Swing keel sailboats offer a unique blend of performance, versatility, and accessibility, making them an attractive option for sailors of all levels. This design features a keel that swings up into the hull, allowing for shallow water navigation and easy beaching. Here, we explore 13 of the most popular swing keel sailboats on the market, detailing their specifications, price ranges, and notable features.
1. MacGregor 26M
- Price: $18,000 – $30,000
- Length Overall (LOA): 25′ 9″
- Beam: 8′ 0″
- Draft (Keel Up): 1′ 10″
- Draft (Keel Down): 5′ 2″
- Weight: 2,500 lbs
- Sail Area: 325 sq ft
The MacGregor 26M is a versatile trailerable sailboat known for its ability to handle both sailing and power. Its unique design allows for easy transport and launching. With a spacious interior and the option for a small outboard engine, the MacGregor 26M is ideal for family sailing and weekend getaways.
2. Catalina 22
- Price: $10,000 – $20,000
- Length Overall (LOA): 22′ 0″
- Beam: 7′ 8″
- Draft (Keel Up): 1′ 6″
- Draft (Keel Down): 5′ 4″
- Weight: 2,400 lbs
- Sail Area: 288 sq ft
The Catalina 22 is a classic swing keel sailboat that has stood the test of time. Its robust design offers stability and comfort, making it perfect for both novice and experienced sailors. With ample cabin space and a galley, it’s suitable for longer trips as well.
3. O’Day 222
- Price: $8,000 – $15,000
- Length Overall (LOA): 22′ 0″
- Beam: 8′ 0″
- Draft (Keel Up): 1′ 8″
- Draft (Keel Down): 4′ 8″
- Weight: 3,000 lbs
- Sail Area: 276 sq ft
The O’Day 222 is a compact sailboat with a spacious interior layout. It features a swing keel for versatility and is particularly good for coastal cruising. Its solid construction ensures durability, while the design allows for easy sailing and handling.
4. Hunter 216
- Price: $15,000 – $25,000
- Length Overall (LOA): 21′ 6″
- Beam: 8′ 0″
- Draft (Keel Up): 1′ 10″
- Draft (Keel Down): 4′ 10″
- Weight: 2,600 lbs
- Sail Area: 264 sq ft
The Hunter 216 is designed for performance and comfort. With a sleek hull and a spacious cockpit, it’s ideal for day sailing and weekend trips. Its easy-to-sail rigging and responsive performance make it a popular choice for both beginners and seasoned sailors.
5. Tartan 27
- Price: $20,000 – $35,000
- Length Overall (LOA): 27′ 0″
- Beam: 8′ 0″
- Draft (Keel Up): 3′ 2″
- Draft (Keel Down): 5′ 10″
- Weight: 6,400 lbs
- Sail Area: 350 sq ft
The Tartan 27 is known for its classic lines and solid build quality. It features a comfortable interior and excellent sailing performance, making it suitable for both coastal and offshore cruising. The swing keel allows for easy navigation in shallow waters.
6. Hobie 21
- Price: $10,000 – $15,000
- Length Overall (LOA): 21′ 0″
- Beam: 8′ 4″
- Draft (Keel Up): 1′ 10″
- Draft (Keel Down): 4′ 10″
- Weight: 2,000 lbs
- Sail Area: 308 sq ft
The Hobie 21 is a popular choice for those who enjoy performance sailing. With its lightweight design and excellent stability, this catamaran-style sailboat is perfect for both racing and cruising. The swing keel makes it suitable for beach landings and shallow waters.
7. Seaward 26RK
- Price: $30,000 – $45,000
- Length Overall (LOA): 26′ 0″
- Beam: 8′ 0″
- Draft (Keel Up): 1′ 8″
- Draft (Keel Down): 5′ 0″
- Weight: 5,200 lbs
- Sail Area: 350 sq ft
The Seaward 26RK is designed for cruising and comfort, offering a roomy interior and a high-quality build. It features a unique retractable keel design that provides excellent stability and performance while still allowing access to shallow waters.
8. Westerly Centaur
- Price: $15,000 – $25,000
- Length Overall (LOA): 26′ 0″
- Beam: 8′ 4″
- Draft (Keel Up): 2′ 6″
- Draft (Keel Down): 5′ 0″
- Weight: 6,200 lbs
- Sail Area: 316 sq ft
The Westerly Centaur is a well-regarded cruiser known for its stability and reliability. It has a classic design and is suitable for long voyages or coastal sailing. The interior is spacious, making it a comfortable option for extended trips.
9. Nauticat 33
- Price: $40,000 – $80,000
- Length Overall (LOA): 33′ 0″
- Beam: 10′ 0″
- Draft (Keel Up): 3′ 5″
- Draft (Keel Down): 6′ 6″
- Weight: 10,000 lbs
- Sail Area: 455 sq ft
The Nauticat 33 is a luxurious choice for cruising enthusiasts. It features a full keel and a spacious interior, perfect for long voyages. The swing keel adds versatility for accessing shallower waters while providing excellent performance at sea.
10. Lagoon 380
- Price: $250,000 – $450,000
- Length Overall (LOA): 37′ 0″
- Beam: 21′ 0″
- Draft (Keel Up): 3′ 9″
- Draft (Keel Down): 4′ 0″
- Weight: 15,000 lbs
- Sail Area: 753 sq ft
The Lagoon 380 is a popular catamaran known for its spaciousness and comfort. With two hulls, it offers stability and ample living space. Its swing keel design allows for shallow water access, making it a great option for cruising in various conditions.
11. Albin 25
- Price: $10,000 – $20,000
- Length Overall (LOA): 25′ 0″
- Beam: 8′ 0″
- Draft (Keel Up): 2′ 6″
- Draft (Keel Down): 4′ 6″
- Weight: 5,500 lbs
- Sail Area: 300 sq ft
The Albin 25 is known for its sturdy construction and seaworthiness. It’s a great choice for both coastal sailing and inland waterways. The spacious cockpit and comfortable cabin make it a popular option for family outings.
12. Sovereign 32
- Price: $30,000 – $60,000
- Length Overall (LOA): 32′ 0″
- Beam: 10′ 0″
- Draft (Keel Up): 4′ 0″
- Draft (Keel Down): 6′ 6″
- Weight: 9,000 lbs
- Sail Area: 500 sq ft
The Sovereign 32 is a beautifully designed sailboat known for its performance and comfort. It features a roomy interior with plenty of storage space. The swing keel design provides versatility for various sailing conditions.
13. Bristol 24
- Price: $15,000 – $30,000
- Length Overall (LOA): 24′ 0″
- Beam: 8′ 0″
- Draft (Keel Up): 2′ 0″
- Draft (Keel Down): 5′ 0″
- Weight: 5,200 lbs
- Sail Area: 300 sq ft
The Bristol 24 is a well-regarded choice for those looking for a smaller sailboat with solid performance. Its swing keel design allows for easy beaching and shallow water navigation. The comfortable interior makes it a great option for weekend sailing trips.
Conclusion
Swing keel sailboats offer exceptional versatility and performance, making them ideal for a variety of sailing conditions. From family outings to adventurous cruising, there’s a swing keel sailboat for
everyone. The options listed here represent some of the most popular models on the market, catering to different budgets and sailing preferences. Whether you’re a novice sailor or an experienced mariner, these boats can provide the perfect platform for your next adventure on the water.
Happy Boating!
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