For those with a passion for sailing the open seas, bluewater sailboats under 50 feet offer the perfect blend of seaworthiness, comfort, and manageability. These vessels are engineered to tackle the unpredictable conditions of ocean crossings while providing a stable and safe platform for long-distance voyages. Whether you’re dreaming of solo expeditions, family adventures, or crewed journeys, selecting the right bluewater sailboat is a critical step toward realizing your offshore ambitions. This guide explores the finest bluewater sailboats under 50 feet, delving into their key features, advantages, and specific models that stand out in the sailing community. From sturdy construction to innovative design, we’ll cover everything you need to know to choose the ideal vessel for your next adventure.
What Makes a Bluewater Sailboat Exceptional?
Bluewater sailboats are purpose-built for extended offshore passages, distinguishing them from coastal cruisers or weekend racers. Their defining characteristics include robust construction, excellent seaworthiness, and self-sustainability, making them reliable companions in the harshest marine environments. Here’s what sets them apart:
- Sturdy Construction:
These boats are crafted with durable materials like fiberglass, aluminum, or steel, featuring reinforced hulls capable of withstanding the relentless pounding of waves and extreme weather. The structural integrity ensures they remain intact during prolonged voyages. - Seaworthiness:
Designed to handle rough seas and high winds, bluewater sailboats offer stability through hull shapes such as deep V or full-keel designs. These configurations reduce rolling and enhance tracking, providing a smoother ride in challenging conditions. - Self-Sustainability:
Long voyages demand independence from frequent resupply. Bluewater sailboats are equipped with large water and fuel tanks, renewable energy systems (e.g., solar panels or wind turbines), and ample storage for provisions, enabling sailors to stay at sea for weeks or months. - Comfort and Liveability:
Spacious interiors with multiple cabins, well-equipped galleys, and ergonomic layouts ensure a comfortable living experience, crucial for extended time aboard. - Safety:
With robust hulls, balanced designs, and reliable systems, these boats prioritize crew safety, reducing risks like capsizing or flooding even in stormy seas.
These attributes make bluewater sailboats ideal for adventurers seeking to explore distant horizons with confidence and comfort.
Advantages of Choosing a Bluewater Sailboat
Opting for a bluewater sailboat under 50 feet offers distinct benefits tailored to offshore sailing:
- Safety and Stability: The reinforced construction and seaworthy design provide peace of mind, ensuring the vessel can endure adverse conditions without compromising crew safety.
- Long-Distance Capability: Ample storage and efficient systems allow for extended journeys without constant resupply, perfect for crossing oceans or island-hopping.
- Manageability: Boats under 50 feet strike a balance between size and ease of handling, making them suitable for solo sailors or small crews without requiring professional assistance.
- Comfort: Thoughtful interior designs cater to liveaboard needs, offering practical living spaces that enhance the quality of life at sea.
These advantages make bluewater sailboats a compelling choice for serious sailors, combining practicality with the thrill of exploration.
Factors to Consider When Buying a Bluewater Sailboat
Selecting the right bluewater sailboat involves evaluating several key factors to match your sailing goals and lifestyle:
- Hull Design: Full-keel designs offer superior stability and tracking for rough seas, while fin keels provide better maneuverability and speed. Consider your route and sailing style.
- Size: Boats between 34 and 50 feet offer a sweet spot—large enough for comfort and storage, yet manageable for short-handed crews.
- Condition: Older boats may require significant refitting (e.g., rigging, sails, electronics), impacting cost and readiness. Assess your budget and repair capabilities.
- Sail Plan: Cutter or sloop rigs with furling systems simplify sail handling, crucial for solo or small-crew sailing.
- Budget: Prices vary widely based on age, brand, and condition. New boats can exceed $500,000, while used models may start at $20,000, often needing upgrades.
- Intended Use: Prioritize features like tankage for long passages or shallow draft for island-hopping.
With these considerations in mind, let’s explore some of the best bluewater sailboats under 50 feet, highlighting their specifications, strengths, and approximate costs.
Top Bluewater Sailboats Under 50 Feet
Below is a curated list of standout bluewater sailboats under 50 feet, each excelling in seaworthiness, comfort, and reliability. These models have earned praise from sailors worldwide for their offshore prowess.
1. Hallberg-Rassy 42F
The Hallberg-Rassy 42F’s stability and spacious deck make it adaptable for light sport fishing, though it lacks dedicated fishing features like rod holders or outriggers. Its seaworthiness is ideal for reaching fishing grounds, but it’s primarily a luxury cruiser.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Length | 42 feet (12.8 meters) |
| Beam | 12.9 feet (3.9 meters) |
| Draft | 6.6 feet (2 meters) |
| Displacement | 27,558 lbs (12,500 kg) |
| Hull | Fiberglass (full keel or fin keel options) |
| Price (Used) | $150,000–$300,000 |
| Price (New, Latest Est.) | $500,000–$550,000 |
Key Features:
- Renowned Swedish build quality with exemplary craftsmanship.
- Center-cockpit design offers a protected helm and spacious aft cabin.
- Deep fin keel ensures stability, with a skeg-hung rudder for durability.
- Interior boasts teak finishes, two or three cabins, and a large saloon.
2. Amel Super Maramu
With its large deck and robust construction, the Super Maramu could support sport fishing in offshore waters. Its self-sufficiency suits extended trips, but it’s not optimized for fishing-specific needs.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Length | 52.5 feet (16 meters) |
| Beam | 15.1 feet (4.6 meters) |
| Draft | 6.7 feet (2.05 meters) |
| Displacement | 35,274 lbs (16,000 kg) |
| Hull | Fiberglass (ketch rig) |
| Price (Used) | $200,000–$400,000 |
| Price (Latest Est.) | $400,000–$450,000 (used market) |
Key Features:
- Ketch rig with electric furling simplifies sail handling for small crews.
- Watertight bulkheads and reinforced hull enhance safety.
- Spacious interior with three cabins, large galley, and ample storage.
- Designed for self-sufficiency with large tankage (600L water, 1000L fuel).
3. Oyster 47
The Oyster 47’s speed and stability are assets for reaching fishing spots, and its spacious cockpit could be modified for fishing. However, it’s a premium cruiser, not a fishing-first design.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Length | 47 feet (14.3 meters) |
| Beam | 14 feet (4.3 meters) |
| Draft | 7.1 feet (2.16 meters) |
| Displacement | 35,000 lbs (15,876 kg) |
| Hull | Fiberglass (fin keel) |
| Price (Used) | $300,000–$600,000 |
| Price (Latest Est.) | $600,000–$650,000 (used market) |
Key Features:
- Sleek hull design by Humphreys Yacht Design for speed and stability.
- High-quality build with a focus on small-crew optimization.
- Three-cabin layout with a luxurious owner’s suite and generous stowage.
- Robust deck gear, including powerful winches and furling systems.
4. Pacific Seacraft 40
Its tank-like build and stability are great for offshore fishing trips, but the smaller deck and lack of fishing amenities limit its sport fishing potential compared to purpose-built boats.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Length | 40 feet (12.2 meters) |
| Beam | 12.4 feet (3.78 meters) |
| Draft | 5.1 feet (1.55 meters) |
| Displacement | 24,000 lbs (10,886 kg) |
| Hull | Fiberglass (full keel) |
| Price (Used) | $100,000–$250,000 |
| Price (Latest Est.) | $250,000–$275,000 (used market) |
Key Features:
- Full-keel design with a cutaway forefoot for stability and tracking.
- Cutter rig enhances versatility in varying wind conditions.
- Two-cabin interior with a functional galley and nav station.
- Built for durability with hand-laid fiberglass and bronze fittings.
5. Valiant 42
The Valiant 42’s balance and seaworthiness make it capable of reaching fishing grounds, but its design prioritizes cruising over sport fishing functionality.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Length | 42 feet (12.8 meters) |
| Beam | 12.8 feet (3.9 meters) |
| Draft | 6 feet (1.83 meters) |
| Displacement | 24,600 lbs (11,158 kg) |
| Hull | Fiberglass (fin keel) |
| Price (Used) | $80,000–$200,000 |
| Price (Latest Est.) | $200,000–$225,000 (used market) |
Key Features:
- Bob Perry design with a reputation for seaworthiness and balance.
- Fin keel and skeg-hung rudder provide agility and protection.
- Two-cabin layout with ample headroom and storage.
- Strong, hand-crafted construction for longevity.
6. Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 49
The large cockpit and strong performance could support sport fishing, especially with modifications. Its charter origins suggest versatility, but it’s not a dedicated fishing boat.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Length | 49 feet (14.9 meters) |
| Beam | 14.7 feet (4.49 meters) |
| Draft | 7 feet (2.15 meters) |
| Displacement | 5,500 lbs (12,125 kg)* |
| Hull | Fiberglass (fin keel) |
| Price (Used) | $150,000–$300,000 |
| Price (Latest Est.) | $300,000–$325,000 (used market) |
*Note: Displacement seems unusually low; likely a typo in the original data. Typical displacement for this size is ~26,000–28,000 lbs.
Key Features:
- Spacious cockpit and sail locker for easy gear management.
- Three-cabin layout with a convertible aft cabin for flexibility.
- Deep-draft keel and powerful sail plan for strong performance.
- Modern design with a focus on comfort and practicality.
7. Outbound 46
The Outbound 46’s offshore capability and deep cockpit are advantageous for fishing trips, though it lacks specialized fishing gear. It’s built for passagemaking, not sport fishing.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Length | 46 feet (14 meters) |
| Beam | 13.6 feet (4.16 meters) |
| Draft | 6.6 feet (2 meters) |
| Displacement | 28,000 lbs (12,700 kg) |
| Hull | Fiberglass (fin keel) |
| Price (Used) | $300,000–$500,000 |
| Price (Latest Est.) | $500,000–$525,000 (used market) |
Key Features:
- German Frers design with a focus on offshore capability.
- Large tankage (210 gal fuel, 210 gal water) for extended range.
- Two-cabin layout with a spacious saloon and utility options.
- High freeboard and deep cockpit enhance safety and comfort.
8. Rustler 42
Its stability and deck space could accommodate casual fishing, but it’s a classic cruiser, not optimized for sport fishing pursuits.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Length | 42 feet (12.8 meters) |
| Beam | 13.3 feet (4.06 meters) |
| Draft | 6 feet (1.83 meters) |
| Displacement | 26,455 lbs (12,000 kg) |
| Hull | Fiberglass (long fin keel) |
| Price (Used) | $200,000–$400,000 |
| Price (New, Latest Est.) | $600,000–$650,000 |
Key Features:
- Classic design with modern construction techniques.
- Long fin keel and skeg-hung rudder for stability and protection.
- Open-plan saloon with a double berth aft and generous storage.
- Built for short-handed sailing with a focus on seaworthiness.
9. Najad 395 CC
The Najad 395 CC’s seaworthiness and cockpit design could support light fishing, but its luxury focus and smaller size limit its sport fishing potential.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Length | 39.4 feet (12 meters) |
| Beam | 13.1 feet (4 meters) |
| Draft | 6.2 feet (1.9 meters) |
| Displacement | 24,250 lbs (11,000 kg) |
| Hull | Fiberglass (fin keel) |
| Price (New/Lightly Used) | $350,000–$550,000 |
| Price (Latest Est.) | $550,000–$575,000 |
Key Features:
- Center-cockpit design with a protected helm near the center of gravity.
- Two- or three-cabin options with high-end finishes.
- Comprehensive options list for customization.
- Farr Yacht Design hull for balanced performance.
10. Island Packet 349
Its shallow draft allows access to inshore fishing areas, and the sturdy build suits coastal fishing, but it’s too small and cruiser-focused for serious sport fishing.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Length | 34.8 feet (10.6 meters) |
| Beam | 11.8 feet (3.6 meters) |
| Draft | 4 feet (1.22 meters) |
| Displacement | 19,500 lbs (8,845 kg) |
| Hull | Fiberglass (full keel) |
| Price (Used) | $100,000–$250,000 |
| Price (New, Latest Est.) | $350,000–$375,000 |
Key Features:
- Full-keel design with a shallow draft for versatility.
- Solent rig with a self-tending jib and optional reacher.
- Compact yet spacious interior with two cabins.
- Renowned for durability and ease of handling.
Comparative Table of Top Bluewater Sailboats
| Model | Length (ft) | Beam (ft) | Draft (ft) | Displacement (lbs) | Hull Type | Price Range (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hallberg-Rassy 42F | 42 | 12.9 | 6.6 | 27,558 | Fin/Full Keel | $150,000–$500,000+ |
| Amel Super Maramu | 52.5 | 15.1 | 6.7 | 35,274 | Fiberglass | $200,000–$400,000 |
| Oyster 47 | 47 | 14 | 7.1 | 35,000 | Fin Keel | $300,000–$600,000 |
| Pacific Seacraft 40 | 40 | 12.4 | 5.1 | 24,000 | Full Keel | $100,000–$250,000 |
| Valiant 42 | 42 | 12.8 | 6 | 24,600 | Fin Keel | $80,000–$200,000 |
| Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 49 | 49 | 14.7 | 7 | 26,676 | Fin Keel | $150,000–$300,000 |
| Outbound 46 | 46 | 13.6 | 6.6 | 28,000 | Fin Keel | $300,000–$500,000 |
| Rustler 42 | 42 | 13.3 | 6 | 26,455 | Long Fin Keel | $200,000–$600,000+ |
| Najad 395 CC | 39.4 | 13.1 | 6.2 | 24,250 | Fin Keel | $350,000–$550,000 |
| Island Packet 349 | 34.8 | 11.8 | 4 | 19,500 | Full Keel | $100,000–$350,000+ |
Notes on Pricing and Sport Fishing Context
- Latest Prices: These are estimated based on the original ranges, adjusted slightly for inflation and market trends. Exact prices vary by condition, location, and equipment.
- Sport Fishing Relevance: True sport fishing boats (e.g., center consoles or convertibles) typically feature open decks, high-speed capabilities, and fishing-specific gear (rod holders, live wells, etc.). These sailboats excel in cruising and seaworthiness, making them capable of reaching fishing grounds, but they require modifications for serious sport fishing.
Choosing the Right Bluewater Sailboat for You
The “best” bluewater sailboat depends on your specific needs and preferences. Here’s a breakdown to guide your decision:
- For Luxury and Comfort: Oyster 47 or Amel Super Maramu offer premium finishes and spacious layouts, ideal for extended liveaboard cruising.
- For Budget-Conscious Sailors: Valiant 42 or Pacific Seacraft 40 provide proven seaworthiness at a lower cost, especially in the used market.
- For Solo or Short-Handed Sailing: Island Packet 349 or Najad 395 CC are manageable and equipped for ease of use.
- For Performance and Stability: Hallberg-Rassy 42F or Outbound 46 blend speed with robust construction, perfect for challenging passages.
Consider test-sailing models when possible, as hands-on experience reveals how a boat feels under sail and suits your handling skills.
Real-World Insights from the Sailing Community
Sailors on forums like Reddit and CruisersForum offer valuable perspectives on bluewater boats:
- Pacific Seacraft and Valiant: Frequently praised for their “overbuilt” nature, with users citing confidence in storms due to solid construction.
- Hallberg-Rassy: A recurring favorite for its blend of luxury and reliability, often described as “bulletproof” by circumnavigators.
- Amel: Loved for its turnkey design, with owners noting minimal modifications needed for ocean crossings.
- Jeanneau and Beneteau: Production boats gaining respect for bluewater capability, though some recommend reinforcing rigging and systems.
These insights underscore the importance of matching a boat’s strengths to your sailing plans, whether it’s high-latitude expeditions or tropical trade-wind routes.
Conclusion
Bluewater sailboats under 50 feet open the door to thrilling offshore adventures, combining durability, comfort, and practicality in a manageable package. From the timeless Hallberg-Rassy 42F to the rugged Pacific Seacraft 40, each model offers unique strengths tailored to different sailing dreams. By focusing on seaworthiness, self-sustainability, and your personal needs, you can find the perfect vessel to carry you across oceans or among idyllic islands. Whether you’re drawn to the luxury of an Oyster or the affordability of a Valiant, the journey begins with choosing a boat that inspires trust and excitement. Set sail with confidence—the open sea awaits.
Happy Boating!
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Read 15 Surprising Benefits of a Ketch Rig (and 7 Cons) until we meet in the next article.