best small sailboat to learn on

Best Small Sailboats for Beginners

There are a number of classic trainers used by yacht club youth programs as well as techie new designs. Without mentioning specific models and brands, it’s difficult to outline which small boats are best but here are things to look for in good teaching boats.

Some of the best small sailboats for beginners include:

Boats with tillers steering
Boats with no winches
Sailing dinghies
Small sloops
Small catamarans
Rotomolded boats
Trailerable sailboats

Explore All Sailboat Types

Boats with Tiller Steering

Steering by tiller (rather than a wheel) can make a difference when learning. Tillers are directly connected to the rudder that manages the boat’s direction. Tillers provide quick feedback about the strength and direction of the wind as well as the boat’s turning agility at various speeds.

Boats with No Winches

Boats that require no winches to manage the sheets and halyards are best for youngsters and new sailors. These boats usually don’t experience the same forces on the sails and rigging as larger boats, which can be a handful when the wind starts to blow. Winches are usually replaced with cam or jam cleats, which are easy to use.

Sailing Dinghies

Sailing dinghies are usually rigged with one mast and one sail and offer kids and new sailors simplicity so it’s easy to learn the ropes. Less overwhelming than boats with two sails, dinghies are light and responsive. They also have a shallow draft due to side or centerboards so they can be sailed just about anywhere. In some cases (whether from a wind gust or sudden crew weight shift) sailing dinghies can capsize so students should wear lifejackets and know how to swim. Sailing dinghies are usually sailed by one or two people.

Small Sloops

Small sloops with a mast that carries head and mainsails are the next step so students learn how sails work together. Headsails can be hanked on or attached to a small roller furler. These boats may have some or no winches, which also makes them easier to maintain. These boats can usually be sailed with one to four people.

Some sloops can scale up, providing a more challenging experience for sailors as they develop skills. Certain models can carry spinnakers and larger headsails to teach sail combinations and new sail trim techniques. Others offer the ability to hike out (shift crew weight well outboard to balance the boat against the wind pressure in the sails). This kind of sailing is more advanced.

Small Catamarans

Small catamarans provide extra stability for those who may be nervous about capsizing or aren’t fond of heeling (tipping while sailing). With two hulls providing a wide and stable base, catamarans area ideal for beginners, which may be why they’re often used by resorts as their beach sailing tourist boats. Rigged with one or two sails, small cats are tiller steered and usually have a trampoline that the students sit on and sail.

Rotomolded Boats

Small rotomolded boats are very forgiving due to their durable construction. Unlike fiberglass or wooden boats, rotomolded (a type of plastic construction technique) trainers can bounce off docks or other boats and cause or sustain little damage. Dinghies and catamarans can both be made via rotomolding.

Trailerable Sailboats

Finally, small sailboats that can be trailered to different locations add variety and that makes learning fun. Students can learn to sail in different wind and water conditions and enjoy their boats differently on vacation or with new friends.

Learning to sail involves all the senses and requires a level head and lots of practice and although it can be learned in many ways, the best way is to start with a boat that’s small, simple, safe and durable.

Read Next: Small Boats: What Are My Options?

Join Our Newsletter!

Get community news, buying bargains, and how-to guides at your fingertips.

Best Small Sailboats for Beginners: Discover My Three Favorites and Set Sail with Confidence

Sailing is a fun and enjoyable activity for everyone, no matter the experience level.

Mastering how to sail a primary boat is effortless. I encourage beginners to practice in the right environment as they can gain considerable experience with time.

Since most beginners make the mistake of picking the wrong boat to start with, they get frustrated and quit before they can sail by themselves.

In this blog, I will cover the best small sailboats for beginners to help mitigate this problem.

Read on to learn more…

Catalina 16.5

So, What’s the Best Small Sailing Boat For Beginners?

The three best small sailboats for beginners.

Sunfish is a personalized boat for beginners to sail with. Its ease of use makes sailing enjoyable for both beginners and experienced sailors.

Key Specifications

Sail Area: 75 Square Feet
Hull Weight: 120 Pounds
Capacity: 1-2 people
Optimal Weight: up to 190 pounds

Key Features

Sunfish has a patented kick-up rudder that makes beach launches, landings, and shallow-water sailing effortless.
It has a self-bailing cockpit.
It has a stainless steel bow handle that enables carrying, docking, and holding the boat into the wind while launching or loading.

Easy to sail and rig using a single control line
Fast planning sailboat in good wind
It is cheap
Daggerboard and kick-up rudder enable easy beaching.
Little freeboard and small cockpit
A beginner can easily capsize

Why I Have Included Sunfish Sailboat in My List

I have included this sailboat in my list because it combines performance, durability, and stability suitable for beginners and experts.

With this boat, you can quickly learn how to sail, and you can’t go wrong with it.

More Info International Sunfish Class Association

Hunter 15 is a safe and versatile boat for both beginners and masters in sailing.

Passenger capacity: 4
Length overall: 4.4 m (14′6″)
Draft – Board Up: (6″)0.15 m
Draft – Board Down: (3’0″)0.92 m
Material: fiberglass
Appendages: lifting keel
Intended use: daysailer

Stainless steel arch
Spacious cockpit area
Easy to balance
It doesn’t sail well in downwind
No separate starting battery

Why I Have Included the Hunter 15 Sailboat in My List

I have included this boat in my list because it has a comfortable wide beam, a contoured self-bailing cockpit and fiberglass construction.

Additionally, it is designed to allow beginners to sail around with ease, and it is a safe boat giving sailors a confident feeling and peace of mind as they sail.

More Info marlow-hunter.com

Catalina 16.5 is a small, powerful recreational sailing boat constructed predominantly of fiberglass.

LOA: 16.33 ft. / 4.98 m
Approximate Base Wt.: 430lb.
Draft Board up: 5″
Draft Board down: 4’5″
Fiberglass composite Kick-up rudder
Stainless steel standing rigging
Adjustable hiking straps
Self-bailing cockpit

Fast sailboat
Easy to sail and rig around
Difficult to balance

Why I Have Included Catalina 16.5 Sailboat in My List

I have included Catalina 16.5 boat in the list because of its fantastic design, is versatile, and you can get them in two designs: the keel model and the centreboard model.

More Info www.catalinayachts.com

Here are my top three picks of best small sailboat for beginners :

If I had to pick one, I would go for Hunter 15 sailboat because it has the the best safety features. The Hunter 15 sailboat is also easy to operate, plus you can dock with no problem. The boat is easy to maintain, and it’s not complicated for a beginner.

What is your choice?

Disclaimers

All product names, logos, and brands are property of their respective owners. All company, product and service names used in this website are for identification purposes only. Use of these names, logos, and brands does not imply endorsement.

It is our policy to make every effort to respect the copyrights of outside parties. If you believe that your copyright has been misused, please provide us with a message stating your position and we will endeavor to correct any misuse immediately.

Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, we may receive an affiliate commission, at no extra cost to you. This helps us keep this website alive. Learn more here .

Hi, I’m Igor, Skipper of S/Y "The Hooker". A decade ago, I conquered my childhood dream: to be a sailing skipper, own a sailing yacht. Yes, it knocked dullness out of my urban life — Read more →

Buying a Boat? Check Your Credit Score

Boat Brands to Avoid: Unveiling the 10 Worst Boats and Why You Should Steer Clear

Best Marine WiFi Extenders and Booster for 2021

Amazon Disclosure

DesperateSailors.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc., or its affiliates.

Please refer to our Privacy & Affiliate policy for more details.

10 Best Beginner Sailboats

Table of Contents

Last Updated on August 17, 2023 by Boatsetter Team

While it’s possible to start sailing on any size and complexity of boat, you might want to read through to get to know the best beginner sailboats . You may have heard the tales of well-to-do sailors buying 50-footers as their first boat. It’s not unheard of to start big, but it’s not advisable.

Discover sailboats for rent near you— Only at Boatsetter

Learning to sail on a small boat rather than on a large one does two things: it immediately shows you the effect of every adjustment to sail trim and boat direction that you make, and it teaches you to be aware of the wind– where it’s coming from and how it’s shifting.

You want to start sailing on boats 12-25 feet with a tiller. Sloop-rigged (meaning having one mast and two sails) boats are simple to learn and control, which is why they’re used in many sailing schools, as are cat-rigged boats with just a mainsail.

Key Characteristics of a Beginner Sailboat

A small and agile boat will help you quickly learn what to do and not do. Look for a boat that’s responsive but not twitchy and unpredictable.

A small and lightweight boat can get you in trouble in gusts. Look for a stable craft with a low center of gravity that forgives mistakes. Small catamarans like Hobie cats or the inflatable MiniCat or wide, flat-bottomed boat should help.

When learning to sail, focus on the basics of sail trim and shape. The boat needs just a few mechanical adjustments to eke out the best speed. Cams or cleats often replace winches for simple line management.

When learning to sail, you’ll make mistakes, including bumping into docks or grounding in shallows. Choose a boat that can take it. Rotomolded and tough fiberglass boats can take a beating and keep on sailing.

Trailerable

Small sailboats you can trailer will let you practice sailing on different bodies of water, giving you various experiences. Also, keeping a boat on a trailer rather than in a slip will save you money.

Some boats, rigged simply to teach the basics, can step up later to carry larger downwind sails like spinnakers to help you perfect your craft.

Don’t rush out to buy the best and newest. Practice with a used boat, preferably 5-15 years old, which is old enough to not worry about dings and new enough to not need constant care.

One sure way to learn the ropes is by joining Boatsetter Academy at any one of its 16 locations. Through this 2-hour, hands-on, boating course, beginners like you will build confidence and become familiar with the basics of boating. And the best part: it’s completely free!

Browse by experience

Explore articles

Boating 101

Texas Gulf Coast boat rentals, come explore with us!

Lobster Mini Season (Florida): All You Need to Know

How To Host The Perfect Memorial Service on a Boat

Articles and Guides

Choosing the Best Beginner Sailboat

9th jun 2023 by samantha wilson.

Sailing dates back thousands of years and is still one of the best-loved pastimes in the United States and across the world. Learning to sail brings many benefits, from gaining a whole new skillset, to getting out into the fresh air, improving your fitness, meeting like-minded people, and spending quality time with your family. If you’re considering learning to sail, start by checking out our guide on Getting into Sailing .

We all need to start somewhere and getting into sailing on the wrong type of boat for your experience level can leave you feeling frustrated. While the temptation to buy something filled with gadgets and plenty of space is there, remember that your love for sailing will come from feeling in control and at one with the ocean as you learn its every move. Simplicity is the key to that.

In this post we are focusing on the frequently asked question: "What are the best sailboats for beginners?" In short, all you really need is a hull, mast, rudder, and sail and you can be soaring along the coast or lake soaking up the sense of freedom that sailing brings. But of course buying a boat is never quite that simple, and with so much choice out there we have narrowed down the options.

Don’t forget, this doesn’t have to be your forever boat. As your skills improve and your horizons widen, you can upgrade to larger or more complex sailboats, but for this moment, consider the here and now and what boat will suit it.

A comfortable daysailer, the Marlow Hunter 18. Photo credit: Marlow Hunter

What Makes a Sailboat Good for Beginners?

As a general rule, the smaller the boat, the easier it will be to handle, although there are exceptions. The simplicity of the boat's sails and sail controls will also affect its beginner-friendliness. To start, we recommend choosing a boat that's easy to rig, lightweight, transportable, and simple to sail. From sailing dinghies to daysailers, weekender sailboats and trailerable boats, beginner boats are nifty and a lot of fun.

While safety and ease of handling are the main considerations for most beginners, there are several other factors that make a good beginner’s sailboat;

An easily manageable size : A larger sailboat might feel more stable and allow you to venture farther or accommodate more people on board, but a smaller sailboat will certainly be easier to handle. Larger sailing yachts will need more complex rigs too, and as a beginner you want to be keeping everything as easy as you can while you get to grips with the act of sailing. Start off small and work your way up to bigger boats as your experience and confidence grows.
A stable and comfortable ride over beauty : While you gain experience sailing, having a stable and safe sailboat under you will give you confidence. There will be bumps and scrapes and wrong maneuvers, and having a boat that can withstand these without expensive repairs will make them less stressful when they inevitably happen. Both dinghies and small keelboats make good starter boats; dinghies tend to be light and responsive, teaching lessons by feel as well as by eye; keelboats are more stable and can easily carry more and larger adults.
A tiller for steering instead of a wheel: Having a tiller to steer with takes sailing back to the basics and allows you to get a better feel for the movement of the boat as you learn. The tiller is connected directly to the rudder, providing more feel for the flow of water past the boat. Unlike a steering wheel, you have to learn to move the tiller in the opposite direction that you want to turn, but you will quickly develop a more intuitive sense of the boat’s changes in speed and direction.
An easy rig and simple sails: Again, simpler is always better for your first boat, and that goes for the rig and sails too. Sailing has a steep learning curve, so if you'll be sailing alone, we recommend that you choose a boat with a single mastand only one sail that you can set up by yourself quickly. You’ll have more on-the-water time and less setup and takedown time. If you’re storing your boat via trailer, be sure the mast is light enough to hoist into place by yourself. When it comes to the rigging, a halyard to hoist the mainsail and a sheet to control it are all you need. It’s possible to learn on a sloop-rigged with two sails, but it will be easier in that case if there are two of you learning together.
Widely available model: By choosing a popular sailboat with lots on the used market you’ll find it easier to buy spares and parts as well as online resources to help you maintain it.
Don’t spend too much: This is your first sailboat, and if you catch the sailing bug, it’ll most likely not be your last. As your skills improve you’ll want to get bigger models that will allow you to cruise farther and do more. The used boat market is huge, with online boat selling marketplaces such as Rightboat offering thousands of listings, so there are plenty of inexpensive, good quality small sailboats to be found.

The Laser, a sporty dinghy that can also be raced

20 of the Best Beginner Sailboat Brands

There are quite literally hundreds of brands and models of new and used small sailboats on the market and whittling it down to 20 of the best isn’t easy. But there are some sailboats which have stood the test of time and which remain today some of the best loved beginner sailboats out there. In no particular order, these are some of our favorites:

Wayfarer sailboats
Catalina sailboats
Dart sailboats
Sprint sailboats
West Wight Potter sailboats
Hobie sailboats
Marlow-Hunter sailboats
Skipper Craft sailboats
Sabre sailboats
Cape Dory sailboats
Dufour sailboats
Hurley sailboats
MacGregor sailboats
Beneteau sailboats
Seaclipper sailboats
Island Packet sailboats
Jeanneau sailboats

The Best Beginner Sailboat Types

There are so many types of sailboats on the market that it’s hard to narrow down the best ones for a beginner. From dinghies to multihulls you have plenty of choice:

Sailing dinghies: These small, lightweight sailboats are a good choice for a very first sailboat, their simplicity and ease of handling allowing beginners to get to grips with the skills they would need to advance to a more complex rig system. Accommodating one or two people with a single sail and single mast, these inexpensive boats offer the simplest back-to-basics sailing experience there is, and they can be easily taken apart for cheap storage or trailering. Their only downside is their easy ability to capsize but because of their weight they can be righted easily. The Optimist is the best known choice for children under 15 years of age, these bath-tub sized boats offering a lot of fun as well as safety and a great learning experience. For adults wanting to learn to sail, there are many similar boats on the market. The Pico, Sabot, Harteley 10 and RS Quba are commonly seen zipping across the waves near sailing clubs, while the Laser Bahia, Laser Vago, Topper Xenon and Topper Topaz are popular models for those looking for slightly bigger dinghies.

The International Optimist Dinghy, a youth learn-to-sail and racing boat

Small catamarans Multi-hulls are renowned for their stability and therefore make excellent first sailboats. But size is a big factor and ‘small’ is the keyword here. Catamarans are fast and easy to maneuver, and the trampoline between the hulls makes for a fun sailing experience. The risk of capsizing with a catamaran is markedly lower than a monohull, but they’re also harder to upright if, in the unlikely event, they do go over. If there are cons to a catamaran it’s that they tend to cost more than monohulls and a marina berth will certainly cost more.
Small sloops: While slightly more advanced than a dinghy, a small sloop is a great sailboat to learn with and to develop your skills on. It will still have one mast but can have up to three sails (usually one or two) which is good for perfecting your sailing techniques.
Trailerable Sailboats : Ok, so this is necessarily a type of sailboat, but it’s certainly a major consideration when buying your first one. Being able to trailer your sailboat allows you to sail in different locations and conditions, therefore improving your skills. Of course the flip side is that you have to spend time setting it up each time you want go out on the water as opposed to have a ready rigged boat in a marina.

The Best Small Sailboats for Beginners

There are many models to choose from, with brand-new designs being launched each year alongside ever-popular models which have stood the test of time. Here we take a look at some best-loved beginner sailboats on the market.

The Best Beginner Sailboat with a Cabin: Catalina 16.5 and 22

Catalina is one of the best-known manufacturers of weekend sailboats and their range is extensive. The mid-range 16.5 and slightly larger Catalina 22 models both offer a simple set-up, fiberglass hull and deck, and a retractable keel for easy trailering. The 22 model offers a cabin which can sleep four, making it a cozy family boat for overnight trips. A large cockpit and swim ladder are added luxuries, but the real benefits for beginners is the simple fractional rig with a mainsail and a roller-furling jib.

A sloop-rigged daysailer, the Catalina 16.5. Photo credit: Catalina Yachts

The Best Beginner Cruising Sailboat: Hunter 15 and 22

These comfortable daysailer or weekend sailboats by popular manufacturer Hunter offer plenty of space with their large, open-transom cockpit, easy handling and fiberglass hulls. Whether you opt for the Hunter 15, 18 or the larger 22 with its twin bunks, they’re a great choice for teaching a child to sail, or for adult beginners to gain their confidence. But don’t be fooled into thinking it can’t get a real move on! A molded, anti-skid fiberglass and foam flotation hull means they have added safety and can easily be manned by one person.

The Best Beginner Sailboat for Coastal Sailing: Cape Dory 28

This is the largest beginner sailboat on our list, but if you’re planning long coastal cruises then you wouldn’t want to be doing so with anything much smaller. While it will take a bit more experience, the Cape Dory 28 is a solidly built and reliable vessel perfect for beginners. It has a full keel for stability in big seas, and it handles exceptionally well. Down below you’ve got the benefit of a small cabin, galley and head, and space to eat both inside and out. Because of their popularity and the sheer number of them built you can pick up one for a good price on the used market.

The Best Beach Sailboats for Beginners: Hobie Wave and Hobie 16

Hobie catamarans have been sailing off beaches all over the world for many years. The trailerable, sporty Hobie 16 sailboat is celebrating 50 years in manufacture—some 100,000 have been built during this time, a true testament to their popularity. As a multihull with a fiberglass and foam hull and a kick-up rudder board, the Hobie 16 can be sailed right up to the beach, and its trampoline allows for plenty of space to move around while learning new skills. Its newer little sister, the Hobie Wave, is even more rugged and simpler for beginners. Built with a rotomolded hull that's extremely durable, the Wave is just 13 feet long, has one sail, and is easily managed by one or two people.

The most popular beach catamaran ever, the Hobie 16. Photo credit: Hobie

The Best Liveaboard Sailboats for Beginners: West Wight Potter P 19

While liveaboard boats tend to be slightly larger than most beginner boats, if you want something relatively simple but with enough space for short-term living/cruising, the West Wight Potter P19 is a great option. For a weekend sailboat it packs a lot into a compact space, with berths for four people as well as a galley equipped with cooler, sink and cooker. Its retractable keel and flat-bottomed hull means you can explore virtually anywhere without even getting your feet wet, and it’s a great choice for trailering. For beginners, the West Wight Potter P19 is ideal thanks to its simple rig, good handling characteristics, easy handling and safety features—foam fore and aft means even if it is flooded the boat is unsinkable.

Common Challenges for Sailboat Beginners

It’s inevitable that things won’t always be smooth sailing when you’re starting out, but that’s also part of the fun of learning a new skill. Don’t forget to ask for help and advice along the way from those who have been sailing for a while, be kind to yourself when you don’t get things right, and enjoy the process and sense of achievement as you improve. Some of main hurdles to overcome include:

Understanding the laws and regulations: It can seem like a complicated minefield in the beginning understanding what the boating laws are and which licenses and paperwork you need in order to sail in different parts of the U.S. and beyond. As well as taking sailing courses, there are lots of official online resources these days to give you a state-by-state overview. A good starting point are our guides on what qualifications you need as a first time boater , and which licenses you need to drive or sail a boat .
Learning boating jargon: It can often sound like learning a whole new language and it’s easy to feel confused or frustrated by all the terminology there is to learn in boating. But it’s fun too, and soon you’ll be part of the club and using words that land-lubbers don’t understand. Taking a sailing course can help to speed up this learning process.
Getting comfortable being on a sailboat: This might sound strange, but getting your sea legs is a big part of learning to sail and one that can take some people longer than others. While seasickness can rear its head at times, for most it's learning to get around on a moving vessel with ease and safety that takes a while to master.
Tying knots: This can either be one of the most fun new things to learn or one of the most frustrating, but either way knots are a vital part of sailing for safety reasons. Start off easily with a few simple, common knots and just keep practicing. You’ll get the hang of it and be able to do them in your sleep in no time.
Knowing the minimum amount of information to be safe and competent . In 2017 the US Coast Guard developed the American National Standards for Sailing Training (EDU-3). They then acknowledged sailing education bodies that teach to this standard. To date, NauticEd is the only education body meeting the standard. The course that meets the standard for small keelboats (up to 25 feet) is the NauticEd Skipper Small Keelboat Course. For an even more basic getting started course, NauticEd developed a 3-hour online course that covers the basics called Introduction to Sailing.

What are the Different Types of Sailboats?

Small Sailboat Types

This article was most recently updated in June 2023 by John Burnham

Written By: Samantha Wilson

Samantha Wilson has spent her entire life on and around boats, from tiny sailing dinghies all the way up to superyachts. She writes for many boating and yachting publications, top charter agencies, and some of the largest travel businesses in the industry, combining her knowledge and passion of boating, travel and writing to create topical, useful and engaging content.

The Best Mini Yacht Brands for Cruising and Luxury

16th Aug 2024

Best Luxury Pontoon Boat Brands Have it All: Glamor, Speed, Fishing, Waterslides...

10th Aug 2024

Deck Boat vs. Bowrider: Which Runabout is Best?

19th Jul 2024

The World’s Best Yacht Brands

Explore Rightboat
Boats for Sale
Boating Articles
Buyers Guide
About RightBoat
Sell Your Boat
Boat Selling Advice
All manufacturers
All categories
Are you a broker/dealer?
Learn more about the Rightboat:HUB

Enter your email to keep up to date with the latest news

Join for free

Sign up now for free and discover how easy it is to keep up to date with THE latest boats for sale. Find your right boat, and tailor your voyage to finding your next boat.

Benefits of becoming a member:

Set up tailored alerts
Personalise your experience
Download full specifications and broker details
Keep tabs on your favourite boats

Are you a broker? Join as a Broker

Rightboat - join for free.

Do you have an account already? Login

Save this search

Save your search and receive new boats in your email..

You can unsubscribe from your alerts whenever you like. By pressing the button you accept the Legal Terms and conditions

Best Small Sailboat for Beginners

Updated August 14, 2024

If you’re in the market for the best small sailboat for beginners, a few factors to consider are the boat’s durability, size, and it should be tiller steered. You should also make sure that it does not have any winches. To help you select the ideal boat for you, we’ve compiled some of the best sailboats for beginners.

Beginners take sailing lessons for a variety of reasons. It is a wonderful endeavor to take on, and many people do it for the chance to explore. Others do it because they enjoy the calmness of being out in the open water, while others may do it for competitive reasons.

Whatever reasons you might have for learning to sail, you need a dependable sailboat—particularly if you are new to sailing.

Luckily, you can learn to sail on any sailboat, but small ones are more beginner-friendly since they respond rapidly to your weight movements, wind shifts, and every command on the tiller. It wouldn’t make sense to see a novice helming a large sailboat in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean.

There are several sailboats available at various price points. However, it’s hard to tell which small boats are the best without naming the brands and models.

In this article, we’ll be bringing you some of the top small sailboats to get you started with your sailing journey. These sailboats are all easy to use and great for beginners. You’ll also know a bit more about sailboats and the features you need to look for.

Tell Tale Signs of a Good Beginner Sailboat

All these brands will tell you why you should choose one over the other. But how can you know whether a beginner sailboat is any good? Let’s find out!

Easy to sail

A good beginner sailboat is easy to captain. It shouldn’t capsize quickly and can withstand minor mishaps without dumping you into the water. And you don’t want something that’s too overpowered that it will terrify you when the wind kicks up.

Easy to rig

The best small sailboat for beginners should be simple to rig and assemble. For a trailerable boat, you’ll need a mast that you can raise and lower without straining your back or requiring a lot of maneuvering.

In the case of sailboats with a number of controls, there may be a variety of components to connect and change based on the wind conditions. And a recreational sailing boat could have just a few. For a beginner, you don’t want too many complexities in your sailing.

An excellent beginner sailboat can measure from 14 feet and can hold one to two adults. For your first sailboat, you should avoid going any larger than that.

Larger sailboats respond to steering and sail controls more slowly. And in case you try to get on and off the dock, it will have much more momentum. Keep in mind that the larger the boat, the greater the weight and force on all lines and sails.

Minimal controls

If you’re just learning to sail, you need to start with the basics. You’ll only need a halyard to hoist the mainsail and a sheet to manage it. That’s all you need to sail upwind, downwind, or in whatever direction. All the other controls are just extras.

Things To Consider in Finding the Best Small Sailboat for Beginners

Before buying a small sailboat, there are a few things you must consider.

Tiller Steering

Your sailboat should have tiller steering. Some people might confuse it for wheel steering, which is a different mechanism. The steering wheel will have a lot of drag and slop, which means you won’t be able to perceive how the boat reacts.

Since the tiller is tied directly to the rudder, feedback from your boat’s speed, course, and wind impact will be quickly observable. With a wheel, on the other hand, there is latency, and you won’t feel the rudder immediately.

Tiller steering is an excellent approach to learning how to sense your boat’s motions. It will be much simpler to maneuver your sailboat if you have an instinctive connection with it.

Make sure the sailboat you’re getting has cleats instead of winches. This can make learning to sail much easier. Sailboats with cleats are significantly easier to operate, endure less force from heavy winds, and are suitable for beginners of any age.

These boats often do not face the same stresses on the sails and gear as larger boats, which can be difficult to handle when the wind picks up.

With smaller boats, though, they may come equipped with winches, however, this is not the case. It is always critical to consult with the dealer if your boat includes winches to operate the sheets or halyards.

As a beginner, smaller boats will be easier for you to operate. You may benefit more from the stability of a larger boat, but it will be more difficult to navigate. If you’re just getting into sailing, a smaller boat will be a good place to start.

You can always up your boat size once you have a good grasp on everything associated with a smaller boat.

You will have the best buck for your money with a durable sailboat. You will be making some mistakes and that is expected. Finding a sailboat that can handle all of the bumps and bruises you will avoid a lot of problems.

Purchasing a Rotomolded boat is perfect. It’s a tough plastic material that, while it may not look as attractive as finished wood or even fiberglass, can survive much longer. These boats are also far less expensive, which makes them ideal for a beginner.

Why Should You Learn How To Sail?

Learning to sail is an exciting experience. It’s a practical skill that can turn into passion and open new opportunities for you. Sailing can also improve critical thinking and teamwork skills. If you are still on the fence about learning to sail, perhaps these benefits will help you decide to get into sailing.

It gives a sense of freedom

Sailing on the open water gives you a sense of freedom. With the right weather condition, there’s no other way to explore the waters than being able to set off at any moment. Any sailor will tell you how calming and liberating it is to be out in the water.

Creates community

Sailing forms tight-knit communities like sailing clubs and tournaments. Sailors ranging from professionals to casual amateurs share the same love for everything about messing around with boats.

Sailors see themselves as part of a unified community. This is regardless of their level of devotion to the sport. You can visit a local sailing club if you’re seeking a venue where you’ll be greeted warmly and accepted by the community.

Trains you for competition

Sailing competitions are both intense and entertaining. And it is a means of discovering your ability and willpower. Learning to sail prepares you for the potential of participating in a sailing competition. That tournament doesn’t have to be a huge one. You can go on a transatlantic race or a monthly event at your local club.

Things Beginner Sailors Should Know Before Buying a Sailboat

As a beginner, you are expected to experience some setbacks here and there. Sailing doesn’t always come easy to many novices. And this is true even for individuals who grew up among sailboats or from a family of sailors. It takes knowledge, talent, discipline, and instincts.

Below are a few of the most common hurdles that beginner sailors face. Understanding each one brings you awareness so you’d know that it’s alright to fail sometimes and you can always try again.

Familiarizing With Jargons

It might be difficult to learn the vocabulary and common sailing jargon. Those who grew up around sailboats may have learned a lot about such over the years. And for beginners, it might feel like you’re learning a whole new language. Understanding sailing terminology and basic regulations are critical as you learn to sail.

Much like learning how to drive a car on road and adhering to traffic rules, following maritime laws and safety regulations are crucial parts of being a sailor. Most states have a specific regulation that you need to follow. It is critical to understand who has the right of way, how to ask for help, and how and when to help others.

Many beginners struggle to tie a knot, which is fine. You could have trouble tying all of these tricky knots you’ve never done before. And you’ll also need to learn the different types of knots. This may sound like a lot of work, but it’s an essential part of learning to sail.

These knots have a purpose and need to be tied in the same manner otherwise the one attempting to untie them will be in danger.

Boats have complex structures. Understanding each element of a sailing boat and what function they perform is important. Since boats are small and have no extra space, you realize that everything on board has a function and is valuable in its own way.

You have a lot to discover in this area, so it could be necessary to spend some time learning in addition to time at the water.

The Best Small Sailboats for Beginners

Sailing, especially for beginners, is one of the best ways to spend a day on the water. However, it won’t be as fun without the right small sailboat. Here are some of the best sailboats for beginners you should know.

Sailing Dinghies

Sailing dinghies are classic beginner sailboats, making them an excellent choice if you’re just learning to sail. They are small, lightweight, low-cost vessels that are easy to operate. The dinghy cruising boats are also a popular type of sailing boat, particularly in the US and the UK

It’s not extremely fast, though, however, these sailboats offer superb steering qualities. And since they are lightweight they can capsize in some situations. It may be due to a blast of wind or a rapid shift in the weight of a crew. So make sure to wear your lifejacket and you know how to swim.

A sailing dinghy is an open-cockpit boat that includes a centerboard and a removable tiller, and it’s easy to beach or transport atop a vehicle. It’s typically equipped with one mast and one sail, making sailing dinghies simple for children and beginner sailors to get started.

And since these boats are small, you could probably imagine how convenient it is to store their removable parts. These boats are often constructed of plastic, which is why they are inexpensive, durable, and light.

They can be a great option designed for one or two people, so they are great for studying with an instructor and practicing by yourself.

The sunfish would be a great option if you want something small and incredibly fast. It’s essentially a smaller racing dinghy, usually about 13 feet long, but it can be a lot of fun for both beginner and experienced sailors. Handing this boat will be tender. However, mastering this little vessel is simple.

The boat has a relatively large sail space and a very short draft. It also comes with a tiny cockpit that you can easily manage. The sunfish boasts a broad beam for added stability, a wider freeboard, and a foot-well that provides a more comfy sailing position.

It has a very flat, boardlike hull with a crab claw or the Oceanic lateen sail attached to an unsupported mast. The Sunfish’s lateen rig broad sail design allows for outstanding performance. Particularly in mild breezes and incredible speed on high winds.

It’s made of fiberglass and lightweight with a basic rig that is an excellent alternative to a sailing dinghy. You can learn to sail with a sunfish, however, any sailor who has spent a lot of time on one will likely advise you to pack a towel.

For one, it is relatively easy to capsize and heels strongly, yet these features may teach you valuable skills. The boat’s heeling features may help beginners become acquainted with the experience, as well as grasp the constraints of a sailboat and ways to minimize capsizing.

You can opt for upgrades to improve sail control for competitive sailing, but the Sunfish is probably the best boat for learning to sail. Many sailors can learn how to sail a Sunfish in a single day along with trial and error. However, we recommend getting lessons.

Small Sloops

Small sloops can accommodate 1 to 4 people, but it’s best for two. The sailboat is a little larger than a dinghy and with only one mast, but it may have one to three sails. These boats are frequently equipped with cleats rather than winches, making them simple to use for beginners.

They are available in a range of sizes. So, think carefully about which one is right for your needs. For beginners, smaller sloops are ideal. But if you’re one who has sailed in a dinghy before and is competent, a larger sloop rig might be a reasonable option.

Small sloops with a mast carrying head and mainsails are the next stage in teaching beginners how sails function together. Some sloops may be scaled up to provide a more demanding challenge for sailors as they gain expertise.

With certain models equipped with spinnakers and bigger headsails for teaching sail configurations and sail trim practices, you’ll be able to unlock some levels in your sailing practice.

Other sloop models allow you to trek out or crew weight shifts far outboard in order to stabilize the boat against the winds in the sails. But this will be a more complex type of sailing.

Small Catamarans

Small catamarans also make the best small sailboat for beginners. These sailboats can be a wonderful reliable option, even though their price range can be on the more expensive side. So, if you are willing to pay a bit extra money, a small catamaran could be a great option for you.

A catamaran typically has two hulls and therefore has a much wider, sturdy platform. As a result, your chances of capsizing are quite minimal. Catamarans are extremely light and agile, allowing them to respond quickly. These boats often include a mast and are operated using a tiller.

They are also usually equipped with trampoline seats rather than a solid deck. The seat makes a lot of difference when you plan to go offshore and large wave sailing.

A trampoline will reduce the amount of time that it takes from when the bows are submerged by a large wave to when all water has been swept off the deck and the sailboat can run thereafter. This is critical to minimize pitchpoling and capsizing your sailboat.

One of the things we love about small catamarans is that they offer added stability for anyone who is afraid of capsizing or dread heeling. Catamarans are good for beginners, and their wide hull and large, durable platform may explain why resorts usually adopt them as beach sailing tourist boats.

West Wight Potters & Other Trailerable Sailboats

The key to learning to sail involves all of your senses and requires a calm head and a great deal of practice. Despite the various approaches to learning, the ideal option is to start with a simple, small, comfy, and sturdy boat.

Small sailboats that can be trailered to various sites offer diversity and make learning to sail more exciting. These trailerable boats allow you to learn to sail in a variety of wind and sea situations. They also make you appreciate the boats in new ways when on a trip or with traveling companions.

West Wight Potters & Other Trailerable Sailboats

West Wight Potters are small cruising keelboats that are great for beginners. They are an excellent choice for a small keelboat for learning to sail and towing around. These sailboats are available in 15 and 19 feet lengths. You can tow the 15-footer behind practically any vehicle, while the 19-footer requires a large SUV.

These are basic sloop-rigged boats with no further racing gear. They are stable and also have a retractable keel. The West Wight Potter isn’t the quickest or most flashy boat on the market, though. These trailerable sailboats offer sailed and rig simplicity. And they are suitable for trailer sailing.

If there’s something you must know about these vessels is that they are well-known for being well-built, with no usual failure areas.

We recommend that you get the West Wight Potter 19 . It might be the best cabin sailboat for beginners, and definitely one of the safest. This sailboat is typically made of fiberglass for safety, ease of handling, and accessibility to beginners. The 19-foot boat has a vee-berth cabin, a basic rig, and a retractable keel.

Since the hull is packed with buoyant elements, it can stay afloat even when flooded. And with a flat bottom, it’s simple to beach and maneuver.

A laser is a 14-foot, one or two-person sailboat. They are board boats that are popular and great for racing. These boats are also now Olympic class boats since they have been used in every summer Olympics since 1996. Lasers are slightly speedier and a more powerful option if you want a bit more kick.

This type of small sailboat is thought to be the Sunfish’s main rival.

They are less stable and more prone to capsize than Sunfish. And, since it behaves more like a racer, many consider lasers to be a more challenging boat than the Sunfish. Plus, they are one of the simplest boats to right after a capsize.

We recommend practicing on days with light winds to get the feel of the boat.

Lasers come in a variety of sail sizes. The traditional laser is the most popular. You can also go for Laser Radial which has a smaller sail and mast and is the second most popular type. Certain sailboats will feature both. But if a laser will be your first boat, we highly urge you to search for one with a radial rig.

The mast step on lasers is something you need to keep an eye out for, though. It is the point at which the mast enters your boat’s hull. You can try and pour a glass of water into the hole and watch if it remains there or drains into the hull.

If it drips into the hull, get off the boat. With such types of boats, the mast-to-hull junction deteriorates over time and with repeated use.

While they are popular in sailing competitions, these boats are small enough for beginners. However, operating one may require some skills.

Rotomolded Boats

Due to their tough build, small rotomolded boats are particularly accommodating. Rotomolding is a type of plastic construction technology. This process may also be used to create dinghy cruising boats and catamarans.

And rotomolded boats, unlike fiberglass or wooden crafts, may bounce off docks or other boats causing minimal to no damage.

The rotomolded wave catamaran is ideal for young and inexperienced sailors. This simple boat typically offers a straightforward setup and is easy to sail.

What are mini sailboats called?

A dinghy is a small sailboat that is typically 8 to 15 feet long, with some being somewhat larger. Sailors use sailing dinghies in a variety of ways, but a motor can drive them, sailed with a detachable mast, or propelled with oars.

Can a novice sail around the world?

When it comes to circumnavigation, most beginner sailors believe they are on their own. However, this is not true. Besides the DIY version, there are other circumnavigation choices for new sailors to consider. And these situations are interesting to explore.

What is a good size sailboat to live on?

A sailboat must be at least 30 feet long to be considered a liveaboard. If you for something smaller, the sailboat will be too small for anyone except a solo sailor. Conversely, the higher the expense of ownership, the larger the sailboat. For many boaters, the perfect sailboat size to live on is 35 to 45 feet.

Can you sleep while sailing?

Cabins with sleeping quarters are typical on most sailboats. The crews sleep in shifts ranging from two to six hours long out on the open ocean. Make sure to light the boat on overnight trips since you won’t have to estimate the distance and course of other boats.

Ready To Go Sailing?

No matter how mentally and physically prepared you are for a voyage to the open water, if you do not have the right sailboat to go with and don’t have all of the necessary skills, you will not have an edge over other sailors.

But, that’s what makes you a beginner and everything can be learned. And it is at this point that the best small sailboat for beginners comes in handy. Good, dependable beginner sailboats should be durable and easy to handle. Anything large with complex controls will just be optional and come at a bigger price point.

We hope we were able to help give you a general idea of what makes good beginner sailboats as well as what to look for in one. You may want to check out the links we’ve attached to each type of beginner sailboat so you can start your journey to mastering the art of sailing.

After all, renting a boat is expensive. So, owning a beginner-friendly sailboat is the way to go. Good luck and keep it fun!

Joshua Wright

How To Name a Boat: Useful Tips for Picking the Perfect Boat Name

Coming up with a boat name can be a lot of fun and excitement, but it can also be stressful.

Best Boats Under 50k

If you’re in the market for the best boats under $50k, make sure to consider the type of boat you

Best Boat Wax

To find the best boat wax, you must first consider your boat size, color, and what type of vessel you

Best Life Jackets for Jet Skis

The first step in finding the best jet ski life jackets is to consider the material and size. We’ve looked

Best Trolling Motor for Pontoon Boat

If you’re on the hunt for the best trolling motor for a pontoon boat, you must consider the thrust, mount

How To Drive a Boat

If you’ve never driven a boat before, then you’re in for a new adventure. Driving a boat is not the

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

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

More: 21 - 30 ft , Boat Gallery , day sailing , dinghy , Sailboat Reviews , Sailboats , under 20 ft
More Sailboats

Pre-Owned: 1988 Hylas 47

Catalina Introduces the 6 Series

Sailboat Preview: Elan GT6 Explorer

For Sale: 1984 Camper & Nicholsons 58

Galápagos: A Paradise Worth the Paperwork

Around Alone

Grease the Wheels of Your Boat: A Guide to Proper Lubrication

A Bowsprit Reborn: A DIY Renovation Story

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

13 Best Beginner Sailboats with Cabin (For Any Budget)

Have you ever thought you couldn't afford a sailboat with a cabin? Think again. In this article, you will find 13 beginner sailboats that will suit your budget. We've considered various factors such as safety, ease of handling, and affordability in our selection. These sailboats offer cabins, providing a much-needed break during extended trips and offer the option of overnight stays.

The best beginner sailboats with cabins are Catalina 22, West Wight Potter 19, Com-Pac 23, Hunter 240, MacGregor 26, Montgomery 17, O'Day 22, Precision 18, San Juan 21, Sea Pearl 21, Sirius 22, Tanzer 22, and Ventura 23. Their prices can range from around $5,000 to $30,000.

Whether you're just dipping your toes into the world of sailing or planning on making it a lifelong passion, our list of beginner sailboats with cabins has something for everyone. This will help you focus on what really matters: enjoying your time at sea and mastering the art of sailing.

Test-sail a few models so you can get a feel for how each boat handles and performs.
Check out online forums to find user reviews and insights on each model you won't find anywhere else.
Choose a sailboat that matches your current skill level, such as a small boat with simple rigging and easy handling.
Identify how you plan to use your sailboat, whether for weekend cruising or for racing.
Choose a boat that not only fits your budget but also ensures enough space and comfort for your activities.

Estimated Cost	Length	Displacement
$10,000 - $20,000	22 feet	2,500 lbs
$5,000 - $15,000	19 feet	1,200 lbs
$20,000 - $30,000	23 feet	3,000 lbs
$10,000 - $20,000	24 feet	3,500 lbs
$10,000 - $20,000	26 feet	2,250 lbs
$5,000 - $10,000	17 feet	1,000 lbs
$5,000 - $10,000	22 feet	2,700 lbs
$5,000 - $10,000	18 feet	1,150 lbs
$5,000 - $10,000	21 feet	1,900 lbs
$10,000 - $20,000	21 feet	1,200 lbs
$5,000 - $10,000	22 feet	2,800 lbs
$5,000 - $10,000	22 feet	2,700 lbs
$10,000 - $20,000	23 feet	4,000 lbs

1. Catalina 22 is a classic sailboat that has been popular for over 50 years

The Catalina 22 is an excellent choice for beginners due to its spacious cabin and easy handling. You can get it for $10,000–$20,000. You will appreciate its versatility and stability, which makes sailing more enjoyable and less intimidating. With a length of 22 feet, it's a great boat for beginners because it's easy to sail and has a comfortable cabin. It weighs 2,500 pounds.

2. West Wight Potter 19 is another good option for beginners

Your confidence will grow while sailing the West Wight Potter 19, a compact and sturdy sailboat. You can get it for $5,000–$15,000. Its compact design and shallow draft make it perfect for navigating tight spaces and shallow waters. It's a small sailboat with a cabin that's easy to handle and can be trailered. It weighs 1,200 pounds.

3. Com-Pac 23 is a larger sailboat that's still easy to handle

A great option for beginners seeking comfort is the Com-Pac 23. You can get it for $20,000–$30,000. This sailboat offers a cozy cabin and ample storage for your sailing adventures. Its stability and performance will undoubtedly enhance your sailing experience. It has a roomy cabin and is a good choice for those who want to spend longer periods of time on the water. It weighs 3,000 pounds.

4. Hunter 240 is a popular sailboat that's great for beginners

The Hunter 240 combines functionality and performance, making it an excellent beginner sailboat. You can get it for $10,000–$20,000. You will appreciate its roomy cabin and user-friendly design, which make sailing a breeze. It has a large cockpit and a comfortable cabin, making it a good choice for day sailing or weekend trips. It weighs 3,500 pounds.

5. MacGregor 26 is a versatile sailboat that can be used for both sailing and powerboating

If versatility is essential for you, the MacGregor 26 fits the bill. You can get it for $10,000–$20,000. This sailboat easily adapts to both sailing and power boating , providing you with a unique and enjoyable experience on the water. It has a roomy cabin and is a good choice for those who want to explore both the water and the land. It weighs 2,250 pounds.

6. Montgomery 17 is a small sailboat with a cabin that's easy to handle and trailer

The Montgomery 17 offers a great sailing experience for those new to the sport. You can get it for $5,000–$15,000. You'll find its compact design and easy maneuverability make it an excellent choice for building your sailing skills. It's a good choice for beginners who want a simple, no-frills sailboat. It weighs 1,000 pounds.

7. O'Day 22 is a classic sailboat that's easy to handle and has a comfortable cabin

Beginners will love the O'Day 22 for its simplicity and accessibility. You can get it for $5,000–$15,000. With a spacious cabin and dependable performance, this sailboat will ensure your sailing journey is smooth and enjoyable. It's a good choice for those who want to spend longer periods of time on the water. It weighs 2,700 pounds.

8. Precision 18 is a small sailboat with a cabin that's easy to handle and trailer

The Precision 18 is designed with beginners in mind. You can get it for $5,000–$15,000. You'll appreciate its manageable size and capability to navigate various sailing conditions with ease. It's a good choice for beginners who want a simple, no-frills sailboat. It weighs 1,150 pounds.

9. San Juan 21 is a popular sailboat that's great for beginners

The San Juan 21 is a fantastic option if you're just starting. You can get it for $5,000–$15,000. Its good performance and stability will allow you to develop your skills with confidence. It has a large cockpit and a comfortable cabin, making it a good choice for day sailing or weekend trips. It weighs 1,900 pounds.

10. Sea Pearl 21 is a unique sailboat that's great for beginners who want to explore shallow waters

You will love sailing the Sea Pearl 21, a beginner-friendly sailboat known for its shallow draft and stability. You can get it for $10,000–$20,000. Its compact design makes it easy to handle and perfect for weekend getaways. It has a shallow draft and a comfortable cabin, making it a good choice for those who want to spend time on the water and on the beach. It weighs 1,200 pounds.

11. Sirius 22 is a versatile sailboat that's easy to handle and has a comfortable cabin

The Sirius 22 has a comfortable cabin and user-friendly layout, which makes it an excellent choice for beginner sailors. You can get it for $5,000–$15,000. You'll enjoy sailing in various conditions thanks to its stability and performance. It's a good choice for those who want to explore both the water and the land. It weighs 2,800 pounds.

12. Tanzer 22 is a classic sailboat that's easy to handle and has a comfortable cabin

If you're looking for a beginner sailboat that's easy to handle, the Tanzer 22 is a great choice. You can get it for $5,000–$15,000. Its functional design and favorable performance make it a popular choice among novice sailors. It's a good choice for those who want to spend longer periods of time on the water. It weighs 2,700 pounds.

13. Ventura 23 is a popular sailboat for beginners that has a roomy cabin

Ventura 23 has a spacious cabin that can accommodate up to four people. You can get it for $10,000–$20,000. It's easy to handle and is a good choice for weekend trips or longer periods of time on the water. Its user-friendly features make it easy for beginners to navigate and enjoy their time on the water. It weighs 4,000 pounds.

When choosing the perfect beginner sailboat with a cabin that suits your budget and needs, consider these factors:

Test sailing on a few models

This allows you to get a feel for how each boat handles and performs. Reach out to dealers or sailing clubs, as they may offer opportunities for you to try out different sailboats. Remember, your comfort and confidence on the water are crucial, so it's essential to choose a boat that feels right for you.

Research on various sailboat models

Invest some time in thorough research on various sailboat models within your budget. This will help you understand their features, strengths, and weaknesses. You can do this by consulting online resources, speaking with experienced sailors, and visiting boat shows.

Reviews from fellow sailors

Don't underestimate the power of reviews from fellow sailors. Reading the real-life experiences of others who have sailed on different boat models can provide valuable insights into their performance, maintenance, and overall satisfaction. Check out online forums, sailing magazines, and customer testimonials to gather a variety of opinions on the sailboats you're considering.

There are numerous online forums and communities dedicated to sailing enthusiasts and beginners where you can ask questions, share experiences, and learn from others who share your passion. In these spaces, you can find valuable advice and recommendations from experienced sailors on the best beginner sailboats for various purposes and budgets.

Some popular sailing forums and communities include:

Cruisers Forum
Sailing Anarchy
SailNet Community
Yachting and Boating World Forums

By participating in these communities, you'll be able to expand your knowledge, make new friends, and stay up-to-date with the latest trends and developments in the sailing world. Just remember to always approach online interactions with a friendly tone and an open-minded attitude, as this will help create a positive and supportive learning environment.

Consider the following factors to help you make the best decision that caters to your preferences and budget:

Sailing experience

As a beginner, it's crucial to choose a sailboat that matches your current skill level . Smaller boats with simple rigging and easy handling, like the Sunfish or Hobie Cats, are great for those who are just starting. As you gain experience, you may transition to larger vessels with more advanced features.

Preferred types of sailing activities

Always think about what type of sailing activities you prefer. Some people enjoy leisurely weekend trips , while others are more interested in racing. For example, the West Wight Potter is an excellent choice for weekend cruising, while the Challenger Trimaran is more performance-oriented for racers. Identifying how you plan to use your sailboat will greatly help you make the best choice for your needs.

Your budget for a sailboat with a cabin

Finding a sailboat within your budget range is essential, but also keep in mind the ongoing costs such as maintenance, mooring fees, insurance, and fuel. With realistic financial planning, you can make a wise investment in a sailboat that suits your needs and avoids future financial issues.

In this section, we will discuss the following important aspects when choosing the best beginner sailboat with a cabin: size and layout, ease of handling, and maintenance and upkeep.

Size and layout of the sailboat

The size of the sailboat is an important consideration, especially if you plan to spend nights on board or have guests join you. Choose a boat that not only fits your budget but also ensures enough space and comfort for your activities. A good starting point might be boats between 22 and 30 feet in length, offering a combination of living space, stability, and sailing capabilities.

Think about the layout of the cabin and the overall interior design. Make sure there are enough berths for everyone staying on board, and consider the placement of the galley, head, and storage areas. Keep in mind that a well-designed layout can make a small space feel larger and more comfortable.

Ease of handling the sailboat

As a beginner, it's crucial to select a sailboat that is easy to handle and maneuver. Tiller steering is a great choice for beginners, as it helps you gain a better understanding of the boat's direction and the wind's force. Look for boats with simple rigging, easy-to-reach controls, and a responsive helm. This will ensure a smoother and more enjoyable learning experience as you build your confidence in sailing.

Maintenance and upkeep of the sailboat

Owning a sailboat comes with the responsibility of regular maintenance to keep it in top shape. Familiarize yourself with the costs and tasks associated with upkeep, such as cleaning, painting, and inspecting critical components. Choose a boat with a proven history of durability and low-cost maintenance, so you don't end up dedicating all your time and money to its upkeep. Fiberglass hulls, for example, tend to be easier to maintain than wooden ones.

Duane Stallings

Who makes the “Ventura 23” that weighs 4000 lbs? I can’t find it anywhere.

You may also like, sailboat parts explained: illustrated guide (with diagrams).

When you first get into sailing, there are a lot of sailboat parts to learn. Scouting for a good guide to all the parts, I couldn't find any, so I wrote one myself.

Sailboat vs. Powerboat: What's the Best Liveaboard?

Choosing the Best Family Sailboat (Tips by Expert)

13 Best Liveaboard Sailboats (under 30 & 50 ft)

Bow shot of black wooden cruising sailboat

41 Sailboat Cruising Essentials for Long Trips

Small Sailing Boats: Exploring the Best Types for Beginners

If you're a sailing enthusiast or a beginner looking to embrace the joys of sailing, you may be interested in exploring the world of small sailing boats. These compact and agile vessels are perfect for leisurely cruises, day sailing, and learning the ropes of sailing. In this article, we'll dive into various types of small sailboats and highlight the best options for beginners, ensuring you find the ideal vessel to set sail on your nautical adventures.

Introduction

Sailing is an ancient and time-honored practice that continues to captivate individuals with its unique blend of adventure, skill, and tranquility. For those seeking a more intimate and hands-on experience with the water, small sailing boats offer an ideal platform to explore lakes, rivers, and coastal waters. Whether you're a seasoned sailor or someone looking to embark on their first sailing journey, there's a small sailboat out there perfectly suited to your needs.

Daysailers: Your Gateway to Sailing

For many beginners, daysailers represent an excellent entry point into the world of sailing. Daysailers are small sailboats designed for day trips, offering simplicity and ease of handling. They are usually single-masted and have a large cockpit, making them ideal for short excursions and learning the basics of sailing. Daysailers provide a wonderful opportunity to get acquainted with the wind, water, and sails, instilling confidence and a deeper appreciation for the art of sailing.

The Allure of Small Sailing Boats

Small sailboats possess a unique charm that sets them apart from their larger counterparts. Their nimbleness allows for maneuverability in tight spaces and enables sailors to access secluded coves and shallow waters. Additionally, the smaller size often means more affordable maintenance and mooring costs. For those seeking a close connection with the sea, small sailing boats offer an intimate and immersive experience that larger vessels can't replicate.

Understanding Different Sailboat Types

Before delving into specific small sailboat models, it's essential to understand the various sail rigging configurations commonly used in sailboats. Each rigging type offers distinct advantages and is suited to different sailing conditions.

4.1. Sloop Rigged Sailboats

The sloop rig is one of the most common and versatile sail configurations. It features a single mast with a mainsail and a headsail (jib or genoa). The simplicity of the sloop rig makes it easy to handle and an excellent choice for beginners.

4.2. Cat Rigged Sailboats

Cat rigging consists of a single mast located forward in the bow of the boat, with the mainsail attached directly to it. This setup minimizes the number of lines and makes cat rigged boats straightforward to sail.

4.3. Ketch Rigged Sailboats

Ketch rigging features two masts: a taller main mast and a shorter mizzen mast located forward of the rudderpost. The addition of a mizzen sail provides more sail area and allows for greater sail balance.

4.4. Schooner Rigged Sailboats

The schooner rig comprises two or more masts, with the forward mast being shorter than the aft mast(s). Schooners offer ample sail area, enabling impressive speed and performance.

4.5. Cutter Rigged Sailboats

Cutter rigs feature multiple headsails, including a staysail located between the mainmast and the foremast. This configuration provides versatility in sail combinations and enhances upwind performance.

4.6. Gaff Rigged Sailboats

Gaff rigs feature a four-sided mainsail with a gaff and a boom. This traditional rigging is still beloved by many sailors for its classic appearance and nostalgic appeal.

4.7. Yawl Rigged Sailboats

Similar to ketch rigging, yawl rigs have two masts, but the mizzen mast is positioned aft of the rudderpost. The smaller mizzen sail improves balance and control.

Exploring Popular Small Sailboat Types

Now that we have a good understanding of sail rigging types, let's explore some popular small sailboat models that have won the hearts of sailors worldwide.

5.1. J/70 Sailboat

The J/70 is a popular one-design keelboat renowned for its exhilarating performance and competitive racing. It accommodates a small crew and is perfect for both day sailing and club racing.

5.2. Dragon Drascombe

The Dragon Drascombe is a charming and traditional small sailboat known for its stability and versatility. It is an excellent choice for leisurely cruising and exploring sheltered waters.

5.3. Cornish Diva 36

The Cornish Diva 36 is a stunning sailing yacht designed for comfort and performance. It combines modern amenities with classic styling, making it an ideal choice for those seeking luxury in a small package.

Read our top notch articles on topics such as sailing, sailing tips and destinations in our Magazine .

Check out our latest sailing content:

Factors to consider when choosing a small sailboat.

Selecting the right small sailboat requires careful consideration of various factors to ensure it aligns with your sailing goals and preferences.

6.1. Skill Level

Consider your level of sailing experience and skill when choosing a small sailboat. While some models are beginner-friendly, others may demand more expertise to handle effectively.

6.2. Intended Use

Think about how you plan to use the sailboat. Are you interested in day sailing, weekend getaways, or extended cruises? Different boats cater to various sailing styles.

6.3. Size and Accommodation

Evaluate the boat's size and accommodation features. Ensure it comfortably accommodates your sailing companions and provides essential amenities for a pleasant sailing experience.

6.4. Budget

Establish a budget for your sailboat purchase. While small sailboats generally cost less than larger vessels, prices can vary significantly based on the model, condition, and features.

Best Small Sailboats for Beginners

For those new to sailing, here are two small sailboat options well-suited to beginners.

7.1. American Sail

American Sail offers a range of small sailboat models, including the Aqua Finn and the American 14.6. These boats are designed with simplicity and stability in mind, making them great options for novices.

7.2. 2-Man Sailboat

A 2-man sailboat, such as the Laser 2 or the 420, provides a wonderful opportunity for learning to sail in tandem. With two people working together, beginners can build their skills and confidence.

Small Sailing Yachts: Combining Luxury and Performance

For those who desire a touch of luxury in their sailing adventures, small sailing yachts offer an enticing option. These vessels boast elegant designs, spacious interiors, and excellent performance capabilities. Though they may require more extensive sailing experience, the rewards of sailing a small yacht are well worth the effort.

Day Sailors: Unleashing the Adventurer Within

Day sailors cater to individuals seeking thrill and adventure on the water. With their efficient rigging and lightweight construction, day sailors are designed for speed and maneuverability. These boats offer an adrenaline-filled sailing experience and are perfect for those looking to break free from the shore and explore the vastness of the open water.

The Joy of Daily Sailing

Daily sailing offers an escape from the mundane and a chance to connect with nature on a deeper level. Whether you're navigating a serene lake or exploring the coastline, sailing provides a unique perspective and a profound sense of freedom.

In conclusion, small sailing boats offer a myriad of opportunities for beginners and seasoned sailors alike. From daysailers perfect for introductory experiences to luxury small sailing yachts that provide comfort and style, there is a sailboat to suit every sailor's dreams. So, whether you yearn for the thrill of speed or the tranquility of a leisurely cruise, take the plunge into the world of small sailing boats and discover the wonders that await you on the water.

So what are you waiting for? Take a look at our range of charter boats and head to some of our favourite sailing destinations.

FAQs about sailing

What is the best type of small sailboat for beginners, are small sailboats suitable for long voyages, how much maintenance do small sailing boats require, can i go solo sailing with a small sailboat, are small sailboats ideal for families, i am ready to help you with booking a boat for your dream vacation. contact me..

Denisa Kliner Nguyenová

Better Sailing

What Are The Best Beginner Sailboats?

So, are you new to the world of sailing? Are you looking for advice to guide you through your research for a good beginner’s sailboat? Then, this article is what you’re looking for! Sailing can be a pleasant activity for a lot of people. Actually, in the right environment and circumstances, you can learn to sail a simple boat without any difficulty. Remember that the love for sailing comes from the feeling of being in control and the connection you acquire with the water.

As a beginner, you should learn the basics with a correct boat and in an appropriate environment. You have a wide offer of beginner sailboats on the market, as well as a lot of recommendations for models, that can be found online. So, in order to avoid making mistakes as a beginner, read this article and consider my advice. You will then understand the basics, learn to sail properly and safely, and avoid any possible pitfalls!

What Makes a Good Beginner Sailboat?

It might seem reasonable that the smaller the boat, then the easier it will be to handle it. But that’s not always true. One of the first things that you should take into account as a beginner is not only the boat’s size. There are important factors to think about, such as handling features and rig simplicity. However, small sailboats react quickly to wind shifts, crew weight shifts, and upon any command on wheel/tiller. In any case, choose a sailboat that’ll be easy to rig, simple to sail, and lightweight. You can choose between a variety of dinghies, daysailers, and trailerable boats, which are quite great, to begin with. Remember that as your skills improve, you’re going to change your sailboat and upgrade it into a more complex one. But for now, choose something that will teach you your first steps to the sailing world!

Best Types of Beginner’s Sailboats

So, let’s clarify the types of sailboats that are suitable for beginners.

Sailboats with no Winches : These sailboats are easier to manage due to their sheets and halyards that don’t need winches to control them. In addition, the sails and rigging don’t receive the same forces on them, as larger boats do.
Sailing Dinghies : The sailing dinghy rigs with one sail and one mast, so this makes it easier to learn the ropes. Dinghies are not really fast, but they don’t easily overturn and have excellent handling characteristics. Furthermore, the mast can be removed and all its parts are easily stowed. Dinghies are responsive and light sailboats, that’s why they perfectly suit beginners. You can sail a dinghy almost anywhere, due to their centerboards or sideboards, which have a shallow draft.
Small Catamarans : These sailboats have two hulls and provide extra stability, which makes them ideal for beginners. Small catamarans are rigged with one or two sails and are tiller steered.
Boats with Tiller Steering : It’s much better learning with a tiller rather than a wheel. This is because tillers are attached to the rudder that controls the boat’s direction. Moreover, tillers help to control the direction and force of the wind, as well as the boat’s maneuvering at various speeds.
Trailerable Sailboats : This refers to sailboats that can be trailered to different locations. As a beginner, you can learn to sail in various water and wind conditions, due to the sailboats’ variety of features.
Sloops : Small sloops can really help you understand how sails work together. Sloops are also easy to maintain, they might have some or no winches at all. In addition, they’re quite helpful when you’re developing your skills. Depending on each model, they can have bigger headsails or spinnakers in order to teach you different sail combinations.

How to Choose Your First Sailboat

When picking a beginner’s sailboat try to remember:

Choose a size between 20-28 feet. Learning to get around or hitting the dock is easier in a smaller hull.
Prefer a keelboat or a trailer sailer to avoid tipping over.
Buy a simple sailboat for under 10,000$. There’s no need for a big investment at this stage. Don’t be in a rush, you’ll do so when you have advanced your skills.
Look for a sailboat with “must-have” features. For example, the inboard engine, wheel steering or roller furling.
Before buying, determine the way in which you’re going to use your sailboat. Once being on the water, only at that time you’ll understand what you do like and what you don’t. Try to focus on enhancing your skills and knowledge, be patient, and go with the flow!

Best Sailboat Models for Beginners

The time has come! I’m about to announce you the best sailboat models for beginnners, on today’s market.

Catalina 22 and 27: The Catalina 27 is a trustworthy sloop and suitable for beginners. Its cost could be between $4k-$20k, depending on the condition of the sailboat. The 22 model has a big cabin and a large cockpit. But what makes it suitable for beginners? The Catalina 22 has a roller-furling jib and a simple fractional rig with a mainsail, some really good features for beginners.
West Wight Potter P 19: A spacious yacht that provides both safety and comfort. It is a really good choice for beginners. This is thanks to its good handling characteristics, safety features, and simple rig.
Marlow-Hunter: These sailboats are safe and versatile, designed for everyone. Furthermore, they are spacious and have an open-transom cockpit, as well as fiberglass hulls and easy handling. You can choose between the Hunter 15, 18, or 22, all of them suitable for beginners.
Wayfarer: These sailing dinghies can sail on shallow waters and are a good option for beginners. Also, they have a high-speed performance, are simple to use, and quite nimble. This model could cost around 10 to 15,000$, and it is a good sailboat even for experienced sailors. Consider Hartley Wayfarers as they are a good option for beginners.
Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 49: This is a skillful ocean cruiser but it’s also a great sailboat for beginners. It has cool features like a detachable bulkhead and a large cockpit. Furthermore, it has an easy sail plan to use and has a versatile performance.
Island Packet 460/465: These sailboats are full-length keelboats that provide safety and comfort. They have a heavy hull and solid glass, so they’re not really fast-paced. Also, the capacity of the fuel and water tank is sufficient for cruising on the sea.

Best Beginner Sailboats – Summary

In general, it is recommendable to get sailing lessons and of course trying on your own, before buying your first sailboat. Then, consider how are you going to use it. Is it for recreation, for fishing and water activities, or for cruising? I believe that this article has given you a hint about what you should be looking for, as a beginner. The models I’ve mentioned above, are quite practical for a beginner and can make the learning process far easier for you. Also, remember that if you choose to rent a sailboat every time you want to practice this will cost you an arm and a leg. It is much better to buy an easy-to-handle beginner sailboat in order to practice in a comfortable and cheaper way.

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

The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Best Fishing Line for Trolling

Lagoon Catamaran Review: Are Lagoon Catamarans Good?

Best Inboard Boat Engine Brands

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

Buyer's Guide
Destinations
Maintenance
Sailing Info

Hit enter to search or ESC to close.

Your source for the latest news on yachts, boats and more. Read through our articles to find out how to compare boats and find the right fit for you!

Best Small Boats and Sailboat for Beginners

Sep 22, 2021

less than a min

Best Small Boats and Sailboat for Beginners

Feeling happy, secure, and positive on your boat is incredibly important as it will push you to learn more and more things about your vessel and how to maneuver it with finesse. It will also make you feel closer to your boat and more inclined to spend time on it.

So, what are those features to look for in the best small sailboat for beginners ?

Let’s start with the most common one everyone can think of: simplicity . Beginner boats should be easy to sail and rig. You need to look for a vessel that does not capsize on the first wave, even if you do not know how to sail it properly. It should also be easy to rig without too many gadgets to hook up when transporting it. As a general rule of thumb, look for a boat that can lean towards, has a mast that is easy to lift, the sails are simple to put on, and the entire vessel can be assembled and put on the water without any issues. In addition, make sure the sails need minimal control.

Simplicity is also one of the main reasons why a small boat is better for a beginner. Small boats do not have many elements that need to be put together and are very easy to dock, in comparison to larger vessels. These boats are faster to react, which is great if you are not a seasoned sailor. It is a good idea to start with something that can hold 1 or 2 people, best if one of the crew is a bit more experienced than the other.

In addition, aim for a dinghy instead of a keelboat. A dinghy is easier to keep on route. Once you can feel more confident at sea, move onto a boat with a keel. You might even choose to join a sailing club and get on a vessel they deem appropriate for beginners.

Also, stay away from boats that have more than two masts. The multiple masts can cause distractions which can become quite dangerous when at sea.

Last but not least, get a boat with a tiller instead of a steering wheel. A tiller is easier to sail and learn while a wheel is more complex and less intuitive.

Some great options to consider include the:

Catalina 25
Catalina 27
the Sunfish

Check out yourself what kind of boat would be a good fit for you by exploring our boat database .

You might like these too

Sailboat or Motorboat – Learn the pros and cons

Aug 24, 2022

Types of Catamaran Boats: Sailing, Power, and Luxury Catamarans

Feb 10, 2023

Which is better a wooden boat or fiberglass boat

What are the main types of sail rigs for sailboats

Which is the Best Economical Catamaran

Oct 04, 2021

What is a Chine on a Boat

Oct 01, 2021

Great choice! Your favorites are temporarily saved for this session. Sign in to save them permanently, access them on any device, and receive relevant alerts.

Sailboat Guide

Collections

Twenty Small Sailboats to Take You Anywhere

John Vigor turns the spotlight on twenty seaworthy sailboats that are at home on the ocean in all weather. These are old fiberglass boats, mostly of traditional design and strong construction. All are small, from 20 feet to 32 feet overall, but all have crossed oceans, and all are cheap.

Choosing the right boat to take you across an ocean or around the world can be confusing and exasperating, particularly with a tight budget. Vigor sets out to remedy that in this book. He compares the designs and handling characteristics of 20 different boats whose secondhand market prices start at about $3,000. Interviews with experienced owners (featuring valuable tips about handling each boat in heavy weather) are interspersed with line drawings of hulls, sail plans, and accommodations. Vigor has unearthed the known weaknesses of each boat and explains how to deal with them. He rates their comparative seaworthiness, their speed, and the number of people they can carry in comfort. If you have ever dreamed the dream this book can help you turn it into reality.

Contessa 26

Bristol Channel Cutter

Cape Dory 25D

Nicholson 31

Pacific Seacraft 25

Pearson Triton

Allied Seawind

Falmouth Cutter 22

Southern Cross 31

International Folkboat

Morris 26 frances.

Albin Vega 27

Contessa 32

Catalina 27

Westsail 32

Pacific Seacraft Dana 24

Embed this page on your own website by copying and pasting this code.

About Sailboat Guide

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Home » Blog » Buy a boat » 5 best small sailboats for sailing around the world

5 best small sailboats for sailing around the world

By Author Fiona McGlynn

Posted on Last updated: April 19, 2023

A small sailboat can take you big places

Small sailboats are the ticket to going cruising NOW — not when you retire, save up enough money, or find the “perfect” bluewater cruising boat. In fact, it’s the first principle in Lin and Larry Pardey’s cruising philosophy: “Go small, go simple, go now.”

Small yachts can be affordable, simple, and seaworthy . However, you won’t see many of them in today’s cruising grounds. In three years and 13,000 nautical miles of bluewater cruising, I could count the number of under 30-foot sailboats I’ve seen on one hand (all of them were skippered by people in their 20s and 30s).

Today’s anchorages are full of 40, 50, and 60-foot-plus ocean sailboats, but that’s not to say you can’t sail the world in a small sailboat. Just look at Alessandro di Benedetto who in 2010 broke the record for the smallest boat to sail around the world non-stop in his 21-foot Mini 6.5 .

So long as you don’t mind forgoing a few comforts, you can sail around the world on a small budget .

What makes a good blue water sailboat

While you might not think a small sailboat is up to the task of going long distances, some of the best bluewater sailboats are under 40 feet.

However, if you’re thinking about buying a boat for offshore cruising, there are a few things to know about what makes a small boat offshore capable .

Smaller equals slower

Don’t expect to be sailing at high speeds in a pocket cruiser. Smaller displacement monohulls are always going to be slower than larger displacement monohulls (see the video below to learn why smaller boats are slower). Therefore a smaller cruiser is going to take longer on a given passage, making them more vulnerable to changes in weather.

A few feet can make a big difference over a week-long passage. On the last leg of our Pacific Ocean crossing, our 35-foot sailboat narrowly avoid a storm that our buddy boat, a 28-foot sailboat, couldn’t. Our friend was only a knot slower but it meant he had to heave to for a miserable three days.

Small but sturdy

If a pocket cruiser encounters bad weather, they will be less able to outrun or avoid it. For this reason, many of the blue water sailboats in this list are heavily built and designed to take a beating.

Yacht design has changed dramatically over the last 50 years. Today, new boats are designed to be light and fast. The small sailboats in our list are 30-plus year-old designs and were built in a time when weather forecasts were less accurate and harder to come by.

Back in the day, boat were constructed with thicker fiberglass hulls than you see in modern builds. Rigs, keels, rudders, hulls and decks – everything about these small cruising sailboats was designed to stand up to strong winds and big waves. Some of the boats in this post have skeg-hung rudders and most of them are full keel boats.

The pros and cons of pocket cruiser sailboats

Pocket cruiser sailboats present certain advantages and disadvantages.

More affordable

Their smaller size makes them affordable bluewater sailboats. You can often find great deals on pocket cruisers and sometimes you can even get them for free.

You’ll also save money on retrofits and repairs because small cruising sailboats need smaller boat parts (which cost a lot less) . For example, you can get away with smaller sails, ground tackle, winches, and lighter lines than on a bigger boat.

Moorage, haul-outs, and marine services are often billed by foot of boat length . A small sailboat makes traveling the world , far more affordable!

When something major breaks (like an engine) it will be less costly to repair or replace than it would be on a bigger boat.

Less time consuming

Smaller boats tend to have simpler systems which means you’ll spend less time fixing and paying to maintain those systems. For example, most small yachts don’t have showers, watermakers , hot water, and electric anchor windlasses.

On the flip side, you’ll spend more time collecting water (the low-tech way) . On a small sailboat, this means bucket baths, catching fresh water in your sails, and hand-bombing your anchor. Though less convenient, this simplicity can save you years of preparation and saving to go sailing.

Oh, and did I mention that you’ll become a complete water meiser? Conserving water aboard becomes pretty important when you have to blue-jug every drop of it from town back to your boat.

Easier to sail

Lastly, smaller boats can be physically easier to sail , just think of the difference between raising a sail on a 25-foot boat versus a 50-foot boat! You can more easily single-hand or short-hand a small sailboat. For that reason, some of the best solo blue water sailboats are quite petite.

As mentioned above small boats are slow boats and will arrive in port, sometimes days (and even weeks) behind their faster counterparts on long offshore crossings.

Consider this scenario: two boats crossed the Atlantic on a 4,000 nautical mile route. The small boat averaged four miles an hour, while the big boat averaged seven miles an hour. If both started at the same time, the small boat will have completed the crossing two weeks after the larger sailboat!

Less spacious

Living on a boat can be challenging — living on a small sailboat, even more so! Small cruising boats don’t provide much in the way of living space and creature comforts.

Not only will you have to downsize when you move onto a boat you’ll also have to get pretty creative when it comes to boat storage.

It also makes it more difficult to accommodate crew for long periods which means there are fewer people to share work and night shifts.

If you plan on sailing with your dog , it might put a small boat right out of the question (depending on the size of your four-legged crew member).

Less comfortable

It’s not just the living situation that is less comfortable, the sailing can be pretty uncomfortable too! Pocket cruisers tend to be a far less comfortable ride than larger boats as they are more easily tossed about in big ocean swell.

Here are our 5 favorite small blue water sailboats for sailing around the world

When we sailed across the Pacific these were some of the best small sailboats that we saw. Their owners loved them and we hope you will too!

The boats in this list are under 30 feet. If you’re looking for something slightly larger, you might want to check out our post on the best bluewater sailboats under 40 feet .

Note: Price ranges are based on SailboatListings.com and YachtWorld.com listings for Aug. 2018

Albin Vega 27($7-22K USD)

The Albin Vega has earned a reputation as a bluewater cruiser through adventurous sailors like Matt Rutherford, who in 2012 completed a 309-day solo nonstop circumnavigation of the Americas via Cape Horn and the Northwest Passage (see his story in the documentary Red Dot on the Ocean ).

Hull Type: Long fin keel
Hull Material: GRP (fibreglass)
Length Overall:27′ 1″ / 8.25m
Waterline Length:23′ 0″ / 7.01m
Beam:8′ 1″ / 2.46m
Draft:3′ 8″ / 1.12m
Rig Type: Masthead sloop rig
Displacement:5,070lb / 2,300kg
Designer:Per Brohall
Builder:Albin Marine AB (Swed.)
Year First Built:1965
Year Last Built:1979
Number Built:3,450

Cape Dory 28 ($10-32K USD)

This small cruising sailboat is cute and classic as she is rugged and roomy. With at least one known circumnavigation and plenty of shorter bluewater voyages, the Cape Dory 28 has proven herself offshore capable.

Hull Type: Full Keel
Length Overall:28′ 09″ / 8.56m
Waterline Length:22′ 50″ / 6.86m
Beam:8’ 11” / 2.72m
Draft:4’ 3” / 1.32m
Rig Type:Masthead Sloop
Displacement:9,300lb / 4,218kg
Sail Area/Displacement Ratio:52
Displacement/Length Ratio:49
Designer: Carl Alberg
Builder: Cape Dory Yachts (USA)
Year First Built:1974
Year Last Built:1988
Number Built: 388

Dufour 29 ($7-23K)

As small bluewater sailboats go, the Dufour 29 is a lot of boat for your buck. We know of at least one that sailed across the Pacific last year. Designed as a cruiser racer she’s both fun to sail and adventure-ready. Like many Dufour sailboats from this era, she comes equipped with fiberglass molded wine bottle holders. Leave it to the French to think of everything!

Hull Type: Fin with skeg-hung rudder
Length Overall:29′ 4″ / 8.94m
Waterline Length:25′ 1″ / 7.64m
Beam:9′ 8″ / 2.95m
Draft:5′ 3″ / 1.60m
Displacement:7,250lb / 3,289kg
Designer:Michael Dufour
Builder:Dufour (France)
Year First Built:1975
Year Last Built:1984

Vancouver 28 ($15-34K)

A sensible small boat with a “go-anywhere” attitude, this pocket cruiser was designed with ocean sailors in mind. One of the best cruising sailboats under 40 feet, the Vancouver 28 is great sailing in a small package.

Hull Type:Full keel with transom hung rudder
Length Overall: 28′ 0″ / 8.53m
Waterline Length:22’ 11” / 6.99m
Beam:8’ 8” / 2.64m
Draft:4’ 4” / 1.32m
Rig Type: Cutter rig
Displacement:8,960lb / 4,064 kg
Designer: Robert B Harris
Builder: Pheon Yachts Ltd. /Northshore Yachts Ltd.
Year First Built:1986
Last Year Built: 2007
Number Built: 67

Westsail 28 ($30-35K)

Described in the 1975 marketing as “a hearty little cruiser”, the Westsail 28 was designed for those who were ready to embrace the cruising life. Perfect for a solo sailor or a cozy cruising couple!

Hull Type: Full keel with transom hung rudder
Hull Material:GRP (fibreglass)
Length Overall:28′ 3” / 8.61m
Waterline Length:23’ 6” / 7.16m
Beam:9’ 7” / 2.92m
Displacement:13,500lb / 6,124kg
Designer: Herb David
Builder: Westsail Corp. (USA)
Number Built:78

Feeling inspired? Check out the “go small” philosophy of this 21-year-old who set sail in a CS 27.

Fiona McGlynn is an award-winning boating writer who created Waterborne as a place to learn about living aboard and traveling the world by sailboat. She has written for boating magazines including BoatUS, SAIL, Cruising World, and Good Old Boat. She’s also a contributing editor at Good Old Boat and BoatUS Magazine. In 2017, Fiona and her husband completed a 3-year, 13,000-mile voyage from Vancouver to Mexico to Australia on their 35-foot sailboat.

Saturday 1st of September 2018

Very useful list, but incomplete - as it would necessarily be, considering the number of seaworthy smaller boats that are around.

In particular, you missed/omitted the Westerly "Centaur" and its follow-on model, the "Griffon". 26 feet LOA, bilge-keelers, weighing something over 6000 pounds, usually fitted with a diesel inboard.

OK, these are British designs, and not that common in the US, but still they do exist, they're built like tanks, and it's rumored that at least one Centaur has circumnavigated.

Friday 31st of August 2018

This is a helpful list, thank you. I don't think most people would consider a 28' boat a pocket cruiser, though!

Terms and Conditions - Privacy Policy

Best Small Cruising Sailboats

‍ Key Takeaways

Affordable cruising sailboats offer comfort and fun without a large investment.
Models like the Catalina 22 and Hunter 27 balance space and ease of use for family.
Making an informed choice on a budget-friendly sailboat hinges on matching features.

‍ If you want to navigate the seas without breaking the bank, you do need the best budget small cruiser sailboats, perfect for both novices and seasoned sailors.

The best budget small cruiser sailboats include the Catalina 22 for its versatility, Hunter 27 for durability, Beneteau First 20 for performance, West Wight Potter 19 for compactness, Compac Sun Cat for ease of use, MacGregor 26 for adaptability, and Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 349 for comfort and style.

As a seasoned sailor with years of navigating diverse waters, I've had the privilege of steering through the world's most enchanting seas. Sharing insights from firsthand experiences, I offer guidance that's not just based on facts but seasoned with real-life adventures. Together, we'll uncover the secrets to mastering the waves, ensuring you're well-equipped for your nautical journeys.

Table of contents

‍ Best Budget Small Cruiser Sailboats

Embarking on the quest for the ideal budget-friendly cruiser sailboat might feel like navigating through a maze of countless options, but pinpointing the right vessel is key to setting sail without capsizing your finances.

You don't need a treasure chest to enjoy the freedom of the open water; with an array of compact cruisers on the market, there's a vessel suited for every sailor's needs that balances affordability, comfort, and performance.

Understanding the unique characteristics of these budget-friendly cruisers is the compass that will help guide you in making an informed choice. It’s not solely about affordability; it's about finding a sailboat that can offer you that quintessential sailing fun.

Here's a comparison of the key features of the best budget small cruiser sailboats:

Length	Beam	Draft	Displacement	Sail Area	Price Range
22 ft	8 ft	2 ft - 5 ft	2,490 lbs	229 sq ft	$15,000 - $25,000
27 ft	9 ft 11 in	3 ft 5 in	7,500 lbs	321.25 sq ft	$20,000 - $50,000
20 ft	8 ft 2 in	2 ft 4 in - 5 ft 11 in	2,535 lbs	269 sq ft	$35,000 - $60,000
19 ft	7 ft 6 in	1 ft 6 in - 3 ft	1,225 lbs	136 sq ft	$10,000 - $25,000

Compac Sun Cat	17 ft 4 in	7 ft 3 in	1 ft 2 in	1,500 lbs	150 sq ft	$15,000 - $25,000
MacGregor 26	26 ft	7 ft 9 in	1 ft - 5 ft 9 in	2,255 lbs	235 sq ft	$10,000 - $30,000
Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 349	34 ft 5 in	11 ft 3 in	4 ft 10 in	11,773 lbs	613 sq ft	$150,000 - $200,000

1. Catalina 22

If you're diving into the world of sailing with a keen eye on budget and size, the Catalina 22 checks many boxes. As a small cruiser that balances comfort, versatility, and affordability, it is considered a classic staple in the sailing community.

Specifications

Length: 21'6"
Beam: 7'8"
Draft: 2'0" (board up), 5'0" (board down)
Displacement: 2,490 lbs.
Ballast: 800 lbs.
Sail Area: 205 sq. ft.

Performance

The Catalina 22 sails with grace. Its fiberglass hull and well-designed keel offer stability and smooth handling, making it an ideal sailboat for beginners and seasoned sailors alike. You'll find it quick to maneuver and responsive at the helm, qualities that bolster your sailing confidence.

What Sets It Apart

With features like a spacious cockpit, a cozy cabin, and a pop-top galley for extra headroom, the Catalina 22 elevates the compact cruising experience. Its versatility shines, serving both as a casual day sailor and a capable pocket cruiser for overnight adventures.

Recent Updates

In its modern iterations, significant updates include an enhanced rigging system and improved sail controls. These upgrades bring the Catalina 22 in line with contemporary sailing standards while preserving its timeless appeal.

Offers great value for its size and features
Comfortable for small family cruising
Suited for both day sailing and short cruises
Its size may challenge extended cruising plans
Not designed for demanding racing scenarios

Who Should Buy It

The Catalina 22 is an excellent choice for you if you're a beginner eager to learn, a sailor on a budget, or a small family looking to create lasting memories on the water.

Where To Buy It

Ready to make the Catalina 22 yours? You'll find it available through official Catalina dealers and respected used boat marketplaces.

2. Hunter 27

When you're out on the market for a blend of affordability and reliable performance in a small cruiser sailboat, the Hunter 27 stands out. It’s specifically designed for those with a passion for sailing but have a tight grip on their budget.

Beam: 9ft 11in
Draft: 3ft 6in
Ballast: 2,000 lbs
Displacement: 7,400 lbs
Sail Area: 386 sq ft

The Hunter 27 promises an admirable balance of comfort and speed, ensuring your sailing experience is both enjoyable and efficient. With a modern underbody and an easy-to-manage sail plan, you'll find this boat to be responsive and stable, whether you're cruising along the coastline or venturing out a little further.

What really makes the Hunter 27 a gem in the pocket cruisers category is its ingenious use of space. Boasting a spacious cockpit to keep your crew comfortable, this model ensures fun on the water doesn't mean a compromise on space or safety. Its fiberglass construction adds to its sturdy reputation.

Recent iterations of the Hunter 27 incorporate more modern gear and amenities, upgrading not just the sailing performance but the overall comfort on board. These updates draw a clear line in the sand, separating the Hunter from its competitors.

Roomy interior for a small cruiser
Stable performance under various conditions
Ideal for family or small crew outings
Limited space can challenge onboard storage
Smaller sail area compared to larger cruisers affects speed

If you're a family or a small group looking to dip your toes into sailing without splashing out on a luxury yacht, the Hunter 27 could be the vessel for you. It’s also an excellent choice for those seeking a trailerable boat that doesn’t skimp on the liveaboard experience.

To secure a Hunter 27, reach out to authorized dealers or check the listings on sailing community forums. For the latest models, visiting the official Hunter Marine website provides you with all the updated information and contact details you need to purchase the boat.

3. Beneteau First 20

When you're out to conquer the waves without breaking the bank, the Beneteau First 20 emerges as a staunch ally. This sailboat marries high performance with affordability, embodying the spirit of adventure for both new sailors and seasoned veterans craving a smaller, more manageable vessel.

Length Overall (LOA): 20'1"
Beam: 8'2"
Draft: 2'4" (lifting keel)
Displacement: 2,755 lbs
Sail Area: 248 sq ft

For a boat its size, the Beneteau First 20 is notoriously agile and quick on the water. With every design tweak aimed at enhancing speed, she doesn't compromise on stability, making it a delightful daysailer or an enthusiastic entry-level racer.

The Beneteau First 20 stands out for its modern design and equipment, offering you comfort and safety in a compact vessel. This sailboat blends the thrill of sailing with the ease of handling, ensuring you get maximum enjoyment whether you're solo or with family.

More aggressive, stylish look and improved balance between performance and habitability

Compact size for easy maneuverability and storage
Cost-effective without skimping on quality
Limited space may not suit long-duration sailings
Less room for gear compared to larger cruisers

The Beneteau First 20 is the perfect buy for beginners eager to learn and for those downsizing from a larger boat but not willing to give up on zest and performance.

If you want this boat, seek out Beneteau dealers through its official website or charter services for purchasing or experiencing the First 20.

4. West Wight Potter 19

The West Wight Potter 19 is acclaimed for its compact design and remarkable capabilities as a cruiser sailboat. Perfect for you whether you're an expert sailor or just starting out, it combines ease of handling with the comfort essential for the best small cruising sailboats.

Hull Material: Fiberglass
Length Overall: 18'9"
Beam: 7'6"
Draft: Keel Up: 6" / Keel Down: 3'7"
Mast Height Above Water: 22 feet
Ballast: 300 lbs
Displacement: 1225 lbs
Sail Area: 158 sq. ft.

This compact cruiser is remarkable for its stability and handling in various conditions. Its speed is competitive for a sailboat its size, ensuring you have a lively time on the water.

Versatility and ease of transport are hallmarks of the West Wight Potter 19. As a trailerable sailboat, it promises adventure without the constraint of a single body of water.

Recent models have introduced modern equipment and upgrades in the galley and cockpit for improved comfort and convenience, ensuring a blend of traditional and contemporary needs.

Easy to transport by road
Designed for secure family outings
Equipped for preparing meals on board
Compact design caps the amount of storage
More modest compared to larger cruisers

If you're a sailing enthusiast in need of a traileable, versatile, and affordable sailboat, the Potter 19 is meant for you. It's ideal for both solo excursions and family adventures.

The best place to purchase a West Wight Potter 19 is through reputable boat dealers like YatchHub . Always ensure you are dealing with an authentic, trusted seller.

5. Compac Sun Cat

Recently, the Com-Pac Sun Cat has received attention for its balance between cost-efficiency and uncompromised sailing performance, perfect for those on a budget.

Hull Type: Monohull
Construction: Fiberglass
LOA (Length Over All): 17' 4"
Beam (Width): 7' 3"
Draft: 1' 2" board up / 4' 6" board down
Displacement: 1,500 lbs
Sail Area: 150 sq ft
Mast Height: 20'

Let's talk about how the Sun Cat sails. Generally considered lively for a compact cruiser, it harnesses light winds with ease and delivers a stable ride in choppier conditions. Its relatively wide beam contributes to its stability, and with no spreaders to worry about, setup and takedown times are significantly reduced.

The Sun Cat's design emphasizes simplicity and functionality, targeting both the novice sailor and the seasoned mariner looking for hassle-free sailing adventures. This boat's ease of trailering adds to its appeal, especially for those looking to explore a variety of sailing environments without the constraints of a mooring.

Recent models of the Sun Cat have seen enhancements in their cabin comfort and rigging efficiency, ensuring they stay competitive and appealing to sailors. Existing owners can often retrofit these improvements, demonstrating the manufacturer's commitment to the model's longevity.

Easy to trailer
Simple to rig and sail
Limited space for liveaboards
Heavier mast can be challenging for some

If you're a day sailor or weekend cruiser, the Com-Pac Sun Cat aligns with your lifestyle. Its setup is intuitive, making it a solid choice for beginners, while its performance and charm won't disappoint seasoned sailors.

The best place to buy a new or used Sun Cat is directly from Com-Pac Yachts or a licensed dealer.

6. MacGregor 26

When you're scouring the market for a trusty and affordable cruiser sailboat, the MacGregor 26 stands out as a remarkably versatile option. It merges sailing fun with budget-friendliness.

Length Overall (LOA) : 25 ft 10 in
Beam: 7 ft 9 in
Draft (Board up/down): 12 in / 5 ft 9 in
Displacement: 2,255 lb (water ballast)
Sail Area: 321 ft²

Let's talk about what it feels like to skipper a MacGregor 26. With its sails catching the wind, you'll experience a balance of stability and responsiveness.

It delivers steady performance under sail.
Power sailing is possible with a suitable outboard motor.

Why pick the MacGregor 26, you ask? Here's the scoop. It's truly one of a kind.

The combination of sailing and powerboat capabilities is unique.
Its transportability opens up your sailing adventures to myriad locations.

Keen on knowing the latest? The newer models of the MacGregor 26 have significant improvements aimed at enhancing your sailing experience.

Upgraded standing rigging for increased durability.
Enhanced hull designs for better stability and speed.
Easy to trailer and maneuver on land
Simplifies getting in and out of the water
Can be used as both a sailboat and a motorboat
Suitable for various water activities, from cruising to fishing
Hybrid nature may not appeal to sailing purists
Performance may not match up to specialized sailboats
Water ballast system requires careful management
Can be sensitive to incorrect loading

You're probably wondering if the MacGregor 26 is the right fit for you.

Ideal for sailors looking for a multipurpose vessel.
Great for those with storage constraints who still want to enjoy the sailing lifestyle.

Interested in making a MacGregor 26 yours? You can purchase directly from an authorized MacGregor sailing dealership .

7. Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 349

The Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 349 is a small cruiser that delivers big on both comfort and performance. It is designed to be an affordable option for sailors who seek a compact boat without sacrificing the amenities typically found on larger vessels.

Dimensions & Measurements:

LOA : 33'11"
Beam: 11'3"
Draft (Shoal/Deep): 4'10" / 6'5"
Displacement: 11,773 lbs
Sail Area: 613 sq ft
Fuel Capacity: 34 gallons
Water Capacity: 54 gallons
Cabins: 2-3
Standard Engine: Yanmar 21 HP
Optional Engine: Yanmar 30 HP

The Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 349 boasts a plumb bow and hard chine that starts before the boat's maximum beam—features that enhance stability and speed. Its twin rudders ensure responsive handling, making it a joy to sail in various wind conditions.

What really makes this sailboat stand out is its perfect balance between size, performance, and comfort. With innovative design features such as a long waterline and wide beam, you get a quick, seaworthy boat that doesn't skimp on living space.

In recent iterations, Jeanneau has emphasized easy handling, with features like twin rudders and a simplified sail plan. These updates cater to both seasoned sailors and newcomers eager to take their first bluewater cruise.

Stable and comfortable under sail
Spacious interior for its size
Easy to single-hand with a well-designed cockpit and manageable sail plan
Might feel underpowered with the standard engine in strong currents
Interior storage can be limited for long voyages

If you're a solo sailor or a small family looking to adventure without the need for a crew, the Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 349 could be your ideal cruiser. It's built for those who love to sail and want a boat that's as easy to manage as it is inviting.

When it comes to purchasing a Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 349, your best bet is to visit an authorized Jeanneau dealer through their official website .

Sustainability in Small Cruiser Sailboats

In our quest for the perfect blend of adventure and value in small cruiser sailboats, there's an often-overlooked aspect that's gaining momentum: sustainability. As sailors, our connection to the sea is profound, and it's only natural we play our part in preserving its beauty.

Renewable Energy on Deck

Harnessing Nature's Power: The latest trend in small cruiser sailboats isn't just about cutting costs; it's about reducing our carbon footprint. Solar panels and wind turbines are becoming common sights on cruisers, providing clean energy to power everything from navigation instruments to lighting. Imagine sailing under a starlit sky, knowing you're leaving the smallest ecological wake possible.
Eco-Friendly Propulsion: Electric motors are on the rise, offering a silent and emission-free alternative to traditional diesel engines. Coupled with renewable energy sources, they promise a future where sailing is not only about embracing the wind but doing so with minimal environmental impact.

Sustainable Materials and Practices

Beyond Fiberglass : The boat-building industry is exploring sustainable materials like flax, bamboo, and recycled plastics. These alternatives not only reduce the reliance on fossil fuels but also offer durability and a lighter footprint on our oceans.
Antifouling Innovations: The battle against hull-dwelling organisms has historically relied on toxic antifouling paints. However, new non-toxic coatings and ultrasonic systems are proving to be game-changers, protecting marine life while keeping boat hulls clean and efficient.

The Ripple Effect of Sustainable Sailing

Community and Conservation: The sailing community is uniquely positioned to contribute to marine conservation efforts. From participating in beach clean-ups to practicing responsible anchoring, every small action contributes to a larger impact.
Educating Future Sailors: Sharing knowledge and practices around sustainable sailing fosters a culture of conservation. Workshops, sailing clubs, and online forums are fantastic venues for exchanging tips on eco-friendly sailing, and building a collective commitment to our blue planet.

Frequently Asked Questions

Picking out the perfect small cruiser sailboat on a budget comes with several questions. We've gathered the most common inquiries to help you make an informed decision whether you're just starting out, planning solo voyages, or looking for value without sacrificing quality.

What should I look for in a pocket cruiser sailboat for beginner sailors?

Starting your sailing journey can be thrilling. Look for a pocket cruiser that promises ease of handling, reliability, and comfort. Stability should be top of your list to ensure confidence as you learn. A well-designed cockpit with user-friendly controls makes it easier to master sailing basics.

Which small sailboats are best for single-handed cruising adventures?

For those who dream of sailing solo, the Ranger 26 is a great choice. Boats built for single-handing should have accessible rigging, autopilots, and robust safety features. The Beneteau First 28 is another vessel that combines performance with single-handed functionality.

How do I find a high-quality cruising boat under 30 feet without breaking the bank?

Striking a balance between affordability and quality can be tricky, but not impossible. One approach is to seek out models known for retaining their value. Your search could include the Nonsuch 30 , which offers considerable space and durability within this size range.

What Is A Cruising Sailboat?

5 Best Cruising Sailboats In 2024

Jacob Collier

Born into a family of sailing enthusiasts, words like “ballast” and “jibing” were often a part of dinner conversations. These days Jacob sails a Hallberg-Rassy 44, having covered almost 6000 NM. While he’s made several voyages, his favorite one is the trip from California to Hawaii as it was his first fully independent voyage.

by this author

Best Sailboats

Most Recent

Affordable Sailboats You Can Build at Home

Daniel Wade

September 13, 2023

Best Small Sailboats With Standing Headroom

December 28, 2023

Important Legal Info

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

Best Bluewater Sailboats Under $50K

Best Blue Water Sailboats Under 40 Feet

Which Sailboats Have Lead Keels?

June 20, 2023

Best Liveaboard Catamaran Sailboats

Can a Novice Sail Around the World?

Elizabeth O'Malley

June 15, 2022

Best Electric Outboard Motors | Life of Sailing

4 Best Electric Outboard Motors

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

10 Best Sailboat Brands | Life of Sailing

10 Best Sailboat Brands (And Why)

December 20, 2023

7 Best Places To Liveaboard A Sailboat

Get the best sailing content.

You're Leaving Cat.com

Note that by entering data in this application for purposes of obtaining driving directions, you are providing such data directly to Google LLC and/or its affiliates. By clicking "I Agree" or by using the Google Maps functionality to obtain driving directions, you acknowledge and agree that use of Google Maps is subject to the then-current Google Maps/Google Earth Additional Terms of Service at https://developers.google.com/maps/terms-20180207#section_9_3 and Google Privacy Policy at https://policies.google.com/privacy

Products & Services – North America
Info for Owners
Small Wheel Loaders
Machine Specs

® 926M: Comfort and Efficiency Combined">The Cat ® 926M: Comfort and Efficiency Combined

The best seat on your jobsite is now the cab of the Cat ® 926M Small Wheel Loader.

The new Cat M-Series small wheelers are packed with features to make your work easier, your operators happier and your productivity higher. Take a look at some of the new controls that make the Cat 926M the best small wheel loader in the industry.

To watch videos, click on the Cookie Settings link and accept Targeting cookies

The machine information to know before you turn the key

Safety First

Small wheel loader operation starts with safety. Here are a few wheel loader safety tips.

We mean that literally. The M-Series small wheelers come standard with seat belt notification. So, if you put the machine in gear without buckling your belt, you'll get an icon indication on the dash, as well as a continuous beep to remind you to buckle up.

Operator Controls

The tilt and telescoping steering column is standard in the M-Series small wheeler. So are seat-mounted controls, which move up and down with the operator. The column and controls are fully adjustable to accommodate a wide range of operators, without compromising the operator or wheel loader safety.

Temperature Toughness

Bringing the heat.

The Cat M-Series is built to withstand extreme temperatures on both ends. Operators working in extreme cold climates will appreciate standard heated mirrors and heated rear glass in their wheel loader, all designed to warm things up—on even the frostiest of mornings.

Set It and Forget It

Automatic temperature control enables you to preprogram your small wheel loader for heat, air or whatever your target temperature is. You can choose a fully heated and cooled seat suspension to keep you comfortable all day long.

Room with a View

The mirrors on the M-Series small wheelers are electronically adjustable from the headliner and feature a lower parabolic section, allowing you to see right where the rear tires kiss the ground. Whether you're hugging a trench or loading a trailer, you know exactly where the wheel loader tires are.

As standard, the M-Series has internal mirrors to see the rear counterweight corners. It also has a single-piece panoramic front windshield to help you safely navigate those tight jobsites.

Seeing Bigger

The new primary display on the Cat 926M features a much larger LCD screen, bringing you an indication of forward and reverse as well as speed range.

The updated display also uses icons for features on the small wheel loader like differential locking axles, perfect parallelism, fork mode and park brake. Icons will even indicate coolant and hydraulic temperature, all at a glance.

Seatmatic controls on the M-Series are going to lift, lower, rack and dump, as well as offer directional shifts forward, neutral and in reverse. Auxiliary flow control and differential locking axles are all right at your fingertips to make work easy.

Buttoned Up

The secondary display on the Cat M-Series works in combination with soft-touch buttons—not just to turn features on and off, but also to customize your operator experience to meet your application needs and individual preferences. The help button will explain every feature in detail (and in 22 different languages) so every answer is a max two button-pushes away.

The soft-touch buttons also allow you to enable or disable features on your small wheel loader . A subtle but important thing to note is that some of the soft-touch buttons have a white outline, indicating a two-second push and hold, which allows you to customize that setting through the secondary display. Soft-touch button features on the M-Series include fork mode perfect parallelism, fine mode control, bucket mode and programmable kickouts.

Let’s Do the Work.

The Cat M-Series small wheel loader controls solve every jobsite problem. The updated safety features keep you comfortable all day long, while the customized controls make your work easier and productivity higher. The 926M is packed with everything you need for both you and your business to be successful. Contact your Cat dealer today for even more on the best small wheel loader in the game.

Unlimited resources for your small wheel loader

Dig in to operating tips, maintenance advice and other information to help you grow your business in the small wheel loader resource library.

Safety Services NEW

Caterpillar Safety Services and consulting can help you achieve new levels of safety by improving your safety culture with industry best practices and technology.

Small Wheel Loader Maintenance

Learn about daily maintenance tips, schedules and simple diagnostics.

Connect with Us

In person or online, we're here to help you find the answers you need. Reach out to your local Cat dealer for advice close to home. Sign up for our newsletter to hear from industry experts. Or keep exploring this site for additional information.

Talk to A Dealer

Questions about a specific machine, part or financing? Ask your local Cat dealer.

Contact a Dealer >>

Shop Cat Equipment

Machine models, attachments and more. Shop and price online before visiting your local Cat dealer.

Start Shopping >>

Get Our Newsletter

Business advice. Maintenance tips. How-to videos. Straight to your inbox.

Subscribe Now >>

</b>">Keep Exploring

Cat has everything you need to succeed. Read our blog. Connect with a dealer. Browse our machines.

Take Me There >>

Follow Us on Social

@CatConstructionTrades
@CatConstruction
@CatConstructionTrade

To enable this feature, you must accept the use of targeting, functional, and performance cookies.

Attachments
Power Systems

Industry Solutions

Services & support.

Financing & Insurance
Maintenance
Safety Services
Technology & Solutions

How Can We Help?

Find Rental Equipment
Find Used Equipment
Find Your Dealer
Register Cat Warranty
Shop Merchandise

Company Info

Corporate Press Releases
Product & Services Press Releases

Connect with Cat

Caterpillar Foundation
Social Media
Visitors Center & Museum

public North America ‧ English edit

Caterpillar Brands

Cat Financial
The Cat Rental Store
Cat Lift Trucks
Progress Rail
Solar Turbines
SPM Oil & Gas
Turner Powertrain Systems
Caterpillar.com
My Marketing Preferences
Cookie Settings
Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information
Accessibility Statement

Internet Explorer users may experience issues with certain features of our site. Please try a current version of an alternate browser (i.e. Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, Mozilla Firefox) for the full Cat.com experience.

TechRepublic

Account information.

Share with Your Friends

The 6 Best Penetration Testing Companies for 2024

Your email has been sent

Best overall: Astra Security
Best for vulnerability scanning: Intruder
Best for on-demand pentesting: Cobalt.io
Best for small businesses: Acunetix
Best for large companies and enterprises: Invicti
Best for flexible pentesting options: BreachLock

Penetration testing (often shortened to “pentesting”) helps companies find and fix security vulnerabilities through ethical hackers launching planned attacks. A certain level of pentesting maintenance can also be automated thanks to advances in technology that allow for automatic vulnerability scanning around the clock. In this guide, we dive deep into the features, pros, and cons of the top six penetration companies to help you decide which one is the right choice for your business and budget.

Top penetration testing companies comparison

Besides pricing, there are many other factors that you should consider when choosing the best penetration testing company for your needs. Here are some of the most important criteria to investigate:

Starting price	Pentest capacity	Scan behind logins	Compliance	Expert remediation
$1,999 per year	Web and mobile applications, cloud infrastructure, API, and networks	Yes	PCI-DSS, HIPAA, SOC2, ISO 27001	Yes
$157 per month billed annually	Websites, servers, and cloud	Yes	PCI-DSS, HIPAA, SOC2, ISO 27001	No
Contact for quote	Web and mobile applications, APIs, networks, and cloud	No	SOC2, PCI-DSS, HIPAA, ISO 27001, CREST, NEST	Yes
Contact for quote	Web applications	Yes	OWASP, ISO 27001, PCI-DSS, HIPAA	Yes
Contact for quote	Web applications and APIs	Yes	OWASP, ISO 27001, PCI-DSS, HIPAA	Yes
$2,000 for a one-time test	Web applications, cloud, and networks	Yes	SOC 2, PCI DSS, HIPAA, ISO 27001, NIST, CREST, GDPR	Yes

Astra Security: Best overall

Astra Security provides a range of pentesting options to suit a wide variety of needs, including web applications, mobile applications, cloud security infrastructure, APIs, and networks. It also offers a vulnerability scanner that provides more than 8,000 tests and can even scan behind logged-in pages. Smaller companies can purchase scanners and pentests à la carte according to the transparent pricing plans, while larger companies can opt for the bundled enterprise plan or request a custom quote for the exact services they need.

SEE: What Is Cloud Penetration Testing & Why Is it Important? (TechRepublic)

Why I chose Astra Security

I chose Astra Security because it offers one of the largest pentest capacities of all the penetration testing companies I considered. This wide variety of offerings means both small businesses and large companies will likely be able to find an Astra pentest option to suit their needs, whether they’re a startup that only needs one target to be tested or a large business with a diverse infrastructure to protect.

Scanner : $1,999 per year or $199 per month for 1 target.
Pentest : $5,999 per year for 1 target.
Enterprise : Start at $9,999 per year for multiple targets across different asset types.
Pentest : $2,499 per year for 1 target.
Enterprise : Starts at $3,999 for 1 target.
Basic : Contact sales for a quote.
Elite : Contact sales for a quote.
Artificial intelligence and machine learning help automate tests.
Vulnerability scanner can run more than 8,000 tests.
Supports publicly verifiable pentest certificates.
Able to scan behind logged-in pages.

Pros and cons

Pros	Cons

Intruder: Best for vulnerability scanning

In addition to its continuous pentesting services, Intruder also harnesses the power of automation to offer both external and internal vulnerability scanning for around-the-clock coverage. This approach helps clients find and fix critical vulnerabilities, even if it’s not yet time for the next scheduled pentest. If you need vulnerability scanning in addition to pentesting, then you can get it all from the same company with Intruder.

Why I chose Intruder

I selected Intruder because of its internal and external vulnerability scanning tools, which are relatively affordable. Do note that you’ll need the Premium plan if you want to add-on the continuous penetration testing tool . I also appreciated that Intruder offers a 14-day free trial as well as integrations with popular tools like Slack and GitHub.

Essential : Starts at $157 per month billed annually or $174 per month billed monthly for 1 application and 1 target.
Pro : Starts at $221 per month billed annually or $284 per month billed monthly for 1 application and 1 target. A 14-day free trial is available.
Premium : Contact sales for a custom quote.
Add targets by IRL, IP address, or cloud integration.
Compliance reports are always audit-ready.
Schedule various scans and set parameters according to business priorities.
Continuous pentesting ensures rapid response times.

The attack surface page in the Intruder app.

Cobalt.io: Best for on-demand pentesting

Cobalt takes a Pentest-as-a-Service approach, providing on-demand penetration to companies as needed. Depending on which plan you opt for and the type of testing engagement, Cobalt can sometimes start pentesting in as little as 1-3 business days. Its flexible, credits-based model allows each company to distribute the work based on their business priorities or asset complexities (credits are purchased in yearly packages).

Why I chose Cobalt.io

I chose Cobalt because of its fast response times and flexible pricing model. This unique model helps businesses save time and money, which is always a positive since penetration testing can be lengthy and costly. If you need on-demand pentesting fast, this is definitely a penetration testing company worth checking out.

Cobalt offers three pricing tiers — Standard, Premium, and Enterprise — but doesn’t disclose how much each one costs or how many credits they get. For pricing details, contact the sales team for a quote.

Tests are compliant with many different industry standards.
Customized team is selected from a pool of 400+ security experts according to each client’s needs.
Both preset and configurable reporting options are available.
Free retesting included with all plans.

The pentest planning page in the Cobalt app.

Acunetix: Best for small businesses

Acunetix is a web application security product owned by Invicti that is geared towards small businesses that don’t need the bells and whistles of enterprise-grade pentesting. Acunetix is meant for web applications, so it can’t be used to test other infrastructure like networks and APIs. Acunetix’s vulnerability scanner can detect 7,000+ web vulnerabilities and combines both DAST and IAST scan results for extremely thorough reporting.

Why I chose Acunetix

I chose Acunetix because its automated pentesting will help small businesses save time while searching for thousands of potential vulnerabilities. I also liked that it provides unlimited users and unlimited scans as opposed to charging for each seat or scan, which will help to save smaller companies money and hassle.

Acunetix does not disclose pricing, so you’ll need to contact the sales team for a quote.

Vulnerability reports are categorized by order of severity.
Test over 7,000 types of web vulnerabilities.
Can schedule one-time or recurring scans.
Possible to scan multiple environments at the same time.

The Acunetix dashboard sorts vulnerabilities by severity.

Invicti: Best for large companies and enterprises

Invicti (formerly Netsparker) is similar to Acunetix, but it’s designed for large companies and enterprises as opposed to small businesses. Invicti’s proof-based scanner harnesses the power of automation to quickly identify vulnerabilities and deliver actionable data. Invicti’s automation and scalability allow enterprise cybersecurity teams to secure hundreds or even thousands of sites at once.

Why I chose Invicti

I picked Invicti because its automated vulnerability scanner is specifically designed with the needs and scope of large companies in mind. I also like that it offers a healthy selection of integrations, connecting to many popular developer and communication tools.

Invicti does not disclose pricing — contact the sales team for a quote.

On-premise and on-demand deployment options available.
Onboarding assistance and training provided.
Flexible support options.
Advanced scanning manual toolkit.

BreachLock: Best for flexible pentesting options

BreachLock provides three different pentesting frequencies to choose from, so you can select the one that works for your business. Select either one-time security validation, annual security validation, or continuous security validation according to your needs. All three types of tests are run in-house by Breachlock’s pentesting team and come with unlimited online remediation support as well as audit-ready reports.

Why I chose BreachLock

I selected BreachLock because of the many different pentesting options it provides, which makes it one of the most flexible penetration testing companies out there. I also appreciate that its pricing is transparent and clearly lays out what level of service you will get with each of the different pentesting packages.

One-time Security Validation : Starts at $2,000 per engagement.
Annual Security Validation : Starts at $5,000 per year.
Continuous Security Validation : Contact sales for a custom quote.
Free manual re-tests included with each plan.
Dedicated project manager for Annual and Continuous plans.
White glove onboarding and implementation support available.
Unlimited online remediation support.

The vulnerabilities page in the BreachLock app.

How do I choose the best penetration testing company for my business?

To select the best penetration testing company for your needs, you first need to decide what kind of support you are looking for. Do you want automated scanning, manual testing, or both? Next, make a list of all the targets, applications, and asset types that you need tested. Also consider the frequency of pentesting that you want: Do you only need a one-off test or around-the-clock surveying for your entire infrastructure?

SEE: How to Run a Cybersecurity Risk Assessment in 5 Steps (TechRepublic Premium)

Once you’ve got a clear idea of these parameters, reach out to your top choices to begin gathering pricing quotes. Many pentesting companies use a quote-only pricing model because each pentesting engagement is unique. Each sales team has an in-depth conversation with you about your needs and budget and creates a quote based on what you tell them. You might also be able to access a free trial or demo of a vulnerability scanner, depending on the pentesting company.

Once you’ve vetted all your top choices and received your pricing quotes, it’s time to make your final selection of the best penetration testing company for your business. If you’re on the fence, you may be able to first engage the company for a limited-time, scope-limited project so you can see how they work in action without committing to an annual contract right out of the gate.

Methodology

To select the best penetration testing companies, I consulted service documentation and customer reviews. During the writing of this review, I considered features such as pentest capacity, compliance standards, and expert remediation. I also weighed additional factors such as pricing, customer service, and turnaround time.

Subscribe to the Cloud Insider Newsletter

This is your go-to resource for the latest news and tips on the following topics and more, XaaS, AWS, Microsoft Azure, DevOps, virtualization, the hybrid cloud, and cloud security. Delivered Mondays and Wednesdays

The Top 4 CrowdStrike Alternatives & Competitors in 2024
CrowdStrike: Buggy Validator Started Massive Outage
5 Best Endpoint Detection & Response (EDR) Solutions for 2024
What Is Cloud Penetration Testing & Why Is It Important?
Cybersecurity: More Must-Read Coverage

Create a TechRepublic Account

Get the web's best business technology news, tutorials, reviews, trends, and analysis—in your inbox. Let's start with the basics.

* - indicates required fields

Sign in to TechRepublic

Lost your password? Request a new password

Reset Password

Please enter your email adress. You will receive an email message with instructions on how to reset your password.

Check your email for a password reset link. If you didn't receive an email don't forgot to check your spam folder, otherwise contact support .

Welcome. Tell us a little bit about you.

This will help us provide you with customized content.

Want to receive more TechRepublic news?

You're all set.

Thanks for signing up! Keep an eye out for a confirmation email from our team. To ensure any newsletters you subscribed to hit your inbox, make sure to add [email protected] to your contacts list.

IMAGES

Best Small Sailboats for Beginners
Sail a Small Daysailer With These Basic Techniques
Best Small Sailboat for Beginners in 2024
Best Small Sailboats for Beginners
Sail a Small Daysailer With These Basic Techniques
Best Small Sailboat for Beginners in 2024

VIDEO

COM PAC 23 SAILBOAT STEERS CLEAR OF TOP 10 SAILING PITFALLS
Overnight trip on TINY boat! (Single-oar sculling)
Best Small Sailboat to Learn Sailing
Sailboats Under 100k
BUY FIRST SMALL SAILBOAT & REIMAGINE MID-LIFE & RETIREMENT FULL OF FREEDOM & ADVENTURE! WHY BUY NOW?
RETIRE & SAIL & LEARN TO CAST OFF ALL YOUR WORRIES, START LIVING YOUR BEST YEARS! THIS IS YOUR TIME

COMMENTS

An Easy Guide to the 8 Best (And Funnest) Small Sailboats to Learn to Sail
Its enduring popularity, strong class association, and supportive community make it a beloved classic in the world of small sailboats, embodying a perfect blend of performance, comfort, and inclusivity for sailors of all levels. 8. Hobie Cat. Start a fun hobby with the Hobbie Cat. Length: 16.7ft / 5.04 m.
Best Small Sailboats for Beginners
Finally, small sailboats that can be trailered to different locations add variety and that makes learning fun. Students can learn to sail in different wind and water conditions and enjoy their boats differently on vacation or with new friends. Learning to sail involves all the senses and requires a level head and lots of practice and although ...
The 5 Best Sailboats For Beginners
In fact, learning to sail a basic boat is relatively easy—in the right environment, you can start cruising with minimal experience. However, the idea of a beginner commanding a 55-foot ketch in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean is a bit ridiculous. ... Best Small Sailboats With Standing Headroom. Daniel Wade. December 28, 2023. Best Bluewater ...
11 Best Small Sailboat Brands: How to Choose Your Next ...
The Best Sailboats Under 25 Feet. Pocket cruiser: Cornish Crabber 24. British manufacturer Cornish Crabber has been producing beautiful, traditional style small sailboats for decades, ensuring they honor their heritage both in the construction style and appearance of their boats. The Cornish Crabber 24 is the most iconic of their range and ...
Best Small Sailboats For Beginners: Discover My Three Favorites And Set
Here are my top three picks of best small sailboat for beginners: Sunfish. Hunter 15. Catalina 16.5. If I had to pick one, I would go for Hunter 15 sailboat because it has the the best safety features. The Hunter 15 sailboat is also easy to operate, plus you can dock with no problem. The boat is easy to maintain, and it's not complicated for ...
10 Best Beginner Sailboats
Small catamarans like Hobie cats or the inflatable MiniCat or wide, flat-bottomed boat should help. Simple. When learning to sail, focus on the basics of sail trim and shape. The boat needs just a few mechanical adjustments to eke out the best speed. Cams or cleats often replace winches for simple line management. Durable. When learning to sail ...
Choosing the Best Beginner Sailboat
The Best Small Sailboats for Beginners. There are many models to choose from, with brand-new designs being launched each year alongside ever-popular models which have stood the test of time. Here we take a look at some best-loved beginner sailboats on the market. The Best Beginner Sailboat with a Cabin: Catalina 16.5 and 22
The Best Small Sailboat For Beginners. 8 Great Boat Options
There is nothing compact or small about a 36 footer. Bigger sailboats react slower to steering and sail controls. A larger boat will have a lot more momentum when you are trying to get on and off the dock. The bigger the boat, the more load and force on all the lines and sails. I recommend learning to sail first on something simple like a Sunfish.
What Is The Best Sailboat To Buy For A Beginner?
The Catalina 27 is a reliable sloop that is perfect for beginners. It costs anywhere between $4k-$20k depending on the condition of the boat. This is an older model, made in the 90s, but is reliable and sturdy. If you can find one at a good price this could be the boat for you.
10 Best Small Sailboats (Under 20 Feet)
Catalina 16.5. jlodrummer. Catalina Yachts are synonymous with bigger boats but they have some great and smaller boats too such as Catalina 16.5. This is one of the best small sailboats that are ideal for family outings given that it has a big and roomy cockpit, as well as a large storage locker.
Best Small Sailboat for Beginners in 2024
We recommend that you get the West Wight Potter 19. It might be the best cabin sailboat for beginners, and definitely one of the safest. This sailboat is typically made of fiberglass for safety, ease of handling, and accessibility to beginners. The 19-foot boat has a vee-berth cabin, a basic rig, and a retractable keel.
The best small sailboats to learn to sail
New dinghy sailboats can range from $3,000 to $10,000, depending on the model and features. These small, lightweight boats are relatively inexpensive to maintain and store, making them an economical option for beginners. Keelboats, such as the Catalina 22 or Hunter 23, can cost between $5,000 and $20,000 for a used boat in decent condition.
Best Small Sailboats, Beginner and Trailerable Sailboats
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 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 ...
13 Best Beginner Sailboats with Cabin (For Any Budget)
The best beginner sailboats with cabins are Catalina 22, West Wight Potter 19, Com-Pac 23, Hunter 240, MacGregor 26, Montgomery 17, O'Day 22, Precision 18, San Juan 21, Sea Pearl 21, Sirius 22, Tanzer 22, and Ventura 23. ... such as a small boat with simple rigging and easy handling. ... there are a lot of sailboat parts to learn. Scouting for ...
Small Sailing Boats: Exploring the Best Types for Beginners
American Sail. American Sail offers a range of small sailboat models, including the Aqua Finn and the American 14.6. These boats are designed with simplicity and stability in mind, making them great options for novices. 7.2. 2-Man Sailboat. A 2-man sailboat, such as the Laser 2 or the 420, provides a wonderful opportunity for learning to sail ...
The Best Beginner Sailboat Of 2023 (Reviewed By Sailboat Owner)
Sunfish. The Sunfish is a favorite among both beginners and experienced sailors because it is a lot of fun to sail. It is technically a racing dinghy, although it's also perfectly good for leisurely sails. It has a shallow draft that enables it to zip over flats with ease.
What Are The Best Beginner Sailboats?
I'm about to announce you the best sailboat models for beginnners, on today's market. Catalina 22 and 27: The Catalina 27 is a trustworthy sloop and suitable for beginners. Its cost could be between $4k-$20k, depending on the condition of the sailboat. The 22 model has a big cabin and a large cockpit.
Best Small Boats and Sailboat for Beginners
A tiller is easier to sail and learn while a wheel is more complex and less intuitive. Some great options to consider include the: Catalina 25. Catalina 27. the Sunfish. Check out yourself what kind of boat would be a good fit for you by exploring our boat database. # best small boats for beginners. Feeling happy, secure, and positive on your ...
25 Best Beginner Sailing Dinghies
1. Twelve of the best training boats Sailing schools, clubs and training centers use a variety of boats with beginners, including singlehanders such as the Pico, Hartley 10 and the RS Quba, the latter having three rigs catering from entry level to more experienced sailors. There's also a range of larger training dinghies from builders such as RS, Topper, Laser and Hartley Boats.
Twenty Small Sailboats to Take You Anywhere
Pacific Seacraft Dana 24. 1984 • 8.3 m. Embed. John Vigor turns the spotlight on twenty seaworthy sailboats that are at home on the ocean in all weather. These are old fiberglass boats, mostly of traditional design and strong construction. All are small, from 20 feet to 32 feet overall, but all have crossed oceans, and all are cheap.
5 best small sailboats for sailing around the world
Vancouver 28. Photo credit: YachtFathom.co.uk. A sensible small boat with a "go-anywhere" attitude, this pocket cruiser was designed with ocean sailors in mind. One of the best cruising sailboats under 40 feet, the Vancouver 28 is great sailing in a small package. Hull Type:Full keel with transom hung rudder.
Eight Great Small Boats and Their Builders
Salish Voyager 17. Gig Harbor Boat Works, Gig Harbor, Washington. Since 1986, Gig Harbor Boat Works has been creating small boats based on classic designs and rooted in the philosophy that fun, easily sailed and/or rowed boats can inspire a lifelong love for sailing and exploring on the water.
Best Small Cruising Sailboats
The best budget small cruiser sailboats include the Catalina 22 for its versatility, Hunter 27 for durability, Beneteau First 20 for performance, West Wight Potter 19 for compactness, Compac Sun Cat for ease of use, MacGregor 26 for adaptability, and Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 349 for comfort and style. As a seasoned sailor with years of navigating ...
Cat® 926M and Cat M-Series Small Wheel Loader Specs
The best seat on your jobsite is now the cab of the Cat ® 926M Small Wheel Loader. The new Cat M-Series small wheelers are packed with features to make your work easier, your operators happier and your productivity higher. Take a look at some of the new controls that make the Cat 926M the best small wheel loader in the industry.
Pirates of Kos Family Boat Trip
Ahoy there! Pirate Tim and his feathery first-mate, Calypso the Parrot, need your help to track down their lost treasure. But first, you need to be fully trained in all the skills you need to become a TUI Pirate. Set sail from the port of Mastichari and cruise towards the enchanting Pserimos Island, just north of Kos. As our seasoned sea captain Markus likes to say, 'Pserimos is a little-known ...
25 best beginner sailing dinghies
1. Twelve of the best training boats Sailing schools, clubs and training centres use a variety of boats with beginners, including singlehanders such as the Pico, Hartley 10 and the RS Quba, the latter having three rigs catering from entry level to more experienced sailors. There's also a range of larger training dinghies from builders such as RS, Topper, Laser and Hartley Boats.
The 6 Best Pentesting Companies for 2024
Best overall: Astra Security Best for vulnerability scanning: Intruder Best for on-demand pentesting: Cobalt.io Best for small businesses: Acunetix Best for large companies and enterprises ...

Best Small Sailboats for Beginners

Boats with Tiller Steering

Boats with No Winches

Sailing Dinghies

Small Sloops

Small Catamarans

Rotomolded Boats

Trailerable Sailboats

Join Our Newsletter!

Best Small Sailboats for Beginners: Discover My Three Favorites and Set Sail with Confidence

So, What’s the Best Small Sailing Boat For Beginners?

Key Specifications

Key Features

Why I Have Included Sunfish Sailboat in My List

Why I Have Included the Hunter 15 Sailboat in My List

Why I Have Included Catalina 16.5 Sailboat in My List

Leave a Reply Cancel Reply

Related Posts

Buying a Boat? Check Your Credit Score

Boat Brands to Avoid: Unveiling the 10 Worst Boats and Why You Should Steer Clear

Best Marine WiFi Extenders and Booster for 2021

10 Best Beginner Sailboats

Key Characteristics of a Beginner Sailboat

Trailerable

Browse by experience

Explore articles

Boating 101

Texas Gulf Coast boat rentals, come explore with us!

Lobster Mini Season (Florida): All You Need to Know

How To Host The Perfect Memorial Service on a Boat

Choosing the Best Beginner Sailboat

What Makes a Sailboat Good for Beginners?

20 of the Best Beginner Sailboat Brands

The Best Beginner Sailboat Types

The Best Small Sailboats for Beginners

The Best Beginner Sailboat with a Cabin: Catalina 16.5 and 22

The Best Beginner Cruising Sailboat: Hunter 15 and 22

The Best Beginner Sailboat for Coastal Sailing: Cape Dory 28

The Best Beach Sailboats for Beginners: Hobie Wave and Hobie 16

The Best Liveaboard Sailboats for Beginners: West Wight Potter P 19

Common Challenges for Sailboat Beginners

Related articles:

Related Articles and Guides

The Best Mini Yacht Brands for Cruising and Luxury

Best Luxury Pontoon Boat Brands Have it All: Glamor, Speed, Fishing, Waterslides...

Deck Boat vs. Bowrider: Which Runabout is Best?

The World’s Best Yacht Brands

Join for free

Are you a broker? Join as a Broker

Save this search

Best Small Sailboat for Beginners

Tell Tale Signs of a Good Beginner Sailboat

Easy to sail

Easy to rig

Minimal controls

Things To Consider in Finding the Best Small Sailboat for Beginners

Tiller Steering

Why Should You Learn How To Sail?

It gives a sense of freedom

Creates community

Trains you for competition

Things Beginner Sailors Should Know Before Buying a Sailboat

Familiarizing With Jargons

The Best Small Sailboats for Beginners

Sailing Dinghies

Small Sloops

Small Catamarans

West Wight Potters & Other Trailerable Sailboats

Rotomolded Boats

What are mini sailboats called?

Can a novice sail around the world?

What is a good size sailboat to live on?

Can you sleep while sailing?

Ready To Go Sailing?

Joshua Wright

How To Name a Boat: Useful Tips for Picking the Perfect Boat Name

Best Boats Under 50k

Best Boat Wax

Best Life Jackets for Jet Skis

Best Trolling Motor for Pontoon Boat