13 Best Liveaboard Sailboats (under 30 & 50 ft)

Living aboard a sailboat offers a unique blend of freedom, adventure, and simplicity. Whether you’re downsizing for a minimalist lifestyle or seeking full-time ocean exploration, choosing the right liveaboard sailboat is essential. Here, we’ll explore the best sailboats under 30 feet and 50 feet, balancing comfort, price, and performance.

Best Liveaboard Sailboats Under 30 Feet

Smaller boats offer simplicity and ease of handling, making them ideal for solo sailors or couples. These options are more affordable, and despite their size, they provide everything necessary for comfortable living aboard.

1. Catalina 27

• Length: 27 ft
• Beam: 8.83 ft
• Draft: 4 ft (fin keel)
• Price: $7,000 – $15,000 (used)
• Specs: The Catalina 27 is one of the most popular small sailboats for living aboard. Its spacious cabin can comfortably accommodate two people with amenities like a galley, head, and sufficient storage. It’s lightweight and easy to sail, perfect for coastal cruising.

2. Albin Vega 27

• Length: 27.1 ft
• Beam: 8 ft
• Draft: 4 ft
• Price: $10,000 – $20,000 (used)
• Specs: Renowned for durability and versatility, the Albin Vega is a Swedish classic. Despite its small size, it’s known for taking sailors across oceans, making it ideal for those dreaming of long-distance cruising on a budget. It features a well-laid-out interior with enough space for two people to live comfortably.

3. Nor’Sea 27

• Length: 27 ft
• Beam: 8 ft
• Draft: 3.5 ft
• Price: $35,000 – $70,000 (new and used)
• Specs: Designed for bluewater cruising, the Nor’Sea 27 is a rugged boat built for open ocean adventures. It’s compact but offers impressive living space, thanks to a raised deck and a deep cockpit. Known for its stability, this boat is perfect for solo sailors or couples seeking adventure in a manageable size.

4. Pacific Seacraft 25

• Length: 25 ft
• Beam: 8 ft
• Draft: 3.5 ft
• Price: $15,000 – $30,000 (used)
• Specs: Often considered a pocket cruiser, the Pacific Seacraft 25 is a solid choice for anyone wanting a small, yet seaworthy boat for liveaboard life. Its double-ended design and heavy displacement make it stable in rough waters. Inside, it offers a cozy, well-thought-out space with a compact galley and sleeping accommodations for two.

5. Westerly Centaur

• Length: 26 ft
• Beam: 8.5 ft
• Draft: 3 ft
• Price: $7,000 – $20,000 (used)
• Specs: A British classic, the Westerly Centaur is a bilge keel boat, which means it can sit upright when grounded, making it excellent for tidal areas. It has a spacious interior for a boat of its size, accommodating up to five people. The Centaur is ideal for coastal cruising and exploring shallow waters.

Best Liveaboard Sailboats Under 50 Feet

For those seeking more space, luxury, and offshore capabilities, boats in the 40-50 ft range are the perfect choice. These sailboats offer all the comforts of home, with larger cabins, more storage, and the ability to take on long-distance cruising with ease.

6. Beneteau Oceanis 46.1

• Length: 47.9 ft
• Beam: 15.75 ft
• Draft: 7.1 ft
• Price: $350,000 – $450,000 (new)
• Specs: The Oceanis 46.1 is a modern, spacious cruiser designed for long-term living aboard. Its wide beam allows for expansive interior spaces, including a large salon, full-sized galley, and multiple cabins. It’s designed for comfortable, long-distance cruising, with excellent storage and performance under sail.

7. Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 490

• Length: 47.3 ft
• Beam: 14.75 ft
• Draft: 7.3 ft
• Price: $450,000 – $550,000 (new)
• Specs: The Sun Odyssey 490 is a cutting-edge design with luxurious living quarters and a focus on ease of movement. The interior features a large saloon, spacious galley, and generous cabins, making it perfect for families or those who entertain aboard. Its performance and comfort make it a top choice for liveaboard sailors who also seek adventure.

8. Lagoon 450 (Catamaran)

• Length: 45 ft
• Beam: 25.75 ft
• Draft: 4.2 ft
• Price: $500,000 – $700,000 (new)
• Specs: For those looking for maximum space and stability, the Lagoon 450 catamaran offers plenty of room with its wide beam and dual hull design. It’s like a floating apartment, with expansive living areas, a large galley, and multiple cabins. Perfect for families or those who desire more space, this boat is made for long-term comfort at sea.

9. Hallberg-Rassy 48 Mk II

• Length: 49.25 ft
• Beam: 14.75 ft
• Draft: 7 ft
• Price: $600,000 – $900,000 (new)
• Specs: Known for its solid construction and bluewater capabilities, the Hallberg-Rassy 48 Mk II is a premium yacht. It offers luxurious living spaces and top-notch safety features, making it ideal for serious liveaboard sailors planning to cross oceans. The interior is elegantly appointed, with plenty of room for both entertaining and storage.

10. Tartan 4700

• Length: 47 ft
• Beam: 14 ft
• Draft: 6.5 ft
• Price: $700,000 – $1,000,000 (new)
• Specs: The Tartan 4700 combines classic design with modern features, offering a beautiful balance of performance and comfort. The interior includes large living spaces, a gourmet galley, and multiple private cabins. Tartan is known for their craftsmanship, and this boat is perfect for liveaboard sailors who value both luxury and sailing performance.

11. Hylas 49

• Length: 49 ft
• Beam: 14.5 ft
• Draft: 6 ft
• Price: $400,000 – $600,000 (used)
• Specs: The Hylas 49 is a well-respected offshore cruiser with a focus on performance and comfort. It has a spacious, beautifully crafted interior, including a large saloon, dedicated navigation station, and roomy cabins. It’s perfect for those looking for a high-quality boat capable of crossing oceans or living aboard in comfort.

12. Bavaria Cruiser 46

• Length: 46.8 ft
• Beam: 14.25 ft
• Draft: 6.75 ft
• Price: $350,000 – $450,000 (new)
• Specs: The Bavaria Cruiser 46 offers a perfect balance between luxury and affordability. With a modern, spacious interior and ample storage, it’s great for full-time liveaboard life. Its sailing performance is excellent, making it a favorite for both coastal cruising and longer offshore voyages.

13. Island Packet 465

• Length: 47.8 ft
• Beam: 14.33 ft
• Draft: 5 ft
• Price: $450,000 – $600,000 (used)
• Specs: The Island Packet 465 is designed for safety and comfort on long voyages. It has a traditional design with a heavy displacement that provides a stable ride. The interior is spacious, with a large saloon, galley, and multiple staterooms, making it ideal for liveaboards who prioritize comfort and long-distance cruising.

Conclusion

Choosing the best liveaboard sailboat depends on your personal preferences, sailing style, and budget. For those seeking smaller, more manageable boats, options like the Catalina 27 and Nor’Sea 27 offer simplicity and affordability. If space and luxury are priorities, the Beneteau Oceanis 46.1 or Lagoon 450 provide plenty of comfort for long-term living aboard.

Each of these boats offers unique strengths, so weigh your needs carefully to find the one that best fits your liveaboard lifestyle.

Happy Boating!

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Read 13 Best Liveaboard Catamarans (For All Budgets) until we meet in the next article.