13 World-Famous Bluewater Sailboats Under 40 Feet
For sailors looking to venture beyond coastal cruising and explore open oceans, bluewater sailboats under 40 feet provide an ideal balance of size, capability, and affordability. These boats are designed to withstand long journeys, sometimes under harsh conditions, while offering comfort and reliability. In this article, we explore 13 world-famous bluewater sailboats under 40 feet, each known for their seaworthiness, craftsmanship, and performance.
1. Pacific Seacraft 34
The Pacific Seacraft 34 is an iconic bluewater cruiser, recognized for its ruggedness and ability to handle rough seas. Designed by William Crealock, this boat features a full keel, a cutter rig, and a strong hull construction, making it ideal for offshore sailing.
- Length: 34 feet
- Beam: 10’0″
- Draft: 4’11”
- Displacement: 13,500 lbs
- Price: $80,000 – $160,000 (used)
Why It’s Great
The Pacific Seacraft 34 is a favorite among solo sailors and couples due to its manageable size, solid construction, and its reputation for handling heavy weather well.
2. Cape Dory 36
The Cape Dory 36, designed by Carl Alberg, is a classic bluewater sailboat with a full keel and a spacious interior. Known for its graceful lines and solid build, it is a boat that’s ready for long offshore passages.
- Length: 36 feet
- Beam: 10’8″
- Draft: 5’0″
- Displacement: 16,000 lbs
- Price: $40,000 – $120,000 (used)
Why It’s Great
Its timeless design, solid hull, and excellent handling in heavy seas make it a popular choice for circumnavigators and serious cruisers alike.
3. Bristol 32
Designed by Ted Hood, the Bristol 32 is a smaller bluewater cruiser, but it has earned a reputation for being seaworthy and well-built. With its moderate draft and fine lines, it’s suited for both coastal and offshore cruising.
- Length: 32 feet
- Beam: 9’5″
- Draft: 4’10”
- Displacement: 10,000 lbs
- Price: $25,000 – $60,000 (used)
Why It’s Great
The Bristol 32 offers a well-balanced compromise between comfort and performance, making it a great entry-level bluewater sailboat.
4. Hallberg-Rassy 36
Hallberg-Rassy is synonymous with quality, and the HR36 is a perfect example. Designed by Germán Frers, this boat is known for its strong, durable construction and elegant Scandinavian design.
- Length: 36 feet
- Beam: 11’7″
- Draft: 5’8″
- Displacement: 16,100 lbs
- Price: $150,000 – $300,000 (used)
Why It’s Great
The Hallberg-Rassy 36 has a reputation for comfort and style, with a well-protected cockpit and luxurious interior, making it ideal for long-distance cruising.
5. Valiant 40
Though slightly over 40 feet in length overall, the Valiant 40’s reputation is too important to ignore. Designed by Robert Perry, this legendary bluewater sailboat has completed more circumnavigations than nearly any other design.
- Length: 39’10”
- Beam: 12’4″
- Draft: 6’0″
- Displacement: 24,000 lbs
- Price: $100,000 – $200,000 (used)
Why It’s Great
Known for its speed and strength, the Valiant 40 is one of the most respected bluewater cruising boats, offering excellent performance in all wind conditions.
6. Contessa 32
Designed by David Sadler, the Contessa 32 is a small but mighty bluewater boat. It’s known for its ability to handle heavy weather and rough seas, having famously survived multiple ocean storms during races.
- Length: 32 feet
- Beam: 9’6″
- Draft: 5’6″
- Displacement: 9,770 lbs
- Price: $25,000 – $70,000 (used)
Why It’s Great
The Contessa 32 is a boat that punches above its weight. Its compact size makes it easy to handle, while its strong construction ensures it’s ready for offshore challenges.
7. Tartan 37
The Tartan 37, designed by Sparkman & Stephens, is a versatile boat known for its speed, balance, and stability. It’s one of the most popular models in Tartan’s history and is often seen crossing oceans.
- Length: 37 feet
- Beam: 11’9″
- Draft: 4’2″ – 7’8″ (centerboard)
- Displacement: 15,500 lbs
- Price: $50,000 – $120,000 (used)
Why It’s Great
The Tartan 37 is well-suited for both racing and cruising, offering a mix of speed and comfort, with a versatile centerboard design that allows for shallow draft sailing.
8. Vancouver 34
The Vancouver 34 is a small bluewater cruiser with a big reputation for handling tough offshore conditions. It’s a cutter-rigged design with a heavy displacement, making it perfect for long passages.
- Length: 34 feet
- Beam: 10’8″
- Draft: 5’4″
- Displacement: 15,000 lbs
- Price: $90,000 – $150,000 (used)
Why It’s Great
The Vancouver 34 is a tough, go-anywhere boat that’s built for serious ocean voyaging, while still being small enough to manage single-handed or with a small crew.
9. Westsail 32
A true bluewater legend, the Westsail 32 is one of the most famous ocean-crossing boats. Designed by William Atkin and modified by William Crealock, this heavy-displacement boat is known for its seaworthiness.
- Length: 32 feet
- Beam: 11’0″
- Draft: 5’0″
- Displacement: 20,000 lbs
- Price: $30,000 – $90,000 (used)
Why It’s Great
The Westsail 32 is a rugged, reliable cruiser that’s well-suited for long voyages. It may not be fast, but it’s built to take you anywhere in the world safely.
10. Island Packet 35
Island Packet sailboats are known for their strong construction, and the IP35 is no exception. With a full keel and shallow draft, it’s designed for both coastal and offshore cruising.
- Length: 35 feet
- Beam: 12’0″
- Draft: 4’6″
- Displacement: 17,500 lbs
- Price: $100,000 – $200,000 (used)
Why It’s Great
The Island Packet 35 offers ample space, comfort, and a smooth ride, making it a popular choice for long-term cruisers looking for safety and ease of handling.
11. Caliber 40 LRC
The Caliber 40 LRC (Long Range Cruiser) is renowned for its extended cruising capabilities, with features like large tankage and a seaworthy hull. It’s a well-designed cruiser for couples or families.
- Length: 39’10”
- Beam: 12’7″
- Draft: 5’2″
- Displacement: 22,000 lbs
- Price: $150,000 – $250,000 (used)
Why It’s Great
Its thoughtful design includes safety features like watertight bulkheads and a shallow draft, making it ideal for bluewater sailors seeking long-range capability.
12. Vancouver 28
The Vancouver 28 is a small but capable ocean-going vessel. Despite its size, it’s well-suited for serious offshore sailing, with a reputation for being tough and reliable.
- Length: 28 feet
- Beam: 8’6″
- Draft: 4’6″
- Displacement: 10,000 lbs
- Price: $25,000 – $60,000 (used)
Why It’s Great
The Vancouver 28 is proof that small boats can handle the ocean. It’s perfect for solo sailors or couples who want a sturdy, no-nonsense boat for extended cruising.
13. Sabre 34
The Sabre 34, designed by Roger Hewson, is a performance cruiser with bluewater capabilities. Known for its fine craftsmanship and strong performance, it’s a boat that can take you across oceans in style.
- Length: 34 feet
- Beam: 10’6″
- Draft: 6’2″
- Displacement: 12,000 lbs
- Price: $50,000 – $120,000 (used)
Why It’s Great
With its combination of speed, comfort, and seaworthiness, the Sabre 34 is a boat that appeals to both racers and cruisers who want to explore distant shores.
Final Thoughts
Choosing a bluewater sailboat under 40 feet can be a challenging but rewarding experience. Each of these 13 boats has proven itself capable of handling long-distance, offshore cruising. The best choice for you will depend on your sailing style, budget, and specific needs, but any of these vessels can take you safely and comfortably on the adventure of a lifetime.
Happy Boating!
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