sailboat cabin ideas

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.

On this page:

Best beginner sailboats with cabin, let's decide on a sailboat with cabin, understand your needs when choosing a sailboat with cabin, factors to consider for your sailing needs and experience level.

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.

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25 of the best small sailing boat designs

• Nic Compton
• August 10, 2022

Nic Compton looks at the 25 yachts under 40ft which have had the biggest impact on UK sailing

There’s nothing like a list of best small sailing boat designs to get the blood pumping.

Everyone has their favourites, and everyone has their pet hates.

This is my list of the 25 best small sailing boat designs, honed down from the list of 55 yachts I started with.

I’ve tried to be objective and have included several boats I don’t particularly like but which have undeniably had an impact on sailing in the UK – and yes, it would be quite a different list if I was writing about another country.

If your favourite isn’t on the best small sailing boat designs list, then send an email to [email protected] to argue the case for your best-loved boat.

Ready? Take a deep breath…

Credit: Bob Aylott

Laurent Giles is best known for designing wholesome wooden cruising boats such as the Vertue and Wanderer III , yet his most successful design was the 26ft Centaur he designed for Westerly, of which a remarkable 2,444 were built between 1969 and 1980.

It might not be the prettiest boat on the water, but it sure packs a lot of accommodation.

The Westerly Centaur was one of the first production boats to be tank tested, so it sails surprisingly well too. Jack L Giles knew what he was doing.

Colin Archer

Credit: Nic Compton

Only 32 Colin Archer lifeboats were built during their designer’s lifetime, starting with Colin Archer in 1893 and finishing with Johan Bruusgaard in 1924.

Yet their reputation for safety spawned hundreds of copycat designs, the most famous of which was Sir Robin Knox-Johnston ’s Suhaili , which he sailed around the world singlehanded in 1968-9.

The term Colin Archer has become so generic it is often used to describe any double-ender – so beware!

Contessa 32

Assent ‘s performance in the 1979 Fastnet Race makes the Contessa 32 a worth entry in the 25 best small sailing boat designs list. Credit: Nic Compton

Designed by David Sadler as a bigger alternative to the popular Contessa 26, the Contessa 32 was built by Jeremy Rogers in Lymington from 1970.

The yacht’s credentials were established when Assent , the Contessa 32 owned by Willy Kerr and skippered by his son Alan, became the only yacht in her class to complete the deadly 1979 Fastnet Race .

When UK production ceased in 1983, more than 700 had been built, and another 20 have been built since 1996.

Cornish Crabber 24

It seemed a daft idea to build a gaff-rigged boat in 1974, just when everyone else had embraced the ‘modern’ Bermudan rig.

Yet the first Cornish Crabber 24, designed by Roger Dongray, tapped into a feeling that would grow and grow and eventually become a movement.

The 24 was followed in 1979 by the even more successful Shrimper 19 – now ubiquitous in almost every harbour in England – and the rest is history.

Drascombe Lugger

Credit: David Harding

There are faster, lighter and more comfortable boats than a Drascombe Lugger.

And yet, 57 years after John Watkinson designed the first ‘lugger’ (soon changed to gunter rig), more than 2,000 have been built and the design is still going strong.

More than any other boat, the Drascombe Lugger opened up dinghy cruising, exemplified by Ken Duxbury’s Greek voyages in the 1970s and Webb Chiles’s near-circumnavigation on Chidiock Tichbourne I and II .

The 26ft Eventide. Credit: David Harding

It’s been described as the Morris Minor of the boating world – except that the majority of the 1,000 Eventides built were lovingly assembled by their owners, not on a production line.

After you’d tested your skills building the Mirror dinghy, you could progress to building a yacht.

And at 24ft long, the Eventide packed a surprising amount of living space.

It was Maurice Griffiths’ most successful design and helped bring yachting to a wider audience.

You either love ’em or you hate ’em – motorsailers, that is.

The Fisher 30 was brought into production in 1971 and was one of the first out-and-out motorsailers.

With its long keel , heavy displacement and high bulwarks, it was intended to evoke the spirit of North Sea fishing boats.

It might not sail brilliantly but it provided an exceptional level of comfort for its size and it would look after you when things turned nasty.

Significantly, it was also fitted with a large engine.

Credit: Rupert Holmes

It should have been a disaster.

In 1941, when the Scandinavian Sailing Federation couldn’t choose a winner for their competition to design an affordable sailing boat, they gave six designs to naval architect Tord Sundén and asked him to combine the best features from each.

The result was a sweet-lined 25ft sloop which was very seaworthy and fast.

The design has been built in GRP since the 1970s and now numbers more than 4,000, with fleets all over the world.

Credit: Kevin Barber

There’s something disconcerting about a boat with two unstayed masts and no foresails, and certainly the Freedom range has its detractors.

Yet as Garry Hoyt proved, first with the Freedom 40, designed in collaboration with Halsey Herreshoff, and then the Freedom 33 , designed with Jay Paris, the boats are simple to sail (none of those clattering jib sheets every time you tack) and surprisingly fast – at least off the wind .

Other ‘cat ketch’ designs followed but the Freedoms developed their own cult following.

Hillyard 12-tonner

The old joke about Hillyards is that you won’t drown on one but you might starve to death getting there.

And yet this religious boatbuilder from Littlehampton built up to 800 yachts which travelled around the world – you can find them cruising far-flung destinations.

Sizes ranged from 2.5 to 20 tons, though the 9- and 12-ton are best for long cruises.

The innovations on Jester means she is one of the best small sailing boat designs in the last 100 years. Credit: Ewen Southby-Tailyour

Blondie Hasler was one of the great sailing innovators and Jester was his testing ground.

She was enclosed, carvel planked and had an unstayed junk rig.

Steering was via a windvane system Hasler created.

Hasler came second in the first OSTAR , proving small boats can achieve great things.

Moody kicked off the era of comfort-oriented boats with its very first design.

The Moody 33, designed by Angus Primrose, had a wide beam and high topside to produce a voluminous hull .

The centre cockpit allowed for an aft cabin, resulting in a 33-footer with two sleeping cabins – an almost unheard of concept in 1973 –full-beam heads and spacious galley.

What’s more, her performance under sail was more than adequate for cruising.

Finally, here was a yacht that all the family could enjoy.

Continues below…

What makes a boat seaworthy?

What characteristics make a yacht fit for purpose? Duncan Kent explores the meaning of 'seaworthy' and how hull design and…

How boat design is evolving

Will Bruton looks at the latest trends and innovations shaping the boats we sail

How keel type affects performance

James Jermain looks at the main keel types, their typical performance and the pros and cons of each

Boat handling: How to use your yacht’s hull shape to your advantage

Whether you have a long keel or twin keel rudders, there will be pros and cons when it comes to…

Nicholson 32

Credit: Genevieve Leaper

Charles Nicholson was a giant of the wooden boat era but one of his last designs – created with his son Peter – was a pioneering fibreglass boat that would become an enduring classic.

With its long keel and heavy displacement, the Nicholson 32 is in many ways a wooden boat built in fibreglass – and indeed the design was based on Nicholson’s South Coast One Design.

From 1966 to 1977, the ‘Nic 32’ went through 11 variations.

Credit: Hallberg-Rassy

In the beginning there was… the Rasmus 35. This was the first yacht built by the company that would become Hallberg-Rassy and which would eventually build more than 9,000 boats.

The Rasmus 35, designed by Olle Enderlein, was a conservative design, featuring a centre cockpit, long keel and well-appointed accommodation.

Some 760 boats were built between 1967 and 1978.

Credit: Larry & Lin Pardey

Lyle Hess was ahead of his time when he designed Renegade in 1949.

Despite winning the Newport to Ensenada race, the 25ft wooden cutter went largely unnoticed.

Hess had to build bridges for 15 years before Larry Pardey asked him to design the 24ft Seraffyn , closely based on Renegade ’s lines but with a Bermudan rig.

Pardey’s subsequent voyages around the world cemented Hess’s reputation and success of the Renegade design.

Would the Rustler 36 make it on your best small sailing boat list? Credit: Rustler Yachts

Six out of 18 entries for the 2018 Golden Globe Race (GGR) were Rustler 36s, with the top three places all going to Rustler 36 skippers.

It was a fantastic endorsement for a long-keel yacht designed by Holman & Pye 40 years before.

Expect to see more Rustler 36s in the 2022 edition of the GGR!

It was Ted Heath who first brought the S&S 34 to prominence with his boat Morning Cloud .

In 1969 the yacht won the Sydney to Hobart Race, despite being one of the smallest boats in the race.

Other epic S&S 34 voyages include the first ever single-handed double circumnavigation by Jon Sanders in 1981

Credit: Colin Work

The Contessa 32 might seem an impossible boat to improve upon, but that’s what her designer David Sadler attempted to do in 1979 with the launch of the Sadler 32 .

That was followed two years later by the Sadler 29 , a tidy little boat that managed to pack in six berths in a comfortable open-plan interior.

The boat was billed as ‘unsinkable’, with a double-skinned hull separated by closed cell foam buoyancy.

What’s more, it was fast, notching up to 12 knots.

Credit: Dick Durham/Yachting Monthly

Another modern take on the Contessa theme was the Sigma 33, designed by David Thomas in 1979.

A modern underwater body combined with greater beam and higher freeboard produced a faster boat with greater accommodation.

And, like the Contessa, the Sigma 33 earned its stripes at the 1979 Fastnet, when two of the boats survived to tell the tale.

A lively one-design fleet soon developed on the Solent which is still active to this day.

A replica of Joshua Slocum’s Spray . Credit: Alamy Stock Photo

The boat Joshua Slocum used for his first singlehanded circumnavigation of the world wasn’t intended to sail much further than the Chesapeake Bay.

The 37ft Spray was a rotten old oyster sloop which a friend gave him and which he had to spend 13 months fixing up.

Yet this boxy little tub, with its over-optimistic clipper bow, not only took Slocum safely around the world but has spawned dozens of modern copies that have undertaken long ocean passages.

Credit: James Wharram Designs

What are boats for if not for dreaming? And James Wharram had big dreams.

First he sailed across the Atlantic on the 23ft 6in catamaran Tangaroa .

He then built the 40ft Rongo on the beach in Trinidad (with a little help from French legend Bernard Moitessier) and sailed back to the UK.

Then he drew the 34ft Tangaroa (based on Rongo ) for others to follow in his wake and sold 500 plans in 10 years.

Credit: Graham Snook/Yachting Monthly

The Twister was designed in a hurry.

Kim Holman wanted a boat at short notice for the 1963 season and, having had some success with his Stella design (based on the Folkboat), he rushed out a ‘knockabout cruising boat for the summer with some racing for fun’.

The result was a Bermudan sloop that proved nigh on unbeatable on the East Anglian circuit.

It proved to be Holman’s most popular design with more than 200 built.

Credit: Alamy Stock Photo

Laurent Giles’s design No15 was drawn in 1935 for a Guernsey solicitor who wanted ‘a boat that would spin on a sixpence and I could sail single-handed ’.

What the young Jack Giles gave him was a pretty transom-sterned cutter, with a nicely raked stem.

Despite being moderate in every way, the boat proved extremely able and was soon racking up long distances, including Humphrey Barton’s famous transatlantic crossing on Vertue XXXV in 1950.

Wanderer II and III

Credit: Thies Matzen

Eric and Susan Hiscock couldn’t afford a Vertue, so Laurent Giles designed a smaller, 21ft version for them which they named Wanderer II .

They were back a few years later, this time wanting a bigger version: the 30ft Wanderer III .

It was this boat they sailed around the world between 1952-55, writing articles and sailing books along the way.

In doing so, they introduced a whole generation of amateur sailors to the possibilities of long-distance cruising.

Westerly 22

The origins of Westerly Marine were incredibly modest.

Commander Denys Rayner started building plywood dinghies in the 1950s which morphed into a 22ft pocket cruiser called the Westcoaster.

Realising the potential of fibreglass, in 1963 he adapted the design to create the Westerly 22, an affordable cruising boat with bilge keels and a reverse sheer coachroof.

Some 332 boats were built to the design before it was relaunched as the Nomad (267 built).

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11 Small Boats With Cabins You Can Afford (With Pictures)

If you’re looking for a small boat with a cabin, what you’re essentially looking for is either a trawler, a cuddy cabin, or a “cruiser”.

Let’s break down each category and find some great deals for each.

Table of Contents

After we’ve gone over these categories, we’ll also go over a few questions which need to be answered before you decide on a purchase.

What is the most affordable cabin cruiser or a small cabin boat?

There are a variety of cuddy cabins which are both affordable and spunky while out on the water.

You can find older models for sale between $20,000 and $30,000, and which are between 20’ and 25’ in length.

Some of the best options you can find are:

• 20’ Pro-Line Hard Top
• 22’ Sea Hunt 225 Victory
• Sea Ray Sundeck
• Stingray 21’ Cuddy Cabins

What is the best trawling boat?

While you might not be a fisherman at heart, some of the heartiest boats are fishing boats. They have bigger cabins for fisherman to relax after a hard day on the water as well as large storage areas for their gear.

Trawling is a method of fishing where the fisherman drags a net through the water behind them.

Recreational trawlers aren’t actually fishing boats, however. They resemble the vessel’s design, but that’s where the similarities end.

Remember that recreational trawlers use smaller engines than their fishing brethren; one which will only produce approximately 80 hp.

Trawlers have a dedicated following. These boats can be slow cruisers but, at their heart, they weren’t built for speed. After all, they are single-engine boats that can go from 7 knots to 20 knots.

One of the best values when it comes to trawling boats is the Carver c34 .

Here it is:

While it might not be as inexpensive as the other options in this article, at $371,820, you’re getting a smaller (34 feet long) more economical coastal cruiser.

More economical than a lot of the other boats of the same type on the market right now, which can range up to $500,000 – $900,000(!)

If you look for this boat used, you will most likely find it over $100,000 cheaper than the new sticker price.

What is the best boat to buy for a beginner?

The Glastron GS 259 is a 25-foot-long cruiser with a price range of about $77,000.

While the cabin is huge, as is the full galley, and the large dinette, the price also matches the large accommodations.

However, it will be difficult to find such accommodations on a boat of this size. Not only that, it comes recommended for a beginning boater by Lenny Rudow of Boats.com.

You should also check out the Trailcraft boat models .

What is the best cabin cruiser under 30 feet?

At 28 feet, the Bayliner 285 SB is a great cruiser which is still small enough to be towed and stored on your property.

But at the same time, it is still big enough to say overnight if you feel like going on a weekend excursion on your boat.

The price ranges from $96,000.

What is the best cabin cruiser under 25 feet?

A cabin cruiser is a powerboat with overnight accommodations and a galley.

They are generally faster than trawlers and cuddy cabins and can range from 25’ to 100’ in length. There are a number of different types of cruisers, including:

• Aft cabin cruisers
• Convertibles
• Express cruisers
• Motor yachts
• Pocket cruiser

It cuts it close, but the Cutwater 242 Sport Coupe is just over 25’ (at 26’) and can be found for around $100,000.

It also comes in a longer 10’ model and has a double-stepped hull with a deep entry that turns into a moderate keel pad, which shows off its maximum efficiency.

It even has the option of coming with an electric grill built into the transom, and an adjacent sink.

The former is fully removable and can hide under a fully rigged livewell.

All of these small touches add to its appeal.

What if I don’t necessarily need a cabin?

If not having a cabin isn’t a deal breaker, your options for affordable boats just blew wide open:

The 16’2” Bayliner Element

($14,742) with a cruising speed in the mid 20’s can seat four.

The 17’11” Four Winns H180 OB

($24,451) includes a swing away tongue, full-sized walk-across swim platform, and Bluetooth-capable stereo with MP3 port and two speakers.

The 23’1” Larson LX 225S IO

($43,267) comes with a trailer that has disc brakes, a canvas bow, and cockpit covers. It also has an MP3-capable stereo.

Is it better to buy a used boat?

There are plenty of advantages to buying a used boat. The biggest advantage is the price.

While you might find some expensive boats listed on used vessel or vehicle websites, but you will find more reasonably priced used models than not.

Just like a car, a boat depreciates in value when it gets driven off of the lot.

Because of that, a used boat will better hold its value.

Another perk to buying used is the option to buy from a private seller or a dealer.

While there are many different perks, there are also a few disadvantages. One of which is that you never really know what you’re going to end up with.

You might be able to take it out for a ride with the seller but if you don’t have a boat mechanic look at it, you won’t really know what kind of wear and tear it’s been through.

If you do buy a boat used, make sure to inspect:

• The hull for scratches, dents, and marring
• The motor for damage
• The upholstery for worn spots and tears in the vinyl
• Broken levers

Don’t be shy about inspecting as much as you can.

An example of how to save money with a used boat is with the C Dory 23’ Venture Sport which weighs less than 3000 lbs. and has a fuel capacity of 60 gallons.

Fishermen will love how it tracks while you’re trolling, which will let you focus on fishing.

Every day boaters will love how much headroom is in the cabin and how much more pleasant it is to cruise on rough waters.

When you buy it new, it can be upwards to $100,000 but buying it used, instantly cuts the price in half or even as low as $35,000.

If you decide to find yourself a used boat, it would be best to check out some local options.

When is it better to buy a new boat?

A new boat ensures that you’re getting what you want.

The ability for customization is fantastic. From the paint scheme to the engine and turbines to the stereo system, you can fulfill your wish list in one stop.

New boats are both shiny and clean. You’ll rarely have any issues with the engine. You might also have the backing of a manufacturer’s warranty, which isn’t just a great deal of safety when it comes to your finances (in the long run) but is also great peace of mind.

The downside to buying a new boat is the price.

You’ll also have to deal with the depreciation, which starts as soon as you tow it off the lot. While it might cost a little more, look for high quality, trustworthy manufacturers and builders, which could help with the depreciation.

What exactly is a cuddy cabin on a boat?

A cuddy is another term for a small room on a boat. It comes from the 19 th century when they used to be referred to as saloon cabins, which were on the stern of ships.

These days it refers to a small shelter cabin , which has a small berth and head.

Normally, they are not tall enough to stand in but are still popular recreation boats for boaters who don’t quite want to upgrade to a full-size cabin boat.

A lot of fishermen use cuddy boats as their fishing boats because of the price, storage capabilities, and the small stature.

Final Thoughts

When going on a treasure hunt for your future boat, make sure that you have these things before you leave the house:

• An idea of what you are going to use your boat for (watersports, racing, fishing, day trips, cruising, party boat, etc.)
• An initial list of dreamboats you want to test out
• Clear cut boundaries for price and options (AKA a “wish list”)

Remember that it may take a little while to find your dream boat.

It can be difficult to cull through all of the choices at the lots or on the internet. Know that the only way to make sure which boat is perfect for you is to take it out for a spin on the water.

If you’re still indecisive, that just means that you can go out and try out as many different boats as you can. This search doesn’t have to be a chore; go out and have fun.

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Sailboat Plans

Free Sailboat Plans

A selection of some of the Free Sailboat Plans (pdf) that were published in magazines such as “Popular Mechanics”, "Popular Science" and the "Boat Builder Handbook".

If you need help with lofting out the plans click here for an article here which should help.

• Open Dayboats/Dinghys
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Open/Dayboat, Free Sailboat Plans

Everyone who digs boating has heard of the Hobie Cat, the sleek little catamaran that burst on the scene and captured the attention of all the fast-action sailors.

Marked by asymmetrical hulls and special trampoline supports, the Hobie can reach speeds above 20 mph and perform with a rare agility.

But it has one drawback.

It costs mucho dinero.

Thus, we introduce the Hobby Kat, sailboat plans, a build-it-yourself version of the “Hobie” that should cost from half to a third of the commercial version. If you have the moola, of course, go for a Hobie and have the time of your life on the water.

If not, try our Hobby

The homebuilt is not quite the same.

But she sails sweetly and fast—qualities which have made the “Hobie” popular

Even in a light air she’ll slip through the water at a fast clip.

She has no centreboards, leeboards or keel, and needs none.

The inside of each hull has built-in lift, like an airplane wing, so that as the boat heels and one hull digs in the boat is pulled back to windward.

Click Here for the Plans

She can run in very shallow water and the rudders kick up for beaching.

You can carry her on a trailer or even disassemble her.

Many a “stink pot” addict will take a second look at Tern because she planes in modest breezes, is easy to handle, and her streamlined prow arid pod-shaped, “inland scow” type hull offer slight water resistance. Then too, there’s a charm about the tiller of a sailer that’s not matched by the wheel of a motor-powered boat. Part of it is the challenge of making the most of nature’s free-wheeling breezes. Even with her 72sq.ft of sail, this Free Sailboat Plan is remarkably stable, and packs as many as four persons aboard

For thousands of inland lakes, Tern is the answer to sailing water sport, she is rugged and easy to launch

And she’s remarkably easy to build.

Falcon is a small, speedy, sporty sailboat which handles well. Tests on the original Falcon showed that she could easily out-distance boats of comparable size such as the one design class Snipe and Comet sailers.

And she will pace neck and neck with 18 footers with considerably greater sail spread.

This strong, beamy, eight-foot pram may be sailed either cat-rigged or sloop-rigged.

The dagger-board may be adjusted forward to balance the helm when sailing with the addition of a jib sail.

Oars or a small outboard motor may also be used to power this versatile Free Sailboat Plans.

Dart” is a small two or three person sailing craft, designed for use on protected waters such as bays. lakes, rivers or wherever sheltered waters are found. Its construction will repay the builder handsomely and provide a fast sailing craft, light in weight, easily transportable and cheap to construct with all difficult joinery eliminated

It provides thrilling and economical sport.

The 'Crescent', designed by C. T. Allen, is the ideal sailboat for day sailing on a small lake, river, or protected waters of a bay.

Centreboard design (Fig. 2) reduces Crescent's draft, so Shallow is not a problem.

Its broad beam of over 5½ft. makes it an ideal family boat because there is room for a cockpit large enough to accommodate four adults or two adults and three kids, and side and forward decks big enough to stretch out on when sun bathing.

"Jewel" is a 16' Crescent Sailboat being built by Mike Allen from the free sailboat plans by C.T .Allen in the 1958 "Boat Builders Handbook". And what a superb job Mike is doing check out his photos here .

Click Here for the Free version of the Plans

Sailing enthusiasts and backyard boat builders are not likely to find free boat plans for a sailing pram that can be built faster, lighter, stronger, or less expensively than Graefin-10. Two men can begin work on a Friday evening and have a smart, lively 10-ft. 85-pound sailboat in the water by Sunday evening (it’s been done).

Zephyr Is a refinement of a type of boat developed by the English for use in the rough open waters of the English Channel. Not only is it fast under sail, but it can stand up under punishment. And it’s light enough to be easily loaded atop an auto or light trailer.

Breeze-Baby

Skimming off a brisk wind or with the wind abeam, Breeze-Baby actually planes with one person aboard. Despite her rowboat lines that make her easy to build, she handles easily under her simple sail, an ideal first boat. Simple lines are adapted to plywood construction that’s strong, light and that keeps Breeze-Baby’s bilges dry

You can take her with you atop your car or on a lightweight trailer for summer fun wherever you vacation or get in a week-end’s sailing.

Cat’s Paw is easy to build because of the straight-sided hulls. The sheer line is flat and that simplifies building the form. Bow and stern are straight, so there’s no cockeyed bevel to fit and fuss with

She Is an Ideal boat to learn or practice sailing in because she will forgive so many mistakes.

Cabin Cruiser, Free Sailboat Plans

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11 Best Pocket Cruiser Sailboats to Fit a Budget

• By Cruising World Staff
• Updated: May 24, 2024

Looking for a trailerable pocket cruiser that offers that liveaboard feeling? This list features 11 small sailboats with cabins that have the amenities often found on larger vessels. They may not be ocean crossing vessels, but they’re certainly capable of handling big bays and open waters.

What is a pocket cruiser? It’s a small trailerable sailboat, typically under 30 feet in length, that’s ideal for cruising big lakes, bays, coastal ocean waters, and occasionally bluewater cruising. Pocket cruisers are usually more affordable, compact, and offer a level of comfort that’s comparable to bigger liveaboards.

Small cruising sailboats are appealing for many reasons, but if you’re like most of us, you want to maintain a certain level of comfort while on the water. We took a poll and these are what we found to be the best cruising sailboats under 30 feet.

– DON’T LET CARBON MONOXIDE SNEAK UP ON YOU – Install detectors on your boat to sniff out any buildup of carbon monoxide gas. Avoid running engines or generators while anchored or stopped for extended periods. Safety Tip Provided by the U.S. Coast Guard

Open and airy below deck, the Andrews 28 doesn’t sacrifice comfort for speed. Designed by Alan Andrews, the Southern California naval architect renowned for his light, fast raceboats, this 28-footer will certainly appeal to the cruiser who also enjoys a little club racing. Sporting a total of 6 berths, a galley, head and nav area, you might forget you are on a boat small enough to be easily trailered. The retractable keel allows the Andrews 28 to be easily launched and hauled and ensures it’s as comfortable as a daysailer as it is a racer. Click here to read more about the Andrews28.

Beneteau First 20

Small sailboat with a cabin? Check! Fun to sail? Modern design? Capable of flying a spinnaker? Check! Check! Check! The Finot-Conq-designed Beneteau First 20, which replaced the popular Beneteau first 211 nearly a decade ago now, is a sporty-but-stable pocket cruiser suitable for newcomers to the sport who are eager to learn their chops before moving up to a bigger boat or for old salts looking to downsize to a trailerable design. The boat features twin rudders, a lifting keel, and a surprisingly roomy interior with bunks for four. Click here to read more about the Beneteau First 20 .

Conceived as a way to bridge the gap between a safe, comfortable, family cruiser and a competitive racer, Gary Mull’s Ranger 26 does exactly as it was designed to. Undeniably fast, (one won the 1970 IOR North American Half-Ton Cup) the boat sails as well as it looks. However speed isn’t the Ranger’s only strong-suit, with over 7 feet of cockpit there’s plenty of room for socializing after an evening of racing. The Ranger 26 sports a nice balance of freeboard and cabin height ensuring that a handsome profile wasn’t sacrificed for standing headroom. Click here to read more about the Ranger 26.

Catboats were once a common site in coastal waters, where they sailed the shallow bays as fishing or work boats. Their large single and often gaff-rigged sail provided plenty of power, and a centerboard made them well-suited for the thin waters they frequently encountered. In the late 1970s, Canadian builder Hinterhoeller introduced the Nonsuch 30, a fiberglass variation of the catboat design, with a modern Marconi sail flown on a stayless mast, and a keel instead of a centerboard. The boat’s wide beam made room below for a spacious interior, and the design caught on quickly with cruising sailors looking for a small bluewater sailboat. Click here to read more about the Nonsuch 30 .

– SHOW THEM HOW MUCH YOU CARE – Nothing says ‘I love you’ like making sure the kids’ life jackets are snugged up and properly buckled. Safety Tip Provided by the U.S. Coast Guard

Debuted in 1971 in California, the Newport 27 was an instant success on the local racing scene. For a modest 27-footer, the Newport 27 has an unusually spacious interrior with over 6 feet of standing headroom. With 4 berths, a table, nav station, head and galley the Newport 27 has all the amenities you might find in a much bigger boat, all in a compact package. While quick in light air, the drawback of the tiller steering becomes apparent with increasing breeze and weather helm often leading to shortening sail early. Click here to read more about the Newport 27.

First splashed in 1969, the Balboa 26 continues to enjoy a strong following among budget-minded cruisers. Built sturdy and heavy, all of the boat’s stress points are reinforced. The spacious cockpit comfortably seats 4 and is self bailing, ensuring that sailors stay dry. While only 26 feet, the Balboa still has room for a double berth, galley with stove and freshwater pump, and an optional marine head or V-berth. The Balboa has the ability to sleep five, though the most comfortable number is two or three. Under sail, the Balboa is fast and maneuverable, but may prove a handful in heavy breeze as weather helm increases. Click here to read more about the Balboa 26.

Cape Dory 28

While the sleek lines and the teak accents of the Cape Dory 28 may grab the eye, it is the performance of the boat that make it unique. The Cape Dory comes with all amenities that you might need available, including a V-berth, 2 settees, and a head. Safe, sound and comfortable as a cruiser it is still capable of speed. Quick in light wind and sturdy and capable in heavy air, it is off the wind where the Cape Dory 28 shines with a balanced helm and the ability to cut through chop and still tack perfectly. Click here to read more about the Cape Dory 28.

Islander Bahama 28

On top of being a real eye-catcher, the Islander Bahama 28, with its 5-foot-6-inch draft and 3,300 pounds of ballast, sails beautifully, tracks well, and responds quickly to the helm. Inspired by the International Offshore Rule, it is unusually wide, offering stability in breeze without sacrificing the sheer and lines that make it so attractive. Below deck, the Islander Bahama 28 comes standard with plenty of berths and storage space and a galley complete with stove, icebox and sink. Click here to read more about the Islander Bahama 28.

– 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

Much like its older sibling, the S2 8.6 still holds its contemporary style, despite its 1983 introduction. Like all other S2 Yachts, the 8.6 is recognized for the quality craftsmanship that allows the boat to hold up today.The S2 8.6 is a very comfortable and easily managed coastal cruiser and club racer. It’s relatively stiff, its helm feels balanced, and it tracks well. On most points of sail, it compares favorably with other boats of similar size and type. Click here to read more about the S2 8.6.

Contessa 26

When the Contessa 26 was released in 1965, it immediately proved itself to be a strong, seaworthy vessel. The Contessa has continued to prove itself throughout its lifetime, being the boat of choice for two solo circumnavigations under the age of 21. While upwind performance leaves some wanting, the boat is sturdy and can carry full sail in up to 20 knots of breeze. Suited more for single-handing, the Contessa lacks standing headroom and the accommodations are sparse. Nonetheless, the Contessa 26 performs well as a daysailer with guests aboard. Click here to read more about the Contessa 26.

The Hunter 27 perfectly encompasses the pocket cruiser ideal. Even if you don’t want a big boat, you can still have big boat amenities. With the generously spacious layout, wheel steering and a walkthrough transom the Hunter feels much larger than 27 feet. Step below deck and any doubts you had that the Hunter was secretly a big boat will be gone. The amenities below are endless; a full galley including stove, microwave and cooler, head with full shower, several berths and not to mention a saloon with seating for 6. The Hunter 27 has reset the benchmark for 27-footers. Click here to read more about the Hunter 27.

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DIY Boat Building Plans

How To Build A Boat Cabin

Download over 500 Boat Plans. Click on the link below.

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Table of Contents

Overview of How To Build A Boat Cabin

When it comes to building a boat cabin, the first step is to determine the design and layout that best suits your needs and the size of your boat . Assessing your boat’s dimensions is crucial in this process, as it will help you determine the optimal cabin size and configuration. Consider the intended use of the cabin, whether it’s for sleeping, storage, or living space, as this will guide your design decisions. Sketching out different cabin layouts can be a helpful exercise to find the best fit for your boat and requirements. Experiment with various configurations, such as a single-berth cabin, a dinette-style layout, or a more open-concept design. This will allow you to visualize the space and identify the most efficient and practical arrangement. It’s also essential to ensure that your cabin design complies with any local regulations or safety requirements. This may include considerations such as emergency exits, ventilation, and accessibility. Consulting with local authorities or experienced boat builders can help you navigate these guidelines and ensure your cabin meets the necessary standards.

Key Takeaways

• Determine the cabin design and layout before gathering materials and tools .
• Construct the cabin frame and install walls, ceiling, windows, doors, and ventilation.
• Insulate the cabin for comfort and finish the interior with furnishings.
• Weatherproof the cabin exterior to protect against the elements.
• Test and refine the boat cabin to ensure it meets your needs and expectations.

Gather the Necessary Materials and Tools

Constructing a boat cabin requires a comprehensive list of materials and a well-equipped set of tools. Begin by compiling a detailed list of the lumber, plywood , insulation, hardware, and finishes needed for the project. Investing in high-quality tools, such as a circular saw, power drill, and measuring devices, will make the construction process more efficient and precise. Ensure that you have access to a workspace large enough to accommodate the cabin construction. This may involve renting or borrowing a suitable space, depending on the size of your boat and the complexity of the project. Additionally, consider the need for specialized tools, such as a table saw or a router, and plan to rent or borrow them if necessary. Having the right materials and tools on hand will not only streamline the construction process but also help you achieve a professional-looking and durable cabin. Take the time to carefully plan and prepare your workspace to ensure a smooth and successful build.

Construct the Cabin Frame

The foundation of a well-built boat cabin is the frame. Begin by constructing the base, ensuring it is sturdy and level to support the entire structure. This may involve building a platform or a series of supports that can be securely attached to your boat’s deck or hull . Next, erect the vertical walls of the cabin frame. Utilize bracing and supports to maintain the frame’s integrity and prevent any warping or sagging. Pay close attention to the alignment and stability of the walls, as this will be crucial for the overall structural integrity of the cabin. The final step in constructing the frame is to build the roof. Consider factors such as the desired pitch, overhang, and ventilation requirements when designing the roof structure. Secure the frame components using appropriate fasteners and techniques, ensuring a solid and stable foundation for the rest of the cabin construction. Throughout the framing process, it’s essential to maintain a high level of precision and attention to detail. A well-constructed frame will provide a solid foundation for the rest of the cabin, ensuring its long-term durability and functionality.

Install the Cabin Walls and Ceiling

With the cabin frame in place, it’s time to focus on the walls and ceiling. Measure and cut the plywood or other wall materials to fit the frame seamlessly. Carefully attach the wall panels, ensuring a tight and secure fit to prevent any leaks or drafts. The installation of the ceiling is equally important. Consider the placement of any lighting or ventilation fixtures, and plan accordingly. Secure the ceiling panels, creating a weathertight enclosure that will protect the cabin’s interior from the elements. Sealing all seams and joints is crucial at this stage. Use high-quality sealants and caulk to create a watertight barrier, preventing water intrusion and maintaining the cabin’s structural integrity. This attention to detail will pay dividends in the long run, ensuring the cabin’s longevity and performance. Throughout the wall and ceiling installation process, maintain a keen eye for quality and precision. A well-executed cabin interior will not only enhance the overall aesthetic but also contribute to the cabin’s functionality and comfort.

Add Windows, Doors, and Ventilation

Incorporating windows, doors, and ventilation systems into the cabin design is a crucial step in creating a comfortable and livable space. Carefully measure and cut the openings for these features, ensuring a precise fit that will prevent any leaks or drafts. Install the windows and doors, sealing them properly to maintain the cabin’s weathertightness. Consider the placement and orientation of these elements to optimize natural lighting, airflow, and visibility. Ventilation is equally important, as it helps to prevent the buildup of condensation and maintain a comfortable indoor environment. Incorporate hatches, vents, or other ventilation systems to ensure adequate airflow and circulation. For added functionality and aesthetic appeal, you may also consider incorporating additional features, such as skylights or portholes. These elements can enhance the cabin’s natural lighting and create a more open and airy feel. Throughout the process of adding windows, doors, and ventilation, pay close attention to the details and ensure that all components are properly sealed and integrated into the cabin’s overall design.

Insulate the Cabin for Comfort

Ensuring the cabin is properly insulated is essential for maintaining a comfortable and energy-efficient living space. Evaluate the climate and weather conditions your boat will encounter to determine the appropriate insulation materials and R-value. Carefully install the insulation, filling all cavities and gaps to maximize its effectiveness. Consider using a combination of insulation types, such as rigid foam panels and fiberglass batts, to achieve optimal thermal and acoustic performance. Sealing any potential air leaks around windows, doors, and other openings is crucial to maintaining the cabin’s insulation efficiency. This will help to prevent heat loss or unwanted air infiltration, contributing to the overall comfort and energy efficiency of the cabin. Proper insulation not only enhances the cabin’s livability but also helps to protect the boat’s structure from the elements. By creating a well-insulated and weathertight enclosure, you can ensure the long-term durability and performance of your boat cabin.

Finish the Interior with Furnishings

With the cabin’s structure and insulation in place, it’s time to focus on the interior finishes and furnishings. Choose durable and lightweight materials, such as marine-grade plywood or paneling, to create a cohesive and visually appealing interior. Install cabinetry, shelves, and other storage solutions to maximize the cabin’s functionality and organization. Carefully plan the placement of these elements to ensure efficient use of the available space. Select comfortable and practical seating, bedding, and other furnishings to create a cozy and inviting living space. Consider the intended use of the cabin and choose furnishings that will enhance the overall livability and enjoyment of the space. Incorporate lighting fixtures, electrical outlets, and other amenities to improve the cabin’s functionality and convenience. Thoughtful placement and selection of these features will contribute to the overall comfort and usability of the cabin. The interior finishes and furnishings are the final touches that will transform the cabin from a functional structure into a welcoming and personalized living space. Attention to detail and a focus on both form and function will result in a boat cabin that meets your needs and exceeds your expectations.

Weatherproof the Cabin Exterior

Protecting the cabin’s exterior from the elements is crucial for its long-term durability and performance. Begin by applying a high-quality sealant or paint to the cabin’s exterior, creating a barrier against water, wind, and UV radiation. Ensure that all joints, seams, and openings are properly sealed to prevent water intrusion and maintain the cabin’s structural integrity. This may involve the use of specialized sealants, caulks, or gaskets to create a watertight seal. Consider adding additional weather-resistant features, such as a canvas or fiberglass cover, to further protect the cabin from the elements. These coverings can shield the cabin from direct exposure to rain, snow, and intense sunlight, extending its lifespan and preserving its appearance. Regularly inspect and maintain the cabin’s exterior to address any wear or damage that may occur over time. Addressing issues promptly will help to ensure the cabin’s long-term durability and performance, allowing you to enjoy your boat’s amenities for years to come.

Test and Refine the Boat Cabin

The final step in the boat cabin construction process is to thoroughly test and refine the design. Conduct a series of tests to evaluate the cabin’s functionality, including its structural stability, water tightness, and ventilation. Identify any areas that require additional attention or refinement, and make the necessary adjustments. This may involve fine-tuning the cabin’s layout, modifying the insulation, or addressing any leaks or drafts. Gather feedback from family or friends who have used the cabin to gain valuable insights and identify opportunities for improvement. Their perspectives can help you identify aspects of the cabin that may need further refinement or customization. Continuously monitor the cabin’s performance and make any necessary modifications to ensure it meets your needs and expectations. This ongoing process of testing and refinement will help you create a boat cabin that is not only well-built but also tailored to your specific requirements and preferences. By taking the time to thoroughly test and refine the cabin, you can be confident that your investment of time and effort will result in a functional, comfortable, and durable living space that enhances your boating experience for years to come.

Conclusion – How To Build A Boat Cabin

We hope that this article has helped you learn how to build a boat cabin. Building a boat cabin is a rewarding and enjoyable project that can enhance your boating experience. By following the steps and tips that we have provided in this article, you can build a boat cabin that is durable, functional, and attractive.

FAQs – How To Build A Boat Cabin

What is a boat cabin.

A boat cabin is an enclosed space on a boat that provides shelter, storage, and living quarters for the crew and passengers.

What materials are commonly used to build a boat cabin?

Common materials used to build a boat cabin include wood, fiberglass, aluminum , and steel.

What tools are needed to build a boat cabin?

Tools needed to build a boat cabin include a saw, drill, hammer, screwdriver, measuring tape, level, and various other hand and power tools.

What are the basic steps to building a boat cabin?

The basic steps to building a boat cabin include designing the cabin, selecting materials, measuring and cutting the materials, assembling the cabin, and finishing the cabin with paint or other coatings.

What are some important considerations when building a boat cabin?

Important considerations when building a boat cabin include ensuring the cabin is watertight, structurally sound, and properly ventilated. It is also important to consider the weight distribution of the boat and the cabin’s impact on the boat’s stability.

Can a boat cabin be built by someone with no prior experience?

While it is possible for someone with no prior experience to build a boat cabin, it is recommended that they seek guidance from experienced boat builders or take a boat building course to ensure the cabin is built safely and correctly.

Written by DIY Boat Building Plans

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The 5 Best Sailboats For Beginners

Sailing is a fun activity for people of all experience levels. 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. Even though virtually everyone can sail, beginners should learn the basics in a controlled environment—and on the correct boat.

Boat size doesn’t necessarily affect its beginner-friendliness, because sailors need to take into account factors such as rig simplicity and handling characteristics. 

Many beginners make the mistake of picking the wrong boat to begin with, which can lead to frustration and turn them off of sailing forever.

To mitigate these issues, this article will cover the best sailboats for beginners —so you can get on the water and start sailing safely and comfortably.

Table of contents

‍ Best Rigs for Beginners 

There are many types of sailboat rigging , and some are more beginner-friendly than others. Unfortunately, some of the most aesthetically pleasing rigs are also the most complicated. 

Eventually, sailors can acquire enough skill to master complex rigs, but it’s best to start simple. 

Arguably, one of the simplest sailing rigs is the Lateen Rig. This rig consists of a mast, boom, and spar, along with a single halyard and mainsheet. With only two ropes in its simplest configuration, the Lateen Rig makes an excellent starter sailboat, and it will be featured on this list. 

For larger boats, the Bermuda Sloop rig is an excellent choice. This rig is quite common and includes a jib for a larger sail plan.

For those who desire a slightly more robust (but single sail) layout, the gaff-rigged catboat is also an excellent choice. This versatile craft (and rig) has a large and relatively simple single sail, which is easier to handle than multiple sails.

Top Five Sailboats for Beginners 

Now, we’ll go over the top five sailboats for beginners . These boats will descend in order from smallest to largest, but not by the level of experience needed.  

Remember, just because you’re new to sailing doesn’t mean you have to settle for a boat that’s too small. Beginners can handle larger boats with some training, and some are easier to handle than their smaller counterparts.  ‍

The following boats were chosen because of their handling characteristics, low cost-of-ownership, and simplicity, as all of these factors are important for choosing the best beginner sailboat.

5) Sailing Dinghy

The sailing dinghy is the quintessential starter sailboat. These tiny, lightweight, popular, and highly affordable little craft is easy to operate and relatively difficult to capsize. The popular Optimist Sailing Dinghy, while designed for children up to the age of about 15, can be used (sometimes hilariously) by adults as well. An Optimist-style dingy is a great option for beginners over the age of 15, as boats of this style can be found in a variety of sizes. The sailing dinghy is a very popular youth racing sailboat, especially in the United States and the United Kingdom. While it’s not particularly fast, this little boat has wonderful handling characteristics and is relatively difficult to capsize. This open-cockpit boat uses a centerboard and detachable tiller and can be beached or carried atop a car without much hassle. The mast is removable, and all parts are easily stowed. Overall, the Optimist and its copycats are a remarkable little craft, equally useful as a tender for a larger boat or a standalone beginner sailboat.

Dinghy rigs vary between builders, but many use the simple Spirit Rig. The rig consists of a single sail and mainsheet, along with one mast, boom, and spar. The leech is stiffened by battens, and ties along the luff secure it all to the mast. Hoisting and securing the rig is easy, and lines are secured to the boat by a cleat. This simple rig has plenty of sail area for most places, and sailors can secure the mainsheet to a block or simply hold it in their hands.

The price of sailing dinghies can vary widely depending on multiple factors. Professionally-made sailing dinghies start around $3,500 new, and plywood kits are available for around $1,000 to $2,000. Used dinghies (including Optimist sailing dinghies) can be found on Craigslist for as low as a few hundred dollars. 

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

The Sunfish is a brilliant little sailboat, and a very fast boat indeed. This little racing dinghy, while only 13 feet in length, can be an enormous amount of fun for beginners and experienced sailors alike. The best way to describe the handling of a Sunfish is, ‘tender,’ though it’s not difficult to master this little boat. For its size, the Sunfish has a relatively large sail area and a very shallow draft. This boat has a small cockpit and can be controlled easily by a single person. The large sail plan of the Lateen-Rigged Sunfish makes for excellent performance in light winds and amazing speed on windy days. The Sunfish is a lightweight fiberglass boat with a simple rig and is a great step-up from a sailing dinghy. It’s possible to learn how to sail on this boat, but every sailor who’s spent time on a Sunfish will probably recommend bringing a towel. The boat is relatively easy to capsize for beginners and it heels aggressively, but these characteristics can teach sailors some important lessons. The heeling characteristics of the Sunfish can help beginners get accustomed to the feeling and help them understand the limits of a sailboat and how to avoid capsizing.

The Sunfish features a Lateen Rig, which has some shared characteristics with the simple Spirit Rig. The Lateen Rig has a single spar, mast, and boom, and is easy to set up and dismantle. The mast is removable as well, making stowing and transportation relatively easy. The large sail plan of the Sunfish makes it ideal for lakes and other areas where the wind is sporadic or very low, and the boat can be safely handled in many conditions. The boat is great for racing and learning and is also available in a Bermuda rig. The Sunfish is recognizable by the distinctive fish logo in the top corner of the sail, and the classic rainbow sails striping.

The Sunfish is still commercially manufactured. You can purchase one new from the factory for around $5,000 today, and options are available to make the boat your own. While the boat is designed to be sailed by a single person, two adults can purchase this boat and use it together comfortably. Used Sunfish prices vary, but a fully-outfitted boat in good condition can cost upwards of $1,000. They hold their value well, and they’re a great choice for beginners. 

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

The Laser is considered by many to be the Sunfish’s main competitor. The two boats are the same length (13 feet 9 inches) and share many of the same handling characteristics. However, the boats do have some notable differences. Many people consider the Laser to be a step-up from the Sunfish in difficulty, as the boat handles much more like a racer. The Laser has been used in the Olympics for racing. The laser is small and simple enough for beginners but requires skill to operate. Beginners can learn a lot from sailing a Laser and have an enormous amount of fun in the process. This fast little boat is simple and easy to set up but handles like a racecar.  If you’re a beginner on a laser, you’ll probably capsize at some point—which isn’t always a problem if you’re in a controlled environment, as the boat can be righted easily.

The laser is a Cat Rigged boat. This means it has only one mainsail and no headsails. The simple rig has a mast and a boom and is very easy to set up. The sail area of the laser is relatively large and designed for speed in high winds. The rig combined with the overall design of the sailboat makes it handle tenderly, which may be off-putting to some beginners. Regardless, it’s still a blast to sail for beginners with some experience.

New Laser sailboats start around $6,000 which is slightly more than the Sunfish. This simple centerboard cruiser is constructed as a race boat, which can explain some of the price increase. Used Laser sailboats are available on the market, though usually not as common as the Sunfish. Used Laser prices vary widely.

2) Gaff-Rigged Catboat

The gaff-rigged catboat isn’t a brand of boat—it’s a style of a sailboat that was once a popular workboat on the New England coast. This boat, which has only one mainsail and no headsails, is available in a wide range of designs. Catboats are famous for their handling and power and make a great sailboat for beginners. These vessels are available with centerboards, keels, cabins, and in open designs. Most catboats range from 15 to 19-feet long and can be built from wood or fiberglass. Catboats are easy to handle, and one who learns on a small catboat can easily transition to a larger one. Besides being one of the most easily recognizable sailboats, catboats are also some of the most versatile. A catboat can be just as suitable for lake cruising as it is for coastal waters.

The most common type of catboat rig is the Gaff Rig. This classic and robust rig is more complex than the simple Spirit and Lateen rig, but it’s more suitable for a ‘proper ship.’ The Gaff Rig can provide similar power as an equivalent Bermuda Rig, with much more elegance and a shorter mast. Many sailors prefer the classic Gaff Rig for its handling characteristics and durability.

It’s impossible to specify the price of catboats because they vary so much in design and size. New catboats (between 15 and 25-feet) can be purchased for less than $20,000, and used boats are numerous and varied. Cabin catboats tend to cost more, especially new—some run for more than $50,000 with a high level of amenities, including a head and galley. Numerous catboat plans are available online, and sailors report constructing them (usually of plywood) for just a few thousand dollars.

1) West Wight Potter 19

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

The West Wight Potter 19 is a fiberglass sailboat designed for safety, easy handling, and beginner-friendliness. This 19-foot trailer-sailor features a cabin with a vee-berth, a simple rig, and a retractable keel. The West Wight Potter 19 could potentially be the best cabin sailboat for beginners, and certainly one of the safest—the West Wight Potter 19, according to the manufacturer, is quite literally unsinkable. The hull is filled with buoyant materials, allowing the boat to be flooded and remain afloat. However, unsinkability isn’t the only characteristic of this boat that makes it ideal for beginners. The rig is simple and easy to set up, and the handling characteristics are excellent. The boat is not prone to aggressive heeling and handles confidently in a variety of conditions. While one generally wouldn’t consider it to be a blue-water cruiser, it’s still extremely capable—one sailor even sailed this vessel from California to Hawaii , which is over 2,000 nautical miles. The theoretical hull speed of this boat is around 5.4 knots, but it actually has a tendency to plane and achieve higher speeds. It’s a flat-bottomed cruiser, making it easy to beach and transport with its retractable keel and removable rudder. The West Wight Potter 19 is a great introduction to large sailboats and carries amenities normally reserved for boats at least 1/3 larger.

The West Wight Potter 19 is a Bermuda-Rigged sloop. The sail plan is sufficiently large to propel the boat in a variety of conditions, but not so large that it overpowers the boat. Sailors can single-hand the boat with ease, and set up and takedown are easy and require no special tools. The boat handles well in a variety of conditions and is well-known for its superior stability. The rig comes apart easily and can be stowed and trailered by one person.

The West Wight Potter 19 has been produced and sold commercially since the 1970s, and the used market has plenty of boats available, generally starting around $5,000. New West Wight Potter 19 sailboats are remarkably affordable compared to other boats with comparable characteristics. The West Wight Potter 19 is manufactured by International Marine in California. New sailboats start at just shy of $25,000. Owners can add an enormous range of extra features to their boats, including a hull-strengthening ‘blue water’ package, a stove, a head, electrical power, spare parts, and much more. The boats are highly customizable and can be outfitted for weekender sailing or long-term liveaboard cruising.

How to Pick a Sailboat

Picking a sailboat for beginners doesn’t have to be difficult.  Before deciding on a boat, consider your experience level and location.

If you only have access to rough ocean, it may not be the best idea to get an open dinghy.

If you live near a lake, a Sunfish could be a great way to start.

Also, consider your budget. If you’re looking for a $50 sailboat, you can probably find one, but it won’t be ideal.

If you have just a few thousand dollars to spend, you can set yourself up nicely with a little research .

Also, consider what you want to do with the sailboat. Recreation, fishing , cruising , and exploration are options, and require different kinds of boats.

Whichever you end up choosing, make sure you try it out and can sail it comfortably.

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• About Modern Wooden Boats
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IDEA 19 originates in 2005 as a modification of Dudley Dix’s TLC 19, a small GRP trailerable sailboat; at the end of the work the only things left from the original project were hull lines, every other aspect of the project was refined, boosted up, and modernized and the plans were converted to a modern wood-plywood and epoxy building system.

Our first and best selled plan suited for homebuilders.

IDEA 19 originates in 2005 as a modification of Dudley Dix’s TLC 19, a small GRP trailerable sailboat; at the end of the work the only things left from the original project were hull lines, every other aspect of the project was refined, boosted up, and modernized and the plans were converted to a modern wood-plywood and epoxy building system. IDEA19  is a 6m fast paced trailerable sailboat; she can be built by homebuilders in both GRP and wood-plywood & epoxy resin, with strip planking system for hull, and plywood “stitch and glue” system for cockpit, deck and cabin; plans are suited for homebuilders ranging from absolute beginners to intermediate;

hull is a good balance between a quite full bow, sleek amidship lines and a flat and large transom; the boats have achieved a huge amount of miles sailed, both cruising and racing, in all conditions, including several nasty squalls; performance are very sparkly, and the cockpit is surprisingly dry and sound for a small sailboat, with fair and predictable reactions; she has proved to be a tough competitor in club racing (GPH approx. 740 for ORC club rating).

IDEA 19 plans grew in these years as a “family“ of sailboats: you can build her in a long cabin version or in a shorter one, with a really huge cockpit, both in sandwich GRP or in wood & epoxy resin, with retractable or fixed keel, with plywood chined or solid wood round cabin; plans are highly detailed, including all aspects of building and rigging the boat.

The boats launched have sailed thousand miles in these years, in a wide range of environments, from lakes to the open sea, and in a wide range of activities, from family cruising to club racing ; they took beatings in harsh sea conditions up to 30 knots of wind, clocked speed in excess 18 knots planing downind; the boat proved to be a study, forgiving, fun and fast pocket rocket , a very good choice given her overall dimensions.

A lot of building pictures and whole building sequences are on the web, which is something that can mark the difference and speed up the boat building process.

Plans are available both in Italian and English.

Plans are available in imperial units upon request.

Dory Cabin Plans

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five cabin plans for our Little Hunk, Hunky Dory, Big Hunk, Chunky Dory and V-Dory

Put a cabin on your GLEN-L dory. Convert HUNKY DORY, LITTLE HUNK, BIG HUNK, CHUNKY DORY or V-DORY to a deluxe cruiser with a choice of five different cabin styles. Details on all versions are furnished in DORY CABIN PLANS; with dimensional layouts for cabin exterior, interior joinery, control console, plus structural details, lumber sizes, fastening schedule, and instructions. Only minor modifications are required, so add a cabin while building, or retrofit one after hull completion. A floor plan is given in the DORY CABIN PLANS along with suggested cabinetry. All trunk versions feature large vee berths forward with sitting headroom. Versions B, C, and E have space for port and starboard cabinets or head and cabinet. Pilothouse versions have 6' plus headroom, helm station, cabinets and space for stove and sink. Although specifically for Glen-L dories, it is probable, with minor variations, that these CABIN PLANS could be used to build a cabin on similar craft.

VERSION A:   Small trunk cabin forward, ideal for LITTLE HUNK; also practical for HUNKY DORY, BIG HUNK, CHUNKY DORY or V-DORY. VERSION B:   Pilothouse with trunk cabin forward adaptable to HUNKY DORY, BIG HUNK, CHUNKY DORY or V-DORY*. Can be built with pilothouse walk-a-round decks or full sheer-level conventional decks. VERSION C:   Trunk cabin with flying bridge for HUNKY DORY, BIG HUNK, CHUNKY DORY or V-DORY. VERSION D:   Trunk cabin with flying bridge and optional hardtop. Use on HUNKY DORY, BIG HUNK, CHUNKY DORY or V-DORY. Can be used on LITTLE HUNK without hardtop. VERSION E:   Pilothouse with walk-a-round decks adaptable to HUNKY DORY, BIG HUNK, CHUNKY DORY or V-DORY.* *Not suitable for V-DORY when using in-line motor.

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• Houseboat Interiors  – Your houseboat offers purpose, comfort and luxury on the lake. Keep it updated with the latest upholstery and interior designs. With minor changes you can achieve the elegant boating experience you’ve been dreaming of.   See our Houseboat Renovations Page

• Interior Fabrics – Sunbrella interior fabrics help keep your boat’s interior in-style and looking beautiful. Interior fabrics are fit to meet your every interior design need including upholstery, window treatments, awnings and accessories. Sunbrella interior fabrics come in a wider variety of textures, colors and patterns to bring beauty and durability into your interior space.

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Wallcoverings for vessel interiors

By Terri Madden and Alayna Wool

Wall panels and headliners make a statement when entering the saloon of a yacht. Much like the color or texture of the walls of your home, wall panels and headliners are items that cannot be overlooked—especially when they start to sag and age. Fresh wall panels truly enhance the overall appearance of any interior, quickly giving a vessel’s cabin an updated look. 

Wall panels offer a visual focal point as well as acoustic tranquility to cabin interiors. The latest vertical and horizontal offerings from a variety of manufacturers are often showcased at international boat shows throughout the year.

Material considerations

A pliable vinyl upholstery fabric with the look and feel of real leather is always a good choice for a headliner or wall panel. An important consideration is whether the final product will include a foam backing. Foam-backed vinyls are easy to clean but will have seams that require covering. We generally use foam-backed materials as headliners or other applications where the material is wrapped around the panel edges and the panels align next to one another.

Be sure to review manufacturer specifications for strength, abrasion resistance, cleaning and maintenance. Quality materials feature topcoat finishes that protect against bacteria and fungus, which is extremely important for marine applications. Manufacturers also offer materials in a multitude of colors and textures to complement boat interiors for a unified look throughout the cabins.

Headliner materials

Headliner fabrics come in a variety of options, including comfortable carpet-type fabrics and the foam-backed vinyls mentioned above.

A “HullBlanket” headliner fabric is a durable, stain-resistant carpet-type material that offers antistatic and moisture-proof properties. This economical material hides irregular hull imperfections and works especially well for vessels under 30 feet. 

Vinyl headliners feature a marine vinyl front with or without a foam backing. Most foam-backed vinyls consist of a 3/16-inch foam adhered to the vinyl face. The foam adds a bit of cushion and helps conceal small imperfections in the hull. It can also be cut away to accommodate protrusions like nuts and bolt heads. Manufacturers now offer foam-backed headliner and perforated headliners in many textures and styles. These vinyl headliners create a smooth appearance and are easily wiped clean. Keep in mind that the edges of foam-backed vinyl should be covered, as they will leave a visible foam edge. Because of this, foam-backed vinyl is a great choice for applications where the seams will be hidden under trim pieces or where the material is wrapped around panel edges.

Installation tools and techniques

Do not underestimate the time and effort needed to prep areas for new surface materials. Be sure to remove all original plywood or any other material prior to installing new materials.

Beyond a general spray adhesive, such as 3M ™ General Trim Adhesive, only a few other materials are needed for installing a headliner or wall panels. Marine vinyl without a foam backing can also be used as a hull liner. Apply the spray adhesive to securely adhere the material to the hull, being careful to avoid bubbling or gaps. This is a one-shot process, so you need to get it right the first time. Like foam-backed vinyl, these products are easy to clean but will also have seams that may require covering. We recommend planning the material layout ahead of time on paper to avoid or limit any seams.

Tools that are lightweight and ergonomically designed with textured, nonslip surfaces make installation easier. Consider tools that include a 45-degree angle to allow for access to tight spaces at close angles. Straightedge tools work well on straight edges for short distances, and a 9-inch “pizza cutter” works well for long runs along either the perimeter or a mid-wall track. 

Resources for success

Replacing an existing headliner is relatively simple with proper preparation. In-depth videos, tips and resources for several types of headliner replacements are available online from Sailrite ® at www.sailrite.com.

Various online marine forums are also wonderful resources, which offer in-depth discussions elaborating problems and solutions. These forums include: www.GreatGrady.com, www.whalercentral.com/forum, and www.yachtforums.com. 

Terri Madden (LegendTerri) and Alayna Wool (Ms. Alaynious) are a mother/daughter team who co-own Sand Sea & Air Interiors Inc. in sunny San Juan, Puerto Rico. www.sandseaair.com

SIDEBAR: Walls on the water

By Sigrid Tornquist

While textile wallcoverings are gaining momentum in the residential and commercial markets, wallcoverings for marine applications remain vinyl-based. Mildew-resistance, water resistance and cleanability are, of course, paramount. “What changes with wallcoverings for marine applications are the patterns,” says Dave Estiri, co-owner of Sea Furniture, Santa Ana, Calif. (www.seafurniture.com). “We’re seeing more bright colors and geometrics right now.”

Marine wallcovering substrates are typically wood, drywall and fiberglass. For a refit or redesign, the old wallpaper should be removed; walls should be scraped and sanded; and then washed and disinfected in preparation for the wallpaper, Estiri says. 

Which primer to use depends on the substrate, according to Spencer Colgan, Tampa Bay Wallpaper Installer, Tampa, Fla. (www.tampabaywallpaperinstaller.com). “Fiberglass would need a different primer that would be more aggressive,” he says. 

Vinyl with foam backing used over wall panels is an option, with a typical thickness ranging from 1/16 inch to 3/4 inch. “This is something you see more in older designs rather than in brand-new ones,” Estiri says. “The thing to note with this application is that after the surface is cleaned and conditioned, the foam with the vinyl needs to be backed with mesh so that everything stays together.”

As with any installation, the foundation of success is using well-made materials and stellar techniques. “You need to know what you’re doing and do it right,” Estiri says. “Make sure everything looks as good in five to 10 years as it does the first day.” 

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Home » Blog » Live on a boat » Give your boat interior a fresh look

Give your boat interior a fresh look

By Author Fiona McGlynn

Posted on Last updated: August 4, 2023

12 AFFORDABLE BOAT INTERIOR DESIGN IDEAS

When we first moved aboard, our sailboat interior was a mess and we didn’t have the money to update it . We wanted to go cruising and our priorities were things like new sails, rigging, fiberglass repair, and electronics.

As much as I wanted a beautiful boat interior it was impossible to justify hiring an interior designer or updating the upholstery when we didn’t even have a dependable bilge pump! Fortunately, I found some creative boat interior design ideas and was able to makeover our sailboat for next to nothing.

In addition to sharing our boat interior restoration ideas, I’ve included my favorite boat interior photos from Pinterest and Instagram to further stoke your inspiration!

A quick note that this post contains affiliate links (so if you purchase through a link we’ll earn a small commission). The opinions are our own.

1. START BY DEEP CLEANING

As un-fun as it might be, a deep clean is the cheapest way to radically brighten your interior. It’s especially affordable if you use homemade boat cleaners. Dirty boat upholstery, mildewed cabin liners, and salt-encrusted hatches made our boat feel damp, dark, and generally unpleasant.

Deep cleaning (after years of neglect) drastically improved the boat cabin’s appearance and gave me a better idea of where to focus our boat interior makeover.

• Professionally launder your upholstery
• Wipe down the cabin liners with vinegar to prevent mildew and mold
• Wash hatches to maximize natural light
• Clean under all the cabin soles and the edges of any rotting boards
• Wash the walls and treat any wood with the appropriate wax, oil, or varnish
• Scrub out the bilge to prevent that boaty smell.

2. INSTALL INTERIOR BOAT LIGHTS

One of the great challenges of sailboat interior design is lighting. I’ve always felt that living on our sailboat is like living in a basement apartment because it is totally lacking in natural light !

One of the quickest ways to brighten things up is to install marine LED lights. The key to making LED boat lights look great, is placement.

The 3 best places to places to put LED strip lights on a sailboat

1. Under counter lighting. They look especially nice under cupboards or overhangs because the light strip is hidden.

View this post on Instagram < New battery installed! Lights and radio work. There’s LED strip lights which are great, but in the future we may need to swap those out for the multi colored ones. Our house has party-mode, the boat should too! #catalina22 #sailing #boatlife A post shared by SV Buza Sasha (@sv_buza_sasha) on Jul 11, 2018 at 5:18am PDT

2. LED rope lights make great courtesy lights . Tuck strip lighting on either side of a walkway to help guests navigate in the dark.

Battery operated fairy lights look cute coiled in a jar of seashells and are another easy way to add decorative lighting because no wiring is required. For the same reason, Solar Luci lamps and Solar Luci strings are a great option for lighting the cockpit.

3. COZY-UP TO NEW BEDDING

Ditch those damp cotton sheets and invest in hydrophobic options like 100% polyester. If you have a vberth, quarter berth, or non-standard sized bed, you may want to spend a few extra bucks on custom fitted boat sheets.

I know many cruisers who swear by memory foam mattresses and the Hypervent mattress pad for preventing condensation. If you like duvets and comforters, consider a mulberry silk option because it’s mold and mildew resistant.

4. FRESHEN THE HEAD

Add a splash of color to a dark bathroom with cheerful microfiber towels , Or, if you don’t want to feel like you’re camping, try the more luxurious quick-drying Turkish towels .

Tie them in with a cute wall-mounted soap dispenser and a spill-proof whicking air freshener and you’re on your way

5. GO GALLEY GOURMET

• Replace a rusted or dull faucet with a sparkling new one with a pull-down sprayer.
• Splash-out with colorful dish towels
• Use biodegradable loofas and scrubbies instead of plastic
• Pick up non-breakable dishware and glassware in fun patterns and designs.
• Create extra space with chopping board stove and sink covers
• Add custom knife, wine, and spice racks
• Add a green bar to keep greens fresh without a fridge

View this post on Instagram Boat decor #sundance #sailboat #sailboatlife #sailboatlifestyle #1969 #tartansailboat #sailboatinteriordesign #sailboatinteriors #maltetaller A post shared by Sundance Sailboat (@sundancesailboat1969) on Aug 15, 2017 at 5:32pm PDT

6. BOAT INTERIOR UPHOLSTERY IDEAS

Reupholstering a boat is the single most expensive part of a sailboat interior refit but it makes a huge difference. It costs thousands of dollars if you hire someone to do it. Fortunately there are a few tricks we used to avoid a full upholstery overhaul.

• Fun throw cushions and blankets can give your interior new life (and cover stained or threadbare upholstery)
• Packed out seat cushions can be easily fixed by inserting a layer of high-density foam and batting on top of the existing foam.
• If your upholstery is in really bad shape you may want to sew elasticated cushion coverlets that go over the top side of the cushion (it’s also a good way to protect nice new upholstery from boat projects (see: dirt, grease, and sweat stains).
• You can reupholster your boat for a fraction of the cost if you do the sewing yourself. It’s possible to score good deals on durable materials and marine-grade fabrics online. Also, if you’re not a sewer but you’re going cruising, you may want to bring your boat interior fabric with you and have the cushions sewn up in a place like Mexico or Fiji. We eventually had all of our saloon cushions sewn up for $100 USD in Ensenada, Mexico.

If you choose to reupholster your boat, look for boat interior upholstery fabric . You don’t have to worry (as much) about finding a waterproof or UV-resistant fabric (because it will be inside). However, always choose a synthetic fabric , heavy-duty nylon thread, and plastic zippers. Cotton will eventually rot and metal zippers will rust. You can get away with not using marine upholstery but natural fibers are a big no-no!

7. CUT A RUG

8. LOVE YOUR WALLS

Securely fasten art, photos, and souvenirs to your walls. Mirrors are great for creating the illusion of space.

Privacy curtains are also a good way to add a splash of color and are straightforward to make

View this post on Instagram My husband’s an artist…the cat approves 🐙🤣 . . . . . #catvskraken #sailboat #chalk #artist #sailboatinteriors #chalkboardart #kraken #catsofinstagram #meow #liveaboard #fridayvibes #fridaymood #instamoment #talent #husbandskills #saltytails @sv_saltytails A post shared by Erin 🌊🌴⛵🐚👙☉ (@erin_svsaltytails) on Jul 27, 2018 at 2:42pm PDT

View this post on Instagram After all of the sanding, refinishing, painting, ripping out old floors and carpet, we’re really loving our space. There are more projects to do, but we’re enjoying the results so far! When we originally bought our boat back in December, we had enough time to take care of the “must do’s” so this summer we are spending the time to really make her ours! . . . . . . #lightandbright #sailboat #sailboatinteriors #woodwork #overhaul #huntersailboats #cherubini #interiordesign #laboroflove #tinyliving #liveaboard #boatlife #sailors #ourhome #takingabreak #fornow #summerprojects #traveler #travelblog #results #saltytails @sv_saltytails A post shared by Erin 🌊🌴⛵🐚👙☉ (@erin_svsaltytails) on Jul 22, 2018 at 11:27am PDT

9. WHITEN AND BRIGHTEN YOUR SAILBOAT INTERIOR

Painting panels in light colors can brighten and modernize a boat cabin and set off teak trim. We repainted our red and blue fiberglass bathroom white and it made the space feel much bigger. It also makes it easy to clean because you can see the dirt.

View this post on Instagram #beforeandafter #boatrestoration #vintagesailing #menorca #sailing #boat #sailboat #sailboatinteriors #boatinterior A post shared by Velero Vintage en Menorca (@vintagesailing) on May 1, 2018 at 5:02pm PDT

10. STOW SIMPLY WITH CUTE STORAGE SOLUTIONS

Boats are always short on storage space but a few decorative baskets and storage containers can really improve the look of the space while giving you more room to tuck things away.

11. FUN AND FUNCTIONAL WINDOW COVERINGS

12. CHOOSE A FUN FEATURE

Let your imagination run wild. A feature wall, table, or piece of artwork can really change the feel of a sailboat interior. Have fun with colors, patterns, and make your new floating home your own.

View this post on Instagram #sailboat #boatlife #boatlifestyle #sailboatinteriors #ceder #liveedge #boatlifestyle #vancouver #boatinterior #art #windspirit #homesweethome #liveaboard #westcoastliving A post shared by @ arana_arte on Nov 2, 2017 at 9:13am PDT

If you’re still feeling overwhelmed about revamping your sailboat interior you may want to consider hiring professional help . There are plenty of interior designers who would welcome the challenge of working on a boat! Look for someone who has experience designing for small spaces and tiny homes.

We hope you enjoyed this list of custom boat interior ideas…

Good luck with your sailboat makeover.

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.

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Boat interior storage ideas OR where to put all your stuff?

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I think the most popular question when moving aboard a boat is “where am I going to put all my stuff?” If you’re like me and don’t like clutter, this can be a challenging question. I recently went through Blue Turtle and completely reorganized a few areas that were driving me crazy. Even after almost 5 years living aboard (can you believe it?) I still periodically have to reorganize. As you live aboard, things shift as you buy new things and you may realize that there are certain items that you need easy access to and others that can be put away in harder-to-reach storage. Continuing to streamline a boat interior to work for you is an ongoing project. I’m always looking for better and more aesthetic ways to store items on our trawler because the space is so small, I not only want it clutter-free but also appealing to the eyes. Below are a few boat interior storage ideas that have helped me along the way in organizing our stuff and keeping Blue Turtle clutter-free inside.

A note about the affiliate links:  I’ve inserted a few links to products on Amazon.com below. This means if you click on it and buy something from Amazon, we get a little kick back. It’s not much, but it will help in maintaining this blog and keeping it up-to-date with content about the live aboard and cruising lifestyle.

Baskets, crates and bins

This is an obvious one. You walk onto any boat and go inside and you’re going to see plenty of baskets and storage containers. Baskets are great because they come in all shapes and sizes and they look nice as well.  When it comes to crates or bins, I like to opt for wooden ones over plastic since they look nicer and blend better with the interior. Wooden bins and crates can also be painted to blend with the interior or provide a pop of color. Fabric or cloth baskets are great to use since they are more flexible than their plastic or wood counterparts and can fit into difficult spaces.

Drawer dividers

Drawer dividers come in very handy on a boat. Drawers and compartments on boats are all sorts of odd shapes and sizes and sometimes they can be very large. I used these expandable bamboo drawer dividers to organize my galley drawers. I like them because they are well made and sturdy not to mention they look nice. I’ve tried expandable plastic ones for organizing clothing in my deeper drawers in the aft cabin but they are flimsy and I doubt they are going to last long. I was doing a search online and I didn’t realize that they have the same bamboo dividers for deep drawers .  I will definitely have to look into that for our huge under-the-bed drawers.

Using different types of hooks on a boat is a no brainer. We have all types of hooks from wall-mounted hooks to hooks in our cabinets to hold coffee mugs to hooks in our hanging lockers. I must say that installing a wall mounted wood hook rack in the stairway to the aft cabin for hats was one of the best things we did. I was getting tired of finding hats all over the boat and decided we needed a central location to hang them. Hooks are great to utilize space not being used in cabinets and closets and they’re great to hang items you might need to have easy access to like flashlights, dog leashes or keys. Plus, there are so many different decorative types that you can really get creative with them.

Installing shelving is great for large open storage spaces where you’re not utilizing the full space. When we removed an old propane stove and replaced it with cooktop, we were left with a very large storage space. It was great but it was deep and we were only utilizing the lower half of the space. Installing a pre-cut wooden shelf like this one enabled us to use both lower and upper half of that space. We also used the same type of shelving to hold our blu ray player in the aft cabin. It used to lay on the bed and Randy would kick it at night so we decided the shelf needed to have it its own space. I used a couple of these Scotch clear locking strips between the player and shelf to keep it in place so it wouldn’t fly off while under way. Probably the best shelf we ever installed was a white storage cabinet, shelf, towel rack combo in the aft head. We were lucky enough to have empty wall space above our toilet and this cabinet not only gave us great storage but also a shelf and rack to hang a bathroom hand towel.

Storage ottoman

If you need to purchase a piece of furniture for inside your boat it’s a great idea to make sure it serves some other purpose—like storage. We had an old bamboo stool that we used for seating at dinner time that was about to break so I went in search of a replacement. Since we have a hi-low table and the boys sit on the couch during dinner, I needed a low stool or seat for myself to sit on the other side. Instead of looking for a stool replacement I looked for storage ottomans since they are about the height we needed. I found a great little ottoman that opens on a hinge where we could store things. It looks great, provides additional seating and foot rests and we can stow things in it. Decorative and functional.

Device charging station

This is probably my favorite clutter-free storage item. We have a lot of devices to be charged on Blue Turtle and I got tired of seeing all the devices laying on our countertops taking up coveted space, plus the cables and cords look very messy. I purchased this bamboo device charging station from Amazon to charge my devices (Apple watch, iPad, iPhone and wireless headphones) in our aft cabin. When it came, I realized that the front divider sections were too small for my iPad and phone with their cases, so I was able to remove them by tapping them out with a flathead screwdriver and hammer—easy fix! Now everything fits and all the cables and cords are inside plugged into a 5 port USB charger  inside the bamboo box.

Next up, was dealing with the stuff that would get dropped onto the galley countertop everyday. This would be Randy’s 2 phones (1 personal and 1 for work), our full size iPad that we use for navigation, Corey’s Kindle tablet, an iPod for music, then wallet, keys, sunglasses, etc. It was driving me crazy to see all the clutter that took up half of my galley countertops so I was determined to find a solution. I didn’t want a charging station to sit on the counter top, plus I couldn’t find one to fit all the extra stuff (wallet, sunglasses, etc.) anyway. The cabinet above is so narrow and I couldn’t find anything to mount under it. I decided that it needed to go into a drawer. I shuffled my silverware, utensils and other drawers to clear out the top drawer in the galley and decided to turn it into a device charging drawer/junk drawer. I used one of the bamboo dividers mentioned above to section off a charging side and a side for the other miscellaneous items. I bought a second  5 port USB charger  and mounted it on the inside side of the drawer using  Scotch clear locking strips . We ran the electric cord out the back of the drawer and drilled a hole on the side of the cabinet so the cord could come out and plug into an outlet.  I now have a clutter free galley countertop and am enjoying the extra space.

Clear Zippered Storage Bags

For storing items longer term, like Christmas decorations or any other item that you only need to dig out occasionally or once a year, we use clear zippered storage bags . These are like the ones that you get when you buy a blanket or comforter. They’re great since you can see what’s in the bag and they keep the contents protected from moisture and dust. I have several of these with Christmas decorations, PirateFest costumes and anything else we only need to dig out occasionally from under the mattress storage in the aft cabin. I’ve also heard great things from other cruisers about the vacuum sealed storage bags for storing clothing and bedding when not needed at the time.  You’d be surprised at the amount of storage space most trawlers have on them in the way of hatches and compartments. While these hatches and compartments may not be ideal for storing things you need quick access to, they are great for those items you don’t need everyday and these plastic storage bags are great for protecting them in dusty or damp spaces.

The above are a just a few ideas and items that can help you organize the interior of your boat. I’m sure there are many other boat interior storage ideas out there and would love to hear your thoughts. Please leave a comment below if you’d like to share.

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2 thoughts on “Boat interior storage ideas OR where to put all your stuff?”

noticed your dvd/blue ray player. Same unit i have on my pocket trawler. you may already be aware but it is 12v so i cut the ac/dc inverter off and wired it directly into my 12v system. We stay at anchor most the time so having everything run off 12v is a big plus. i also pulled the cover off of it and mounted it directly to the bulkhead so i have no need for a shelves. love your storage solutions thanks for the great ideas

Thank you for sharing the way that you store items. I always love to see what other’s come up with. Possibly I can find something new to do on our boat. I love that bamboo dividers. I have them as well.

Shawnae s/v New Girl on the dock (facebook)

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20+ Cozy Log Cabin Decorating Ideas to Transform Your Rustic Retreat

Are you dreaming of a warm and inviting log cabin getaway? 🏡 Whether you’re lucky enough to own a log cabin or just love that cozy, rustic aesthetic, we’ve got you covered!

This guide showcases over 20 log cabin decorating ideas that blend rustic charm with modern comfort.

From charming reading nooks and welcoming entryways to serene bedrooms and vibrant game rooms, these ideas will help you create a space that’s as unique as it is cozy.

Grab a cup of hot cocoa ☕, snuggle up by the fireplace, and get ready to be inspired!

Let’s turn your log cabin into a homey haven filled with warmth and character. 🌲🔥

1. Cozy Log Cabin Living Room with Stone Fireplace

A cozy log cabin living room interior design.

The room features a large stone fireplace with a roaring fire, rustic wooden beams on the ceiling, and comfortable leather sofas with plaid cushions.

A large, woven rug sits on the wooden floor , and a few antique decorations, like a wooden clock and vintage lantern, add a rustic charm.

A deer head mount is above the fireplace, and a large window offers a view of a snowy forest outside.

2. Rustic Log Cabin Kitchen with Wooden Dining Table

A rustic log cabin kitchen with a large wooden dining table.

The kitchen has rough-hewn wooden cabinets, a vintage-style stove, and exposed wooden beams on the ceiling.

Hanging copper pots and pans add to the charm.

The table is set with wooden plates, metal cutlery, and a vase with wildflowers.

A woven rug is under the table, and a large window with a view of a pine forest allows natural light to flood in.

3. Charming Log Cabin Bedroom with Handmade Quilt

A cozy log cabin bedroom interior with a rustic, natural design.

The room features a large, comfortable bed with a handmade quilt , wooden walls, and a high ceiling with exposed beams.

There is a wooden nightstand with an antique lamp, and a bearskin rug on the floor.

The room is decorated with pine cone garlands and a small bookshelf filled with old books .

Large windows offer a breathtaking view of a mountain landscape outside.

4. Rustic Log Cabin Bathroom with Wooden Bathtub

A log cabin bathroom with a rustic and natural design.

The bathroom features a wooden bathtub surrounded by large stones, wooden walls, and a natural stone sink.

There is a small wooden shelf holding handmade soaps and towels.

Above the sink, a round wooden-framed mirror hangs on the wall.

Soft, warm lighting creates a relaxing ambiance.

A large window offers a view of a serene forest, bringing nature into the space.

5. Cozy Log Cabin Reading Nook by the Window

A cozy log cabin reading nook with a rustic aesthetic.

The nook features a small wooden bench covered with a thick, woven blanket and several soft pillows.

A small wooden side table holds a stack of books and a steaming cup of tea.

The walls are made of wooden logs, and a large window next to the bench shows a snowy winter landscape outside.

Soft, warm lighting from a wall-mounted lamp creates a perfect reading ambiance.

6. Warm and Inviting Log Cabin Entryway

A rustic log cabin entryway with a warm and inviting design.

The entryway features a wooden bench with a plaid cushion and a row of hooks for hanging coats and hats .

There are a few pairs of boots and a woven basket filled with firewood next to the bench.

The walls are made of logs, and a rustic chandelier hangs from the ceiling.

A small rug is placed at the entrance, and a window with a view of a forest lets in natural light.

7. Modern Rustic Log Cabin Living Room with Stone Fireplace

A log cabin living room with a modern rustic design.

The room features a mix of contemporary and rustic elements, like a modern sofa with throw pillows, a reclaimed wood coffee table, and a stone fireplace.

A large, patterned rug covers the floor, and there are plants in rustic pots around the room.

Exposed wooden beams add a rustic touch, and a large window shows a sunset view over a mountain range.

8. Cozy Log Cabin Outdoor Porch with Rocking Chairs

A log cabin outdoor porch with a rustic and cozy atmosphere.

The porch features wooden rocking chairs with plaid cushions, a small wooden table with a lantern on it, and a large woven rug on the wooden floor.

Potted plants and a stack of firewood add to the charm.

Hanging fairy lights provide a warm glow, and a view of a dense forest with tall pine trees is seen in the background.

9. Rustic Log Cabin Dining Room with Antler Chandelier

A log cabin dining room with a rustic, warm atmosphere.

The room features a large wooden dining table with a set of mismatched wooden chairs.

A chandelier made of antlers hangs above the table.

On the table, there are candles , a vintage lantern, and a centerpiece made of pine cones and greenery.

The walls are made of logs, and a stone wall with a small wood stove adds a cozy touch.

A window provides a view of the surrounding forest.

10. Cozy Log Cabin Loft Space for Relaxation

A rustic log cabin loft space turned into a cozy relaxation area.

The loft features a comfortable wooden rocking chair with a knitted blanket draped over it, a small round wooden table with a vintage oil lamp, and several potted plants.

Exposed wooden beams and a sloping ceiling create a snug atmosphere.

A woven rug adds warmth, and a window shows a view of a starry night sky outside.

11. Rustic Log Cabin Office with Antique Typewriter

A rustic log cabin office space with a blend of natural materials and modern amenities.

The office features a wooden desk with an antique typewriter and a leather-bound journal.

A large window provides natural light and a view of the forest.

There is a comfortable chair with a plaid cushion, a small shelf with old books, and a vintage globe.

A woven rug covers the wooden floor, and exposed beams add to the rustic feel.

12. Log Cabin Hallway with Black and White Forest Photography

A log cabin hallway with a rustic and natural aesthetic.

The hallway features a long wooden bench with woven cushions, a series of black and white photographs of forest landscapes on the log walls, and an antique wooden coat rack.

A woven rug runs along the length of the hallway, and a vintage chandelier provides soft lighting.

The end of the hallway opens up to a large window with a view of a lake at sunset.

13. Charming Log Cabin Children’s Bedroom with Bunk Bed

A log cabin children’s bedroom with a charming rustic theme.

The room features a wooden bunk bed with colorful quilts, a small wooden desk with a handmade chair, and a plush bear sitting on the floor.

There are rustic wooden shelves holding children’s books and toys.

The walls are made of logs, and there is a small window showing a view of a forest.

Soft, warm lighting creates a cozy atmosphere.

14. Rustic Log Cabin Home Gym with Forest View

A log cabin home gym with a rustic yet modern design.

The gym features wooden walls and floors, a rowing machine, a set of dumbbells, and a yoga mat.

A large window allows natural light in and provides a view of the forest.

There is a small shelf with towels, water bottles, and a vintage clock on the wall.

Exposed wooden beams add to the rustic charm of the space.

15. Cozy Log Cabin Winter Garden Room with Greenery

A log cabin winter garden room filled with greenery and natural elements.

The room features a wooden floor, wicker chairs with cushions, and a small wooden coffee table with a plant on it.

Several potted plants and hanging planters fill the room, creating a cozy, indoor garden feel.

The walls are made of logs, and large windows provide a view of the snowy landscape outside, allowing natural light to pour in.

16. Log Cabin Music Room with Vintage Piano

A log cabin art studio with a rustic and creative atmosphere.

The room features a wooden easel with a partially finished painting of a forest, a wooden table filled with paint brushes, paint tubes, and a ceramic water jar.

The walls are made of logs, and there are several canvases and sketches stacked against the walls.

A large window lets in natural light, showcasing a beautiful mountain view outside.

17. Rustic Log Cabin Art Studio with Mountain View

A log cabin guest room with a rustic, welcoming atmosphere.

The room features a wooden bed with a colorful patchwork quilt, a small wooden nightstand with a vintage lamp, and a wooden chair with a knitted blanket.

The walls are made of logs, and there are decorative elements like pine branches in a vase and a small stack of books.

A window shows a view of a serene lake and pine trees outside.

18. Welcoming Log Cabin Guest Room with Patchwork Quilt

A log cabin meditation room with a peaceful and serene design.

The room features a low wooden bench with cushions, a small altar with candles and incense, and a woven mat on the wooden floor.

The walls are made of logs, and there are large potted plants and hanging greenery to create a natural atmosphere.

Soft, dim lighting adds to the tranquility, and a large window offers a view of a tranquil forest.

19. Peaceful Log Cabin Meditation Room with Altar

A rustic log cabin pantry filled with natural, homemade goods.

The pantry features wooden shelves filled with jars of preserves, baskets of fruits and vegetables, and rustic containers of grains.

The walls are made of logs, and there are hooks hanging dried herbs and garlic .

A small wooden step stool is nearby for reaching higher shelves.

A small window lets in soft light, showing a view of a garden outside.

20. Functional Log Cabin Mudroom with Firewood Storage

A log cabin mudroom with a rustic, functional design.

The mudroom features a wooden bench with a plaid cushion, hooks on the log walls for hanging coats and hats, and a boot tray with muddy boots.

A woven basket sits on the floor filled with firewood, and a small window provides a view of a rainy forest.

There is a sturdy rug at the entrance to keep the space clean and cozy.

21. Rustic Log Cabin Pantry with Homemade Goods

A rustic log cabin game room with a warm, inviting atmosphere.

The room features a wooden pool table with a red felt top, a small wooden bar with stools, and a collection of vintage board games on wooden shelves.

Exposed beams add to the rustic charm, and a large window shows a view of a snowy landscape outside.

Soft, warm lighting creates a cozy ambiance perfect for relaxing and playing games.

Final Thoughts

There you have it—20+ log cabin decorating ideas to bring your rustic dreams to life ! 🏞️ Whether you’re looking to enhance your cabin’s natural beauty or add a touch of modern comfort, these ideas are sure to spark inspiration .

Remember, the key to a beautiful log cabin is to embrace the natural elements, blend in cozy textures, and add personal touches that reflect your style. 🌿🛋️ With these tips in hand , you’re ready to create a space that’s not only aesthetically pleasing but also a true reflection of who you are.

Ready to start decorating?

Your perfect log cabin retreat awaits! 🌟

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