cruising sailboat cost

Yachting Monthly

Digital edition

The true cost of cruising… and how to afford it

Katy Stickland
June 29, 2020

What’s the real price of long-term cruising? Accountants Christine Muir and Keith Hunt reveal their meticulously  kept 12-year balance sheet, and how to afford the lifestyle

There are many ways to save money while cruising, like spending more time at anchor. Credit: Tor Johnson Credit: Tor Johnson

We, Keith and Christine,  have just finished our 12-year voyage on  a 45ft sailing boat, Poco Andante , visiting  47 countries and covering some 30,000 miles.

During this epic journey, we have  kept detailed records of all expenditure,  from purchasing the vessel and getting her ready for crossing oceans, to maintaining  her and finally, selling her.

We’ve often been quizzed by prospective cruisers about the costs of such a venture.

We have honestly examined the financial aspects of embarking on a real-life adventure – using real data.

Keith and Christine in colder climes at the start of their trip

We have cruised with,  and met, hundreds of fellow cruisers on  our voyage and feel that we are Mr and Mrs Average Cruiser, although some spend far more than us, and some far less.

Hopefully we have given a true and fair picture of the average costs involved.

In order to understand these figures, we must firstly explain the type of cruising we did, the vessel we chose, where we  went and our philosophy towards  boat maintenance and improvement.

When we were searching for our boat,  we decided that a heavy-displacement centre-cockpit cutter-rigged sloop around 45ft in length would suit our needs, and our planned departure was for late summer 2003.

We viewed many vessels and  were often advised that steel was the  way to go, but were pleased in our final choice of GRP fibreglass.

A skipper on deck while passing New York's Statue of Liberty

Passing the Statue of Liberty was a huge highlight

Our budget for the boat was modest (about the cost of a second ‘holiday’ home), so we limited our choice to older designs.

Our final choice was a well-maintained Bruce Roberts-designed GRP Mauritius 45 built in South Africa in 1981.

Aussie Christine Muir and Wales native Keith Hunt made the decision to buy a bluewater cruiser in July 2002 and set sail

Not a spring chicken, but with two Atlantic crossings under her belt and fitted out for bluewater cruising, she suited our needs comfortably.

An added bonus was that, although based in the Mediterranean, she was arriving in Southampton, UK, our home port in May 2002.

We sailed her for one season and  then hauled out for a mini refit before  we left the UK the following year.

This refit  included a new engine – we replaced the  old 56hp Ford Transit engine with a new 75hp FSD425 unit from Lancing Marine, and they have also provided excellent after-sales service over the last 13 years – an excellent investment.

We also replaced the rigging, sailing instruments, laundered the sails and had a storm trysail made, plus a myriad of other jobs.

All in all, we were pleased with our choice.

Poco Andante was sea-kindly, comfortable and handled excellently in all conditions.

With that, we were ready for our big adventure.

The liveaboard lifestyle

When we left to go cruising, we weren’t  sure what type of lifestyle we were in for.

We hadn’t even decided where we were going; the initial plan was a period in the Mediterranean, then we would reassess.

Poco Andante moored off Boston on the US leg of the voyage

We weren’t sure if we were going to be away for three months or three years  – 12 years was outside our thinking!

Most of our plans were for a short period;  we rented out our house and put all  our furniture in storage, expecting  to return in the not-too-distant future.

Within four months of leaving, we  were enjoying ourselves and the cruising community so much that we decided  to turn right at Gibraltar instead of left.

As in all walks of life, people live on very different budgets.

Our budget included  the occasional marina stay when there was not a suitable anchorage (our preference); regular entertaining of fellow cruisers; occasionally eating in restaurants (approximately once or twice a week); side trips; hire cars.

Major failures had to be dealt with while crossing the Pacific

We slept on board for most of our 12 years cruising and only flew back to the UK twice.

Our 12-year, 30,000-mile voyage took us from the UK to Gibraltar, across the Atlantic, north to Maine, USA, south to Florida  then across to Cuba and back along the Caribbean chain to Trinidad, Venezuela, Columbia, Panama, across the Pacific  to Fiji, down to New Zealand, back to T onga, then to Australia, north along the Queensland coast to Darwin, Indonesia, Thailand and Malaysia, where we sold   Poco Andante .

The Middle East became  a no-go zone and still was in 2015, and  the prospect of another three ocean crossings (Indian and the long passage across the South and North Atlantic) did  not appeal.

Boat maintenance

The adage that cruising is ‘boat maintenance in exotic locations’ is exactly right.

Our philosophy was to try to keep the boat ‘up together’ rather than replacing.

The boat was only hauled out five times in 12 years

When not on passage, we had a general routine of boat jobs in the morning, and the afternoon for leisure, visiting, swimming, diving, snorkelling and socialising.

We did most of our own maintenance and only used outside labour a few times, where specialist equipment was needed such as refrigeration and sailing making.

Fellow cruisers were always on hand to offer advice and if necessary, assistance.

The camaraderie and willingness to help is a cruising mainstay – and work hard/play hard is a fair description.

Boat maintenance was often done in the mornings

Lift-outs are major projects that need to be planned meticulously – and usually involve large outflows of cash.

We hauled out only five times in 12 years.

Between those times, we would scrub the bottom and clean the props about every six months.

At each haul-out, we used three coats of hard antifouling at the highest copper content we could get locally.

Major failure or breakdowns are a fact of life and we were lucky that we only suffered four major incidents that needed substantial repair.

A fouled prop sheared our drive plate; we blew out both out main and genoa during our Pacific crossing; the exhaust manifold blew; and a failed engine mount resulted in a catastrophic loss of oil that caused our engine to seize.

Some repairs were more unexpected

Our other philosophy was to have a backup for every system on board.

Over time, we also fitted items that made our life easier like an electric winch in the cockpit, improving the entertainment system, installing a washing machine, and so forth.

On a yacht, there are always upgrades available – after all, there is a multi-bullion-dollar industry that benefits from all these new gizmos.

The magic comes in deciding which ones you really need – and which ones work.

1. Introduction
2. Analysis of expenditure

The True Cost of Living on a Sailboat: Our Monthly Expenses

pin of of man standing on front of catamaran holding onto jib rigging looking out at horizon

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How much does it cost to live on a boat? This was my biggest question when we were planning and saving to cruise. I was clueless when it came to creating a budget for our future life aboard. I was looking for someone to tell me exactly how much it would cost ME to live on a sailboat full-time.

I quickly learned some people cruise for less than $1,000 a month and some for upwards of $10,000 a month. Most are somewhere between.

Not so dissimilar from living on land, different people cruise on all sorts of budgets.

For us, our cost of living on a sailboat isn’t so far from our land-based spending.

Part of this journey was learning to live with less, but we still maintain some creature comforts on the water.

Here is a breakdown of our cost of living on a boat full-time while cruising the US east coast.

Cost to Live on a Sailboat

pie chart of cost of living on a sailboat

Average cost of $2,424 per month*

Sailboat Maintenance Expenses

Average cost $1,006.

Sunnyside captain working in bilge on the sump pump

Maintenance, Parts & Tools ($687)

It’s no surprise boat maintenance is top of the list.

You will continuously be fixing broken things or maintaining things on a sailboat. You will also need different tools, spare parts, cleaners, etc., as you cruise.

There will be months when you won’t need much in the way of tools and parts (especially if you already have a lot of tools and spare parts onboard). Then in one month, you might spend 40% of the annual budget.

We make a strong effort to do most boat projects ourselves.

Shortly after we began cruising, our wallets learned the hard truth of paying people to work on your boat.

Since then, we’ve been our own plumber, mechanic, seamstress, and electrician.

You’ll always be learning. But if you can maintain and fix your vessel, you’ll save boatloads of cash (pun intended, I couldn’t resist).

Miscellaneous ($86)

The miscellaneous category is everything else boat-related. This includes any small purchases we make for the boat (ex. rug for the salon), our USCG documentation, Amazon Prime membership, etc.

We also have a Boat US membership , which more than pays for itself. We get dockage and fuel discounts often. And, of course, the towing service is priceless when you run aground with only one engine. (What, just me?)

For a modest fee, this membership is a no-brainer for boat owners.

Marinas vs. Anchoring

Average cost $339.

Sailboat at anchor with dinghy behind it at sunset

Marina Costs

If you’ve been researching the cost of living on a boat, you know it is more economical to anchor than to dock in a marina slip. We love anchoring out, but it does come with a set of variables that dictate comfort and safety while you’re on the hook. Not to mention, it requires a lot more planning.

Marinas can be expensive, especially in popular cruising areas. Dockage is usually charged per foot, so the bigger the boat, the higher the costs associated with docking fees. However, you can find liveaboard boat marinas with slip fees that are paid monthly.

Many cruisers prefer to dock at a liveaboard marina during hurricane season and save anchoring for cruising season. This allows you to keep your cost per night at marinas down, and your overall costs balance out throughout the year.

Average Cost $449

Provisions are consistently one of our most significant expenses on the boat.

Anticipating my new life on the water, I knew I wanted to learn more about cooking, baking, and making things from scratch. And since we planned to live on a smaller budget, I also wanted to be conscious of spending on food.

A game I often play with myself is to see how long we can go until the next big provisioning trip.

Buddha bowls with lettuce, carrots, peppers, chickpeas, tomatoes and hummus

You might be thinking – that sounds miserable. But we eat pretty darn well most of the time.

We ration veggies and fruits, ensuring we leave the hardiest for last. We start with fresh salads and other raw veggie meals, such as cilantro hummus bowls. As the freshest veggies thin out, we work our way to curries and stir-fries. Then, when the fridge grows empty, we move on to rice and bean dishes, pineapple and jalapeño pizza, and bean tacos with pickled onions and cabbage.

One skillset you develop living on a boat is the ability to eat more sustainably.

Learning to make bread, yogurt, and vegetable broth from scraps is super satisfying.

Spend time learning to make flexible meals. Use a balance of fresh, canned, and dried ingredients. Do this, and you can stretch your provisioning budget without sacrificing flavor.

You can also save money by minimizing disposables, such as paper towels, sandwich bags, plastic wrap, and aluminum foil.

Average Cost $233

Sunnyside crew member enjoying a seafood platter at a restaurant

As a couple who dined out regularly in our Colorado ski town, it was going to be tough to start cooking three meals a day living aboard.

I read a lot of advice that said, “if you like eating out, you probably won’t stop eating out because you move on a boat.”

There is truth to this. Whenever we are in a place where eating out is convenient, we tend to fall back into old habits.

However, when we dock in remote places or anchor away from shore access, there is less (or no) opportunity to eat out.

Instead, we experiment with different types of food to make meals onboard rewarding.

We still enjoy going out to experience the local cuisine, but it has become a treat instead of how we live.

A great way to cut costs is by dining out for a late lunch rather than dinner or skipping the alcohol. Opting for a refreshing drink on the trampoline while watching the sunset isn’t a bad way to close out a night.

Average Cost $103

Sunnyside boat captain driving the dinghy

Diesel, gas, and propane are three resources you will continuously be aware of while living on a boat.

Here are a few adjustments we make to maximize our fuel efficiency.

We use our sails. This isn’t easy as new sailors on a big boat. We have slowly become more confident, but it took us months of traveling on the water to start getting comfortable using the sails. We are still learning.
We don’t put ourselves in a position where we are in a hurry or have a schedule. This almost always leads to running the engines more.
We run on one engine. We can run one engine instead of two on our catamaran and only lose about 1 – 1.5 knots. On the ICW, we unfurl the jib to improve speed if the wind is right.
We always make sure to travel at an optimal time for the current. Some areas of the Intercoastal Waterway can have a current that’s pushing 2-3 knots. Choosing a departure time around the current makes a big difference in travel time and fuel efficiency.
Heating water with the electric kettle if the engines are running or we are on shore power.
Using hot water from the engines (when we have it) to get water boiling.
When cooking pasta, we use a minimal amount of water. We’ll often turn the propane off and let the noodles finish cooking in the hot water.
Quality cookware makes a big difference. Once brought to a boil, some dishes can finish cooking with the lid on. This is helpful when coming into an anchorage. Often, I’ll kill the propane, and by the time we are anchored, dinner is ready.
If we plan to make a few trips to shore, we’ll anchor closer to the dinghy dock. This doesn’t always work out, but being conscious of it has helped us stretch our gas budget.
If it’s a short trip to the dock and we aren’t carrying supplies, we use the kayak. Paddling is free (and fun)!

Average Cost $140

When we were saving for the cruising kitty, we found ways to cut our mobile bill by using data on our home and work WiFi. When we moved aboard, our phone plan became the primary internet source. We quickly realized we would need to rethink our data plan.

There are a lot of options for unlimited data in the US, as well as hotspot data. I recommend having at least unlimited mobile data for research and logistics involved when cruising. If you need to work from the boat, you may also want to invest in an additional mobile service as backup or satellite internet. Starlink is starting to become popular in the boating community.

Our Mobile Plan

While cruising the east coast, we use T-Mobile. With this carrier, we get unlimited data and 40GB of hotspot data each month (20GB per phone). This is on the pricier end, and we have been looking into other options, but we enjoy having the hotspot data. Even after the 40GB, we still have hotspot data at 2G. When we cruise the Bahamas, we are planning to use My Island WiFi service .

Entertainment

Average cost $23.

TV with streaming services loaded on the screen

This category is for consumable entertainment since most other entertainment on the water is free.

Music, movies, and books are popular forms of entertainment onboard. Even when we cut down on spending, we kept a few options that provided these services. Instead of ditching all the monthly streaming apps, we looked hard at our memberships and cut back or found free services to supplement.

Spotify membership for music (we can download or stream) $11
Movie library on an external hard drive created before we ditched our DVDs Free
Hulu (included with Spotify) Free
Disney Plus (prepaid for three years during a special offer) $4
Nexflix (included with T-Mobile plan) Free
Tubi (a free streaming app) Free

Spotify and Audible are great for downloading books and playlists for when you are out of service or on passage. You can also download movies and shows through many streaming apps for playback when you don’t have a signal or are running on a budgeted amount of mobile data. An external hard drive of your favorite movies is also a great source of video entertainment that will never let you down.

Personal Care & Clothing

Average cost $73.

Hair & Skin Care

Go more natural with skin and hair care. Most boats won’t have spare power for hairdryers and straighteners. On top of that, the sun and humidity will destroy makeup.

Start now researching ways to simplify your personal care regimens. It will make the transition abroad much easier.

Tips for Hair & Skin Care

Get a tinted moisturizer with SPF for your face (I like Raw Elements ), a flexible eye shadow, and waterproof mascara. Opt for reusable makeup remover cloths to cut down on waste.
Work on a natural look for your hair, and see if you can find a style you can cut yourself. Shampoo and conditioner bars are a great way to save space and are typically made with clean ingredients that won’t harm sea life.
Opt for a simple personal care routine. The fewer products you use, the more space, time, and money you’ll save.
We love to use UPF clothing in combination with sunscreen. The more you can cover up, the less sunscreen you’ll need.

For us, this area is where expenses remain similar to land life. There are no unique expenses with health or dental care, although finding healthcare coverage for multiple states can be challenging.

For the lady sailors, I recommend researching ways to have a zero-waste period. A menstrual cup is something I wish I had transitioned to before cruising. It will make your life easier, plus save you money and storage space.

If you can minimize laundry and wash some stuff on board, you can limit the need to find a washing machine.

Tips for Laundry on a Boat

Wear clothes that are easy to wash and dry and can be worn several times between washes.
In the summer months, wear UPF synthetics and bathing suits that can be washed by hand. This will also extend their life.
In the winter months, wear merino wool and dress in layers to get the most wears out of your clothes before washing.
Save sheets, towels, and bulkier clothing for when you have access to a washing machine. We aim to do machine washing about once a month.

Having a solid system in place for handwashing clothes helps limit our laundry budget. We average $8 per month spent on machines.

We try to buy high-quality clothing that is durable for boat life. Once you’ve created a boat wardrobe that works, you’ll find there is little you will need.

In six months, the only clothing I have purchased is a UPF shawl, a sun hat (to replace one I lost overboard), and a tank top. I previously spent a lot of money on clothes. Now I enjoy dialing in a functional, minimalist wardrobe for living on a boat.

Getting Started With a Cruising Budget

Here are some final thoughts when creating your future sailboat cruising budget.

The above expenses are based on actively cruising on our 38-foot catamaran. For us, extended time at the dock is just a redistribution of funds. Maintenance and fuel go down, and marina expenses go up.
Our maintenance costs are at about 4% of the hull value. Aside from the trampoline, we have not replaced any big-ticket items, so we expect this percentage may increase over the next couple of years.
If you hope to stretch your cruising kitty, give yourself time to overcome the learning curve. Learning to maintain, operate, cook, and just be on a boat will take time. As you get more experience, your spending habits will improve. Be patient and keep moving forward.
I highly recommend you continue researching and reading as much as possible about the cost of living on a sailboat. Get perspectives from different cruisers. This will help you create a cruising budget that will be unique to you.

Other Resources

Gone with the Wynns created a very detailed article and video that breakdowns their cost of living on a boat.
Sailing Kittiwake also has a great video on the cost of living on a sailboat on a budget .

*Costs not included in this overview are health insurance, taxes, business expenses, and gifts or donations. These expenses are particular to each individual’s situation and so are excluded from this article.

Want more tips on how to get started cruising on a boat?

For more information on the reality of boat life and tips for living on the water, view our complete guide.

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Morgan, the founder of The Home That Roams, has been living nomadically for over five years. She began her journey traveling across the U.S. in a motorhome and cruising on a liveaboard sailing catamaran. Currently, she lives full-time in a travel trailer, sharing resources on RV living and boat life to help others downsize their lives and thrive in an alternative lifestyle.

Excellent article. Thank you!

I started getting the urge to return to the sea not long after I got out of the Navy in 1974…. Started out on a 15′ Phantom…. Up to 21′ Keels, up to a 26′ Bristol and finally a 28′ Newport…. You learn alot of tricks of the trade at a working marina… Barter system, I used to go up the mast or anything Aloft in return for favors with anything that I had a problem with …. Had to give up the sailboat when I couldn’t sail it by myself anymore … Looking for a 35′-38′ trawler to live in the Tampa Bay area for the rest of my day…. From the Sea I came, back to sea I will return … Anchor’s Aweigh….

Hi George, it sounds like you have lived and breathed boats for a while! One of my favorite things about a good liveaboard marina is how everyone trades boat maintenance favors and helps each other out. I sure hope you find a good trawler to liveaboard in Tampa – sounds lovely!

Do you use a specific budgeting software or anything to track your transactions? Please share if so

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Understanding the Costs of Owning a Sailboat: A Complete Guide

Alex Morgan

Owning a sailboat can be a dream come true for many sailing enthusiasts. It’s important to understand that there are various costs associated with owning and maintaining a sailboat. By gaining insights from reputable sources such as BoatUS, we can explore the different factors that affect the cost of owning a sailboat and provide helpful tips for managing these expenses.

Factors that impact the cost of owning a sailboat include the type and size of the sailboat, age and condition, location and storage costs, maintenance and repair expenses, insurance and registration fees, as well as any upgrades and customizations. These factors can significantly vary and contribute to the overall expenses involved.

Initially, when purchasing a sailboat, you need to consider the purchase price itself, survey and inspection costs, tax and title fees, as well as any delivery or transportation costs. Additional expenses may arise from the need to purchase equipment and accessories specific to sailing.

ongoing costs are an important consideration. These include mooring or slip fees, insurance premiums, winterization and storage costs, maintenance and repair expenses, as well as fuel, water, and propane costs. In addition, annual registration and licensing renewal fees must also be factored into the budget.

To help manage the cost of owning a sailboat, it is recommended to research and purchase wisely, creating a budget and maintenance plan, considering shared ownership or boat clubs, as well as taking on your own maintenance and repairs. identifying cost-saving opportunities can help make owning a sailboat more financially feasible.

By understanding the factors influencing the cost of owning a sailboat and implementing effective strategies for managing expenses, sailing enthusiasts can enjoy the pleasure of owning a sailboat while being mindful of their financial commitments.

Key takeaway:

Owning a sailboat can be costly: The cost of owning a sailboat is influenced by various factors, including the type and size of the boat, its age and condition, as well as location and storage costs. It is important to consider these factors when budgeting for a sailboat.
Initial costs of owning a sailboat: When purchasing a sailboat, one must account for the purchase price, survey and inspection costs, tax and title fees, delivery or transportation costs, as well as equipment and accessories expenses.
Ongoing costs of owning a sailboat: Owning a sailboat comes with ongoing expenses such as mooring or slip fees, insurance premiums, winterization and storage costs, maintenance and repair expenses, as well as fuel, water, and propane costs. These costs should be factored into the overall budget.

Factors Affecting the Cost of Owning a Sailboat

Owning a sailboat is more than just a hobby—it’s a thrilling adventure that comes with its own set of costs. In this section, we’ll explore the various factors that influence the expenses of owning a sailboat. From the type and size of the vessel to the age and condition, we’ll uncover how these factors play a role in determining the overall cost. We’ll dive into the expenses associated with storage, maintenance, repairs, insurance, registration, as well as upgrades and customizations. So, hold onto your hats as we navigate the financial currents of owning a sailboat!

Type and Size of Sailboat


	The type of sailboat significantly impacts ownership costs. Different sailboat types serve different purposes and have varying price ranges. For example, a small day sailer or dinghy is more affordable compared to a large cruising yacht.
	Sailboat size is another crucial factor in determining costs. Larger sailboats typically have higher purchase prices, maintenance costs, mooring or slip fees, and insurance premiums. Smaller sailboats are generally more budget-friendly in terms of ownership expenses.

Pro-tip: Consider your intended use and budget when choosing the type and size of sailboat. Assess your sailing skills and needs to find the right balance between cost and functionality. Research thoroughly and consult with experienced sailors to make an informed decision.

Age and Condition of the Sailboat

The age and condition of a sailboat are crucial factors to consider when evaluating its cost and value. When assessing a sailboat, it is important to take into account various aspects such as the age , maintenance , structural integrity , equipment and systems , upgrades and renovations , as well as the potential resale value .

Older sailboats often have more wear and tear, which may result in frequent repairs. Age alone should not be the sole factor in determining the value of a sailboat. A well-maintained boat, regardless of its age, can be in better condition than a neglected newer boat. It is essential to thoroughly inspect the hull , deck , rigging , and sails for any signs of damage or weakness, as structural issues can be costly to repair. Older sailboats may also have outdated or malfunctioning equipment and systems, which might require upgrading or repair , leading to additional expenses.

On the other hand, considering any enhancements or renovations made to the sailboat can increase its value and overall enjoyment. An older sailboat in good condition may have a higher resale value than a newer boat in poor condition. Therefore, it is vital to assess the potential resale value if considering selling the sailboat in the future.

In a true story, a seasoned sailor once purchased a 30-year-old sailboat in excellent condition. Despite its age, the boat had been meticulously maintained , providing years of reliable cruising without significant expenses. This highlights the importance of not only focusing on the age but also the condition and care given to the sailboat.

Location and Storage Costs

When it comes to owning a sailboat, one cannot underestimate the importance of location and storage costs . These two factors play a significant role in determining the overall expenses.

One key consideration is the mooring or slip fees associated with marinas or yacht clubs. These fees are charged for docking the boat and can vary greatly depending on the location and amenities provided. Whether you are looking to spend a few hundred or several thousand dollars per year, it is crucial to factor in these costs.

Another vital aspect to consider is winterization and storage expenses . Particularly in areas with harsh winters, it becomes necessary to store the sailboat during the off-season. Winterization involves preparing the boat for cold weather conditions and safeguarding it against potential damage. The storage costs can include fees for dry storage or renting boatyard space .

It is essential to take maintenance and repair expenses into account. Depending on the chosen storage location, there may be onsite facilities and services available for routine maintenance and repairs. Proper research and comparison of storage options are crucial to finding a solution that not only meets your needs but also proves to be cost-effective. Key factors to consider in this assessment include proximity to water, security measures, and convenience. These factors will ultimately determine the location and storage costs associated with owning a sailboat.

Maintenance and Repair Expenses

Maintenance and repair expenses are crucial for owning a sailboat. Ensuring that you budget for these costs is necessary to maintain the good condition of your sailboat and guarantee its longevity.

To gain a better understanding of the maintenance and repair expenses, here is a breakdown of the common costs associated with sailboat ownership:

Regular Maintenance: This includes activities such as cleaning, polishing, and basic upkeep.
Haul-out and Bottom Painting: Periodically hauling out the boat to apply anti-fouling paint to the hull.
Rigging: This involves inspecting, tuning, and replacing standing and running rigging.
Hull Repair: It covers fixing any damage to the hull caused by collisions or accidents.
Engine Servicing: Maintaining and repairing the boat’s engine and its associated systems.
Sail Repair: This entails fixing tears, replacing worn-out sails, or upgrading for improved performance.

These maintenance and repair expenses are typical for sailboat owners. Costs can vary depending on factors such as boat size, the extent of the repair required, and whether you choose to do the work yourself or hire professionals.

Regular maintenance and timely repairs can prevent more costly issues in the future. By actively maintaining your sailboat, you can ensure it remains in optimal condition for many years of sailing enjoyment.

It is important to always consider maintenance and repair expenses when calculating the overall cost of owning a sailboat. By being prepared and budgeting for these costs, you can avoid any financial surprises.

Sailboats have been adored by sailors for countless centuries. The joy of sailing remains unchanged from ancient times to the present day. Alongside sailing, sailboat ownership entails taking responsibility for the necessary maintenance and repair expenses. Sailors understand the significance of keeping their vessels in good condition, as it ensures safety and prolongs the lifespan of their sailboats. By dedicating time and resources to maintain and repair their sailboats, sailors have embarked on countless adventures, participated in races, and experienced the serene beauty of gliding through the water. The tradition of caring for sailboats has been passed down through generations, preserving the spirit of sailing.

Insurance and Registration Fees

When owning a sailboat, it is important to consider insurance and registration fees . These two factors play a crucial role in protecting your investment and ensuring legal registration. Here are some key points to keep in mind:

– Insurance : Sailboat insurance is essential in safeguarding against accidents, damage, or theft. The cost of insurance can vary based on several factors, including the value of the boat, its age and condition, your boating experience, and claims history.

– Registration fees : Registering your sailboat is necessary to meet legal requirements. The fees associated with registration can vary depending on the length of the boat, its usage location, and whether it is intended for recreational or commercial purposes.

Both insurance and registration fees should be considered as ongoing costs when budgeting for your sailboat. The specific amounts will vary depending on your individual circumstances and location.

For reference, BoatUS reports that the average annual boat insurance premium typically ranges from 1.5% to 2% of the boat’s market value. In terms of registration fees, they can range from $20 to $200, with the actual amount dependent on the state and size of the boat.

Upgrades and Customizations

When it comes to owning a sailboat, there are various upgrades and customizations that can enhance your sailing experience. Performance upgrades, comfort upgrades, technology upgrades, safety upgrades, and aesthetics upgrades are all available options. Consider your needs, preferences, and budget when deciding on upgrades and customizations for your sailboat. Prioritize upgrades that align with your sailing goals and enhance your sailing experience.

Initial Costs of Owning a Sailboat

Owning a sailboat may be a dream come true, but it’s important to understand the initial costs involved. In this section, we’ll dive into the different factors that contribute to the price tag of owning a sailboat. From the purchase price of the boat itself to survey and inspection costs, tax and title fees, delivery or transportation costs, and necessary equipment and accessories, we’ll break down the expenses you can expect when setting sail into the world of boat ownership. So, let’s hoist the anchor and navigate the financial waters of owning a sailboat!

Purchase Price of the Sailboat

The purchase price of a sailboat is an important factor to consider when owning one. It can vary depending on the size, age, and condition of the boat. Here is a table summarizing the average prices for different types of sailboats:

– Dinghy: $2,000 – $10,000
– Day Sailor: $5,000 – $20,000
– Cruising Sailboat: $20,000 – $100,000
– Racing Sailboat: $30,000 – $200,000
– Luxury Yacht: $100,000 – $5,000,000+

It’s crucial to note that these prices are estimates and can vary depending on the brand, model, and condition of the sailboat. In addition, other costs such as taxes, registration fees, and survey and inspection expenses should also be taken into consideration.

When purchasing a sailboat, it’s important to thoroughly research and inspect it. Consulting with experts or hiring a professional surveyor to assess its condition is highly recommended .

Buying a sailboat can be a significant investment, but it can also be a rewarding and enjoyable experience. It’s advisable to set a budget and carefully consider all associated costs, including ongoing expenses, to ensure financial preparedness .

If necessary, negotiate the purchase price and consider buying used sailboats as a more affordable option. Wishing you happy sailing !

Survey and Inspection Costs

To determine the cost of owning a sailboat, survey and inspection costs are crucial. They ensure the condition and seaworthiness of the sailboat before buying it.

– Haul-out and bottom inspection: $300 – $500 – General condition survey: $10 – $20 per linear foot of boat length – Out-of-water inspection (including mast and rigging): $300 – $600 – Sail inspection: $150 – $300 – Engine inspection: $200 – $400

These costs can vary depending on the sailboat’s size, complexity, location, and the expertise of the surveyor. It is important to hire a knowledgeable professional surveyor who can thoroughly assess the vessel.

Survey and inspection costs are essential to uncover any potential issues or hidden problems with the sailboat. They allow buyers to make informed decisions and negotiate the purchase price based on the findings. These costs contribute to the overall expenses of owning a sailboat and ensure the vessel’s safety and seaworthiness.

Tax and Title Fees

Owning a sailboat involves considering various costs, including tax and title fees . These fees are necessary for legal ownership of the sailboat and may vary based on the boat’s location and size .

Location | Tax and

——— | —————–

Florida | $500

California | $1,000

New York | $800

These fees are typically a percentage of the sailboat’s purchase price and are required to register the boat and obtain the necessary documentation. It’s important to include these fees when budgeting for the overall cost of owning a sailboat.

To manage the cost of tax and title fees , it’s recommended to research the fees specific to your location beforehand and create a budget that includes these fees. Considering shared ownership or joining boat clubs can help reduce the financial burden of owning a sailboat. Purchasing a used sailboat or performing your own maintenance and repairs can save money in the long run.

Delivery or Transportation Costs

To understand sailboat ownership costs, consider delivery or transportation expenses. Factors like distance, transportation mode, and additional services can affect these costs.

Distance is a key factor in delivery costs. Shipping a sailboat long distances, especially across borders or overseas, significantly increases expenses. The sailboat’s size and weight determine the transportation method (land, sea, or air).

Other contributors to delivery costs include the need for specialized equipment (e.g. cranes, trailers) to load and unload the sailboat. Remote or hard-to-reach locations require extra logistics and fees.

To minimize costs, research reputable transportation providers with competitive prices. Comparing quotes helps find the most cost-effective option. Coordinating the delivery during low-demand periods also reduces expenses.

Pro-tip: Prioritize safety and proper handling during transportation. Investing in reliable services prevents damages or delays, ensuring a smooth journey for your new vessel.

Equipment and Accessories

When owning a sailboat, it is important to factor in the cost of equipment and accessories. These items are vital for the proper functioning and enjoyment of your sailboat.

Item	Average Cost

The cost of equipment and accessories can vary depending on the size and type of sailboat, as well as personal preferences and requirements. Investing in high-quality and durable equipment is crucial.

It is worth considering ongoing maintenance and replacement costs for certain equipment and accessories. For instance, sails may need replacement every 5-10 years, depending on usage and care. Electronics may also require upgrades as they become outdated.

By meticulously considering necessary equipment and accessories and budgeting for their costs, you can ensure a safe and enjoyable sailing experience.

Ongoing Costs of Owning a Sailboat

Owning a sailboat can bring both joy and ongoing costs. In this section, we’ll explore the various expenses that come with owning a sailboat. From mooring or slip fees to maintenance and repair expenses, we’ll uncover the financial considerations that sailors need to keep in mind. Additionally, we’ll touch upon insurance premiums, winterization and storage costs, as well as fuel, water, and propane costs. Lastly, we’ll discuss the need for registration and licensing renewal fees. Buckle up as we dive into the financial realities of sailboat ownership!

Mooring or Slip Fees

When owning a sailboat, one of the ongoing costs is mooring or slip fees. These fees secure a location to dock or store your sailboat. Here are some important details to keep in mind:

Location: Mooring or slip fees can vary depending on the location. Popular coastal areas or marinas in metropolitan cities tend to have higher fees than remote or less populated areas.

Size of boat: The size of your sailboat affects the cost of mooring or slip fees. Larger boats require more space and may have higher fees.

Type of mooring: Marinas offer different mooring options, such as floating docks, mooring balls, or fixed piers. The type of mooring chosen may impact the fees.

Length of stay: Mooring or slip fees are typically charged monthly or yearly. Longer-term contracts often have discounts or lower rates compared to short-term or transient mooring.

Amenities and services: Some marinas offer additional amenities and services, such as electricity, water hookups, Wi-Fi access, security measures, and facilities. These extras may contribute to higher fees.

Research and compare different marinas or docking facilities in your desired area to find the most suitable and cost-effective option for mooring or slip fees.

Insurance Premiums

Insurance premiums are an important ongoing cost to consider when owning a sailboat. Here are some key factors:

Boat’s value: Premiums are often based on the sailboat’s value. Higher-value boats may have higher insurance premiums.
Type of coverage: Different insurance policies offer varying levels of coverage, which directly affects the premium amount.
Boating experience: The owner’s sailing experience and history may be taken into consideration. More experienced sailors may be eligible for lower insurance premiums.
Location: Insurance premiums can be impacted by the location where the sailboat will be primarily used and stored. Areas prone to natural disasters or high rates of boat theft may have higher insurance premiums.
Previous claims history: Insurance companies consider the claims history of the sailboat owner. Owners with a record of previous claims may be charged higher insurance premiums.
Security measures: Installing security devices such as GPS tracking, alarms, or sturdy locks can help reduce insurance premiums. Storing the sailboat in a secure location can also have an impact.
Insurance provider: Rates and coverage options vary among insurance companies. It’s important to shop around and compare quotes to find the best insurance coverage at an affordable premium.

Considering these factors can help you make an informed decision about insurance premiums for your sailboat.

Winterization and Storage Costs

When owning a sailboat, it’s crucial to carefully consider the expenses associated with winterization and storage costs . These costs are necessary to safeguard your sailboat during the colder months.

Winterization , which can amount to approximately 1% to 3% of your boat’s value, involves various tasks such as removing and securely storing sails, electronics, and disconnecting the battery. In addition to these tasks, there are supplementary costs involved, such as purchasing antifreeze, fuel stabilizer, and other materials essential for the winterization process.

On the other hand, storage costs are determined by factors such as the size of your boat and its location. If you opt for indoor storage, you can expect to pay a monthly fee ranging from $300 to $900. Outdoor storage options, on the other hand, are more affordable, with costs typically falling between $100 and $400 per month.

In order to efficiently manage these expenses, it is crucial to plan ahead and establish a budget. A sensible approach would be to contact local marinas or boatyards and compare prices to find the most suitable storage option for your sailboat. You should inquire about any available long-term storage discounts or package deals that can help you protect your sailboat without exceeding your budget.

Maintenance and repair expenses are significant for sailboat ownership. Consider the following factors for these costs:

-Regular maintenance: Sailboats require routine upkeep for proper functioning. This includes cleaning, painting, and lubricating various components.

– Engine maintenance: Sailboats with engines need regular servicing, including oil changes, filter replacements, and inspections. Costs vary based on engine size and type.

-Sail and rigging repairs: Over time, sails and rigging may wear out or become damaged. Repairing or replacing these components is necessary for sailboat performance and safety.

-Hull repairs: The sailboat hull may need occasional repairs due to impacts, corrosion, or wear and tear. Costs vary based on damage extent and repair materials.

– Electronics and electrical system maintenance: Sailboats with electronics and electrical systems require periodic inspections, repairs, or replacements for proper functioning.

To manage maintenance and repair expenses effectively, consider these suggestions:

-Create a budget: Allocate funds specifically for maintenance and repair costs.

-Perform regular inspections: Assess the sailboat’s condition regularly to detect potential issues early and address them promptly.

-Learn basic maintenance skills: Develop DIY skills to handle minor repairs and maintenance tasks, reducing the need for professional assistance.

-Stay proactive: Address maintenance and repair needs promptly to prevent further damage and potential cost increases.

-Consider professional assistance: Some complex repairs or specialized tasks may require professional expertise. Factor in the cost of hiring professionals when budgeting for maintenance and repairs.

Fuel, Water, and Propane Costs

Fuel, water, and propane costs are important ongoing expenses to consider when owning a sailboat. These costs can vary depending on factors such as frequency of use, distance traveled, and the boat size. Here are some key points to keep in mind:

– Sailboats require fuel for auxiliary engines during maneuvers or emergencies. On average, fuel costs can range from 5-10% of total operating expenses and propane costs.

– Sailboats have water tanks for drinking, cooking, and cleaning. Refilling these tanks depends on location and water prices. Marinas offer refill stations, charging per gallon or per liter usage.

– Sailboats use propane for cooking, heating, and refrigeration. Propane costs vary based on tank size and frequency of usage. Consider refill costs and ensure a sufficient supply.

Fact: BoatUS Magazine reports that the average sailboat owner spends $1,000 to $2,000 per year on fuel, water, and propane costs.

Registration and Licensing Renewal Fees

Owning a sailboat requires considering the registration and licensing renewal fees. These mandatory fees vary depending on the boat’s registration location. They contribute to maintaining boating facilities and waterways.

Country/State	Registration and Licensing Renewal Fees
	$10 for registration, $25 for vessel decal, and $2 for
	£35 to register a new boat, £20 to renew registration every 5 years
	$31 for 1 year, $74 for 3 years, and $105 for 5 years

Factoring in these fees is essential when considering the overall cost of owning a sailboat. Failure to renew registration and licensing can result in fines or the boat’s inability to be operated legally. It is crucial to check the specific renewal requirements and deadlines in your area.

Tips for Managing the Cost of Owning a Sailboat

Owning a sailboat can be a dream come true, but managing the costs can be a challenge. In this section, we’ll share some valuable tips to help you navigate the financial waters of owning a sailboat. From researching and purchasing wisely to creating a budget and maintenance plan, we’ll equip you with practical strategies to keep expenses in check. We’ll also explore alternative options like shared ownership and cost-saving opportunities, so you can indulge in your sailing passion without breaking the bank .

Research and Purchase Wisely

When owning a sailboat, research and purchase wisely for the best possible decision. Here are some tips to help with research and purchase:

1. Determine sailing goals: Consider racing or cruising, day-sailing or extended trips. Knowing goals narrows down options.

2. Research sailboat types: Each type has advantages and disadvantages. Research size, stability, and handling.

3. Read reviews and seek recommendations: Look for reviews of sailboat models and brands. Read about other sailors’ experiences and seek expert or fellow sailor recommendations.

4. Inspect sailboat: Thoroughly inspect any potential sailboat. Look for damage, assess condition, and check for necessary repairs or upgrades.

5. Consider maintenance cost: Account for ongoing maintenance when deciding to purchase.

6. Get a survey: Have a professional surveyor evaluate the sailboat’s condition and identify any potential issues.

Pro-tip: Take your time, do thorough research, and consult experts for an informed decision.

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Create a Budget and Maintenance Plan

To successfully create a budget and maintenance plan for owning a sailboat, it is crucial to follow these steps:

1. Assess your financial situation and establish your boat ownership budget.

2. Research and compile a list of potential expenses related to sailboat ownership, including the purchase price, insurance premiums, mooring fees, maintenance costs, and fuel expenses.

3. Categorize and estimate the average cost for each expense category, such as monthly insurance cost, annual maintenance cost, and seasonal winterization and storage cost.

4. Prioritize and allocate your budget appropriately, identifying areas where you can save money and areas where you should invest more.

5. Develop a maintenance timeline and schedule regular check-ups to proactively address small issues before they escalate into costly repairs.

6. Maintain a comprehensive record of all expenses and periodically compare them with your budget to ensure you are staying on track.

7. Establish a contingency fund specifically designated for unexpected repairs or emergencies that may arise.

8. Stay informed about potential cost-saving opportunities, such as discounts on mooring fees or fuel, and take full advantage of them.

9. Regularly review and adjust your budget and maintenance plan to accommodate any changes in your financial situation or boat ownership requirements.

By implementing these steps, you will be able to effectively manage your sailboat’s finances and upkeep, enabling you to fully enjoy your sailing experiences.

Consider Shared Ownership or Boat Clubs

Consider shared ownership or boat clubs as a cost-saving option when owning a sailboat.

– Shared Ownership: When considering the ownership of a sailboat, it would be wise to consider shared ownership programs or boat clubs. These options allow you to share the costs and responsibilities with others, resulting in significantly reduced expenses. By joining a shared ownership program, you can split the purchase price, maintenance costs, mooring fees, and other expenses among multiple owners. This arrangement offers shared usage, ensuring that you can enjoy the sailboat without shouldering the full financial burden.

– Boat Clubs: Another cost-effective alternative to purchasing and maintaining a sailboat individually is to join a boat club. Boat clubs grant you access to a fleet of sailboats for a monthly or annual fee. This eliminates the need for individual ownership and the associated expenses. Boat clubs offer various membership levels and allow members to reserve boats for specific dates and durations, providing flexibility and convenience. This is particularly advantageous for individuals who desire the joys of sailing without long-term commitments and heavy financial obligations.

– Membership Fees: Before finalizing your decision, it is essential to consider the membership fees associated with shared ownership or boat clubs. Take the time to compare these fees with the potential cost savings to ensure they align with your budget and sailing needs.

– Availability and Reservations: It is crucial to check the availability of sailboats and the ease of reserving them in your area. Consider the proximity of boat club locations to ensure convenient access.

– Community and Networking: Beyond the financial advantages, shared ownership and boat clubs offer an opportunity to connect with fellow sailing enthusiasts and foster a sense of community. By sharing experiences, knowledge, and resources with other members, you can enhance your overall sailing experience.

Considering shared ownership or boat clubs is a practical way to enjoy the benefits of sailing while minimizing financial obligations.

Do Your Own Maintenance and Repairs

Doing your own sailboat maintenance and repairs saves money and ensures good condition. By taking the necessary steps, you can effectively Do Your Own Maintenance and Repairs.

1. Regularly inspect your boat for damage or wear. Check the hull for cracks, inspect rigging for fraying or corrosion, and examine sails for tears or holes.

2. Learn basic maintenance tasks like cleaning, changing oil and filters, and checking and replacing spark plugs. This way, you can confidently Do Your Own Maintenance and Repairs.

3. Invest in a versatile set of tools including wrenches, pliers, screwdrivers, and electrical testers. These tools will aid you in successfully completing Do Your Own Maintenance and Repairs.

4. Educate yourself on more complex repairs like fixing leaks, repairing electrical systems, and replacing parts. By learning these skills, you will be equipped to effectively Do Your Own Maintenance and Repairs.

5. Be proactive in addressing issues to prevent them from becoming costly problems later. By taking proactive measures, you can efficiently Do Your Own Maintenance and Repairs, saving both time and money.

By doing your own maintenance and repairs, you save money and develop a better understanding of your boat, boosting your confidence in handling any issues that may arise. So, take charge and confidently Do Your Own Maintenance and Repairs.

Take Advantage of Cost-Saving Opportunities

To efficiently manage the expenses associated with owning a sailboat, it is crucial to capitalize on various cost-saving opportunities. These approaches include:

Making use of discounts and promotions provided by marinas and boat clubs. These organizations frequently offer reduced rates for services such as mooring or slip fees, as well as other facilities.
Engaging in co-ownership of a sailboat with other individuals or families to distribute the costs and enhance affordability.
Whenever feasible, handle your own maintenance and repairs. Acquiring basic boat maintenance skills can substantially reduce expenses related to labor costs.
Prior to purchasing equipment, accessories, and supplies for your sailboat, conduct thorough research and compare prices. Look out for sales, discounts, and consider buying used items in good condition to cut down on expenses.
Seek out opportunities to save on fuel, water, and propane. Look for marinas or fuel stations that provide boaters with discounts or loyalty programs.

By implementing these strategies, one can effectively reduce the overall cost of sailboat ownership and ensure a more affordable boating experience.

Some Facts About How Much Does It Cost To Own A Sailboat:

✅ The initial purchase cost of a sailboat can vary depending on factors such as type, size, condition, and whether it’s new or used.
✅ Financing options are available for those who can’t afford to buy a sailboat outright.
✅ Maintenance costs for a boat can be around 10% of its value per year, and unexpected repairs may also be necessary.
✅ Owning a sailboat can be affordable, with prices ranging from $1,500 for a used sailboat to $250,000 for a new sailboat.
✅ The average price of new sailboats is $250,000, ranging from $96,000 to $654,000.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. how much does it cost to buy a sailboat.

The cost of buying a sailboat can vary depending on factors such as type, size, condition, and whether it’s new or used. For example, a new sailboat can cost anywhere from $96,000 to $654,000, while a used sailboat can range from $19,000 to $518,000. Popular sailboats such as the Catalina 30, Islander 36, Contessa 32, Pearson 34, and Nordic 40 have different asking prices.

2. What are the annual components of owning and operating a sailboat?

The annual costs of owning and operating a sailboat include maintenance costs (around 10% of the boat’s value per year), insurance costs (approximately 1.5% of the boat’s value), mooring or berthing costs (varying based on location and convenience), off-season storage ashore fees (cheaper than marina berths), and additional expenses for upgrades and repairs.

3. What is the true cost of boat ownership?

The true cost of boat ownership goes beyond the initial purchase price. It includes various other expenses such as the price of the boat and additional equipment needed for sailing (capital cost), finance costs (if a loan is taken), depreciation (which may not be significant for well-maintained used boats over 5 years old), insurance costs, mooring or berthing fees, off-season storage ashore charges, and ongoing maintenance and upgrade costs.

4. How much are the hidden costs of owning a sailboat?

Owning a sailboat involves additional costs that might not be immediately apparent. These hidden costs include inspection fees, necessary add-ons for safety, potential repairs, and unforeseen expenses that may arise during ownership. It is important to factor in these hidden charges when budgeting for a sailboat.

5. What are the monthly expenses associated with sailboat ownership?

Monthly expenses for owning a sailboat may include maintenance costs (ranging from $2,000 to $3,000), mooring or docking fees, insurance premiums, fuel costs, electricity bills, dining out expenses, internet access fees, personal care and clothing expenses, and entertainment costs. These expenses can vary depending on individual preferences and lifestyle choices.

6. How can I make money from owning a sailboat?

While owning a sailboat does come with expenses, there are potential ways to offset costs or even make money. Some sailboat owners choose to rent out their boats when not in use, participate in boat chartering programs, or offer sailing lessons. It is important to research and understand the legal and financial implications of such endeavors.

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Average Sailboat Price

Last Updated by

Daniel Wade

June 15, 2022

Sailboat costs vary, but we can get a general idea by studying the market and using a few examples.

The average cost of a new cruising sailboat is about $250,000. Prices for new boats typically range from $100,000 to $500,000. The average price of a used cruising sailboat is between $10,000 and $100,000.

In this article, we'll break down the average prices of different sailboats by type, age, condition, and size. We'll also go over the factors that contribute to the price and how much you can expect to pay for different popular features.

We sourced the information used in this article from sailboat pricing guides and the manufacturers of new cruising vessels. We also performed our own analysis of the used sailboat market.

Table of contents

‍ Factors that Contribute to Sailboat Cost

There are a number of factors that contribute to the cost of a sailboat. They differ based primarily on the market they're sold in. For example, a used sailboat's condition will affect its price, but this detail is irrelevant to a new sailboat.

New Sailboat Pricing Factors

New sailboats can be very costly, and prices have gone up over the last few decades. Sailboats are no longer the common family accessory that they were at the height of the 1960s and 1970s fiberglass boat era. This means that fewer companies produce them.

Additionally, the equipment found in sailboats today is far more effective and technologically advanced than it once was. In the 1970s, a sailboat with ducted central heating and air conditioning was unthinkable, but it's standard on a lot of boats today because that's what consumers expect.

The primary factors that contribute to the cost of a new sailboat are size, material, standard equipment, and the level of fit-and-finish.

Size is the single biggest contributing factor. Let's use the popular 31-foot Catalina 315 as a benchmark. This is one of the smallest sailboats made by Catalina today, and it starts at $163,000. This boat is pretty basic, so we can safely say that it's on the low end of the new boat cost scale.

Now let's look at its big brother, the Catalina 355. This 35-foot sailboat has a similar level of fit-and-finish, so we can pretend it's just a stretched version of the Catalina 315. This vessel starts at around $231,000, which is significantly more expensive for an extra five feet in length.

Standard Equipment

An entry-level, base-model cruising sailboat has very little extra equipment, even today. These vessels can be optioned out with everything from powered winches and autopilot to radar and air conditioning. Let's pick a few options and compare pricing.

Air Conditioning: $1,859
Radar: $1,878
Power Winches: $1,485 each (assume 2 are installed, so $2,970)
Autopilot: $2,000
Bow Thruster: $2,165
Total: $10,872

As you can see, just a few popular additional options can add up to a significant cost increase. And we just used the cost of the equipment itself—not installation. This is compounded as size increases, as larger boats require larger machines to achieve the same effect (with the exception of radar in most cases).

Fit and Finish

Fit and finish are major contributors to sailboat pricing, especially with brand new boats. For example, substituting composite countertops for stone or marble can cost thousands. Plus, the use of finer woods, metals, and fixtures can easily double or triple the overall cost of furnishings.

Used Sailboat Pricing Factors

Factors that contribute to used sailboat costs are a bit less dramatic, but they're more difficult to predict. For example, the same boat with the same equipment may sell for 20% more if it's five years newer. The primary contributors to used sailboat costs are age, type, size, and condition.

Overall Condition

Condition is the biggest factor in used sailboat pricing, as it is a direct contributor to the cost of maintenance. How much work needs to be done before the vessel is clean, comfortable, and safe? This is why boats with damage can be a great deal if you're willing to do the work.

Older sailboats simply cost less—to a point. This rule doesn't apply to classic vessels, especially if they're in pristine condition. But virtually every fiberglass sailboat that's older than 20 or 30 years is going to be pretty affordable compared to late-model vessels.

Vessel Type

Cruising sailboats tend to cost more than light sport sailboats, especially as you go further back in age. This is because cruising sailboats are better equipped and more comfortable and thus more desirable to the market as a whole.

Average New Cruising Sailboat Cost

The average cost of a new cruising sailboat is about $250,000. This number is taken from analyzing new sailboat listings of various sizes, with the average being about 35 feet in overall length.

New cruising sailboats range in price from around $150,000 to well north of $500,000 for large and custom models. Aluminum sailboats cost significantly more than fiberglass models, and steel tends to fall somewhere in the middle.

The price of wooden boats is virtually impossible to ballpark until plans are examined, and materials are sourced. Plywood boats cost less than hardwood boats by a significant margin, as there's only a handful of people alive who are competent classical boatbuilders.

Used Cruising Sailboat Cost

Used cruising sailboats are significantly less expensive than new ones. On average, the price of a 20 to 30-year-old cruising sailboat in excellent, voyage-ready condition is between $30,000.

The price of used cruising sailboats ranges from $5,000 for older vessels and $150,000 for late-model cruisers. The cost occasionally soars past $200,000 for special models, especially high-tech luxury yachts.

Can You Finance a Sailboat?

Yes, it's entirely possible to get a loan for a new or used sailboat. It's usually easier to get a loan for a sailboat than a powerboat, and it's also much less expensive to insure. Sailboat loans can be more difficult to get and more costly than car or house loans, but good credit goes a long way.

The average interest rate on a sailboat loan ranges from 4% on the low end to 7% for riskier and smaller loans. New sailboat loans are different, as the amount of money involved usually lowers the interest rate.

Average Price to Build a Sailboat

The great thing about building a sailboat is that the only financial price you pay is the cost of materials. A sailboat can be constructed by a relatively unskilled individual today thanks to modern boatbuilding methods such as stitch-and-glue plywood construction.

The cost of materials varies widely between boats. A small wooden sailboat built from white oak can cost significantly more than a larger sailboat built of steel, and a fiberglass sailboat of any size is usually the cheapest option.

The highest costs, other than wood, are usually due to the price of marine epoxy. A one gallon can of good boat epoxy can easily cost $100 or more, and you'll need many gallons to complete the most modest boatbuilding projects.

Unless you're building a small open-cockpit sailboat, you can expect to pay in the tens of thousands for materials. These costs can eclipse $50,000, but it's still significantly cheaper than hiring a custom boatbuilder. That said, custom boatyards are the way to go for professional fit-and-finish.

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

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Average Sailboat Prices: 27 Helpful Examples (With Pictures)

The average price of used sailboats is around $21,000, but new boats cost $60,000 on average and upwards. Some used boats can be purchased for less than $10,000, depending on their age, size, and condition. This is because pre-owned sailboats have about 80 percent of the market share.

You will find models from the early 1960s still racing across the Pacific and Atlantic like new. So what are your options?

Below, we provide a comprehensive list of enduring sailboat designs:

You can also check out our in-depth guide for more information on general boat average prices. In this guide, we have included a long list of boat types

Table of Contents

27 Good Examples When Looking At Sailboat Prices

1) tayana 37.

Marine designer Robert Perry is arguably one of the most prolific in the boatbuilding world.

His Tayana 37 is one of the most popular production sailboats of all time, with over 650 built.

The Tayana 37 features a sturdy fiberglass hull and a balsa-cored deck for smooth and comfortable circumnavigation.

It comes with a variety of customizations, including different rigs, decks, accommodation, and more.

However, the early boats have V-berths, a high-aspect-ration rig, and a luxurious teak-trimmed interior.

Measuring 36’8″ in length with a displacement of 24,000 pounds, the Tayana 37 is one of the best world cruisers ever made. While production stopped in 2016, you can get one for $34,000 to $65,000.

2) Catalina 22

Depending on the production year, the ubiquitous Catalina 22 can be as low as $4,000 or up to $15,000 for recent models.

This trailerable sailboat was first built in 1969 and enjoyed popularity thanks to its family-friendliness and compact design.

With over 10,000 boats commissioned, the Catalina 22 and its successors Catalina 27 and Catalina 30 are a permanent feature at lakes, rivers, and the high seas.

Despite its size, the Catalina 22 can hold its own in rough seas thanks to the hand-laid fiberglass hull. It is spacious below deck and comes with all the facilities you need to feel at home.

Whether you are a club racer or weekend cruiser, this dependable platform offers one of the best values for money when you want to spend quality time on the water. If you get one with a trailer, that can save you a lot of money on marina and storage fees over time.

3) Hunter 356

Starting in 2000, Glenn Henderson’s Hunter 356 took the sailboat industry by storm.

500 boats later, the 356 is still one of the best high-performance sailboats in its class.

This boat features a solid and balanced hull, shoal draft, and exceptional sailing qualities.

It has a sleek design, a clutter-free cockpit, and is easy to handle.

Early production Hunter 356s are available for less than $60,000.

Hunter Marine no longer produces the 356, but the sailboat is still popular among sailors old and young.

4) Contessa 26

The compact Contessa 26 was designed by David Sadler and Jeremy Rodgers in the 1960s. It blew into the limelight when it helped Tanie Aebi complete her solo circumnavigation.

This fiberglass monohull is a sturdy and dependable vessel, and around 650 are voyaging across the oceans today.

She has a low freeboard, and the rudder is attached to the keel in a strong, traditional manner.

While you may have to bend a bit to access the cabin, there is plenty of space and amenities to deliver a home-away-from-home feel.

This is one of the most popular British sailboats and is most sought after by long-distance ocean sailors or just someone who wants a classic sailboat.

You can get a well-kept boat of this type for less than $10,000 or over $20,000.

The sister ship Contessa 32 is also a well-built model popular among sailors.

5) Island Packet 31

If you love sailing in shallow waters, the Island Packet 31 is designed for the shoal draft needed to safely navigate Florida waters.

Featuring a solid fiberglass hull, the 31 has an end-grain balsa core deck, which gives it a powerful and solid feeling.

The boat is roomy, comfortable, and is designed to be simple to use and maintain.

While her seagoing credentials might not be the best, the Island Packet 31 is a vintage liveaboard yacht with all the trappings of royalty.

This boat costs about $35,000 to $50,000.

6) Bristol 40

This Ted Hood design is one of the best cruising boat designs of all time.

Featuring a narrow beam and solid hull, the Bristol 40 has a low freeboard, large overhangs, and exceptional seaworthiness.

Its long keel carries an attached rudder for excellent tracking and stability.

The Bristol 40 has a relatively small interior with separate cabins , sea berths, and an enclosed head.

This boat was produced in keel or keel/centerboard configuration and came with the powerful Atomic 4 gas engine. Many have been upgraded to diesel engines.

If you want a vintage racing sailboat that can deliver an impressive pace in the water, consider one of these.

The Bristol 40 was produced from 1966 to 1986, and you can get one for $29,000 to $49,000.

7) Cape Dory 30

This 30-footer introduced in 1976 is a popular sailboat for people on a budget.

It boasts a robust design with a solid single hull, balsa-cored deck, and extensive bronze and teak hardware in the interior and exterior.

Like the Bristol 40, this boat has its rudder attached to the keel for stable tracking and safety, but not as much overhang in the stern. The space below the deck uses a traditional design. But this tried and tested design is still ruling the waves.

For more room and improved handling, you can check out the bigger Cape Dory MK11, which comes at over $50,000.

If you live on the West Coast of the United States, chances are you’ve seen one of these beauties.

Over 400 units of the Gulf 32 were produced, and the boat’s durable construction and beautiful design make it a good fit for many sailors.

It features a flush cambered deck, a sweeping sheer, and a low profile pilothouse, making it stand out on the water.

Specifications for the boat differ because it was built by two different boatyards. However, all Gulf 32 boats have a cavernous interior, comfortable wood finishes, and motorsailer dimensions.

Good samples of this model go for $24,000 to $39,000 but check the side decks for delamination.

9) Endeavour 37

The Endeavour 37 is the successor of the successful Endeavour 32.

It is available as a sloop and ketch and comes with a powerful Perkins 4-108 diesel to provide good power for its heavy design.

The Endeavour 37 can be slow going upwind because of its weight but offers comfortable and smooth rides.

The hull is single fiberglass, and the interior comes with plenty of plywood, although the craftsmanship is exceptional.

The boat could have two aft cabins with a convertible dinette forward or a single aft cabin with a V-berth forward.

It sells for $20,000-$49,000.

10) Tartan 37

The Tartan 37 is one of the three 37-footers Tartan Marine built over the years and the most popular.

This boat has a balsa-cored hull and deck and external lead ballast. The bulkheads are firmly tabbed to the deck to provide good structural strength.

With over 500 built, the Tartan 37 is a fast boat ideal for racing.

You can still find these boats for $23,000 and upward.

11) Islander 36

As the name suggests, the Islander 36 is a 36-footer sailboat designed by the Australian Alan Gurney for Islander Yachts.

It features a skeg-mounted rudder, fin keel and has a solid fiberglass hull.

Unlike most sailboats with end-grain balsa deck, the Islander 36 uses plywood, which increases weight and can be stronger, but it can also get wet from leaks in the deck and rot.

What the boat excels at is the interior space.

The boat’s wide beam allowed the builder to provide more accommodation, unlike other boats in its category.

Over 1,000 units of this boat were built, and you can buy one for $22,000 and above.

12) Hallberg-Rassy 35 Rasmus

This Olle Enderlein design features a center cockpit, a huge windscreen, and a full keel for improved stability and handling.

It has all the amenities of a small home, including a saloon, galley, main cabin, v-berth, and enclosed head.

The sailboat has a solid fiberglass construction and rides well in choppy waters.

A 75HP Volvo Pentad MD21 diesel supplements wind power, making this boat a reliable cruiser.

The boat sells for about $30,000.

13) Dufour Arpege 30

You might not hear of this boat builder often, but it was one of the most successful in France and beyond.

The Arpege 30 sports luxurious facilities include stylish sea berths, a large galley, and plenty of forepeak storage compartments.

This 30-footer was so popular over 1,500 were sold from 1966 onward.

If you need a classic sailboat with high-end performance and fittings, this weekend cruiser is it.

One of these beauties goes for around $18,000

14) Mason 43/44

The Taiwan-built Maison 43/44 from Al Mason is a fast, comfortable, and reliable oceangoing sailboat.

These boats were first introduced as the Mason 43 and upgraded to the Mason 44 in 1985.

The boat has a full keel and a cutter rig and rides well in the sea.

There are double-berth cabins fore and aft, a galley, and everything a small family or couple needs to cross any ocean in comfort.

These beautiful boats are still found in docks worldwide and go for $60,00 to over $120,000.

15) Nor’Sea 27

This 27-footer designed by Lyle Hess is one of the most affordable and ocean-capable sailboats still in production today.

Despite being compact enough to move by trailer from one boating hotspot to another, the Nor’Sea 27 can take you safely across any ocean.

Don’t be fooled by its small size; this is a solid boat that can withstand a heavy bashing at sea.

It has a lapstrake fiberglass hull, a full keel, sturdy bulwarks, and a round stern for exceptional seaworthiness.

The Nor’Sea 27 featured a bowsprit and extended anchor roller, giving it a traditional sailboat appearance.

If you need an affordable sailboat that can circumnavigate the world, the Nor’Sea 27 is a capable cruiser that won’t hurt your purse.

You can get a 1981 model for less than $30,000.

16) C&C Landfall 38

If you need a highly maneuverable sailboat, fast, and has exceptional cruising capabilities, one of the best examples is the Landfall 38.

This boat was produced in the shallow draft and deep fin configurations, and later versions gained 1700 pounds in weight.

However, this didn’t dampen the boat’s performance in bluewater environments.

The Landfall 38 was one of the first boats to feature a hull and deck with end-grain balsa coring, making it light and increasing stiffness.

There are a keel-stepped mast, through-bolted deck hardware, and a spade rudder, which provides improved control and sailing performance in all weather.

The interior is lavishly finished in teak, and the aft cabin has a double berth.

These boats were equipped with a venerable Yanmar diesel engine and sails upwind like a racer.

This boat costs around $33,000, and the last units were built in 1987.

17) Gulfstar 50

Gulfstar 50 is one of the most comfortable family-sized sailboats in the world. Gulfstar also made versions from 36 feet to 60 feet.

Despite its luxurious trims and decent performance, the 50-footer from Gulfstar Yachts is affordable considering its features.

It features a center console cockpit, which provides for a spacious owner’s stateroom aft.

There is plenty of accommodation for a family or a small group because it was designed for charter. With its solid fiberglass hull and exquisite interior finishing, this boat continues to be one of the most preferred liveaboards for people who choose the sailing lifestyle.

A 1978 model goes for around $99,000.

18) Beneteau 423

This Groupe Finot-designed sailboat is one of the best from the French boatbuilder Beneteau.

It has a solid construction, exceptional speed and is easy to handle even in rough waters. The interior is clutter-free, comfortable, and spacious.

Plus, the 423 is a quality boat that delivers tremendous value for money considering the pedigree and quality.

You can get one for less than $100,000 to around $195,000, based on the year of production and condition.

19) Alberg 30

With over 750 of this boat built over 25 years, the Alberg 30 is one of the most beloved cruising-racing sailboats.

Featuring the wooden boats’ classy look, the Alberg 30 has a full keel, long overhangs, and a low freeboard.

Despite production stopping since 1984, these boats are going strong thanks to durable fiberglass construction and attention to detail.

The Alberg 30 is not the most accommodating by modern standards. But it has a sal0on, a V-berth forward, and an enclosed head aft.

There is also a small galley to starboard, and the design is clutter-free.

If you want to own one of these legendary club racers, you will be surprised they go for as low as $10,000 to $25,000.

The price will often depend on whether the original Atomic 4 gas engine has been upgraded to a diesel engine.

20) Peterson 44

The Peterson 44 was designed by Doug Peterson of the Jack Kelly Yachts in 1975.

This fine boat was designed for long-distance cruising and its center-cockpit style provided ample accommodation and comfort.

You can still find these beautiful boats crisscrossing the oceans , and many of them have circumnavigated.

The Peterson 44 featured hand-laid fiberglass matt and polyester resin roving, making it a solid and dependable cruiser.

It has a three-cabin layout with V-berths, a dinette, and an enclosed head.

The boat is powered by a 62HP Perkins 4-152 Diesel, although a few have 80HP Ford Lehman’s, allowing it to run fast under power.

It is estimated that over 600 hulls of the Peterson 44 were built, and price ranges from around $73,500 to $230,000.

21) Hinckley Bermuda 40

Few sailboats hold their value, like the Bermuda 40 from Hinckley.

This elegant and capable boat was built to exacting specifications with its yawl rig, low freeboard, and sweeping overhangs.

Most used B 40s are still in mint shape because their proud owners well maintain them, many serviced by the boatbuilder. So they retain most of their value even after thousands of miles on the high seas.

Despite its 40-foot length, the Bermuda 40 is limited in space, making it ideal for couples.

It has V-berths forward, which you can convert to a comfortable double bed.

There is plenty of storage space, and the head has a shower and a sink.

The deck is spacious, and the boat handles nimbly even in turbulent waters.

This boat is geared towards traditional sailors who want a top-end boat, as even a base model from 1975 goes for about$90,000.

22) Pacific Seacraft 37

Since its introduction in 1980, the Pacific Seacraft 37 has proven to be one of the best world cruising sailboats in its class.

This boat is fast, comfortable and solidly built for safe passages across the ocean.

It was offered in the cutter and yawl configurations, and its traditional stern style sits atop a modern skeg rudder underbody.

This boat has accommodation for six passengers and every amenity to ensure a comfortable time on the ocean.

She is a prominent feature at the Singlehanded Pacific Yacht Race and other top sail boating events.

This boat is still in production and goes new for around $450,000, so an older used model for less than $100,000 is a good deal.

23) Gemini 3000

A successor to the Gemini 31, the 3000 is the most popular American-built cruising cat on the market.

Featuring a simple design, this highly functional cat is affordable and fast.

Despite its narrow beam, the Gemini 3000 boasts a master stateroom with a queen-size double berth forward.

There are guest staterooms aft of both hulls with two small doubles.

It has a small saloon with a collapsible table with two settees and a galley, converting to a double berth.

This 30-footer can sleep three couples comfortably and will accommodate a family with several small children without issues.

The Gemini 3000 has deep pivoting centerboards for improved performance and directional stability.

Geminis are not considered suitable for bluewater cruising because they are not designed to withstand serious bashing.

However, these cats offer an affordable ticket for a family or group of friends to enjoy coastal cruising. This boat goes for around $35,000 to $65,000.

24) Gunboat 62 (catamaran)

The Gunboat 62 from the same name’s cat builder is one of the safest offshore sailing catamarans in its class. It’s also insanely expensive!

This high-performance cat is perfect for oceanic cruises.

Its innovative design opened up plenty of space for accommodation and recreation.

It features three private cabins, each with queen berths and 2 roomy heads with a separate shower in each hull.

There is a galley, a lounge, a folding dining table, and a full pantry below the deck.

The starboard bow has a crew head, and the port bow houses the crew quarters.

This cat comes with air conditioning, refrigerator, deep freezer, and dishwasher, among others.

The cockpit is lavished with teak, and every part of the boat oozes luxury.

This cat carries a premium price tag of over 2 million dollars.

25) Lagoon 380 (catamaran)

Lagoon 380 is a 4 cabin sailing cat built by Jeanneau.

This cat accommodates 10 passengers and is an excellent platform for cruising across the ocean or lounging on coastal waters.

With over 500 units cruising across the world, the Lagoon 380 has won the heart of many cat sailors as a comfortable and safe platform.

This workhorse comes with an exquisitely furnished interior at an affordable price.

It might not be the fastest catamaran, but the Lagoon 380 provides all the comfort and stability you need to have fun and memorable moments on the water.

These boats go for $400,000 or more, so they may still be out of many sailors’ reach.

26) Catana 50 Carbon (Catamaran)

If you need a light, fast and go-anywhere cat, the Catana 50 Carbon is one of the best on the market.

Using weight-saving carbon fiber, Catana reduced the weight, turning the boat into a racy oceangoing multi-hull.

With this vessel, you get a luxurious interior, ample deck space, superior performance, and easy handling.

This boat costs a whopping $1.3 million at a base price, making it a choice of select premium sailors.

27) Prout Snowgoose 37 (Catamaran)

With an estimated 500 units built, the Prout Snowgoose 37 from Prout boatyard is one of the most popular cats from the UK.

This catamaran features solid construction that allows it to sail across oceans, and many are reported to have completed circumnavigations.

The Prout 37 may not look like the newest designs, but it has a comfortable deck and interior.

Below deck, this boat has two large double cabins aft and a full queen berth forward.

There is a saloon with a large table and wraparound settees.

It has a changing station, a full-length bookshelf, and a large storage starboard hull. And the galley is well-equipped to keep a family well-fed on long voyages.

There are hundreds of Prout Snowgoose 37s plying the world’s ocean, and you can own one for less than $100,000.

2 Ways To Reduce the Cost of Buying a Sailboat

There are two main ways of saving cost when buying a sailboat or any boat. They include:

1) Buying Used Boats

If you’ve followed this article this far, you notice that the most affordable boats on this list are used.

Contrary to many novice sailors’ belief, you can buy sailboats for low prices as long as you do due diligence.

Many models from the last half of the 20th century are available for less than $30,000.

Because most serious sailors are passionate about their hobbies, they take exceptional care of their boats. This makes most sailboats on the market retain their value for many years.

In fact, you can get oceangoing boats of 26-32 feet in almost pristine conditions under $100,000.

The best part is most popular sailboats have a strong following worldwide, and sourcing spare parts won’t be a problem.

2) Partnerships

The other way to reduce the cost of a sailboat is to partner with someone.

Partners will share the purchase cost and other expenses related to the boat. However, this can be problematic.

Sometimes, a partner will not honor their commitment when it’s time to pay.

A partner may spend more time on the boat, and this can lead to conflict over responsibilities.

If you choose this route, it’s better to partner with a family or friend. And have a contractual agreement stipulating the rights and obligations of all the parties involved in the transaction.

Considering that most used sailboats are affordable and in good condition, you can save yourself the potential problems that come with co-owning a boat.

The best way to experience sailing life is to own your boat.

Final Words

Sailboats have come a long way since they became a serious pastime for people in the early part of the last century.

Because of the early sailboats’ quality construction, new sailors have myriad options to choose from without hurting their finances.

You can get a pre-owned offshore capable sailboat for less than $10,000 in many parts of the world.

However, very inexpensive used boats may need many repairs and upgrades, so it is often more inexpensive in the end, too, but a well-maintained and upgraded vessel. If you have a fat purse, you can go for newer, premium sailboats in the hundreds of thousands.

But whatever your budget and sailing dreams, there is a sailboat out there for everybody who dares to explore the oceans.

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How Much Do Sailboats Cost? A Comprehensive Guide

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

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

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

New vs Used Sailboats

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

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

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

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

Size and Type of Sailboats

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

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

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

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

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

Additional Expenses

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

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

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

Other recurring expenses include:

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

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

Maintenance Costs

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

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

Some common sailboat maintenance expenses include:

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

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

SeaMag's Take

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

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

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

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How Much Does An Average Sailboat Cost?

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

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

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

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

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

Relevant: Frequently Asked Questions About Owning A Sailboat

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

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

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

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

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

A partial list of such items may include :

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The world awaits. Good luck.

Enjoy these other boating and cruising articles:

The Unexpected Side Of An Aging Sailor
What Is The Safest Sailboat?
Is Sailing A Cheap Hobby?
What Are The Different Types Of Sailboats?
How Big Of A Sailboat Can One Person Handle?
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Moving From A Sailboat To A Trawler
Sometimes It's All About Simplicity
The Bucket: A True Story
Essential Supplies For Extended Cruising
The Exhausting Need To Keep Up With New Technology
Have A Backup Plan!
Northern Marine Exhaust Systems Are Better
Cruising Boats Come Of Age
Changing Rituals
Did Wisdom Come To The Ancient Mariner?
Going World Cruising? Not So Fast
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Letting Go But Still In Control
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Improving The User Experience
A Paradigm Shift In Cruising
Consider Buddy Boating
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A Boater's 3-to-5 Year Plan
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How Much Does a Sailboat Cost?

Cost of a Sailboat

Sailing enthusiasts and prospective boat owners often find themselves pondering the age-old question: “How much does a sailboat cost?” It’s a question that goes beyond mere curiosity; it’s a crucial consideration when embarking on a journey into the world of sailing. Whether you dream of leisurely cruising the open sea, embarking on thrilling adventures, or living aboard a sailboat, understanding the factors that influence sailboat prices is essential. Therefore, let’s delve into the intricacies of sailboat costs, with insights to assist you in making decisions on your sailing endeavors.

Factors Affecting Sailboat Costs

New vs. Used Sailboats : One of the most significant factors influencing the price of a sailboat is whether it’s new or used. New sailboats come with the allure of the latest technology, pristine condition, and manufacturer warranties. However, they also come with a higher price tag. According to industry data, the average cost of a new cruising sailboat can range anywhere from $100,000 to over $1 million. Brands such as Beneteau and Jeanneau offer models in the $200,000 to $400,000 range. Luxury cruisers from brands like Hanse or catamarans can exceed $500,000. These figures highlight the substantial financial commitment associated with brand new sailboats.
On the other hand, used sailboats offer cost savings, but their price can vary significantly based on age, condition, and previous ownership. According to industry research, well-maintained, newer model used cruising sailboats can range from $50,000 to over $200,000. Older boats or those needing repairs may be less expensive initially but may require additional investment for maintenance. It’s noteworthy that while new sailboats depreciate in value over time, well-maintained used sailboats can provide excellent value for money, often retaining their resale value.
New Small Sailboats: Industry data suggests that small sailboats can range from around $10,000 to $50,000 , depending on size, brand, and features.
Used Small Sailboats: According to statistics, well-maintained, newer model used dinghies or day sailors can range from $5,000 to $20,000. Prices for older boats or those in need of repairs may be even more budget-friendly, making sailing accessible to a broader audience.
Monohull vs. Multihull : Choosing between a monohull and a multihull sailboat can significantly impact the cost. Multihulls, with their two hulls, additional space, and increased stability, come at a premium price, both when new and used. Industry research indicates that multihulls like catamarans and trimarans, can be considerably more expensive than monohulls, reflecting the demand for their unique features and performance.
Brand Reputation : The reputation of a sailboat brand plays a vital role in pricing. Well-known sailboat brands often command higher prices due to their established reputation for quality and craftsmanship. According to industry experts, the brand can influence not only the initial cost but also the resale value of the sailboat. Statistics show that reputable brands like Hanse and Jeanneau tend to have higher price tags compared to lesser-known counterparts.
Features and Amenities : Sailboats come equipped with various features and amenities, such as navigation equipment, safety gear, and comfortable living quarters. These additional amenities can significantly increase the cost, especially in new sailboats. According to industry reports, the cost of additional features and technology can range from $10,000 to $50,000 or more. This can also depend on the complexity and sophistication of the equipment. It’s essential to consider which features are essential for your sailing goals and budget accordingly.
Condition and Maintenance : The condition of a used sailboat plays a critical role in its cost. According to industry experts, well-maintained, newer model used sailboats may command higher prices due to their excellent condition and relatively low maintenance requirements. However, older boats or those in need of repairs could be more affordable initially but may require substantial investment for upkeep. Industry statistics reveal that owners often allocate 10-15% of the boat’s initial purchase price annually for maintenance and repairs.

Average Sailboat Prices

Now that we’ve explored the factors affecting sailboat costs in detail, let’s delve into some average price ranges for different types of sailboats:

New Cruising Sailboat: On average, a new cruising sailboat can cost anywhere from $100,000 to over $1 million, according to industry data. Popular brands like Beneteau and Catalina offer smaller cruising models in the $200,000 to $500,000 range. These types of vessels are also quite popular as charter boat brands. Luxury cruisers from brands like Hanse or catamarans can exceed well over $500,000. These figures underscore the substantial financial investment associated with owning a new cruising sailboat.
Used Cruising Sailboat: Prices for used cruising sailboats vary widely based on age, condition, and size. Well-maintained, newer models can range from $50,000 to over $200,000, offering an attractive value proposition for budget-conscious buyers. Older boats or those needing repairs may be less expensive initially but may require additional investment for maintenance. It is always highly recommended to have thorough inspections and cost assessments before purchasing a used sailboat.
New Small Sailboats: According to industry statistics, small sailboats can range from around $10,000 to $50,000 , depending on size, brand, and features. These figures highlight the accessibility of sailing for beginners and hobbyists who seek budget-friendly options.
Used Small Sailboats: Well-maintained, newer model used dinghies or day sailors can range from $5,000 to $20,000, making sailing an affordable and enjoyable pursuit. Prices for older boats or those in need of repairs may be even more budget-friendly, encouraging newcomers to explore the joys of sailing.

Financing Your Sailboat

Sailboats can be a significant financial investment, and financing options are essential considerations:

Loans: According to financial data, many people choose to finance their sailboat purchase through bank loans or other lending institutions. It’s crucial to ensure that monthly payments align with your budget and explore various lenders for the best terms. Industry experts recommend keeping monthly boat loan payments to 15% or less of your monthly income for comfortable affordability.
Boat Dealers: Some boat dealers may offer financing options or payment plans. However, it’s essential to research these options thoroughly and compare them with outside lenders to secure the most favorable terms.
Savings and Assets: Some individuals may use savings or sell assets to fund their sailboat purchase. It’s a viable option for those who wish to avoid loan commitments and interest payments.

Considerations Prior to Purchase

It is always recommended to have thorough inspections on a used boat prior to purchase. Boats can always have hidden repairs needed and having a professional go through a marine survey can potentially save you $100s-$1000s . A marine survey could even completely change your mind on the purchase at hand.

When possible, you should try to have an out-of-water survey and a trial run (in-water) survey. If there is an inboard motor, then it is also a smart decision to have a sampling test on the engine taken as well. The cost of a survey varies based on a number of factors. However, on average you can expect to spend anywhere from $500-$1000 on a proper survey . This not only will assist you in making your purchase decision and whether your are getting a good deal on the boat, but it also gives your a great maintenance list on the vessel if you do decide to purchase.

Final Thoughts

In the world of sailing, the cost of a sailboat can vary significantly, catering to a wide range of budgets and preferences. Understanding the factors that influence the cost of a sailboat is crucial to making informed decisions. Whether you’re considering a new or used sailboat, a small dinghy, or a luxurious cruiser, careful planning, research, and budgeting are essential. As you embark on your sailing journey, the answer to the question, “How much does a sailboat cost?” will be tailored to your unique aspirations and financial circumstances. By exploring the facts, figures, and statistics provided, you’ll be well-equipped to set sail on your maritime adventure with confidence and clarity.

Want to learn more about sailboats, chartering, or anything on the sea? Take a look at the rest of our blog or book a charter today and we can chat for hours while sailing in Charleston, SC!

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How Much Do Sailboats Cost 2024? The Average Prices

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

‍W hat Factors Affect The Cost Of A Sailboat?

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

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

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

New or Used

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

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

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

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

Average Prices Of 22ft yachts

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

Average prices of 40ft – 45ft yachts

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

Monohull or Multihull

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Average Cost Of A New Cruising Sailboat

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

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

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

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

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

Here are some examples:

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

Used Cruising Sailboat Prices

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

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

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

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

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

How Much Does A Small Sailboat Cost?

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

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

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

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

How Do People Finance Sailboats?

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

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

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

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

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

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

How Much Does It Cost To Build A Sailboat?

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

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

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

Where Is The Cheapest Place To Buy A Sailboat?

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

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

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

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

Conclusion: How Much Do Sailboats Cost?

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

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

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

Happy sailing!

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How much does it cost to sail around the world? The real costs of liveaboard cruising

Helen Fretter
January 11, 2018

Terysa Vanderloo looks at the real cost of liveaboard cruising, and shares some tips on how to budget

Two years ago my partner Nick and I set off from the UK to fulfill our dream of sailing around the world . We had spent many years planning for this moment, and had dedicated a huge amount of thought to all aspects of our cruise, including, of course, the biggest consideration of all: cost.

We had extensively researched how much it would cost us to sail around the world and, to our mild alarm, had not come up with any firm figure. Some costs were easy to estimate, such as the expense of the boat itself, insurance, as well as all the obvious equipment that must be included on a trip such as ours. However, it was our ongoing monthly costs that were the real mystery, and this continued to be the case until the day we set off.

We originally budgeted for a total of £2,500 per month. This would include all expenses except for the occasional large and unexpected outgoing, which would come out of a separate slush fund. Our budget was simply based on our projected take-home income from our rental properties, rather than any evidence that this amount would be correct, or even sufficient. We really had no idea how much we’d be spending on fuel, groceries, repairs and maintenance – only time and experience would provide us with that information.

Provisioning is often cheaper in Europe, although marina costs often outweigh any savings. Photo: Terysa Vanderloo

While in the BVIs we met a couple who had an incredibly beautiful 55ft brand-new, semi-customised catamaran. Unfortunately, after 18 months of cruising, they had run out of money and were now forced to go back to work. We were a little baffled: why didn’t they buy a slightly less expensive boat, and use those savings to fund an extended cruise? It became evident to us that they had vastly underestimated their monthly expenses and the running costs of such a large, valuable yacht. Their insurance alone made my eyes water.

The yacht purchase itself is obviously going to be the biggest expense for anyone planning to go cruising, and this couple’s experiences highlighted the importance of buying a boat that you can afford to run, and not spending so much that you’re subsequently limited by an uncomfortably small monthly budget.

Living costs

Our monthly expenses have been relatively stable since setting off two years ago. We have sailed the UK, the Atlantic coast of Europe, Morocco, the Canary Islands, the Caribbean, the Bahamas, and the USA. It has been our experience that where you might make some savings in one respect, another cost will end up escalating.

In Europe, for example, provisioning was a joy not only because of the ready availability of fresh fruits, vegetables, seafood and meat, but also because the cost of food was so reasonable. As such we ate a varied and healthy diet, washed down with local and inexpensive wines and beers. Our monthly costs for provisioning were low, but due to the lack of plentiful anchorages, we spent almost all our time in marinas.

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Conversely, in the Caribbean and the Bahamas we rarely had to enter a marina and anchoring was almost always free (and far more pleasant). However, provisions were costly. Almost everything is imported and eating out was rarely an option due to the extremely high prices (it was often cheaper to go out for a meal in central London).

We’re planning to head to the South Pacific next year and have been warned about the high costs associated with sailing in that area. Our friend Behan Gifford shared her advice. She, her husband Jamie, and their three children have sailed across the Pacific, spent time in Australia and Asia before transiting the Indian Ocean and cruising Africa.

They then sailed across the Atlantic before continuing their journey towards the Caribbean and the USA. They offer a consultation service for clients who are interested in living aboard and Behan says that budget is one of the most important facets of the cruising lifestyle that she advises on.

Optional big ticket items may include a parasailor

She breaks costs into three sectors: the bigger fixed annual costs (such as boat insurance and health insurance), variable monthly costs (such as groceries, marina/mooring fees, cruising permits, and fuel) and discretionary spending (dining out, entertainment and excursions).

Fixed costs, for example, will be similar for each cruiser, although it sometimes depends on your boat size and value, such as boat insurance (which is generally between 1.5% and 3% of the boat’s value). Variable monthly costs can be adjusted to suit budget and will depend on a number of factors: some cruisers sail everywhere no matter how light the winds, others will happily turn on the engine and burn diesel to get to their destination a bit faster. Everyone has different habits when it comes to things like buying alcohol, eating local versus imported food, and internet data usage.

Finally, discretionary spending is clearly optional, depending on budget and personal preference. Based on seven years sailing around the world, Behan believes that for most people £1500-£2500 per month is realistic (and, of course, anywhere upwards of that).

Behan and her family have experienced significant variation in costs from one region to another. Australia, for example, is one of the most expensive countries for cruisers due to high provisioning and labour costs; Asia on the other hand is almost ludicrously cheap with a few exceptions such as Singapore (which she describes as a “costly but fun splurge”).

Personal choices

However, despite this, for most cruisers the actual cost per month remains very similar: instead, it is lifestyle and spending habits that change depending on region, rather than money actually spent.

For example, in Thailand Behan and her family often ate out, went on excursions and had boat work done due to the low labour costs. This relative extravagance drove their cruising costs up.

When sailing the South Pacific however, they were very careful with provisioning, rarely entered marinas and refrained from going on costly dives or inland tours. Consequently, they were able to stick to their budget, despite the high local prices.

Doing running repairs such as electrical and engine maintenance yourself can be cost saving, but you should have a contingency fund for jobs that need professional work. Photo: Tor Johnson

This is where forward planning can help enormously with keeping your costs low. While in the USA, Behan and her family stocked up with consumer goods that are cheaper in the States.

They chose to do boat work and maintenance in Mexico and Asia where it was relatively affordable, rather than areas like Australia where such costs are high. They provisioned for their season in the Pacific while still in Mexico and therefore needed only to top up with fresh food in the islands.

There is no definitive answer to the question ‘How much does it cost to sail around the world?’. A better question to ask yourself is what kind of lifestyle you’d be happy with? Or what sacrifices and compromises you’d be willing to make?

Nick and I don’t have an extravagant lifestyle. However, we like eating out once or twice a week, treating ourselves to the occasional stay in a marina, and once in a while we’ll pay for an excursion or hire a car. We also knew from the beginning that we’d need to fly home once a year to see family, so boat storage costs and flights are two of our biggest expenses. Every cruising family or couple will have their own different priorities.

One thing is for certain, Nick and I – and almost every other cruiser we’ve met in the past two years – agree that the compromises to are entirely worth it. And another thing to keep in mind: no matter the difference in budget between the 32-footer living on a shoestring, and the multi-million dollar yacht next door, we all swim in the same gin-clear water, and have the same view of the golden sunset.

Cost-saving tips

Behan and I agree that a budget of £1500-£2500 per month is realistic for most bluewater sailors, but there are many cruisers living far more modestly. Holly and Simon are sailing around the Caribbean with their one-year-old daughter and dog.

They get by perfectly well on a budget of £570 per month, which includes everything apart from major repairs. To stick to this budget, they are very careful with their provisioning, spend all their time at anchor, limit the amount of fresh water they use, and do all servicing and repairs themselves.

Local produce is usually the most affordable, although you may have to pay fishing permit charges if you want to catch your own. Photo: Terysa Vanderloo

“We very rarely eat out [in restaurants] and when we do it’s a disappointment anyway,” says Holly. “You can find amazingly cheap, local food from little shacks around the Caribbean for a fraction of the price of the restaurants.”

Staying put also keeps their costs down. Moving from one island or country to another always incurs fees and charges. This is even more pertinent when traveling with a pet, which often requires expensive checks, vet visits and paperwork when clearing in and out.

Asked what the main sacrifices she has had to make are, she immediately answers: “Wine!” Another thing they can’t do on their budget is entertain guests. “Cruising is often about meeting like-minded people, and inviting them over for sundowners and dinner. I’d love to be able to put on a decent spread, especially when someone has done that for us.”

Holly acknowledges that her lifestyle and budgetary constraints are not for everyone. “You have to be very organised, track your outgoings and plan your spending. Sometimes when you have to make sacrifices or unforeseen costs crop up it can really get you down; but on the other hand it feels very rewarding being self-sufficient and not wasteful.”

World sailing equipment

Our biggest costs, after the boat, were the many items of equipment we bought specifically to make offshore and ocean passages safer and more enjoyable: the hydrovane, hydrogenerator, SSB radio, parasailor, a comprehensive first aid kit, a Redbox router, satellite phone and air time, and a Yellowbrick tracker are some of the costlier items we have on our boat.

We estimate the total cost of fitting out a boat for offshore sailing to be no less than £20,000. Needless to say, if buying a used offshore cruising yacht , it’s recommended that you look for boats that already have some of this equipment in place.

Saving approximately 20% of the cost of your boat for running repairs is sensible. For example, Ruby Rose haul out, inspect and antifoul annually at $1,000 per year, will replace batteries every five years at $1,000, and regularly make engine and autopilot repairs that can cost $1,000-2,000.

If you plan to return home, budget for storage. For Ruby Rose , storage costs $12 per foot per month ($480) plus haul-out costs ($400) and hurricane tie downs ($500 one-off charge).

Terysa Vanderloo and her partner Nick are in their third year of sailing around the world on their Southerly 38 Ruby Rose.

They regularly blog and post videos about life as liveaboard cruisers.

If you enjoyed this….

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The Cost of Living on a Sailboat Full-Time (with Examples)

What is the cost of living on a sailboat full-time? And can it be affordable? Yes! Absolutely it can.

It’s a dream for many to leave the land behind with its 9 to 5s, crowded cities, and traffic and take to the sea. To live aboard a sailboat for an extended period, maybe even indefinitely.

However, before casting off and setting sail into the sunset, one of the first questions, and perhaps the first hurdle to living this sailing lifestyle, is knowing how much such an adventure will cost.

Contrary to popular belief, boat life isn’t exclusively for wealthy people. In fact, living on a sailboat can be very affordable. Of course, a lot depends on where you’re planning to sail and what kind of lifestyle you want. Regardless of your budget, there are a number of common costs associated with living on a boat full-time that all sailboat owners should consider.

*All example costs given in $ USD

How Much Does Living on a Sailboat Full-Time Cost?

Living aboard a boat will generally cost somewhere between $500 and $10,000 per month at either extreme. For most, it’s probably somewhere close to $1,500 – $5000.

We spend somewhere around $2,500 per month living on a boat in the Mediterranean . That’s about $1,900 per month in living expenses plus a further $600 per month on boat-related expenses like servicing, repairs, boat insurance, and storage.

At the budget end of liveaboard life, are sailors living on smaller, older boats that they own outright, in areas where they can anchor regularly or have access to cheap mooring. In this case, overheads will be very low. If you can keep living costs down by cooking for yourself, not burning too much fuel motoring (either by sailing everywhere or simply staying put), and reducing maintenance and servicing costs by DIYing everything then live-aboard-life can be very cheap albeit very sparse.

On the other end of the spectrum, families leasing large, new boats that they use to explore widely can easily spend 10s of thousands in a single month.

Your cost of living on a sailboat will be completely dependent upon your own financial situation and personal aspirations for life on a boat. Let’s look at the various costs associated with living on a boat full time.

The Cost of Buying a Boat

One of the most obvious, and certainly the biggest, costs associated with the liveaboard life is the initial cost of purchasing a vessel to live on.

The cost of a boat will depend on your budget and criteria.

Realistically, a safe and seaworthy boat equipped for living aboard and with enough space for an individual or couple starts somewhere around $20,000. This will buy an older boat around thirty feet, but one that is sound and hopefully well maintained. There is no known upper limit for what you can spend on a boat, however, at the pointy end of the cruiser market, newer 50-foot monohulls cost hundreds of thousands of dollars and brand-new catamarans can cost over a million dollars.

To get an idea of how much a boat suitable for you and your crew’s needs will cost in your region head to Yacht World and plug in your criteria.

Other costs associated with purchasing a sailing vessel include:

Pre-purchase survey reports – These are generally charged per foot and can cost between $10 – $25 per foot depending on the region your boat is in. Boat build material may also factor into the cost with wooden boats attracting higher inspection fees.
Insurance – Liveaboard sailboat insurance, including third-party insurance which is almost universally mandatory, will vary substantially based on region, insurer, and boat value. On average an annual insurance policy should fall between $500 and $1,500 annually . Boat insurance is generally cheaper than home or vehicle insurance.
Registration costs, once again will vary from region to region and based on the size of your boat and onboard motor. Registration itself usually costs several hundred dollars for a liveaboard-sized boat . It may be a one-time payment or an annual payment. Be aware, that there may be other costs associated with boat registration, for example, some authorities might require used boats to be hauled and inspected and any issues rectified which can quickly increase the cost of registering your boat.

Costs of Maintaining a Boat

Once you’ve bought a boat, the endless work and expense of maintenance begin immediately.

The old ‘rule of thumb’ is that maintenance costs for a boat will be around 10% of the purchase cost.

Older boats will require more maintenance more frequently and owners should err on the side of caution and may need to budget for more maintenance depending on the age and condition of their boat. There is a lot of equipment on a boat and ‘nautical’ products always seem to attract an inexplicable but hefty premium.

Engine, electrical systems, kitchen, safety equipment, ropes, anchors, sails, rigging, navigation, dinghy, outboard, the hull itself, the list of systems that may require spot repair or total overhaul at any given time goes on and on.

Being able to predict a potential range of maintenance costs will require having an accurate assessment of your maintenance needs. You can do this by keeping careful inventory and monitoring your systems.

Start with the recurring annual costs. For example:

Inboard engine service
Haul out, clean, and paint
Outboard engine service

Next, consider which systems haven’t been updated or are starting to show signs of wear and anticipate potential maintenance or replacement costs. Try to stay on top of these issues as they arise to keep maintenance costs stable. For example:

Sail Service (or Replacement)
Worn out Rigging
Electrical systems
Electronic equipment such as sounders, navigation equipment or VHF radio
Expiring safety equipment like flares, life jackets, EPIRB, and safety raft

Finally set aside some contingency funds, say 10% of the boat’s value to address the unexpected issues that will invariably arise. For example:

Damaged rigging and equipment
Plumbing issues
Engine Issues
Hull damage

For an in-depth look at some average costs for common boat maintenance tasks check out this article by Improve Sailing .

Costs of Mooring a Boat

No matter how ‘off grid’ you plan to get, at one point or another, you will need to moor your boat.

Like everything else, mooring and docking costs are wildly variable. The amount you will spend will depend largely on the size of your boat, how you plan to use it, and where you plan to sail it.

Boat size is perhaps the most significant variable when it comes to mooring. Prices are usually calculated per square meter. The longer and wider your boat is, the more expensive the mooring. For this reason, catamarans are generally the most costly sailboats to moor.

How you use it will also affect the amount of money you spend on mooring fees.

Will you stay in one area year-round? And thus be able to get a much cheaper annual marina berth, rather than transient nightly berths which are much more expensive.
If you plan on sailing your boat far and wide, do you want to spend a lot of time off your boat enjoying new places, attractions, and restaurants on the land?
Are you a novice sailor not comfortable sleeping at anchor or sailing in bad weather
Do you have a smaller boat without amenities like large water tanks, a water maker, or a large solar electrical system to comfortably sustain long periods away from the port?

These questions will help you understand how regularly you might want to moor the boat. However, you probably won’t know for sure until you begin sailing.

The costs of mooring are also very much dependent on where you plan to dock. Even within the same country or region, one place very popular for sailing with many amenities and attractions may be much more expensive than a nearby marina in a less popular area. You can easily research prices for marinas in a particular area to get an accurate idea of prices. If you are planning to remain mostly in one area, consider that long-term leases can offer far cheaper rates than transient mooring prices.

Marinas are the most obvious places to more but also the most expensive. Many regions have mooring buoys or public wharves that might be free to use or be far cheaper than a marina but lack facilities.

To summarise the cost of mooring your boat is highly variable but you can easily calculate a potential range of costs based on your specific situation.

If you have a small monohull and plan to spend the majority of your time on the anchor, only coming into a marina a few times a month in very bad weather or to resupply, and you choose your marinas carefully, you’re mooring costs could conceivably be kept under $100 a month.

If you have a larger catamaran, enjoy the safety and convenience of mooring in marinas, and plan to visit the most beautiful and famous sailing grounds in the world marina fees could easily exceed $2000 a month.

For most, it will be somewhere in between based on personal preference and budget.

Personally, currently sailing in Greece, we spend about $450 a month on marina fees. We have a small boat, a 29-foot monohull but we usually spend two nights in a marina each week, sometimes even more if there is poor weather.

Winter Marina Berth Costs

Sailors in areas with challenging winter conditions may choose to spend the summer months sailing from place to place spending time on anchor and in transient berths, and over winter continue living on their boats but permanently moored inside a marina. These semi-annual marina berths often cost less than berths in the summertime as many boats will be dry-docked and there is no demand for transient berths. Certain marinas have winter communities that return each year to wait out the winter in comfortable marinas with like-minded liveaboards.

Dry Docking

Some seasonal liveaboards may live on their sailboat only for the warmer months, and haul it out each winter for cheap storage. In areas that experience disadvantageous weather in the off-season dry docking your boat for the winter can be a cost-effective solution. Dry docking involves pulling the boat from the water and storing it on the land for the winter. Storing the boat on land is far cheaper than mooring your boat in a marina. Dry docking also provides an opportunity to perform maintenance on the hull.

Costs of Sailing a Boat

The wonderful thing about a sailboat is that the wind is free. Ostensibly you could liveaboard without any costs for traveling save for the costs of maintaining sails and rigging. In reality, if you plan to travel with your boat you may end up using your motor more than you thought. That being said, fuel costs for a moderately sized liveaboard boat (30 – 40 feet) should be negligible especially compared to transport costs on land.

We travel very slowly, we work during the week and do most of our sailing on the weekend. Often we travel less than 50 nautical miles a week. Say we sail half of that time that is 25 nautical miles a week to motor (basically nothing). Our boat tops out at a little over 5 kn. This means we might motor for about 5 hours at top speed we are burning about 2 to 3 liters of diesel an hour. Our fuel consumption is a paltry 10 – 15 liters per week! In 2022 marine diesel costs $2 a liter which puts our fuel costs at $20 – $30 a week.

Some weeks we have to travel more, and some less, sometimes there is more wind, sometimes less but overall fuel costs on our little sailboat are very manageable

Let’s look at the other end of the spectrum, a 50 foot Catamaran that has to cover a lot of ground sailing in a region without much reliable wind, but a lot of swell. Say this boat needs to travel 100 NM a week using only the motor and burns fuel at a rate of 12 liters an hour. With a faster top speed of 8 kn the larger boat might use 150 liters of fuel each week which in the current climate would cost around $300 per week.

Costs of Living on a Sailboat

The day-to-day cost of living on a sailboat will likely be similar to your day-to-day cost of living on land. We have included our budget here as an example of our weekly costs of sailing in the Mediterranean.

This hasn’t changed much for us. We still cook most meals onboard and go out to eat when we are in a marina.

We spend about $80 a week on groceries and another $70 on eating out. However, your own personal grocery budget on land is a pretty good indicator of what you might spend living on a boat.

We spend another $50 a week buying wine and beer and budget a further $50 for going to the bar. We set aside $12 for coffee from a cafe on the weekend.

Phone and Internet

This one comes as a bit of a surprise to most people but our total phone and internet costs are less than $500 per annum. We have one entry-level smartphone that cost $250. We use data-only sims in the places we sail and are currently using a $50 Cosmote Three Month Unlimited Data sim in Greece. When in a marina we can often access marina wifi.

Using this single phone and single prepaid data sim we are both able to work using video conferencing as well as stream television and upload our own movies and photos to social media. The limitations of relying on a smartphone are that you usually need to be in sight of a cellular tower. As we are sailing in Europe and stay close to shore this is not a problem for us. But this might be too limiting for some.

Other phone and internet gear that full-time sailors might consider are mast-mounted wi-fi hot spot which provides a dedicated hot spot 24/7 and greater range than a smartphone thanks to their powerful antennae and positioning. Antenna boosters for wifi and cellular data are also cost-effective ways of increasing your range.

The truth is that cellular data is so cheap and so readily available along the coasts of most major sailing destinations that a modern smartphone is all most sailors will need these days. However, for those intrepid explorers planning long passages far from shore, another solution may be required.

Satellite internet is the only option to stay connected if you plan to sail offshore. The cost of satellite internet has been prohibitively expensive for most for a long time. Startup costs of purchasing entry-level marine satellite dishes cost thousands of dollars and very basic plans with a small amount of data and slow speeds cost thousands more each year. Large amounts of high-speed internet at sea and the infrastructure to deliver it can easily cost 10’s of thousands of dollars.

Hopefully, as satellite internet becomes more widely adopted, the prices of satellite internet comes down giving off shore cruisers an affordable way to access high speed internet.

Entertainment

Boat life is rarely boring. We spend weekends sailing, anchoring in new bays and beaches, swimming fishing, and cooking.

When we reach a new town or city we will often spend a night in a marina, once or twice a week. This gives us the opportunity to leave the boat to explore a new area.

In total our entertainment spend boils down to

Netflix – Free using Mum’s login details
Spotify – $12 per month
Bars – $50 per week
Restaurants – $80 per week

Final Thoughts About the Costs of Living on a Boat

Of course, the cost of living on a sailboat full-time will be different for everyone. The biggest factors will be the boat you buy, how you use it, and where you intend to sail.

Sailing can be bare bones, basic, and frugal, it can be reasonably comfortable and moderately priced or it can be luxurious and mind-bogglingly expensive and everything in between.

Whatever your budget and whatever your sailing style, you are really only limited by your imagination.

Hopefully, we have given you a starting point to think about the cost of living on a sailboat full-time. But if you have any questions or comments please let us know below!

Looking for more sailing content? Have a look at these recent articles:

The 13 Best Sailing Vlogs And Sailing Blogs (According to Us)
10 Things We Hated About Sailing Albania (And 5 Things We Loved)
Buying a Boat In Croatia

Want to save this Cost of Living on a Sailboat Full-Time blog post for later? Pin it!

In 2016, I had been dumped by my girlfriend, fired from my job, and the lease on my house was running out. Facing moving back in with my parents, 26, jobless and alone I decided to listen to the message the universe was trying to send me. I took off on my first solo backpacking trip, with a one-way ticket to Bangkok and a well-thumbed Lonely Planet guide. From there I wandered Southeast and Central Asia, traveled the Great Steppe, and made my way across Russia and throughout Europe.

In Estonia I met Kelli, who, despite having a less frantic travel style, shared my my restless spirit and passion for exploration. Together, we embarked on a new journey, van life. Over four years we travelled across three different continents with three different vans.

In 2022, as the world began to re-open post COVID we took an opportunity to realise a long held dream, to live aboard a sailboat. Since then we have spent two summers in the Mediterranean, sailing and living aboard our little sail boat Whisper. When we aren't sailing we continue to live our nomadic lifestyle, guided by a philosophy of slow travel and self directed adventure be it by van or backpacking.

We find excitement through our journey into the unknown, stillness and content in the beauty of the places we discover and we find ourselves in the vastness of our world.

Hopefully, we can help you find what you're looking for too. Get lost with us and find your own path.

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What you need to know before you buy a sailboat - five steps to prepare for the reality of boat ownership.

Are you new to sailing and already dreaming about buying your first boat? There’s something so alluring and romantic about the idea of buying a boat, cutting the dock lines, and sailing away. This powerful allure is the fuel for a sailing industry that thrives in spite of sailing being perhaps the most impractical mode of transportation that exists in modern times. The idea of sailing is so alluring, in fact, that we often hear about people buying boats and simply casting off, not letting a lack of experience stand in their way.

On one hand, we are impressed by their chutzpah and we root for them. On the other hand, we know that the reality of boat ownership will catch up with many of these starry-eyed newbies sooner or later, who may end up walking away (or running) and selling their boat for much less than was invested in its original purchase, repairs, maintenance, cleaning, berthing, insurance, and upgrades.

The truth is that unless you’re financially very comfortable and can afford to pay others to take care of the grittiest aspects, buying a boat can be in some ways like having a baby – it’s a huge responsibility! All those who come aboard your boat are putting their lives into your hands. Boat ownership can be messy, expensive, risky, stressful, exhausting, and will test your patience. The immaterial rewards can be immeasurable and well-worth these challenges – otherwise we wouldn’t pursue this nonsensical endeavor with such ineffable devotion! (A difference between boat ownership and parenthood is that your child won’t ever leave you in the sea to drown. Or so one would hope!)

Many of us who work for Modern Sailing are, or were at one time, boat owners ourselves, or are directly involved in the care of our fleet, so we have some perspective to offer on this subject. We are dreamers too and nothing thrills us more than aiding and witnessing others making their own sailing dreams come true. Our intention is never to scare you away from your big dream, but as a sailing school, one of our core motives is to help others prepare for the real risks and challenges that come with those cherished dreams. We hope you’ll find this article helpful as you prepare to buy a boat of your own.

1. Learn to Sail Before You Buy a Sailboat 2, Learn What Kind of Sailing You Love to Do 3. Learn About Your Preferred Boat Features and Designs 4. Learn About Sailboat Maintenance, Repair, and Troubleshooting 5. Connect to Community to Support Your Goals 6. How Long Does This Process Take? 7. Need Some Advice?

1. Learn to Sail Before You Buy a Sailboat

There’s a huge learning curve involved both with sailing and with boat ownership. Combining the two at the same time can be a recipe for overwhelm. We often hear stories about intrepid souls with little to no sailing experience who buy a sailboat, read books and watch videos to learn how to sail, and figure out how to repair and maintain the boat’s myriad systems along the way. Some have risen to this challenge, and while we are mightily impressed, we don’t recommend it for everyone! We’ve also heard many stories about some of those intrepid souls who eventually discovered that they, their significant other, or their child(ren) actually hate sailing. Or, they realized that owning a boat costs more in terms of time and money than they can afford. Or worse, their lack of experience led to disaster. The reasons sailors bail out of boat ownership are many and can often be avoided with smart planning and preparation.

We recommend to not start everything all at once. A rational, phased-in approach to your sailing dream will invite enough of the rewards to keep you emotionally invested through the challenges as they come.

Start by not only learning to sail, but by learning whether you and anyone you hope to involve actually enjoy the kind of sailing you dream of doing. Take some sailing lessons, join a sailing club, and expose yourself to as many weather conditions as you possibly can – preferably on OPBs (other people’s boats). In the process, you’ll find out how much you actually enjoy sailing and how well you can tolerate it when conditions are less than ideal.

Some might say they don’t want to waste the time and money on sailing lessons. But, considering that those who come aboard your boat are putting their lives in your hands, and anyone attempting to rescue you from a serious mistake may be putting their life on the line too, we tend to think the investment in lessons is well worth it. Also, you’ll learn the common language for boat parts, lines, and maneuvers, which will make you a better crewmate and a more effective skipper and leader for your own crew someday.

While you’re learning to sail, you’ll be very safe with a US Coast Guard licensed captain as your guide. Experienced instructors know a lot about what can go wrong on a boat, and how to prevent, troubleshoot, and manage problems as they arise. A good sailing instructor will allow you to make minor mistakes as a natural part of the learning process, but will quickly step in to prevent errors that could lead to injury or damage. There isn’t one sailor or instructor on the planet who knows everything about sailing, but the more people you sail with and the more often you sail, the more you will learn, and the better you’ll be prepared.

This level of preparation is worth every penny and every minute, and then some. You are laying a solid foundation of safety and seamanship that will serve you well and contribute to your enjoyment of sailing over the years. Eventually you can even become a valued mentor and the dollars you invested in the beginning will also contribute a legacy of sailing enjoyment for many others.

As you progress in your sailing education, if it turns out you feel less enthusiastic about the realities than you first imagined, you will only be out the cost of lessons and not the cost of an entire boat plus everything you spent on it after buying it. If you enjoy sailing but decide to downsize your goals, you can always continue sailing on OPBs as a member of a sailing club, racing team, or social group.

2. Learn What Kind of Sailing You Love to Do

There are many types of sailboats built for different purposes and waterways, and to know which type is right for you, you’ll need to find out the answers to these questions:

What kind of sailing do you love to do? Are you interested in performance sailing and racing, casual day sailing, extended cruising, or maybe all three?
Will you stick to sheltered inland waters or do you want to explore the coast? Will you ever want to cross an ocean?
What is the biggest sailing goal that you hope to achieve with your boat?

To explore these questions, join a race clinic and try out racing . Go on a few overnight and multi-day charters in the Bay. Join a Pacific Coast Expedition or a Global Destinations Flotilla to get a feel for the ocean. Once you have your ASA 104 certification, take your closest companions on a bareboat sailing charter somewhere exotic and beautiful for a taste of the cruising lifestyle. These are the best ways to find out what kind of sailing you love to do – and therefore what type of sailboat will be best for you.

With prudent weather planning, just about any kind of sailboat is up for the job of crossing an ocean, so we won’t delve into the topic of bluewater boats versus coastal cruisers. However, know that due to weight, ballast, and hull shape, some boats' motion will be more comfortable in a seaway than others. Simply know that it takes time to learn about all the different sailboat models, configurations, and builds, and which are ideal for which purposes.

Take the time to learn what kind of sailor you are so you will know what kind of sailboat you want. There’s also nothing wrong with starting with a boat that’s not well-suited for your biggest sailing goal, as long as you understand and intend before you sign on the dotted line that that this will be your “stepping stone” boat.

3. Learn About Your Preferred Boat Features and Designs

In-mast furling mainsail or lazy jacks and stack pack? Dual helm or single? Monohull or catamaran? Pullman berth or centerline? In-line or U-shaped galley? Do all lines lead to the cockpit, or will crew need to go the mast? The possible configurations of boat features are endless. How will you know what your preferences are until you have sailed a variety of boats and experienced for yourself?

This is one of the best advantages of membership with a sailing school or club. You’ll get to try out a wide variety of boats and learn what features and layouts you like and dislike. This will greatly help inform a wise choice of boat for your purchase.

Take your time learning about different sailboat types and designs. One fun way to learn is to simply hop onto YachtWorld.com and look at boats in your price range. When you see something that catches your interest, do some Internet research on the model. Look for a model “owners’ forum” to see what kind of sailing the model’s owners do and what kinds of common complaints they may have. You’ll learn a lot about boat models on the market this way. When you’re seriously shopping for a boat, you’ll know more about what you’re looking for and what you'd prefer to avoid.

4. Learn About Sailboat Maintenance, Repair, and Troubleshooting

There are thousands of parts and pieces on a sailboat, and all of them are continually embattled by the sun, wind, and saltwater. Only your constant care will keep your boat shiny, safe, and seaworthy.

You may have heard some of these bleak euphemisms about boat ownership:

"BOAT stands for Break Out Another Thousand."
"A boat is a hole in the water that you pour your money into."
"Cruising is mostly just repairing boats in exotic places."
"The two best days in a boat owner’s life: the day you buy the boat and the day you sell it."

As you learn to sail with others, you will inherently begin to learn about some of the common (and uncommon) problems that crop up on sailboats. In the process, you will begin learning from your instructor(s) and fellow sailors about boat systems and how to keep them running.

In addition to the mechanical skills you’ll need to develop for self-sufficiency on the water, be prepared for the costs. It’s a common belief that a boat’s annual maintenance and repairs will cost 10-20% its purchase price – every year. Sometimes it ends up being less than that, sometimes more. Our advice is to always budget for more.

For example, the standing rigging will need to be replaced every 10 to 15 years, and depending on the size of the boat, it can cost $2,000 to $20,000 or more. (Costs increase exponentially with every foot of length.) If you buy an older $20,000 boat and the engine croaks, you can wind up spending another $10-15k or more on a repower alone. An unfortunate incident like wrapping a line around a propeller or a grounding can cost thousands to repair. That’s only three small examples of the countless costly repairs that boats can need. (At Modern, we’ve seen it all!) Don’t forget about the costs of berthing and insurance too.

Don’t let all this scare you off, but give you pause to slow down. Strategize your sailing goals carefully. When you are prepared for the costs and technical challenges, it’s possible to own a boat and go cruising even on a shoestring budget.

There are also alternatives that can help minimize the costs of boat ownership. Sharing ownership (partnership) is one alternative, but ensure you have a legally enforceable agreement with someone you mutually like, respect, and trust.

Placing your boat in a charter fleet under a Yacht Management Services agreement can help ease the burdens of ownership substantially. When you are not sailing your boat, vetted sailors can pay the charter company to sail her, and you will receive a share of the revenue to help offset the costs. The charter company will also manage the details of berthing, cleaning, maintenance, etc. A disadvantage is that it might not be easy to go sailing spontaneously. You'll have to place an advance reservation on your boat if you want to take her out. Other than that, keeping your boat in a charter fleet means that she will contribute to the learning and enjoyment of others while helping to earn her keep.

5. Connect to Community to Support Your Goals

There’s an international maritime rule that requires all mariners to give aid to other mariners in distress, as long as doing so doesn’t jeopardize their own vessel and crew. And as diverse a community as we are, those who are drawn or addicted to sailing automatically share something compelling in common. Stemming from this rule and our shared passion is a general spirit of helpfulness and supportiveness among sailors.

If you jump right in and buy a boat, chances are you will soon connect with a neighbor or neighbors in your marina. Favorite topics of conversation among boat owners is about their biggest mistakes (and commonly other people's mistakes) and their boat’s most vexing issues, so it’s quite possible to pick up knowledge just by talking to other boat owners. Not all, but some sailors will even volunteer to come to your boat and help you troubleshoot. You’ll find this spirit of comraderie and helpfulness in marinas, yacht clubs, anchorages, and seaways worldwide.

A sailing school that is also a charter club offers more than just sailing lessons and certifications. It provides ample opportunities for sailors to practice and learn with and from each other. If you sail frequently, your skills, confidence, and community will grow quickly. Using social sailing forums and tools like the GoSailing app and attending sailing seminars and workshops, boat shows, and other social events for sailors like Latitude 38’s Crew List Party can also help you get connected. Modern Sailing’s weekly newsletter email also helps keep you informed about opportunities in the Bay Area for sailors to connect with and learn from others. Remarkably, when you express genuine enthusiasm and passion for sailing, you will attract others who will feel inspired to help you learn and get connected to the resources you need.

While we all have a responsibility to be as self-sufficient as possible, it’s great to know you always have a community to fall back on when you need a sounding board or get into trouble. One day, you will come across a sailor in need, and remembering all those who helped you on your journey, you will be glad to take your turn as a helper or mentor in your community.

6. How Long Does This Process Take?

In our experience, we have seen sailors go from absolute beginners to boat owners in about 1.5 to 3 years. Of course, you can go faster or slower depending on your schedule, budget, and goals.

The photo featured at the top of this article is of a former student and member, Koren Leslie Cohen , seated on the deck of her very own boat, Sugar . Click on the names to learn about how Koren , Warren Holybee , Scott Corder , and Ken and Linda Hargreaves went from beginners to boat owners in only three years.

7. Need Some Advice?

Are you still feeling unsure about where to begin? Give us a call at (415) 331-8250 or send us an email . Our friendly office team can help you build a sailing education plan to prepare you with the skills and confidence you'll need to get underway.

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Testimonials.

I love sailing in the San Francisco Bay and greatly appreciate everything that MSC has to offer, the classes, clinics, club sails, racing and charters. I enjoy our supportive sailing community and use every opportunity to spend time on the water. After obtaining the certifications from MSC I did my first charter in Croatia in 2022 with my family. It was amazing and we’re looking forward to returning soon!

The vessel was clean and in fine condition - very nice boat for training, well-equipped.

Here are some snaps of Our Saturday, August 20, 2022 Modern Sailing Expedition with Captain Robert Bivin, who was outstanding. Please convey photos and thanks to him. He is an outstanding individual, leader and sailing instructor. His knowledge and experience made us all feel safe and our Farallones Day Trip educational and just amazing.

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Sailo's Boat Calculator

The Sailo Boat Calculator is a tool that allows you to explore, predict, and plan costs and revenues associated to boat ownership. The most important user inputs can be found on the left side of the Cost of Ownership tab. The calculator has built-in models that compute costs as a function of the information provided.

The calculator is organized in multiple tabs that show costs breakdown and allow for detailed customization. For example, the fuel cost tab computes fuel consumption based on the type and size of your boat, estimated HP, and average current gas prices. To make this calculation more accurate you can enter a more exact fuel consumption for your boat and more accurate local gas prices.

The last two tabs are probably the most interesting. The Charter Profit section estimates the income your boat can generate on a platform like Sailo based on charter rates and days rented. Of course we increase maintenance costs due to chartering based on the number of extra days on the water. The Rent vs Buy tab shows a comparison between renting and owning an identical boat to find which option is the most economical and by how much. Note: we assume identical fuel consumption and cost for both rental and personal use. Read more about it here .

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13 Best Cruising Sailboats in 2023 & Why They're Better

If you're interested in long-distance exploration at sea, cruising sailboats are a popular choice. The best cruising sailboats are designed to provide comfort, durability, and seaworthiness. From high-performance cruisers with heirloom-quality materials to versatile boats, there's something in this lineup for your skill level and preference. These boats have raised the bar and are set to provide memorable sailing experiences.

The best cruising sailboats are:

Beneteau Oceanis Yacht 54

Jeanneau sun odyssey 490, x-yachts x49, dufour grand large 460, hallberg-rassy 340, tartan 4300, island packet 420, fountaine pajot saona 47, lagoon 450f, bavaria cruiser 46.

One aspect that sets these sailboats apart is their focus on innovation and performance. Let's take a closer look at the 13 best cruising sailboats of 2023 and explore what makes them stand out from the rest.

These cruising sailboats feature spacious interiors, sturdy hulls, and versatile sail configurations.
These sailboats are equipped with navigation and communication systems, as well as additional features such as watermakers, generators, and refrigeration systems.
You can buy these boats for anything between $250,000 and $1.4 million or more.
A cruiser is a type of sailboat that is generally larger and more comfortable than a racing sailboat.

Size	Accommodation	Starting Price
50 feet	6 to 8 people	$1.3 million
56.5 feet	6 to 8 people	$1.4 million
54 feet	6 to 8 people	$690,000
49 feet	6 to 8 people	$425,000
49 feet	6 to 8 people	$1.2 million
46 feet	6 to 8 people	$370,000
45.8 feet	6 to 8 people	$350,000
34 feet	4 to 5 people	$300,000
43 feet	6 to 8 people	$600,000
42 feet	6 to 8 people	$550,000
47 feet	8 to 10 people	$900,000
45 feet	8 to 10 people	$700,000
46 feet	6 to 8 people	$250,000

In this section, we'll explore the 13 best cruising sailboats of 2023, highlighting their unique features and reasons why they stand out in the market.

Living Space	Seaworthiness	Sailing Performance	Safety	Storage Space	Energy Efficiency	Durability
5	5	4	5	5	5	5
5	5	4	5	5	4	5
5	4	4	4	5	4	4
4	4	4	4	5	4	4
3	5	5	4	4	4	5
5	4	4	4	5	4	4
4	4	5	4	4	4	4
4	5	4	4	4	4	5
4	4	4	4	4	4	5
4	5	3	4	5	3	5
5	4	4	4	5	4	4
5	4	4	4	5	4	4
4	4	4	4	4	5	4

Comfortable living space : A cruising sailboat should have a comfortable living space that can accommodate the crew for an extended period of time. This includes a spacious cabin, galley, head, and berths.

Seaworthiness : A cruising sailboat should be able to handle rough seas and adverse weather conditions. It should have a sturdy hull, a well-designed keel, and a balanced rigging system.

Sailing performance : A cruising sailboat should have good sailing performance, which includes speed, stability, and ease of handling. It should be able to sail efficiently in different wind conditions.

Safety features : A cruising sailboat should have safety features such as a reliable navigation system, adequate safety equipment, and a strong anchoring system.

Storage space : A cruising sailboat should have enough storage space for provisions, equipment, and personal belongings. This includes storage lockers, shelves, and compartments.

Energy efficiency : A cruising sailboat should have an energy-efficient system that can provide power for lighting, electronics, and other equipment without relying on shore power.

Durability : A cruising sailboat should be built to last and withstand the wear and tear of extended cruising. This includes using high-quality materials and construction techniques.

The Amel 50 is known for its luxurious and comfortable accommodations, and excellent seaworthiness. Its unique features include a spacious interior with modern design, an innovative cockpit layout, and a powerful yet easy-to-handle sailing system.

The Amel 50 has a unique feature called the "Amel Easy Docking" system, which allows for easy and precise maneuvering in tight spaces. It also has a unique "Amel Silent Block" system, which reduces noise and vibration for a more comfortable ride.

The Oyster 565 is known for its high-quality construction, attention to detail, and luxurious accommodations, as well as its excellent safety features. It provides you with exceptional performance and comfort. Its sleek hull design offers fast, stable sailing, while the spacious, high-quality interior ensures you'll enjoy your time onboard.

The Oyster 565 has a unique feature called the "Oyster Deck Saloon," which provides 360-degree views and adequate natural light in the living space. It also has a unique "Oyster DNA" system, which allows for customization of the boat to suit the owner's preferences.

With its cutting-edge design and performance, the Beneteau Oceanis Yacht 54 lets you sail in style. Its chined hull, twin rudders, and easy handling make it a pleasure to sail, while the spacious, modern interior ensures your comfort on longer voyages.

The Beneteau Oceanis Yacht 54 has a unique feature called the "Dock & Go" system, which allows for easy and precise maneuvering in tight spaces. It also has a unique "Beneteau Smart Sailing" system, which includes a suite of electronic and navigational tools for easy and safe sailing.

The Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 490 is known for its hard chine design, and excellent performance and stability. It offers innovative design and functionality. Its walk-around decks, unique cockpit layout, and high-quality interior make it ideal for cruising in comfort.

The Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 490 has a unique feature called the "Walk-Around Deck," which allows for easy and safe movement around the boat. It also has a unique "Jeanneau Sun Loft" system, which provides a flexible and customizable living space.

The X-Yachts X49 combines performance, luxury, and comfort. It is known for its high-performance hull design, excellent speed and stability. With its fast hull, advanced sailing systems, and plush interior, the X49 is perfect for both racing and cruising.

The X-Yachts X49 has a unique feature called the "X-Yachts Pure X" system, which includes a suite of performance-enhancing features such as a carbon fiber mast and boom, a racing-inspired sail plan, and a deep lead keel.

The Dufour Grand Large 460 provides you with both comfort and performance. It is known for its innovative design, featuring a self-tacking jib and retractable bow thruster for easy handling. Its spacious interior, ergonomic deck layout, and powerful sailing capabilities make it an excellent choice for long-distance cruising.

The Dufour Grand Large 460 has a unique feature called the "Dufour Easy" system, which includes a suite of tools for easy and safe sailing, such as a self-tacking jib and retractable bow thruster. It also has a unique "Dufour Grand Large Lounge" system, which provides a flexible and customizable living space.

Experience easy handling and modern style with the Hanse 458. It is known for its sleek and modern design, self-tacking jib, large swim platform. Its innovative self-tacking jib, efficient deck layout, and comfortable accommodation make it perfect for family cruising.

The Hanse 458 has a unique feature called the "Hanse Easy Sailing" system, which includes a suite of tools for easy and safe sailing, such as a self-tacking jib and retractable bow thruster. It also has a unique "Hanse Individual Cabin Concept" system, which allows for customization of the living space to suit the owner's preferences.

Known for its quality and craftsmanship, the Hallberg-Rassy 340 offers you comfort and performance in a compact package. It is known for its classic design, long waterline, spacious cockpit, and comfortable and practical accommodations. With its stable hull, efficient sailplan, and well-designed interior, it's ideal for long-range cruising on a smaller scale.

The Hallberg-Rassy 340 has a unique feature called the "Hallberg-Rassy Hardtop," which provides protection from the elements and a spacious cockpit area. It also has a unique "Hallberg-Rassy Quality Concept" system, which includes high-quality construction materials and techniques for durability and longevity.

The Tartan 4300 delivers a perfect balance of performance and comfort. It is known for its high-quality construction, cored hull and deck for added strength and durability. Its epoxy-infused hull provides lightweight strength, while the spacious, beautifully crafted interior ensures a luxurious cruising experience.

The Tartan 4300 has a unique feature called the "Tartan Infusion Molding Process," which allows for precise and consistent construction of the hull and deck for added strength and durability. It also has a unique "Tartan Smart Sailing" system, which includes a suite of electronic and navigational tools for easy and safe sailing.

For those who value comfort and classic design, the Island Packet 420 won't disappoint. It is known for its full keel design, excellent stability and seaworthiness. Its spacious, well-appointed interior and solid construction make it a reliable choice for long voyages.

The Island Packet 420 has a unique feature called the "Island Packet Full Foil Keel," which provides excellent stability and seaworthiness. It also has a unique "Island Packet Anchoring System," which includes a powerful windlass and a custom-designed anchor roller for easy and safe anchoring.

The Fountaine Pajot Saona 47 catamaran offers you the perfect combination of speed, stability, and space. Its sleek hulls and spacious, well-designed living areas make it an excellent choice for cruising with friends and family.

The Fountaine Pajot Saona 47 has a unique feature called the "Fountaine Pajot Helmsman's Position," which provides excellent visibility and control of the boat. It also has a unique "Fountaine Pajot Lounge Deck" system, which provides a spacious and comfortable living space.

Cruise in style on the Lagoon 450F, known for its spacious accommodations and excellent performance under sail. With its distinctive flybridge, comfortable cabins, and efficient sailing system, it's ideal for multi-day getaways.

The Lagoon 450F has a unique feature called the "Lagoon Flybridge," which provides excellent visibility and control of the boat. It also has a unique "Lagoon Spacious Cockpit" system, which provides a comfortable and practical living space.

The Bavaria Cruiser 46 is a versatile and stylish cruiser that offers excellent performance and comfort. It is known for its innovative design, featuring a drop-down transom for easy access to the water. Its user-friendly sailing systems, attractive interior, and practical deck layout make it an ideal choice for a wide range of cruising adventures.

The Bavaria Cruiser 46 has a unique feature called the "Bavaria Hybrid Propulsion System," which allows for energy-efficient sailing and propulsion. It also has a unique "Bavaria Smart Storage" system, which provides enough storage space for gear and supplies. Additionally, the Bavaria Cruiser 46 has a unique "Bavaria Vision" design concept, which includes a spacious and comfortable living space with plenty of natural light and ventilation.

Cruising Gear Essentials

Key features to look for

Versatile hull design.

This allows your sailboat to navigate in various conditions, making it ideal for long-distance cruising.

Efficient sail plan

By having a well-designed sail layout, your boat provides better control, handling, and propulsion.

High-quality construction

Top-quality materials and craftsmanship not only increase the boat's durability, but also enhance its performance.

Comfortable accommodations

When you spend extended periods at sea, you want your sailboat to feel like home, with adequate living space and modern amenities. For an extended sailing trip, you are going to need these 41 sailboat cruising essentials .

How they improve sailing experience

Easier boat handling.

Advanced rigging systems, self-tacking jibs, and other innovative technologies make it easier for you to manage your boat, allowing for more time spent enjoying the sea.

Increased safety

State-of-the-art navigation equipment and weather forecasting systems help you anticipate environmental changes, ensuring a safe voyage.

Sustainable power options

Many sailboats in 2023 come with solar panels, hydro generators, or hybrid propulsion options, reducing your environmental impact and providing more sustainable choices while out at sea.

Integrated connectivity

These boats boast digital systems that allow you to stay connected, monitor your journey, and update your friends and family with your adventures.

Their advantages over others

Better performance.

These boats have been designed with speed, stability, and maneuverability in mind, ensuring top-notch sailing experiences.

Longevity and value

Since they're built with high-quality materials and expert craftsmanship, these boats are certain to last, making them a wise investment.

Customization options

Many of these sailboats offer customizable features, allowing you to tailor the boat to your specific needs and preferences.

Award-winning designs

Several of these boats have received prestigious awards for their innovative features and performance, making them the ultimate cruising sailboats for any passionate sailor.

The Island Packet 420 and Lagoon 450F are the two most popular cruising sailboats known for their comfort, seaworthiness, and versatility.

The Island Packet 420 is a well-regarded cruising sailboat that has a loyal following. It is known for its spacious interior, comfortable accommodations, and good sailing performance.

The Island Packet 420 features a full keel and a cutter rig, which makes it a stable and seaworthy vessel that can handle a variety of weather conditions. The sailboat has a large master cabin, a well-equipped galley, and a comfortable salon area, making it a popular choice for those who enjoy extended periods of time at sea.

The Lagoon 450F is a popular choice for those who want to explore the world by boat. It is known for its spacious interior, stable platform, and good sailing performance.

The Lagoon 450F features a catamaran hull design, which provides a stable and comfortable platform that is ideal for long-distance cruising. The sailboat has a spacious cockpit, multiple sleeping quarters, and a well-equipped galley, making it a popular choice for those who want to travel with family or friends.

The best size cruising sailboat

The best size cruising sailboat is in the range of 40 to 50 feet. Sailboats in this size range are large enough to provide comfortable accommodations for an extended period of time at sea, yet small enough to be easily handled by a small crew or even single-handed.

Sailboats that are too small may lack the necessary amenities and space for long-distance cruising, while sailboats that are too large may be difficult to handle and require a larger crew. Ultimately, the best size cruising sailboat will depend on individual preferences, needs, and intended use, and it's important to consider factors such as comfort, safety, and ease of handling when choosing a cruising sailboat.

The safest cruising sailboat

Hallberg-Rassy 340, and Island Packet 420 are considered among the safest cruising sailboats. These sailboats are known for their sturdy construction, well-designed hulls, and reliable systems. They are also known for their ability to handle a variety of weather conditions and their comfortable accommodations. However, safety can also depend on the boat maintenance, and the skill and experience of the crew.

You may also like, 41 sailboat cruising essentials for long trips.

In this post I list the items you are unlikely to have if you have never done bluewater or long-term cruising before. There are some essential safety product and …

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The best beginner sailboats for ocean cruising (under $25,000).

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10 Affordable Cruising Catamarans

By Phil Berman
Updated: May 24, 2024

So, you want to get a catamaran , sail off into the sunset, and capture some magic with your lover or family for a few years. You have no ambition to sail around the world or to live aboard forever, but think a one- or two-year sabbatical might be life-changing. You’d like to sail the US East Coast, the Bahamas, the Caribbean, perhaps the Med—or up and down the West Coast and on to Mexico and Central America. You have $300,000 or less to spend and want a catamaran you can sell at the end of the journey without consuming a bottle of Tylenol to blunt the pain.

The good news is that this is quite achievable. The bad news is that there is a vast wave of baby boomers who are all looking for the same thing—and for right around the same price. This makes finding a good deal on a great used catamaran a lot of work, even working with a broker. But, it’s possible. You just need to keep an open mind.

The other good news, which might seem surprising, is that an older catamaran, besides being more affordable, might sail just as well—or even better—than the same-size new cat that will cost considerably more. Yes, the older model might have less room inside and lack the latest condo-on-the-water styling, but it was designed and built before the current trend to supersize the newer generations of multihulls at the expense of sailing performance.

Here’s my advice to the cat hunter on a budget: Don’t get too hung up on the length of the boat. Instead, focus on the spatial and payload requirements you seek and which can be achieved within your budget. And best not get too focused on must-have features—what I jokingly call “surround-sound beds.” Catamaran designs and interiors have gone through massive changes in the past 10 to 20 years, and most older designs simply cannot compete with the new ones in terms of space and high-end amenities.

None of the cool cats I have in mind are over 47 feet. This is not because there aren’t bargain boats out there that are 47 feet and longer, but because any larger multihull that you can buy for $300,000 or less will most assuredly need a significant refit or is either very old or very odd. Buying a fixer-upper is, to my mind, the most dangerous thing a budget-minded consumer can do. It’s just too easy to underestimate the cost of yacht refits and repairs due to the extremely high prices charged in most boatyards.

RELATED: 20 Best Cruising and Sailing Destinations

Nearly any cat you buy over 10 years old is fully depreciated. What we were selling a Lagoon 440 for eight or 10 years ago is nearly the same as what they sell for today. The difference between a good deal and a bad deal is tied solely to a yacht’s condition and refit history. As they joke in private-equity circles, “Any idiot can buy; you deserve congratulations only when you sell.”

So, when your search gets underway, focus on condition—it is far more important than the year, brand or features you might crave. And when you find the cat of your dreams, the best way to remove financial-downside risk is to get a great survey and to choose the newest, smallest cat that will work for your agenda, not the oldest and biggest.

– 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

And a word of caution: Your problem will be knowing a good deal from a bad one after the survey is over if you are not well-schooled in pricing. Besides steering you toward potential boats to consider, this is where a broker, working on your behalf, can provide knowledgeable advice. It’s been my experience that this is the point when so many yacht sales come apart: a dispute over the value of a given yacht when the survey results come in. All too commonly we see buyers reject yachts they should have accepted and purchase cats they should have rejected. Remember, a used yacht is a used yacht—not a perfect yacht. A catamaran need not be perfect to remain a perfectly good deal. Here, then, are 10 cool cats to consider in the $300,000-or-less range:

1. Fountaine Pajot Orana 44 (above)

Fountaine Pajot had the misfortune of tooling up this boat just before the global financial crisis, so not that many of them were built between 2007 and 2012. But these were the first of the larger-space charter cats in this size, but not yet so porky that they still could not sail decently. In the three-cabin owner’s version, they designed the living space very nicely; even in the four-cabin version, the aft starboard bed was very well-done.

During this period, Fountaine Pajot had problems with the resin it was using, which led to blistering on the hulls and undersides. Affected models therefore had new bottoms done at approved shipyards throughout the world. Make sure the one you are considering had this done or that it doesn’t show evidence of significant blistering. Honestly it is only cosmetic, but it will impact resale if not repaired. Many consumers think blisters are the end of the world; frankly, they are not.

2. Catana 431

Built in France by a long-standing yard, the Catana 431 was always a very viable vessel because it is big enough to go anywhere, but not too large for a competent owner to handle. And because the 431 has good underwing clearance and daggerboards, it sails smartly to windward.

That said, there are a few things to watch for. The primary bulkheads on many of these boats were not tabbed on the outer ends, and over time tended to distort. Often this led, or will lead, to a costly replacement of some bulkheads. So be careful to survey these areas properly.

The 431′s furniture is all foam-cored and handmade, but the banding on the outer edges in some cases slowly starts to peel, which allows moisture to infect the wood veneer. This can create a somewhat unsightly appearance in the cabinets and drawers. It is only a cosmetic issue, but it can make the interior feel a bit worn out.

During the period when the 431 was being built, Catana used a distributive electrical card system, and the boats had several modules, each a zone, to which electricity was run. If one thing in a zone stops working, the only solution is to jury-rig a wire from that nonworking item back to the main breaker panel. Replacing the modules or getting them repaired can be done, but it is getting harder by the year. For this reason, the best 431 is a boat that someone else had rewired at some point along the way.

3. Lagoon 470

If you need a larger escape pod, the Lagoon 470 is one of our favorites. This model of older Lagoons was built at CNB’s yard in Bordeaux, France, and the build quality was high. The 470 was the first design to have the more-vertical windows that are a Lagoon signature, and ample saloon headroom. The 470s are also old enough that the hulls were not so supersize that it compromised sailing performance. They have decent underwing clearance, so they are not persistent pounders to windward. Many were built with a galley-down layout, some in galley-up style. You will always pay more for an owner version of this or any model.

The big thing you have to concern yourself with on Lagoons of this vintage is that the hulls and decks are made with a balsa core, so it is not uncommon to find moisture problems, especially around deck fittings or hatches. This can sometimes require rebedding or recoring areas, and this sort of repair, in North America, can be a costly undertaking. Make sure you get good moisture-meter readings near all deck fittings and, of course, on the hulls. Hulls, however, tend less often to have moisture issues because there are few fittings through which water can enter the core. Were that to happen below the waterline, it is a real mess that must be repaired immediately and properly.

– CARRY A BEACON – Satellite beacons such as EPIRBs or PLBs allow boaters to transmit distress signals and their exact coordinates from anywhere on the planet, no cell service required. It may be the best $400 you ever spend. Safety Tip Provided by the U.S. Coast Guard

4. Privilège 435

Back when the Privilège 435 was built, Privilège catamarans were constructed by Alliaura Marine in France, and they were truly the Mercedes of the multihull world at that time. While not a performance cat by any means, the 435 was a super-solid yacht, built with great care and the finest components. The 435 is large enough to go anywhere but small enough to handle easily.

The largest negative of this model—and many cats of this vintage—is that the saloon windows slope dramatically, so the interior gets very hot unless the windows are covered most of the time. When they legalize growing pot on catamarans, here’s the perfect greenhouse for it! Seriously, if you should buy a used 435, you really have to get strong sunblocking external UV covers, as well as interior blinds or shades to inhibit heat buildup.

Some of the 435s were laid out with the galley down in one hull, and these days most people want a galley-up arrangement, where cooking and food preparation are done in the saloon. A three-cabin galley-up owner version will be far more sought after and cost more than a four-cabin galley-down version.

5. Leopard 46

This was the first of the Morrelli & Melvin collaborations with South African builder Robertson and Caine and the charter companies owned at the time by TUI Marine to create a catamaran that could be sold both into charter under the Moorings brand and also privately as a Leopard, so effort was made to design a boat with good sailing performance. Gino Morrelli did a good job creating a lot of underwing clearance, the 46 has a powerful rig, and yet its interior still offers spacious sleeping areas and nice flow from the cockpit to the saloon. These can be bought as ex-Moorings charter boats for less than $300,000 but are more costly in the sought-after Leopard owner version.

Because these are balsa-cored boats, you must inspect deck fittings carefully for moisture incursion. Some of the earlier ones also experienced structural problems on the aft bulkhead and over-door-frame areas between saloon and cockpit. Also, during this period, the windows in the main saloon had a tendency to leak and, when they did, required rebedding or replacement. This was a costly job, so check this out carefully during survey.

6. St. Francis 44/Knysna 440

If you wish to spend under $250,000, the older Saint Francis 44 and Knysna 440 are worth a look.

Back in 1990, Duncan Lethbridge started St. Francis Catamarans in South Africa with the St. Francis 43. The boat was meant to be a fast, strong bluewater voyager—and it was. The 43 was made with foam core, keeping the structure light, and it was very strongly built, with a powerful rig. The 43 loved to sail. And so too did the St. Francis 44, an updated version of the original.

The boat did have a couple of negatives, however, the first being its sloped windows that built up interior heat. And the boat wasn’t a great fit for tall people, having less than 6-foot-2-inch headroom in the hulls. Also, the engines were installed amidships, which made the boat noisy inside under power. It also made the amidships areas of the hulls too narrow to have centrally located heads and showers, which in turn meant the only layout available was a four-cabin, four-head design. In the forward cabins, the heads and showers had to be far forward; in the aft cabins, the heads and showers were located far aft.

St. Francis sold the tooling for the 44 to Knysna Yachts in 2004, and Knysna raised the headroom in the saloon and moved the engines aft to each stern. The hulls remained fundamentally the same, but the design was improved nicely.

The largest negative of both the Saint Francis 44 and the Knysna 440 is that they have very low underwing clearance. Things can get pretty noisy when pushing against washing-machine seas.

But you cannot have it all and still pay less than $250,000 in a midsize cat; compromises must be made. And these boats do sail quite smartly compared with many in their size range.

7. Lagoon 440

This was the most popular catamaran ever made, and it started the catamaran flybridge craze, which helped to convert many powerboaters to sailors.

What I like about the 440 is that it is an infinitely better sailer than some of its peers, and has decent underwing clearance, vertical windows, and nice cabins for sleeping and living. While the aft cockpit is rather small, the saloon is quite large.

Flybridges are a bit of a love-hate thing. There is no question that in a cat of this size, the windward performance suffers a bit due to the boom positioned so high off the water. When piloting, the skipper is separated from those on the bridgedeck. Part of the reason flybridges are so popular in charter is that most of the parties take place up there while sailing and at anchor. In private ownership, however, it is seldom that everyone is hanging out on the flybridge during a long passage.

As always with Lagoons, these are balsa-cored boats, so a careful survey is in order. Pay attention also to bulkhead tabbing to make sure they have not separated from the hulls.

Because so many of the 440s were built to go into charter, there are a lot of four-cabin, four-head models for resale. These will sell for considerably less on the brokerage market than a coveted three-cabin, private-owner model.

– CHECK THE FIT – Follow these guidelines to make sure your life jacket looks good, stays comfortable and works when you need it. Safety Tip Provided by the U.S. Coast Guard

8. Leopard 40

When you get into the 40-foot size range, a four-cabin layout can become pretty cramped and claustrophobic below, but the three-cabin owner version of the Leopard 40 is a very nice pocket cruiser. A Morrelli & Melvin design, the 40 has good underwing clearance and nicely shaped hulls. Not a large cat, per se, and less-suited for significant distance sailing than others because its payload is limited, the 40 is still well-suited for a couple and a child or two for near-coastal and island-hopping action.

9. Manta 42

If you are searching for a cat in the $200,000 range, the Manta 42s were well-built in Florida, and their electrical systems were very well-done compared with many other multihulls of that era. While many of the features on the boat are quite dated, these Mantas sail very well, and easily, and have been popular with coastal cruisers for two decades.

The largest negative of the Mantas is that people taller than 6 feet will find the saloon headroom right on the edge, and the berths are not especially large. Also, forward visibility from the saloon windows is not particularly panoramic, so the interiors are a bit darker inside than current-generation catamarans.

10. Lagoon 410

The Lagoon 410 was quite a popular cat in its prime, and for good reason. It offers lots of visibility thanks to its vertical windows, good headroom for a cat of its size, nice berths, and a workable, though smallish, galley-up design. The 410 has decent underwing clearance, can sail nicely over the waves, and its singlehanded operation is super easy. In the three-cabin owner’s configuration, it’s just a very cool little cat.

As always, a balsa-core boat must be surveyed carefully, especially on deck, for moisture incursion near fittings and hatches. It can be costly to repair rotted core and to rebed deck fittings. But find a dry one, and it should definitely be counted as a contender for a buyer with a limited budget.

Phil Berman is the president of the Multihull Company and the founder of Balance Catamarans. He has managed the sale of more than 900 catamarans.

More: catamaran , lagoon , leopard , multihulls , print june july 2020 , Sailboats
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20 Bluewater Cruising Sailboats Under $100,000

January 5, 2021 by Travis Turgeon 2 Comments

Choosing the right bluewater yacht for your needs requires a ton of research. With so many designs and features available, it can be overwhelming trying to narrow down your options. The process gets even more complicated when you begin to consider the personal opinions of other sailors.

So how do you know where to start? Every person’s definition of comfortability will vary when it comes to onboard living. What suits a family of four won’t necessarily suit a couple or a single-handed sailor. Your budget, style, and needs are all unique to you and your situation, so it’s essential to know just what to look for when buying a new or used vessel .

To start you off in the right direction, we put together a list of our top choices for bluewater cruising yachts under $100,000.

Allied Princess 36

Built as a long-keel ketch or cutter, the Allied Princess 36 was in production from 1972 to 1982. Around 140 vessels were manufactured in total, so you can occasionally find them on the used market.

While these cruisers’ design and construction are considered sufficient, the excessive use of fiberglass makes the design a bit bland. Although they may not have the most appealing design, these bluewater yachts certainly tick a lot of boxes.

With the full-keel measuring just four-foot six inches, it’s a design that holds steady on its course without pointing as high as a fin-keel design.

Overall, the Allied Princess 36 is a wonderful option for bluewater sailing.

Prices range between $30,000 and $60,000.

Cabo Rico 38

The Cabo Rico 38 is at the top of its class, constructed with a long-keel cutter rig design that gives it outstanding bluewater capabilities for its price point. The vessel was produced in two models – Pilothouse, and Trunk Cabin – although the Pilothouse design is less common.

Cabo Rico i s consistently successful with it s 38 models, and t hey remain one of the most prominent cruising boats on the water.

Internally, this boat has various features required for a bluewater cruiser: Large water and fuel tanks, a solid design with balsa wood cores for thermal and noise insulation, and an overall seaworthy design.

While this boat wasn’t m eant to win races, it is a fantastic choice for a crui sing vessel.

Prices range between $30,000 and $80,000.

Celestial 48

The Celestial 48 is the largest boat on our list and is commonly sought after by the cruising fraternity. The problem is, these vessels are scarce on the used market.

The Celestial 48 is a ketch rig with a shoal-draft, fin-keel design, and a center-cockpit configuration that is comfortable and ideal for bluewater sailing. One of our favorite features is the six-foot, two-inch headroom in the cabin, along with high-capacity water and fuel tanks.

The Celestial 48 was built in China by the Xiamen boatyard, although it’s no longer in production.

If you can find one, the Celestial 48 will make an excellent bluewater cruiser.

Prices start near our $100,000 mark.

The Corbin 39 is manufactured in two designs, aft or center cockpit. Designed and built in Canada by Robert Dufour and Marius Corbin, the 39 is now (sadly) out of production. This cruiser remains a favorite of many and is still commonly searched for on the used market.

One thing to note is that most of the boats were sold as unfinished kits, leaving owners to complete the interiors themselves. For this reason, the standard of interior design finish will vary, so it’s worth checking and comparing with other vessels carefully.

When found, the Corbin 39’s present a very reasonable price tag, but a full survey is essential.

Prices range between $40,000 and $60,000.

The Freedom 36 is one of the smaller yachts on our list, but it has an exciting design that attracts cruisers. The wide beam and long waterline design allow for a much larger interior than most other boats of similar length. As a cruiser, space is a top priority, so this cruiser should be on your list of considerations.

A unique feature of this Freedom yacht is the stayless carbon fiber mast. It looks a little odd for most, with no forestay or backstay and a mast that flexes alarmingly in the wind. It’s a proven design, though, and gives clean lines just like an aircraft wing.

The Freedom 36 is certainly an exciting cruiser to keep an eye on.

Prices range between $40,000 and $80,000.

Gulfstar 44

Known as a capable cruiser or live-aboard boat, the Gulfstar 44 is a spacious yacht that can take you around the world.

Designed with a fin-keel and skeg-rudder, the Gulfstar is comfortable and well built.

Internally, you’ll find a large galley, king-size aft cabin, and spacious fore cabin, with ample room in the saloon. Earlier Gulfstar vessels suffered from inconsistent build quality, but from around 1976 onwards, the company made huge improvements.

For a spacious bluewater sailboat with excellent heavy-weather handling characteristics, the Gulfstar 44 is a great choice.

Prices start around $60,000.

Hans Christian 38

If you’re considering cruising the world in a bluewater yacht, then the Hans Christian 38-T should be added to your shortlist of candidates.

With a full-length keel design and laden with solid teak, this boat weighs in at 12.5 tons, making it a heavy displacement vessel that you can rely on to take you through some of the harshest conditions.

Manufactured in Taiwan, these cruisers can be a chore to acquire. One of the most common downfalls of the Hans 38-T is electrical problems, so be sure to get the wiring checked out by a professional.

Outside of electrical issues, this boat is a proven winner in the cruising world.

Prices start around $70,000 but expect to pay well over $100,000 for the more admirable models.

Hinckley Bermuda 40

The Hinckley Bermuda 40 was in production for over 30 years, from 1959 until 1991, but only 203 boats were manufactured in total. Many Bermuda 40s were used as racing vessels throughout their production, winning the Northern Ocean Racing Trophy in 1964.

The design also gained many admirers in the cruising world thanks to the long keel and centerboard, which allows the boat to maneuver through shallow waters. The Hinckley Bermuda 40 is hard to beat for versatility, combining classic looks with the shallow draught and generous interior space.

Early models from the 60s and 70s start around $80,000, but later models land well above our $100,000 threshold.

Island Packet 35

Although only in production for six years, 178 Island Packet 35s made their way onto the market. These vessels have become justifiably popular with coastal cruisers and bluewater sailors alike.

These cruisers are available in two designs; long-keel or long-keel with centerboard – both of which come with cutter rigging.

The design is conservative and built for comfort rather than speed. Inside space is very generous, with a 12-foot beam, a v-berth cabin in the forepeak, and a double cabin on the aft port side.

Island Packet 35’s appear on the used market regularly, so locating one shouldn’t be too much of a hassle.

Prices start at around $65,000.

The Niagara 35 is a popular cruiser available in two exciting models, each one coming with a fantastic interior design.

The original model features a center galley and marine toilet that separates the fore and aft areas. The saloon is completely closed off, making it useful during extended passage journeys.

The later model has a double-berth forward, separated from the saloon by the head and shower. Both models include a spacious cockpit design. Through its 12 years of production, 260 Niagara 35’s went on the market – so you can regularly find them for sale.

Early models start around $30,000, with later models coming in closer to $70,000.

White Nordic 40 sailboat with blue sails in a marina

Only 32 of the Robert Perry-designed Nordic 40s went through production, making them exclusive and difficult to find. If you do manage to get your hands on one, however, you won’t be disappointed.

The fin-keel and skeg-mounted rudder design allow for up to six people to stay comfortably, including extra storage space for luggage and provisions.

The Perry design is recognized for the quality of its fittings, including rod-rigging and full hull insulation on early models. After 1987, they cut back on a few design features, but it’s still a quality boat.

If you can manage to find a Nordic 40, it will make an excellent investment.

While it may be rare to find one below our $100,000 mark, it is possible.

Passport 40

Built in Taiwan, the Passport 40 is another excellent design by Robert Perry. Sporting a fin-keel and a skeg-mounted rudder, the design is known for its well-balanced performance.

Originally supplied with a sloop-rig, the majority have an inner stay, fitted to allow a double headsail. This cutter-style rig makes the Passport 40 even more suitable for ocean crossings.

The interiors are well designed – as you’d expect from a Robert Perry – and make for comfortable living during long passages.

Peterson 44

The Peterson 44 was designed and built as a performance cruiser, combining sufficient speed and sea-kindly handling.

A low center-cockpit, 10,000 pounds of lead ballast, and a long fin keel allow this vessel to take turbulent conditions in stride without sacrificing the crew’s comfort.

Internally, there is plenty of space in the well-designed cabin. For long passages, there’s a 132-gallon water tank and a 117-gallon fuel tank.

Finding a Peterson 44 may be your only problem. They manufactured about 200 boats, but owners rarely like to part with them – adding to their intrigue and value.

Prices for these yachts vary widely. Expect to pick up an older model between $50,000 and $75,000.

Prout Snowgoose 37

As the only catamaran on our list, the Prout Snowgoose 37 is a proven boat for circumnavigation on the bluewater trail.

A standout feature of the early Snowgoose models is its narrow beam, which allows them to navigate canals easily. These boats are popular in Europe and are common on the journey between Spain and France on the Mediterranian. Additionally, the Prout Snowgoose 37 can fit into a single-hull marina, reducing berthing costs when compared to most other catamarans.

If you have never considered a catamaran in the past, the Prout Snowgoose 37 may change your mind.

Prices start near $45,000, with later models reaching over $100,000.

Two people on the back of a Shannon 38 sailboat

The Shannon 38 comes in two styles, with either an aft cockpit or pilothouse. Shannon Yachts are known for their build quality and attention to detail, and the 38 is no exception. The boat is available as either a ketch or cutter rig, but it’s renowned for its performance at sea in both forms.

Only 100 were built, with the final boat launched in 1988. If you can find one on the used market, it will make a competent bluewater cruiser.

Prices start at $40,000 for older models, with newer models inching closer to our $100,000 mark.

Tartan 4100 Spark sailboat on a cloudy day

Only 80 of the Tartan 41s were manufactured, although they produced a similar Tartan 43 with the same molds. It is a fin keel design, with a skeg-mounted rudder and sloop-rigging. In its day, it was considered a fast cruiser, but now they’re mostly made for comfort.

If you’re looking at a Tartan 41, check out the keel dimensions. The keel was undersized on earlier models, which caused heavy-weather steering issues. The boatyard redesigned the later models, and some retrofitting has been done on the originals.

Prices start around $45,000 and reach upwards of $70,000.

Tayana 37 bluewater sailboat with an American flag

No list of bluewater sailboats would be complete without the Tayana 37. It’s a beautiful boat designed by Robert Perry that comes in three variants; cutter, ketch, and pilothouse.

Built to compete against the popular Westsail 32, the 37 became a good seller – with almost 600 launched to date. Today, they are manufactured in limited numbers, as the traditional teak-heavy design is now less popular.

If you can find a good Tayana 37, cruising the oceans will be a pleasure in this sturdy and robust vessel.

Early models cost around $45,000, with newer or retrofitted models topping $75,000.

Valiant 40 cruiser with white sails designed by Robert Perry

Another boat designed by Robert Perry, the Valiant 40 is one of the most sought-after bluewater cruisers on the used market. By the end of production, two manufacturers were able to put out around 200 boats, so it’s certainly possible to get your hands on one.

With a fin keel, reasonably heavy displacement, and solid build, open ocean cruising is made comfortable in the Valiant 40.

The Valiant’s trademark is the canoe stern, something Perry has carried over into many of his designs. The boat’s performance sets it apart from the more traditional heavy-cruisers, and it still has many admirers.

Expect to pay upwards of $45,000 for an early Valiant, but well-maintained vessels will command much higher prices.

Wauquiez Pretorien 35

When the weather gets rough, most people prefer bigger, heavier cruisers. Small boats generally don’t perform as well in harsh conditions, but the Pretorien 35 is an exception.

Built to IOR specifications, it’s a short, wide-beam design, with a ballast in the keel that makes up half of the displacement. It may be disappointing in light winds, but as the breeze picks up, the Pretorien comes alive.

Wauquiez built boats are known for their quality finish, so you shouldn’t hold any doubts when buying a used Pretorien.

Prices start around $39,000.

Westsail 32

At just 32 feet, the Westsail might be a surprising inclusion on our list. However, the design has proven itself many times over and remains popular with many cruisers.

With a long keel, transom-mounted rudder, and heavy displacement, these are seaworthy yachts.

The flipside to this is that the performance can be underwhelming. The Westsails are known for being slow, safe boats that will get you wherever you need to go – making them perfect for leisurely cruising.

Over 800 vessels entered the market between 1971 and 1981, so there should be plenty available if you look hard enough. The other point to remember is that they sold them as owner-completion kits, so the internal fitments, in particular, will vary in quality.

With so many available, the prices remain reasonable – with an early Westsail 32 fetching around $29,000 and well-maintained older models coming in closer to $50,000.

Remember: When buying a bluewater cruising yacht for less than $100,000, compromise is inevitable.

If you’re looking for a seaworthy, heavy-displacement design, you’ll have to compromise on the boat’s age. Choosing a modern, light design will allow you more for your money.

The best advice for buying a boat is to be truly honest with yourself by defining your needs and separating them from your desires.

Want to join the community at #BoatLife? Get a conversation started on our new forum by leaving a question or comment!

If you found this article helpful, please leave a comment below, share it on social media, and subscribe to our email list.

For direct questions and comments, shoot me an email at [email protected]

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Reader Interactions

November 15, 2021 at 6:30 pm

You guys didn’t mention Cape dory or pacific seacraft. How long have you been sailing?

February 18, 2022 at 1:37 pm

Very nicely done. There will always be people who disagree with your list but they reserve the right to comment without creating any value which is what you provided. Thanks for putting this together.

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The Cost of Sailing – How Much It Costs Us to Live on a Sailboat

We often get asked about the cost of sailing. In fact if you go on any sailing forum you’ll see pages and pages of threads dedicated to discussions about what it costs to sail full-time. Several fellow sailing bloggers have written great posts about this and the general consensus is:

It costs as much as you want it to cost.

I know that’s a disappointing answer because people want specifics, but that’s the simple truth. There are so many factors that come into play:

Where you’re cruising
The size of your boat
The type of boat you have (which will affect insurance costs)
The condition of your boat
Your diet (Do you eat organic only? Vegan? No processed food? Gluten free?)
Whether or not you cook on board
How handy you are (Are you a DIY-er, or do you prefer to hire someone)
How much alcohol you consume regularly
Hobbies (Do you like free stuff like walking, visiting parks, going to the beach…)

If you are frivolous with your money on land, chances are, you’ll be frivolous with your money while on a boat. However, if you’re frugal and love saving money on land, you’ll be that way when you’re on a boat.

Our Cost of Sailing Broken Down

I will say for us, we spend more than I thought we would when we first started doing this, but I’ve also learned a lot and know a lot of things we could cut back on.

Eating out is our biggest unnecessary expense. It’s not that we don’t like to cook because we actually love cooking on the boat, but when you travel around from place to place, it’s nice to go into town and find out where the locals hang. We’ve met a lot of really cool people just by going to a restaurant and sitting at the bar, talking to the other patrons or the bartender.

Lately we’ve changed our tactic a bit. We still go out to dinner once or twice a week but we skip the alcohol (because that will totally rack up your bill). We get water to drink, we order an appetizer, and share an entree.

By doing this, we walk away totally full and our bill is half what we used to spend. We then go back to the boat and enjoy a beer or glass of wine that we bought for a fraction of the price. I would estimate that we spend about $300 a month on dining out / entertainment.

Grocery shopping is another big expense of ours, mainly because we are really conscious about what we eat. Aside from the occasional condiment and very rare treat of Totino’s Pizza Rolls, we don’t buy anything processed and we buy organic as much as possible, which, as you know, costs a little more than the non-organic counterpart. We figure the additional expense is a small price to pay when it comes to our health.

If eating clean and healthy food keeps us from getting sick, that’s fewer medical bills in the long run, smaller insurance premiums, etc. It all balances out and at the end of the day, we don’t feel like crap. We probably spend about $400-500 on groceries a month but are looking at better ways to do our shopping.

Another expense is marinas. Oh boy – even though we have a shower on our boat, it is so nice to be able to go and stand under a hot (or cool) shower for as long as you want. Oh and what was that? You have a pool? Why, it’s 95 degrees outside and I’m sweating like a stuck pig… don’t mind if I do! Free coffee? So I don’t have to fire up the propane stove in this 95 degree weather to make my own? Get the picture?

Marinas are expensive because they are so convenient , especially when you pay a nightly transient rate, which can vary anywhere from $1.00 per foot/night to $2.50 per foot/night. We have a 35′ boat, so you can do the math.

Although we’ve been cruising the Chesapeake Bay all the way down down to Florida, repairs, friends and freelance work have kept us in some places for longer than others.

If we’re in a place for any length of time, we definitely stay in a marina. We have our dog with us so his bathroom breaks require a dinghy ride to shore, plus we don’t yet have a wind generator or sufficient solar panels to anchor out for more than a couple of nights without running the engine to charge the batteries.

If we’re staying for more than a couple of weeks, we always ask for a monthly rate (rather than pay a daily or weekly transient rate). The monthly cost varies depending on the area as well as the marina. Our average dockage rate so far between the places we’ve stayed for a month or more has been about $600/mo. Hopefully one day in the near future, we’ll be able to get rid of the marina fees, but until we make a few upgrades, we’ll have to suffer that expense.

Other than that, we really don’t spend a lot on ourselves – most of it goes towards the boat. This is where your expenses can really vary. You see, when we bought the boat, we had two options:

Get a boat that was ready for cruising and thus a lot more expensive and may require a partial loan OR
Pay cash for a boat that needed some upgrades and spend the first couple of years traveling, getting to know her, and fixing her as we go.

We opted for the latter. We are slowly but surely adding elements, taking some out, replacing this part or that, changing this, etc. I’d guess we’ve put at least $20,000 into her, probably more.

But I can say that we haven’t really changed our spending habits too much from our life on land. We are spending less in many aspects, but the money we put into the boat evens it all out.

My goal is to cut our everyday costs as much as possible so we can sink more into the boat.

If we have the major things done, we just have to make sure to do the upkeep. Everything left over goes into savings, or “ the cruising kitty “.

I estimate that our monthly spending (including marina fees, entertainment, boat work, food, wifi, phone, laundry, etc.) is around $1800 – $2000.

But you CAN do it on a lot less, and I know people who spend a lot more.

I would love to reduce our cost of sailing by spending considerably less, but to be honest, as long as we’re stateside, we’re going to spend more than we would if we were in say, Grenada, Dominican Republic or Panama. For now we’re still in plan-making mode and as always, plans can change.

My advice for anyone who is looking to do this is to estimate that you’ll spend close to what you spend on land, but substitute mortgage costs with marina fees (if you are getting rid of your house and plan on staying in marinas), and don’t forget to take into account costs like storage (to store what possessions you do keep but that aren’t going on the boat), cell service, wifi , towing insurance and/or boat insurance, entry fees (if traveling outside the US), entertainment expenses, etc.

These are only my experiences – everyone will be different. Do any of you live aboard a boat and/or traveling around like a gypsy? How do your spending habits compare to our sailing costs? Please comment so we can all learn!

16 Comments

Really well written post, it can certainly be an an expensive hobby, but definitely worth it!

Yes it can, but I would agree that it’s definitely worth it! 🙂 Thanks for stopping by!

Awesome read, thanks for sharing. I used to think I wanted to buy a sailboat and do the liveaboard lifestyle when I early retired. Then we had a bunch of kids and I realized I am totally clueless about sailing, and there is way more to learn before I could ever even think about living on a sailboat!

Oh, you can still do it! There’s a learning curve, that’s for sure, but as they say, where there’s a will there’s a way!

A good essay. I am a “retired” sailing/cruising instructor. (It sounds silly to say I retired from being a cruising instructor but I did.) My wife is a retired IT executive. Over the past few years, I have been studying the cost of cruising. You are right, it pretty much matches what you would spend ashore. The variable is the local cost of living. When you live like a local you spend like a local true in NY City or Prince Rupert Bay, Dominica.

The more offshore sailing you do and remote anchorages you use the lower the cost of cruising.

Keep sailing and keep writing.

Norm Cape Cod

Thanks, Norman! And you are so right about local cost of living being a major variable. Living as a local also puts you in much better touch with the communities you’re traveling to, and gives a much better travel experience than simply being a “tourist.”

I have a $50,000/yr pension and plan on paying cash for a 43′ boat around 170-200K. My goal would be so spend most of our time South of Florida and the Carribean Islands. It would be just me and my wife. Do you think we could make ends meet with $50k/yr and a nest egg of 200K for emergency expenses?

Hi Tony – thanks for writing! Like I’ve said before, how much you’ll need to go cruising largely depends on you. If you stay at marinas all the time, it will be more expensive. Your boat insurance will also be more expensive with a more expensive boat, too. Will you need health insurance? That can add to your costs. That said, if you buy a good boat (and like you said, pay cash for it), even with boat / health insurance costs, if you anchor out most or all of the time, eat like a local (cooking on the boat with local and seasonal foods), I don’t see why you couldn’t easily get by on $50k a year and still have some left over for savings. I’ve known people who have cruised happily through the Caribbean on less than $20k a year. Good luck!!

you should call me about a boat in our marina a force 50 55′ ketch which is for sale for around $40,000,the owner lives in NC but the boat is in Merritt Island fl ,a truly beautiful boat.the diesel has 83-90 hrs on it it has full tropical shade canvas , 2 45lb cqr anxhors stainless and a ton of chain rode and rope hauser line. 336-269-5525 is my cell i live onboard my 1970 pearson 33 [s/v AIXA] on b dock.

While I’m not yet remotely competent enough to consider living on a boat,.. if/when I decide to make that move it will definitely be something under 30 foot to keep upfront and maintenance costs manageable,. and living primarily on the hook. To me the whole idea of living in a marina defeats the purpose of liveaboards as living cost reduction strategy, since you’re then essentially paying rent style slip fees for what really amounts to relatively primitive accommodation. Once the boat was bought and paid for I’d really be looking to get by on relatively little,.. say maximum 6K a year for everything, preferably less.. …so basically an actual minimalist budget(at least by western standards).

Melody, I lived on My 48′ ketch while I rebuilt her and then sailed the Caribbean for 21 years. I really enjoyed reading your blog. Yor expenses are about the same as mine once she was re-built and sailing. The cost of re-building certainly was a bigger cost but Idid most of the work myself. The re-build phase took about 5 years only working Thursday thru Sunday’s. Once she was blue water ready I spent most of the time at the islands and the expenses dropped significantly. After that period of my Iife Isat down and figured the cost of living on the boat was approximately $20,000.00 including repairs, reprinting hulls, sail work, and a flight home once a year. Ifyou write and get paid for the work all the better. I worked on boats and engines occasionally for some cash. Enjoy it all. Sail and be one with the wind. David

In Tomis Marina … in Romania .. for 1500€ you get 1 year ..electricity …+500 if you want to keep your boat ashore in the marina yard 🙂

I forgot to put the “+” in front of electricity :))

Have any of you sailed with kids? My husband and I dream of living aboard with our three kids (7, 5, and 3yrs old) do you think it’s possible, and can you estimate how much you think it would cost for 5 people? We want to sail international as well. Thank you for your time!

Thank you I enjoyed your post and can only dream, keep the wind at your back..

Hi, interesting article from the point of view that the real costs of living on a boat are impossible to work out. which you almost say. The people to ask about this are the real 100% world cruisers, who are out there really living the life. Moving from marina to marina is a bit of a waste of time as it just becomes the same old same old. I have cruised the world for years and can easily live for several months on what you spend per month. A boat equipped with the right equipment for the job. I can live completely off grid for three to four months, only returning to an anchorage for certain food types, bottled gas tank changes, the odd spares and sometimes a little diesel of which I use almost non, but never the less keep full tanks in case of an emergency. As for showers, there’s nothing like a bucket of sea water for this, drinking & cooking water from a water maker solves all other water issues. Just saying!

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Cruises are expensive, but they're the best value. My family's cruise cost $3,500 less than a similar trip on land.

Cruise prices are rising , and the added costs are affecting my family's travel budget.
Despite the heftier price tag, I continue to book cruises because they're an excellent value.
On a recent trip to Europe, I saved thousands sailing instead of doing a similar land-based trip.

Cruise costs are going up, but I've found that this form of travel is still the best value for a family vacation right now.

The average price of a cruise is up more than 40% since 2019, according to Cruise Critic data reviewed by CNBC. Pent-up demand has contributed to record-breaking bookings and advance ticket sales .

Inflation hasn't slowed the industry down, and costs might not be done rising, either. Carnival CEO David Bernstein told investors in December that the cruise line is "well positioned" to drive its prices up this year.

As a frequent cruiser who's sailed more than 50 times, I've navigated these increases over the past few months and found cruises are still a better deal than trips on land.

Cruise accommodations can be cheaper than hotel rooms

Last summer, my family of three booked a 10-night European cruise to Norway and Iceland on the Norwegian Prima .

Our cruise fare alone amounted to just over $5,000. Although I secured a discounted price by booking during a last-minute sale, this was the most I've ever paid for a cruise.

Before I booked, I priced out hotel rooms throughout Norway and found that even basic stays in most destinations topped $300 a night.

Food prices were also staggering: A McDonald's medium combo meal in Norway can cost up to $15. Finer fare, similar to what's included on cruise ships, costs even more.

Our daily costs would jump even more after adding the train tickets, rental cars, and tour-bus fares we'd need to get around the country to see as many places as we would on the cruise.

By comparison, my cruise offered a nearly all-inclusive experience that bundled dining, transportation, and more into one straightforward fare for about $500 a night.

The cruise also included access to Broadway-style shows, pools, water slides, and family-friendly activities as we sailed between our itinerary's seven ports of call. And as a mom, having access to a ship's complimentary kid's club was priceless for getting alone time.

A side-by-side analysis of costs and ease of travel makes cruising a no-brainer

As I broke down my costs for a potential land-based trip through Norway, it became even more obvious that cruising was the less expensive option for my family.

Estimated costs for a 10-day Norway land-based trip for my family of three:

Hotels: $300 a night = $3,000
Transportation: $150 a day = $1,500
Excursions & Entertainment: $200 a day = $2,000
Dining: $200 a day = $2,000

Total: $8,500

(I excluded airfare, a necessary cost for both land and sea trips.)

The cruise's $5,000 price tag (before the discount) felt steep, but this breakdown showed me it was far cheaper than the alternative.

Plus, I'd save so much hassle by not having to map out logistics myself and keep track of a slew of independently booked activities every day.

You get premium oceanfront views at a palatable price on a cruise

As a Floridian, I live near a major cruise port and don't always have to fly to go on a cruise. But when comparing the cost of a beachfront hotel close to home and a Caribbean cruise setting sail from a local port, the latter is still usually cheaper.

An ocean-view room at a nice hotel can cost upward of $450 a night, and that price doesn't include dining or entertainment. Plus, hotel prices are also on the rise , up 40% to 50% compared to 2019.

Meanwhile, a three-night cruise on the Utopia of the Seas , Royal Caribbean's newest cruise ship, can cost $533 a night. Given newer ships command more premium prices, I could likely snag a sailing on one of its other ships for even less.

The average price for a five-night Caribbean cruise in December was $736 — less than $150 a night.

At sea, I can enjoy dining and entertainment, ocean views, and beach trips for an overall cost that rivals hotels.

Cruise pricing and demand have changed the way I book, but I'm still sailing

With high demand for cruises, I've found deals are getting harder to come by.

I snagged a last-minute booking to Europe last summer, but this year's search yielded mostly high prices and sold-out sailings.

Given everything included in these types of vacations, I'm still willing to pay for them, even if they cost me much more than before.

That said, my days of cruising on a whim are over. Travelers should make reservations early to secure spots on in-demand ships .

I just booked my family a cruise around New Zealand that's not setting sail until December 2025. It feels strange to book a trip this far out, but at least I have time to save up for the cruise's eye-watering $9,000 price tag.

If you enjoyed this story, be sure to follow Business Insider on Microsoft Start.

An increased demand for cruises has led to higher prices. Getty Images; Jenny Chang-Rodriguez/BI

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Utopia of the Seas: Large Ship, Short Sailings

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Table of Contents

What Royal Caribbean calls the ‘world’s biggest weekend’

Utopia of the seas itinerary, utopia of the seas cost, utopia of the seas tour, utopia of the seas dining, utopia of the seas bars and nightlife, utopia of the seas shows and entertainment, how to pay for your next royal caribbean sailing, the bottom line.

Royal Caribbean's newest ship, Utopia of the Seas, debuts today from Port Canaveral, Florida. Typically reserved for older ships, the company's latest vessel is unique because it will host three- and four-night itineraries from its initial sailing.

Passengers can choose from over 40 dining and entertainment options, unwind at multiple pools, experience the longest dry slide at sea and visit Royal Caribbean's private island, CocoCay (located in the Bahamas).

Is Utopia of the Seas the right fit for your next quick family getaway? Here’s an overview of Utopia’s cruise itinerary, what’s new on Utopia, plus a visual tour of the ship.

Jason Liberty, president and CEO of Royal Caribbean Group, described the Utopia of the Seas as the “ultimate weekend getaway” in a June press release. This is in contrast to the Icon of the Seas , another new Royal Caribbean ship launched earlier this year to cater to multigenerational vacations.

Typically, older ships have the short sailing shift, while new ships set sail on week-long journeys. But Royal Caribbean hopes to attract new cruisers by offering its newer model for quick trips – allowing travelers to quite literally test the waters .

At debut, Utopia is the 28th ship in Royal’s fleet, the sixth of Oasis-class vessels and the second largest cruise ship in the world (only behind the cruise line's Icon of the Seas).

» Learn more: The complete guide to Royal Caribbean

Utopia of the Seas sails three- and four-night Caribbean itineraries originating and disembarking from Port Canaveral, Florida.

The three-night weekend itinerary sets sail on Friday and includes a stop at Royal Caribbean’s private island in the Bahamas, CocoCay, and a stop at capital city Nassau. The ship returns to port Monday morning for disembarkation.

The four-night weekday itinerary, meanwhile, leaves the port on Monday and similarly includes stops in CocoCay and Nassau. The extra day on the ship is spent at sea. Utopia returns to port Friday morning for disembarkation.

Prices for the ship’s inaugural year of sailings currently range from $638 (early 2025) to $1,674 (July 2024) per person. This cost is for an interior cabin with a bed and private bathroom, covers most of your onboard entertainment, access to the kids club, food and snacks at several locations, dining in the main dining room, and basic drinks on board.

You can expect to pay extra for specialty dining restaurants, Wi-Fi , shore excursions and alcohol.

» Learn more: Do you need a passport for a Bahamas cruise?

Utopia of the Seas has 2,834 staterooms that accommodate up to 5,668 guests. There are multiple cabins and suites to choose from including interior, ocean view, balcony and suites. Each category has several layouts depending on whether passengers want more space, a specific view, or other perks and amenities.

The Royal Suite Class, categorized into Star, Sky and Sea, comes with dedicated customer service, access to private areas and more. The perks depend on the tier. A new type of suite — the Solarium Suite — offers a 280-degree view from the front of the ship.

» Learn more: The best ways to book a cruise

The ship has 18 total decks and 16 guest decks. Similar to its Oasis-class sister ships, it has themed "neighborhoods" in different areas of the ship. These include:

(Photo/rendering courtesy of Royal Caribbean)

The Boardwalk allows guests to enjoy outdoor activities, including rock climbing and a carousel. Passengers can also find Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade, Johnny Rockets and the Boardwalk Dog House. At the end of the Boardwalk is the AquaTheater, the deepest pool at sea, where an aerial acrobatic show takes place. The Boardwalk is located outside on deck six.

Central Park

Central Park is an open-air garden neighborhood on deck eight. Guests can find Royal’s Izumi Sushi restaurant as well as Izumi in the Park (only on Utopia and Icon) for Japanese favorites on the go. Other shops, bars and venues are also in the area.

Entertainment Place

The Entertainment Place is the entertainment hub on all Oasis Class vessels, including Utopia of the Seas. This is where passengers can find the Attic (comedy club), two casinos — one smoking and one nonsmoking — the Royal Theater, Studio B (ice skating rink), an art gallery and more. All of this can be found on deck four.

» Learn more: Are cruises all-inclusive?

Pool and Sports Zone

The Pool and Sports Zone spans decks 15 and 16. This area features five pools, a resort-style pool deck, eight whirlpools, a zip line and the two-story Lime and Coconut Bar. There is also an adults-only area called the Solarium, water slides, FlowRider surf simulators, sports courts and kids areas. New to Utopia is The Spare Tire, a food truck with complimentary handheld snacks, sandwiches and desserts.

The Royal Promenade

The new Caribbean tiki bar found on Utopia, the Pesky Parrot. (Photo/rendering courtesy of Royal Caribbean)

Like most Royal ships, the Royal Promenade is one of the main areas on Utopia of the Seas. It’s a multi-deck boulevard spanning decks five and six where passengers can enjoy parades, dance parties, and other indoor attractions.

Deck five includes complimentary eateries, retail shops, guest services and a new, only-on-Utopia, Pesky Parrot bar — a Caribbean-themed bar serving fruit-based cocktails and frozen drinks. Deck six includes customer experience desks and retail shops.

» Learn more: What to know about Royal Caribbean Crown and Anchor Society

Suite Neighborhood

The new Solarium Suite on Utopia of the Seas. (Photo/rendering courtesy of Royal Caribbean)

Located on deck 17, this exclusive neighborhood is for select suite guests. Only the Wonder of the Seas offers a similar onboard experience. Here, Sky Class and Star Class passengers have access to the Suite Bar Lounge, Coastal Kitchen (featuring rotating Mediterranean-inspired dishes) and a private Suite Sun deck.

Sea Class passengers have access to the Coastal Kitchen for dinner.

Vitality at Sea Spa & Fitness Center

The Vitality at Sea Spa & Fitness Center offers 100+ treatments and services including nail services, acupuncture, facials and massages. There is also a special menu for teens aged 13 to 17. Note that spa services are an added cost.

The fitness center is accessible to passengers at no extra cost, though some classes require a fee.

The Utopia Playscape, a dedicated place for young adventurers. (Photo/rendering courtesy of Royal Caribbean)

The Youth Zone houses a variety of activities for younger travelers, including Adventure Ocean programming for ages 3-12, Utopia Playscape, an arcade and the teen club.

The Youth Zone also includes Royal Babies and Royal Tots, the cruise line's nursery for infants and toddlers ages 6 to 36 months. The Youth Zone spans decks 14-16.

» Learn more: Why Royal Caribbean is one of the best cruise line for families

Utopia of the Seas offers a variety of dining options, from buffet-style dining rooms to specialty restaurants at an extra cost. Passengers can also choose to dine in their cabins and order from the room service menu 24 hours a day.

Complimentary dining experiences include:

Boardwalk Dog House (hot dogs and sausages).

Café Promenade (rotating snacks 24/7).

Coastal Kitchen (select guests).

Main Dining Room (multi-course meals).

El Loco Fresh (grab-and-go Mexican cuisine).

Park Café (quick bites).

Solarium Bistro (mediterranean-inspired buffet).

Sorrento’s (pizza).

Sprinkles (ice cream).

The Spare Tire (quick bites food truck).

Vitality Cafe (juices and smoothies).

Windjammer (buffet).

Specialty dining options for a flat-rate cost include:

150 Central Park.

Chef’s Table.

Chops Grille.

Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen & Wine Bar.

Hooked Seafood.

The Mason Jar.

A la carte pricing:

Johnny Rockets (breakfast is included).

Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade.

Starbucks.

Sugar Beach.

Utopia introduces a new immersive dining experience, the Royal Railway Utopia Station. Passengers embark on a virtual train journey through simulated landscapes while enjoying a five-course meal served by crew members dressed in themed attire (themes change throughout the year). Due to limited seating, reservations are recommended, and it incurs an additional cost.

» Learn more: Can you bring food on a cruise?

There’s plenty of opportunity to explore nightlife on the ship, from energetic dance floors to intimate cocktail bars. Shows include adults-only comedy, original productions at the Royal Theater, ice skating acts at Studio B and an acrobatic water experience at the AquaTheater.

Music lovers can catch a band at Music Hall and Lime & Coconut or test their pipes at karaoke. Passengers can also try their hand at one of the two onboard casinos.

Bars and lounges include:

Bell & Barley.

Cantina Fresca.

Giovanni’s Wine Bar.

Pesky Parrot.

Rising Tide Bar.

Schooner Bar.

Solarium Bar.

Spotlight Karaoke.

The Lime & Coconut.

Trellis Bar.

Wipe Out Bar.

In addition to daytime action and adventures, nightlife, and dining, Utopia of the Seas has several scheduled shows to keep passengers entertained while aboard.

Aqua80Too : AquaTheatre show featuring 80s hits.

Battle of the Sexes : Where men and women compete.

Youtopia : Onboard ice skating show.

CrazyQuest: Adults-only intense scavenger hunt.

Friendly Feud : Game show where passenger groups compete against each other.

All In!: High-tech production at the Royal Theater.

Majority Rules : Game show where the audience chooses the winner.

The Attic : Venue and late-night show for passengers 18+.

Expect different ‘parties’ scheduled throughout your sailing, including a silent disco and a sail away pool party.

You can book your cruise through a third-party site like Costco Travel or Expedia, a travel agent, or directly through Royal Caribbean. Keep an eye out for sales and offers throughout the year, as the price fluctuates based on demand.

» Learn more: Best time to book a cruise

The best credit cards for cruises are often general purpose travel rewards cards that are rewarding and versatile. Here are a couple of examples to jumpstart your research.

The Platinum Card® from American Express

on American Express' website

on Chase's website

on Citibank's application

Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 on eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Terms Apply.

Enjoy $250 to use on Capital One Travel in your first cardholder year, plus earn 75,000 bonus miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening - that’s equal to $1,000 in travel.

Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

Earn 70,000 bonus ThankYou® Points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months of account opening, redeemable for $700 in gift cards or travel rewards at thankyou.com.

• 5 points per $1 on flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel, on up to $500,000 spent per year.

• 5 points per $1 on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel.

• 1 point per $1 on other eligible purchases.

Terms apply.

• 5 miles per $1 on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel.

• 2 miles per $1 on all other purchases.

• 5 points per $1 on travel booked through Chase.

• 3 points per $1 on dining (including eligible delivery services and takeout), select streaming services and online grocery purchases (not including Target, Walmart and wholesale clubs).

• 2 points per $1 on other travel.

• 1 point per $1 on other purchases.

• 10 ThankYou® points per $1 spent on hotels, car rentals and attractions booked through the Citi Travel site.

• 3 points per $1 on air travel and other hotel purchases.

• 3 points per $1 on supermarkets.

• 3 points per $1 on gas stations and EV charging stations.

• 3 points per $1 on restaurants.

• 1 point per $1 on all other purchases.

For cruise lovers and families who can’t always take extended time off for vacation, Utopia of the Seas just might be the answer with its short sailings. With stops in the Bahamas and a ship large enough to entertain beyond a weekend, passengers will surely be occupied on board.

Learn more about the ship, accommodations, and book a weekend at sea on the Royal Caribbean Utopia of the Seas page. Sailings are currently open for booking through April 2026.

(Top photo courtesy of Royal Caribbean)

How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are some of the best travel credit cards of 2024 :

Flexibility, point transfers and a large bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

No annual fee: Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card

Flat-rate travel rewards: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Bonus travel rewards and high-end perks: Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Luxury perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express

Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

1x-5x 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases.

60,000 Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

Bank of America® Premium Rewards® Credit Card

on Bank of America's website

1.5x-2x Earn unlimited 2 points for every $1 spent on travel and dining purchases and unlimited 1.5 points for every $1 spent on all other purchases.

60,000 Receive 60,000 online bonus points - a $600 value - after you make at least $4,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening.

IMAGES

How Much Does An Average Sailboat Cost?
Choosing a Cruising Sailboat
The cost of cruising is a big factor in whether people choose to buy a
Twelve Top Bluewater Cruising Boats
Nor'Sea 27 Sailboat : A Small Cruising Sailboat to Take You Anywhere
How much does a sailboat cost?

VIDEO

Sailing around doing boat projects. Who needs a centerboard? Ep. 51
COSTS to sail the ICW to Florida
How Much I Paid to Cruise
Finding Our Dream Yacht (Jeanneau Yachts 55) in Spain! ⛵️
Why are Cruises so Expensive? How to Book a Cheap Cruise in 2021
28] We Are SCREWED

COMMENTS

How Much Sailboats Cost On Average (380+ Prices Compared)
Best-value ocean cruiser (40') $166,000. $1,300. The average price of new sailboats is $425,000 ($127,000 to $821,000). The average price of used sailboats is $278,000 ($67,000 to $555,000). Maintenance costs are on average $2,000 - $3,000 per year, and the average total annual cost is $3,000 to $7,000. Of course the price of a sailboat depends ...
The true cost of cruising… and how to afford it
The adage that cruising is 'boat maintenance in exotic locations' is exactly right. Our philosophy was to try to keep the boat 'up together' rather than replacing. The boat was only hauled out five times in 12 years. When not on passage, we had a general routine of boat jobs in the morning, and the afternoon for leisure, visiting ...
How Much Is a Sailboat? (Average Cost of Buying & Owning)
The price of owning a sailboat may vary depending on several factors such as the size of the sailboat, its model, whether it's new or used, and how often you use the sailboat. For example, a new Islander 36' can cost nearly $150,000 while a used one can cost you around $40,000. Again, the price of a new 26' Catalina can cost you around $80,000 ...
The True Cost of Living on a Sailboat: Our Monthly Expenses
Insurance ($233) If you are a newbie cruiser, your boat insurance options will most likely be limited. Insurance was a considerable expense in our first year. In our second year, the cost dropped from 2.8% of the boat's value to 1.3%. (We now have restricted cruising grounds for July - November.)
Average Cost of Buying & Owning a Sailboat (2022)
What Does it Cost to Buy a Sailboat? The average price of a new sailboat per foot in USD: under 30 ft: $2,400 per ft. 30 - 50 ft: $5,700 - $8,500 per ft. over 50 ft: $11,900 - $65,400 per ft. On average, second-hand sailboats go at 1/3 - 1/4 of the cost of a new boat: under 30 ft: $815 per ft. 30 - 50 ft: $3,020 per ft.
Understanding the Costs of Owning a Sailboat
Maintenance costs for a boat can be around 10% of its value per year, and unexpected repairs may also be necessary. Owning a sailboat can be affordable, with prices ranging from $1,500 for a used sailboat to $250,000 for a new sailboat. The average price of new sailboats is $250,000, ranging from $96,000 to $654,000.
Average Sailboat Price
The average cost of a new cruising sailboat is about $250,000. This number is taken from analyzing new sailboat listings of various sizes, with the average being about 35 feet in overall length. New cruising sailboats range in price from around $150,000 to well north of $500,000 for large and custom models. Aluminum sailboats cost significantly ...
Average Sailboat Prices: 27 Helpful Examples (With Pictures)
The average price of used sailboats is around $21,000, but new boats cost $60,000 on average and upwards. Some used boats can be purchased for less than $10,000, depending on their age, size, and condition. This is because pre-owned sailboats have about 80 percent of the market share. You will find models from the early 1960s still racing ...
How Much Do Sailboats Cost? A Comprehensive Guide
Sailboat Cost. The average price of new sailboats is $250,000, with a range from $96,000 to $654,000, while the average price of used sailboats is $111,000, ranging from $19,000 to $518,000 (Improve Sailing). It is important to note that these figures can fluctuate depending on the specific model, brand, and features that come with the boat.
Sailboat Cost Calculator
Detailed ownership costs. Each year, we compare thousands of sailboat listing prices to come up with reliable average prices of sailboats. This calculator uses the most up-to-date data. If you want to read a more in-depth exploration of sailboat ownership costs, I recommend you read our guide.
How Much Does An Average Sailboat Cost?
A 22-foot sailboat may be close to $30,000 brand new, yet an older model of the same boat built in the late 1970s might be purchased for $5,500 or less. A shiny new 48-foot catamaran will cost you well over $1,000,000, while a similar boat built in 2008 may be purchased for $425,000, and be better equipped.
How Much Does a Sailboat Cost?
New Cruising Sailboat: On average, a new cruising sailboat can cost anywhere from $100,000 to over $1 million, according to industry data. Popular brands like Beneteau and Catalina offer smaller cruising models in the $200,000 to $500,000 range. These types of vessels are also quite popular as charter boat brands.
How Much Do Sailboats Cost 2023? The Average Prices
On average, a new cruising sailboat can cost anywhere from $100,000 to over $1 million. Some popular brands, such as Beneteau and Jeanneau, offer models in the $200,000 to $400,000 range. Luxury cruising sailboats from well-known brands like Hanse or any catamarans can easily exceed $500,000. Of course, the cost will also depend on the size and ...
How much does it really cost to sail around the world?
Finally, discretionary spending is clearly optional, depending on budget and personal preference. Based on seven years sailing around the world, Behan believes that for most people £1500-£2500 ...
The Cost of Living on a Sailboat Full-Time (with Examples)
Other costs associated with purchasing a sailing vessel include: Pre-purchase survey reports - These are generally charged per foot and can cost between $10 - $25 per foot depending on the region your boat is in. Boat build material may also factor into the cost with wooden boats attracting higher inspection fees.; Insurance - Liveaboard sailboat insurance, including third-party ...
What You Need to Know Before You Buy a Sailboat
For example, the standing rigging will need to be replaced every 10 to 15 years, and depending on the size of the boat, it can cost $2,000 to $20,000 or more. (Costs increase exponentially with every foot of length.) If you buy an older $20,000 boat and the engine croaks, you can wind up spending another $10-15k or more on a repower alone.
Sailo Boat Calculator
The boat cost of ownership calculator includes a boat loan calculator, estimates boat financing, boat insurance average cost, boat maintenance and docking costs. Home ... average hours spent cruising per day. Gas and diesel prices are updated in real time but the numbers represent national averages so your local fuel costs could vary.
13 Best Cruising Sailboats in 2023 & Why They're Better
Lagoon 450F. 45 feet. 8 to 10 people. $700,000. Bavaria Cruiser 46. 46 feet. 6 to 8 people. $250,000. In this section, we'll explore the 13 best cruising sailboats of 2023, highlighting their unique features and reasons why they stand out in the market.
5 Top Affordable Bluewater Cruising Sailboats
When I was asked to highlight five top affordable bluewater cruising sailboats, about 30 models popped into my head. ... You can whittle down the list by setting some parameters: boats that cost $250,000 or less when they aren't much more than 10 years old, are under a half a million new, and are still in production in one form or another ...
10 New Cruising Sailboats Under 35 Feet
Dufour Grand Large 360. Dufour Grand Large 360 Jon Whittle. Dufour Yachts introduced its new 360 Grand Large model to CW's Boat of the Year team in 2018 as a coastal cruiser intended for a couple or perhaps a small family. With that in mind, judge Alvah Simon found numerous clever elements to praise within the boat's 35-foot-2-inch hull—a ...
10 Affordable Cruising Catamarans
Here, then, are 10 cool cats to consider in the $300,000-or-less range: Advertisement. 1. Fountaine Pajot Orana 44 (above) Fountaine Pajot had the misfortune of tooling up this boat just before the global financial crisis, so not that many of them were built between 2007 and 2012.
20 Bluewater Cruising Sailboats Under $100,000
Additionally, the Prout Snowgoose 37 can fit into a single-hull marina, reducing berthing costs when compared to most other catamarans. If you have never considered a catamaran in the past, the Prout Snowgoose 37 may change your mind. Prices start near $45,000, with later models reaching over $100,000.
How Much Do Cruises Cost, Anyway?
"The average cost of a 7-night cruise is roughly $1,800/person or $3,600 per stateroom," Fish says. Per Cruise Market Watch, in 2024, the average amount a cruiser will spend is $259.05 per ...
The Cost of Sailing
Marinas are expensive because they are so convenient, especially when you pay a nightly transient rate, which can vary anywhere from $1.00 per foot/night to $2.50 per foot/night. We have a 35′ boat, so you can do the math.
Cruises are expensive, but they're the best value. My family's cruise
An ocean-view room at a nice hotel can cost upward of $450 a night, and that price doesn't include dining or entertainment. Plus, hotel prices are also on the rise , up 40% to 50% compared to 2019.
Guide to Royal Caribbean's Utopia of the Seas
Royal Caribbean's newest ship is sailing out of Port Canaveral, Florida. With over 40 ways to dine, drink and party, Utopia of the Seas has something for everyone. ... (early 2025) to $1,674 (July ...

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Understanding the Costs of Owning a Sailboat: A Complete Guide

Key takeaway:

Factors Affecting the Cost of Owning a Sailboat

Age and Condition of the Sailboat

Location and Storage Costs

Maintenance and Repair Expenses

Insurance and Registration Fees

Upgrades and Customizations

Initial Costs of Owning a Sailboat

Purchase Price of the Sailboat

Tax and Title Fees

Delivery or Transportation Costs

Equipment and Accessories

Ongoing Costs of Owning a Sailboat

Mooring or Slip Fees

Insurance Premiums

Winterization and Storage Costs

Fuel, Water, and Propane Costs

Registration and Licensing Renewal Fees

Tips for Managing the Cost of Owning a Sailboat

Research and Purchase Wisely

Create a Budget and Maintenance Plan

Consider Shared Ownership or Boat Clubs

Do Your Own Maintenance and Repairs

Take Advantage of Cost-Saving Opportunities

Some Facts About How Much Does It Cost To Own A Sailboat:

Frequently Asked Questions

2. What are the annual components of owning and operating a sailboat?

3. What is the true cost of boat ownership?

4. How much are the hidden costs of owning a sailboat?

5. What are the monthly expenses associated with sailboat ownership?

6. How can I make money from owning a sailboat?

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