yachts.
Explore our award-winning, rally-proven fleet of luxurious bluewater sailing yachts
The world's finest bluewater yachts
The DNA of our 50ft to 90ft ocean cruising yachts is rooted in over 20 million bluewater sailing miles and more than 100 sailing circumnavigations. We use this experience to refine our explorer sailing yachts so they are capable of taking you anywhere in the world in complete luxury, comfort and safety.
Our luxury sailboats are the ultimate hybrid adventure machines, offering owners life-enhancing experiences. Safe, well-provisioned and hand-crafted with exceptional materials, each Oyster liveaboard yacht for sale displays an unparalleled attention to detail and the outstanding skills of our British master craftsmen and women. We are committed to building something great that nurtures the passion of the Oyster family in ways that are always beyond expectation. As a result, Oysters are renowned the world over as the finest luxury sailing yachts for sale. On an Oyster, the world is yours.
World adventure
Embark on the Oyster World Rally, the sailing adventure of a lifetime
The latest from Oyster
OYSTER SERVICES
Discover world-class services and customer support
Sign up to our newsletter
Be the first to hear about new launches, exclusive events and all things Oyster
© 2024 OYSTER YACHTS
Follow the fleet live as they sail around the world on the Oyster World Rally 2024-25
Configure your Oyster
Create your dream Oyster using our yacht configurator
Oyster Charter
Enjoy complete disconnection with a luxury, private charter in the Caribbean
Discover reimagined interiors of the Oyster 565 Series II
Experience unparalled freedom and unforgettable moments with a luxury, private charter in the Caribbean
New Listing
Discover the beautifully proportioned oyster 675 seabird with oyster brokerage.
oyster ownership
Personalised care, unforgettable experiences and lifelong yacht support, oyster world rally.
ENTRIES OPEN
Embark on the sailing adventure of a lifetime. entries are now open for the oyster world rally 2028-29.
Follow the Oyster World Rally 2024-25 fleet live
Winner of European Yacht of the Year 2023. She is a new breed of luxury 50 foot yacht, offering effortless shorthanded sailing capability.
A magnificent, award-winning sub 60 foot sailing yacht, offering luxurious living space and outstanding shorthanded sailing capability.
A beautifully proportioned 60 foot, luxury liveaboard bluewater cruiser, offering effortless shorthanded sailing capability.
A superb sub 70 foot ocean sailboat offering versatile luxury living space and impeccable sailing performance.
An inspired 75 foot yacht, offering infinite configuration options, generous luxury living space and flexible crew quarters.
Oyster 885SII
The remarkable, iconic 90 foot sailboat, perfect for relaxed luxury voyages of discovery.
First name *
Last name *
Phone number *
Country/Region *
Attach CV *
Attach covering letter
Current occupation
LinkedIn profile
My Cruiser Life Magazine
25 Best Sailboat and Catamaran Manufacturers (By Type)
Asking a sailor to pick the best sailboat brands is like asking a car enthusiast to pick the best sports car. Boaters are connected to their boats and share a personal attachment to them that goes beyond the practical. Boats are close to living things. For millennia, sailors have personified their vessels and labeled them “she.” Whatever pronouns you choose to use with your boat, there is no doubt that he or she will earn a special place in your heart.
So how does a humble writer go about breaking down the “best” sailboat manufacturers? Is it of all time? Or are only companies still producing boats today? We must set some limits, and they will no doubt seem arbitrary–but here they are.
First, we are dividing this list up to cover coastal cruisers, luxury monohulls , voyaging bluewater cruisers , cruising catamarans , and performance catamarans. Yes, there is some overlap between these categories. For example, many big “coastal cruisers” have crossed oceans, and many seawind catamaran brands are more than capable cruisers.
So what makes a boat “the best.” The best boat for you is not going to be the best boat for the next guy. There’s simply no way to define what the best manufacturers are going to be. The reason we chose these boats are specified below. It’s not arbitrary, but, at the same time, you don’t have to agree with them.
Finally, nearly all of the brands listed below have one thing in common—you can still buy a new vessel from their yard. In the world of boating, it’s not uncommon to purchase a vessel that has been out of production for decades. There are hundreds, probably thousands, of great manufacturers who went out of business during major economic downturns. Building boats is always a tricky business, but with the economy suffering no one buys new boats.
Table of Contents
5 best coastal cruiser sailboat makers, 5 best luxury sailboat manufacturers, 5 best voyaging bluewater cruising boats, 5 best cruising catamaran manufacturers, 5 best performance cats.
Coastal cruisers are entry-level sailboats built affordably so that nearly anyone can buy one. Another term that gets used is “production boat.” A production boat is designed to be mass-produced in an assembly-line-like factory for maximum cost savings.
The alternative is the custom or semi-custom built voyage yachts. Every element of the build is overseen by expert shipwrights. So the implication is that the production yacht has less quality—but this argument doesn’t always hold blue water if you can forgive the metaphor.
The manufacturers who make the most popular production coastal cruisers also make some larger yachts capable of crossing oceans. But one thing about these boats needs to be made clear—while some can be modified, improved, and outfitted to cross oceans, they do not leave the factory ready to do so.
And while some of them look very sharp, they do not contain the gorgeous hardwood joinery and craftsmanship that fills the hulls of hand-built yachts. These brands make their boats appealing to the mass market, and that market is not the voyaging bluewater cruisers or the luxury yacht.
So are they the “best sailboat brands?” If you’re looking for the best, most affordable coastal cruiser you can get, then yes—these are the best boats for you. However, if you’re looking for the best built, the best outfitted, or the best engineered or designed—then you’d best keep reading farther down the list!
Catalina Yachts
Catalina builds simple sloops ranging in size from fun 12.5 Expo dinghy to their 545 Flagship. There are more Catalinas in the world than any other types of sailboat . The company was founded in California in the mid-1970s.
Of the many wonderful models that Catalina has made popular, the Catalina 30 was an all-around winner. The beamy 30-footer has a cavernous interior that makes it a great entry-level liveaboard. The Catalina 38 is a popular racer/cruiser designed by none other than the famous Sparksman and Stevens (S&S).
Beneteau & Jeanneau
The French marine conglomerate Groupe Beneteau makes many different labels of boats, but their two most popular production sailboat brands are Beneteau and Jeanneau. They also make the Lagoon catamarans.
Like Catalina, the company makes production boats at an attractive price. They are roomy and comfortable to stay on or even liveaboard. In addition, Beneteau’s are known for their distinctive lacquered wood interiors, which add an air of sophistication to an otherwise average boat.
Beneteau has a long history. The company was founded in 1884 and has been building fiberglass boats since the mid-1960s. Notable models include the Beneteau Oceanis series, especially the models made after 1995. The most famous Jeanneaus come from the Sun Odyssey lineup.
Hunter Marine (Marlow-Hunter)
Hunter is another American builder and is Catalina’s primary domestic competitor. It is based in Florida and was formed in the early 1970s. Most Hunters have been racing boats or small trailer-sailors , but over the years, there have been quite a few larger liveaboard boats and long-range cruisers. They currently make boats from 15 to 50 feet long.
Dufour catamarans are another French company that makes larger cruising boats. The company was founded in 1964.
Bavaria Yachts
Bavaria Yachtbau is the largest German shipyard. The company makes sail and powerboats, as well as the French-made Nautitech catamarans. The company was founded in the 1970s and was acquired by US investors in 2007. Their monohull sail designs range from 31 to 57 feet long.
If the coastal cruiser category is reserved for the Fords and the Toyotas, let’s look at a few Cadillacs and Lexuses.
The boats below take things up a notch. These are beautifully designed boats with hand-built cabinetry and upgraded fixtures. They’re going to come with everything you need to cruise the boat in style.
Boats in this category are more likely to be built on a semi-custom basis. In other words, these yards might only be putting out a handful of boats per year. If you’re the first owner, you can likely visit and watch your sunreef yachts progress from fiberglass molds to rigging and launching.
Finally, the build quality of these yachts is generally exceptional. The designs usually come from the drafting boards of world-renown sunreef yachts designers, and their timeless beauty shines in every port they visit.
Morris Yachts
If you’re looking for a sailboat that’s also a work of art, Morris Yachts has the one you’re looking for. The company is based in Maine and produces semi-custom boats built to order. All boats are made by hand by expert craftsmen. Since it first opened in 1972, the company has made about 300 boats.
Their present offerings range from the M29 to the M42, but they have built hulls larger than that in the past. The most famous Morris boats, like the 36-foot Justine, were designed by renowned yacht designer Chuck Paine.
Island Packet
Island Packet has always made sturdy blue water cruisers with old-school looking (although technically updated) full keels. Some people may argue that IPs are production boats not quite worthy of the “luxury” title, but it is undebatable that the quality of their boats is above average.
Packets are built-in in Largo, Florida, near Tampa, and their shallow drafts and large living spaces make them perfect for living aboard in Florida or the islands. The first Island Packets rolled off the assembly line in 1980.
IP’s one-piece hulls do not feature the bolted-on keel and fractional rigs so common on many production boats now. Instead, you will find a robust design that is seaworthy and comfortable at sea.
Oysters are recognized worldwide as one of the most beautiful high-end cruising boats you can get your hands on. They focus on larger ocean-capable yachts with luxurious and cavernous interiors.
Oyster is a British yacht builder founded in 1973. Their claim to fame is the unique deck salon layout, which features large central windows around the living space that make the space feel much larger and more comfortable. The company is also known for its excellent attention to detail and outstanding build quality.
Hylas make sailboats ranging from 46 to 70 feet long. They are built in Taiwan by Queen Long Marine and were introduced in 1984. Most of their designs were created by renowned naval architect German Frers, although their first designs came from Sparksman and Stevens.
Tartan Yachts
Hailing from the Great Lakes port of Painesville, Ohio, Tartan has made sturdy and beautiful yachts since 1971. The company’s current lineup features everything from a tiny 24-foot day sailor to an ocean-capable 53-footer.
Tartans are set apart from other production boats by their beautifully crafted interiors. Thoughtful designs make these boats great cruisers and liveaboards.
Some boats are made as an accessible weekend cruisers for everybody, and some are exclusive showpieces that light up the harbor with their polished teak. Others are built tough to take on the elements at sea.
These boats are some of the best-built examples of marine engineering out there. These boats don’t come cheap, but that’s because their makers pay special attention to creating vessels strong enough to take on anything. They spend extra time making super-thick and strong hulls, and they use the best most robust equipment throughout the design.
The hull designs come from the drafting boards of world-renown naval architects. Their designs are heavy and built for a comfortable motion on big seas. In most cases, rudders are skeg-hung for extra security, and props are well-protected behind long keels.
These boat manufacturers routinely crop up on the lists of vessels that have circumnavigated successfully. These boats can cross oceans, and their crews never worry about their safety at sea.
Unfortunately, Texas-built Valiant Yachts ceased operations in 2011. The company built a series of canoe-sterned offshore sailboats from the drawing board of Bob Perry. The Valiant 40 is regarded as one of the best modern offshore sailing vessels. Many have circumnavigated, and the owners are a tight-knit group who love their boats.
Pacific Seacraft
Pacific Seacrafts are built in Washington, North Carolina. Many of their designs came from designer Bill Crealock, including the salty but comfortable PS 34 and PS 37. Other well-known models include the tiny 20-foot Flicka and the 24-foot Dana, both of which have serious offshore cred not given away by their diminutive statures.
Pacific Seacrafts are hand-built and regularly recognized as some of the best sailboats available. Build quality and thoughtfulness in design are second-to-none.
Hallberg-Rassy
Hallberg-Rassy is a Swedish shipyard that makes very sturdy and capable bluewater cruisers since 1943. Over the years, the company has made everything from small 24-footers to the flagship HR 64. Their best-known yacht was the smaller HR 35 Rasmus, of which they built 760 hulls. The 44 and 50 are their most popular current models.
Amel is the French maker of extremely well-regarded and modern bluewater ketches. This once common rig configuration, with two masts, reduces sail size to keep the lines more manageable on larger vessels. They also allow for more sail configurations to suit a broader spectrum of ocean conditions.
Famous sailing YouTubers SV Delos sail an Amel. The motor boats are large and capable of any voyage you can imagine. They feature thoughtful designs, including fully motorized sail control and a comfortable and protected center cockpit.
Winner of many best boat of the year awards, Passport yachts make spacious and comfortable offshore sailing machines. The first Passports were launched in 1979. The company is based in Annapolis, Maryland. Some of their early models, which Bob Perry designed, are excellent used sailboat options. Today, the company makes boats from 48 to 61 feet long.
And now for something a little different—the sailing catamaran categories. Sailing catamaran brands have become wildly popular in the sailing world because they are so comfortable to live on and offer a significant performance advantage over monohulls. Whether tucked safely in a marina or living off the grid by a tropical beach, sailing catamarans represent a fantastic upgrade to boat life.
You can argue about whether sailing catamarans or monohulls are the best sailboats all day long. But there will always be a place for each one, and there will always be people who love one but not the other.
The best catamaran brands below are the big and comfortable ones that most people will consider the “best” ones to cruise and live on. However, there are two types of sailing catamaran sailors—those that choose these boats because they have wonderful living space and those that choose sailing catamarans for the performance. If you’re the second type of person, you’ll want to move on to the next section about performance catamarans.
Antares Catamarans
The Antares began life as the PDQ 44. It’s a stout sailing catamaran with a few uncommon features that set it above most cruising catamarans—it has a high bridge deck for smoother rides, and it features maintenance-free traditional shaft-drive engines. The company currently builds boats in Argentina and is launching a hybrid model for the 2022 model year.
Knysna Yachts
The Knysna 500 is one of the most beautiful sailing catamarans that you’ll ever lay eyes on. Unfortunately, there aren’t many of these semi-custom boats in the world. The factory in South Africa has only made about 100 of these boats, but they’re well worth taking the time to seek out. Their overall craftsmanship and attention to detail are unmatched in the sailing catamaran industry.
Nautitech Catamarans
The French-built sailing catamaran arm of Bavaria Yachts, Nautitech catamarans makes boats that blend beautiful living spaces and solid offshore performance. Current models range from 40 to 54 feet long.
This Australian manufacturer of fast cruising cats has focused on performance while offering comfortable sailing catamarans suitable for cruisers. The Seawind 1000, first offered in the 1990s, set the standard for the small, simple, yet capable cruising catamaran. They currently produce boats from 38 to 52 feet long.
The Big Three— Lagoon , Leopard , and Fountaine Pajot
The three big names in cruising cats can’t be left out, but they aren’t particularly distinct enough to warrant individual shout-outs. Each company makes production cruising and charter sailing catamarans of average build quality. In car terms, these companies are making the Honda Civics of the sailing catamaran world. In monohull terms, these companies are Beneteau, Catalina, or Hunter.
Fountaine Pajot and Lagoon are French-built, while Leopard catamarans come from South Africa. All of the companies began gaining popularity in the late 1990s, and all of them are popular in the charter boat market. They all compete with one another closely, and their designs follow distinct trends. They often have functional layouts that are pleasant to liveaboard, but their build qualities are mixed.
One of the most common advantages that sailing catamaran companies want you to know about is their performance. Foot-by-foot, sailing catamarans are faster than monohulls. Regular cruising cats can still be sluggish in light winds, though.
But companies below take performance to another level. State-of-the-art rigging, sails, and weight-savings composites turn some of these boats into rocket ships. The vessels are big enough and outfitted well enough for voyages of any length. Many have circumnavigated. In short, these performance cats can move.
Catana is very similar to Lagoon or Fountaine Pajot—French-built charter sailing catamarans with lots of living space. However, the company’s designs feature retractable daggerboards instead of the more common mini-keels. This gives them better downwind performance and an advantage on big seas.
Regardless of the actual performance of the vessels, Catanas are built with sailing in mind. Aft helms provide a beautiful clear view of the sails and the conditions.
If you’re looking for a floating rocketship, Gunboat has your number. These carbon fiber-built miracles of space-age technology regularly zip along at speeds higher than the true wind. Carbon hulls and masts and the latest in rigging technologies make them tick.
They’re as fast as race boats but comfortable liveaboards, too. In their words, “Life is too short to sail a slow boat.” Since they opened in 2002, Gunboat has made fewer than 40 boats, ranging from 48 to 90 feet long. They’re made in La Grande-Motte, France.
The now-famous Outremer is featured on the YouTube channel Sailing La Vagabonde. It’s a fast boat. Current designs range from 45 to 55 feet long. Like all boats in this class, these are fast cats that still maintain enough space for comfortable living at sea. Outremers are built in France, and the company has been making performance catamarans since the 1980s.
HH Catamarans
Awarded several best boat the year awards by Cruising World and Sail magazines, the HH is a thoroughly modern take on the traditional cruising catamaran. More emphasis is placed on speed and performance, using daggerboards and super light composite construction. HH Cats are built in Xiamen, China. The company currently offers HH44, HH50, and HH88.
The sleeper of the performance cat category is Maine Cat, hailing from Lincolnville, Maine. Their boats are built lightweight with a focus on light air and upwind performance. Daggerboards are used along with simple, intelligent designs.
Of the boats on the performance list, the MC 30 is the smallest sailing cat offered. It features an impressive feature set, however, and a unique combination of traits. For one thing, these boats are designed to be straightforward and light instead of filled with luxuries. For more living space, the MC 41 offers speed and space with none of the frills.
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.
- Go to navigation
- Go to content
- Go to footer
Intense Experiences, Pure Happiness on the Water
Jeanneau designs and builds boats for every way you can love the sea. High-performance boats with outstanding seaworthy qualities... Boats with elegant lines and timeless style... Liveable boats, where clever layouts and comfortable features are carefully considered, down to the smallest detail... Boats to create your own unique experiences on the water with complete confidence: for shared moments of pure happiness.
News highlighted by Jeanneau
Begin your journey with jeanneau.
Are you ready to get started?
Online tools
Are you imagining yourself heading to sea aboard your boat? Our online tools will help you discover our model lines and narrow your search according to your cruising plans and preferences.
Make your dream a reality and visit your dealership! For advice and recommendations, available options, prices, etc., your dealer is your preferred contact.
Jeanneau News and Love Stories
Sharing your voyages, your adventures on the water, as well as our new models and our news to help you experience truly unique moments on the water.
Kristina's Travels Episode #10 - Bonifacio: Corsica's Most Enchanting City
Boating Magazine Reviews the NC 895 Series 2
New jeanneau powerboats for 2025.
Test Ride the Leader 10.5 CC with Center Consoles Only
Our favorite features onboard the jeanneau yachts 65, become part of the jeanneau family.
Take advantage of all that the sea has to offer, and experience exceptional moments on the water!
For over 60 years, and with over 250,000 boats cruising on waters around the world, Jeanneau is distinguished by a unique family spirit. A great point of pride for the brand is to have built boats as partners in adventure for thousands of people around the globe. Trust in boats constructed by our shipyard is associated with a passion for exploration, a friendly spirit, a drive to excel, a desire to share… At Jeanneau, our mission is to enable you to discover the many pleasures of the sea and to experience exceptional moments on the water.
SPIRIT YACHTS
MODERN CLASSIC YACHT DESIGN & BUILD
Based in Suffolk on the east coast of the UK, Spirit Yachts has a portfolio of custom, wooden sail and power yachts ranging from day sailers to superyachts.
From humble beginnings in the Suffolk countryside, Spirit Yachts now operates from a large waterside facility with a team of highly skilled designers, naval architects, boat builders, cabinet makers, electricians and engineers.
Our portfolio of luxury sailing yachts and elegant power boats win awards, as well as regattas.
TIMELESS ELEGANCE
Spirit Yachts’ contemporary, elegant design style is world-renowned. Subtle variations on 1930s classic yacht design with long overhangs, low profiles and smooth lines, married to contemporary underwater profiles and the latest technology, are synonymous with Spirit’s modern classic cruising, racing , and power yachts .
Spirit yachts are designed to be as beautiful in 100 years as they are today.
“THE SPIRIT TEAM IS WITHOUT DOUBT THE BEST IN THE WORLD WHEN IT COMES TO A UNIQUE BUILD EXPERIENCE AND A TIMELESSLY BEAUTIFUL YACHT.”
WORLD-CLASS WOODWORK
Spirit Yachts comprises a talented team of craftsmen and women who are passionate about and dedicated to the highest standards of boat building.
Using hand-selected timber sustainably sourced from responsibly managed forests, Spirit Yachts incorporate the beauty of wood with the latest modern technology for sailing performance and a luxury guest experience.
SUSTAINABILITY
WOOD IS AT THE HEART OF EVERY SPIRIT YACHT.
Wood is a natural, sustainably-sourced boat building material offering beauty, a favourable strength-to-weight ratio, and durability. Spirit Yachts is committed to the environmental sustainability of its wood and is meticulous in sourcing the highest quality timber from responsibly managed forests and regulated suppliers.
SPIRIT NEWS
LATEST STORIES
Q class commission completes first build phase, spirit superyachts go head to head in historic match race, spirit summer regatta successes, champagne sailing at spirit yachts’ owners regatta, spirit founder honoured with lifetime achievement award, spirit c72 wins prestigious classic boat award.
STAY IN THE LOOP
" * " indicates required fields
When it comes to luxury yachting, Burgess is all you need to know
- Yachts for charter
Let's celebrate
Where to charter this holiday season
- Yachts for sale
Why choose a semi-custom yacht?
Island hopping in the Caribbean by yacht
Let us take care of everything.
Get the charter you want
Why build a superyacht with burgess.
Discover South East Asia by yacht charter
Discover the difference
As a Burgess client, you always come first, whether that’s charter, sale and purchase, build, refit or any aspect of yacht ownership. That’s the Burgess difference.
charter a yacht
Your great escape. Tailored by Burgess.
Cruise in inimitable style and experience real freedom. The adventure of a lifetime awaits aboard the world’s greatest superyachts, all curated by your own professional broker.
BUY A Yacht
Your life. Spent wisely.
From the global fleet of mega yachts offered for sale, we hand-pick the best opportunities and share our expert knowledge, so that you can make the best decisions.
Your wish. Our world.
Our reputation is your recommendation. Since 1975 all our knowledge has been distilled into one goal, making sure you enjoy the best yachting experience. If it involves yachts, we’ve got you covered.
sell a yacht
Your perfect buyer. Our exclusive audience.
Our directly employed brokers share market-leading intelligence and powerful client database insights with our experienced global team to ensure the best outcome for you.
build a yacht
Your vision. Our expertise.
From first concept to maiden voyage and beyond, we work on your behalf so you can enjoy building your dream yacht. Together we bring your unique vision to life.
refit a yacht
Asset upgrades. Enhancing your investment.
We work with you to transform your yacht into the one you want to own. No other company has more in-house knowledge and experience than Burgess and it’s all on your side.
yacht management
Your enjoyment. Our responsibility.
Our aim is to allow you to get maximum enjoyment from your luxury yacht without any of the day-to-day operational concerns. We take care of everything on your behalf.
Yacht owners
You live the dream. We take care of it.
Get more out of your owner experience knowing that we have all your yachting requirements in hand. Working with your captain and crew, we reduce risk and increase enjoyment.
crew services
Your crewing needs. Our tailored support.
Crew are a vital part of your yachting experience. We are your trusted partner in every aspect of their employment, from sourcing to payroll, training to insurance and beyond.
sustainability
Leading change. It's our business.
We love the ocean and we want future generations to enjoy it too, so it’s our responsibility to protect it.
Find out how we’re driving sustainability from the inside out.
Burgess - luxury superyachts
Whether you’re considering your first charter or building your fifth yacht, Burgess has the expertise you need. Learn how our global brokerage team consistently sells more yachts like yours than anyone else. Talk to our charter team about personalised luxury yacht charter experiences. If you own a yacht, find out about our full-service support and if you plan to build a series or full-custom superyacht, find out how our experts can help you turn your vision into a reality.
Your guide to the lesser-known Greek Islands
Best locations to visit in South East Asia
Abu Dhabi Grand Prix yacht charter with Burgess
O'PTASIA is for sale
Sub-50m semi-custom yachts
Significant USD 5M reduction on MUCHOS MAS
The best big game fishing charters in Dubai
Visiting the French Riviera in November
Your chance to enter TITANIA’s charter auction
Sign up to our newsletter, stay in the loop.
Subscribe to our newsletter to keep updated with all things Burgess.
What would you like emails about?
- Chartering a yacht
- Buying or selling a yacht
- General superyacht news
In order to understand how we use and protect your personal information, please read our privacy policy .
- Mediterranean
- French Riviera
- Corsica & Sardinia
- The Balearics
- Croatia & Montenegro
- The Bahamas
- Caribbean - Leeward Islands
- Caribbean - Windward Islands
- British Virgin Islands
- US Virgin Islands
- New England
- Indian Ocean
- The Red Sea
- South East Asia
- New Zealand
- French Polynesia
- Motor yachts for charter
- Sailing yachts for charter
- Latest offers
- Destinations
- New to charter
- Meet the Charter team
- Superyacht videos
- 360° yacht tours
- Corporate & event charters
- Inspiring charter ideas
- Charter FAQs
- Every day different
Available from early January onwards in the Caribbean
Available for Christmas
Cruising the Caribbean and Bahamas this winter
- Motor yachts for sale
- Sailing yachts for sale
- Yachts for sale over 200 feet
- Yachts for sale from 150 to 200 feet
- Yachts for sale under 150 feet
- Tenders and chase boats for sale
- Meet the Brokerage team
- Berths for sale
- Technical services
- Custom tenders
- Delivered yachts
- Meet the Technical Services team
- Charter management
- Sell a yacht
- Yacht marketing
- Yacht management
- Procurement
- Refit a yacht
- Crew recruitment
- Sold yachts
- Meet the Yacht Management team
- Meet the Crew Services team
- Meet the Insurance team
- 360 degree yacht tours
- Boat shows and events
- Office vacancies
- Crew vacancies
- Talent pool
- Office locations
- Burgess in Asia
- Burgess Blue Oceans
- Strategic partners
- Press centre
- Charter Management
- Company Operations
- Crew Services
- New Business
- Technical Services
- Yacht Management
- Burgess Impact Report 2023
Filter your results
New Boat Builds for 2025
- By Andrew Cox
- November 6, 2024
Special delivery : Sign up for the free Marlin email newsletter. Subscribe to Marlin magazine and get a year of highly collectible, keepsake editions – plus access to the digital edition and archives.
A look at some of the newest sport fish and center console boats set to splash in the near future. While not inclusive of every new build currently underway, this comprehensive list highlights some of the newest advancements in boat building technology from some of the most venerable builders on the market.
Set to make waves in fall 2026, the Bayliss 76′ Mama Seata offers four beautifully appointed staterooms and 3 1/2 heads, providing ample space for extended trips. She will be powered by two MTU 16-V 2000 M96L engines, for a total of 4,000 hp. Owned by Robb Crumpton and captained by Ronnie Fields, the Mama Seata will showcase legendary Bayliss luxury and performance.
- Beam: 20’10”
- Draft: 6’5″
- Displ.: 150,000 LB.
- Fuel: 2,700 GAL.
- Water: 400 GAL.
Scheduled to splash in early 2025, Spencer’s newest build was designed to meet the ever-growing needs of their customers. The new 67 will feature four staterooms, 3 1/2 heads, increased horsepower from twin CAT C32s, a larger fuel capacity, a bigger gyrostabilizer, and a massive electronics suite—all while maintaining the ride and performance that is expected from Spencer Yachts.
- Displ.: 90,000 LB.
- Fuel: 2,400 GAL.
- Water: 350 GAL.
Jim Smith 72
Introducing the new Touch of Grey , a stunning 72-foot sport-fishing boat from Jim Smith Boats. Featuring four well-appointed staterooms, a substantial 2,800-gallon fuel capacity and plenty of storage, it’s perfectly suited for long-distance fishing, traveling and cruising. The twin MAN V12-2,200 hp engines deliver impressive performance with a mid-40s-knot top speed and a cruising range in the upper 30s, thanks to its optimal weight-to-power ratio.
- Draft: 4’6″
- Displ.: 101,000 LB.
- Fuel: 2,800 GAL.
- Water: 500 GAL.
Release 46 Express
The Release 46 Express, built on the same hull as the acclaimed 46-foot walkaround, offers a larger helm deck and more accommodations for the owner and crew. The helm deck provides excellent visibility, with a teak pod helm, a carbon-fiber dash and Garmin electronics. The spacious cockpit features a tuna door, a 48-gallon livewell/fish box, a livewell sump and in-deck fish boxes, ideal for competitive sailfish tournaments. A custom tower package by Bausch Towers, rod holders and a hardtop complete the fishing setup. Powered by twin MAN I6 850 hp engines, the 46 Express cruises comfortably at 30 knots and tops out at 38 knots. It offers a smooth, quiet ride and excellent maneuverability, making it a fish-fighting machine. With a balance of comfort and performance, the Release 46 Express is a superb choice for those seeking a custom-built express boat that prioritizes functionality and style.
- Beam: 15’10”
- Displ.: 36,000 LB.
- Fuel: 720 GAL.
- Water: 85 GAL.
The new 62′ Tribute will feature a cold-molded Okume plywood hull reinforced with alternating layers of Brunzeel plywood and Vectorply’s Kevlar hybrid cloth. She will have three staterooms, two heads and a dedicated tackle room, and will be powered by twin 1800 hp MAN engines, coupled with Brant Savander’s Wake Adapted running gear. The design originated with preliminary sketches by Rich Scheffer and was then refined, engineered and 3D-modeled by the talented team at Michael Peters Yacht Design. Marine Concepts is providing the tooling and building jigs, while Belkov Interiors will craft the interior.
- Beam: 17’2″
- Displ.: 64,000 LB.
- Fuel: 1,350 GAL.
- Water: 300 GAL.
Croswait 50
Joining Anthony Hsieh’s Bad Company fleet in April 2025, the new 50′ Croswait, BC50 , is designed specifically to fit aboard Hsieh’s 175-foot mothership. Featuring an aggressive bow entry and a pronounced hull flare, the vessel creates a dramatic silhouette and exceptional ride. The cockpit and mezzanine deck are impressively spacious and fishing-focused in design. Equipped with dual 24-inch and 14-inch Garmin screens, omni and teaser reel controls integrated into the throttle handles, the helm is designed for maximum fishability. Built specifically as a game boat and fishing “weapon” for Hsieh’s renowned Bad Company World Tour, the BC50 features two heads while the staterooms have been replaced with tackle storage. With an 800-gallon fuel capacity and twin MAN 850 engines, the BC50 promises impressive performance, capable of speeds exceeding 40 knots while maintaining excellent maneuverability in reverse.
- Draft: 3’9″
- Displ.: 33,000 LB.
- Fuel: 800 GAL.
- Water: 150 GAL.
Scarborough 67
Coming in January 2025 is the 67′ Waterman from Scarborough Boatworks. As the third Scarborough for the owner, this new build will feature three staterooms, three heads and push out a total of 4,000 hp, thanks to two MTU powerplants.
- Displ.: 97,000 LB.
- Fuel: 2,200 GAL.
SeaVee 450 Z
SeaVee announces the launch of the new 450 Z Sport Fish Edition, set to splash at the 2025 Miami International Boat Show. Leveraging cutting-edge technology and SeaVee’s renowned craftsmanship, this edition redefines sport fishing with innovative features and timeless design. The 450 Z Sport Fish Edition offers two versatile seating configurations: a double row of up to six captain’s chairs or a single row with three captain’s chairs and a spacious rear-facing mezzanine with tackle storage. The model includes options for a T-top, or a marlin/tuna tower, enhancing both functionality and aesthetics. With its sleek, modern design and classic sport-fisher styling, the 450 Z Sport Fish Edition delivers exceptional ride quality and agility.
- Beam: 12’6″
- Draft: 2’9″
- Displ.: 24,000 LB.
- Fuel: 788 GAL.
- Water: 100 GAL.
Rybovich 70
Da Bait is the newest 70-foot build from Michael Rybovich & Sons Boat Works. Built for an avid blue marlin angler, she is scheduled to splash in early 2025 and spend most of her time fishing the Virgin Islands. Featuring four staterooms, twin CAT C32s, Furuno omni and Seakeeper 18 for stability, she promises exceptional performance and comfort.
- Beam: 19’6″
- Draft: 5’7″
- Displ.: 90,000 LB.
- Fuel: 2,060 GAL.
Debuting at the 2024 Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, the new Mag Bay 38 CC will be a closer little brother to the 43 than it is a big brother to the 33. It will have the same Cross Step Hull design as the 43, which has now proved itself to be a wonderful running boat. The 38 will also feature the stainless steel T-top for which Mag Bay is known, as well as the builder’s yacht-caliber details, custom hardware, and fit and finish.
- Draft: 2’6″
- Displ.: 18,500 LB.
- Fuel: 595 GAL.
- Water: 65 GAL.
- More: Boat Building , Issue 285 , On the Drawing Board
Free Email Newsletters
Sign up for free Marlin Group emails to receive expert big-game content along with key tournament updates and to get advanced notice of new expeditions as they’re introduced.
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
By signing up you agree to receive communications from Marlin and select partners in accordance with our Privacy Policy . You may opt out of email messages/withdraw consent at any time.
The Why Behind the Build
Building a Titan with Russ Garufi
Why New Boat Owners Need a Solid Hurricane Plan
Hatteras 77 on the Drawing Board
For the Love of Lures
Mediterranean Surprise
Tito’s Cucumber-Mint Cooler Cocktail Recipe
- Digital Edition
- Customer Service
- Privacy Policy
- Terms of Use
- Email Newsletters
- Tournaments
- Expeditions
Many products featured on this site were editorially chosen. Marlin may receive financial compensation for products purchased through this site.
Copyright © 2024 Marlin. A Bonnier LLC Company . All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited.
Sign up for free Marlin Group emails to receive expert big-game content along with key tournament updates and to get advanced notice of new expeditions as they’re introduced.
Subscribe to Marlin
Subscribe now to get seven keepsake print editions of Marlin per year, along with instant access to a digital archive of past issues, all for only $29 per year.
- Bermuda Triple Crown
- Los Cabos Billfish Tournament
- Offshore World Championship
- Scrub Island Billfish Series
- Marlin Expeditions
- Guatemala – Ladies Only
- Kona, Hawaii
- Nova Scotia
- Dominican Republic
- Galápagos Islands
- Expert Instruction
- Corporate Retreats
- Our Sponsors
- Lady Angler Team
- Newsletters
IMAGES
VIDEO
COMMENTS
By the way, Groupe Beneteau also owns Lagoon, a renowned catamaran maker, Prestige, luxury yacht manufacturer, Monte Carlo Yachts, CNB Yacht builder, the semi-custom sailboat maker, Four Winns, Glastron, Scarab, Wellcraft, Excess, and Delphia… some of these make motor yachts only, but if you combine fans of all of these, you get a sizable crowd.
1. Hallberg-Rassy. Hallberg-Rassy is a Swedish yacht maker that's very well-known in the blue water cruising circles for making some of the highest quality and sturdiest sailboats. For many sailors, this is the number one sailboat brand as it offers absolute comfort, utmost safety, and good and easy handling.
FORGING AHEAD. From the past 50 years, and to the next 50, Catalina is devoted to providing owners and dealers with quality and value that has made Catalina America's largest sailboat builder. Frank Butler's vision and philosophy carries forward with Sharon Day, who worked alongside Frank for 48 years, at the helm of a veteran leadership team.
Every BENETEAU sailboat and powerboat on the water reflects the best efforts of the finest architects, designers, and craftsmen along with the highest quality materials and the latest innovations. BENETEAU has been building sailing yachts and powerboats for all types of boating practices since 1884. Would you like to buy a new boat?
Every year, sailboat manufacturers around the world launch their latest models, and every year, SAIL magazine's experienced boat reviewers spend days and weeks learning what's new, talking with boatbuilders, examining the boats top to bottom dockside, and finally taking them sailing.This culminates at the U.S. Sailboat Show in Annapolis, where our review team gets together and makes its ...
Sunreef Yachts is the world's leading designer and manufacturer of luxury sailing and power multihulls. Each catamaran, motor yacht, and superyacht built is a bespoke creation. Every yacht is a vision brought to life, thoughtfully designed to deliver luxury, style and comfort.
Together, let's build the future of sailing, the boats of tomorrow! Fountaine Pajot have been designers and boat builders since 1976. As keen sailors, our aim has been to develop unique expertise to create high-performing, seaworthy, innovative and comfortable boats, heading towards a more sustainable world of cruising.
This is a list of notable sailboat designers and manufacturers, which are described by an article in English Wikipedia. ... Caribbean Sailing Yachts; Cascade Yachts; Catalina Yachts; Cavalier Yachts; Clark Boat Company; Classic Yachts; Columbia Yachts; Com-Pac Yachts; Cooper Enterprises;
30. Swan 44. A strong, robust cruising boat built for high-seas, blue water adventures, the Swan 44 was designed by Sparkman & Stephens, and the yacht's well-known Finnish manufacturers, Nautor Swan, produced 76 boats in a production run that lasted from 1972-1975.
J/70 - Sailing Fun for All Ages. The J/70 speedster is a fun, fast, stable 22 footer that tows behind a small SUV and can be ramp-launched, rigged and sailed by two people. J/70 sails upwind like a proper keelboat and then simply flies off-the-wind - planing into the double digits in moderate breeze. With 1,700+ boats delivered worldwide, the ...
For more than 40 years, Morris Yachts has been building sailboats by hand, one at a time, by Maine's finest craftsmen. Now part of The Hinckley Company, these stunning sailboats deliver supreme performance and are crafted with quality, precision, and attention to detail that will turn heads wherever they go.
The world's finest bluewater yachts. Oyster is a thoroughbred British luxury sailing yachts builder. We have designed, built and supported the world's finest liveaboard sailboats since 1973. The DNA of our 50ft to 90ft ocean cruising yachts is rooted in over 20 million bluewater sailing miles and more than 100 sailing circumnavigations. We ...
Hallberg-Rassy. Hallberg-Rassy is a Swedish shipyard that makes very sturdy and capable bluewater cruisers since 1943. Over the years, the company has made everything from small 24-footers to the flagship HR 64. Their best-known yacht was the smaller HR 35 Rasmus, of which they built 760 hulls.
For over 60 years, and with over 250,000 boats cruising on waters around the world, Jeanneau is distinguished by a unique family spirit. A great point of pride for the brand is to have built boats as partners in adventure for thousands of people around the globe. Trust in boats constructed by our shipyard is associated with a passion for ...
Innovation, technology, craftsmanship, design-these are the core tenants of Horizon, a leading luxury yacht builder that has been setting the industry standard for nearly four decades. From pioneering new yacht designs to employing the latest advanced composites technologies, Horizon, simply put, backs style with substance.
From humble beginnings in the Suffolk countryside, Spirit Yachts now operates from a large waterside facility with a team of highly skilled designers, naval architects, boat builders, cabinet makers, electricians and engineers. Our portfolio of luxury sailing yachts and elegant power boats win awards, as well as regattas.
Burgess is the global leader in luxury yachts. Find out about superyacht purchase, construction, chartering and sales here or make an enquiry today. ... Sailing yachts for sale; Yachts for sale over 200 feet; Yachts for sale from 150 to 200 feet; Yachts for sale under 150 feet; Tenders and chase boats for sale;
UTOPIA IV. Length206′8″ / 63m. BuilderRossinavi. Charter from$505,000 p/w. VIEW MORE YACHTS FOR CHARTER. Integrity and the relentless pursuit of the deal defines Moran Yacht & Ship - I am grateful that you were on this journey with me. This magical machine KISMET is the second yacht I've had built with Moran Yacht & Ship.
Founded in 2003, the company was named for 17th century Dutch boat builder Franz Timmerman who brought Dutch boat manufacturing techniques to Russia and co-founded the Russian navy. Timmerman Yachts has more than 1,000 employees working at the Moscow Shipyard. ... One of the 10 largest yacht builders in the world, Timmerman is focused on ...
The Mag Bay 38 recently splashed and won best of show for boats under 60 feet at the 2024 Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show. Courtesy Mag Bay Yachts. Debuting at the 2024 Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, the new Mag Bay 38 CC will be a closer little brother to the 43 than it is a big brother to the 33.
The 2yachts company is a service for the selection of the best trade offers from popular world yacht manufacturers. With us you can choose a yacht that is a combination of unsurpassed quality, functional and efficient equipment and innovative solutions, a yacht that brings maximum pleasure from sailing on the water. ... Also, sailing yachts for ...