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• Sailboat Reviews

Catalina 22

For those to whom price is all-important,--the catalina 22 is appealing but it's lacking in performance..

In its 10th anniversary issue in 1980, Sail magazine named the Catalina 22 the boat that had represented the breakthrough in trailer/cruisers in those 10 years. There is no denying the popularity of the Catalina 22: more than 10,000 of the model we review here have been built, and that doesn’t include the Sport models now being sold. For many buyers, the Catalina 22 is their first “big” boat and an introduction to the Catalina line. Many remain with Catalina and buy up within that line.

Catalina is the largest sailboat in the US in dollar volume, and the firm is one of the lasting success stories in the industry. It foregoes national advertising in favor of local dealer-sponsored ads, and has remained a privately owned company while the trend has been toward conglomerate-owned boatbuilding.

Like all manufacturing boatbuilders today Catalina builds boats to a price, making the most of volume buying of materials and hardware, long-lived models, a high degree of standardization, and all the cost savings of high volume production. The Catalina 22 was the first boat built by Catalina.

The Catalina 22 that we are reviewing here was in production from 1969 until 1995, when the Catalina 22 MkII was introduced. During this more than quarter-century of production, several incremental changes were made, with several significant upgrades in 1986, when a wing keel version was introduced.

The boat has been replaced by the Catalina 22 Sport. Introduced in 2004, the Catalina 22 Sport is still in production and it closely adheres to the original boat’s dimensions, and weight.  Although the post-’95 boats have resolved many of the problems we find here in the original, they did so at the expense of a feature that racers admired—a lighter weight hull. So, although it might not have all the improvements of later models, the one we look at here will hold a certain appeal to sailors in areas that are home to active C22’s fleets, as well as to sailors looking to start sailing for under $5K, and aren’t afraid to put a little sweat equity into the boat.

Just as it was when the boat was first introduced, the Catalina 22 is a common landing spot for those who are just beginning to dream of an escape. It is to Catalina’s credit that the 22 continues to sell and continues to be many sailors’ first boat. And perhaps one of the biggest selling points of all, is the broad and consistent support in the form of other owners. There really isn’t anything that can’t be fixed on these boats, and dialed in, they can be fun to sail. One need only drop in on the website for Chip Ford to get an idea of what’s possible with this boat.

Construction

It’s hard to argue with the construction of a boat after 10,000 have been built, but we do. In these early boats the hull-to-deck joint— a plywood reinforced hull flange is joined to the deck with a rigid polyester “slurry” and self-tapping fasteners. This not our idea of ideal construction. The same type of joint is used on larger boats, although we are less concerned because obviously the structure is for a much smaller boat. Larger boats like the Catalina 30 also used this method, and the C30 has enough loyal followers to earn it a spot among our recommended 30-footers from the 1970s.

Catalina 22 has remained essentially unchanged from the day it was introduced in 1969. Only the pivot for the swing keel version was changed about boat #250 and then, according to a Catalina statement, it was done for production purposes. Later a pop-top option was added and now 90% of the boats sold have this feature.

Catalina takes credit for pioneering the one-piece hull liner that has become standard in most high volume small boats. However, it should be noted that the liner is basically a cosmetic component, not a structural member, and the hull must get its strength from the hull laminate and bulkhead reinforcement.

The swing keel, also chosen by 90% of the buyers, is cast iron and, when retracted, remains substantially exposed (accounting for more than half of the 2′ draft of the shoal draft model). It is a rough 550 lb. iron casting of indifferent hydrodynamic efficiency, but you can order templates for fairing quite easily.

The swing keel is hoisted with a simple reel winch located under a vestigial bridgedeck with its handle passing through a plywood facing. We’d guess that Catalina owners soon become conditioned to its presence, though it can trip those stepping up or down through the companionway.

The drop keel of the Catalina evoked a number of observations from owners in the PS boat owners’ questionnaire. Several note that the keel hangar mounting bolts loosen or seize.  Another reports he had to replace his wire pennant twice. Replacing the pennant requires hoisting the boat high enough to have access to the top of the keel.

As with all Catalina-built boats, decor is a major selling point. The line, including the 22, is attractively appointed. They create a highly favorable impression which has to encourage sales, especially for first time boat buyers.

In fact, the Catalina 22 outside and inside is one of the most visually appealing small boats we have seen. It has enough trim and finish to look pretty. Similarly, her hull and rig, although dated, are well proportioned. It is about her performance and livability that we have the most serious qualms.

Performance

By any objective standard the Catalina 22 is hardly a sprightly performing small boat. There have been too many compromises to performance: trailerability, shoal draft, cockpit space, low cost, and interior accommodations, as well as giving her a placid disposition for novice sailors. The boat needs a genoa jib, a smoother, and more efficient swing or fin keel shape and some hardware of even the most modest go-fast variety. Even then the prognosis is that she will remain a rather tubby boat in an age when much of the fun of boats is in their responsiveness, if not speed.

With almost all the Catalinas having been built with the swing keel, the appeal has been her shallow draft for trailering. Yet even with 2′ of draft with the keel hoisted, the boat has too much draft for beaching. Given the tradeoff in performance, the difficulty of maintenance, and loss of stability, one hopes that indeed buyers of the swing keel 22 have made good use of it for trailering.

The deck of the Catalina 22 is a decidedly unhandy working platform. The sidedecks are narrow and obstructed by jib sheets and blocks. The three shrouds per side effectively block access to the foredeck, and complicate headsail trim and passage of the jib across in tacking. In fact, so difficult is it to go forward on the 22 we recommend getting rid of the lifelines. They are already too low to offer anything but token protection and they anchor near the base of the bow pulpit where they give no protection. Instead, handrails should be installed on the cabin top.

Ironically for a boat as popular as the Catalina, the boat incorporates the most incredible amount of wasted space we have ever seen in a sailboat large or small. In a size where stowage is at such a premium, there is a cavernous unusable space. The entire area under the cockpit and most of the area under the port cockpit seat (except where the gas tank sits) is all but inaccessible. The loss of this space limits stowage to scuttles under the berth bases.

The convertible dinette which seats only two with elbow room is a vestige of the 22’s design era and the vee berths forward form that combination of bathroom and bedroom that is common on a daysailer of these dimensions. The alternatives, here, have their shortcomings.

The easy solution is to relocate the head to the cockpit when you finally decided to retire for the night.  Otherwise, the settee on the starboard side, and even that berth is shared with the optional galley facility that in use takes up about half the berth area. The Catalina 22s now have a pop-top as standard; most of the cabin top lifts 10″ on four pipe supports. Most owners we have heard from seem to like the system, particularly those in warmer areas. Headroom at anchor is pleasant but we’d rather see room for stowage, sleeping, etc. as well.

One safety point in these older models that is worth raising is the stowage setup for the portable gas tank for a transom-mounted outboard auxiliary. The tank sits on a molded shelf (part of the hull liner) in a seat locker at the after end of the cockpit. This puts a portable gasoline tank inside the cabin.The locker is vented but it is not isolated. This arrangement can allow fuel can to make its way unimpeded to the inaccessible low point right under the cockpit. This design flaw has been corrected in later versions and if you have a boat with this arrangement, we recommend securing all portable tanks above deck until it is fixed.

One of the Catalina’s better features is her cockpit. It is long (7′) and comfortable, a place where the crew can sit with support for their backs, a place to brace their feet, and with room to avoid the tiller. It is unobstructed by the mainsheet that trims to a rod traveler on the stern.

Conclusions

Many boat buyers shop for a boat of this type with price foremost in mind. They probably will get no farther than their local Catalina dealer, where they can get a boat that is the same size and similarly equipped as boats costing far more. It’s apt to be a boat identical to many of those sailing on the same waters. Better still, they are more than likely to have sailing friends who not only have (or had) a Catalina but belong to one of the most widespread and active owners’ class associations in the sport. The whole package has a powerful appeal, especially to a newcomer seeking moral support.

For performance, accommodations and even construction they might do better at a higher price, but with Catalina’s proven staying power through decades of change, they understandably turn to the 22.

At a weight of about 2,500 lbs. loaded for the road plus a trailer, the Catalina 22 can be hauled by most cars. If anything but a jaunt to the boat ramp is envisioned, however, it’s big enough to recommend SUV with a trailer package.

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11 comments.

Still a useful review! FWIW, I was shopping for a Catalina 22 Sport at the Annapolis Boat Show last fall and Catalina was saying that they were close to $50,000 with common options and the wait time for a new one was 6 months. I realize that this is a small boat in the range of what is on the market at that boat show, but my goodness, were those sales people blasé about selling a boat to me. Ended up with a 5 yo boat for about half that much money. Unfortunately, she is still on the hard until spring in the Chesapeake!

Nice review of the Catalina 22. Out first boat was a Capri 22, which I was told was the “hot” version of the Catalina 22. It has a deep draft keel (6-7’?) and out-pointed every other boat on the lake. We slept aboard once….no fun!

This is a totally misleading article, focused entirely on exaggerated flaws. This article should really be written by someone who has actually owned a C22, and spent more than a cursory time sailing one. IMO, they’re great boats, and a ton of fun can be had with one – but only if the self-gratifying snobbism is left at the dock. The boat is squarely in the sweet spot of carrying costs and sailing fun.

These are great boats for beginners and sailors that want an uncomplicated boat to day sail and overnight on. I have taught ASA beginner classes on the C22. Also one of the popularities of this boat that was not touched on in this article is it’s one design racing class. Large fleets continue to turn out for weekend and national regattas.

No mention is made of stepping the mast. At 77 years of age and somewhat physically fit can I handle it?

Thanks, Bill Tucker

If the C22 is without a roller furler on the jib – stepping the mast is pretty light work. Check YouTube for videos on mast stepping a C22 – there are many good tricks and techniques to be learned. It can be stepped very easily by 2 people, or even just 1 person with a small bit of experience. On boats with a roller furler, stepping the mast is still not hard, but the roller furler acts like a 100 lb wet noodle, so it adds a bit of planning. I have a roller furler – but still, with the proper tricks, it can be done alone. Don’t be discouraged by this article – and I should add, almost all of the criticisms made only apply to the very early models, and the C22 additionally underwent a substantial redesign in 1986. Personally, between the 2, I favor the post 1986 boats, known as the “New design.”

IMO, it’s the best bang for the buck in sailing. It’s no small pleasure to know that as you enjoy the same wind, water and sun as the larger boats, you’re spending thousands less a season than literally everyone else. I could afford a larger boat, but for me – the smaller the boat, the bigger the experience one gets out of it. I’m in it for the love of being on the water. If you’re interested – check out the C22. https://forums.sailboatowners.com/forums/catalina-22.59/

i have a 2005 Sport I’ve owned since new. I’m old and gray, but yes, it’s doable to raise and lower the mast (I have hank on sails). I had a fella build me an folding A-frame that helps. I use the vang and jib halyard, attached at the top of the A-frame, to “lever” the mast up and down under control. I can also use the A-frame with my trailer winch and the halyard.

I love my Sport. Racing is getting behind me, so I’ve “comforted” it up a bit. I have a bimini (installed backwards so it folds forward out of the way for docking and getting underway). I added a “downhaul” retriever line up by the headstay. I attach the line to my genoa/jib so when it’s time to douse, I just “haul the sail down”. That holds it to deck, with the sheets pulled back safely, so that I don’t have to go forward. Winches were moved to the cabin top (helps with halyards, led aft), with ratchet turning blocks at the old winch locations. I can usually hand trim using the ratchet action. Only heavier winds require the winches. Backstay is partial spectra line for adjustment, and the traveler has controls in the cockpit.

I can single hand it all day.

I think the review was pretty harsh. These boats hold up well and sail to their rating. And the OD Class is awesome.

With a chain and a pulley using the main halyard, yes.

Fun to read this review. My parents got one in the mid-’70s and I “inherited” her. My wife and I spent our honeymoon cruise on her, later we packed our 3 kids and a dog in there for a 5-day cruise, and then I fixed her up again for a 25th anniversary honeymoon-reprise cruise. Not a fast boat, but to learn to sail and cruise? Perfect. And growing up cruising in such tight accommodations made the trimaran I have now gravitated towards (a reaction to sailing slowly?) quite tolerable. A perfect starter-boat. Mast-raising is easy if done carefully and slowly with appropriate gin-pole and some “baby-stay” guy wires: the trick is to get the baby-stays to rotate around the same point as the mast-base so they are tight all the way up. Or to have some help keeping the mast straight during raising.

The review does focus on many negatives, but missed the wicked weather-helm under some conditions. It took me years to realize I could simply move the center-of-effort aft by raising the swing-keel some, which helped immensely, despite seeming counter-intuitive (raise the keel to help upwind performance in high-wind conditions? Huh?). Don’t be scared off, but do inspect, for eg, the plywood cores for saturation and rot on older boats, and for signs of separation of the deck from the hull at the bow: I installed a turnbuckle from foredeck to the bow-ring to take the forestay tension when I fixed ours up. Cheers all.

That’s a great tip about the swing keel – makes perfect sense. A minor adjustment can make a difference in that regard.

Way back in about 1978 or so I made a new friend, Tony, that had purchased a Catalina 22 and was docked a few slips away from my dock, at the time, on lake Ontario at Wilson Boatyard in Wilson, NY, I was living on my new Challenger Ketch. Early one nite I noticed Tony on his Catalina 22. Tony was about 60 years old and knew almost nothing about sailing. We talked and he asked me to teach him how to sail his new 22″. We practiced sailing almost every nite with the evening offshore wind. He eventually got up enough confidence and courage to sail across Lake Ontario to Toronto Harbor on the North shore of the Lake where he and his 3 lady guest stayed on the boat and in a motel for a few days. Tony loved his Cataliona 22′.

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Catalina 22 Capri

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Known for its sweet sailing performance in nearly all conditions, the Catalina Capri 22 has been winning sailors since its introduction.

The Capri 22 is more comfortable, safer at sea and easier to maintain than any boat in its class. The striking deck profile is flared across the stern and has wider cockpit curves for crew comfort during and after sailing.

Under the full reclining length seats is a new storage locker and separate battery locker. A complete racing package is available, including: symmetrical spinnaker, sheets, pole and backstay tension adjuster. The enclosable head and available galley module make the Capri 22 suitable for extended daysailing or weekending.

PHOTO GALLERY

GENERAL DIMENSIONS

Length Overall: 24′ 8″

Length of Hull: 22′ 0″

Length at Waterline: 20’ 0″

Beam: 8′ 2″

Distance from Waterline to Masthead: Std 32′ 5″, Tall 34′ 5″

Draft: 2′ 8″

Ballast: 700 lbs

Basic Weight: 2,250 lbs

Displacement / Length: 125

Sail Area / Displacement: 21.3

Ballast Ratio: 31%

Draft: 4′ 0″

Ballast: 650 lbs

Designed Weight: 2,200 lbs

Displacement / Length: 123

Sail Area / Displacement: 21.6

Ballast Ratio: 30%

RIG MEASUREMENTS (STD)

Total with 100% Foretriangle: 229ft  2

RIG MEASUREMENTS (TALL)

Total with 100% Foretriangle: 255ft  2

ENGINE & CONTROLS

Recommended: 4-10 HP Outboard

Primary Lewmar #15, Self Tailing

Optional Cabin Top: #7

Battery Qty – 1 Group 27 150 Amp-Hrs

TANKS & CAPACITIES

Fuel: Portable 6 gal

Holding / Black Water: Portable Head

All specifications are approximate and subject to change without notice.

Actual equipment also subject to change without notice.

STANDARD EQUIPMENT

Construction.

• Hull of Hand-laid Fiberglass with Hull Liner bonded to the Hull
• One Piece Fiberglass Deck with Molded-In Non-Skid Surfaces and Fiberglass Deck Liner
• Lead Fin Keel with Stainless Steel Attaching Bolts
• Five Year Gel Coat Blister Protection * ( 2 )
• Five Year Hull Structure Warranty * ( 3 )

SPARS & RIGGING

• Dacron Mainsail with Battens, Reef Point and Class Insignia
• 135% Genoa, with Sheets
• Complete Standing and Running Rigging
• Anodized Aluminum Mast and Boom
• Main & Jib Halyards Led Aft to Cockpit
• Internal Halyards

SAIL HANDLING & EQUIPMENT

• Cockpit Mounted Traveler with Controls
• Boom Vang, Adjustable
• Winch Handle
• Genoa Tracks and Blocks on Adjustable Cars
• ( 2 ) Primary Winches
• Jiffy Reefing on Boom
• Pre-stretched Dacron Sheets & Running Rigging
• Halyard Pockets on Bulkheads in Cockpit
• Low Stretch Halyards

DECK HARDWARE

• Comfortable Cockpit with Contoured Coamings
• Cockpit Seat Locker
• Fuel Storage Locker
• Vinyl Coated Lifelines
• Mooring Cleats, Fore and Aft
• Waterline Stripe, Midwatch Blue
• Midwatch Blue and Silver Sheer Stripes
• Stainless Steel Bow Pulpit
• Stainless Steel Stern Pulpit
• Stanchions, Stern Rails, and lifelines with Pelican Hooks
• Manual Bilge Pump with Thru Deck Handle
• Opening Forward Hatch
• Self Bailing Cockpit
• Molded In Non-Skid Surfaces
• Fiberglass Composite Fixed Rudder w/ Varnished Wood Tiller
• Adjustable Hiking Stick
• Trailer Bow Eye
• Stainless Steel Mast Step
• Teak Interior Trim
• Storage Lockers under Berths
• Overhead Lighting
• Molded Headliner, Low Glare Texture
• Fiberglass Hull Liner
• White Vinyl Interior Cushions with Blue Piping
• Large Removable Ice Chest
• Zippered Storage Compartments ( 2 ) in Cabin

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

• 12 Volt Electrical System with Control Panel
• Battery, 12 Volt
• 12 Volt Lighting Throughout
• Navigation Lights to International Rules
• Cabin Lights
• Steaming and Anchor Light on Mast

OPTIONAL EQUIPMENT

• Cockpit Cushions , Vinyl White
• Mast Carrier
• Self Contained Head with Privacy Curtain
• Galley Unit with Basin and Stove
• Stern Boarding Ladder
• Outboard Bracket
• Canvas Package ( 1 ) Mainsail Cover ( 2 ) Winch Covers ( 1 ) Tiller Cover, Captains Navy
• Whisker Pole
• Headsail Furling Gear
• 155% Genoa w/sheets in Lieu of Std. Jib
• 150% Furling Genoa with UV Panels and Sheets In Lieu of Standard Jib
• .75 oz. Radial Head Spinnaker Color
• Tall Rig Mast with Sails, Main and 135% Jib, In Lieu of Standard Rig and Sails
• 155% Genoa W/Sheets ( Tall Rig ) in Lieu of Standard Jib
• 150% Furling Genoa w/UV Panels ( Tall Rig ) in Lieu of Standard Jib
• .75 oz. Radial Head Spinnaker ( Tall Rig )
• Galvanized Trailer for Fin Keel w/brakes, Tongue Jack
• Galvanized Trailer for Wing Keel w/brakes, Tongue Jack
• Performance Package: Symmetrical Spinnaker Gear Including Pole, Sheets, Foreguy and Halyard Lead Aft to Cockpit Main and Jib Halyard Winches on Cabin Top, with Clam Cleats, Backstay with Adjuster Purchase

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Catalina 22 Review

The Catalina 22 is the most commercially successful sailboat of all time and is one of the 5 inaugural members of the American Sailboat Hall of Fame.  Frank Butler of Catalina Yachts  designed the Catalina 22, which was Catalina’s first production boat.  Since 1969, Catalina Yachts has built and sold over 16,000 Catalina 22s.  Catalina continues to manufacture this boat to meet continued sprightly demand.  Continued market demand and production of a family cruiser and racer of this size contrasts with the next two models up in Catalina’s line, the Catalina 25  and the Catalina 27, which are no longer produced.

The Catalina 22 is an excellent day sailer, racer, and weekender.  She has classic Catalina lines and port light configuration that many sailors find timeless.  Although Catalina has updated the Catalina 22 throughout its production run, early boats remain modern-looking and attractive by today’s standards.  Many sailors will prefer the lines of the earlier boats over the lines of the most recent.  With its light displacement and available swing keel, the Catalina 22 can truly be considered a trailer-sailer by any modern standard.

Unlike many builders of sailboats available on the used boat market today, Catalina remains in business, and continues to manufacture and source parts for the Catalina 22.  Catalina 22 owners benefit from  Catalina Direct , which makes buying many  Catalina 22 specific parts  very convenient.  As an aside, it’s worth noting that Catalina Direct is a dealer for Catalina Yachts and is not run by Catalina, the manufacturer.  With the vast majority of Catalina 22s still afloat, the boat has a huge user base and a very active owners’ association with racing, the Catalina 22 National Association .  Many owners of the Catalina 22 report that the plethora of information available from other owners, that the manufacturer was still in business, that a version of the boat continues to be manufactured, and that spare parts were readily available, were key points influencing their decision to purchase a Catalina 22.

EVOLUTION OF THE CATALINA 22

Catalina produced the original Catalina 22, called the Mark I, until 1995.  In 1973, a fin keel was offered in addition to the swing keel.  In 1976, a stronger heavier mast was introduced.  In 1986, Catalina introduced the “New Design”, which saw revisions to the rigging but not to the sail dimensions, aluminum trimmed port lights replaced with smoked plexiglass, interior layout changes, addition of a separate fuel locker and battery compartment, moving the forward hatch aft of the foredeck to the cabin house, and addition of an anchor locker.  In 1988, a wing keel option was offered in addition to the swing and fin keels.  In 1995, Catalina introduced the Catalina 22 Mark II, which included revisions to the hull above the waterline, cabin house and port lights, interior layout, pop-top, and offered additional interior options.  In 2004, Catalina introduced the Catalina 22 Sport.   For the Catalina 22 Sport, Catalina redesigned nearly the entire boat except for the hull, keel, rudder, and sail plan, which were left the same so that these boats could compete in one-design racing.

Catalina introduced an additional 22 footer, the Catalina Capri 22, in 1984. This boat has a different underbody from all of the above Catalina 22 boats and is not eligible for Catalina 22 one-design racing.  Catalina continues to manufacture this boat, today called the Catalina 22 Capri .

CONSTRUCTION

The build quality of the Catalina 22 is good for its intended purpose as a daysailer and weekender for inland and protected waters.  The hull is solid hand-laid fiberglass.  Some Mark I models had plywood stringers, which can rot.  The deck is fiberglass sandwich with a plywood core.  The hull-to-deck joint is Catalina’s preferred shoebox design, but only fastened with screws and chemical adhesive which are sufficient for the boat’s intended cruising grounds.  Interior fit and finish is excellent for this size and class of production boat.  The interior is a molded fiberglass liner.  Interior woodwork is an attractive and durable marine ply with teak veneer with some solid teak pieces for structural loading.

All standing rigging is stainless steel.  Catalina 22s built before 1977 had a lighter, weaker mast, and lighter gauge standing rigging.  These early boats were not designed to carry a headsail greater than a 110%.  A few of these earlier boats suffered mast failures when carrying a larger genoa. In 1978, Catalina fixed this issue on all new Catalina 22s by installing a stronger, heavier mast and heavier gauge rigging that could support the greater loads associated with larger headsails.

Minor blistering was an issue on some earlier Catalina 22s, which was a common issue for boats manufactured during that period.  Hull blistering issues are hit and miss, with some Catalina 22 owners reporting never having any.  Due to the long production run and improvement of fiberglass technology during this time, blistering issues were reduced in each successive year, and were nearly non-existent by the mid-1980s.

As with all early Catalina boats that had aluminum trimmed port lights, leaking is a common problem.  Catalina Direct offers a Catalina 22 specific  kit to reseal these port lights.

On Mark I boats, the electrical panel was installed on the side of the aft dinette seat where it can be damaged by kicking when moving about the cabin and by water intrusion between the hatch boards.  Some owners install kick plates over the electrical panel to protect the switches.  Due to the relatively simple electrical systems on the boat, moving the electrical panel to a better location is only a small project.  For the New Design, Catalina moved the panel to the shelf in the port side of the hull.  Catalina moved the panel again for the Mark II model, placing it beneath the companionway steps, which returned it to the same location issues as the Mark I boats have.

Early Catalina 22s came from the factory with through-hull plumbing fittings secured only by single hose clamps, instead of two.  This is of course easy to fix if not done already.  Early boats also had gate valves installed for through-hulls, which was common at that time.  Gate valves should be replaced with proper seacocks.

The Catalina 22 is a masthead sloop with a sail-area-to-displacement ratio of around 18 (depending on keel), which puts her traditionally in a medium-cruiser class.  The mast is deck stepped with a compression post below decks to support the mast.  The mast is supported by one set of spreaders and one set of upper shrouds, and two sets of lower shrouds.

Some Catalina 22s came equipped from the factory with boom vangs, while others did not.   Catalina 22 specific boom vang kits are available from Catalina Direct.  All boats came with an adjustable mainsheet traveler.  The jib car tracks are very short, but this is not likely an issue for the vast majority of sailors who will rarely adjust the location of their jib cars anyway.  A small winch and clutch is installed on each cockpit coaming to manage jib sheets. No halyard winches were installed from the factory, but clutches were typically installed at the aft end of the cabin house so as to be accessible from the cockpit.

Catalina has deliberately never changed the dimensions of the rig during the entire production run so that any Catalina 22 regardless of year can compete in Catalina 22 one-design racing.

KEEL AND RUDDER

The vast majority of Catalina 22s were delivered with a swing keel.  Over the production run, Catalina introduced two additional keel options, a fixed fin and a fixed wing.  The fin keel has a draft of 3′ 6″ and provides 765 lbs. of ballast.  The wing keel has a draft of 2′ 6″ and provides 708 lbs. of ballast.

The Catalina 22 swing keel warrants its own discussion.  On earlier boats, the swing keel was cast iron and in later boats, cast lead. Beginning with the Mark II model, all swing keels were encapsulated in fiberglass.  The swing keel weighs 452 lbs. and serves as all of the ballast for the boat. The heavy weight of this swing keel prevents many of the annoying banging noises associated with unballasted swing keels. The keel can be raised by way of a simple and reliable manual winch system located below the companionway steps. Little effort is required to operate the winch.

The swing keel pivots from a down position to an aft-and-up position on a 1” diameter cast bronze rod hung between stout cast bronze hangers mounted to the underside of the hull. When down, the keel provides a 5′ draft, which is very deep for a boat of this size.  When the keel is fully raised to its horizontal position, the Catalina 22 has a draft of only 2′, which is of course handy for gunkholing or if the water gets shallow when exploring. In the event of a grounding, the keel gently swings back and away rather than getting damaged or causing damage to the hull as can happen with fixed keels and vertically lifting (not swing) keels.  When the swing keel on the Catalina 22 is fully lowered, the keel orientation is high aspect and has a symmetrical foil shape, similar to modern race boats, so that the boat points to weather extremely well and tacks on a dime. When completely raised, only a small part of the keel is enveloped in the hull, with the rest protruding. Therefore when the keel is fully raised, the keel orientation is very low aspect, making for nearly a full keel configuration, enabling the boat to track well with little helm attention, even when sailing downwind.

Catalina recommends that Catalina 22 swing keel hardware be inspected every two years if in a salt water environment, and allows for longer if in fresh water. However, some owners in fresh water environments report never inspecting their swing keels after thirty years of use and have no problems.  Catalina also recommended a retrofit be performed on earlier Catalina 22s to reduce the side-to-side movement of the keel along the pivot pin, which could cause the keel to wear through the pin.  If not already done, owners should perform or have this retrofit performed.  A retrofit kit is available from Catalina Direct.

Despite the early swing keels being cast iron, Catalina did not typically install a sacrificial anode on Catalina 22s at the factory.  Catalina 22s should have a sacrificial anode installed, especially if in salt water, although owners of fresh water boats without sacrificial anodes have reported little corrosion.   Sacrificial anode kits , including the drill bit necessary to go through the cast iron, are available from Catalina Direct.  Catalina 22s produced from 1995 onward had the cast iron keel encapsulated in fiberglass, which further reduced potential corrosion issues.

The Catalina 22 has a transom hung rudder commanded by a tiller.  Mark I boats came with a kick-up rudder that may avoid damage if grounded, and can also be secured up when in shallow waters using the factory-installed rudder rigging.  New Design and later, boats were delivered with a solid rudder instead of the kick-up model.  The solid rudder can provide better sailing performance but can be damaged when the keel is raised in shallow waters because the rudder extends beyond the depth of the raised keel.

SAILING CHARACTERISTICS

The Catalina 22 has a very flat canoe body and beam carried well aft resulting in excellent initial stability, and low wetted-surface area contributing to speed.  The boat has a relatively deep forefoot, which prevents the flat body aft from pounding.  Catalina 22s are stiff, and if knocked down, right themselves quickly.  The swing keel is the least ballasted of the boats and is the most tender.  The fin keel is the most ballasted and most stable version.

All three keel configurations sail well on any point of sail.  Catalina 22 owners consistently refer to the boat as “forgiving”.  The swing keel performs the best to windward due to its deep and high-aspect orientation when lowered.  Due to its extremely low-aspect when raised, the swing keel can also perform the best running with the wind.  The fin keel performs better on all points of sail than the wing keel.

The Catalina 22 easily achieves hull speed in light-medium airs.  Many Catalina 22 owners report preferring to reef when winds reach above 10 knots, while others report never reefing even with much higher wind speeds.  The boat has a tendency to round up into the wind when over canvassed, which can count as a safety feature.

Unlike smaller day sailers, the cockpit of the Catalina 22 provides a very secure and dry ride.  The cockpit is large (larger than its bigger sister, the Catalina 25 ) with a moderately deep sole and wide benches.  Leaning against the bulkhead at the forward end of the benches provides an excellent lounging position facing aft.  The coamings are moderately high, which add to a sense of security when seated.  The benches are long enough for sleeping when overnighting or weekending.

On Mark I boats, the cockpit sole slopes forward so that scuppers are necessarily located at the forward end of the cockpit.  On any boat with cockpit scuppers located in the sole, keeping the scuppers free from debris, especially when the boat is not being used, is a common maintenance concern.  Clogged scuppers can lead to cockpit flooding in heavy precipitation, and eventually flooding below decks.  The scuppers drain through plumbing connected to a y-fitting and then a through-hull fitting beneath the companionway steps.  Catalina Direct offers a kit to install additional scuppers in the transom of the boat to aid the factory installed scuppers.  With the New Design, Catalina began installing scuppers that drain through the transom.

Beneath the port cockpit bench is a relatively large lazarette, accessible from a hatch at the aft end of the port bench.  The lazarette is not big enough for sail storage but works well for storing lines, bumpers, and other equipment.  On Mark I models, this lazarette also functions as a fuel locker, which is functional because the locker is not open to the interior of the boat or the bilge.  The lazarette is vented to the outside by cowlings on the side deck.  The sole of the lazarette slopes downward to forward so that fuel fumes can accumulate in the lazarette.  Some Mark I owners report that fuel fumes can seep through the bulkhead at the forward end of the lazerette into the cabin.  For the New Design, Catalina improved this design so that the fuel tank was separated from the lazarette and vented to the cockpit.  Some Catalina 22s came equipped with a manual bilge pump mounted in the port lazarette, with the pump handle accessible from the cockpit.

A boarding ladder hung from the transom on the starboard side was optional.  While boarding ladders are an easy fit to most any boat, a Catalina 22 specific boarding ladder is available from Catalina Direct.

Moving forward from the cockpit, the side decks are necessarily narrow.  For a boat of this size, the side decks are excellent.  Many boats of this size eliminate side decks all together, especially newer designs, requiring sailors to cross over the cabin house to access the foredeck, which is disastrous in appearance.  Butler maintained the boat’s good lines and proportions by keeping side decks, even if narrow.  Some owners remove their lifelines, which generally looks attractive, and in this case makes moving along the side decks easier.  Considering the limited effectiveness of the lifelines due to their low height, their removal may add to safety aboard on any Catalina 22 unless small children will be aboard.  Due to the size of the boat, there is always some rigging to hold within arms’ reach.

The foredeck is a good size for managing a foresail and includes a sufficiently secure bow pulpit.  On Mark I boats, there is a large hatch in the center of the foredeck, which opens to the v-berth below.  On New Design boats, this hatch was moved aft to the forward end of the cabin house, which improves the foredeck for sail handling.  On Mark II boats, this hatch was changed from solid fiberglass to smoked plexiglass.  Due to the rising sheer line of the forward end of the deck, the plywood core in the foredeck is prone to rot if the watertightness of the foredeck fittings is not maintained.  Many owners have addressed rotted cores with various techniques that involve removing the rotted core from below decks.  Addressing this issue from below leaves no adverse blemishes on the foredeck.

Mark I Catalina 22s have no anchor locker.  Many Mark I boats are fitted with an anchor holder mounted on the bow pulpit.  For any Catalina 22 not already outfitted with one, anchor holders are available from Catalina Direct.  Catalina introduced an anchor locker with the New Design.

The Catalina 22 has Catalina’s traditional wide companionway with three hatch boards.  With the hatch boards removed, the interior of the boat is greatly opened.  This companionway is an excellent place to stand while under sail from which all operations of the boat can be observed and guests in the cockpit tended with food and beverages.

Headroom is limited at 4′ 4″, which owners report is great for their children.  In 1973, Catalina began offering the pop-top as an option, which swings up on 4 stainless steel struts and increases headroom to 5′ 7″.  Catalina modified the pop-top for the Mark II model, replacing the struts with a hinge at the forward edge, making it easier to raise.

Below decks, there is a wide but short v-berth forward with a removable central insert at the aft end.  On Mark I, New Design, and Mark II boats, beneath the central insert is a large storage area open to the salon.  Many owners keep port-a-potties in this space and some install marine heads.  Some Catalina 22s were delivered from the factory with marine heads installed in this space.  Also beneath the v-berth are two smaller storage areas.  The aft end of the v-berth can be enclosed with the factory-installed curtains, which offers some privacy if used as a head area.

On the New Design models, there is an icebox to port a centerline sink between the aft end of the v-berth and the forward dinette seat back.  To starboard there is a two burner stove and a drawer beneath.  Some owners remove this stove, leaving a deep shelf for storage.

Aft to starboard is a settee long enough for sleeping.  On the Mark I models, aft to port is the dinette, which can seat two adults and two children.  Outboard of the starboard settee, and the dinette to port, are shelves built into the hull.  There is storage beneath the starboard settee, the dinette seats if on the Mark I model, and the port settee if on the Mark II model.  On the Mark II model, the port settee continues aft beneath the cockpit, making the port settee long enough for sleeping.  Aft of the starboard settee is the “Captain’s Quarter Berth”, which is uncomfortable as a berth due to low headroom.  Most owners use this space for storing whisker poles, boat hooks, camp stoves, oars, and similar long and flat gear, or mounting radios and other equipment.  The aft most end of this quarter berth is accessible from a hatch in the cockpit.

For Mark I and Mark II boats (but not the New Design boats), Catalina offered a galley that would slide out from under the quarter berth for use.  On Mark I models, the slide-out galley included a sink, two burner stove, icebox, and storage drawer.  On Mark II models, the galley was smaller, and only included a sink and single burner stove.  The icebox was moved to and became an integral part of the companionway steps.

For the Mark II models, Catalina made the interior more spacious by widening the hull above the water line and widening the interior by 10″.

VENTILATION

The Catalina 22 has no opening port lights, but none are necessary.  Ventilation on the Catalina 22 is excellent.  The large forward hatch funnels air into the cabin when under sail.  At the dock, owners report that a box fan can be placed in this hatch to effectively force air throughout the cabin.  The pop-top opens the entire salon dramatically. The large companionway contributes to this openness as well.

AUXILIARY POWER

The Catalina 22 is powered by an outboard motor hung on the port side of the transom on an adjustable mount.  Long shaft motors are preferred.  A 5 h.p. motor is more than adequate for pushing the boat even in rough conditions.  Many owners report having Catalina 22s equipped with less powerful motors without issue.

With a maximum displacement of 2490 lbs. or less depending on keel model, the Catalina 22 is easily pulled without a powerful truck as a tow vehicle.  The light weight also enables the Catalina 22 to use a single axle trailer, although the trailer wheels should be of the 5-lug type.  The swing keel and relatively flat bottom also mean that many powerboat trailers can be easily modified to support the Catalina 22.

USED CATALINA 22 MARKET

Catalina 22s can be found on the used boat market typically ranging anywhere in price from $2,000 to $22,000, mostly depending upon age and condition, installed equipment and upgrades, and whether or not a trailer is included in the sale. However, derelict project boats occasionally pop-up for much less. Due to the ubiquity of the Catalina 22, it is always easy to find one for sale on Craigslist, Sailboat Listings, Sailing Texas, and other venues, and there are a plethora on Yacht World. If shopping for a Catalina 22, make sure all swing keel maintenance has been performed or be prepared to do it. Check early boats with aluminum trimmed windows for leaks, which was common but easily repairable. Check for foredeck core rot, stringer rot, and hull blistering, which were hit and miss problems on earlier boats. Otherwise, there is nothing special to consider with these boats that you would not for any other boat.

Special thanks to Jeremy Smith for his contributions to this article.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

Catalina 22 Mark II Brochure

Catalina 22 Sport Brochure

Catalina 22 National Association

Catalina 22-Specific Parts Available from Catalina Direct

Catalina 22s Available for Sale on Craigslist, Nationwide

FAMILY CRUISING (SAILING AWAY) ON A CATALINA 22

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4u18jt3hq6Q

CATALINA 22 RACING

LAUNCHING A CATALINA 22

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6 thoughts on “ catalina 22 review ”.

Had no idea that a Catalina was that affordable! Definitely going to get a yacht someday soon!

Excellent review. The only suggestion that I can make is that a matrix that compares the various features and problems of each model and age boat would be extremely helpful. I will use this review as my guide for the purchase of a Catalina 22. Congratulations on a very professional job.

Jim Vaughan Grass Valley, Ca

• Pingback: Used Catalina 22 | Pualwalker

Great informative article! Thanks for sharing your wealth of knowledge!

Great review that I will keep going back to for more research on things I had to skip over. I’m a senior age guy and have spent my life boating and commercial fishing but never sailing. I’m definitely going to buy a Catalina 22. This boat was recommended to me by my sailing instructor Gary of Outercape Sailing in Wellfleet Massachusetts. I live in Provincetown Massachusetts with a great harbor and Cape cod Bay. I’m so thankful for all this information. Thanks Peter Cook

Thanks for all the help. I am looking to purchase one right now but on all sites they are minimal at best. Can’t blame the people for not wanting to get rid of one unless trading up. Thanks again.

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20 Best Small Sailboats for the Weekender

• By Mark Pillsbury
• Updated: May 24, 2024

In order to go cruising, most of us require a sailboat with a head, a galley, and bunks. The boat, likely a 30-footer and more often a 40-footer, will have electronics for navigation and entertainment, refrigeration if the trip is longer than a coastal hop, an engine for light wind, and, depending on our appetites for food and fun, perhaps a genset to power our toys and appliances.

To go sailing , however, all we really need is a hull, mast, rudder, and sail. To experience the pure joy of sheeting in and scooting off across a lake, bay, or even the open ocean, there’s nothing better than a small sailboat – we’re talking sailboats under 25 feet. You can literally reach out and touch the water as it flows past. You instantly feel every puff of breeze and sense every change in trim.

Some of the boats in this list are new designs, others are time-tested models from small sailboat manufacturers, but every one is easy to rig, simple to sail, and looks like a whole lot of fun either for a solo outing on a breezy afternoon or to keep family and friends entertained throughout your entire sailing season. This list is made up of all types of sailboats , and if you’re looking for a list of some of the best small sailboats for beginners, you’ll find exactly that here.

Any one of these popular boats could be labeled as a trailerable sailboat, daysailer, or even a weekender sailboat. And while most would be labeled as a one or two person sailboat, some could comfortably fit three or even four people.

– 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

Marblehead 22 Daysailer

If you have an eye for elegant lines and your heart goes pitter-patter over just the right amount of overhang beneath a counter transom, the Marblehead 22 daysailer, designed by Doug Zurn and built by Samoset Boatworks in Boothbay, Maine, will definitely raise your pulse. Traditional-looking above the waterline and modern beneath, the cold-molded hull sports a deep bulb keel and a Hall Spars carbon-fiber mast with a wishbone rig and square-top main. The 11-foot-9-inch cockpit can seat a crowd, and a small cuddy forward will let you stow your friends’ gear for the day. samosetboatworks.com

Catalina 22 Sport

Many a harbor plays host to an active fleet of Catalina 22s, one of the most popular small sailboats over the years, given its basic amenities and retractable keel, which allows it to be easily trailered. Recently, the company introduced the Catalina 22 Sport, an updated design that can compete with the older 22s. The boat features a retractable lead keel; a cabin that can sleep four, with a forward hatch for ventilation; and a fractional rig with a mainsail and a roller-furling jib. Lifelines, a swim ladder, and an engine are options, as are cloth cushions; vinyl cushions are standard. The large cockpit will seat a crowd or let a mom-and-pop crew stretch out and enjoy their sail. It’s clear why the Catalina 22 is one of the best sailboats under 25 feet. catalinayachts.com

With its large, open-transom cockpit and sloop rig, the Hunter 22 makes a comfortable daysailer for family and friends. But with its cuddy cabin, twin bunks, optional electrical system, opening screened ports, and portable toilet, a parent and child or a couple could comfortably slip away for an overnight or weekend. Add in the optional performance package, which includes an asymmetric spinnaker, a pole, and a mainsheet traveler, and you could be off to the races. The boat features a laminated fiberglass hull and deck, molded-in nonskid, and a hydraulic lifting centerboard. Mount a small outboard on the stern bracket, and you’re set to go. marlow-hunter.com

Not sure whether you want to race, cruise or just go out for an afternoon sail? Since 1958, sailors have been having a ball aboard the Uffa Fox/George O’Day-designed Daysailer. Fox, who in the 1950s was on the cutting edge of planning-dinghy design, collaborated with Fall River, Massachusetts boatbuilder O’Day Corp. to build the 16-foot Daysailer, a boat that features a slippery hull and a small cuddy cabin that covers the boat roughly from the mast forward. Thousands of Daysailers were built by various builders, and they can be found used for quite affordable prices. There are active racing fleets around the US, and new Daysailers are still in production today, built by Cape Cod Ship Building. capecodshipbuilding.com

BayRaider from Swallow Boats

Easy to rig and trailer, the BayRaider from England’s Swallow Yachts is a relative newcomer to the small-boat market in the United States. Nearly all of its 19 feet 9 inches is open cockpit, though a spray hood can be added to keep the forward sections dry. The BayRaider is ketch-rigged with a gunter-style mainmast. The topmast and mizzen are both carbon-fiber, which is an option for the mainmast as well. The BayRaider can be sailed with a dry hull in lighter conditions or with 300 pounds of water ballast to increase its stability. With the centerboard and hinged rudder raised, the boat can maneuver in even the thinnest water.

$28,900, (904) 234-8779, swallowyachts.com

Big fun can come in small packages, especially if your vessel of choice happens to be the 12 ½-foot Beetle Cat. Designed by John Beetle and first built in 1921, the wooden shallow draft sailboat is still in production today in Wareham, Massachusetts at the Beetle Boat Shop. With a draft of just 2 feet, the boat is well-suited for shallow bays, but equally at home in open coastal waters. The single gaff-rigged sail provides plenty of power in light air and can be quickly reefed down to handle a blow. In a word, sailing a Beetle Cat is fun. beetlecat.com

– 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

West Wight Potter P 19

With berths for four and a workable galley featuring a cooler, a sink, and a stove, West Wight Potter has packed a lot into its 19-foot-long P 19. First launched in 1971, this is a line of boats that’s attracted a true following among trailer-sailors. The P 19′s fully retractable keel means that you can pull up just about anywhere and go exploring. Closed-cell foam fore and aft makes the boat unsinkable, and thanks to its hard chine, the boat is reportedly quite stable under way. westwightpotter.com

NorseBoat 17.5

Designed for rowing and sailing (a motor mount is optional), the Canadian-built NorseBoat 17.5—one of which was spotted by a CW editor making its way through the Northwest Passage with a two-man crew—features an open cockpit, a carbon-fiber mast, and a curved-gaff rig, with an optional furling headsail set on a sprit. The lapstrake hull is fiberglass; the interior is ply and epoxy. The boat comes standard with two rowing stations and one set of 9-foot oars. The boat is designed with positive flotation and offers good load-carrying capacity, which you could put to use if you added the available canvas work and camping tent. NorseBoats offers a smaller sibling, the 12.5, as well; both are available in kit form.

$19,000, (902) 659-2790, norseboat.com

Montgomery 17

Billed as a trailerable pocket cruiser, the Montgomery 17 is a stout-looking sloop designed by Lyle Hess and built out of fiberglass in Ontario, California, by Montgomery Boats. With a keel and centerboard, the boat draws just under 2 feet with the board up and can be easily beached when you’re gunkholing. In the cuddy cabin you’ll find sitting headroom, a pair of bunks, a portable toilet, optional shore and DC power, and an impressive amount of storage space. The deck-stepped mast can be easily raised using a four-part tackle. The builder reports taking his own boat on trips across the Golfo de California and on visits to California’s coastal islands. Montgomery makes 15-foot and 23-foot models, as well. If you’re in search of a small sailboat with a cabin, the Montgomery 17 has to be on your wish list.

With long overhangs and shiny brightwork, the CW Hood 32 is on the larger end of the daysailer spectrum. Designers Chris Hood and Ben Stoddard made a conscious decision to forego a cabin and head in favor of an open cockpit big enough to bring 4 or 5 friends or family out for an afternoon on the water. The CW Hood 32 is sleek and graceful through the water and quick enough to do some racing, but keeps things simple with a self-tacking jib and controls that can be lead back to a single-handed skipper. A top-furling asymmetrical, electric sail drive and Torqeedo outboard are all optional. The CW Hood 32 makes for a great small family sailboat.  cwhoodyachts.com

Sun Cat from Com-Pac

Shallow U.S. East Coast bays and rock-strewn coasts have long been graced by cat boats, whose large, gaff-rigged mainsails proved simple and powerful both on the wind and, better yet, when reaching and running. The 17-foot-4-inch Sun Cat, built by Com-Pac Yachts, updates the classic wooden cat with its fiberglass hull and deck and the easy-to-step Mastender Rigging System, which incorporates a hinged tabernacle to make stepping the mast a one-person job. If you want a personal sailboat ideal for solo sailing, the Sun Can is a great choice. Belowdecks, the twin 6-foot-5-inch berths and many other features and amenities make this cat a willing weekender.

$19,800, (727) 443-4408, com-pacyachts.com

Catalina 16.5

The Catalina 16.5 sits right in the middle of Catalina Yachts’ line of small sailboats, which range from the 12.5 to the 22 Capri and Sport, and it comes in both an easy-to-trailer centerboard model and a shoal-draft fixed-keel configuration. With the fiberglass board up, the 17-foot-2-inch boat draws just 5 inches of water; with the board down, the 4-foot-5-inch draft suggests good windward performance. Hull and deck are hand-laminated fiberglass. The roomy cockpit is self-bailing, and the bow harbors a good-sized storage area with a waterproof hatch. catalinayachts.com

No roundup of best small sailboats (trailerable and fun too) would be complete without a mention of the venerable Hobie 16, which made its debut in Southern California way back in 1969. The company has introduced many other multihulls since, but more than 100,000 of the 16s have been launched, a remarkable figure. The Hobie’s asymmetric fiberglass-and-foam hulls eliminate the need for daggerboards, and with its kick-up rudders, the 16 can be sailed right up to the beach. Its large trampoline offers lots of space to move about or a good place to plant one’s feet when hanging off the double trapezes with a hull flying. The boat comes with a main and a jib; a spinnaker, douse kit, trailer, and beach dolly are optional features. hobiecat.com

Novice sailors or old salts looking for simplicity could both enjoy sailing the Hunter 15. With a fiberglass hull and deck and foam flotation, the boat is sturdily built. The ample freeboard and wide beam provide stability under way, and the heavy-duty rubrail and kick-up rudder mean that you won’t have to worry when the dock looms or the going grows shallow. Both the 15 and its slightly larger 18-foot sibling come standard with roller-furling jibs.

$6,900/$9,500 (boat-show prices for the 15 and 18 includes trailers), (386) 462-3077, marlow-hunter.com

– 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

Super Snark

Under various owners, the Snark brand of sailboats, now built by Meyers Boat Co., has been around since the early 1970s. The Super Snark, at 11 feet, is a simple, easily car-topped daysailer that’s fit out with a lateen rig and sail. Billed as unsinkable, the five boats in the company’s line are built with E.P.S. foam, with the external hull and deck vacuum-formed to the core using an A.B.S. polymer. The Super Snark weighs in at 50 pounds, and with a payload capacity of 310 pounds, the boat can carry two.

$970, (800) 247-6275, meyersboat.com

Norseboat 21.5

Built in Canada, the NorseBoat 21.5 is a rugged looking craft that comes in a couple of configurations: one with an open cockpit and small doghouse, and another with a smaller cockpit and cabin that houses a double berth for two adults and optional quarter berths for the kids. Both carry NorseBoat’s distinctive looking carbon fiber gaff-rigged mast with main and jib (a sprit-set drifter is optional), and come with a ballasted stub keel and centerboard. Because of its lightweight design, the boat can be rowed and is easily trailered.

$36,000 (starting), 902-659-2790, norseboat.com

Flying Scot

Talk about time-tested, the 19-foot Flying Scot has been in production since 1957 and remains a popular design today. Sloop rigged, with a conventional spinnaker for downwind work, the boat is an easily sailed family boat as well as a competitive racer, with over 130 racing fleets across the U.S. Its roomy cockpit can seat six to eight, though the boat is often sailed by a pair or solo. Hull and deck are a fiberglass and balsa core sandwich. With the centerboard up, the boat draws only eight inches. Though intended to be a daysailer, owners have rigged boom tents and berths for overnight trips, and one adventurous Scot sailor cruised his along inland waterways from Philadelphia to New Orleans.

Known primarily for its line of racing dinghys, RS Sailing also builds the 16-foot, 4-inch Venture, which it describes as a cruising and training dinghy. The Venture features a large, self-draining cockpit that will accommodate a family or pack of kids. A furling jib and mainsail with slab reefing come standard with the boat; a gennaker and trapeze kit are options, as is an outboard motor mount and transom swim ladder. The deck and hull are laid up in a fiberglass and Coremat sandwich. The Venture’s designed to be both a good performer under sail, but also stable, making it a good boat for those learning the sport.

$14,900, 203-259-7808, rssailing.com

Topper makes a range of mono- and multihull rotomolded boats, but the model that caught one editor’s eye at Strictly Sail Chicago was the Topaz Taz. At 9 feet, 8 inches LOA and weighing in at 88 pounds, the Taz is not going to take the whole crowd out for the day. But, with the optional mainsail and jib package (main alone is for a single child), the Taz can carry two or three kids or an adult and one child, and would make a fun escape pod when tied behind the big boat and towed to some scenic harbor. The hull features Topper’s Trilam construction, a plastic and foam sandwich that creates a boat that’s stiff, light, and durable, and shouldn’t mind being dragged up on the beach when it’s time for a break.

$2,900 (includes main and jib), 410-286-1960, topazsailboats.com

WindRider WRTango

WRTango, a fast, sturdy, 10-foot trimaran that’s easy to sail, is the newest portable craft from WindRider International. It joins a line that includes the WR16 and WR17 trimarans. The Tango features forward-facing seating, foot-pedal steering, and a low center of gravity that mimics the sensation of sitting in a kayak. It weighs 125 pounds (including the outriggers and carbon-fiber mast), is extremely stable, and has single-sheet sail control. The six-inch draft and kick-up rudder make it great for beaching, while the hull and outriggers are made of rotomolded polyethylene, so it can withstand running into docks and being dragged over rocks.

$3,000, 612-338-2170, windrider.com

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How Much Does An Average Sailboat Cost?

If you have ever spent a glorious afternoon on the water on a sailboat, you know what a thrill it is. Sailing represents freedom, harnessing the wind to drive you forward. It is a quiet time on the water and developing the skills to sail well can be addicting. It doesn’t matter if you want to simply go out for a few hours, enjoy an occasional overnight or weekend cruise, join the racing crowd and be in the frenetic chaos at the starting line, or dream of tropical sunsets in paradise far over the horizon. Sailing has great appeal to those romantic souls who discover its pleasures. And sailing can be a lifelong passion.

The average cost of a sailboat for sale will vary all over the board, given the many sizes, complexities, and types of sailboats out there. New or used, they can range from small, open daysailers to large catamarans that have multiple staterooms and accommodations for the entire family. Modern speedy monohulls will provide the adrenaline rush for those athletic enough to push them to their limits, while heavier, slower sailboats provide a comfortable platform to sail safely around the world, or wherever your dreams take you.

A 22-foot sailboat may be close to $30,000 brand new, yet an older model of the same boat built in the late 1970s might be purchased for $5,500 or less. A shiny new 48-foot catamaran will cost you well over $1,000,000, while a similar boat built in 2008 may be purchased for $425,000, and be better equipped. This new-versus-used situation is going to be true for all sailboats, no matter if they are monohull, catamaran, motorsailer, daysailer, or racing machine. Is it best to always buy a brand-new boat? That depends. The key is to understand that there will be additional costs that may not be obvious.

(Seen below: The Hanse 315 is an approximately 30-foot sailboat that costs between $100,000 and $150,000 when purchased new.)

The docks at all major boat shows showcase the diverse range of sailboats to satisfy everyone’s ideas, and it is easy to fall in love with one boat after another. Sailboats are funny like that, so similar, yet so different. How to choose the right one often comes down to what one can afford. That sail away special during the show may be enough to pull out your checkbook, but there is more to it than just the sale price. There is the obvious need to keep it somewhere, insure it, and maintain it.

Relevant: Frequently Asked Questions About Owning A Sailboat

One must have realistic ideas of what they are looking for, and an experienced yacht broker will be of great value to help determine that. A broker is key to weave the person’s sailing experience with the kind of sailing they hope to do, while working within their budget. But once the basic plan is in place, it becomes a fun adventure to look and learn from as many boats as possible. Some will appeal straightaway, for any number of reasons, while others may be intimidating in terms of size, complexity, and finishes that demand expensive maintenance. Boats with highly varnished brightwork will be much more labor intensive than white fiberglass, minimal interior appointments, and just basic systems. Low maintenance boats are literally a wash and wear proposition that live just fine during the season on a mooring.

For instance, most new production boats are built to the level of completeness necessary to satisfy most buyers. It is sufficient for how most people will use it. That is smart and intentional. It makes no sense to fully outfit a sailboat to the level where it can safely cross oceans, because the builders already know few owners have that desire and doing so drives up the costs significantly. So, the manufacturers complete the boats to around 80 percent of what would be necessary for a passagemaker ready to conquer the world.

If you have long-distance cruising plans, keep that in mind.

(Seen below: This is a very interesting video from a couple that lives on their sailboat. It gives you an idea of what you 'could' equipped with.)

What new boat buyers soon learn is the extent of associated costs that necessarily increase as the boats get bigger, more complex, with more systems for comfort and ease of sail handling…all intended to provide a higher quality living aboard experience.

A partial list of such items may include :

• Diesel engine propulsion system, including transmission, shaft and seal, and propeller • Additional standing and running rigging, such as whisker pole and inner forestay • A sail inventory beyond regular sails, such as spinnakers, Code Zero, and special purpose sails • Some form of renewable anti-fouling protection for hull and propeller • Batteries, which often must be replaced every six years or so • Ground tackle, which may include electric windlass, chain/rope rode and heavier anchor(s) • Navigation electronics and autopilot • Safety gear, such as PFDs, life raft, EPIRB, flares, harnesses • Dinghy and perhaps a gas or electric outboard • Comfort appliances, such as refrigeration/freezer, air conditioning • Generator • Bow thruster • Exterior canvas for bimini and covers for sun and weather protection • Additional fenders, dock lines, shorepower cords

One will also have to put together tool bags to maintain all the above, and there needs to be storage for these and other special tools that find their way aboard. In a harsh saltwater environment, tools typically must be replaced every so many years. (Read Our 4-Part Series On Boat Tools )

On a new or almost new boat, it is generally agreed that 10 percent of the value of the boat will be needed for recurring annual maintenance costs, for things like varnish, bottom paint, zincs, cleaning supplies, fuel filters, oil, grease, and other consumables. If one can do the work themselves, it will be much cheaper than paying the going yard rates.

On an older boat, the budget for keeping things working will generally be higher, unless the boat is simple and does not have lots of winches, systems, or complexity. The gaff-rigged Tahiti ketch comes to mind, as does the Westsail 32. Once a boat reaches 10+ years, things just start to wear out, hoses get brittle, plumbing cracks, wires corrode, pumps fail, and seacocks deteriorate. While older sailboats have the obvious appeal of a low initial price, a false sense of value can be shattered when it is determined that the engine must be replaced, all the leaking ports need major work, or it’s time for a new mast and rigging. Old roller furling gear goes into the dumpster.

That romantic cutter, all covered in teak decks and gleaming brightwork will cost you thousands of dollars to maintain the varnish. Unless you want to do it yourself, of course, but most find it tedious and time consuming.

Many younger people go the old, fixer-upper route, and they figure they can make it work while learning new skills. But they are still in their prime, don’t mind a little discomfort by roughing it, and their dreams and vision cuts through the cloud of difficulties to get the boat that much closer to begin living the dream. There are scores of YouTube channels that celebrate this lifestyle theme of living the experience.

While there are compelling reasons to buy a new boat, the sweet spot for managing the cost of buying a sailboat, I believe, is to find one that is neither brand new nor very old. Searching for a boat that fits one’s needs and is under 10 years old can result in a purchase that has the best all-around value. The boat’s propulsion, plumbing, steering, and electrical components are still working, the equipment still current and good for the foreseeable future. One does not expect the same service from an autopilot that is 30 years old, assuming it even works.

Look at the popular Beneteau Oceanis series sailboats, for example. Keeping it under 10 years old, one finds a 2015 Oceanis 41 around $178,000, and a 2018 Oceanis 41.1 at $198,000. These are not bad prices for newer boats that are also well equipped. The same holds true for other main brand manufacturers, such as Jeanneau and Hanse .

Many of the classic, proven sailboats are still out there, though, and worth a look if you can find one. While the design is now 50 years old, the Valiant 40/42 remains a popular choice for cruisers. The older, original Valiant 40s come on the market for around $75,000, while the newer V42s built in Texas still hold their value about $225,000. The same is true with established designs from other top yards, such as the Swedish and English builders of Hallberg-Rassy, Malo, Rustler, and Oyster.

(Seen below: This 2000 Jeanneau 45 Sun Odyssey is a good example of a used sailboat on the brokerage market. It is listed for under $200,000.)

For performance and fun, a five-year-old J/22 can be bought for $9000 and offers a lot of sailing pleasure in a small package. A 10-year-old J/105, a more capable sailboat, is right around $70,000.

Not surprising, the age of the boat has as much to do with the asking price as its condition and how well it is equipped. A 1977 Catalina 30 can be purchased for $15,000, while a five-year-newer boat is listed for $25,000. A Catalina 30 built in 1993 is asking $29,000.

Ultimately, the cost of buying a sailboat must be balanced with the value it brings. Newer boats aren’t just fresher and cleaner, they are arguably better boats, as the technology of boat building has made great strides in improving the product. Vacuum infusion is now commonplace and is far better for building a strong hull that is lighter than traditionally hand laid fiberglass, where it was difficult to control the resin to glass ratio.

Diesel engines are now much cleaner, lighter per horsepower, have better fuel economy, and overall, propulsion systems have greatly improved with electronic controls. The same is true for most other components, from appliances to steering systems. And today’s electrical systems are lightyears better than what is found in older boats. LED fixtures, lithium-ion batteries, regeneration gear, and much improved wiring practices add to the marvelous systems of today.

Across the board, hull shapes have changed, and they are more powerful, more easily driven, and the sailing systems that power them are also much improved, while being safer and easier to use. Some builders, such as Tartan Yachts, even promote that they have put the fun factor back into sailing, as their sail handling systems are a joy to use.

If you are ready to join the sailing world, find yourself an experienced broker to share your ideas and plans, and get real. Dreaming is fun but being at the helm of your own sailboat is better than any fantasy.

The world awaits. Good luck.

Enjoy these other boating and cruising articles:

• The Unexpected Side Of An Aging Sailor
• What Is The Safest Sailboat?
• Is Sailing A Cheap Hobby?
• What Are The Different Types Of Sailboats?
• How Big Of A Sailboat Can One Person Handle?
• What Is The Best Size Sailboat To Live On?
• Moving From A Sailboat To A Trawler
• Sometimes It's All About Simplicity
• The Bucket: A True Story
• Essential Supplies For Extended Cruising
• The Exhausting Need To Keep Up With New Technology
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• Cruising Boats Come Of Age
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• A Paradigm Shift In Cruising
• Consider Buddy Boating
• A Matter Of Staying Safe While Boating
• Should I Carry A Gun While Cruising?
• A Boater's 3-to-5 Year Plan
• Provisioning Your Yacht For Extended Cruising - Bahamas
• Provisioning Your Yacht For Extended Cruising - Alaska
• The Evolution Of The Trawler Yacht
• Getting Ready For The Great Loop
• A Winning Great Loop Strategy
• Tips For Cruising South
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Time For Spring Commissioning: But Have You Thought Of This?

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How Much Do Sailboats Cost 2024? The Average Prices

The cost of a sailboat can vary greatly depending on a number of features, so it’s hard to give a definitive answer without knowing requirements.

Although it’s common to think sailing’s for the rich , that isn’t always the case. In fact, you can pick up project boats for as little as $1! This is unusual though, so what can you expect to pay?

To give a rough idea, a small, basic sailboat can start at around $10,000, while high-end, luxury boats can easily exceed $1 million.

Additionally, the cost of owning and maintaining a sailboat should also be considered. This can include expenses for docking fees, insurance, repairs and upgrades, and essential sailing gear and equipment.

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When we bought our sailboat four years ago we had no idea if we would like living aboard or how long we would want to cruise for. We knew we wanted a boat under 40ft so we could manage it as a crew of two (or even one if needs be), but bigger than 35ft so we had enough room to live comfortably.

Because we had a very small budget we knew we wouldn’t be able to afford a sailboat that was fully fitted out and ready to go, so we had to factor in upgrades and maintenance that we would complete ourselves as and when we could afford to.

We bought our 38ft sailboat for under £30,000, which was one of the cheapest sailboats that was ‘ready to sail’ in the size and age range at the time. Just like houses, sailboats go and up and down in price based on demand, and in today’s market it is much harder to find a boat like this in that price range.

So now that you have a bit of context, let’s dive into the factors that affect the cost of a sailboat and some average prices below.

‍W hat Factors Affect The Cost Of A Sailboat?

Before buying a sailboat you will want to consider many different factors, such as what you want your sailboat for, where you intend to sail it and how many crew you are likely to have onboard.

You will want to look at the existing equipment onboard and make a list of extras you will need to fit in order to make it meet your requirements. These extra costs can quickly add up! You should also factor in any maintenance that needs to be done before you start sailing.

Let’s take a look at some of the main factors that impact the price of a sailboat.

New or Used

This is an obvious one. Used sailboats are a lot cheaper than brand new versions. Sailboats are similar to cars and lose their value over time, no matter how much work you put into them. The most common opinion is that new sailboats lose their value on a bell curve, and you will make the most of your investment if you sell a new boat within four years.

Buying a much older boat is cheaper initially, but may cost you ten fold in maintenance and upgrades if it hasn’t been looked after well by the previous owner. You should always use a well regarded surveyor before buying a sailboat to make sure you are paying a fair price.

Larger sailboats typically cost more than smaller ones. You can buy a small used sailing dinghy for around £1000, which will be suitable for hobby sailing for a few hours on lakes or close to shore in calm weather. This is a great option if you’re keen to learn to sail on a small budget.

Here are a few price comparisons on new boats of different sizes.

Average Prices Of 22ft yachts

• Catalina 22 Sport:  $27,000 + VAT
• Marlow Hunter 22:  $30,000 + VAT
• Marblehead 22:  $84,000 + VAT

Average prices of 40ft – 45ft yachts

• Lagoon 40:  $400,000 + VAT
• Hanse 418:  $200,000 + VAT
• Ovni 445:  $600,000 + VAT

Monohull or Multihull

With two engines, two hulls and a lot more space multihulls fetch a premium. In recent years they have become more popular than ever, and therefore they are a lot more expensive both new and used than monohulls. They are also more expensive to upkeep and more expensive to run.

Well-known, high-end brands often come with a higher price tag. As you can see from the chart above, even sailboats of the same or very similar size can vary hugely in price. This is partly down to the reputation of the brand and boat manufacturer. If the boat has the reputation of being of excellent build quality then it will undoubtedly demand a higher price tag!

Additional amenities and technology can increase the cost. If you’re buying a new boat then it will likely come with all the essentials like depth souder and wind gauge (or this may be something you will need to add on as an extra). Used boats will come with whatever they come with, which may mean outdated or broken equipment, or none at all.

When we bought our used boat we drew up a spreadsheet of all the equipment we considered essential and we added missing equipment onto the cost of the sailboat, so that we knew how much extra we would have to spend after purchase.

Some things, like our sailboat watermaker , might not be essential to others but have changed our lives aboard.

Even things like our lithium marine batteries would now be on our ‘essentials’ list, as they are so power and cost effective compared to the alternatives.

⚡ We use BattleBorn batteries and recommend them highly. You can check them out here. ⚡

A used sailboat may be less expensive, but will almost certainly require more maintenance and upkeep. You can tackle a lot of boat maintenance yourself with the help of YouTube sailing channels and a decent sailboat toolkit , and this will keep costs down considerably.

‍‍‍‍‍‍ ‍‍Overall, it is important to carefully consider all factors and do thorough research before making a purchase decision for a sailboat

The Average Cost Of A New Cruising Sailboat

We’ve classed a cruising boat as one you could live on comfortably as a couple, so ranging from around 38ft to 50ft.

On average, a new cruising sailboat can cost anywhere from $100,000 to over $1 million . Some popular brands, such as Beneteau and Jeanneau, offer models in the $200,000 to $400,000 range.

Luxury cruising sailboats from well-known brands like Hanse or any catamarans can easily exceed $500,000.

Of course, the cost will also depend on the size and features of the boat. A smaller, basic cruising sailboat may be closer to $100,000 while larger boats with more amenities can easily surpass the million-dollar mark.

Keep in mind that these prices do not include additional expenses for maintenance and upkeep.‍‍

Here are some examples:

• Beneteau Oceanis 40.1 : $300,000 + VAT
• Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 410 : $400,000
• Amel 50:  $1,100,000 + VAT
• Hallberg Rassy 57:  £1,400,000  VAT

Used Cruising Sailboat Prices

The cost of a used cruising sailboat will depend on factors such as age, condition, and previous ownership.

A well-maintained, newer model used sailing boat can range from $50,000 to over $200,000. Older boats or those in need of repairs may be less expensive, but require more investment in upkeep and maintenance. You could pick up a used 38ft sailboat for around $40,000, though it will likely need some attention before it is ready to sail.

It is important to thoroughly inspect a used sailboat before purchasing and factor in potential repair costs. As with buying a new boat, the cost of owning and maintaining a used sailboat should also be considered. ‍‍‍‍‍‍ ‍‍

Overall, the price of a used cruising sailboat can vary greatly and it is hard to give an average price, but expect to pay around $50,000 to $100,000 and then extra for maintenance.

• Tayana 37:  $30,000-90,000
• Moody 44:  €60,000-100,000
• Lagoon 380:  $150,000-350,000
• Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 42:  $130,000-200,000
• Ovni 445:  $300,000-500,000
• Hans Christian 48:  $120,000-180,000

How Much Does A Small Sailboat Cost?

Small sailboats, also known as dinghies or day sailors, can range from around $10,000 to $50,000. This cost will depend on factors such as size, brand, and features.

Used small sailboats may be less expensive, but it is important to carefully consider the condition and potential repairs that may be needed. A well-maintained, newer model used dinghy or day sailor can range from $5,000 to $20,000. Again, small catamarans tend to be more expensive than monohulls.

In addition to the initial purchase cost, owning a small sailboat also includes expenses for storage, maintenance, and necessary gear and equipment.

• Hobie 16:  $11,000 + VAT
• Catalina 22 Sport:  $28,000 + VAT
• Catalina 22:  $3,000-22,000
• Cape Dory 25:  $2,000-10,000
• Catalina 27:  $4,000-15,000
• Bristol 27:  $3,000-10,000

How Do People Finance Sailboats?

Sailboats can be a major financial investment, and many people choose to finance their purchase through a loan from a bank or other lending institution. It is important to carefully consider the terms of the loan and make sure that monthly payments fit into one’s budget.

Some boat dealers may offer financing options or payment plans. However, it is important to thoroughly research these options and compare them with outside lenders before making a decision.

In some cases, people may also use savings or sell assets in order to pay for a sailboat.

In addition to the initial cost of purchasing a sailboat, it is important to also factor in expenses for maintenance, storage, insurance, and necessary gear and equipment. Owning a sailboat can be a rewarding experience, but it is important to carefully plan for all associated costs before making a financial commitment. ‍‍‍‍‍‍

You can find out the cost of owning a sailboat before you decide to buy, and don’t forget it is possible to make money living on a sailboat to keep the kitty topped up. ‍‍

Overall, the cost of owning a sailboat varies greatly and depends on personal preferences and budget. It is important to thoroughly research all financing options and consider the ongoing expenses before committing to a purchase.

How Much Does It Cost To Build A Sailboat?

The cost of building a sailboat can vary greatly depending on the size and complexity of the boat. Hiring a professional to build a custom sailboat can range from $50,000 to over $200,000.

Alternatively, some people may choose to build their own sailboat with materials and tools. This option can be less expensive, but also requires considerable time and effort. The cost of building a sailboat oneself will also depend on the materials used and any necessary equipment or hired help.

Overall, the cost of building a sailboat is quite personal based on budget, sailing needs, and willingness to DIY or hire professionals. Remember that if you choose to build the boat yourself you will need a covered space big enough to do so, and a way to transport it to water when you’re finished. All these costs can add up considerably!

Where Is The Cheapest Place To Buy A Sailboat?

Prices can vary by region and market demand. When we were first looking for a sailboat we realised they were a lot cheaper in the US. The only problem with buying there was that we wouldn’t have been able to get a visa long enough to give us time to work on the boat before leaving the country.

Another top tip is to look for sailboats in places that are ‘jump off points’. For example, many people will cross the Atlantic and sell after achieving their dream of crossing an ocean, or reach the beginning of a daunting ocean crossing like Panama to cross the Pacific, and realise it’s something they don’t have an appetite for. There are also cheaper boats in more remote, harder to get to places.

Some people may choose to purchase their sailboat in a different country or region in order to find a lower price, but it is important to factor in any necessary transportation and import fees.

Keep an eye on prices of boats around the world to get a good idea of where you can snap up the best bargain.

Conclusion: How Much Do Sailboats Cost?

All in all, the cost of a sailboat can vary greatly depending on factors such as size, age, and whether it is purchased or built. It is important to thoroughly consider all financing options and ongoing expenses before making a commitment to purchase or build a sailboat.

Find out how much new sails cost as an example of something you might have to budget for when purchasing a new sailboat.

Ultimately, owning a sailboat can be a rewarding experience but careful planning is necessary for successful budgeting and enjoyment. ‍‍‍‍‍‍If you’re looking for more sailing or liveaboard tips then follow us on social media to stay up to date with our latest articles.

Happy sailing!

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Is Sailing For The Rich?

How Much Is a Sailboat? (Average Cost of Buying & Owning)

You've probably spent an afternoon at a busy marina, right? And whether you've sailed with a crew or are simply attracted to the leisurely lifestyle of sailing along the coast, being the proud owner of a sailboat is a dream of many. But what is the average cost of buying and owning a sailboat? This comprehensive guide will help you understand the realities of buying and owning a sailboat.

If you've spent time on a friend's sailboat or enjoyed a few weekends with a sailboat rental, you certainly know that having your sailboat can be an incredible experience. Having your own sailboat can give you the freedom to enjoy sailing, exploring, fishing, and watersport while creating fun memories with friends and loved ones. If anything, sailing is an activity that you can indulge in and enjoy anytime you like.

Most of us have been told that you need "Mt. Everest" sort of money to own a sailboat. This is just a widespread misconception that can take the wind out of your sails, so to speak, before you even hit the waters. Although owning a sailboat does cost money, it's quite affordable than most people think.in addition to the cost of buying your sailboat, there are other costs and expenses to consider. It only makes sense that you know all the costs involved in boat ownership so that you come up with a better plan and budget.

So what's the average cost of buying and owning a sailboat? The price of owning a sailboat may vary depending on several factors such as the size of the sailboat, its model, whether it's new or used, and how often you use the sailboat. For example, a new Islander 36' can cost nearly $150,000 while a used one can cost you around $40,000. Again, the price of a new 26' Catalina can cost you around $80,000 while a used one can cost you about $20,000. The annual maintenance cost can range between $2,000 and $3,000 for most boats while the total annual costs can be somewhere between $3,000 and $7,000.

In this comprehensive guide, we'll show you all the costs you've ever wanted to know when it comes to buying and owning a sailboat. This will at least ensure that you spend less time worrying about the costs of owning a sailboat. Instead, you'll spend more time having fun, exploring the world, and having fun with friends and family.

Table of contents

The Initial Purchase Cost

The most obvious cost involved in buying a sailboat is the initial purchase cost. The price of the boat will vary depending on a few factors such as the type of the boat, the size, whether it's new or used, its condition, and many more.

In most cases, buying a used boat is a lot cheaper than buying a brand new boat. Keep in mind that buying a brand new boat is almost comparable to buying a brand new car. You'll not only pay a huge premium but its value will depreciate immediately after you buy it. More importantly, you should first consider the types of activities you want to use the boat for and how often you'll be hitting the waters.

When buying a used boat , the rule of thumb is to prudently look for a 2 to 10-year-old boat. This is a great way of saving on the initial purchase cost. You should, however, check if it's in perfect condition. For example, you should get an expert to check the viability of the hull, drivetrain, and even the engine if it has any.

If you don't have enough cash to buy a sailboat outright, you can consider various financing options that are available out there. You can either choose to use your bank of a specialized marine lender. Keep in mind that factors such as your income, credit rating, and the value of the boat may be considered. These options can make boat ownership quite affordable, though you may have to pay some down payment.

Normally, brand new boats will come with warranties but this may not be the case when buying used boats, especially from an individual. You should, however, make sure that you get a warranty of some kind to cover you in case of anything negative. You should ask for maintenance logs and receipts for parts or repairs.

Buying a Brand New or a Used Sailboat

In addition to the typical costs of owning a boat such as maintenance and mooring, which we will discuss later, buying a brand new or a used sailboat come with potential hidden charges. They include:

Surveying or Inspection Cost - It's generally advisable that you have the boat inspected before purchasing it. This, of course, is crucial whether you're buying a brand new boat or a used boat. So in addition to the cost of buying the boat, you should also have inspection fees that could be around $1,500 for inspection fees and around $800 for the survey.

Buying a boat without proper inspection can be detrimental especially if it turns out that the boat is in bad condition. It would be really short-sighted on your part to buy a boat without proper inspection especially if you take into account the fact that marine mechanics are very complicated and costly. Normally, inspection should be carried out by a profession but here are some of the things to look at.

• ‍Check the sails, batteries, and the engine
• Pull out the dipstick and check the engine
• Check the boat's hull
• Make sure that the safety gears of the boat are in tip-top condition

Even though pre-purchase boat inspection can be grueling especially if you're looking at many different boats, it's of great importance if you do not want to waste your hard-earned money by purchasing a lemon. You should, therefore, always consider paying for a thorough and professional inspection even if it means you'll lose $1,500 and end up not buying the boat.

With that in mind, you should be prepared to pay for inspection whether or not you'll make the final decision to purchase the boat. For instance, you can carry out an inspection, get unsatisfied, and choose not to buy the boat. In such a scenario, you'll be short of $1,500 and still walk home without a boat.

Add-ons - Generally speaking, a boat should come with essential add-ons such as sails, anchors, life jackets, and rigs. But what if the particular boat that has captured your attention doesn't have this essential add-on? Well, you may have to go into your pocket and buy these add-ons. However, make sure that you use such add-ons to negotiate for a lowered price.

Depreciation - Needless to say, the cost of a brand new boat will depreciate immediately after you buy it. In other words, it's not possible to sell the boat at the same price at which you bought it.

Although it's generally said that the value of a boat depreciates quickly after purchase, it's quite difficult to predict the rate of such depreciation. Figures will, of course, vary depending on various factors such as the style and age of the boat. To give you a rough idea, new boats may lose around 40-50% of the initial purchasing cost in the first 8 or 10 years.

This depreciation rate will reduce about 5% annually after 10 years, though the condition of the boat may have a significant bearing on the value of the boat. You may have to replace things such as the sails, electronics, batteries, and canvas after every 5 years. But with proper care and maintenance, these parts can last longer and save you from unexpected expenditures.

Moorings and Storage of the Boat

The cost of mooring your boat may vary based on the nature of the marina, the facility, and the region. However, it's easy to quantify these costs, even though you'll have to do some considerable legwork if you want a budget-friendly option. You can easily find a mooring costing about $500 for a 30ft boat but the same space can cost well over $6,000 in prime locations.

In addition to working within a budget, the most important thing is to ensure that your boat is securely moored or stored, especially against pilings, banging, spillage, or breaking free. Without this, you could end up having to deal with avoidable repair costs.

Insurance, Registration, and Taxes

Insurance is not a major expense, particularly when compared to other costs. In fact, it's relatively cheaper and should be a problem. The cost of insuring a boat will depend directly on the value of the boat. Generally, the insurance cost maybe about 1.5% of the boat's value. For example, if the value of your boat is $30,000, the insurance cost may be about $450. Believe it or not, the insurance cost of your boat is a lot cheaper than the insurance cost of the car despite the significantly lower value of the car.

In terms of taxes, this may vary depending on your state. For example, South Carolina charges about 10.5% of the boat's yearly value while Rhode Island has no boat tax. The registration cost may also vary from state to state but may cost about $250.

Maintenance Costs and Repairs

Just like any automobile, owning a boat comes with monthly and yearly maintenance costs. The costs may, however, vary depending on the type of the boat, its size, the rate of use, and your geographical region (such as saltwater and freshwater).

Needless to say, a new boat will cost a lot less in terms of maintenance than a used boat. There are engine maintenance costs, hull maintenance, winterizing, rigging inspection, sail assessing, and many more. Generally, the yearly maintenance cost can be 10% of the boat's value. For example, maintaining a boat worth $30,000 would be $3,000 per year. You may also have to consider some unexpected repair costs in case there's unplanned damage on your boat.

Operating Expenses

There will, of course, be operating expenses every time you run your boat. For example, you'll have to fuel the boat if you aren't planning on using the free winds to sail. On top of the fuel costs, there are other costs but this may depend on the type of your boat. For example, you may have to buy fuel additives to eradicate ethanol problems if your boat has a carbureted engine. If your boat uses some sort of electricity, you may want to consider expenses such as electricity bills.

So how much should you budget for operating expenses? This may be difficult to say as it can vary greatly. It may depend on the amount of time you spend on the water and how often you go sailing. It's, however, advisable to budget beforehand to at least have an idea of what to expect.

15 Popular Sailboats and How Much They Cost

While there are a lot of great sailboats out there that can be quite affordable, others can be very expensive. But even with that, there are a lot of great boats that are affordable and can serve you well. Let's look at these 15 popular sailboats and how much they cost.

1) Catalina 30 ($18,000)

Depending on the year of production, a Catalina 30 can cost around $18,000. Having been around since 1972, the Catalina 30 is known for its great performance both when racing and cruising. This is a boat that will never let you down when sailing or racing. Well, that's because it brings forth a perfect blend of comfort, durability, and speed. If anything, buying a Catalina 30 would mean that you're the proud owner of one of the most popular sailboats of all time.

The Catalina 30 is very affordable and comes fairly equipped as a very basic but reliable boat, though you can significantly improve its functionality if you customize it. There are so many Catalina 30s in the globe that it shouldn't be a problem finding one that suits your budget in terms of the initial purchase cost and maintenance cost.

But like with any boat, you should be willing to compromise when it comes to certain features. However, you can significantly improve it if you spend some amount on improving it. All in all, a Catalina 30 is one of the most affordable and easy to maintain boats in the world.

2) Islander 36 ($22,000 and above)

Built from 1971 to 1985, the Islander 36 was and remains one of the longest-lived 36-footers in the U.S. market. With over 1,000 units built during that period, this was a sailboat that was designed by the widely revered Australian boat designer, Alan Gurney. It's possible to find a worthy Islander 36 for $22,000 or slightly above that. This is perhaps because it goes against the normal norm of using a balsa deck. Instead, the Islander 36 is designed with plywood, which increases weight and elegance but can be prone to rot.

In the past, the Islander 36 looked conservatively modern given that it had a flattish appearance. But by today's standards, the Islander 36's hull is very ideal for both racing and cruising. It has a moderate beam and perfectly carried aft so that it doesn't squat excessively even when the boat is fully loaded.

This is a boat that is easy to sail single-handedly, especially with an autopilot. It has superb speed and points well into the wind. It also offers plenty of space and the utmost fun when sailing in windy conditions. In terms of maintenance, the Islander 36 is made with very durable parts that make it a lot easier to maintain. It also has one of the best values, especially if you want it for coastal sailing.

3) Contessa 32 ($30,000-$50,000)

Designed in 1970 by David Sadler and Jeremy Rogers, the Contessa is a very capable and larger alternative of the Contessa 26. With over 750 units built, the Contessa 32 remains one of the most popular cruiser-racer sailboats of all time so it's not a surprise that its cost can be quite hefty.

This is a seaworthy vessel that's superb for offshore voyages even when the weather seems to be extreme. In other words, the Contessa 32 has become widely revered thanks to its ability to endure rough seas and harsh weather. That's not all; a Contessa 32 will never disappoint you in a race.

In essence, the Contessa 32 is a great boat that will give you the confidence of sailing far and wide even single-handed. This is an incredible upwind boat that's impeccably behaved and easy to maneuver, though it can be a bit difficult to handle when sailing downwind. If you own a Contessa 32, you'll never crave anything else as it's durable, easy to maintain, and will serve you across generations.

This is not just another fiberglass boat. It's a great boat that may seem expensive given its initial cost but has unmatched curricula vitae. This is a worthy sailboat that means that you'll be joining a cult of the few.

4) Pearson 34 ($14,000-$30,000)

Pearson is one of the well-known producers of sailboats in the world. Since the 1980s, the Pearson 34 has been magnificently sailing the blue waters thanks to its superb sails, electronics, and equipment.

This is, without a doubt, a real eye-catcher that's highly comfortable for day sailing, weekends, and extended voyages. In terms of pricing, the Pearson 34 is fairly priced though it may seem quite expensive when compared to most sailboats on this list. However, that may not be true especially if you consider the many features that come with the Pearson 34.

This is a sailboat that can be easily handled by two people, which is one of the main reasons that it remains competitive in the market today. This boat has plenty of room but has some shortcomings such as small tankage of 22 gallons. Its 6 foot daft can also be an issue but this isn't an issue in a keel version.

In short, the Pearson sails are great and are easy to handle though you'll have to make sure that it's perfectly maintained, which can be quite costly.

5) Nordic 40 ($130,000 and above)

Designed by Robert H. Perry, the Nordic 40 is thus far the biggest and the most expensive boat on our list. This is an excellent offshore sailboat that's willing to take on many challenges with a special aura.

In addition to being quite roomy, the Nordic 40 has a deep-draft fin keel that gives it a superior windward ability. It has large fuel tanks and fresh water tanks that will ensure that you're sufficiently fueled for your voyages.

This is a thoughtfully designed sailboat that should offer the utmost comfort for your bluewater escapades. It will allow you to confidently cruise through your chosen grounds with ease while turning heads. Given that it's a pretty large boat, you should be prepared for some hefty maintenance costs. All you have to do is make sure that you take good care of it if you're lucky enough to find one to purchase.

In short, the Nordic 40 should be in excellent condition at all times. Make sure that the sails are in top condition and upgraded at all times. If you want to enhance your sailing experience, make sure that the interior is also upgraded to modern standards. All in all, this is a gem that you'd be very lucky to call yours.

6) Peterson 44 ($73,500-$230,000)

Designed by Doug Peterson for Jack Kelly Yachts in 1976, the 44 is a dedicated cruiser that can sail perfectly in any type of wind. With only 200 units built, finding this unbeatable sailboat is quite difficult but not impossible. For those who have owned it, they have nothing but lots of praise for this moderate-displacement blue-water design.

With a low-profile center cockpit, the 44 remains an eye-catcher not just physically but also aesthetically. The long-fin keel with a cutaway forefoot and after-body is essential in reducing wetted surface. The 44 is easy on the helm with a servo-pendulum wind vane that makes handling quite controllable. It's even much better if you use autopilot with many owners reporting that heaving-to with a reefed main and staysail set is the best option, especially in heavy weather.

30 years since it debuted, the 44s still play the seas. Ask any owner of this beauty and he/she will tell that the boat's performance is impressive and among the best. Both Jack Kelly and Doug Peterson were from San Diego and many of these units were sold on the West Coast.

Today, this is a classic that many owners are very proud of. This is a fine sailboat that was designed for long voyages given its ample accommodation and comfort. It is also more solid and very dependable.

7) Nor'Sea 27 (Less than $30,000)

This 27-footer sailboat designed by Lyle Hess is one of the most ocean-capable and quite affordable sailboats that are still in production today. This is a very compact sailboat that can be moved safely and easily by trailer from one area to another or across any ocean.

Do not get duped by its small and compact size; this is a very solid sailboat that can withstand even the worst of weather conditions. In addition to a lapstrake fiberglass hull, this boat has sturdy bulwarks, a full keel, and a round stern that gives it the utmost seaworthiness.

The Nor'Sea should just be evaluated in terms of features. It should also be evaluated in terms of its sailing performance and comfort too. This is a versatile boat that is of high quality. It is a tight little boat that is spacious and can be easily transported. The cost of the used models may vary considerably but this may depend on the age of the boat, condition, and quality of finish. Given that this is one of the most transportable boats, it will be sold together with a trailer. As such, you shouldn't overlook the cost of replacing a trailer as it can cost as much as $9,000. So if you need an affordable and compact boat to circumnavigate the globe, the Nor'Sea 27 may be a good option.

8) Cal 34 ($19,000-$30,000)

Designed by Bill Lapworth, the Cal 34 is a beautifully balanced boat that will make sailing quite delightful. This is a very dependable boat that has a solid reputation not just for its rugged design but also for its incredible sailing characteristics.

Although Lapworth was not the inventor of light-displacement cruiser-racers, he puts his stamp on this design. This is one of the most successful sailboats that have had various configurations from 1966 to 1979. This model has an enviable reputation as one of the best-designed sailboats in the industry. Its performance is superb and can mix with the best racers even though it's typically a cruiser.

It has various extras that make it safe and comfortable. For example, this boat comes with a cockpit cushion, sound system, outboard, and superb ground tackle. This is, without a doubt, a worthy sailboat that will serve you well for many years to come as long as you maintain and service it properly.

According to owners, the Cal 34 requires a good breeze to get it moving. This is because it has a trapezoidal fin keel that brings a more wetted surface than most modern fin keelboats. It has a lot of efficient features such as better sail handling layout, efficient rig. Wheel steering, diesel engine, anchor locker, a more useful interior layout, and bigger water capacity.

When buying an older model, keep in mind that most parts are now obsolete and can be difficult to find. So if the boat is not properly maintained, you may find yourself a boat with hard-to-find parts.

9) Catalina 38 ($25,000-$75,000)

With its reputation, it is not surprising that the owners of the Catalina 38 agree that sailing windward is like sailing on rails while it does magnificently well in light air. Debuted in 1978, this racer-cruiser was designed by Sparkman & Stephens. Although it's currently out of production, there are about 365 units built from 1978 to 1990.

Down below, the Catalina 38 is designed molded hull liner and teak trims and veneers like the ones used in drawer facings, doors, and bulkheads. Like most boats designed as IOR warhorses, they tend to be unstable downwind and this is a major drawback that you should consider when buying the 38. To deal with this, you shouldn't overpower or sail it extremely hard given that it's unstable and can topple over.

As a recreational keelboat built mainly of fiberglass, the Catalina 38 has nurtured loyal following with many owners praising its design, quality, and performance. This is a classic boat that's rare and considered some sort of vintage, so you'll be very lucky to get your hand on it. All in all, the Catalina 38 will perform consistently and magnificently for many years to come provided that you're lucky to get your hands on one of them.

10) Hunter 33 ($55,000-$95,000)

Although the Hunter 33 originally debuted in 1977, there's a new model that was introduced in 2011. This new model doesn't have the old-fashion features of the original Hunter 33 but is selling quite well given that it's devoted to pursuing innovations. In addition to being quite modern, this is an affordable (by its standards) boat that combines ease of handling, comfort, and incredible performance. This is a model that seems determined to make sailing less complex and more fun.

Despite such an overall impressive quality and performance, you can purchase the Hunter 33 for less than $100,000. More importantly, the boat is solid on the water. The hull is solid and is strengthened to ensure that it doesn't suffer from any impact. Thanks to its upgraded quality construction, excellent design features, and comprehensive standard gear package, it's very likely that the Hunter 33 is on its way to becoming another bestseller from one of America's well-known boat brands.

11) Tayana 37 ($34,000)

The Tayana 37 has a real love story that may be so captivating to any boat lover. This boat was done in the 1970s by Robert Perry who is still considered as arguably one of the most prolific boat designers to ever grace the world. When designing the Tayana 37, Perry wanted it to be a cruising sailboat with a more traditional touch in terms of appearance and features.

The Tayana 37 was, therefore, designed with a moderately heavy displacement, a very efficient cutter rig with a modern touch, and a long waterline. Perry's main intention was to market the Tayana 37 as a boat with a double-ended hull that could keep the displacement moderate while performing efficiently.

In essence, Perry was inspired to design the Tayana 37 as a typical Taiwanese boat, so it's important to read much about the Tayana 37 before buying it. When compared to other boats of her size and type, and displacement, a well-equipped Tayana 37 stands well above the rest. You'll, of course, have to handle it properly and well-maintained. This will be a great retirement sailboat, especially if you're experienced and planning to sail as a couple.

12) Contessa 26 ($18,000)

Like her bigger sister that we discussed earlier, the Contessa 26 was designed by David Sadler and Jeremy Rodgers in the 1960s. This is a sailboat that goes against the norm by showing that a boat doesn't have to necessarily be fast or have a groundbreaking design to be considered legendary.

With a posse of young adventurers, Contessa 26 captured the hearts and minds of many sailors across the world. This not only made it legendary but ensured that it had a place in the memories of many sailors. That's not all; the Contessa 26 held its place as a strong and seaworthy boat. In addition to performing excellently well in transatlantic races of yesteryears, the Contessa 26 was good-looking. It has a narrow beam and a low freeboard but with a large cockpit for such a small boat.

Although its upwind performance is wanting, you won't require much wind to get it moving but will be guaranteed of surviving nearly any storm. As one of the most popular British sailboats, Contessa 26 remains one of the most affordable sailboats in the world. You can get a perfectly maintained Contessa 26 with as little as $18,000.

13) Bristol 40 ($29,000-$49,000)

Designed by Ted Hood in 1970, the Bristol 40 remains one of the best cruising sailboats of all time. This is a reliable and attractive passagemaker that can be summed as being an eloquently excellent offshore design that looks perfect but very slow.

But whatever it misses in terms of speed, the Bristol 40 compensates in its construction. With an excellent hull that is also bulletproof, it is perfect and very stable with a long keel that always receives high grades from owners.

The Bristol 40 may not be a modern design but you'll find it quite appealing if you like traditional sailboats. It has long overhangs, low freeboard, a lovely sheerline, an undistorted hull shape, a narrow cabin trunk, and a narrow beam that's typically associated with the gorgeous sailboat of the past.

This is an exceptionally gorgeous sailboat that's carefully refined and very popular with fantastic owners who are always willing to pay high prices just to be proud owners of a sailboat design that has been around for over 3 decades. This can be a great option if you like the traditional looks of past sailboats. It's perfect for coastal cruising but may let you down for offshore voyages.

14) Island Packet 31 ($35,000-$50,000)

If you've been looking for a gorgeous sailboat that's perfect for shallow water sailing, the Island Packet 31 is one of the best options. This is a boat that's designed with the kind of shoal-draft required to safely navigate shallow coastal waters.

Let's be very honest. The Island Packet 31 is not the fastest boat and surely not one of the fastest boats out there. Fortunately, this small-sized boat isn't designed to win races. Instead, it's designed for leisurely cruises around the coastal areas. That's why it delivers ultimate comfort and interior volume, as well as a smooth and soft motion when sailing.

It has a solid fiberglass hull that's finished with a high-end end-grain balsa core deck to prevent rot and delamination. We have to note that her seaworthy credentials aren't among the best but it can be a solid investment if you're looking for a good-looking boat that may serve you perfectly in shallow waters.

But before investing your hard-cash in buying this beauty, make sure that every gear is working perfectly. For instance, look at the wind indicators, the halyards, and every other part. You certainly do not want a gear that isn't working as this may cost you an additional $1,200.

15) Tartan 37 ($23,000 Upwards)

If you look at the gorgeously pleasing and modern lines of the Tartan 37, you'd find it quite hard to believe that this model was designed way back in 1976. Designed by Charlie Britton in collaboration with Sparkman & Stephens design team, Tartan 37 remains a beauty that is functional and reliable, especially for offshore cruising and racing.

The Tartan 37 remains a popular choice for several reasons. With a carefully hand-laid hull, this boat is molded as a single unit. Various high-stress areas such as the mast step, engine bed, thru-hulls, shroud terminals, and keel sections are cored with solid glass and end-grain balsa to make them extremely strong.

In terms of performance, this boat is a great performer in the off wind and will hold its own among the best. It has plenty of rudder contributions as well as incredible control especially when in full motion.

The Tartan has great value but this may depend on several factors such as condition, year of manufacture, and equipment such as electronics. So when buying a used Tartan 37, make sure that it's in a good and capable condition. All in all, the Tartan 37 is a reliable and proven sailboat that should fit the billBottom Line.

Bottom Line

Owning a sailboat is not an easy adventure but nobody said it's impossible. You certainly do not have to be a millionaire to own one! The most important thing when it comes to owning a boat is knowing the type of boat that you desire, how much it costs, and the many but affordable costs that revolve around owning a boat. If you plan appropriately and have a reasonable budget, then buying and owning a boat should be an enjoyable adventure.

As such, you shouldn't have the idea that owning a boat is a costly endeavor. They come at various prices, so you should go for something that you can afford. And whatever type of boat you own, it's important to have an idea of the costs of owning one. More importantly, make sure that these costs are kept in check.

Go out there and enjoy the winds!

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Daniel Wade

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

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How Much Do Sailboats Cost? A Comprehensive Guide

When it comes to the world of sailing, one of the first questions that often comes to mind is the cost associated with owning a sailboat. The price can vary significantly depending on factors such as the size and age of the boat, its make and model, and whether it is new or used. In this article, we will explore the average costs involved in buying and owning a sailboat, giving you a better understanding of what to expect when considering this exciting investment.

The average price of new sailboats is $250,000, with a range from $96,000 to $654,000, while the average price of used sailboats is $111,000, ranging from $19,000 to $518,000  (Improve Sailing) . It is important to note that these figures can fluctuate depending on the specific model, brand, and features that come with the boat. For instance, a 20 to 30-year-old cruising sailboat in excellent condition can cost between $30,000 and $150,000, with some luxury models exceeding $200,000  (Life of Sailing) .

Aside from the initial purchase price, potential sailboat owners must also consider the ongoing expenses associated with maintenance, dockage, insurance, and other costs. Annual maintenance can range from $2,000 to $3,000 for most boats, with the total annual cost of ownership falling between $3,000 and $7,000  (Improve Sailing) . By understanding these expenses and being prepared for them, you can make a more informed decision when purchasing a sailboat and enjoy the many benefits of this exciting and rewarding hobby.

New vs Used Sailboats

When it comes to purchasing a sailboat, one of the first decisions a buyer has to make is whether to opt for a new boat or a pre-owned one. Both options have their own advantages and potential shortcomings, depending on the buyer's budget, preferences, and sailing goals.

New sailboats provide the advantage of being in pristine condition, with no wear and tear, and come with a manufacturer's warranty. Buyers can often customize them according to their specific needs and preferences. However, buying a new boat usually comes at a higher price, and depreciation can be a significant factor in the first few years of ownership. In contrast, used sailboats can cost considerably less, as they already have some usage and age Two Get Lost .

Pre-owned boats may include additional features and equipment that were added by previous owners. These can contribute to the value of the vessel and help the new owner save on additional costs. However, used sailboats may require more maintenance and repairs than their new counterparts, which could affect the overall cost of ownership. An essential part of purchasing a pre-owned sailboat is obtaining a professional survey to assess the boat's condition and identify any potential issues. This typically costs around $500 for a 40-foot or smaller yacht Discover Boating .

Finding the right sailboat ultimately depends on a balance between one's budget, specific requirements, and realistic expectations. By carefully assessing the pros and cons of both new and used sailboats, buyers can make an informed decision in line with their personal preferences, budget constraints, and long-term sailing objectives.

Size and Type of Sailboats

When considering the cost of a sailboat, it's important to take into account both the size and the type of the sailboat. Smaller boats tend to be more affordable, while larger boats tend to carry a higher price tag. However, prices can also significantly vary within a specific type or brand of sailboat, so one should consider all factors before making a purchase decision.

For example, a 22-foot sailboat may be close to $30,000 brand new, yet an older model of the same boat built in the late 1970s might be purchased for $5,500  source . Similarly, a new Islander 36' can cost nearly $150,000, while a used one can cost you around $40,000  source .

Different types of sailboats may have varying costs as well. Some popular types of sailboats include:

• Day Sailers: These smaller vessels are designed for short trips and are a popular choice for beginners. They have limited amenities and are typically less expensive.
• Cruisers: These mid-sized boats are equipped for extended trips and can accommodate multiple passengers in comfortable living quarters. They are more expensive than day sailers, but usually more affordable than racers or luxury sailing yachts .
• Racers: These high-performance boats are designed for speed and competition. They tend to have fewer amenities than cruisers but may be more expensive due to their specialized features and lightweight materials.
• Luxury Sailing Yachts: These high-end vessels are designed for comfort and extravagance, featuring state-of-the-art amenities and ample space for passengers. They come with hefty price tags, often costing millions of dollars.

As previously mentioned, used sailboat prices vary greatly, but on average, they tend to be around $21,000. New boats, on the other hand, can cost $60,000 and upwards  source .

Additional Expenses

When considering the cost of sailboats, it's important to factor in additional expenses beyond the initial price of the boat. These costs can significantly impact the overall cost of boat ownership.

One such expense is  insurance . For new cruisers, insurance can be a considerable expense, with rates dropping the longer you own your boat. For instance, insurance can start at around 2.8% of the boat's value and later drop to 1.3% after a year of ownership  (The Home That Roams) .

Annual maintenance costs  are another expense to consider. On average, maintenance costs for sailboats range from $2,000 to $3,000 per year, but they can be even higher for larger boats  (Improve Sailing) . This includes costs for servicing, repairing, and upgrading various components of the sailboat.

Other recurring expenses include:

• Docking fees  - Depending on the marina and location, docking fees can vary greatly.
• Equipment upgrades  - From time to time, you may need to upgrade your boat's equipment for safety and comfort.
• Fuel  - Although sailboats primarily rely on wind power, they still require fuel for auxiliary engines and generators.

Considering all these additional expenses, the true annual cost of owning a sailboat can range from $3,000 to $7,000  (Improve Sailing) . Keep these figures in mind when budgeting for sailboat ownership, as they can significantly affect the long-term costs involved.

Maintenance Costs

The cost of maintaining a sailboat can vary greatly depending on factors such as the size, age, and build quality of the boat. Typically, the annual maintenance cost for sailboats falls between $2,000 and $3,000, but can range from as low as $1,000 to as high as $5,000 depending on the specific needs of your vessel  (Improve Sailing) . For larger boats of 30 feet and up, these costs can increase significantly, potentially reaching $7,000 or more when considering additional expenses like docking and insurance fees.

It's important to keep up with regular maintenance to prevent future expenses from rising. Such maintenance tasks may include engine servicing, hull upkeep, rigging inspections, and sail assessments  (Better Sailing) . In some cases, annual maintenance costs can be estimated at around 10% of the boat's value, meaning a $30,000 sailboat may cost approximately $3,000 per year to maintain  (Life of Sailing) .

Some common sailboat maintenance expenses include:

• Haul-out and bottom painting
• Engine service and repairs
• Rigging inspection and replacement
• Sail cleaning and repair
• Electronics maintenance
• Hull cleaning and waxing

Keep in mind that the costs provided are averages, and individual sailboat maintenance expenses can vary based on factors such as usage, location, and owner preference. Prioritizing regular maintenance can help you save money in the long run by addressing potential issues before they become major problems.

SeaMag's Take

The cost of sailboats varies greatly depending on factors such as size, age, and model. New sailboats have an average price of $250,000, while used ones average at $111,000  [source] . However, older cruising sailboats in voyage-ready condition can be found for around $30,000  [source] .

An example of sailboat pricing includes a new Islander 36' costing nearly $150,000, while a used one can be around $40,000. A new 26' Catalina sailboat typically costs around $80,000  [source] . While prices can range from $1,000 for a small dinghy to over $1M for a new 50ft catamaran, it's possible to find a suitable sailboat within a reasonable budget  [source] .

Maintenance costs play a significant role in sailboat ownership. Annual maintenance costs usually range from $2,000 to $3,000 for most boats, while the total annual cost, including other expenses, could range from $3,000 to $7,000  [source] .

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Average Boat Prices: 15 Types Explained (With Examples)

All boats are different, so average boat prices can be hard to define. I’ll do my best to demonstrate all of your options and the prices associated with them!

The number of different boat categories seems to be never-ending, and the differences between different categories can often be very subtle.

Here are some of the larger categories that you’re likely to encounter when searching for a boat:

Table of Contents

Average Price Ranges On Common Boat Types

Before we dive into how much each type of boat typically cost, we want you to have a good overview.

Here is the price range for the most common boat types:

Airboats have been around for almost 100 years now, but there is a good chance you’ve never actually seen one in person.  This is because these boats are most popular in the deep southern parts of the country.

These boats are perfect for navigating the shallow swampy waters that you’ll find in places like Florida and Louisiana.  The reason for this is that they do not have a submerged motor.

These boats propel themselves by using a large fan that is built into the back of the boat. 

The bottom of the boat is flat, and the lack of a motor in conjunction with this flat bottom makes it easy for boaters to navigate in extremely shallow depths.

Airboats range in size, and you can even buy them with enclosed center consoles and comfortable captain’s chairs.

Size, comfort, and build quality will dictate prices but expect to pay anywhere from $30,000.00 to $100,000.00 for a brand new one.

This might seem expensive, but there is a reason for this.

These boats aren’t generally mass-produced, so if you decide to buy a new airboat, you’ll probably end up getting a custom-made boat.

Also, these boats’ hulls have to be able to withstand the impact of hitting rocks and logs, so they need to be strong, which can drive the costs up.  If you are interested in an airboat, try some out first.  They are often very loud.

Bow Rider Boats

Bowrider boats are versatile crafts that can be used for day cruising, fishing, crabbing, and even watersports.

These boats have driving areas set up like a motor vehicle with a driver’s seat on one side and a passenger seat.

There is a pathway to the front of the boat in between these seats, where there is usually an empty platform or a recessed seating area.  This area is a great passenger area when cruising and makes a great area for casting a fishing line.

My parents owned a few different boats when I was growing up, and I can say without a doubt that the bowrider they owned was the most comfortable of them all.  Everyone had their own seating area, and it was easy to get around the boat without tripping over each other.

The back of the boat may also have a couple of seats or a bench seat as well.  This makes even small bowrider boats great for taking passengers out.  You may even find a small deck at the back, which makes water sports easier to do.

Bowrider boats will vary in size, engine size, and luxury.

A person looking for a smaller bowrider can buy one for less than $15,000.00. Larger bowrider boats can easily sell for more than $40,000.00, so a safe price range to consider when buying a bowrider is about $15,000.00 to $50,000.00.

Cabin Cruiser Boats

Cabin cruiser boats are a half boat, half RV.

I say this because the front half of the boat is an enclosed cabin that usually features a bathroom, a kitchenette, a dining area, and a place to sleep.

These boats are large enough that a couple or family can easily spend a long weekend in one.  However, many of these boats are also small enough to be put on a trailer and stored at home.  This makes them versatile boats for vacationers who don’t necessarily live on the water year-round.

People looking for a live-aboard boat can go a little larger and get one with all of the home’s amenities. Hookup to shore power, and they’ll even have air conditioning.

A cabin cruiser also has an area behind the cockpit that is open to the outdoors.  This makes a great area for lounging in the sun or for fishing and crabbing.

Fishing and crabbing aren’t just restricted to the back either.  There will be a side deck that can be used to walk around to the boat’s bow.  The bow will be flat, and it will have a railing around it to protect passengers from falling off.

Because the size and amenities of this boat vary so wildly, the prices can vary wildly as well.

A cabin cruiser will generally range anywhere from $100,000.00 to $500,000.00.  Below $100,000, and you’re probably looking at a cuddy cabin and above $500,000.00, and you’re probably looking at a yacht or trawler.

Canal Boats

Canal boats can also be known as narrowboats. You’ll find them in the old canal towns of the United States, but they’re much more popular in Europe than they are in the states.

These boats are only around seven feet wide, but they are usually quite long and big enough to live in easily.

According to Wikipedia, you can access every canal within the British canal network with a canal boat that is as long as 57 feet long.

A canal boat is often made of steel, which gives it excellent durability and longevity.  The downside to this is that it can be expensive to make a canal boat.  Not only do you have to create a strong steel hull, but you also have to create living quarters inside the boat.

Additionally, a canal boat has a powerful diesel engine that can also drive canal boat prices up.

Prices generally start over $100,000.00, but you can buy them as basic shells for around $50,000.00. 

The shell will give you a hull ready to be painted, outfitted with an engine, and custom-built inside.

People looking for a DIY approach to their canal boat might want to go this route as they’ll get a safe hull built by professionals but will still be able to design the interior layout themselves.

They’ll also cut the price in half, which is a substantial saving in a boat this expensive.

A catamaran distinguishes itself from other boats by having two hulls.  These hulls sit parallel to each other and work to provide a lot of stability to the boat.

Between the hulls, you’ll find a cabin.

In fact, if you’re on a larger catamaran, you’ll find a cabin between the hulls as well as cabins within the hulls themselves. 

This makes larger catamarans a spacious option for seagoing boat owners.

Catamarans can be sailing catamarans, or they can be powered catamarans.  While the sailing versions aren’t as nimble as a traditional sailboat, they provide more stability while cruising and while at anchor.  For this reason, people who suffer from seasickness and people who are just looking for a more pleasant experience out on the water might opt for a catamaran over a more traditional monohull sailboat.

With two hulls and a deck, the average catamaran will be much wider than the average sailboat.  It can also be quite long as well.

Some catamarans on the market today have lengths of well over 150 feet.

Because of their large sizes and multi-hulled designs, you can expect to pay a lot for the average catamaran.  Used models from the 1980s can sell for over six figures, and newer models will usually start at over half a million dollars.

In fact, the average price of a catamaran at a dealer is $600,000.00.

If you’re seeing newer catamarans selling for less than this, then you’re probably looking at the smaller sailing versions that do not have cabins in the middle.

These boats are great for recreational purposes but are not viable for living aboard.  Small sailing catamarans typically found at a beach or lake will often sell for less than $10,000.00.

Cuddy Cabin Boats

Cuddy cabin boats offer day cruisers an interior space to sleep at night.

These boats are often built like bowrider boats in the center and rear of the boat, but the front holds a cabin rather than a sitting area.

Smaller cuddy cabins will consist of a bed only inside the cabin, and larger ones will hold a sleeping area, a dining area, and even a bathroom.  A major upside to this type of boat is that it is small enough and light enough to be trailered.

In fact, the average size of a cuddy cabin is between 18 and 28 feet long.  Anything larger, and you’re probably dealing with a cabin cruiser rather than a cuddy cabin.

The prices on cuddy cabins can still be quite higher than the prices on bowrider boats.  This is especially true, considering some cuddy cabins only differentiate themselves from bowriders by providing a small space to crawl into to sleep at night.

I’ve seen small cuddy cabins sell for $50,000.00 while a bowrider of similar size was selling for $25,000.00. 

At the top end, I’ve seen cuddy cabins selling for several hundred thousand dollars.  These cuddy cabins had multiple outboard motors, and they were large enough and deep enough that you could take them into coastal areas for the night.

Deck boats are small and versatile crafts that are perfect for calm waters.

You can find people on lakes, rivers, and bays using their deck boats for watersports, fishing, crabbing, and cruising.

What makes these boats so versatile is that they have much more deck space than the average cruising boat. 

These boats usually have a raised front deck at the bow, making them great for standing on and casting from.  It also makes it easy to pull up a crab net as the boater doesn’t have to worry about pulling the basket up, over, and down like they would have to if the deck were not flat.

The back of a deck boat also benefits from a flat area that can be used for launching people with water skis, kneeboards, and floats. I’ve been pulled by these boats in the past and always found them easy to get in and out of.

The only drawback for me was that I didn’t feel safe climbing in and out near those who had outboard motors on them. 

Of course, the driver turned off the motor, but even still, I think deck boats with inboard motors are a bit safer for people doing water sports.

Deck boats are more economical than many of the other types of boats we’ve discussed so far.  Two reasons for this are their small size and their hull designs.  Since these boats weren’t meant for seafaring, they do not have very deep hulls and are thus less expensive to build.

If you’re in the market for a deck boat, expect to pay somewhere between $20,000.00 to $50,000.00 on average.

Fishing Boats

The term fishing boat can mean a lot of different things to a lot of different people.

For instance, a bass fisherman might consider their flat decked bass boat to be their fishing boat, while a commercial fisherman might consider their large trawler to be their fishing boat.

For this example, we’ll be talking about small and mid-size center-console boats used in rivers, lakes, channels, and the coast. 

These boats are what the average weekend fisherman might buy to use in a wide variety of locations during different fishing seasons throughout the year.

A center console boat has the steering column built into the center of the boat. This leaves the rest of the boat open for walking. 

The design is great for fishing because multiple poles can be set up all around the boat, so one or two fishermen can easily get to any pole that they see has movement on it.

Typically, at the back of the boat, you’ll find a few built-in seats.

These seats are designed unobtrusively so that they do not get in the way of fishing. The hull designs of these boats will vary based on their size and their intended use.

Center console boats built for rougher waters will have deeper V hulls, while boats meant mainly for use in still waters will have a flatter bottom.

The downside to a center console boat is that you don’t have much protection from the elements like a cuddy cabin or cabin cruiser.  Also, these boats really aren’t meant for watersports.  If that is your intended use, you’d be better off buying a deck boat or bowrider boat.

Smaller center console fishing boats can sell for less than $25,000.00, while larger ones will sell closer to $100,000.00. 

Go even larger, and you could pay hundreds of thousands of dollars, but in this case, you’ll probably have a cabin inside, which moves outside of the definition of a fishing boat that we outlined here.

House Boats

A houseboat is exactly what it sounds like.

These boats are built for people to live in for extended periods of time.  The boat itself often has much more interior space than exterior space, and some boats will sit in docks for years without ever leaving the harbor.

In fact, I’ve seen many used houseboats for sale that are sitting in docks without running engines on them.

According to the owners, they’ve been using the boat as if it were a floating condo that they enjoy each weekend.

These boats will often offer much more square footage than a condo, and you can easily find them in lengths well above 50 feet.

However, you won’t find too many smaller houseboats, and you’ll be hard-pressed to find ones that can be moved on a trailer.

This isn’t to say that houseboats aren’t seaworthy.

Houseboats can be built to withstand choppier waters, and some people even use them to go cruising on the coast.

These boats will often have interiors that look similar to what you’d find in a home. They’ll have residential fridges and full-size ovens, and they won’t lack for anything.

Of course, all of this luxury comes at a cost, and you won’t find too many people that can buy a houseboat on a whim.

A tiny houseboat incapable of going into rough waters will still cost over $100,000.00, and a large houseboat can be a multi-million dollar expenditure.

Luckily, these boats are usually around for a while, and you can buy them at attainable prices on the used market.  Some older models may sell for less than $20,000.00.

Jon boats are on the opposite spectrum of the boating world.  A Jon boat is a small rectangular boat that is easy to launch in and out of lakes, streams, and channels.

People use these boats for fishing and waterfowl hunting.  In fact, the name Jon boat is often interchangeable with a duck boat.

Jon boats are usually made of aluminum, but some enthusiasts will make them out of wood instead.  These boats can have gas-powered engines, but oftentimes they’ll take advantage of small electric motors instead.

A Jon boat can be as tiny as 8 feet long and as long as 18 feet long.  Longer ones may have consoles built into them, but for the most part, the driver will steer the motor from the back.

These boats are easy to gain ownership over as you can buy many different models for less than $1,000.00.  Also, if you have a pickup truck or a sturdy roof rack, you may not even need to buy a trailer to tow your Jon boat.

Even on the upper end, you’ll probably pay less than $3,000.00 on the boat and about the same for the engine and trailer. 

Pontoon Boats

Pontoon boats consist of a deck that sits atop a set of pontoons.  In most cases, the larger and heavier the boat, the more pontoons you’ll have underneath the deck.

These boats are fantastic for day cruising in calm water.

People living near large lakes and rivers will often turn to pontoon boats.

The deck of these boats makes them perfect for jumping in and out of, so they make perfect swimming platforms.  In fact, every time I’ve been on a pontoon boat, I’ve ended up in the water at some point.  Jumping in the water becomes too hard to resist when you’re on a pontoon boat for any length of time.

These boats also make great little party boats as their flat deck makes them spacious, and many of the boats actually have grills built right into them.

When buying a boat like this, expect to pay between $15,000.00 to $50,000.00 depending on the size you buy and the number of amenities the boat has to offer.

Sailboats have been around for thousands of years, and we’re all at least a little familiar with how they work.  These boats can range in size and can have large cabins or none at all.

BoatUs.com does a nice job categorizing the different types of sailboats that you can buy.  They break them up into:

• Cruising boats
• Motor sailers
• Racing boats

You could probably break these categories out even further, but this is a good place to start.

Daysailers are smaller sailboats than bowriders and cuddy cabins, while cruising sailboats can range from less than 20 feet long to very big.

Motor sailers can be compared to cabin cruisers, yachts, and trawlers while racing sailboats can be compared to speed boats.

Prices for each of these boats come in a wide variety, and you could expect to pay as little as $12,000.00 to well over a million depending on the type of boat you decide to go with.

Speed Boats

Speed boats are designed for racing along the water.

They usually have long and narrow hulls with large outboard engines on the back.  In many cases, you’ll see multiple outboard motors strapped to the stern of the boat.

In other cases, the motor is a built-in inboard motor.

A speed boat has many expenses associated with it.  The boat itself is expensive, the engines used to power the boat is expensive, and the cost of insurance on a speed boat is expensive.

Also, these boats can’t just be used anywhere.

You’ll need to find a place without no-wake zones and a lot of open water to operate a speed boat safely.

A smaller speed boat can be had for around $75,000.00, while high-performance speed boats can go over the million-dollar mark.  If you’re looking into getting a speed boat for some fun out on the water, you can get a small used speed boat for much less money.

This is because speed boats tend to depreciate even quicker than other types of boats.

Trawlers are large powerboats that share many similarities with cabin cruisers.

These vessels have powerful and efficient engines that make them great for long-distance travel.

In fact, trawlers are the go-to ships for people looking to travel the Great Loop.

A trawler is small enough to be used for day cruising but large enough that you could easily live in it for extended periods of time.  In fact, many full-time RVers eventually make the transition from RVing to boating by purchasing a large trawler.

They get about the same length that they would get from a class A or class C motorhome but gain a lot more width.

Smaller trawlers can be purchased at around the $90,000.00 range, while larger trawlers will cost several hundred thousand dollars.

The difference usually comes in size and amenities.

At first glance, a fancy trawler might seem very similar to a yacht.   The differences come in the sizes, hull designs, and engine designs.

A yacht has multiple engines and a faster (but less fuel-efficient) hull.

This makes the cost of ownership more expensive for a yacht than a trawler.

At the low end, a yacht might cost as little like a high-end trawler, while a yacht might cost several million dollars on the high end.

Also, an enormous yacht might require a huge crew.

If you’re in the market for a yacht, you’ll probably want to take a look at the ongoing cost and inconvenience of hiring a crew.

The above discussion is a summary of different boat types, as well as their associated prices.

As you can see, the wide variety of boat styles, sizes, and types makes it difficult to give a blanket price on boats, but hopefully, this will give you an idea of what you might need to spend to get the type of boat you want.

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