Sailing enthusiasts often find themselves at a crossroads when deciding on the perfect sailboat. One of the most enduring designs in sailing is the full keel, known for its stability, ease of handling, and seaworthiness. Full keel sailboats have a long, broad keel that extends deep into the water, providing excellent tracking and stability. In this article, we’ll explore 13 popular full keel sailboats worth considering, examining their specifications, price ranges, and unique features.
1. Cape Dory 30
- Length Overall (LOA): 30 ft (9.14 m)
- Beam: 9.5 ft (2.9 m)
- Draft: 5.5 ft (1.68 m)
- Weight: 8,000 lbs (3,628 kg)
- Sail Area: 409 sq ft (38.0 m²)
- Price Range: $15,000 – $25,000
The Cape Dory 30 is a classic full keel sailboat, recognized for its traditional lines and robust construction. It offers a cozy cabin with a galley, head, and comfortable berths, making it ideal for weekend cruising or longer passages.
2. Hans Christian 33
- Length Overall (LOA): 33 ft (10.06 m)
- Beam: 10.5 ft (3.2 m)
- Draft: 5.5 ft (1.68 m)
- Weight: 10,000 lbs (4,536 kg)
- Sail Area: 475 sq ft (44.1 m²)
- Price Range: $35,000 – $60,000
Renowned for its craftsmanship, the Hans Christian 33 boasts a heavy displacement and a solid full keel, making it an excellent choice for offshore sailing. The interior features teak woodwork and ample storage, providing comfort on long voyages.
3. Tartan 34
- Length Overall (LOA): 34 ft (10.36 m)
- Beam: 10.8 ft (3.29 m)
- Draft: 4.5 ft (1.37 m)
- Weight: 11,400 lbs (5,173 kg)
- Sail Area: 450 sq ft (41.8 m²)
- Price Range: $30,000 – $55,000
The Tartan 34 is known for its performance and ease of handling. It features a comfortable cockpit and a well-laid-out interior, making it suitable for both cruising and racing. With a manageable draft, it’s a versatile option for various sailing conditions.
4. Bristol 32
- Length Overall (LOA): 32 ft (9.75 m)
- Beam: 10.5 ft (3.2 m)
- Draft: 4.5 ft (1.37 m)
- Weight: 10,000 lbs (4,536 kg)
- Sail Area: 500 sq ft (46.5 m²)
- Price Range: $25,000 – $45,000
The Bristol 32 is a well-respected cruising sailboat with a classic design. Its spacious interior and comfortable accommodations make it perfect for families or couples. The full keel design provides excellent stability and comfort on the water.
5. Allied Seabreeze 35
- Length Overall (LOA): 35 ft (10.67 m)
- Beam: 10.5 ft (3.2 m)
- Draft: 5.0 ft (1.52 m)
- Weight: 12,000 lbs (5,443 kg)
- Sail Area: 550 sq ft (51.1 m²)
- Price Range: $30,000 – $50,000
The Allied Seabreeze 35 is known for its rugged construction and seaworthiness. Designed for offshore cruising, it has a spacious interior with good headroom, making it comfortable for extended trips.
6. Morgan 38
- Length Overall (LOA): 38 ft (11.58 m)
- Beam: 12 ft (3.66 m)
- Draft: 5.0 ft (1.52 m)
- Weight: 16,000 lbs (7,257 kg)
- Sail Area: 650 sq ft (60.4 m²)
- Price Range: $40,000 – $70,000
The Morgan 38 offers a blend of comfort and performance. With a spacious layout and plenty of storage, it is ideal for long voyages. Its full keel design enhances stability, making it a favorite among cruising sailors.
7. Vanguard 28
- Length Overall (LOA): 28 ft (8.53 m)
- Beam: 8.5 ft (2.59 m)
- Draft: 3.6 ft (1.09 m)
- Weight: 6,300 lbs (2,857 kg)
- Sail Area: 320 sq ft (29.7 m²)
- Price Range: $15,000 – $30,000
The Vanguard 28 is a smaller option for those looking to start sailing without a hefty investment. Its design is suitable for day sailing and weekend trips, and it is easy to handle for beginners.
8. Westsail 32
- Length Overall (LOA): 32 ft (9.75 m)
- Beam: 10.0 ft (3.05 m)
- Draft: 5.0 ft (1.52 m)
- Weight: 12,000 lbs (5,443 kg)
- Sail Area: 540 sq ft (50.3 m²)
- Price Range: $30,000 – $60,000
The Westsail 32 is a robust and dependable cruising sailboat. With its heavy displacement and traditional design, it is built for ocean passages and is known for its excellent stability in rough seas.
9. Sabre 34
- Length Overall (LOA): 34 ft (10.36 m)
- Beam: 10.6 ft (3.23 m)
- Draft: 4.5 ft (1.37 m)
- Weight: 10,500 lbs (4,763 kg)
- Sail Area: 463 sq ft (43.0 m²)
- Price Range: $30,000 – $55,000
The Sabre 34 is an elegant sailboat combining performance and comfort. With a well-thought-out interior and great sailing characteristics, it’s a popular choice for cruising and racing.
10. Cabo Rico 38
- Length Overall (LOA): 38 ft (11.58 m)
- Beam: 12.0 ft (3.66 m)
- Draft: 5.5 ft (1.68 m)
- Weight: 18,000 lbs (8,164 kg)
- Sail Area: 672 sq ft (62.4 m²)
- Price Range: $75,000 – $150,000
The Cabo Rico 38 is a premium cruising yacht, known for its beautiful craftsmanship and performance. Designed for long-range cruising, it features a spacious interior and a stunning cockpit for enjoying the view.
11. Pacific Seacraft 34
- Length Overall (LOA): 34 ft (10.36 m)
- Beam: 10.5 ft (3.2 m)
- Draft: 5.5 ft (1.68 m)
- Weight: 12,000 lbs (5,443 kg)
- Sail Area: 505 sq ft (46.9 m²)
- Price Range: $50,000 – $100,000
The Pacific Seacraft 34 is a highly regarded offshore cruiser. Its full keel provides excellent tracking and stability, while the well-designed interior offers comfort for long journeys.
12. C & C 35
- Length Overall (LOA): 35 ft (10.67 m)
- Beam: 11.5 ft (3.48 m)
- Draft: 5.5 ft (1.68 m)
- Weight: 12,300 lbs (5,577 kg)
- Sail Area: 520 sq ft (48.4 m²)
- Price Range: $30,000 – $60,000
The C & C 35 is designed for both cruising and racing, offering excellent performance and a spacious interior. With its combination of speed and comfort, it appeals to a wide range of sailors.
13. Bavaria 34
- Length Overall (LOA): 34 ft (10.36 m)
- Beam: 11.0 ft (3.35 m)
- Draft: 5.2 ft (1.58 m)
- Weight: 10,000 lbs (4,536 kg)
- Sail Area: 505 sq ft (46.9 m²)
- Price Range: $50,000 – $100,000
The Bavaria 34 is known for its modern design and spacious layout. It offers a blend of performance and comfort, making it a popular choice for both new and experienced sailors.
Conclusion
Choosing the right full keel sailboat can significantly enhance your sailing experience. The options listed above cater to various needs and budgets, from classic designs like the Cape Dory 30 to more modern options like the Bavaria 34. When considering a sailboat, think about your intended use, comfort, and performance requirements. Each of these sailboats offers unique features that can suit a variety of sailing adventures, whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or an extended offshore voyage. Happy sailing!
Happy Boating!
Share 13 Popular Full Keel Sailboats Worth Considering with your friends and leave a comment below with your thoughts.
Read 13 Most Practical Boat Liveaboard Places in the US until we meet in the next article.