Bilge keel sailboats are an excellent choice for sailors who want the flexibility to explore shallow waters and enjoy greater stability when at anchor. Unlike fin keels, which have a single deep keel, bilge keel boats feature two keels, allowing them to sit upright on dry land when the tide goes out. This feature makes them perfect for sailing in tidal regions or exploring coastlines with significant tidal ranges. In this guide, we’ll explore the 13 most popular bilge keel sailboats, their specs, prices, and why they’re worth considering.
1. Westerly Centaur
- Length: 26 feet
- Beam: 8 feet 5 inches
- Draft: 3 feet
- Price: $10,000 – $20,000 (used)
The Westerly Centaur is a classic British bilge keel sailboat, renowned for its rugged build and seaworthiness. Launched in 1969, over 2,500 were built, making it one of the most popular bilge keel designs. With spacious interiors for its size, it’s perfect for weekend cruising and coastal exploration. It’s also known for its ability to sit comfortably on a tidal flat.
2. Hunter Duette
- Length: 23 feet
- Beam: 8 feet 3 inches
- Draft: 2 feet 9 inches
- Price: $5,000 – $10,000 (used)
The Hunter Duette is a smaller, yet versatile bilge keel sailboat that offers great sailing performance in shallow waters. Designed by David Thomas, it’s a twin-keel version of the popular Hunter Sonata. Its lightweight and easy handling make it a favorite among those looking for a day sailor or weekend cruiser.
3. Sadler 29
- Length: 29 feet
- Beam: 9 feet 6 inches
- Draft: 3 feet 6 inches
- Price: $25,000 – $35,000 (used)
The Sadler 29 is known for its strong construction and excellent sailing capabilities. It’s built with a double-skinned hull, providing additional buoyancy, making it nearly unsinkable. The bilge keel option gives it stability in choppy waters and allows it to explore shallower areas. It’s great for long-distance cruising and offshore sailing.
4. Seamaster 23
- Length: 23 feet
- Beam: 8 feet
- Draft: 2 feet 9 inches
- Price: $4,000 – $8,000 (used)
The Seamaster 23 is a bilge keel sailboat known for being sturdy and easy to handle. With its bilge keels, this model is ideal for cruising in shallow areas and provides a stable ride for beginner sailors. The interiors are compact yet functional, making it suitable for weekend getaways.
5. Moody 27
- Length: 27 feet
- Beam: 9 feet 6 inches
- Draft: 3 feet 3 inches
- Price: $20,000 – $30,000 (used)
A popular bilge keel design, the Moody 27 combines solid performance with comfort. Built by the renowned Moody Yachts, it’s known for its robust construction and spacious interiors. It’s a reliable choice for both novice and experienced sailors looking for a cruiser that can handle coastal and offshore conditions.
6. Beneteau Evasion 34
- Length: 33 feet 6 inches
- Beam: 11 feet
- Draft: 4 feet
- Price: $35,000 – $50,000 (used)
The Beneteau Evasion 34 is a bilge keel motorsailer that offers the best of both worlds—sailing and motor cruising. It has a raised pilothouse, providing excellent visibility and protection from the elements. The twin keels allow it to explore shallow waters without sacrificing stability. Its size and layout make it a great option for longer trips with family or friends.
7. Colvic Watson 26
- Length: 26 feet
- Beam: 9 feet 6 inches
- Draft: 3 feet 6 inches
- Price: $15,000 – $30,000 (used)
The Colvic Watson 26 is a motorsailer with bilge keels, perfect for sailors who want more power under motor while maintaining the ability to sail efficiently. It features a roomy cabin and large windows, offering a comfortable and bright interior. It’s a great option for liveaboard sailors or those looking for longer coastal adventures.
8. Macwester 27
- Length: 27 feet
- Beam: 8 feet 6 inches
- Draft: 3 feet 3 inches
- Price: $8,000 – $15,000 (used)
The Macwester 27 is a classic British bilge keel boat from the 1960s. It’s built like a tank, with heavy construction and a conservative design that makes it exceptionally seaworthy. The bilge keels make it a great option for coastal cruising, especially in shallow waters. Despite its age, many of these boats remain in good condition due to their solid build.
9. Halcyon 27
- Length: 27 feet
- Beam: 7 feet 6 inches
- Draft: 3 feet 3 inches
- Price: $5,000 – $10,000 (used)
The Halcyon 27 is a sturdy, seaworthy bilge keel boat with a reputation for handling tough conditions. It’s small enough to explore tighter, shallower waterways but strong enough for offshore passages. Its compact yet functional design makes it a great option for solo sailors or couples.
10. Newbridge Venturer 22
- Length: 22 feet
- Beam: 8 feet
- Draft: 2 feet 9 inches
- Price: $4,000 – $7,000 (used)
The Newbridge Venturer 22 is a compact bilge keel sailboat that offers great versatility for day sailing or weekend cruising. Its small size allows easy maneuvering in tight spaces, while the twin keels make it ideal for shallow waters. It’s a great entry-level boat for beginner sailors.
11. Snapdragon 26
- Length: 26 feet
- Beam: 8 feet 6 inches
- Draft: 3 feet
- Price: $6,000 – $12,000 (used)
The Snapdragon 26 is a well-loved bilge keel boat with a solid reputation for seaworthiness and easy handling. Built in the 1960s and 1970s, it has a roomy interior for its size, making it a popular choice for weekend cruising. Its bilge keels allow it to sit upright on tidal flats, making it ideal for coastal sailing.
12. Jaguar 25
- Length: 25 feet
- Beam: 8 feet 9 inches
- Draft: 3 feet 3 inches
- Price: $8,000 – $15,000 (used)
The Jaguar 25 is a versatile and affordable bilge keel sailboat with a good balance of sailing performance and interior comfort. It’s a popular choice among sailors who enjoy exploring shallow coastal areas. The interiors are surprisingly spacious for a boat of this size, making it suitable for extended cruising.
13. Freedom 28
- Length: 28 feet
- Beam: 9 feet 5 inches
- Draft: 3 feet 10 inches
- Price: $20,000 – $35,000 (used)
The Freedom 28 is a modern, twin-keeled cruiser known for its ease of sailing, particularly with its unstayed mast configuration. The boat offers good speed and maneuverability, while the bilge keels provide shallow-draft capabilities. Its contemporary design and spacious interior make it a great choice for longer trips.
Conclusion
Bilge keel sailboats are a fantastic option for sailors who need flexibility in shallow waters while maintaining stability. From classic designs like the Westerly Centaur to modern boats like the Freedom 28, these sailboats offer a range of options that cater to different sailing styles and budgets. Whether you’re an experienced sailor or just starting, these 13 bilge keel sailboats are worth considering for your next maritime adventure.
Happy Boating!
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