13 Biggest Trailerable Sailboats: Cheap but Good
Sailing is a passion that transcends budgets, and for those who don’t have the space or funds for a large docked yacht, trailerable sailboats offer an appealing alternative. These boats are ideal for weekend adventurers who want the freedom to explore various waters without the permanent commitment of marina fees or owning a dedicated mooring spot. Plus, they’re easier to store at home and cheaper to maintain. In this article, we’ll explore 13 of the biggest trailerable sailboats that combine affordability, practicality, and excellent sailing performance.
What to Look for in a Trailerable Sailboat
Before diving into the list, let’s define what makes a trailerable sailboat a great choice. When choosing the right boat, you need to consider:
- Size: Length is limited by what’s easily trailerable (typically up to 28 feet).
- Weight: The boat should be light enough to tow without requiring a specialized vehicle.
- Price: We’ve focused on models that deliver solid sailing performance without breaking the bank.
- Ease of setup: Many trailerable sailboats are designed to be rigged and launched quickly.
- Comfort: These boats need to balance portability with features like sleeping space, a small galley, and headroom.
Without further ado, here are 13 of the biggest trailerable sailboats that won’t cost you a fortune but are still good quality.
1. MacGregor 26M
- Length: 25′ 10″
- Beam: 7′ 9″
- Weight: 2,550 lbs
- Price: $20,000 – $30,000 (used)
The MacGregor 26M is one of the most popular trailerable sailboats in the world. Known for its versatility, it offers both sailing and motoring abilities. You can also raise and lower the mast easily, making it a favorite for weekend sailors. The interior provides decent accommodations for a boat this size, including a double berth and seating for four. It’s ideal for small families looking for a well-rounded boat.
2. Hunter 260
- Length: 26′
- Beam: 8′ 5″
- Weight: 3,000 lbs
- Price: $15,000 – $25,000 (used)
The Hunter 260 is renowned for offering excellent interior space for a trailerable sailboat. The centerboard design keeps the draft shallow, making it easier to launch and sail in shallow waters. Its spacious cabin has room for up to six people, a private head, and a small galley. Ideal for weekend trips, the Hunter 260 has a solid reputation for performance and comfort.
3. Catalina 22 Sport
- Length: 21′ 6″
- Beam: 7′ 8″
- Weight: 2,500 lbs
- Price: $12,000 – $25,000 (new)
The Catalina 22 Sport is a trailerable sailboat classic. Despite its compact size, it offers good sailing performance and comfort. With its retractable keel, you can easily transport it to your favorite body of water. The Catalina 22 has a simple and sturdy design, making it great for beginner sailors, but it’s also capable enough for experienced sailors looking for a budget-friendly option.
4. Precision 23
- Length: 23′
- Beam: 8′ 6″
- Weight: 2,450 lbs
- Price: $10,000 – $20,000 (used)
Designed for ease of handling and stability, the Precision 23 is a practical and budget-conscious trailerable sailboat. It has a large cockpit, a retractable keel, and enough cabin space for a weekend getaway. This model is known for being stable, making it a good choice for families and novice sailors.
5. West Wight Potter 19
- Length: 18′ 9″
- Beam: 7′ 6″
- Weight: 1,225 lbs
- Price: $15,000 – $25,000 (new)
The West Wight Potter 19 is one of the smallest boats on this list, but its compact size makes it a breeze to tow and store. Despite its size, it offers surprising interior space with sleeping room for four. With a shallow draft and the ability to raise and lower the keel, the Potter 19 is excellent for shallow waters and beach landings.
6. Com-Pac 23
- Length: 23′ 11″
- Beam: 7′ 10″
- Weight: 3,000 lbs
- Price: $15,000 – $22,000 (used)
The Com-Pac 23 is a sturdy trailerable sailboat designed for extended cruising. It features a full keel for increased stability and tracking. The cabin is roomy enough for a small family and includes a galley, sleeping berths, and a marine head. This boat is known for handling rougher conditions, making it ideal for coastal adventures.
7. O’Day 25
- Length: 25′
- Beam: 8′
- Weight: 4,600 lbs
- Price: $5,000 – $10,000 (used)
The O’Day 25 is an older model but still a great value for budget-conscious sailors looking for a larger, trailerable option. Its swing keel makes it easy to transport and launch, while the interior offers enough room for four adults. This boat handles well in various conditions and is perfect for family adventures.
8. Seaward 26RK
- Length: 25′ 10″
- Beam: 8′ 4″
- Weight: 4,200 lbs
- Price: $25,000 – $40,000 (used)
The Seaward 26RK is one of the most versatile trailerable sailboats on the market. It features a retractable keel, allowing it to be launched in shallow waters but still offering great offshore performance. The interior is spacious, with sleeping for four, a galley, and an enclosed head, making it an excellent choice for longer trips.
9. Beneteau First 24
- Length: 24′
- Beam: 8′ 4″
- Weight: 3,200 lbs
- Price: $45,000 – $55,000 (new)
Though pricier than some other models, the Beneteau First 24 offers outstanding performance for those looking to race or cruise. It’s quick, agile, and surprisingly comfortable for its size. The interior offers sleeping for four, a compact galley, and modern, sleek lines.
10. BayRaider 20
- Length: 20′ 3″
- Beam: 6′ 5″
- Weight: 1,280 lbs
- Price: $20,000 – $35,000 (new)
The BayRaider 20 is a lightweight trailerable sailboat with a classic design. Its shallow draft makes it perfect for exploring coastal areas, rivers, and lakes. The BayRaider is easy to rig and launch and is known for its simplicity and elegance. Its performance is excellent, particularly for sailors who want a more traditional look and feel.
11. Montgomery 23
- Length: 23′ 6″
- Beam: 7′ 3″
- Weight: 3,500 lbs
- Price: $15,000 – $25,000 (used)
The Montgomery 23 is a seaworthy sailboat designed for adventurers looking for a durable and affordable option. It’s known for being easy to trailer and rig, and the boat performs well in various conditions, including offshore. The cabin offers enough space for weekend cruising with basic accommodations.
12. Corsair 760 Sport
- Length: 24′ 7″
- Beam: 17′ 11″ (folded: 8′ 2″)
- Weight: 2,700 lbs
- Price: $85,000 – $95,000 (new)
If performance is your priority, the Corsair 760 Sport is a high-speed, trailerable trimaran. It offers the excitement of multihull sailing, with speeds that monohull sailors can only dream of. While it’s on the more expensive side, it’s still one of the most affordable trailerable trimarans available.
13. Rhodes 22
- Length: 22′
- Beam: 8′
- Weight: 3,100 lbs
- Price: $15,000 – $25,000 (used)
The Rhodes 22 is a trailerable cruiser with excellent accommodations for its size. It features a well-designed cabin, complete with a head, galley, and sleeping arrangements for four people. The Rhodes 22 is known for being user-friendly, offering stability and comfort, even for novice sailors.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a sailboat that offers the flexibility to travel from lake to coast, these 13 trailerable options represent the best in terms of size, affordability, and functionality. Whether you’re seeking adventure with a small crew or a relaxing weekend getaway with family, there’s a trailerable sailboat on this list to fit your needs and budget. While prices and availability can vary, investing in one of these models means you’ll have the freedom to sail wherever your vehicle can tow.
Happy Boating!
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Read 13 Best Liveaboard Sailboats (under 30 & 50 ft) until we meet in the next article.