best small sailboats 2023

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Ultimate Guide to the Best Small Sailboats [2023 Reviews]

When I first started looking into buying a small sailboat I found it all very confusing.

I had learned to sail in the San Francisco bay on fairly large keelboats. (J-22, J-105s, Beneteau tktks, etc.)

But I didn’t nessarilly have the money or time to justify the investment in a big yacht like that.

ANd when I started looking at the different classes of small boats out there, it took me some time to try to understand the different kinds.

So I put together this post to try to organize that information.

So if you’re in the market for a small sailboat keep reading and I promise you’ll get a better understanding of everything out there. Tk

Advantages of Buying a Small Sailboat

There’s nothing wrong with owning a large sailboat (if you have endless time, money, and patience.) But there are some advantages to going with a smaller boat. Here are a few of the big ones:

• Cost to Buy – You can purchase a nice used dinghy for under a grand. Or you could get yourself a trailerable weekender for a lot less than you might think.
• Cost to Own – Owning a larger boat can get expensive fast. Just add up the costs of financing, docking, maintenance, insurance, fuel, etc. A small sailboat may allow you to fulfill your dream of being a boat owner without going broke.
• More Options Available – Another nice thing about small sailboats is that there are a ton of different options available. I list over 100 down below along with their size, and an estimate of the purchase cost. You’re sure to find something you like.
• Easier to move – Getting a large keelboat in and out of the water is no easy task. Trailering it around on land is a huge pain and can get expensive. Most of the dinghies and day sailers listed below can be moved by just a couple of people and a good trailer. And you won’t need to go out an buy a dedicated vehicle just to hull the thing around.
• Easier to Sail – Do you plan to race, cruise, or live on this boat? You may find that small sailboats are surprisingly better than larger options.

100+ Small Sailboats Compared

5 questions to answer before buying a small sailboat.

Before you run off and buy one of these boats, take a second to answer the following 5 questions. These aren’t difficult but this simple step will ensure you get the right sailboat for your needs

1. How many people will be using this boat? Small sailboats are obviously not designed to carry a ton of people. So you should buy the size that will best fit your needs. If you plan on being the only person to sail in your sailboat, then you can opt for a smaller sized personal dinghy. If your plan is for two, three, or four people to be on the sailboat at once, then you’re going to need a bigger boat

2. Where do you plan to sail? What kind of sailing do you want to do? The sailboat you buy will need to be appropriate for the environment you’ll be sailing in. Open ocean sailing is different from sailing on a small lake. The style of sailing you want to do matters as well. Do you want to race your sail boat or are you just looking to cruise around? These are things that you have to consider before you buy your small sailboat. If you’re planning to sleep overnight on the boat you will want to look at weekenders. If you get a boat that is not fit for the environment you are in, then you could wind up in a dangerous situation. Or at the very least, have a bad time on the water.

3. How will you be transporting your new sailboat? You also need to think about how you are going to get your new boat to the water. You can haul a small dinghy in almost any trailer or truck. But for other boats you’re going to need to get a specialized trailer. You can look into private professional boat shipping companies. They will handle transport for you but will generally be more expensive.

4. Where will you store your boat? Now you need to think about where you will store the small sailboat. Will you be docking at a marina? Be sure to include docking fees in your budget below. Or do you have space to keep the boat in storage in your garage? Make sure your spouse is okay with this first!

5. How big is your budget? (time and money!) Your budget will also help you narrow down which size and model boat is right for you. New sailboats are more expensive than used. Bigger boats are generally more expensive than smaller boats. Don’t forget to factor in all the extra costs of owning a sailboat. Be sure to consider things like insurance, docking fees, repairs, and transportation. Finally, make sure you have enough time to make owning a boat worthwhile. Often it’s better to make friends with a boat owner, than to become one yourself!

Mike Sellers

• Articles and Guides

11 Best Small Sailboat Brands: How to Choose Your Next Daysailer or Pocket Cruiser

12th oct 2023 by samantha wilson.

Sailing is a relaxing, invigorating pastime that allows you to harness wind and waves in a unique and historic way without requiring a 50-foot yacht to enjoy what’s special about the experience. In fact, small sailboats allow a delightful back-to-basics experience that often gets lost on larger, systems-heavy sailboats.

On a small sailboat you can connect with the sea, feeling the boat move beneath you. The boat is typically easy to rig, simple to sail, and can even be sailed solo. Small sailboats give you the freedom to trailer your or car-top your boat and go anywhere, and they’re perfect for learning the nuances of sailing. There are many excellent brands and models of small sailboat, each with their own appeal, and here we narrow down some of our favorite in the daysailer and pocket cruiser categories under 30 feet. 

Difference Between a Daysailer and a Pocket Cruiser

While there are many different types of sailboat on the market and there is no single definition of either a daysailer or a pocket cruiser, they are used in a particular way, as the names imply. The term daysailer covers a huge array of sailboats, smaller and sometimes larger, and is generally defined as any day boat used for local sailing, with a simple rig, and easy to get underway. A pocket cruiser typically offers a cabin and head, and adequate accommodations for an overnight stay and sometimes longer cruises. Having said that, there is a large overlap between the two in many instances, so the lines may become blurred. 

What Size is a Small Sailboat?

Small is a relative term of course, but in general—and for the purposes of this article—a small sailboat is one that could be sailed by a small crew, often with one or two people aboard. It will have a simple rig and be trailerable, and it might be either a daysailer or pocket-cruiser style vessel as above. Within those categories, there are many models and styles, but when it comes to length we consider a sailboat as small when it’s under 30 feet in overall length. 

The Best Sailboats Under 30 Feet

Pocket cruiser: Beneteau First 27.  The Beneteau First 27 is a modern example of a pocket cruiser, earning Cruising World ’s Boat of the Year award in the Pocket Cruiser category in 2022. With space for up to six people accommodated in a separated bow-cabin and open saloon, it offers families the chance to go farther, explore more, and cruise in comfort. There is a galley with freshwater and a head, adding to the interior home comforts. The sailboat itself is modern, fast, and stable, designed by Sam Manuard, and has been designed to be incredibly safe and almost unsinkable thanks to its three watertight chambers. The handling is also refreshingly intuitive, with a well-designed cockpit, simple deck controls, and double winches allowing it to be sailed solo, by two people, or a small crew. 

Beneteau sailboats for sale

Photo credit: Beneteau

Daysailer: Alerion 28.  You’ll certainly turn heads cruising along in an Alerion 28, a daysailer whose forerunner by the same name was designed by Nathanael Herreshoff in 1912 and then updated with a modern underbody for fiberglass production by Carl Schumacher in the late 1980s. This pretty daysailer manages to combine a traditional silhouette and classic feel, with very modern engineering creating an excellent package. Over 470 of these sailboats were built and sold in the past 30 years, making it one of the most popular modern daysailers on the water. With a small cabin and saloon, complete with miniature galley area, it offers respite from the sun or wind and the option for a night aboard. The cockpit offers a beautiful sailing experience, with plenty of space for the whole family. 

Alerion boats for sale

Photo credit: Alerion Yachts

The Best Sailboats Under 25 Feet

Pocket cruiser: Cornish Crabber 24.  British manufacturer Cornish Crabber has been producing beautiful, traditional style small sailboats for decades, ensuring they honor their heritage both in the construction style and appearance of their boats. The Cornish Crabber 24 is the most iconic of their range and dates back to the 1980s. It offers a simple yet surprisingly spacious interior layout with cabin, galley, and head, and a good sized cockpit, as well as seating for up to six people. It’s the perfect family sailboat, with clever use of storage as well as just under 5000 pounds of displacement providing stability and easy tacking. Aesthetically the 24 is simply beautiful, with a traditional silhouette (combined with modern engineering), finished in hardwood trims. 

Cornish Crabber boats for sale

Photo credit: Cornish Crabber

Daysailer: Catalina 22 Capri.  Catalina sailboats need little introduction, and are one of the world’s best-known, most-respected brands building small sailboats. The Catalina 22 Capri (also available in a sport model) is a great example of what Catalina does so well. While we’ve classified it as a daysailer, it could easily cross into the pocket cruiser category, as it offers excellent sailing performance in almost all conditions as well as having a small cabin, galley, and head. Loved for its safety, stability, ease of handling and simple maintenance, it makes for a good first family boat for getting out onto the bay or lake. 

Catalina boats for sale

Photo credit: Catalina

The Best Sailboats Under 20 Feet

Pocket cruiser: CapeCutter 19.  This is another model that combines the beauty of the traditional silhouettes with modern-day advancements. The design originates from the classic gaff cutter work boats, but today offers excellent performance—in fact it’s one of the fastest small gaffers in the world. The interior is cleverly spacious, with four berths, two of which convert into a saloon, as well as a simple galley area. With quick rigging, it can be sailed solo, but is also able to accommodate small groups, making it a capable and hugely versatile pocket cruiser. 

CapeCutter boats for sale

Photo credit: Cape Cutter 19

Daysailer: Swallow Yachts’ BayRaider 20.  Classic looks with modern performance are combined in Swallow Yachts’ beautiful BayRaider 20. This is one of the most capable and safest daysailers we’ve seen, but also incredibly versatile thanks to the choices of ballast. Keep the ballast tank empty and it’s light and fast. Fill the tank up and you’ve got a stable and safe boat perfect for beginners and families. While it’s got an eye-catching traditional style, the engineering is modern, with a strong carbon mast and construction. While this is a true daysailer, you can use the optional spray hood and camping accessories to create an overnight adventure. 

Swallow Yachts for sale

Photo credit: Swallow Yachts

The Best Sailboats Under 15 Feet

Pocket Cruiser: NorseBoat 12.5.  Can we truly call the NorseBoat 12.5 a pocket cruiser? Yes we can! The sheer versatility of this excellent little sailboat has convinced us. These beautiful hand-crafted sailboats offer exceptional performance and are described by the manufacturer as ‘the Swiss Army Knives of sailboats’. The traditionally styled 12.5 can be sailed, rowed, and motored. It can be trailered, easily beached, and even used as a camp cruiser, allowing for overnight adventures. There is no end to the fun that can be had with this easy-to-sail and easy-to-handle boat, which makes it a dream to learn in. With positive flotation, lots of clever storage, and a full-size double berth for camp cruising, it really is the perfect mini pocket cruiser. 

NorseBoat for sale

Photo credit: NorseBoats

Daysailer: Original Beetle Cat Boat 12: All across the bays of the US east coast cat boats have long been part of the ocean landscape. Able to access shallow rocky coves yet also withstand the strong coastal winds, these traditional New England fishing boats have an iconic shape and gaff-rigged mainsails. Beetle Cat have been producing elegant wooden cat boats for over 100 years – in fact they’ve made and sold over 4,000 boats to date. Their 12 foot Cat Boat 12 is one of their finest models, offering lovely daysailing opportunities. It has a wide beam and centerboard that lifts up, allowing it to access shallow waters, as well as a forward mast and single sail gaff rig in keeping with the traditional cat boats. To sail one of these is to be part of the heritage of New England and Cape Cod, and to honor the ancient art of hand-made boat building. 

Beetle Cat official website

Photo credit: Beetle Cat

The Best Small Sailboats for Beginners

When it comes to learning to sail, it’s important to have a boat that is easy to handle. There’s no quicker way to put yourself or your family off sailing than to start off with a boat that is either too big or too complicated. When choosing your first boat we recommend the following characteristics:

• Small: The benefits of starting off with a small boat are many, as we’ve seen above. They’re easier to control as well as to moor, and they react more quickly to steering and sails. They can be trailered and launched easily, and the loads generated are much lower than on bigger, heavier boats.
• Easy to sail: You want a boat that is stable and forgiving of mistakes, doesn’t capsize easily, and isn’t too overpowered in a stronger breeze. Keep things simple and learn as you go.
• Simple sail configuration: Choosing a boat that can be rigged by one person in a few minutes, and easily sailed solo, makes it easier to take along inexperienced crews. With regards to the rig, all you need are a halyard to hoist the mainsail and a sheet to control the mainsail.
• Tiller steering: We recommend boats with tiller steering over wheel steering when starting out. The tiller allows you to get a real feel for the boat and how the rudder works as it moves through the water. 

For more information on choosing the best beginner sailboat check out our full guide. There are many popular brands of beginner boats including Sunfish, Laser, and Hunter Marlow. Some of our favorites include;

Hobie 16: The classic Hobie catamaran has been a well-loved beginner sailboat for years, and the Hobie 16 started life back in 1969. Since then they’ve made and sold over a staggering 100,000 of the 16s. It has twin fiberglass and foam hulls, a large trampoline, and a pull-up rudder so it can be sailed straight onto the beach. The basic package comes with an easy to handle main and jib with plenty of extras available too such as a spinnaker and trailer. The Hobie 16 promises a great learning experience and lots of fun in a very nifty and inexpensive package. 

Hobie boats for sale

Photo credit: Hobie

Paine 14: You’ll immediately fall in love with sailing when you step into a beautiful Paine 14. Made from seamless epoxy cold-molded wood, the P-14 is simply beautiful and offers the classic sailing experience with the design and innovation of a more modern hull and rig. Two people will be able to enjoy getting out on the water together and learning the ropes. The Paine 14 has a lead ballast keel that accounts for nearly half her weight, giving her the feel of a much larger boat, but is still trailerable and easy to manage offering the best of both worlds. 

Chuck Paine boats for sale

Photo credit: Chuck Paine

High-Performance Small Sailboats

Small sailboats generally become high performers if they are light, have a lot of sail area, or they have more than one hull. More recently, some of have been designed with foiling surfaces, as well. For the purposes of this article, we’d like to close by pointing out one model that is super fast and has versatile pocket-cruising capabilities.

Corsair 880 trimaran : The Corsair 880 trimaran is the grandchild of the company’s F27, a model that launched the popularity of trailerable leisure trimarans about 40 years ago. The 880 has taken the model to new heights and exemplifies the incredible space benefits you can achieve in a 29-foot sailboat. We’re talking an aft cabin, room to sleep 5 people, an enclosed head, and standing headroom in the galley and main saloon. It brings many of the opportunities that a much larger yacht plus the ability to cruise in extremely shallow water. Whether you want to cruise to the Bahamas or enjoy a high-adrenaline race, the Corsair 880 offers incredible performance and unlimited adventures in a truly pocket size. 

Corsair boats for sale

Photo credit: Corsair

Written By: Samantha Wilson

Samantha Wilson has spent her entire life on and around boats, from tiny sailing dinghies all the way up to superyachts. She writes for many boating and yachting publications, top charter agencies, and some of the largest travel businesses in the industry, combining her knowledge and passion of boating, travel and writing to create topical, useful and engaging content.

More from: Samantha Wilson

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Yachting Monthly

• Digital edition

The best small cruising yachts in 2023

• Theo Stocker
• September 29, 2023

Despite bigger yachts dominating the new boat scene in recent decades, there are still any number of builders making new smaller cruisers. Here's our pick of the best small cruising yachts in 2023

We have seen a surprisingly large number of builders going against the grain to bring small cruising yachts to market in the last year or so, ranging from trailer0-sailers to smaller traditionally-styled options. Here, we’ve rounded up 4 of the best small cruising yachts launched in the last year.

Typically this size of yacht appeals to those who are looking for a day sailer or weekender and will often offer reduced draught in able to allow you to go creek crawling or nose your way into otherwise hard to get to anchorages.

The best small cruising yachts 2023

Once you’ve seen one, Bente yachts are unmistakable. We revisited the brand’s first boat, the Bente 24 , a couple of issues ago, which has been around for 10 years or so. The brand then launched the striking Bente 39 which was immensely innovative, but the company ran into financial difficulties. Now under new owners and a more stable footing, a third model has been launched, which I can’t wait to test sail. The Bente 28 is unlike any other 28-footer.

The hull is cutting edge with wide transom, double rudders and full bows providing a powerful hull form as well as volume below. Construction is polyester GRP foam sandwich, with the basic version being heavier hand lamination, and the more expensive Edition version being vacuum infused. While this is a boat designed to be fast, it’s a long way from a wild racing boat.

Displacement is a not outlandish 3.2 tonnes and draught is 1.6m (there’s an option for a 1.95m performance T-keel with lead bulb that’s 100kg lighter), so it fits well within the scope of a sensible cruising boat.

The Tide 25, built by MFH in north Germany – began its life as a Dehler SQ25, but the mould was sold off when that company hit hard times. Plumb bows and stern with a long hull chine, bevelled deck edge and twin rudders put her on trend, and maximise performance under sail and accommodation on board.

On deck, she has a large cockpit with benches forward and four decent lockers. Under the cockpit sole there’s access to what would be engine space for a diesel inboard, now housing batteries for the electric motors.

Opt for the sport version, and you’ll get beefed up deck hardware and a minimalist fit out, with the mainsheet traveller across the transom, while the comfort version has a smaller main with the mainsheet coming to a fixed point on the cockpit sole forward of the helm. The rig has aft-swept spreaders and no backstay.

The fact that the accommodation of the Pointer 30 is designed around a Nespresso machine, enshrined in glory, tells you a lot about this boat. It was conceived as a comfortable, fast and stylish weekend cruiser that you can take your friends down to for a coffee before a nice sail to somewhere for lunch. This is a boat that knows what it is about. Tea drinkers, don’t worry; there’s still a gas hob to boil a kettle.

The sail area isn’t vast, but this looks to be an easily driven hull. A below-deck furler setting a genoa that sheets to tracks on the coachroof is standard, with a self-tacker being optional.

The fixed bowsprit houses a bow roller, and a tack point for furling offwind sails – the gennaker takes her offwind sail area up to 100m2, set from an aluminium twin-spreader rig with adjustable backstay. She has a powerful kicker, but no traveller for the main, which is sheeted to a raised plinth in the cockpit sole.

Below deck the layout is simple, clean and quietly stylish. Headroom is restricted, dictated by the low freeboard and elegant lines.

To port, the heart of the boat is the ‘coffee bar’ on a shelf in the moulded hull liner, next to a small dinette-style table with two leather swivel armchairs. The forward of these chairs spins round to face a neat lift-top desk (though the drawer below isn’t large enough for a chart).

Swallow Yachts 32

Aimed at sailors who may have owned larger yachts before but want to downsize, Swallow Yachts owner Matt Newland explained that he ‘wanted to build a boat that was fun and easy to sail, simple to maintain and had timeless looks with as low an environmental impact as possible.’

Though not a true launch-and-sail trailer sailer, a four-by-four will still be able to tow the 32 on her own trailer, as boat and trailer come in at under 3.5 tonnes, and within the 2.9m overhang limit.

With a keel-down draught of 2.8m, a fine entry at the bow and broad aft sections, this boat promises to be a good performer. You can sail with the lifting keel in any position for shoal waters, but lift it all the way and you’ve got a draught of just 40cm for creek crawling and drying out.

Newland has tried to draw lines that are timeless rather than trendy while a retractable bowsprit, backstayless carbon rig and square-top mainsail ensure she is right up there in terms of her contemporary design and latest tech.

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2023 Boat of the Year: Best Midsize Cruiser

• By CW Editorial Team
• December 7, 2022

Taking a long view on the Boat of the Year contests from the past two decades, it’s clear that the midsize segment of the market has often gotten the short shrift. Boatbuilding is a business, and the profit margins on larger boats are bigger. Hence, we get fewer offerings in the smaller size ranges. That’s why it was terrific not only to see a trio of boats in the mid-30-foot division (at one time, the sweet spot in cruising sailboats), but also to discover that all three yachts in the class were exemplary sailboats. Our conclusion? Any coastal-cruising sailor who obtains a nominee from the 2023 Midsize Cruiser category is going to be quite satisfied with the choice. 

Winner: Tartan Yachts, Tartan 365

Longtime Tartan Yachts designer and mainstay Tim Jackett joined our judges for the sea trial of his latest creation, the Tartan 365. Remarkably, it was Jackett’s first spin on the yacht, as well as ours. It was a terrific, windy sail.

“On a breezy day, with probably a little too much sail up, we had a thrilling test sail,” judge Mark Pillsbury says. “Thanks to a self-tacking jib mounted on an inner forestay, the boat was well-mannered close reaching to windward. And cracked off with the reaching sail set, let’s just say that the ride home was a thrill.” 

Of the double-headsail setup, which Tartan calls its CCR (cruise control rig), judge Herb McCormick agrees: “It just really works. You know, it really is great to have that option to really be able to switch gear when you’re hard on the wind. Then you crack off at 20 degrees, and you roll up the little jib, and you unroll the code zero, and it’s a whole different sailing experience. You’re hauling the mail.” 

The [Tartan 365] was well-mannered close reaching to windward. And cracked off with the reaching sail set, let’s just say that the ride home was a thrill.” —Mark Pillsbury 

Judge Ed Sherman has a different take: “According to Jackett, COVID forced the plant to move and acquire new staff. In my view, this ended up as a change for the best because I saw significant improvements in the behind-the-scenes quality and detail work than on Tartans a few years back. First class all the way here.” 

Jackett was smiling at the conclusion of our test sail. Though he did not yet know the BOTY results, whatever transpired, he already realized he had a winner. 

Finalist: Beneteau Oceanis 34.1

The Beneteau Oceanis 34.1 is the latest in the French builder’s Oceanis line of cruisers, following the Oceanis 30.1, an earlier BOTY award winner. 

“There is a lot to like about the Oceanis 34.1, starting with the way the boat handles,” Pillsbury says of the twin-wheel 34-foot yacht. “We had a fair amount of breeze for our test sail, and the boat felt very comfortable, even without reefing.” 

McCormick also finds much to like with the vessel: “Beneteau is building this boat in its facility in Poland, and I thought that the overall build quality was very impressive. And of all the boats in this category, I found the Oceanis to be the best sailing platform, with a terrific cockpit layout. The spacing and sailhandling controls are fantastic; it’s a super-fun and easy boat to operate.” 

Sherman notes a new feature the company has introduced in all its offerings: “This boat was equipped with Beneteau’s Seanapps system, which is quite impressive. The app, linked to your cellphone, will provide GPS position, important engine data, battery-charge level, bilge-water level, fuel and water levels, and a maintenance logbook, to name some of its features. The app can connect you directly to your Beneteau dealer to set up maintenance services as needed. The app is a subscription-based service, but I think it’s worth its weight in gold.”

Finalist: Dufour Yachts, Dufour 37

Now under the auspices of French building consortium Fountaine Pajot, Dufour has made a concerted effort in the past several years to overhaul the look and presentation of the brand. Our panel agrees that the approach is moving in the right direction. 

Pillsbury is impressed with the use of space aboard: “You can cruise comfortably with only so many people on a 37-foot boat, and I thought that the two-cabin, one-head layout of the Dufour 37 that we sailed worked well. With a large storage locker and more-spacious shower in lieu of a third cabin, there was plenty of space for a couple to spend considerable time aboard, and room for guests, should they pop in from time to time.” 

Our systems expert, Sherman, goes deep in his praise, saying: “Small details on this boat impressed me. This boat was one of the few in our group that took the effort to seal the end grain on the plywood veneers that make up the cockpit table. The screws that hold this table together all have neat threaded caps on them where the screw extends beyond the nut holding things together. Nice, small touches that make a difference. While motoring, the boat was among the quietest in our group this year, rivaling some of its competitors costing significantly more money.”

View all of the winners by category, meet the judges, and more…

• More: 2023 Boat of the Year , Boat of the Year , midsize cruisers , print Jan 2023 , Sailboats
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Home » Blog » Buy a boat » 5 best small sailboats for sailing around the world

5 best small sailboats for sailing around the world

By Author Fiona McGlynn

Posted on Last updated: April 19, 2023

A small sailboat can take you big places

Small sailboats are the ticket to going cruising NOW — not when you retire, save up enough money, or find the “perfect” bluewater cruising boat. In fact, it’s the first principle in Lin and Larry Pardey’s cruising philosophy: “Go small, go simple, go now.”

Small yachts can be affordable, simple, and seaworthy . However, you won’t see many of them in today’s cruising grounds. In three years and 13,000 nautical miles of bluewater cruising, I could count the number of under 30-foot sailboats I’ve seen on one hand (all of them were skippered by people in their 20s and 30s).

Today’s anchorages are full of 40, 50, and 60-foot-plus ocean sailboats, but that’s not to say you can’t sail the world in a small sailboat. Just look at Alessandro di Benedetto who in 2010 broke the record for the smallest boat to sail around the world non-stop in his 21-foot Mini 6.5 .

So long as you don’t mind forgoing a few comforts, you can sail around the world on a small budget .

What makes a good blue water sailboat

While you might not think a small sailboat is up to the task of going long distances, some of the best bluewater sailboats are under 40 feet.

However, if you’re thinking about buying a boat for offshore cruising, there are a few things to know about what makes a small boat offshore capable .

Smaller equals slower

Don’t expect to be sailing at high speeds in a pocket cruiser. Smaller displacement monohulls are always going to be slower than larger displacement monohulls (see the video below to learn why smaller boats are slower). Therefore a smaller cruiser is going to take longer on a given passage, making them more vulnerable to changes in weather.

A few feet can make a big difference over a week-long passage. On the last leg of our Pacific Ocean crossing, our 35-foot sailboat narrowly avoid a storm that our buddy boat, a 28-foot sailboat, couldn’t. Our friend was only a knot slower but it meant he had to heave to for a miserable three days.

Small but sturdy

If a pocket cruiser encounters bad weather, they will be less able to outrun or avoid it. For this reason, many of the blue water sailboats in this list are heavily built and designed to take a beating.

Yacht design has changed dramatically over the last 50 years. Today, new boats are designed to be light and fast. The small sailboats in our list are 30-plus year-old designs and were built in a time when weather forecasts were less accurate and harder to come by.

Back in the day, boat were constructed with thicker fiberglass hulls than you see in modern builds. Rigs, keels, rudders, hulls and decks – everything about these small cruising sailboats was designed to stand up to strong winds and big waves. Some of the boats in this post have skeg-hung rudders and most of them are full keel boats.

The pros and cons of pocket cruiser sailboats

Pocket cruiser sailboats present certain advantages and disadvantages.

More affordable

Their smaller size makes them affordable bluewater sailboats. You can often find great deals on pocket cruisers and sometimes you can even get them for free.

You’ll also save money on retrofits and repairs because small cruising sailboats need smaller boat parts (which cost a lot less) . For example, you can get away with smaller sails, ground tackle, winches, and lighter lines than on a bigger boat.

Moorage, haul-outs, and marine services are often billed by foot of boat length . A small sailboat makes traveling the world , far more affordable!

When something major breaks (like an engine) it will be less costly to repair or replace than it would be on a bigger boat.

Less time consuming

Smaller boats tend to have simpler systems which means you’ll spend less time fixing and paying to maintain those systems. For example, most small yachts don’t have showers, watermakers , hot water, and electric anchor windlasses.

On the flip side, you’ll spend more time collecting water (the low-tech way) . On a small sailboat, this means bucket baths, catching fresh water in your sails, and hand-bombing your anchor. Though less convenient, this simplicity can save you years of preparation and saving to go sailing.

Oh, and did I mention that you’ll become a complete water meiser? Conserving water aboard becomes pretty important when you have to blue-jug every drop of it from town back to your boat.

Easier to sail

Lastly, smaller boats can be physically easier to sail , just think of the difference between raising a sail on a 25-foot boat versus a 50-foot boat! You can more easily single-hand or short-hand a small sailboat. For that reason, some of the best solo blue water sailboats are quite petite.

As mentioned above small boats are slow boats and will arrive in port, sometimes days (and even weeks) behind their faster counterparts on long offshore crossings.

Consider this scenario: two boats crossed the Atlantic on a 4,000 nautical mile route. The small boat averaged four miles an hour, while the big boat averaged seven miles an hour. If both started at the same time, the small boat will have completed the crossing two weeks after the larger sailboat!

Less spacious

Living on a boat can be challenging — living on a small sailboat, even more so! Small cruising boats don’t provide much in the way of living space and creature comforts.

Not only will you have to downsize when you move onto a boat  you’ll also have to get pretty creative when it comes to boat storage.

It also makes it more difficult to accommodate crew for long periods which means there are fewer people to share work and night shifts.

If you plan on sailing with your dog , it might put a small boat right out of the question (depending on the size of your four-legged crew member).

Less comfortable

It’s not just the living situation that is less comfortable, the sailing can be pretty uncomfortable too! Pocket cruisers tend to be a far less comfortable ride than larger boats as they are more easily tossed about in big ocean swell.

Here are our 5 favorite small blue water sailboats for sailing around the world

When we sailed across the Pacific these were some of the best small sailboats that we saw. Their owners loved them and we hope you will too!

The boats in this list are under 30 feet. If you’re looking for something slightly larger, you might want to check out our post on the best bluewater sailboats under 40 feet .

Note: Price ranges are based on SailboatListings.com and YachtWorld.com listings for Aug. 2018

Albin Vega 27($7-22K USD)

The Albin Vega has earned a reputation as a bluewater cruiser through adventurous sailors like Matt Rutherford, who in 2012 completed a 309-day solo nonstop circumnavigation of the Americas via Cape Horn and the Northwest Passage (see his story in the documentary Red Dot on the Ocean ). 

• Hull Type: Long fin keel
• Hull Material: GRP (fibreglass)
• Length Overall:27′ 1″ / 8.25m
• Waterline Length:23′ 0″ / 7.01m
• Beam:8′ 1″ / 2.46m
• Draft:3′ 8″ / 1.12m
• Rig Type: Masthead sloop rig
• Displacement:5,070lb / 2,300kg
• Designer:Per Brohall
• Builder:Albin Marine AB (Swed.)
• Year First Built:1965
• Year Last Built:1979
• Number Built:3,450

Cape Dory 28 ($10-32K USD) 

This small cruising sailboat is cute and classic as she is rugged and roomy. With at least one known circumnavigation and plenty of shorter bluewater voyages, the Cape Dory 28 has proven herself offshore capable.

• Hull Type: Full Keel
• Length Overall:28′ 09″ / 8.56m
• Waterline Length:22′ 50″ / 6.86m
• Beam:8’ 11” / 2.72m
• Draft:4’ 3” / 1.32m
• Rig Type:Masthead Sloop
• Displacement:9,300lb / 4,218kg
• Sail Area/Displacement Ratio:52
• Displacement/Length Ratio:49
• Designer: Carl Alberg
• Builder: Cape Dory Yachts (USA)
• Year First Built:1974
• Year Last Built:1988
• Number Built: 388

Dufour 29 ($7-23K)

As small bluewater sailboats go, the Dufour 29 is a lot of boat for your buck. We know of at least one that sailed across the Pacific last year. Designed as a cruiser racer she’s both fun to sail and adventure-ready. Like many Dufour sailboats from this era, she comes equipped with fiberglass molded wine bottle holders. Leave it to the French to think of everything!

• Hull Type: Fin with skeg-hung rudder
• Length Overall:29′ 4″ / 8.94m
• Waterline Length:25′ 1″ / 7.64m
• Beam:9′ 8″ / 2.95m
• Draft:5′ 3″ / 1.60m
• Displacement:7,250lb / 3,289kg
• Designer:Michael Dufour
• Builder:Dufour (France)
• Year First Built:1975
• Year Last Built:1984

Vancouver 28 ($15-34K)

A sensible small boat with a “go-anywhere” attitude, this pocket cruiser was designed with ocean sailors in mind. One of the best cruising sailboats under 40 feet, the Vancouver 28 is great sailing in a small package.

• Hull Type:Full keel with transom hung rudder
• Length Overall: 28′ 0″ / 8.53m
• Waterline Length:22’ 11” / 6.99m
• Beam:8’ 8” / 2.64m
• Draft:4’ 4” / 1.32m
• Rig Type: Cutter rig
• Displacement:8,960lb / 4,064 kg
• Designer: Robert B Harris
• Builder: Pheon Yachts Ltd. /Northshore Yachts Ltd.
• Year First Built:1986
• Last Year Built: 2007
• Number Built: 67

Westsail 28 ($30-35K)

Described in the 1975 marketing as “a hearty little cruiser”, the Westsail 28 was designed for those who were ready to embrace the cruising life. Perfect for a solo sailor or a cozy cruising couple!

• Hull Type: Full keel with transom hung rudder
• Hull Material:GRP (fibreglass)
• Length Overall:28′ 3” / 8.61m
• Waterline Length:23’ 6” / 7.16m
• Beam:9’ 7” / 2.92m
• Displacement:13,500lb / 6,124kg
• Designer: Herb David
• Builder: Westsail Corp. (USA)
• Number Built:78

Feeling inspired? Check out the “go small” philosophy of this 21-year-old who set sail in a CS 27.

Fiona McGlynn is an award-winning boating writer who created Waterborne as a place to learn about living aboard and traveling the world by sailboat. She has written for boating magazines including BoatUS, SAIL, Cruising World, and Good Old Boat. She’s also a contributing editor at Good Old Boat and BoatUS Magazine. In 2017, Fiona and her husband completed a 3-year, 13,000-mile voyage from Vancouver to Mexico to Australia on their 35-foot sailboat.

Saturday 1st of September 2018

Very useful list, but incomplete - as it would necessarily be, considering the number of seaworthy smaller boats that are around.

In particular, you missed/omitted the Westerly "Centaur" and its follow-on model, the "Griffon". 26 feet LOA, bilge-keelers, weighing something over 6000 pounds, usually fitted with a diesel inboard.

OK, these are British designs, and not that common in the US, but still they do exist, they're built like tanks, and it's rumored that at least one Centaur has circumnavigated.

Friday 31st of August 2018

This is a helpful list, thank you. I don't think most people would consider a 28' boat a pocket cruiser, though!

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What are the Best Small Sailboats Under 20 Feet?

Sailing is a timeless and exhilarating activity that allows individuals to connect with the wind, water, and nature in a way that few other pastimes can match.

While sailing often conjures images of grand yachts and vast open waters, there’s a thriving community of sailors who prefer smaller vessels that offer a more intimate and agile experience.

In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at some of the best small sailboats under 20 feet, highlighting their features, performance, and why they stand out in the world of sailing.

The Hunter 17 is a charming and capable small sailboat designed to provide a fantastic sailing experience for both beginners and seasoned sailors. With a length of 17 feet and a beam of 7 feet, it strikes an ideal balance between manoeuvrability and stability.

Key Features:

A. Spacious Cockpit: Despite its compact size, the Hunter 17 boasts a surprisingly spacious cockpit that can comfortably accommodate up to six people. This design makes it an excellent choice for family outings or weekend adventures with friends.

B. Swing Keel: The swing keel design allows for shallow draft sailing, meaning you can explore shallow waters without worry. It’s a versatile feature that expands your sailing horizons.

C. Easy to Rig: One of the Hunter 17’s standout features is its simplicity in rigging. Setting up and launching this sailboat is a breeze, making it accessible to those new to sailing.

D. Stability: The boat’s stable design and responsive handling make it a great choice for beginners. Even when the wind picks up, you’ll feel confident and in control.

Performance:

The Hunter 17 offers a respectable level of performance, with its responsive helm and well-designed sails. While it may not be the fastest boat in its class, it offers a smooth and enjoyable ride, perfect for leisurely cruising and day sailing.

O’Day Javelin

The O’Day Javelin is another excellent small sailboat option, known for its simplicity, reliability, and affordability. With a length of 14 feet and a manageable sail area, it’s an ideal choice for those looking to get started in sailing without breaking the bank.

A. Simple Rigging: The Javelin features a straightforward rigging system, making it easy for beginners to set up and launch the boat. This simplicity is a significant advantage for those new to sailing.

B. Lightweight and Trailerable: The Javelin is lightweight, making it easy to trailer to different bodies of water. This portability allows you to explore a variety of sailing locations.

C. Durability: O’Day sailboats are known for their durability, and the Javelin is no exception. With proper care and maintenance, this sailboat can provide years of sailing enjoyment.

While the O’Day Javelin may not be the fastest sailboat on the water, its focus on simplicity and reliability makes it an excellent choice for beginners and those looking for a hassle-free sailing experience. It’s a forgiving boat that allows you to learn the ropes at your own pace.

Catalina 18

The Catalina 18 is a small sailboat that bridges the gap between compact boats and larger cruisers. With a length of 18 feet, it offers a bit more space and comfort while maintaining the agility and excitement of a smaller vessel.

A. Comfortable Cabin: The Catalina 18 features a small but comfortable cabin, providing a place to escape the elements or even spend a night on the water. This feature sets it apart from many other small sailboats.

B. Self-Righting Design: The boat’s keel design makes it self-righting, which means it can recover from a capsize easily. This safety feature is especially reassuring for novice sailors.

C. Responsive Handling: Despite its slightly larger size, the Catalina 18 maintains responsive handling, making it enjoyable to sail in a variety of conditions.

The Catalina 18 offers a good balance of performance and comfort. While it may not be as fast as some dedicated racing sailboats, it’s a capable cruiser that can handle a range of wind conditions. The inclusion of a cabin adds versatility to your sailing adventures, making it an excellent choice for day trips and overnight excursions.

Conclusion :

Choosing the best small sailboat under 20 feet when you are getting ready to sail ultimately depends on your preferences and sailing goals. The Hunter 17 offers a spacious cockpit and stability, making it an excellent choice for families and beginners. On the other hand, the O’Day Javelin focuses on simplicity and affordability, making it an accessible entry point into the world of sailing. Lastly, the Catalina 18 strikes a balance between performance and comfort, with the added bonus of a cabin for overnight stays.

Regardless of which small sailboat you choose, each of these options provides a unique sailing experience. Whether you’re seeking adventure, family sailing , relaxation, or a way to connect with nature, these boats have something to offer. So, set your sails and embark on your sailing journey with confidence, knowing that you’ve chosen one of the best small sailboats under 20 feet to accompany you on your maritime adventures.

Determining the absolute safest sailboat in the world is challenging, as safety can depend on various factors, including the crew’s experience, weather conditions, and maintenance. However, sailboats designed for offshore cruising, such as those from renowned manufacturers like Hallberg-Rassy or Oyster, are often considered some of the safest due to their robust construction and advanced safety features.

The most efficient sail shape varies depending on the specific point of sail and wind conditions. However, in general, an aerodynamically curved shape, similar to an airfoil, is often considered the most efficient for harnessing wind power and generating forward propulsion on a sailboat.

A sailboat size suitable for two people typically ranges from 20 to 30 feet, with 25 to 30 feet being a popular choice for couples. This size provides enough space for comfortable living quarters and maneuverability while still being manageable for a two-person crew.

The size of a sailboat that one can single-hand largely depends on the sailor’s experience, skills, and the boat’s design. Many experienced sailors can comfortably single-hand sailboats up to 35-40 feet, but with the right equipment and know-how, even larger vessels can be handled solo.

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Beneteau First 36, Sailing World 2023 Boat of the Year

• By Dave Reed
• December 16, 2022

Sailing World Magazine’s  annual Boat of the Year tests are conducted in Annapolis, Maryland, following the US Sailboat Show. With independent judges exhaustively inspecting the boats on land and putting them through their paces on the water, this year’s fleet of new performance-sailing boats spanned from small dinghies to high-tech bluewater catamarans. Here’s the best of the best from our  2023 Boat of the Year nominees »

The Total Package

• Beneteau First 36 2023 Boat of the Year
• Stated purpose: Shorthanded racing, club racing, coastal cruising
• Crew: Solo to six
• Praise for: Build quality, deck layout, versatility
• Est. price as sailed: $345,000

Like a runaway, the Beneteau First 36 careens across a westerly-whipped Chesapeake Bay. The boat’s big-shouldered spinnaker and mainsail are silhouetted in the early October morning light. It’s making trees on the Eastern Shore as we peg the throttle down to keep chase in a 19-foot RIB. The four crewmembers on board are having a casual conversation—like no big deal—when a cold and meaty gust fills the spinnaker. The leech flickers, and the boat surges forward onto plane. Twin rudders zipper the slick streaming out from the transom as the helmsman, hands at 10 and 2 on the carbon steering wheel, effortlessly weaves the boat across waves tops. The boat is, as the saying goes, on rails.

“Wicked,” is how senior Boat of the Year judge Chuck Allen summarizes his experience when he steps off. “That boat is going to be hard to beat.”

Three days and 10 boats later, nothing comes close to usurping the Beneteau First 36 as the obvious and unanimous Boat of the Year, a boat that has been a long time coming and overdue. It’s a boat that will serve many masters.

Beneteau initiated its First 36 project in 2019 by surveying a broad focus group of First “Point 7” owners and dealers about what they wanted in the marketplace, and the takeaways were: 1) Not another ­displacement boat—it had to plane. 2) They wanted a lounge, not a dining room. 3) They wanted their nav station back, and 4) for that, they were OK with having a smaller head.

Given the boat was to meet all three of its club racing, shorthanded and cruising demands, the brain trust assembled inside and outside of Beneteau focused on No. 1—keeping it light and fast. Naval architect Samuel Manuard, the new hot talent of the IMOCA 60 and Class 40 scenes, did the hull, keel and rig. Pure Structural Engineering took care of the structure, and the weight-obsessed glass slingers at Seascape’s factory in Slovenia ensured the boat came in at not a pound more than 10,580. At that weight, of course it’s going to plane.

The entire boat is ­vacuum-infused with CoreCell (hull) and PVC (bulkheads) from the deck down, inside and out, and everything, except the fridge, is somehow a piece of the structure puzzle.

“We are saving big weight there, as furniture is also part of the structure, and all of it glued together makes the boat extremely stiff and very light,” says Beneteau’s Tit Plevnik. “What is special is how calculated it is. In mass-production building, you can’t rely on precision, but we do. The boat is built to the same standard as a pure ­racing boat.”

“The moment I saw it, I knew it would be good. It’s a great-looking boat at the dock and even better with the sails up.” —Greg Stewart

Built like a race boat, the judges all agree it sure sails like one. “It’s a big 36-footer,” says veteran BOTY judge and naval architect Greg Stewart. “It’s a full-ended boat that has a hint of a scow-type bow with a lot of buoyancy forward. Looking at the numbers, what they achieved with the weight and its placement is impressive—10,000 pounds for a 36-foot waterline length is a very good number. I could tell the minute we put the spinnaker up it was a slippery boat.”

Stewart set the day’s top speed at a tick over 18 knots and says: “I remember feeling the puff hit and load the rig, and the boat just scooted off with really nice steering. It felt like a Laser when you get it in that groove and it just levitates. With the dual rudders, which are pretty long, the boat has more of a power-steering feel upwind, so it lets you do a lot of things. There’s so much control, which is a good thing because you can drive out of situations, but at the same time, it’s easy to oversteer.”

Multiple cockpit mock-ups done at ­different heel angles produced a workspace that the judges could find no flaw with. “It’s all legit, easy and clean in the pit,” Allen says. “With the four of us in the ­cockpit, we had plenty of space to move around and were never into each other.

“I was doing a lot of trimming downwind,” Allen adds. “You can feel the boat take off. It was really stable and easy to handle. The thing is light and fast, and we did push it to try and wipe it out, but it was hard to do.”

All the judges praised the clever location of the primary winches on sloped coamings, which were easier to trim from than a traditional winch-on-the-coaming setup. “They’re at the perfect height,” says judge Dave Powlison, “and with them angled like that, you don’t have to crane your neck to see the sail, and the lead is virtually override-proof.”

Also noteworthy is the generous space between the high carbon wheels and the cockpit walls that allow the helmsman to slide forward without having to step up and around the wheel. The jib trimmer has easy access to the three-dimensional clue adjustment systems, and for the pit, there’s plenty of clutches, redirects and cleats to keep everything sorted and tidy.

The standard spar, and that on the demo boat, is a deck-stepped Z Spars aluminum section with Dyform wire rigging that carries 860 square feet of upwind sail area, which Stewart says is considerable for the displacement of the boat. The mast is well aft, which really stretches out the J dimension and opens the foredeck for a quiver of headsails—for this, you’ll find two tack points on the foredeck. There are four halyards total: one for a masthead gennaker, a 2-to-1 for a code sail, a fractional gennaker, and a 2-to-1 staysail. Allen, a semi-retired sailmaker, put an estimate for a complete race inventory at $60,000, which would put the boat on the racecourse for roughly $400,000. (Base boat is priced at $345,000.)

When the race is done, however, how about that interior?

Step down the wide companionway steps into a space of design simplicity and efficiency, some of which makes you say, “Duh, of course.”

For example, there’s no ­traditional L-shaped galley to port or starboard. There is, however, a tall and slender fridge smack in the middle of the boat (that you connect to the galley with a removable cutting board to complete the L). Walk on either side of it to get forward, past the proper nav station, the fold-down dinette table in the middle with roomy 6-foot berths on both sides, a jetliner-size head with a stowaway sink to starboard, and then a gigantic V-berth that benefits from all that volume in the bow. Back aft, under the cockpit, are large quarter berths as well that easily cruise-convert into storage space for water toys, like kites, wings and foils, all of which takes us back to survey result No. 2. This is where the post-race party begins and ends.

With the usual supply-chain delays, compounded with the build and design team’s obsessive and calculated approach to getting the Beneteau First 36 perfect at Hull No. 1, its debut got off to a later start than hoped. But with early boats landing at eager dealers worldwide, Plevnik says the goal is 32 boats per year for the next two years. The BOTY judges assure us it’ll be worth the wait and give you plenty of time to start planning what you can and will do with it.

• More: 2023 Boat of the Year , Beneteau , Boat of the Year , Print Winter 2023 , Sailboats
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Best Small Sailboats Under 20 Feet

The ideal size boat for beginners is anything under 20 feet. So, what are the best small sailboats under 20 feet? Let’s find out.

October 17, 2023

This article may contain affiliate links where we earn a commission from qualifying purchases.

Smaller boats are easy to navigate and not a hassle to maintain compared to larger yachts, which is why many choose sailboats under 20 feet as the ideal starter boat.

From the Catalina 16.5 to the Beneteau First 20 or the Marlow Hunter 15, there are many smaller sailboats under 20 feet that offer beginner or expert sailors great value for money. Many sailing enthusiasts prefer smaller sailboats because they are easy to handle and are cheaper to own.

No two 20 feet sailboats are made equal, which is why you need to do your research and find the best fit for you. We have gone through many blogs, articles, and videos on the sailing yachts below 20 feet and are here to share with you the best options available in the market today.

As sailing enthusiasts who have owned multiple sailing boats below 20 feet, we are in the ideal position to help guide you through the process so that you are able to make a more informed decision when it comes to investing in a small yacht.

Table of Contents

‍ Best Small Sailboats Under 20 Feet

Small sailboats are the way to go sailing RIGHT NOW, not after you retire or discover the "ideal" bluewater cruising boat. "Go tiny, go simple, go now," is the first premise of cruising philosophy.

Small yachts may be inexpensive, straightforward, and seaworthy. However, they are uncommon in today's cruising grounds. We could count the number of under 30-foot sailboats we've seen after three years and 13,000 nautical miles of bluewater traveling. They were all skippered by persons in their 20s and 30s. Today's anchorages are brimming with 40, 50, and 60-foot ocean sailboats, but that doesn't mean a tiny sailboat can't sail around the world.

The Saffier SE 33 UD

If you're looking for a high-performance daysailer, the Saffier Se 33 UD is a great option. The designers, the Hennevanger brothers, put a lot of effort and money into making this dream boat a reality. The vacuum-infused construction and high-quality polish of the boat demonstrate the production facilities.

Saffier offers a variety of models ranging in size from 21 to 37 feet, all of which have been fully tested for seaworthiness. Given the size of these boats, it's logical to expect that they'll be tough to sail. This is not the case with these boats, though. One person may sail even the largest versions with ease.

In 2014, the Se 33 UD was released with a sporty style. Thanks to its strong sprayhood, it sails effortlessly in all weather. The sailboat has a handy self-draining cockpit that allows any water to drain off. A folding transform and two-meter benches are included in the cockpit. The boat has ample room for a four-person crew, and you can even take a brief snooze below deck.

This high-end yacht is a good choice if you have a large budget. For new boats, the starting price is around $150,000. If you're looking for something really entertaining, check out the new Se 27 model. The latest versions have a top speed of 20 knots.

The Norseboat 17.5

Looking for a one-of-a-kind daysailer that will stand out in a crowd? The Norseboat 17.5 might be exactly what you're looking for. This one-of-a-kind sailboat dubbed the "Swiss Army Knife of Boats," can be sailed or rowed.

But wouldn't row this boat takes a lot of effort? No. With the boat's sheer, no way! The fiberglass hull has a lot of sheers, which is an intentional and effective design for effortless rowing. So, even if there's no wind, you can still have a good time rowing while getting some workout. With strong enough winds, you may sit back and relax while the jib and mainsail take care of the rest.

The Norseboat 17.5 is ideal for daysailers looking for a high-performance boat with classic styling. But whether you're a beginner sea kayaker or a cruising sailor wishing to downsize, you'll find its famous pedigree to be a terrific fit for you.

A small draught, furling headsail, a full battened mainsail, and a trademark curving headboard are just a few of the features. The lightweight boat has two rowing stations and works admirably, whether rowed or driven by the wind. It also offers lots of storage space. The boat's modest weight makes it simple to move. All you need is a mid-sized automobile to haul it.

The Paine 14

This sailboat is modeled after the well-known Herreshoff 12 1/2 e. The Paine 14 is essentially a smaller version of the latter. This daysailer will attract a lot of attention whether sailing or just parked at the marina because of its classic appearance.

However, this yacht is more than just a pretty face. The Paine 14 is lighter than its predecessor due to its smaller size. On the water, it is thus quicker and more agile. Despite this, changes to the keel and rudder design have helped it maintain its stability in the water. Other benefits of its size include ease of trailering, low maintenance, and simple storage and transportation. This sailboat is great if you're seeking a basic sailboat.

The Laser 13”

This is probably one of the smallest boats on this list and is an excellent option for beginners who are not ready to take on the responsibility of maintaining or paying for larger boats just yet. If you are just testing the waters, then this is a smart option if you find that sailing isn’t your cup of tea.

The 13' 10" Laser dinghy is an excellent alternative for one or two persons looking for a workout and adrenaline rush in a breeze or simply plain pleasant sailing in lighter breezes. That is if you don't mind the fiberglass boat's small weight and strong sail making it simple to capsize—and recover from.

The Laser is an international sailing class that competes in everything from Olympic sailing competitions to club races. Most of the 200,000 boats manufactured over the years are just sailed for enjoyment, thanks to the 1969 design's single sail, two-part mast, daggerboard, and kick-up rudder, all of which make it very easy to store, and carry, and launch.

LaserPerformance sells new boats for less money, which is why they are one of the favorites for first-timers and those sailing enthusiasts who are on a budget. LaserPerformance sells yachts for around $7,500, as well as a variety of rigs and sails as well as replacement components. Used boats, as you might expect, are also easily available.

The Hobie 16

It is easy to see why the historic Hobie 16 , which made its debut in Southern California way back in 1969, made it on this list. Since then, the business has produced a number of additional multihulls, but the 16s have sold over 100,000 times, which is an incredible number.

The Hobie 16's fiberglass-and-foam hull takes away the requirement of traditional daggerboards, thanks to its kick-up rudders. Its huge trampoline provides enough room for movement or a suitable spot to put one's feet when hanging from the two trapezes with a hull flying. A main and jib sail are included, and a douse kit and trailer with a beach dolly option.

The West Wight Potter 19

This type is popular because of its excellent performance, cutting it close to 20 feet. This miniature cruiser was initially shown in 1971. It has since gained a devoted following, particularly among trailer sailors. While it isn't the cheapest tiny sailboat (it costs about $26,000), you will surely get your money's worth.

The Potter 19 is compact and light in terms of capability. Its performance in the water, however, is unaffected. In fact, it has a lot of punch for its tiny. People remark about this yacht’s stability and ease of handling in particular.

It also features a retractable keel that allows it to be beached completely. Alternatively, you will be astonished at how big and comfortable the interiors are, along with the fact that it is easy to rank the Potter 19 among luxury yachts for its many features and amenities.

The Montgomery 17

The Montgomery 17 is designed and made out of fiberglass by Montgomery Boats in Ontario, California. The boat boasts its way onto this list as a trailerable pocket cruiser. You get a keel and centerboard that takes the guesswork out of preparing the boat to be readily beached when gunkholing and draws slightly under 2 feet with the board up.

There's sitting headroom, a couple of bunks, a portable toilet, optional shore, and DC power, and a lot of storage space in the cuddy cabin. A four-part tackle makes it easy to raise the mast with relative ease. The builder claims to have taken his boat on journeys across the Gulf of California and to the state's coastline islands. In case you were wondering, Montgomery also offers 15-foot and 23-foot variants. The Montgomery 17 must be on your wish list if you're looking for a small sailboat with a cabin.

The Bluewater Cygnet 20

The Cygnet 20 is a great trailer sailer and pocket cruiser, and it has the potential to revitalize the sub-20-foot segment. The Cygnet has everything you want in a pocket cruiser: it's easy to transport, sail anywhere, and it's economical. It also happens to look gorgeous. Beaching the boat is simple because of its flat bottom and hand-laid fiberglass hull.

The Cygnet 20 is a fun weekend sailboat; as a result, while the cockpit can accommodate four to six people, it leaves less space below decks, but there is still enough space to sleep a crew of four. There are also several choices for customizing the cabin to your liking.

There are also several choices for customizing the cabin, but the typical form includes a V-berth, a portable toilet stored beneath the V-berth, a sink to starboard, two beds, and a portable stove beneath the cockpit. Apart from the swing keel box, the saloon table pulls out to seat four people, which is ideal for sailing solo or taking friends along for a weekend trip.

The Beneteau First 20

This is often ranked as one of the best trail-able pocket cruisers and for good reason. It's beautiful, tiny, has a retractable keel, and is speedy, but because of its big cabin, it can also accommodate a small family for a weekend on the lake.

The hull of the First 20 is one of those that, although quite stable in windy conditions, allows you to have as much fun as possible. Unfortunately, Beneteau has stopped producing boats under 20 feet in order to focus on larger sailboats, but you may still find these boats for approximately $25,000 secondhand.

The Catalina 16.5

Catalina Yachts are known for their larger boats, but they also offer some fantastic smaller boats, such as the Catalina 16.5 . Because it features a huge and airy cockpit and a large storage box, this is one of the best small sailboats for family vacations. The Catalina 16.5 is a versatile boat with a hand-laminated fiberglass sloop that comes in two styles: centerboard and keel.

Because of the fiberglass centerboard, the stable hull form, and the rudder, the centerboard model has a strong sailplane that remains balanced. It also includes a tiller extension, adjustable trekking straps, and an overhaul that can be adjusted. It's vital to remember that these are both standard features.

It's worth noting that these features come standard on both variants. When it comes to the keel model, it's constructed with a high aspect keel as the cast lead and stainless steel keel bolts, making it ideal for mooring or docking when not in use.

In essence, the centerboard form is ideal for trailer storage, whilst the keel model may be left at the dock. Overall, the Catalina 16.5 is one of the greatest small sailboats available for around $10,000. This is undoubtedly an excellent example of what a daysailer is.

The Fareast 18

Fareast is a Chinese boat builder that has only been in business for around two decades. Despite this, the Fareast 18 is a competent cruiser-racer that will elevate your sailing to new heights. This boat has a retractable keel along with a nifty ballast bulb, a strong rig, and an enclosed cabin, in addition to its attractive appearance.

The Fareast 18's narrow shape with closed stern is unusual in this size, but the good news is that's not an issue in the Fareast 18. This design stresses speed while also making the boat easier to maintain. This boat is ideal for roughly six passengers and punches above its weight. It is, however, intended for one person to rig and launch.

Most sailors start to sail on a daysailer, and the author of this piece has a special place for the Lido 14 , which is where she began to sail. The little boat offers seats for six people, but it may be operated alone and even raced.

The first year the type was introduced, 200 boats were purchased, and 40 years later, roughly 6,300 Lido 14s had been produced. Although new boats are no longer available, old boats are still readily accessible. Although new boats are no longer produced, secondhand boats are readily available; there is an active owner's group and plenty of one-design racing in various regions of the nation.

In a pocket cruiser, don't expect to be sailing at great speeds. Monohulls with a lesser displacement will always be slower than monohulls with a bigger displacement. As a result, a smaller cruiser will take longer to complete a journey, leaving them more exposed to weather variations.

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7 Best Trailerable Sailboats for Cruising

Many sailors balk at the idea of leaving their boat in the water at a marina. Slip fees are expensive, and maintenance bills get bigger the longer you leave a boat in the water. However, if you want a boat under 30 feet long, there are trailerable sailboats that will fit the bill.

Like any boat purchase, you’ll need to analyze precisely what kind of trailer sailer you want. Will a simple weekend sailboat suffice, or do you really need the best trailerable cruising sailboat you can find? 

Here’s a look at some of the pros and cons of the best trailerable sailboat. Plus, we’ll look at how to compare them for your purposes.

Table of Contents

Best trailerable sailboats, easy to launch trailerable sailboats, quick setup time, towing weight, catalina 22/25 “pop-top”, com-pac horizon cat for classic coastal cruising, marshall sanderling — small, portable, classy, west wight potter 19 — the tiny go-anywhere sailboat, seaward 26rk with retractable lead keel, corsair f-24 trimaran – sporty sailing, macgregor 26m — maximum speed meets maximum living space, long-range cruising boats, 7 best trailerable boats – a recap, what’s the best trailerable sailboat for a cruise, trailerable sailboats faqs.

• Catalina 22/25
• Com-Pac Horizon Cat
• Marshall Sanderling
• West Wight Potter 19
• Seaward 26RK
• Corsair F-24 Trimaran
• MacGregor 26M

We’ll get into more detail about each brand in my post today, so hang tight!

What Is a Trailerable Sailboat, Exactly?

For this article, the priorities for a trailerable sailboat are:

• Easy to launch
• Require minimum setup to launch and store
• Lightweight enough to be towed by the average vehicle

Before you can really classify a sailboat as trailerable, you need to evaluate and narrow your search criteria. Truthfully, 50-plus-foot ocean-going sailboats are regularly put on trailers. But that’s done commercially, on a big rig, with special permits for oversized loads, and even led cars.  

That probably isn’t what most people mean when they think of a trailerable sailboat. But what is the priority here, the trailerable part or the sailboat part? Compromises are going to have to be made somewhere. 

If you’re looking at the 20-foot-and-under sailboat crowd, finding a trailerable example should not be hard. Most sailboats this size are designed for trailers anyway since they aren’t the sort of boats people want to pay to leave in a slip year-round.

Things get more interesting when you look at the 20 to 30-foot boats. In this class, there are stout ocean-going cruisers with deep keels and lightweight centerboard trailer sailboats designed from the get-go to be trailered by the average car or SUV. The differences between these boats are night and day.

Sailboats often have a hard time at boat ramps. First, deep keels mean that the trailer must extend farther into the water than the average boat ramp allows. This means the ramp needs to go back far enough, and the trailer tongue needs to be long enough not to swamp the car. 

If you have a boat like this, you’ll need to find the right boat ramps. Unfortunately, not all ramps are created equally. If your boat draws more than two or three feet on the trailer, you’re going to be limited to steep, paved, and high-quality boat ramps. Unfortunately, those aren’t standard features, so your cruising grounds are going to be limited.

Usually, ramps aren’t built steeply because they are often slippery. Your tow vehicle will need excellent traction and torque to pull your fully loaded boat out of a steep ramp. The steeper the ramp, the more trouble you’ll have. 

The alternative to finding steep ramps is to use a trailer tongue extender. This lets you get the trailer into deeper water without swamping the tow vehicle. But it also means that the ramp needs to extend deep enough. Many ramps end abruptly. Allowing your trailer to sink off the edge is an excellent way to get stuck or pop a tire.

Pick a boat as easy to launch and retrieve as a similarly sized powerboat to remove all of these boat ramp problems. The soft chines of most sailboats will always require a little more water, but a swing keel and the hinged rudder raised mean that the boat can sit low on the trailer bunks. That way, you only need one or two feet of water to launch, an easy feat at nearly every boat ramp you can find.

The next consideration for a sailboat to be portable enough to call it “trailerable” is the amount of time it takes to step the mast and get it ready to cruise. 

To accomplish this, you need a mast that can be stepped by a two-person team–maximum. Ideally, it will have some tabernacle hardware to enable one person to do the task for solo sailing.

There is an entire family of pocket cruisers that could ideally fit on trailers. But you won’t find the Fickas or the Falmouth cutters on my list, simply because they aren’t easy to launch or easy to rig. But, of course, they’re also too heavy for most vehicles to tow, which leads us to the final point of excluding them this trailable pocket cruiser’s list.

One of the most significant financial burdens the trailer sailer faces is their tow vehicle. You are all set if you already drive a two-ton dually diesel pickup truck. But if your daily driver is an SUV or light pickup, you need to think long and hard about the math of the towing equation. 

Whatever boat you buy cannot exceed the towing rating limits of your tow vehicle. If you don’t have a tow vehicle, you’ll need to buy one. This will double or triple the cost of getting a trailer sailer in most cases. For the same money, you may want to look at a boat that stays in the water at a traditional boat slip. For the cost of a trailer sailer and a tow vehicle, you can probably step into a nice boat that is larger and more comfortable than any towable.

If you have a tow vehicle, you need a light enough vessel for it to tow. Most modern SUVs tow less than 2,500 pounds. Anything more than 5,000 will require a full-size pickup. Remember that the tow weight isn’t just the boat’s displacement—it’s the empty hull weight, plus the weight of the trailer and any extra gear you need to pack into the boat. 

Finding a vessel that fits these limitations on weight isn’t easy. If the manufacturer’s goal is to make it towable, immediate limits are placed on the materials they can use. This means less seaworthiness since boats are built light and thin. As far as stability goes, lead keels are generally out, and water ballast systems or centerboards might be used instead. It doesn’t mean these boats aren’t safe and fun, but they aren’t designed for rough conditions, crossing oceans, or living on in the water full-time .

7 Best Trailerable Cruising Sailboats

There are more trailerable sailboats out there than you might imagine. Here’s a look at seven popular options of all shapes and sizes to give you a taste of what you might want to take to sea.

The boats here are selected for their storage and living space. With these boats and a little outfitting, you can spend weeks gunk-holing in the Chesapeake Bay or island hopping the Bahamas. If you broaden your scope to include daysailers with no cabin space, there are countless more options.

One of the worst parts of a small trailerable sailboat or pocket cruiser is the lack of stand-up headroom. One clever solution that you’ll find on some weekend sailboat types is the pop-top. 

The pop-top is simply an area around the companionway hatch that extends upward on struts. So when you’re at the dock or anchor, you get standing headroom down below—at least right inside the pop-top.

You can build a canvas enclosure for your pop-top to use it in all weather. A pop-top makes your boat feel much larger than it is and allows you to move freely to cook or get changed down below or even do a nice boat bed area. 

Later models of the Catalina Sport 22 and Capri 22s lacked this cool pop-top feature, so if you want it, you’ll need to seek out an older model on the used market.

Com-Pac has been building small sailboats since the early 1970s. They currently sell two lines, each with various-sized boats. All are well built, and a majority of their boats are trailerable. 

Most interesting at the Com-Pac traditional catboats . The rigging is more straightforward than modern sloops, with only one large mainsail. Com-Pac boats come with a unique quick-rig system to make getting on the water fast and simple.

The Horizon Cat Coastal Cruising has a displacement of 2,500 pounds with a 2’2″ draft when the board is up. She has a separate head forward and space to lounge either topside or down below. The smaller Sun Cat has slightly few amenities but shaves off a few feet and pounds, making it easier to tow and it is one of these amazing small sailboats. Com-Pacs features stub keels, so their centerboard and hinged rudder do not take up space in the cabin.

On the sloop rig side, the Com-Pac 23 comes in a 3,000-pound traditional sailboat or a very interesting pilothouse. Both are incredibly livable for their size , with shallow two-foot-long fixed keels and high-quality construction.

Another option if you like catboats is the Marshall Sanderling. This salty 18-footer oozes traditional charm , all while being easy to sail and easier to tow. And while she has wooden boat lines, she has a modern laminated fiberglass hull.

The Sanderling has a 2,200-pound displacement, so tow weights will be around 3,000 pounds. At only 18-feet, she’s on the small side for cruising. The cuddy cabin has no galley, and the portable toilet is not enclosed. But that small size means a simple boat that’s easy to maintain and take anywhere. 

An electric motor package is an exciting option on this weekend sailboat!

View this post on Instagram A post shared by @marshallmarinecat

You can’t mention tiny trailer sailers without touching on the famous West Wight Potter . These 15 and 19-foot pocket cruisers have earned a worldwide reputation as the ultimate go-anywhere coastal cruiser.

The West Wight Potter 19 offers the most living space for staying aboard and cruising. So even though its dimensions are diminutive, this little boat packs a lot in. There’s a single burner hotplate and sink and a porta-potty tucked under a cushion. Yes, it’s tight—but the company claims the little boat can sleep five people. Any more than two will feel pretty crowded, however.

The boat comes standard with a mast-raising system that a single person can manage alone. It has a daggerboard for a shallow draft of a half-foot when the board is up. The total towing weight is around 1,500 pounds, which means nearly any car can tow a West Wight Potter.

This little-known trailer sailer is produced at the same Florida factory that makes Island Packet Yachts. That should give you a little bit of an idea of what sort of boat it is—trailerable, yes, but also high-quality, beautiful, and built for cruising. In other words, it’s one of the nicest all round pocket cruisers and it feels like a much larger boat.

The Seaward is easily the saltiest boat on this list . It’s beefy and seaworthy. Instead of a lightweight centerboard, Seaward fits the RK with a bulb-shaped retracting keel. Other big-boat items include a Yanmar diesel inboard motor and an enclosed head. The spacious cabin of the boat features a double berth and is ready for salt water cruising.

According to sailboatdata.com , the tow weight of the 26RK is 6,000 pounds. With the keel up, the draft is 1.25 feet.

Multihull sailors need not feel left out from the trailer sailer club and the pocket cruiser. Beyond the ubiquitous beach Hobie Cat, there are not many options for catamarans. But trimarans are uniquely suited to be towed.

Why? For one thing, performance oriented boats like trimarans are based on it being built light. There is no ballast—a trimaran’s stability comes from its two outer hulls. Additionally, the living space is entirely housed in the central hull–the outer floats are small and sometimes foldable. Finally, there are no keels on tris, so they are extremely shallow draft and perfect for trailering.

If you’re looking for adrenaline-pumping sporty and fun sailing, it’s impossible to beat what a trimaran will offer. Let’s not beat around the bush—most of the trailer sailers on this list have hull speeds around five knots. The Corsair has no such limits, routinely sailing at 15 knots or more .

The new Corsair 880 trimaran has an unloaded weight of 3,659 pounds. It is trailerable behind a big SUV or small pickup and is probably the most fun sailing option that is trailerable at all.

An even more portable option is the older Corsair F-24. It has a light displacement of under 2,000 pounds—so nearly any SUV can tow it.

MacGregor owns the market on trailerable motor sailers since they more or less created the product to fit the bill. The MacGregor 26 is not like other boats. The design combines a planing powerboat with a centerboard sailboat. Imagine scooting along at 20 knots or more when the wind is down or enjoying a sporty sail on a breezy day–in the same boat.

The entire boat is built from the ground up for towing and long-range sailing. So if you want a big sailboat that you can tow behind pretty much any SUV, the MacGregor has to be on your list. 

Depending on the model, the 26-foot-long boats have incredibly light dry weights of between 1,650 and 2,350 pounds. Considering the massive volume of the roomy cabin, the ability to tow such a large vessel opens up an entire world of opportunities for owners. 

It’s not all good news, of course. MacGregor owners love their boats, but they are built light and are not ideally suited for offshore cruising or rough weather. But in bays and for coastal sailing on nice days, few boats can get as much use as a MacGregor. 

The motorboat capability of the 26M and 26X might not appeal to hardcore sailors, but for those looking to maximize their use of the boat depending on the weather, their mood, or location, it makes a lot of sense. 

MacGregor shut down in 2015, but the daughter and son-in-law of the original owners took over production and renamed the boat the Tattoo 26 . The company will soon release a smaller version, the Tattoo 22 .

If the 26 is a bit big to make your list of best trailerable small sailboats, consider the smaller Powersailer 19. It’s nearly identical to the 26, just smaller and lighter.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Dale Roddick (@droddick33)

What Do You Want Your Trailer Sailer To Do?

After you’ve settled on how you will tow and launch your trailer sailer, now it’s time to dream about what you want it to do. Where will it take you? 

The beauty of a towable boat is that you can travel anywhere. A boat in the water might take weeks or months to move a few hundred miles. But if you can attach it to your car and do 65 mph on the interstate, you could sail on the Pacific on Monday, the Gulf of Mexico on Wednesday, and the Atlantic on Friday.

We can divide our trailerable sailboats into three groups – daysailers, weekenders, and cruisers.

These are designed with open cockpits and no space to sleep. This is a majority of the sub-22-foot boats on the market. They are designed to be launched, play for the day, and return to the ramp or dock.

A weekender will have rudimentary sleeping facilities. Think of it as a floating tent—it’s not a five-star hotel, but you can sleep under the stars or get out of the rain. Conceivably you could stay aboard indefinitely, but it doesn’t have much room for gear. So most people are ready to get off after a day or two. 

A cruising boat has sleeping, cooking, and toilet facilities built-in. These might be small and simple, but in any quantity, they mean you can disconnect from shore for a long time. Unfortunately, squeezing all of this into a tow-friendly package isn’t easy, and very few boats do it well. 

The best trailer sailor for your adventures will depend on many factors. Like any boat, whatever you decide on will be a compromise – boats always are. But there are plenty of choices out there, no matter what size your tow vehicle is and no matter what sailing adventures you have in mind.

What size sailboat is trailerable?

Even large yachts are routinely transported by towing across land, so the question is more of how big a sailboat can you tow? Your tow vehicle will be the limiting factor. The upper limit for most large SUVs and trucks is usually a sailboat around 26 feet long.

Sailboats are generally very heavily built, with ballast and lead keels. Sailboats specifically made to be trailer sailers are lighter. They may use drainable water ballast tanks instead of fixed ballast and have fewer fixtures and amenities.

To find the best trailer sailer, you need to balance the total tow weight, the ease of rig setup at the boat ramp, and the boat’s draft. Shallow draft boats with centerboards are the easiest to launch and retrieve.

Is a Hunter 27 trailerable?

No. The Hunter 27 is a one of those fixed-keel larger boats built from 1974 to 1984. The boat’s displacement is 7,000 pounds, not including trailer and gear. That alone makes it too heavy to tow by all but the beefiest diesel trucks. 

Furthermore, the fixed keels had drafts between 3.25 and 5 feet, all of which are too much for most boat ramps. In short, the standard Hunter Marine 27 is too big to tow for most people.

On the other hand, Hunter has made several good trailer sailers over the years. For example, the Hunter 240 and 260 were explicitly designed for trailering. They have drainable water ballast and shallow keel/centerboard drafts less than two feet. 

Is a Catalina 22 trailerable?

Yes, the Catalina 22 is easily trailerable and makes a wonderful weekend sailboat. In fact, there were over 15,000 Catalina 22s made and sold over the years. 

The boat’s displacement is 2,250 pounds, which means your total tow weight with trailer and gear will be under 3,000 pounds. This is within the capabilities of most mid to full-size SUVs and light trucks. Be sure to check your vehicle’s towing capacity, of course.

The centerboard on the Catalina 22 is another factor in its easy towing. With the board up, the boat draws only two feet. This makes it easy to float off the trailer at nearly any boat ramp. You should avoid fixed keel versions of the 22 for towing unless you have access to extra deep ramps. 

Matt has been boating around Florida for over 25 years in everything from small powerboats to large cruising catamarans. He currently lives aboard a 38-foot Cabo Rico sailboat with his wife Lucy and adventure dog Chelsea. Together, they cruise between winters in The Bahamas and summers in the Chesapeake Bay.

Can someone tell me why no other manufacturer makes pop tops? Those who have them, love them. Makes sense for head space with a trailerable boat too. Catalina stopped making them decades ago, yet people still swear by them. So, why isn’t there any newer models?

MacGregor put pop tops on many of its trailerables

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• Nov 4, 2022

FLIBS Recap - The 15 Best Boats Coming in 2023

It was quite a week in Fort Lauderdale. With both the industry and consumers dizzy with excitement after a two year hiatus, To put it mildly, it was a veritable rush to experience everything on the docks. The BoatBlurb crew went tip to tail to uncover the Top 15 coming to the market in 2023, and there is no shortage of stunners on this year's list. Let's dive in.

1) Wellcraft 355

Wellcraft has entered a new era. The Cadillac, MI boat builder was a major name in the 80's under Bob Long and Irwin Jacobs, while Don Johnson, who played the imitable Sonny Crocket in the TV megahit Miami Vice , catapulted the brand into the mainstream with his Wellcraft Scarab 38 KV.

Now under the ownership of Groupe Beneteau since 2014, Wellcraft has been a constant presence, and is now poised to enter new territory that is a stark departure from their current catalog of center console fishing boats.

With a noticeable European flair from bow to stern, stylistically the all-new 355 brings to mind the aesthetics of some Scandinavian builders currently plotting the course for the next generation of midsize cruisers. The 355 isn't a slouch, either, with either triple Mercury or Yamaha outboards with a top speed over 50 knots (60 mph).

The Michael Peters designed yacht is designed "to go anywhere, to do anything" and it certainly appears the 355 will deliver on its promise. On top of her already obvious capabilities, the 355 will also boasts several smart utilitarian features, like a sliding helm door and dual side gates for access throughout the deck.

2) Sea Ray 260 SLX OB and 260 Surf

Sea Ray will be launching a wakesurfing boat in 2023. The all-new SLX 260 Surf will expand upon their already popular SLX lineup to provide a built-in platform for wakesurfing and other watersports.

The release coincides with their modus operandi of late as the luxury builder surprised boaters with the sudden release of the SLX 260 and SLX 260 outboard back in May. These new SLX 260 variations also mark an important turn for the highly regarded brand as they announced back in 2021 they would be following a new design philosophy for new models.

To create the perfect wake, the SLX 260 Surf will be powered by a Mercury MerCruiser 6.2L MPI ECT engine with a forward-facing Bravo Four S drive, integrated SmartCraft technology, and Digital Throttle & Shift (DTS) c ontrols. Working in tandem, electric surf tabs and ballast tanks control the height of the wave and produce a long or short pocket. Using a custom user interface, developed in partnership between Sea Ray, Mercury Marine and Simrad, surf settings can be adjusted with a touch of a button to accommodate specific watersports and riders’ preferences. Read More

3) Scout 400 LXF

Scout Boats will be launching three new models in the coming year - the 281 XSS , the 377 LXF , and the 400 LXF .

The 400 LXF is the real showstopper -- bringing a double-stepped hull crafted with Scout’s epoxy-infusion with carbon fiber/e-glass construction and an interior layout and cabin that's first rate among her competitors.

The 400 LXF boasts perks like a standard hydraulic port side beach platform with synthetic teak (ideal for boarding/de-boarding away from the transom and engines), and two standard Garmin 8616 touch screens at the helm. From the helm or with the key fob, owners can control features throughout the boat with the help of C-Zone digital switching technology. There’s also a standard Seakeeper 3 gyro stabilizer (with optional upgrades to a Seakeeper 5 or 6), electronically-actuated SureShade integrated retractable aft awning, and Scout’s electronically-actuated articulating rocket launchers.

(take a virtual tour of the new 400 LXF by clicking below)

4) Cruisers 50 GLS

Wisconsin's Cruisers Yachts has made a big splash at FLIBS with the launch of a new flagship- the 50 GLS . The new platform will serve as the largest offering in Cruisers' GLS lineup. The highly regarded brand has made several notable moves in the last two years -- most notably their acquisition by Florida-based MarineMax for $63 million in May 2021.

As for the new 50 GLS, she will carry a 52'4" LOA (16 m) with a 14'6" beam (4.4 m) and a draught of 34" (up) and 47" (down).

Power will come via triple Mercury 600 Verados paired with Simrad electronics and joystick docking. In classic Cruisers style, the 50 GLS’ will have an open-concept cockpit that balances functionality with entertainment. There are multiple seating options between the bow lounge, a midship L-shaped seating area, two aft-facing L-shaped seating areas, and additional bench seating. Read More

5) Tiara 43 LE

We tested the new Tiara 43 LE earlier this summer, and suffice to say, it was a pleasurable experience. With 1200 horsepower courtesy of twin Mercury 600 Verados, it was staggering how quickly and how smoothly she got on plane. In the words of our tester Rick Layzell, " The 43 LE or ‘Luxury Express’ is the first in the series, and after this experience we can’t wait to see what Tiara has up their sleeve next. The LE is a multi-purpose craft, akin to a Swiss Army knife, as it answers so many needs and wants. She’s a stunning day boat, a dream entertainer, a beautiful overnighter and an all-round playful performer. She is exceptionally well appointed with craftsmanship exuding from every curve inside and out. And boy is she fun to drive!"

See our full boat review .

6) Regal LX 36

The motivation behind Regal's new LX 36 is clearly to bring the luxury of a yacht into a midsize bowrider package. According to the company itself, the new ride is "thirty-six feet of dynamic comfort technology advancements and new ways of thinking merge for the ultimate day yachting experience." Yes please.

The LX 36 boasts an expansive retractable hardtop, windshield walk-thru, and side windows for an open-air day experience. But, if things turn dicey, the all-electronic hardtop can be closed with ease, allowing you to enclose the helm for private time.

One of her neatest features is a complete co-captain experience including a 16" 'Companion Screen' that allows the second in command to also control navigation, systems data, media, and more. Another handy must-have is the quarterberth and mattress hidden beneath the flip-up starboard bow. The area is both washable and air conditioned, so it adds a handy hideaway for extra passengers staying overnight or soggy gear that can't sit below deck.

(take a virtual tour of the new LX 36 by clicking below)

7) Yamaha 275 SDX

Serving as Yamaha's flagship for 2023, the new 275 SDX will come standard with Yamaha's new DRiVE X control system. he system uses two paddles on either side of the steering wheel for the drive to access and offers four modes aside from the low-speed maneuvering of the paddles- Lateral Mode (for direct sideways movement), Pivot Mode (when enabled, turn the steering wheel more than 85% for a tight rotation), Dock Hold (side thrust will hold the boat against the dock), and High Mode (when enabled, RPMs are increased for added thrust).

Paired with a spacious customizable stern lounge with swim-up seating, a hard top for sun protection, and premium features throughout, the 2023 Yamaha 275SDX is the embodiment of Yamaha's future design stylings. Read More

8) Boston Whaler 280 Dauntless

The 280 Dauntless will sport a new look from the keel up for 2023, including a sleeker hull style and a multitude of new tech. The new 280 will also serve as the flagship for the Dauntless series, which also includes the 220 and 250 sizes.

Typical of all Whaler designs, the 280 is more than a bay boat and brings an intelligent layout catering to cruising, fishing, and watersports. There is an equal array of both offshore and inshore capability, as seen with its classic hull shape and mixed with an entertainment and comfort-focused interior. According to Mark Robinson, the program manager at BW, “Some boaters wanted a crossover boat, equally at home in back bays, a bit offshore and everywhere in between, and Dauntless delivered." Can't argue with that.

9) Mystic M5200

Mystic needs no introduction as they have a long history atop the performance boat segment. The M5200 can hardly be described, but try as we might, she can be summed up one simple word -- stunner. The new flagship M5200 is an eye-popping blend of performance and luxury that might be unrivaled for 2023. With a 52' LOA, a 14' beam, and a dry weight of 26,500 lbs, the transom on the M5200 is packed with up to quad Mercury 600's generating 2400 horsepower to an off-shore proven design. You can also get a 450 hp configuration with four, five, or even six engines.

If you can slow down long enough to take a closer look, her interior detail is immaculate. Everything from the stitching on the upholstery to the bow lounge configuration shows an obvious focus on the finer details.

(take a virtual tour of the new M5200 by clicking below)

10) Formula 387 CCF

One of boating's most iconic brands is back in the center console business. Formula dabbled in center console designs during the late 70's and early 80's, but now appears primed to make an earnest re-introduction to the category with the launch of the 387 Center Console Fish (CCF) and Center Console Sport (CCS).

The new models fall into Formula's ultra-popular Crossover series, which also includes standouts like the 380 SSC and their flagship 500 Super Sport Crossover . The new 387 CCF a offer a mix of old school Formula style paired with a modern SSC template, all wrapped up with an impressive list of fishing features. It's a bold statement by Formula as they enter into the growing fishing category, but their status and reputation will no doubt serve them well.

The 387 CCF will carry an LOA of 38'7", a 12' beam, 23° of deadrise, and utilize Formula's legendary FAS3TECH inspired hull. She will be powered with a choice of Mercury and Mercury Racing outboard options, including triple Mercury Verado 300's, triple Mercury Racing 450R's, or twin Mercury 600 Verados Read More

(take a virtual tour of the new 387 CCF by clicking below)

11) Chaparral 250 OSX

The new 250 OSX from Chaparral is exactly what you'd expect from one of the world's premier fiberglass manufacturers, and that's a good thing. With twin Simrad 7" displays highlithing an impressive helm station, an electric folding EFX wakeboard tower, a custom bimini top, a JL audio system, and a huge aft lounge, there isn't much you can't do with this luxury bowrider. Family, fun, watersports, it's all on the table. Other perks include a windlass anchor with a stainless plow anchor, docking lights, premium gelcoat with hydropol resin, and a lifetime hull warranty, so you know she's meant to be used. Power comes via the trusted Yamaha four stroke 250XSB outboard, and with a 26'6" LOA on an 8'6" beam it will undoubtedly deliver the ride and performance owners demand from the Georgia-based brand.

(take a virtual tour of the 250 OSX by clicking below)

12) Pursuit S 248

Not to be confused with the dazzling flagship 428 they released in 2020, The all-new S 248 will replace Pursuit's previous C238, bringing with it 12 more inches of length and a lot more in terms of entertainment and functionality.

An enlarged swim platform is an obvious perk, not to mention an oversized hardtop with a full windscreen. Whether you're enjoying a day of family fun or you're after the catch of the day, the S 248 offers an excellent balance. Rod holders throughout, multiple fish boxes, in-floor storage, and a recirculating livewell will encourage your angling adventures. Other subtle yet handy features include an adjustable transom bench, a molded transom walkthrough, and a concealed helm toilet. Digital electronic throttle and shift with standard trim tabs make the S 248 a smooth and responsive ride, and a single Yamaha outboard in a variety of configurations delivers a solid punch, all within a respectable MSRP that will draw the attention of boaters across the spectrum.

(take a virtual tour of the S 248 by clicking below)

13) Chris-Craft Calypso 27

One of the longest standing players in the game, Chris-Craft rarely, if ever, misses the mark. Which is why readers and future owners will be confident that the new Calypso 27 continues to maintain the gold standard of the almighty Florida brand.

When it comes to a Chris-Craft, some things are certain -- vintage style paired with modern tech, a plush interior, and a robust hull that exudes confidence on the water. The Calypso 27 is all that and more, with an ultra-lux helm station and a classic-chique interior that matches modern tech like Mercury Smartchart Premier controls and a 12" Garmin display with classic features like a teek steering wheel with stainless steel accents throughout. In other words, it's an "old meets new" modern classic. Teek accents are tastefully added from bow to stern, not to mention a host of new electronic features like a custom Chris-Craft digital home screen and cZone digital switching.

You know the ride will be smooth, and by all accounts the Calypso 27 will enjoy a smooth entrance into the market.

(take a virtual tour of the Calypso 27 by clicking below)

14) Fountain 38 SCX

You can expect big activity from Fountain in 2023. Iconic Marine Group, who own the Fountain brand as well as Donzi and NauticStar, were very active in the marketplace in 2022. The all-new 38SCX seems to be a byproduct of this resurgence -- and consumers are tickled to see it.

The all-new platform features a classic Fountain double-step positive lift hull, backed by a plethora of power options -- everything from triple Mercury 450R's to quad Mercury 400's. On a performance driven hull with an LOA of 38'4" and a 10'6" beam, no one is expecting the 38SCX to be driven modestly. There's a surprising addition of luxury features as well- including a next-gen T-top, premium six colour upholstery, and Marine Mat flooring. Tech-wise, she's full from bow to stern with a powered high-low table in the bow, inverter-powered A/C in the cockpit, dual 17" Garmin displays, Mercury VesselView monitoring, and an optional 5KW generator for those looking to turn their performance boat into an overnighter.

(take a virtual tour of the 38 SCX by clicking below)

15) Blackfin 232 DC

Small but mighty, the all-new 232 DC from Blackfin is 'the little engine that could' on our list. After Blackfin went for the gusto with their new flagship 400CC earlier in 2022, now they've turned their eyes to the delightfully versatile 232 DC.

With a 21'6" LOA and an 8'6" beam, the 232 DC is right in the wheelhouse for many trailering boaters who want to mix fishing adventures with family day cruising. A smartly designed crossover hull, it comes standard with U-shaped bot seating, custom helm seats, an 18 gallon livewell, stainless steel rod holders across the gunnels and transom, a Fusion stereo with JL Audio speakers, a telescoping swim ladder, and a cockpit that serves both anglers and family captains incredibly well.

Other tidy perks include a 45 qt Yeti cooler, dual 12v USB outlets, weatherproofed electronics, a Garmin 8610 GPS chartplotte, a Garmin B60 600 watt transducer, and digital monitoring. It may be on the shorter end of boats on this list, but Blackfin is making long strides towards the forefront of the crossover market.

(Take a virtual tour of the 232 DC by clicking below)

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8 Affordable Boats to Consider Buying in 2023

Are you entering the boating market? Congratulations! Purchasing your own boat kickstarts many on-the-water adventures for you and your family. And fortunately, there are plenty of affordable boats on the market this year. 

From smaller boats with basic features to bargain fishing vessels with onboard technology, today’s post covers eight affordable boats to consider buying in 2023.

Affordable Boat Options: 

On the hunt for an affordable vessel to call your own? Check out these eight affordably priced boats to consider buying in 2023: 

1. Tracker Grizzly 1648 SC

If you’re looking for a no-frills, aluminum fishing boat, the Tracker Grizzly 1648 SC is a great option. This powder-coated boat is durable (no wood here!) and has a Mod V hull design for smooth sailing. 

And while it might look like a sporty boat, this vessel handles itself surprisingly well. The Tracker Grizzly 1648 is 16 feet long with VERSATRACK accessory mounting and two pedestal seat bases to accommodate all your fishing needs . 

You can purchase this vessel for a starting price of $9,795. Visit Tracker Boats for more info.  

2. Bayliner 160 Bowrider

The Bayliner 160 Bowrider is a terrific first boat for families. With plenty of storage space, a full windshield, an onboard stereo, bimini covers, and reliable performance, this boat was made for long days spent on the water with your crew. 

The best part? You can select a ski tow pylon as an add-on if you have any youngsters (or oldsters!) interested in testing their watersport skills. 

You can purchase the Bayliner 160 Bowrider for a starting price of $16,499. Visit Bayliner for more info.

3. Mako Pro Skiff 15 CC

Do we have any saltwater boaters out there? If so, the Mako Pro Skiff 15 CC is your ideal first rig. This composite boat was made for stability, with a one-piece deck liner and marine-grade vinyl upholstery that wards off even the saltiest sprays. 

In addition, the lockable storage, aerated baitwell, removable seat/cooler, rod holders, and electronic mounting options provide all the bells and whistles an angler could want. 

Get it for a starting price of $14,995. Visit MAKO  to learn more.

4. Carolina Skiff 162 JLS

The Carolina Skiff 162 JLS is easy to handle, incredibly durable, and versatile in bays, creeks, rivers, and beyond. Anglers are drawn to this vessel for her ample storage, an 18-gallon live well, and a fishing seat with an 11-foot pole. However, families will also appreciate this vessel’s comfortably smooth ride and a family-friendly three-step telescoping ladder that makes getting into and out of the water a breeze. 

You can purchase the Carolina Skiff 162 JLS for a starting price of $24,900. Visit  Carolina Skiff for more details. 

5. Doral 250 SE

The Canadian Doral 250 SE is a cabin cruiser at its finest. Its signature feature is the cabin’s woodwork color, making it both classy and inviting. Additionally, the layout is entirely conventional, with a dinette forward and a small galley opposite the heads. And because there’s a sliding section of cockpit seating, this boat easily accommodates all your family and friends. 

While this boat is no longer made new, you can find it on the used boat market for around $58,700. Contact your local boat dealer for more info.  

Find a Boat Dealer

6. Tahoe T16

The Tahoe T16 offers that signature sporty feel with the comfort of expensive barges. Plus, the fiberglass hull and lightweight construction make towing this vessel a breeze – even with a smaller vehicle. Complete with a swim platform, telescoping boarding ladder, and ample storage; this boat is ideal for families and on-the-water adventurers. 

Purchase the Tahoe T16 for a starting price of $15,995. Visit Tahoe  for more details. 

7. Pro-Line 20 Sport

Pro-line is an ideal boat brand for first-time owners, and the 20 Sport is one of its best. This fishing vessel is small enough to keep at the house yet big enough for serious anglers and large families. Some notable features include a large center console with an enclosed head, lots of rod storage, a swim platform, and room for seven people to sit comfortably. 

You can purchase this vessel for a starting price of $9,995. Visit Pro-Line Boats  to learn more.

8. Tracker Pro Team 175 TXW 

Are you looking for an affordable way to meet all your fishing needs? The Tracker Pro Team 175 TXW is the rig for you. It boasts a Revolution hull, a color fish finder, two pedestal seat bases (with moving folding fishing seats), ample gear storage, and a trolling motor. 

In addition, the Tracker Pro Team 175 TXW features a 60 ELPT FourStroke Engine. However, you could downsize to the 20 ELPT FourStroke Engine if you’re looking for a cheaper alternative. 

You can purchase the Tracker Pro Team 175 TXW at a starting price of $17,995. Visit Tracker Boats for more info. 

Editor's Note:  Pricing is accurate as last date of publish, January 2023. Please contact each  boat manufacturer  or your local boat dealer directly for the most updated pricing.

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'ZDNET Recommends': What exactly does it mean?

ZDNET's recommendations are based on many hours of testing, research, and comparison shopping. We gather data from the best available sources, including vendor and retailer listings as well as other relevant and independent reviews sites. And we pore over customer reviews to find out what matters to real people who already own and use the products and services we’re assessing.

When you click through from our site to a retailer and buy a product or service, we may earn affiliate commissions. This helps support our work, but does not affect what we cover or how, and it does not affect the price you pay. Neither ZDNET nor the author are compensated for these independent reviews. Indeed, we follow strict guidelines that ensure our editorial content is never influenced by advertisers.

ZDNET's editorial team writes on behalf of you, our reader. Our goal is to deliver the most accurate information and the most knowledgeable advice possible in order to help you make smarter buying decisions on tech gear and a wide array of products and services. Our editors thoroughly review and fact-check every article to ensure that our content meets the highest standards. If we have made an error or published misleading information, we will correct or clarify the article. If you see inaccuracies in our content, please report the mistake via this form .

The best small tablets you can buy: Expert tested

Sometimes you need something lightweight and portable, or you might simply prefer a smaller screen. A small tablet can work just as well as (or even better than) larger ones, especially when it comes to lugging one around between classes or in your work tote.

Also:  The best large tablets

Small tablets can range from 6 to 10 inches, with 8 inches being the standard size of a small tablet. Despite the size, these devices still offer long battery lives, crisp displays, impressive cameras, and plenty of customizable features for ease of use. 

What is the best small tablet right now?

Based on our extensive hands-on testing, our pick for the best small tablet is the iPad Mini , but we also included compact-sized tablets from Amazon, Samsung, and more to prove that big things come in small packages.  

The best small tablets of 2024

Apple ipad mini 6th generation, best small tablet overall.

• USB-C port for charging and data transfer
• Support for the second-gen Apple Pencil
• Touch ID in the top button
• Cellular connectivity is additional cost

iPad Mini tech specs: Display : 8.3-inch Liquid Retina display |  Processor : A15 Bionic |  Storage : 64GB or 256GB |  Colors : Space gray, pink, purple, starlight |  Cameras : 8MP rear, 1080p video. 12MP FaceTime camera with Center Stage |  Weight : 0.65 pounds |  Dimensions : 7.69 x 5.3 x 0.25 inches |  Connections : USB-C |  Battery life:  10 hours

Apple's iPad Mini is our top pick for the best small tablet thanks to its A15 Bionic chip, making it a powerful tablet packed into a small package. The iPad Mini was last updated in the fall of 2021 with new features like support for the 2nd gen Apple Pencil, a slightly bigger screen size, and a USB-C port for charging and data transfer.

Review:  Apple iPad Mini (6th Gen.) review

There's a spot on the right side of the tablet to charge the Apple Pencil, making it a great tablet to draw or write notes on. Customers who bought the iPad Mini reported in reviews that they were impressed by its battery life, durability, and its display, also noting its portability to fit in purses and bags, particularly for entertainment purposes. 

ZDNET contributor, Jason Cipriani, went hands-on with the iPad Mini and said, "I'd be lying if I said I wasn't absolutely fascinated by it." "Its compact size is more manageable," Cipriani wrote. "I don't have to move my keyboard and mouse or trackpad out of the way to make room. Within a few hours, the iPad Mini quickly became my preferred device for taking notes."

Of course, you'll also get iPadOS 16 with features like shared tab groups, Stage Manager, and external display support if you ever need to see something on a bigger screen. Ultimately, you get all these things for less than what you would pay for an iPad Air or an iPad Pro.

Amazon Fire 7 Tablet

Best budget small tablet.

• Good battery life
• Can double as an Alexa smart display
• Performance is slightly slow
• Cameras aren't as great as other options

Amazon Fire 7 tech specs: Display : 7-inch, 1024x600 display |  Processor : MediaTek MT8168V/B |  Storage : 16GB or 326GB |  Colors : Black, denim, or rose |  Cameras : 2 MP front and rear-facing cameras with 720p HD video recording|  Weight : 9.9 ounces |  Dimensions : 7.11 x 4.63 x 0.38 inches |  Connections : 2 USB-C, 3.5mm jack |  Battery life:  10 hours

If you're looking for something even smaller than the iPad Mini -- and cheaper, too -- the Amazon Fire 7 tablet is a great budget tablet pick. The 7-inch screen has a 1024x600 display, so you can stream movies or play video games without hauling around a bulky tablet. 

Review: Amazon Fire 7 (2022) review: Good enough for the basics

Cipriani also reviewed the Amazon Fire 7 tablet and said it offers "a well-rounded experience as long as you take the cost into account when setting expectations." Even though performance may be a bit slow, Cipriani said that's to be expected at a price point like $60, espeically considering the tablet double as a colorful Kindle, dedicated Alexa smart display, and a smart home controller, combined.

Along with the ability to ask Alexa questions, you can view and manage your Alexa-connected smart home devices. You can control cameras, lights, and outlets using your voice or by tapping the dedicated Devices button in the bottom navigation bar. 

Overall, 90% of Best Buy customers who bought the Amazon Fire 7 tablet would recommend it to a friend, giving it an average rating of 4.5 out of 5.

Boox Tab Mini C

Best small tablet for note-taking.

• Long lasting battery life
• Gorgeous design and display
• Great templates for taking notes
• Easy reading
• Some complaints of lag

Boox Tab Mini C specs: Display : 7.9-inch screen, electronic ink |  Processor : Advanced Octa-core |  Storage : 64GB |  Colors : Black|  Cameras : None |  Weight : 11 ounces |  Dimensions : 7.6 x 5.4 x 0.33 inches |  Connections : USB-C |  Battery:  5,000mAh Li-ion Polymer

Boox is an e-reader and drawing tablet with a vivid color display, so your e-book's illustrations will pop as you read and so, too, will your color-coordinated notes. Speaking of which, the note-taking templates on the Tab Mini C are incredibly useful. Whether you're a student taking Cornell-style notes, a desk job employee making an hourly plan for your day, a musician crafting a piece of sheet music, or a historian drafting a timeline, the Tab Mini C offers a template for that. 

Another fun feature is the four customizable refresh modes you can use on the tablet, depending on whether you're streaming videos on YouTube and need a smoother display or are e-reading and don't mind a clunkier refresh. With adjustable warm and cool lights, you can customize your desired blue light level to tone the display down ahead of bedtime for an easier-on-the-eyes reading experience. 

ZDNET editor Nina Raemont, who contributed to this article, has been using the tablet to manage her work life calendar, build lists for grocery shopping, meeting agendas, and more. It's become Raemont's deskside companion and staple note-taking device -- and because of its light weight and effortless portability, it replaced her trusty Moleskin notebook she avidly used to plan her day. 

The strong battery life lasts many days to a week or two, and the tablet comes with a magnetically attached stylus with pressure detection for drawing. The design of the tablet is sleek with a minimalist feel and careful use of popping colors. However, Reddit users note that you may have to tinker with the tablet's settings to get the most out of your experience. 

Amazon Kindle 11th generation

Best small tablet for reading.

• Same features expensive Kindle models
• Super lightweight and portable
• Web browser functionality could be better
• No warm light option

Amazon Kindle tech specs: Display: 6-inch, 300ppi glare-free | Storage: 16GB | Colors: Black or denim | Weight: 5.56 ounces | Dimensions: 6.2 x 4.3 x 0.32 inches | Connections: USB-C | Battery : Up to 6 weeks

The upgraded 11th generation Kindle offers 16GB of storage instead of 8GB, 300ppi instead of 167ppi, six weeks of battery life compared to four weeks, and charging via USB-C instead of a micro-USB. 

The new Kindle is the smallest and most lightweight Kindle out of any of the models, which verified Amazon customers note was one of the main reasons they bought this small tablet. The previous generation clocked in at 6.1 ounces, but this new one weighs only 5.56 ounces, and it's drastically easier to carry and hold than an actual book (especially those thick hardcovers). 

Review: The new entry-level Kindle has officially converted me to e-readers

Its 300ppi is the same display as the Kindle Paperwhite and the Kindle Oasis. The anti-glare display makes it easy to read in any light, and dark mode is a warm welcome when you're trying to read at night without letting blue light interrupt your sleep cycle. 

I was able to go hands-on with this Kindle and was impressed by pages loading quickly and easily, the exceptional backlight, and the long-lasting battery life, which was at about 70% after one week of frequent use. I almost exclusively read on my Kindle now, and have pretty much retired my hardcover book habit. 

Wacom Intuos

Best small tablet for drawing.

• Industry-leading amount of pressure sensitivity levels
• Customizable keys
• Included stylus
• Need an external screen to use
• Need to replace stylus tip often

Wacom Intuos tech specs: Display : 7 inches |  Memory: N/A | Weight : 0.99 pounds |  Dimensions : ‎ ‎10.6 × 6.7 × 0.3 inches |  Connections : USB-C and Bluetooth

When it comes to drawing tablets, Wacom is one of the industry leaders. With virtually no lag and 8,192 levels of pressure sensitivity in the battery-free pen included, this no-screen tablet is the best one on the market for professional artists looking to create while providing a natural drawing experience. And it just so happens to be small and portable at just 7 inches. 

The possibilities are endless when it comes to creativity with the Wacom Intuos Pro tablet. It comes with fully customizable ExpressKeys located on the side of the active area. These buttons allow artists to add their most-used tools to them for easy access.

Read the review:  This Wacom drawing tablet feels like putting pen to paper

I went hands-on with the Wacom Intuos Pro, and my experience with this tablet was fairly easy and enjoyable (especially for someone who is not a professional artist). The pen makes it easy to fine-tune details and brush strokes in any drawing program you are working on.  Reddit users note  that the Pro Pen 2 is better than anything they have experienced in a stylus and that it alone is worth buying the Wacom Intuos Pro for. 

You'll get free access to drawing-specific apps and services, like Clip Studio Paint Pro for two years, Boris Optics for one, and have the option to test Corel Painter Essentials 8 and Corel AfterShot Pro 3 for 90 days. The tablet also connects to both Windows and Mac devices.

Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 Lite

Best samsung small tablet.

• Expandable storage
• Low price point
• Long-lasting battery
• Performance could be better

Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 Lite tech specs: Display : 8.7-inch, 1340x800 display |  Processor : MediaTek MT8768N |  Storage : 32GB or 64GB |  Colors : Gray |  Cameras : 2MP front and 8MP rear |  Weight : 0.81lbs |  Dimensions : 8.37 x 4.91 x 0.31 inches |  Connections : 3.5mm headphone jack, USB-C |  Battery:  10-12 hours

Samsung's tablet lineup spans all aspects of price, capability, and screen size. The Galaxy Tab A7 Lite is a small Android tablet that combines affordability and usefulness. The 8.7-inch screen features a 1340x800 display, making it a small tablet worthy of streaming, working, and more.

Also: The 5 best Samsung tablets

The lightweight design and small display make it portable enough to take anywhere, especially if you're using it to entertain kids with educational apps. Plus, the Tab A7 Lite has a metal frame for some added ruggedness.

In addition, you can expand your storage beyond the 32GB or 64GB allotted. The tablet allows for up to 1TB of expandable storage, which is twice as much as the previous model. Overall, 91% of Best Buy customers would recommend buying this tablet, and gave it an average rating of 4.5 out of 5.

What is the best small tablet?

The best small tablet is the iPad Mini because of its sharp display and impressive cameras. Plus, the A15 Bionic chip is packed with power in a small package.

Which small tablet is right for you?

It really depends on what size tablet you're looking for, which operating system you prefer, and how much money you're willing to spend. Below, we've broken down the best small tablets to help make your decision easier.

Factors to consider when choosing the best small tablets:

We know there are a lot of tablets and tablet sizes to choose from, but ultimately, these were the determining factors in our top picks. 

• Size:  We paid attention to tablets between six and eight inches, which defines a tablet as small. We also looked at a tablet's weight to ensure they were portable. 
• Display:  Small tablets shouldn't have to compromise on an already smaller display, so we also considered display resolution.
• Battery life:  A device's battery life is important no matter its size, so we considered devices that can last you all day. 
• Price:  Tablets vary in price range from affordable to expensive depending on brand and purpose, so we made sure to choose tablets at various price points to accommodate different budgets. 

How did we test these small tablets?

When choosing the best small tablets, ZDNET editors considered our own experiences testing and using these tablets. We do extensive hands-on testing of tablets, including ease using them for work and entertainment, and paying attention to specs like display, battery life, and overall experience while using the tablet.

For products we recommend, we write a product spotlight review that we update periodically with new features and pricing information.

For the small tablets we have not gone hands-on with, we do extensive research into different products and brands, taking into consideration user reviews (both good and bad), competitor analysis, and more.

What is the smallest tablet screen size?

The smallest tablet screen size on the market is 6 to 7 inches. Anything smaller would be more similar to a smartphone.

It's why you want to consider your primary uses when considering which small tablet is right for you. To demonstrate, if you travel often, one with a smaller screen will be perfect for carrying/using on an airplane. If your aim is to read more e-books or draw, you'll want one with a larger screen. 

What brand of tablet is best?

Tablets made by Apple, Samsung, and Microsoft are the best-made tablets in terms of quality. Amazon has well-rounded tablets in its Fire lineup but with fewer performance-focused features. Boox is also proving to be an industry underdog, with impressive tablets that function as e-readers and illustrators. 

Keep in mind in certain cases (Apple, Samsung), you can pair your other devices with the tablet. In the case of Apple tablets, you can log in using your Apple ID to access the same apps, pictures, and more from your phone on your iPad. 

Meanwhile, with Samsung devices, you can implement Samsung Flow. Download the app on your phone and tablet. You can connect your tablet to your phone via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. 

Are mini Android tablets worth it?

Yes, they can be. Small Android tablets allow you to do everything you would normally do, like reading e-books and video calling, without the higher price tags. 

And their lightweight body and compact design make them perfect traveling companions. So, if you're searching for the best Android tablet with great battery life and lightweight design, the minis are an enticing choice.

Are there alternative small tablets worth considering?

Small tablets aren't as popular as large tablets, so the market is relatively small (so to speak). However, these are some alternative small tablets worth looking into.

ZDNET Recommends

The best cheap tablets you can buy: expert tested, the best tablets you can buy: expert tested, the best large-screen tablets: expert tested.

The 50 best small towns in America to retire to

Posted: December 22, 2023 | Last updated: December 22, 2023

Best small towns for retirees in America

Many American retirees are looking to age in place , while others who have bid adieu to the workplace are seeking new locales. With no shortage of choices, how do they decide?

Some ways to narrow down the list include moving closer to grandkids or settling in a vacation spot that has generated family memories over the years. Folks who get the blues from high taxes and cold weather can find plenty of tax-friendly , warmer places to establish new roots. Those who want to stay active with outdoor recreation or playing golf have their pick of communities near manicured club courses and the great outdoors.

Big cities have advantages , as do small towns with safe streets and quiet neighborhoods. Some of the best choices are idyllic suburbs—like Piermont, New York, and Shenandoah, Texas—just minutes away from the business bustle and cultural attractions of big cities. As always, Florida tends to dominate retirement hotspot lists with its year-round warm weather and pristine beaches.

To help retirees considering a move, Stacker referenced Niche's 2022 Best Places to Retire study to find 30 American small towns with the best retirement options. To be included, each town on this list had to have 5,000 residents or fewer.

Read on to see where you might want to go.

#30. Hollywood Park, Texas

Population: 3,130

Hollywood Park is a San Antonio suburb founded in 1955 to build the community into "a great, peaceful and friendly place to live." The Hollywood Park Community Association works toward that goal by hosting community events .

#29. Bal Harbour, Florida

Population: 3,037

Everything about the Miami suburb of Bal Harbour embodies luxury, from its fine dining to its upscale shopping and oceanfront resorts. For those who plan on having an active social life, there are plenty of activities in the area. But residents also have easy access to medical care, including at Miami Beach Community Health Center.

#28. Ridge Wood Heights, Florida

Population: 4,875

Located in Sarasota County, full of beaches and attractions, Ridge Wood Heights scored particularly high with Niche on health and fitness. The community is only a 15-minute drive to Siesta Key, a Gulf of Mexico barrier island abounding with sandy beaches, tidal pools, and coral reefs.

#27. Tierra Verde, Florida

Population: 3,847

Tierra Verde is a wealthy boating community located partly on an artificial island created by filling spaces between several smaller islands. It lies south of St. Petersburg and St. Pete Beach, off a spur of the Pinellas Bayway, and is known for its marinas and restaurants. Fort De Soto Park , part of the Pinellas County park system, boasts beautiful beaches and a famous dog beach.

#26. Roslyn, New York

Population: 2,971

Originally called Hempstead Harbor , the village of Roslyn dates from the mid-1600s and although only 0.6 square miles, it has two historic districts on the National Register of Historic Places. There's a variety of housing, including rentals in two developments for older adults, Horizon at Roslyn and Atria on Roslyn Harbor. And it is only a little over 25 miles to Manhattan, easily reached by the Long Island Rail Road.

#25. South Sarasota, Florida

Population: 4,700

South Sarasota offers a "sparse suburban feel," according to Niche, but with plenty of restaurants, bars, coffee shops, and parks to make it an attractive spot for retirees. Sarasota County has parks and beaches on the Gulf of Mexico, golf, shopping, nightlife, and festivals.

#24. Charlotte Harbor, Florida

Population: 4,644

Charlotte Harbor is a town on the Peace River, opposite the larger community of Punta Gorda, and features the Charlotte County Historical Center, a fishing pier park, and a miniature golf course. The harbor itself is the second-largest estuary in the state after Tampa Bay. Nearby are the Peace River Wildlife Center and the Ponce de Leon Springs State Park , where explorer Juan Ponce de León may have been fatally shot with a poisoned arrow, though the exact location is disputed.

#23. Belleair, Florida

Population: 4,266

Belleair traces its founding to the 1890s when a railroad magnate named Henry B. Plant built a hotel on a bluff south of Clearwater and accommodated the private railroad cars of his wealthy winter visitors on a railroad siding. Today, the community has built condominiums while creating a system of parks and paths and protecting its historic homes through a local registry.

#22. Windy Hills, Kentucky

Population: 2,381

Windy Hills calls itself the " City of Historic Homes ," tracing itself back to deeds issued during colonial times to families that moved into the area from Virginia and Pennsylvania. Stores and restaurants are a short walk or drive away from the modern-day community's single-family homes, townhouses, and condominiums.

#21. Redington Shores, Florida

Population: 2,043

Redington Shores offers plenty of parks that may attract retirees. Constitution Park, for example, is an ideal setting for picnics or events, and Del Bello Park is a nature refuge with a dock for fishing as well as exercise equipment for those who wish to work out outdoors. Most of the residents in this laid-back Florida town are homeowners, with the average home worth $499,600 as of early 2023.

#20. Hypoluxo, Florida

Population: 2,703

Hypoluxo calls itself the " Home of the Barefoot Mailman ," a reminder of the days when the U.S. mail in South Florida traveled by boat and by foot along miles of beaches. The community is close to West Palm Beach and the beaches along the Atlantic. The " Hypoluxo Hammock " is an area set aside on the grounds of the Town Hall for only indigenous plants. Two other parks offer trails, natural scrub, benches, and landscaping.

#19. Roseland, Florida

Population: 1,552

Like many Florida towns, Roseland is an ideal place for retirement thanks to its year-round warm weather and retirement communities. Retirees may also appreciate the town's affordability, as most of the residents in Roseland own their own homes , which have an average value of $240,700.

#18. Pine Knoll Shores, North Carolina

Population: 1,288

This community sits on the 25.4-mile barrier island of Bogue Banks, which is part of an area known for its white beaches and clear water called the Crystal Coast . With numerous water trails and a temperate climate, the coast is a paddler's paradise. The North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores offers a different kind of fun, as well as volunteer opportunities.

#17. Shenandoah, Texas

Population: 3,350

Situated in the northern corridor of Houston, Shenandoah has many great amenities like the Aveda Institute, which offers a wide range of spa services. An indoor swimming and Olympic training facility holds national competitions and is also open to the public. And a 10,000-seat artificial turf stadium hosts football and soccer games. About 3 in 5 residents own their homes; the remainder rent, with rental costs close to the national average.

#16. North River Shores, Florida

Population: 3,739

North River Shores sits on the banks of the North Fork St. Lucie River in Martin County. Among the attractions for residents are four waterfront neighborhood parks and a private boat ramp , all readily accessible in this low-population town.

#15. West Lake Hills, Texas

Population: 3,373

This hilly, 4-square-mile patch of Texas is conveniently located near Austin's downtown region and two Austin gems: Zilker Metropolitan Park and Lady Bird Lake . West Lake Hills has also repeatedly received a Scenic City Certification , which recognizes cities that are "building sustainable communities and designing greenspaces that are accessible to all residents."

#14. Piermont, New York

Population: 2,525

Piermont , originally called Tappan Slote, sits on the Hudson River at the Sparkill tributary about 25 miles north of New York City. When the Erie Railroad began service from New York City to Lake Erie, it built a long pier that extended almost a mile into the river to transfer freight to and from river barges. Today, there are boutiques, art galleries, and restaurants along that pier and on the village's Main Street. Woody Allen's 1985 movie " The Purple Rose of Cairo " was filmed in Piermont.

#13. Bingham Farms, Michigan

Population: 1,521

This community created its Design Review Board "to preserve, protect and enhance the ecologically and historically unique environment and aesthetic charm of the village." Residents are just minutes from Detroit and 30 miles from the Brighton Howell area , which has 123 miles of trails and 20 golf courses.

#12. Brookridge, Florida

Population: 4,741

Brookridge may be less well known than other Floridian cities, but this low-crime, tight-knit Tampa suburb boasts high-ranking public schools and is one of the most affordable places for retirees in the state.

#11. High Point, Florida

Population: 3,845

High Point sits just inland from Florida's Gulf Coast, not far north of Tampa Bay's pulsing metropolis. Seniors love the warm weather and quaint downtown. Plus it's one of the most affordable places in the nation, with home costs far below the national median .

#10. Timber Pines, Florida

Population: 4,935

The Timber Pines Community Association, dedicated to offering premier "country club living for active adults," calls Timber Pines the " best-kept secret in Florida. " Residents can swim in two geothermal heated pools, golf on four courses, play tennis on eight courts, and join over 100 clubs, classes, and organizations.

#9. Rehoboth Beach, Delaware

Population: 1,392

For a town of just 1 square mile , there's much to enjoy, including pristine beaches and a mile-long boardwalk filled with attractions, shops, and restaurants . In the summer, Rehoboth Beach hosts a free concert series .

#8. Leland Grove, Illinois

Population: 1,336

Leland Grove is just minutes away from Springfield and all the restaurants, attractions, and shopping the state capital offers. The community's comprehensive planning document declares that Leland Grove's " high-quality residential character represents its greatest strength" and that its "community spirit is a valuable asset."

#7. Gulf Stream, Florida

Population: 893

Gulf Stream in Palm Beach County has an active lifestyle community with parks and recreational activities. The affluent area has a thriving economy with high household incomes and most residents owning their homes. Among its unique features is the historic canopy of Australian Pines along North Ocean Boulevard.

#6. Hillsboro Beach, Florida

Population: 2,011

Hillsboro Beach, a Fort Lauderdale suburb an hour outside Miami, has an urban feel with residents making an above-average income and owning their homes. The public school system is above average, and as with many other Floridian cities, there's always the option of taking a beach day.

#5. Dutch Island, Georgia

Population: 1,247

Dutch Island, on the outskirts of Savannah, is like stepping into another world. The tight-knit island community was built among 500 acres of pristine natural beauty and prides itself as a perfect place for retirees thanks to its quiet and serene atmosphere. Dutch Island is small, with just 480 homes , and offers plenty of activities, including tennis, beach volleyball, boating, hiking, and a community pool.

#4. South Palm Beach, Florida

Population: 1,875

An affluent and safe city, South Palm Beach is a haven for retirees. Its attractions include museums, golfing, dining, shopping, proximity to airports, and of course, beaches. There are plenty of retirement communities and easy access to reputable health services.

#3. Indian River Shores, Florida

Population: 4,217

As of early 2023, the median cost for a home in the resort town of Indian River Shores was $774,700. Residents, however, get value from an affluent, low-key neighborhood that has a suburban feel and a strong public school system to keep property values high.

#2. Highland Beach, Florida

Population: 4,244

Highland Beach, located in Palm Beach County, is an ideal location for retirees with its laid-back, relaxing beaches and scenic views. Highland Beach is situated between the more popular cities of Delray Beach and Boca Raton. The Palm Beach area has a huge golfing scene for those who are interested in the sport.

#1. Lake Success, New York

Population: 2,856

This village on Long Island, just outside New York City, offers fitness center memberships and planned game and movie nights. There's plenty of opportunity for golfing at Lake Success Golf Club or the Fresh Meadow Country Club , which has been a historic destination for celebrities including baseball legend Babe Ruth.

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9 Best Small-Cap Stocks to Buy for 2024

Momentum has continued for growth-oriented companies this year.

Getty Images

With the economy roaring through early 2024, capitalizing on small-cap stocks would be a worthwhile move during this upswing.

After a roaring 2023, with the S&P 500 up about 26% last year, we've seen a continued bullish environment to start 2024. The popular S&P benchmark is up another 7% or so since New Year's Day – and perhaps unsurprisingly, tech stocks and other "risk on" stocks are leading the charge.

Small-cap stocks can be a great way for investors to capitalize on this positive momentum. While large companies often have big and stable operations, they can struggle to move quickly enough to capitalize on fast-moving trends. Furthermore, it's often much harder for a stock that has $100 billion in revenue to double its sales when compared with a hungry upstart that only has $100 million on the top line.

While some consider small-cap stocks to have market capitalizations between $300 million and $2 billion, inflation and a growing economy have elevated valuations. For the purposes of this article, we'll use a more liberal definition of small-cap stocks as stocks with market caps of less than $10 billion.

The following nine small-cap stocks all have impressive performance recently, and are all on the smaller side of the size spectrum to provide what could be sustained and significant upside if they continue to power higher in the months ahead:

AppFolio Inc. ( APPF )

Market capitalization: $8.1 billion 12-month return: +95%

A highly specialized software firm, AppFolio provides cloud-based real estate management solutions to streamline leasing, maintenance and accounting for property managers. Most investors have heard of the juicy premiums charged for rents in high-demand housing markets, so it's logical that there's a firm like APPF out there to help landlords get the most out of their real estate holdings. The firm is in high demand, with 23% revenue growth forecasted this fiscal year and another 20% growth in fiscal 2025. Shares are red hot, too, with the stock roughly doubling over the last 12 months.

BellRing Brands Inc. ( BRBR )

Market capitalization: $7.9 billion 12-month return: 101%

Though perhaps not as popular a brand as other packaged foods companies, BellRing offers ready-to-drink nutritional supplements including its main line of shakes under the Premier Protein and Dymatize brands. Meal replacement and general healthy eating are a hallmark of younger Americans, and BellRing makes shakes fun with innovative flavors like salted caramel and cookie dough. With double-digit revenue growth expected both this year and next, along with increased guidance for fiscal 2024 after its February earnings report, BRBR is a stock that has the numbers on its side. It also has momentum, with shares roughly doubling in the last year.

Eagle Materials Inc. ( EXP )

Market capitalization: $8.8 billion 12-month return: +86%

Eagle Materials is a building products firm that mainly provides cement, concrete and drywall sheets. While higher interest rates weighed on new constructions in 2022 and early 2023, the recent plateau in rates along with hopes that the U.S. Federal Reserve may engage in cuts later in 2024 has boosted builder optimism. Single-family housing starts have been brisk since the start of the year, and that has naturally been lifting Eagle. Stocks like EXP can be cyclical, meaning they are sensitive to the overall ups and downs of the economy at large, but if you're optimistic about the state of jobs, housing and spending, then EXP is a small-cap stock to consider as it rides recent momentum to new 52-week highs.

Guidewire Software Inc. ( GWRE )

Market capitalization: $9.6 billion 12-month return: +61%

Another hyper-targeted tech company like AppFolio, Guidewire provides a software platform made for property and casualty insurance companies to streamline billing and claims management. It's a specialized business but a lucrative one, with this small-sized tech stock growing fast. Case in point: Fiscal 2024 earnings are set to surge from 35 cents a share last year to $1.13 – more than a threefold increase – before rising to a projected $1.72 next fiscal year. No wonder GWRE stock has seen a big uptrend over the last year.

Informatica Inc. ( INFA )

Market capitalization: $9.9 billion 12-month return: +102%

One of several up-and-coming artificial intelligence stocks , Informatica connects, manages and unifies data for customers through the use of artificial intelligence. This isn't just a story of hype, however, as the firm is comfortably profitable and growing at a good clip. In February, Informatica announced better-than-expected quarterly results and strong forward guidance that resulted in a double-digit pop for shares over just a few trading sessions. The recurring revenue from INFA's cloud subscription platform also helps ensure this short-term success is replicated going forward.

Light & Wonder Inc. ( LNW )

Market capitalization: $9.2 billion 12-month return: +75%

Despite the rather fantastical name, Las Vegas-based Light & Wonder is a pretty straightforward company that sells gambling technology for use in physical casinos as well as digital applications. This includes video lottery terminals, table products like automatic card shufflers and chip sorters, and an "igaming" segment that provides digital alternatives as well as player account management systems. With the rise of sportsbooks and a generally strong consumer spending environment, gaming has been on the rise, and LNW has been cashing in lately thanks to the popularity of its specialized product line.

MKS Instruments Inc. ( MKSI )

Market capitalization: $8.4 billion 12-month return: +47%

MKS isn't a chipmaker , but it is related to this booming industry as it provides testing and production solutions to related companies in the U.S. as well as globally. If you've followed semiconductor stocks lately, you know that they are all doing quite well thanks to strong demand and limited supply that provides strong pricing trends. MKS is crucial to ensuring that these firms keep operating efficiently and reducing errors and delays in their processes. The company was incorporated in 1961 and has a long and respected history, making it a go-to partner in its very specialized field. The company is predicting more than 12% sales growth next fiscal year and trades near new 52-week highs.

SoundHound AI Inc. ( SOUN )

Market capitalization: $2.3 billion 12-month return: +209%

One of several popular AI stocks on Wall Street, SoundHound is a voice-enabled software that serves businesses across a host of industries ranging from entertainment to customer service, delivering high-quality "conversational experiences." The stock has been on an absolute tear lately, roughly tripling in the last year or so thanks to both the AI craze and its fundamentals. While not yet profitable, the company is forecast to grow its top line by more than 50% this year and nearly another 50% in fiscal 2025 on top of that. Shares are volatile, but if you're looking to play a small-cap AI stock, then SoundHound is near the front of the pack.

Sweetgreen Inc. ( SG )

Market capitalization: $2.4 billion 12-month return: +170%

For those unfamiliar, Sweetgreen is a popular fast-casual eatery that provides fresh salads and vegetable dishes for a healthier alternative to a burger or fried chicken for lunch. The chain is a bit of a cult sensation with younger professionals, and SG has been expanding aggressively as it looks to capitalize on two trends: a push for return-to-office after COVID-19 and the simple reality that Americans typically spend more on food at restaurants than food at home. These tailwinds are paying off, as Sweetgreen popped more than 20% in a single session after a strong fourth-quarter report a few weeks ago and has nearly doubled since the start of the year.

7 Best Cryptocurrency ETFs to Buy

Tony Dong March 8, 2024

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The 6 Best Fish Finders of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

These are the fish finders that performed the best, from side-imaging to portable units

We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. Learn more ›

Love it or hate it, technology is becoming increasingly intertwined with the outdoors, especially fish finders . Long gone are the days of putting around a lake and looking for clues as to where the fish might be. Modern fish finders show fish, depth, and structure at just about every angle imaginable. With the increase in technology comes an increase in options for anglers.

Offerings range from basic depth finders to 360-degree fish finders pinpointing entire schools of fish. Is this cheating? It depends on who you ask—but I personally am a big fan. To better understand this technology, I took to the water with every configuration available to find the best fish finders for anglers, whether you’re kayak fishing, ice fishing, or heading out on the open seas. Next time you’re on the water and can’t find the fish, it might be time to consider one of these from Simrad, Humminbird, Lowrance, and Garmin.

The Best Fish Finders

• Best Overall: Humminbird Apex 13 Mega SI+ Chartplotter
• Best Budget: Simrad GO9 XSE Chartplotter
• Best for Kayak: Garmin Striker Vivid 7sv
• Best for Ice Fishing: Humminbird Ice Helix 9 MSI+ GPS G4N Mega 360 Bundle
• Best Portable: Garmin Striker Cast GPS Castable Sonar
• Best GPS Combo: Lowrance Elite FS 7 Fish Finder/Chartplotter Combo

How We Picked the Best Fish Finders

Having spent the better part of my life in and around water, I’ve come to rely on any advantage I can get while fishing—and that includes fish finders.

Over the last several seasons, I’ve spent every waking moment on the water I can. In other words, if I’m not working, I’m fishing. I’ve targeted everything from Florida Keys Tarpon to Okeechobee Largemouth and put various fish finders through their paces.

To make the list, a fish finder had to be user-friendly, deliver crisp images, and offer a specific advantage to users. I’ve personally used every fish finder on this list and each one hits these criteria and then some, helping me put more fish in the boat.

• User-friendly interface
• Compatible with other apps for a complete control center
• Crisp imaging 

Live imaging is the hot new topic in fishing. The combination of a front-facing transducer and crisp images allows you to interact with fish beneath the surface to the point where you can see fish following lures. I tested Humminbird’s Apex 13 with Mega Live Imaging to get a better feel for this technology. The results were astounding.

For starters, I mounted the transducer and Apex unit to the front of my flats boat. Do I get funny looks having a graph on the front of my flats boat? Yes. Do I regret it? Not at all. The head unit itself is a great addition to any boat. It offers incredibly clear images, detailed mapping, and a user-friendly experience. The combination of touchscreen and toggle controls made it easy for me to learn and navigate within minutes of setup.

On new water bodies and deep water fishing scenarios, live imaging proved to be the key to consistently catching fish. The Humminbird Apex 13 took the guesswork of where the fish were out of the equation. Instead, I quickly covered water until I found fish and dialed in what they were interested in. While it may not be for everyone, it’s hard to argue with the effectiveness of live imaging, and I will certainly be finding more uses for it in the near future.

• Screen Size : 13-inch
• Interface : Dual touch screen and toggle controls
• Available Modes : Side Imaging, Down Imaging, Live Imaging, 360 Imaging 

• NMEA compatible for full boat compatibility
• Full touch screen functionality maximizes screen size
• Slow startup process 

The fish finder market is flooded with “budget” options, including a few fish finders under $500 . After using several of these cheaper options, the unfortunate truth is many offer lackluster imaging and can be a pain to use. The exception? The Simrad GO9 XSE, a user-friendly, affordable option offering crisp images. 

Since I entered the world of inshore fishing in South Florida years ago, the GO9 XSE has been my main tool to find new water, navigate shallow areas, and, most importantly, find fish. The base model comes with a 3-in-1 transducer complete with side scan, down scan, and traditional sonar. Images are crisp and easy to read, so much so that I rely exclusively on side scans to find tarpon in deeper channels. Believe it or not, I can distinctly pick out their silhouettes and fins.

The unit itself is among the most user-friendly I’ve used. Full touchscreen accessibility offers an intuitive means to select screens, create custom split screens, and navigate maps. For the money, the combination of the interface and imaging capabilities makes it hard to beat. The Simrad GO9 XSE has some of the best deals I’ve seen on fish finders.

• Screen Size : 9-inch
• Interface : Touchscreen
• Available Modes : Side Imaging, Down Imaging

• Easy to install
• Relatively light
• Rugged and durable for kayak use
• Image quality could be better

Modern fishing kayaks are getting closer and closer to traditional power boats every year. With the gap narrowing and technology improving, a fish finder is crucial for any serious kayak angler. The Garmin Striker Vivid 7sv offers everything boat anglers look for in a fish finder but in a kayak-sized package. A 7-inch screen offers the perfect medium between saving space and easy screen viewing. The installation process is straightforward, with a simple bracket mount to secure the graph to the kayak.

For more versatility, a simple swivel mount on the gunwale allows anglers to adjust the fish finder depending on their needs. The transducer is reasonably sized and easy to mount to the transom of a kayak or under the hull (if the kayak has a slot for transducers). Despite its smaller-sized screen, the Striker has all the functionality of its larger counterparts. This includes side imaging, down imaging, and sonar scanning capabilities.

While images are not as crisp as some other larger units, it offers the perfect balance of helpful information in a reasonable-sized package—just what you want in a fish finder for a kayak .  

• Screen Size : 7-inch
• Interface : Button controls
• Available Modes : Side Imaging, Down Imaging, Sonar

• Easy to read
• Zoom capabilities
• Compatible with any Helix transducer for use in boats 

Ice fishing can be daunting when covering large bodies of water or new areas. The Humminbird Ice Helix 9 Mega 360 Bundle helps cut this learning curve and find fish through the ice, making it one of the best ice fishing fish finders . This bundle takes the same 360 Mega Imaging popular on bass boats and applies it to a mobile unit for ice anglers. Simply drill a hole and set up the transducer pole.

The unit will display a complete 360-degree live image view up to 120 feet from the hole. I can quickly cover large sections on new water bodies and eliminate areas that aren’t holding fish. The ability to pinpoint areas with active fish dramatically reduces the time spent drilling holes and keeps you on fish longer.

Once you find the fish, a small flasher/sonar transducer comes with the kit to dial in on a single fish. While 360 imaging is an investment, anglers looking to explore new water or better understand fish through the ice should look no further. So far, it’s the closest thing I’ve found to seeing underwater. 

• Interface : Push button
• Available Modes : 360 Live Imaging, Chirp Sonar, Flasher

• Affordable for anglers on a budget
• Active mapping creates contour maps of areas where you fish
• Can be used on open water or through the ice
• Use heavy lines when casting to avoid losing it

Portable fish finders —and more specifically, castable fish finders—are becoming increasingly popular amongst anglers looking to see what’s under the water without access to a boat. One of the best is Garmin’s Striker Cast series.

I hit the water with the Cast GPS version, which offers traditional sonar readings paired with GPS functionality to view maps of the waterway you are fishing. It was by far the easiest to use of all the fish finders I’ve tested. Tie it onto a fishing rod , cast it, and view the readings through a smartphone. (Just be sure to use a heavy fishing line to avoid breaking this off; we went with a 65lb braid .)

The sonar readings are accurate and help pinpoint fish and structure. But the best part about this device is its GPS function to build contour maps. With a series of casts in a “V” formation, the Striker Cast will use sonar readings to build contour maps where you plan to fish. Identifying drop-offs and structure is crucial for bank anglers to find likely areas where fish are hiding. Come winter, this little unit also doubles as a flasher for ice fishing. Drop it in a hole and switch to flasher mode to see individual fish interact with your bait below the ice.

• Screen Size : Screen size depends on the smartphone/tablet you pair it with
• Interface : N/A
• Available Modes : Sonar and flasher

• Easy to use
• High-definition mapping and active contour maps
• A rugged system that stands up to hard use
• Small screen size

Before becoming a writer, I spent several years as a fisheries biologist in South Florida. Good mapping was crucial with much of the time spent on the water, navigating vast wetlands and lakes. I came to rely heavily on the Lowrance Elite FS 7-inch fish finder.

This unit is easy to set up with minimal rigging. Run the transducer from the transom, mount the unit, and hook it up to power. Once it is ready to go, I found that learning the unit is incredibly simple. It’s a touchscreen, so navigating between screens is a breeze. The base model comes ready with side imaging, down imaging, and sonar.

The Elite FS also comes with detailed maps from the factory showing base depth on various water bodies. For a more detailed approach, live mapping can create detailed contours of specific areas or entire water bodies. After nearly 500 days of on-the-water use and rough use at that, this unit held up just as the day it was installed. Safe to say, I’m a huge fan.

• Interface : Touch screen and toggle buttons

What to Look For in a Fish Finder

Everyone has their own preferences when it comes to fish finders. Some are brand loyal, and some want the best fit for their boat. Regardless of where you land, your equipment has to be capable of delivering the information you need and holding up to the elements on the water.

There are two main types of interfaces on fish finders: touchscreen and button controls. Each offers its own benefits on the water. Touchscreens are intuitively easy to learn to use. Selecting screens, dropping waypoints, and navigating maps can all be done at the touch of a button. Button controls can take a little more getting used to but are great when things get wet. Wet and cold fingers don’t always register well on a touch screen but are great for button-controlled units.

For those wanting the best of both worlds, a hybrid option lets you operate in either manner. 

Fishing Style

How you fish is a critical part of determining what fish finder is best for you. Anglers fishing deep water for schooling fish should seriously consider live imaging. The ability to see active schools of fish will drastically cut down on the time searching for fish and will translate to more fish hitting the deck.

For anglers fishing rivers or areas with heavy structure, a good side imaging fish finder is a must. This lets you pick apart structures from a distance before making casts to likely areas. If you find yourself on the ice in the winter, look for units that can easily be switched between boats and ice fishing setups, like the Humminbird Helix 9 .

Fish finders vary widely in price, from budget options to some that cost as much as small boats. Once you’ve narrowed down what options you need in a unit, set a budget. There are plenty of great units on the market. While the bigger screen is always nice, if it means saving money that can go to more fishing gear, I tend to lean toward the smaller screen, especially if the functionality is the same.

Q: What fish finder has the best side imaging?

Side imaging is an integral part of most fish finders these days. All major brands offer excellent image quality and straightforward interfaces. That said, I’ve had particularly good luck with the Simrad GO9 XSE . Its full touchscreen interface takes up the entire housing. This reduces the overall size of the unit while maximizing the screen size. The end result is crisp images that are easy to view. 

Q: How does a fish finder work?

Fish finders work by emitting a sonar pulse from the transducer. The signal travels through the water until it hits an object like a fish or structure. It then bounces back to the transducer, showing up as a blip on the fish finder. Side and down imaging work similarly but with smaller beams emitted from the transducer. The unit compiles a series of these beams to create a detailed image of the bottom contour.

Q: How do you read a fish finder?

Reading a fish finder is easier than it looks. After the sonar waves bounce off a fish and return to the transducer, the unit displays them as “U” shaped blips. The bigger the blips, the bigger the fish. When the fish finder reads these signals, it simultaneously calculates the depth of the fish. Look at the position of the blip and the corresponding depth markers to see how deep the fish is.

What Is the Best Fish Finder?

Fish finders are an integral part of modern fishing. Using them to your advantage will result in consistently landing more fish. They are a valuable tool and can take time to learn and dial in for specific fisheries. Our favorite that we’ve used on the water is the Humminbird Apex 13 Mega SI+ for its user-friendly interface and incredibly clear imaging. But there are countless other options available, some that are good and some that are game-changing. Figure out what you need, and your investment will help you catch fish for years.

Why Trust Us

For more than 125 years, Field & Stream has been providing readers with honest and authentic coverage of outdoor gear. Our writers and editors eat, sleep, and breathe the outdoors, and that passion comes through in our product reviews. You can count on F&S to keep you up to date on the best new gear. And when we write about a product—whether it’s a bass lure or a backpack—we cover the good and the bad, so you know exactly what to expect before you decide to make a purchase.

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Best for large breed puppies

Best for small breed puppies, best for sensitive stomachs, best fresh food.

• What to look for
• How we selected the best puppy food

The best puppy foods of 2024

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Welcoming a puppy into your home is a busy affair, from choosing one of the best puppy foods to keeping up with your little one's antics. Puppies require a lot of energy to keep up with their growth and exploration. For this reason, Dr. Nancy Welborn , a veterinarian and associate professor of community practice at Louisiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine, recommends feeding them three to four meals a day.

Purina Pro Plan Puppy Chicken and Rice Formula  is one of our favorite dry puppy foods. It has all the nutrients growing puppies require, including omega fatty acids from fish oil for brain development. If you're shopping for wet food, Wellness Complete Health Puppy Recipe is a tasty chicken and salmon formula containing omega fatty acids.

To make our top picks for wet and dry food for small and large breed puppies, we researched pet food standards, labels, and ingredients and consulted with veterinarians and veterinary nutritionists. Although our experts didn't recommend specific recipes or dog food brands, they guided our selection criteria for high-quality foods from trustworthy companies. Welborn says you can give your puppy a nutritious start to life with wet food or kibble. Just make sure the food is formulated or feeding-trial tested to meet the nutritional standards set by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) for growth. This means the recipe meets your puppy's recommended protein, fat, and nutrient needs, like DHA and EPA fatty acids, to support their development. 

Read more about   how Insider Reviews tests and reviews pet products .

The best dog food recipes are complete and balanced, which means they contain all the necessary nutrients required for a specific life stage, such as growth — the first stage of life when a puppy is growing. According to our experts, "complete" means the food contains all the essential nutrients required for a specific life stage, and "balanced" indicates that the nutrients are present in appropriate proportions.

Puppies need more macronutrients like protein and fat and micronutrients like vitamins and minerals than adult dogs, says Dr. Emily Luisana , a veterinary nutritionist at Friendship Hospital for Animals in Washington, DC. These nutrients give them enough energy for their rapid growth and playful behavior. Omega-3 fatty acids are essential for puppy development since they aid in eye and brain development, Luisana says.

Our top picks for the best wet puppy food include recipes that meet or exceed the AAFCO's recommended nutrient profiles for puppies (22.5% protein and 8.5% fat) on a "dry matter basis," which is the nutrient content of food when the moisture content is removed. You can determine the dry matter basis by following the instructions provided by the Cummings Veterinary Medical Center at Tufts University , contacting the food manufacturer directly, or seeking assistance from your veterinarian.

Chicken and salmon are the main protein sources in this food. Salmon provides omega fatty acids for proper brain development. Other healthy ingredients include sweet potatoes, apples, and bananas. The nutritional breakdown is 39% protein, 27% fat, 2% fiber, and 434 kcal per 12.5-ounce can, or about 35 calories per ounce.

Chicken is the main protein source in this puppy food. Standout carbohydrates include carrots, peas, sweet potatoes, brown rice, and barley. This food also contains healthy extras like fish oil for omega fatty acids. It consists of 38.8% protein, 30% fat, and 2.6% fiber, with 422 kcal per 12.5-ounce can, or about 34 calories per ounce.

This puppy food has chicken as its main protein source. Whole grain corn, cracked pearled barley, and soybean meal provide carbohydrates. Other healthy ingredients include fish oil for omega fatty acids. It consists of 28% protein, 21.6% fat, and 1.7% fiber, with 482 kcal per 13-ounce can, or about 37 calories per ounce.

As omnivores, puppies can eat both plant and animal protein-based foods, Welborn says. She explains that plant-based ingredients, such as soy, quinoa, chickpeas, barley, rice, and oats, help make puppy food nutritious and affordable.

Therefore, when it comes to the best dry dog food , grain-free recipes aren't necessarily healthier for dogs or puppies. In fact, there is ongoing concern surrounding grain-free dog foods and their potential link to dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) . Luisana advises pet parents to discuss their puppy's diet with their veterinarian if they're feeding a grain-free diet or want to switch to a grain-free option.

Opting for kibble from a reputable manufacturer that meets the World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA) criteria and adheres to stringent quality control standards provides assurance that the recipe fulfills all your pup's nutritional requirements, says Dr. Julie Churchill , a veterinary nutritionist and professor of nutrition at University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine. Our kibble recommendations for the best puppy foods are from trusted brands with exceptional quality control standards, including recipe oversight by on-staff veterinary nutritionists.

Deboned chicken, chicken meal, and salmon meal are the main proteins in this food. The list of carbohydrates includes oatmeal, barley, peas, carrots, sweet potatoes, blueberries, apples, and flaxseed. It also contains probiotics and omega fatty acids from salmon meal and salmon oil. The nutritional breakdown is 29% protein, 18% fat, 4.5% fiber, and 450 kcal per cup.

Chicken, poultry byproduct meal, and fish meal are the main protein source in this dry food. Standout carbohydrates include rice, corn gluten meal, whole grain corn and wheat, and corn germ meal. Healthy extras consist of omega fatty acids from fish oil and soybean oil. The food contains 28% protein, 18% fat, 3% fiber, and 456 kcal per cup.

Chicken and chicken meal are the main protein sources in this recipe. Carbohydrates include brown rice, barley, oatmeal, apples, and carrots, and there are healthy extras including omega fatty acids, glucosamine, and chondroitin. It consists of 28% protein, 16% fat, 3.5% fiber, and 406 kcal per cup.

Welborn says feeding large breed puppies a diet specifically formulated for their needs is crucial. "There are certain orthopedic diseases that can occur with rapid growth, so large breed diets have a very specific ratio of calcium to phosphorus to help prevent these diseases from occurring," she says.

Additionally, large breed puppy food tends to be lower in caloric density to prevent puppies from becoming overweight. "The goal is appropriate and ideal growth, not maximum growth," Luisana says. She recommends monitoring your puppy's growth alongside a breed-specific growth chart like these ones by Waltham Petcare Science Institute .

Our picks meet a large breed puppy's needs with healthy additions like glucosamine and chondroitin for joint health.

Chicken and chicken, lamb, and fish meals provide protein in this recipe. Carbohydrates include barley, brown rice, oats, kale, pumpkin, apples, carrots, blueberries, and spinach. Healthy extras include glucosamine, chondroitin from chicken meals, and omega fatty acids. The food contains 26% protein, 14% fat, 4% fiber, and 350 kcal per cup.

Chicken is the main protein source in this food for large breed puppies. Standout carbohydrates include rice, corn gluten meal, whole grain corn, and whole grain wheat. Healthy extras consist of omega fatty acids from fish oil plus glucosamine. The food contains 30% protein, 18% fat, 4.75% fiber, and 430 kcal per cup.

This puppy recipe includes chicken, pork byproducts, chicken liver, and pork plasma as meat protein sources. Carbohydrates include brewers rice flour and wheat gluten. Other healthy ingredients include omega fatty acids from fish oil. This food contains 43.01% protein, 12.03% fat, 4.69% fiber, and 320 kcal per 13-ounce can.

When it comes to the best dog food for small dogs , kibble size matters. "Very small dogs may have issues chewing large kibbles, whereas large breed dogs may have issues with very small kibbles," says Welborn. She adds that most puppies should eat at least three to four times daily, transitioning down to about twice a day as they reach adulthood.

Welborn says small breed puppies typically have a higher metabolism than large breed puppies, but that doesn't necessarily mean you should feed them more. Instead, talk to your veterinarian about their ideal body size and lifestyle. "Dogs typically sleep 70% of the day," says Welborn. "If they're sleeping that much, they don't need a ton of calories."

Our recommendations for the best puppy foods for small breeds meet the energy needs of small dogs, and our dry options include kibbles that are small enough for your tiny puppy to manage.

Deboned turkey, chicken meal, and salmon meal are the main proteins in this food that has undergone feeding trials. The list of carbohydrates includes oatmeal, barley, brown rice, carrots, spinach, sweet potatoes, blueberries, and apples. This puppy food also contains probiotics and omega fatty acids from salmon meal, menhaden fish meal, and salmon oil. The nutritional breakdown is 28% protein, 19% fat, 4.25% fiber, and 489 kcal per cup.

Deboned chicken and chicken meal are the main protein sources in this food for puppies. Carbohydrates include oatmeal, barley, peas, brown rice, carrots, and sweet potato. Healthy additions include probiotics and omega fatty acids from fish meal and fish oil. The food contains 29% protein, 17% fat, 5% fiber, and 415 kcal per cup.

Chicken, pork liver, and pork plasma are the main protein sources in this puppy food. Brown rice, wheat flour, carrots, potatoes, and peas provide carbohydrates. Essential and beneficial additions include l-lysine for immune support and omega fatty acids for healthy development. The food contains 30.7% protein, 18.1% fat, 1.8% fiber, and 88 kcal per 3.5-ounce tray.

Puppies can be born with sensitivities to ingredients or allergies to specific proteins, Luisana says. However, she adds that sensitivities and true food allergies aren't as prevalent as pet parents might believe. If you suspect your puppy is suffering from a food-related reaction or experiencing any gastrointestinal upset, it's crucial to work with your veterinarian to identify the root cause. Your veterinarian may recommend an elimination trial or a prescription diet, such as our pick from Royal Canin.

It's important to feed your pet high-quality puppy food that makes up 90% to 95% of their daily calorie needs, Churchill says. This ensures your pup gets all the necessary nutrients and minimizes the risk of gastrointestinal upset. The remaining 5% to 10% of daily calories can be from the best dog treats . Ideally, they serve as rewards during puppy training.

Veterinary nutritionists who ensure each recipe meets growing puppies' needs formulated our recommendations. Our gut-healthy picks also include soluble and insoluble fiber sources and probiotics that aid digestion.

The main protein sources in this food are chicken, poultry, and pork byproducts; chicken; and pork plasma. Brewers rice flour is the standout carbohydrate source. Healthy additions include antioxidants from carotene and omega fatty acids. The food contains 48.85% protein, 29.8% fat, 7.84% fiber, and 140 kcal per 5.1-ounce can.

Deboned chicken, chicken meal, and turkey meal are the main protein sources in this food. Brown rice, barley, oats, flaxseed, pumpkin, cranberries, apples, pomegranates, and blueberries provide carbohydrates. Essential and beneficial additions to this food include probiotics and omega fatty acids from marine microalgae oil. The food contains 31% protein, 15.5% fat, 4% fiber, and 398 kcal per cup.

Deboned turkey and turkey meal make up the single animal-protein type in this sensitive stomach puppy formula. Oatmeal, peas, brown rice, potatoes, peas, pumpkin, and dried kelp are standout carbohydrate sources. Essential and beneficial additions to this food include probiotics and omega fatty acids. The food contains 26% protein, 15% fat, 5% fiber, and 394 kcal per cup.

Fresh food options are a relatively recent addition to the pet food market, and they provide pet parents with gently cooked recipe alternatives to processed food. You can order them through convenient subscription plans or as needed. Our fresh food recommendations for puppies meet AAFCO standards for all life stages, and brands ship them right to your doorstep.

Because the food is delivered fresh, it tends to have a heftier price tag. It's also preservative-free, so you'll need to read the storage and serving instructions carefully.

When your puppy eats a high-quality diet, Luisana says you'll notice healthy skin, fur, and nails, normal bowel movements without vomiting or diarrhea, an ideal body condition score, and healthy muscle mass. The best puppy foods below include fresh ingredients such as USDA pork, chicken thighs, and whole rice.

Read our full reviews of The Farmer's Dog ,  Just Food for Dogs , and  Ollie for more details.

Pork and pork liver make up proteins in this fresh food option. Sweet potato, potato, green beans, and cauliflower are carbohydrate sources. Beneficial nutrients in this food include omega fatty acids from salmon oil. The food contains 39% protein, 32% fat, 2% fiber, and 311 kcal per 1/2 pound or 39 calories per ounce.

Chicken thighs, chicken liver, and chicken gizzards are the proteins in this feed-trial-tested food. Long-grain rice, spinach, carrots, and apples are carbohydrate sources. Beneficial nutrients in this food include omega fatty acids from fish oil. The food contains 34% protein, 12.2% fat, 0.6% fiber, and 43 kcal per ounce.

Turkey and turkey liver make up the protein in this fresh food. Standout carbohydrates include lentils, carrots, and oats. Beneficial additions to this food include blueberries for antioxidants, pumpkin for fiber, and kale for beta-carotene. The food contains 43% protein, 25% fat, 2% fiber, and 1,390 kcal ME/kg or 39 kcal per ounce.

What to look for in dog food for puppies

Our experts say the following criteria are important to consider when shopping for the best puppy food:

AAFCO nutritional adequacy statement for growth: AAFCO is a nonprofit organization that recommends nutritional profiles based on an animal's life stage. While they don't approve pet foods, selecting a puppy food formulated for growth or all life stages means the food is completed and balanced to meet your puppy's nutritional needs.

Guaranteed analysis: Our experts recommend examining the amount of nutrients, such as protein, fat, fiber, and essential vitamins and minerals, in a puppy food. You'll find these values in the guaranteed analysis on the can or bag of food, or the manufacturer can provide the guaranteed analysis. Welborn says to discuss the guaranteed analysis of puppy food with your veterinarian who can ensure your puppy is eating a minimum of 22.5% protein and 8.5% fat, along with other essential vitamins and minerals that support their growth.

Ingredient list: This shows all the ingredients used in the recipe, arranged in order of weight. If an ingredient appears at the top of the list, it makes up a significant portion of the food's overall weight. Our experts say puppy foods have no specific ingredients to avoid, including healthy protein sources such as byproducts and byproduct meals. However, our experts recommended against feeding puppies (or any dogs) grain-free diets due to their potential connection to DCM.

Healthy extras: The best puppy foods have extra ingredients for healthy development, skin, and joints. For example, Welborn says food may include antioxidants such as vitamins C and E, beta carotene, and l-lysine and selenium to support the immune system. Omega-3 fatty acids, such as DHA and EPA, help with the development of the brain and nervous system in young animals and are essential in dog food for puppies. You'll find most of these beneficial nutrients listed in the guaranteed analysis.

Calorie content: Pet foods typically provide feeding charts as a starting point to determine the appropriate amount to feed your pet. However, Welborn says your veterinarian is the best resource for determining how many calories your puppy should eat daily. Puppies need high-calorie food to fuel their rapid growth. As your puppy nears adulthood, Luisana says it's crucial to discuss your dog's nutritional plan with your veterinarian. The most common reason to consider a switch to adult food — once your puppy has reached muscular maturity — is to avoid obesity that can be associated with high-calorie puppy foods, she says.  

Breed-size formulation: According to our experts, if you have a large breed puppy, buying puppy food specifically formulated for them is crucial. This is because large breed puppies require specific nutrient ratios and calories to prevent them from growing too quickly, which can cause lifelong orthopedic issues. "Unless a diet specifically says it is labeled or tested for 'growth of large breed puppies,' it should be assumed it is not appropriate for this subset," Luisana says.

Feeding-trial tested versus formulated foods: If a food's label says it has gone through feeding trials, it has been deemed safe and palatable by feeding it to a group of animals. On the other hand, foods labeled as formulated were not fed to animals during nutritional testing.

Welborn points out that feeding trial testing is expensive, and not all companies can afford to conduct the tests on all or some of their pet foods. "There are many excellent foods in the market that are listed as a formulated diet," she says. "These foods have been available for a long time and have been shown to provide excellent nutrition."

Expert formulations: Churchill says she only recommends products from manufacturers that fulfill WSAVA guidelines. Among other quality-control standards, the brand employs a full-time board-certified veterinary nutritionist and perhaps a PhD-level animal nutritionist. The best puppy food picks in this guide have been formulated under the guidance of an animal nutrition expert.

Next-level ingredients. Purchasing puppy foods marketed as human-grade, organic, sustainably caught, or cage-free might mean paying more per meal. Although these ingredients typically cost more and may not offer extra nutrition to your puppy, choosing pet food with next-level ingredients such as farm-raised meats, cage-free eggs, and sustainably caught fish means you're supporting a pet food company that prioritizes both animal welfare and sustainable practices.

How we selected the best puppy foods

To select the best puppy foods, we spoke with two board-certified veterinary nutritionists and a small animal veterinarian.

Dr. Nancy Welborn is a veterinarian and associate professor of community practice at the Louisiana State University (LSU) School of Veterinary Medicine. After graduating from LSU, Welborn practiced private veterinary medicine for livestock and companion animals before transitioning to emergency small animal critical veterinary and eventually returning to LSU to teach community practice.  

Dr. Emily Luisana is a board-certified nutritionist and practicing clinical veterinary nutritionist at Friendship Hospital for Animals in Washington, DC. Luisana is a graduate of the College of Veterinary Medicine at NC State University. After several years of general practice, she pursued a clinical nutrition residency at NC State University and a fellowship in clinical nutrition at Blue Pearl Veterinary Specialty Hospital of the Carolinas. Her clinical areas of interest include critical care nutrition, weight loss, homemade diets, and disease-state nutrition.  

Dr. Julie Churchill is a board-certified veterinary nutritionist and a professor of nutrition at the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine. After completing veterinary training at Michigan State University, Churchill pursued internal medicine and nutrition residencies and earned her doctorate from the University of Minnesota. Her interests include seeing patients in the clinic, mentoring students, and finding more effective ways to teach nutrition and facilitate the integration of nutrition into the care of all patients by healthcare teams.

Puppy food FAQs

What food is best to feed a puppy? 

The best dog food for puppies is formulated for puppies and has an AAFCO nutritional adequacy statement for growth. When it comes to large breed puppies, our experts say buying food specifically formulated for them is crucial as they require specific nutrient ratios and calories to prevent them from growing too quickly.

What is better for puppies, dry or wet food?

Both dry and wet food options are nutritious for puppies if they meet the nutritional requirements for growth recommended by AAFCO. However, when selecting a dry puppy food, Welborn recommends considering kibble size. Small kibbles are easier for small breed puppies to chew, while large breed dogs might swallow the kibble whole if it's too small.

What should a puppy eat daily?

Puppies should eat three to four meals a day consisting of puppy food that meets or exceeds the AAFCO's nutritional recommendations for growth. According to Churchill, a puppy's daily food intake should consist of 90% to 95% high-quality puppy food. The remaining 5% to 10% can be treats. Churchill recommends choosing treats that are appropriate for puppy training. Check out our guide to the best dog treats for training for some excellent options.

How much food should I feed my puppy?

Many pet food brands include feeding charts on their packaging, but Welborn says these charts are only a general reference. During regular wellness checkups, your veterinarian will evaluate your puppy's body condition score using a nine-point scale . Depending on your puppy's body condition (underweight, ideal, or overweight), breed, and lifestyle, your veterinarian can determine the amount of calories your puppy should consume daily.

What is the best dog food to give an 8-week-old puppy?

Puppies 8 weeks and older can eat solid food, according to the Cornell Richard P. Riney Canine Health Center . Given the wide variety of puppy food recipes, textures, and breed-specific formulations, there is no one best puppy food to feed an 8-week-old puppy. However, to meet the recommended AAFCO nutritional requirements for growth, our experts recommend choosing a food formulated for your puppy's breed size.

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• Main content

Best 2 Person Sailboats

Last Updated by

Daniel Wade

December 28, 2023

‍ Key Takeaways

• 2-person sailboats are small sailboats like sailing dinghies but can be a larger boat too
• Experienced sailors will likely not need much of nay training on these boats
• Most of these boat types are trailerable sailboats since they are under 30 feet
• 2-person sailboats are some of the best sailboats but it varies on your intended use
• Consider joining a sailing club to get the most use out of 2-person sailboats

‍ A 2-person sailboat can be a larger dinghy or a sailboat meant to be handled by two people. But what are some of the best 2-person sailboats?

The RS200, Hunter 15, and Hobie 16 are a few of the best 2-person sailboats. Other sailboats meant for two people include the Norseboat 17.5, Sunfish, and even a Laser SB3. These small sailboats are best geared as a beginner sailboat that compliments having two people on board.

In my experience, there are plenty of small sailboat brands that are perfect dinghy sailors or those that want to have an extra person on board their boat. Whether it is a big boat or small boat there are options to have at least two people on board while sailing.

Table of contents

‍ Top 12 Best 2-Person Sailboat Brands

When people think about a two person sailboat they often refer to a small sailboat. Indeed a sailing dinghy is likely your best bet but there are other options to consider when looking for a fun cruising sailboat that can accommodate another person.

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The RS200 is considered one of the most popular double handed dinghies in existence. Since 1995 it has become a staple for those that want to enjoy or get into dinghy sailing.

The use of two people makes it a great experience on the water and necessary to help navigate. If you have never sailed on one of these you are missing out on a thrilling experience.

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One of the more affordable small sailboats best for two people out there is the Hunter 15 . It is perfect for sailors that are getting their feet wet or only go out every so often without worrying about messing with complicated features. While it can hold up to four people it is best suited for two in mind to help sail.

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The Hobie 16 is one of the most famous multihull sailboats for those that enjoy a sailing dinghy. The fact that it incorporates a second person to help steer makes it a fun and rewarding experience with a friend on board. In fact having another person on board will help unlock its true sailing potential.

Norseboat 17.5

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For those that love a good daysailer it would be difficult to pass up a Norseboat 17.5 if you saw one for a good price. These are perfect for a couple to enjoy an evening out on the water or to gently explore shallow waters. In some cases you could enjoy fishing if the water is calmer.

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The Sunfish is another classic small sailboat that is great for having two people on board. They are famous for being used in racing events across the world. They are easy to sail and are right around 14 feet in length which make them easy to transport.

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Laser sailboats are another iconic sailboat brand that features the ability to have two people on board. With the added weight of another person it increases the performance of this boat while racing. It is also great for building camaraderie among other sailing racers on a team.

West Wight Potter 19

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West Wight Potter has made a few popular cruising sailboats over the years with most notably their 19 model. This boat is a brick house for around 19 feet and is easy to sail with another person on board. Even though these are not as fast as some of the other sailboats mentioned here it makes up for that with the added level of comfort to accommodate another guest.

Catalina 16.5

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Catalina is known for their quality and craftsmanship of sailing yachts. There is plenty of room in the cockpit for two people to enjoy an afternoon together.

It is also a great option for a daysailer. Some of the larger models are considered a family boat but can also be used by just two people due to its ease of use while sailing.

The 420 is another edition of a sailing dinghy that is meant for two people. If you see a sailing dinghy that is not a Sunfish then this is usually the next option for sailors. It offers style and an endless opportunity to have excitement on the water.

{{boat-info="/boats/chuck-paine-paine-14"}}

The Paine 14 is considered a mini yacht and is a perfect trailerable sailboat. The boat’s design is great for accommodating another person on board. It is great for those new to sailing or want a smaller boat with a classic look.

{{boat-info="/boats/sage-marine-sage-17"}}

For pocket cruisers you cannot ignore the Sage 17 as a great option for two people on board. This fractional sloop is perfect in shoal drafts and is ideal for those that want to have a relaxing environment. It is stable and offers a great experience on the water no matter where your adventures take you.

Islander 24

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The Islander 24 is perfect for those that do not want a larger sailboat but also do not want a dinghy. It is a perfect blend for sailing and cruising but also providing many opportunities on the water. With its size you can easily navigate this boat with two people.

Why Are 2-Person Sailboats Great Boats?

No matter what your desired sailing adventure is there are plenty of sailboats that are geared towards an easy setup and sailing experience. For boats that are designed with two people in mind it makes it sound like it is more difficult to handle but that is not the case.

Boats that are capable for two people sailing can generally be handled by one person but the performance is improved with the addition of the second person. The type of boat will also make a difference and if it has anything equipped such as automation systems. Below are some reasons why these boats are best for beginners or those that want an easier time on the water.

Sailing is Easier

Dinghies usually are meant for racing but they offer you first hand experience on how a boat should move in the water. Do not be afraid of the occurrence of capsizing in these boats.

In fact it is an integral part of the experience that will give you real time feedback on what went wrong. As for pocket cruisers or daysailers you do not want to capsize these so make an effort to control the stability as best as you can.

Rigging Setup is Seamless

For smaller boats that you can move on a trailer they usually can be put together in pieces. This makes setting up and breaking down a simple process that is great for storage.

When you are sailing and are newer to the experience you want something that is simple while operating in real time. You will likely want to handle something that does not take rocket science to explain.

Compact Size

Bigger sailboats are a little harder to steer so that is why it is best to go for something less than 30 feet with two people. This gives you plenty of room without compromising comfort.

The most ideal size ranges for two people are between 14 and 24 feet but it largely depends on the type of boat you are using. Some sailors can even handle boats ranging 45 feet and up but it all depends on your experience and intended use.

Multiple Sails

The mainsail is all you need to learn the basics of sailing but some boats might be equipped with more sails. This might mean your boat is a sloop rig which has two sails.

If you have more sails it would not hurt to have a second person on board to help with the action of raising and lowering of them. An automation system would greatly help this situation.

Many boats have various options for steering. These include tiller and wheel steering which should be obvious when checking out the boat upon a potential purchase.

If your boat has tiller steering it is best to get a feel for how the boat is while you are sailing. However you should go for what is most comfortable to you when you are the one operating it the most.

Best for Getting Parts

Since some boats are generally smaller for two people that means it is easier to acquire boat parts for maintenance. There are more boat parts in stock for smaller boats since they are more common which means you will have less of a headache and downtime for sailing.

There might even be a good chance you can find them cheaper on a marketplace online. Some boats might be totaled at a shipyard and you can find parts cheaper than paying for new ones outright.

Best Prices

Since 2-person sailboats are generally smaller they are usually are less expensive than other larger boats. If you are able to find them used they are even better at fitting within your budget depending on that boat brand.

You can expect to pay less than $20,000 for many top quality 2-person sailboats. This all depends on the condition of the boat and how new it is upon you purchasing it. This could range much higher depending on additions to the boat and the brand.

Are 2-Person Sailboats Good for Families?

As the name suggests it would not really be ideal to have a boat that is meant to hold only two people. But some of the options mentioned above are large enough to hold roughly four people and are great for the family.

Depending on how you intend to use your sailboat can make a difference as well. Some boats can still be considered family boats if they are commonly used within the family.

What Size is Best for 2-Person Sailboats?

Depending on the activity you are going to experience on the water will affect what size boat you are needing. For sailing dinghies those are usually used for racing since speed is priority.

If you are wanting to cruise without having too much else going on then something around 25 feet would be great. Families that are wanting a little more room but still be able to handle the boat with two people can likely find sailboats ranging up to 45 feet that are easy to sail.

There is not really a science that points to the perfect length for 2-person sailing. This all comes down to how confident you are in your sailing abilities and how easy it is to operate the boat in comfortable conditions.

Features to Consider on 2-Person Sailboats

For most one or two person boats there are a handful of features that can make your life easier while sailing. The good news for most 2-person sailboats is that they can likely be operated by one person.

Any added features or design of the boat might make an impact if the other person on board is not used to the setup. Here are some added features that will make a difference but keep in mind that they might not accommodate a small sailboat like a racing dinghy.

System Automation

There are plenty of automatic conveniences to add to your boat. These include autopilot and an electric windlass. A roller furling or even a radar can also make a huge impact to your sailing adventure.

A lot of these features come in handy when the weather turns rough or the tide becomes fierce. It is also great to have these if the other person on board with you is new to sailing or is a small child.

Having a boat equipped with GPS is another option for automation even if you think you know your way around the area. Consider adding one to your boat if you plan on taking it out in moderate conditions that might take you off of the intended path.

Multihulls by default are some of the safest sailboats out there due to their stability. This is true but it also depends on the design of the boat and how it is being used.

Most 2-person sailboats are going to have great stability. If it is a small sailboat that is equipped with a lateen rig it will likely have slightly better stability than other racing dinghies. However pocket cruisers are designed to be more stable and are great for two people wanting to enjoy a cruise.

In the event that something happens you should have a safety tether or a life jacket while on board. Even with two people on board you might not be immune to falling off your boat if the conditions get rough. You should also consider having an emergency radio and a way to ping your location in case things to go bad.

Types of Sails

The sail area on a boat makes a big impact on the performance. This is also why getting the right sails are important.

You should aim to have a combination of a gaff sail and a bermuda sail to optimize performance. Both of these together if applicable are the perfect blend for many windy conditions.

Rigging Setup

There are numerous types of rigs to consider on your boat. A lateen rig has a different shape than a gaff rig and will affect the performance based on the wind.

A gaff rig is best for one or two people on board due to it being easier to sail with an easier set up. No matter what rig setup you have you should know how to properly set up the sails and safely operate while in motion.

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EV Federal Tax Credit

Federal tax credit.

• ev tax credit
• Used EV Tax Credit

Here are all the used EVs that qualify for a $4,000 tax credit

January 1, 2023, kicked off a fresh start of new tax credits for vehicles, both new and used. Since then, much of the dust has settled on the Capitol as it continues to implement qualifying terms for tax credits , continuously shifting what used EVs do and do not qualify. Here’s the latest list.

Table of contents

A used ev might be the way to go in 2024, how the current tax credit works for used evs, all-electric models, used plug-in hybrids evs that qualify for tax credits, other resources for ev tax credits.

Although the $7,500 federal tax credit has been extended for new EV purchases under revised qualifying terms, those current requirements leave a very limited the number of current EVs that qualify.

Many automakers are already pivoting their business strategies to move EV and battery assembly to US soil to once again qualify, but it will take time to establish those facilities and get them up and running.

In the meantime, it might be worth considering a used EV in order to take advantage of the revamped federal tax credit up to $4,000. Here’s how it works.

In a perfect world for consumers, any and all used EV purchases would qualify for tax credits from the US government, but that’s unfortunately not the case. As part of revised terms in the Inflation Reduction Act signed by President Biden, federal tax credits have been extended and include revamped benefits for used EV purchases. As long as they fit certain criteria. Per the IRS:

Beginning January 1, 2023, if you buy a qualified previously owned electric vehicle (EV) or fuel cell vehicle (FCV) from a licensed dealer for $25,000 or less, you may be eligible for a previously owned clean vehicle tax credit under Internal Revenue Code Section 25E.

Used EVs no see revised terms that offers a credit equal to 30% percent of the sale price (up to $4,000). That should help consumers like yourselves get some change back in your pocket at the end of the fiscal year. As long as you stick to these terms as  outlined by the IRS .

To qualify as a customer, you must:

• Be an individual who bought the vehicle for use and not for resale
• Must be an individual (no businesses)
• Not be the original owner
• Not be claimed as a dependent on another person’s tax return
• Not have claimed another used clean vehicle credit in the 3 years before the EV purchase date
• Modified adjusted gross income must not exceed $75k for individuals, $112,500 for heads of households, and $150k for joint returns

Additionally, in order for used EV to qualify for federal tax credits, it must:

• Have a sale price of $25,000 or less
• For example, a vehicle purchased in 2023 would need a model year of 2021 or older
• Not have already been transferred after August 16, 2022, to a qualified buyer
• Have a gross vehicle weight rating of less than 14,000 pounds
• Be an eligible FCV or plug-in EV with a battery capacity of least 7 kilowatt hours (kWh)
• Be for use primarily in the United States
• For qualified used EVs, the dealer reports required information to you at the time of sale and to the IRS
• A used vehicle qualifies for tax credit only once in its lifetime

Here are all the Used EVs that qualify for tax credits

As promised, here is the current list of used EVs that qualify for tax credits in the US, per the IRS, separated by all-electric BEVs and plug-in hybrids (PHEVs).

It’s important to note that this is not the end all, be all list of used EVs that qualify for tax credits in the US. Once again, per the IRS:

Manufacturers of the vehicles listed below have provided appropriate information and have indicated that the vehicles are eligible for the credit provided other requirements are met. 

This is simply the list provided by the government which will be continually updated by both them and us. Additionally, some of these EVs especially are 2021 or 2022 models, and it will be nearly impossible to find them on sale below $25k. If you do somehow luck out, more power to you, because you may qualify for additional savings.

As always, we recommend speaking with a tax professional and EV dealer directly in order to ensure what you and your new vehicle qualify for. Without further adieu, here are the all-electric models that currently qualify:

While tax credits for used EVs are newly revamped and may be the way to go for you personally, there are plenty of other options to get money back from Uncle Sam at the end of the fiscal year.

For instance, revised terms outlined in the Inflation Reduction Act went into affect January 1, 2023 and enable the extension of federal tax credits for new EV purchases through the next decade, while once again allowing EVs from American automakers like Tesla and GM to once again qualify.

That being said, the capitol is still trying to settle a lot of these terms to determine what vehicles qualify, so things are a bit cloudy at the moment, but you may be able to take advantage of tax credits before battery assembly requirements kick in later this year.

Learn more about federal tax credits for new EV purchases here .

Top comment by Jacob Larsen

There absolutely needs to be a VIN lookup to see if a vehicle 1) qualifies and 2) has had its credit used once per lifetime. Federal govt needs to put up a simple consumer facing web page that dealer and customer will use at purchase to ensure no surprises.

Whether it’s a new or used EV purchase that ends up being right for you, you may still be able to take advantage of additional perks at the state level, depending where you live. Credits, exemptions, and other benefits could be available for an EV purchase, lease, or for relevant equipment like home charger installation.

You can check out what EV-centric benefits may be available to you, sorted by state, here.

We’d like to reiterate once last time that we recommend doing your own research and speaking with a tax professional and EV dealer directly in order to ensure exactly what you and your vehicle purchase qualify for.

Good luck in EV your search!

FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.

Scooter Doll is a writer, designer and tech enthusiast born in Chicago and based on the West Coast. When he’s not offering the latest tech how tos or insights, he’s probably watching Chicago sports. Please send any tips or suggestions, or dog photos to him at [email protected]

10 March Madness tips from a certified bracket master

As you stare at your blank March Madness bracket, don’t focus on the 9,223,372,036,854,775,808 different ways this men’s basketball tournament could play out, or worry about which teams are going to be the talk of the country for their stunning first-round upsets. We are going to walk through the best way to construct a bracket so it is the last one standing in your office or family pool — and help you answer the questions that actually matter.

March Madness

The approach outlined here is similar to the one I used last year to correctly identify six of the Elite Eight teams — San Diego State, Kansas State, Miami, Texas, Connecticut and Gonzaga, none of which were No. 1 seeds. That approach also helped me predict that fourth-seeded Connecticut would make the Final Four, and that fifth-seeded San Diego State would reach the title game, picks that helped plenty of my readers win their pools. If you followed the “People’s Bracket” last year — the most popular picks for every round in ESPN’s contest — you would have finished with 45 points in standard scoring systems, with only one Elite Eight team and none of the Final Four. My bracket finished with 96 points.

(If you have specific questions, please submit a note for our Reader Q&A . I’ll be answering questions Tuesday at 1 p.m. You can even upload your full bracket and let me critique it.)

To build our strategy, we’re going to incorporate historical trends, make some educated guesses based on analytics and lean on betting markets to point us in the right direction. Some of these tips may be new to you, but rest assured this is the correct path to take — and a far more productive blueprint than making picks based on school colors, mascots or the advice of noisy TV pundits.

Don’t start filling out your bracket with Round 1; start with the Elite Eight or Final Four

Most people sit down with their brackets, start at the 1 vs. 16 matchup in the top left corner and work their way through that region until they come to the Final Four. We’re not most people. We start with the teams we think will reach the Elite Eight or the Final Four and work backward to reduce the number of decisions we need to make.

Why? Because according to a March 2020 study in the Journal of Quantitative Analysis in Sports (“ Models for generating NCAA men’s basketball tournament bracket pools ”), bracket generators that start by selecting the teams that reach the Elite Eight or Final Four tend to outperform generators that start with the round of 64 or the national champion. It’s also the “ best for balancing initial pick risk against the number of decisions ,” per Sheldon H. Jacobson, a computer science professor at Illinois and one of the authors of the paper.

You can find my full “Perfect Bracket” here , but here’s a spoiler: No. 4 seed Auburn looks awfully enticing. The Tigers enter the tournament as the fourth-best team in the country, per analyst Ken Pomeroy’s ratings, which adjust margin of victory for tempo and strength of schedule. The Tigers also have one of the best defenses in the country. They’re in a powerhouse East Region with No. 1 seed Connecticut, No. 2 seed Iowa State and No. 3 seed Illinois, but that just means fewer of your competitors focus on them.

Look for value in the Elite Eight

According to data from ESPN’s past tournament pools, No. 1 and No. 2 seeds are typically well represented in the public’s Elite Eight. An average No. 1 seed is advanced to that round by 63 percent of entrants, while an average No. 2 seed is found in the Elite Eight on nearly half of all brackets. That tells us we should look elsewhere for our choices when possible, especially if we’re entering larger pools.

Specifically, look for highly rated teams in Pomeroy’s rankings that have been under-seeded in the tournament. You could also target lower-seeded teams that have a high consensus rating, using analyst Ken Massey’s aggregation of dozens of rating methods, relative to the field. In addition to Auburn, a team to consider is No. 5 Saint Mary’s in the West Region. The Gaels won the West Coast Conference regular season and tournament titles, reeled off 16 straight wins at one point this year and rank 20th in Pomeroy’s ratings.

Be selective picking upsets

Validation from picking upsets — defined here as a win by a team at least two seed lines below the losing team — is wonderful. I should know; I had fifth-seeded San Diego State in the title game last year , as you might have heard. Yet there probably aren’t as many of these upsets as you think, even in the early rounds. Since 1985, when the men’s field expanded to 64 teams, there have been, on average, 12 of these upsets per tournament .

Sometimes there are more — there were 14 last year, in a historically wacky tournament — and sometimes there are fewer — there were only four in 2007. As you would expect, the deeper you get into the tournament, the fewer such upsets occur. And obviously, if two lower-seeded teams meet in a later round, one will advance, even if it might not be a huge upset by seed.

So how do you decide which teams are capable of busting brackets? If you are comfortable with sports betting, check out the point spreads for each individual game and find lower-seeded teams that are either small underdogs or favored outright. Some of those this season include No. 10 Drake (which is favored over No. 7 Washington State), No. 11 New Mexico (which is favored over No. 6 Clemson) and No. 10 Nevada (which is favored over No. 7 Dayton), although there are also other appealing first-round upset candidates . And No. 11 Oregon is just a slight underdog against No. 6 South Carolina.

You could also check out the consensus rankings and make decisions accordingly. Historically speaking, the higher-rated team wins approximately 67 percent of the time, giving you a good indicator of a few potential upsets to target.

The size of your pool will tell you how much risk to take

If you are in a small pool — say, 25 people or less — you want to minimize your risk. That means not picking a large number of surprises, especially in the late rounds, and focusing on the favorites.

As the pool size gets bigger, it’s necessary to take more calculated risks to make your bracket unique. In other words, if you pick a favorite to win the title in a big pool — meaning you aren’t guaranteed much of anything even if your team wins — you need to be contrarian elsewhere, like picking a Cinderella team to reach the Final Four or taking more risks in the early rounds. If you decide to make riskier plays in the later rounds — the Elite Eight and beyond — you can play it safer leading up to the Sweet 16. Last year’s successful Perfect Bracket predicted that 12 of the top 16 seeds would advance to the Sweet 16; the riskier picks later on carried the bracket to success.

Don’t buy into the 12-seed mystique. Focus on the No. 11 seeds instead

You are going to hear a lot about how appealing the No. 12 seeds are, and how often they upset No. 5 seeds in the first round. That used to be the case, but lately there’s a better strategy. Since 2011, when the field expanded to 68 teams, No. 12 seeds have an 18-30 record against No. 5 seeds in the round of 64. The No. 11 seeds, by comparison, are 25-23 in their matchups against the No. 6 seeds — and often with a whole lot less hype. My top first-round upset picks this year include No. 11 New Mexico over No. 6 Clemson and No. 11 N.C. State over No. 6 Texas Tech.

Believe in at least one ‘First Four’ team

The First Four games open the tournament, pitting the last four automatic qualifiers against each other and the last four at-large teams against each other. The winners of the First Four games advance into the field of 64. They don’t all succeed there, but from 2011 to 2023, only once (in 2019) has an at-large First Four team failed to win a game in the 64-team bracket.

The most famous example is VCU steamrolling into the Final Four as a No. 11 seed in 2011. A decade later, UCLA went from the First Four to Final Four after beating No. 1 Michigan in the Elite Eight. La Salle (2013), Tennessee (2014) and Syracuse (2018) are other First Four teams with multiple wins in the 64-field tournament.

Last year got even crazier, when Fairleigh Dickinson became the first automatic qualifier to go from a First Four win to claiming a game in the round of 64. They did it in historic fashion, upsetting No. 1 Purdue to become just the second No. 16 seed to reach the round of 32.

And because these teams aren’t penciled into the 64-team grid on Sunday night, many bracket-pickers avoid them — which can give you an even bigger edge. This year, the “First Four” teams include four No. 10 seeds: Virginia plays Colorado State, and Boise State faces Colorado. Take a close look at the winners of those two games.

Favor teams that did well in conference tournaments

There was a time when you wanted your eventual title team to have won its just-concluded conference tournament, but that’s no longer necessary. From 1999 to 2010, eight out of 12 national champions previously won their conference tournaments. In the 12 tournaments since, just four conference champions won the national championship.

However, every national championship-winning team since 1985 — with the exception of UCLA in 1995 and Arizona in 1997, which didn’t have a conference tournament — has lasted at least to the semifinal round in its conference tournament. So plan on avoiding teams that made an early exit, at least for your national title pick. This year, such teams include No. 3 seed Creighton, No. 4 seed Duke, No. 4 seed Kansas and three teams from the SEC: No. 2 seed Tennessee, No. 3 seed Kentucky and No. 4 seed Alabama. Kansas at least had an excuse; Kevin McCullar Jr. and Hunter Dickinson missed the Jayhawks’ loss to Cincinnati because of injuries, and Parker Braun wasn’t 100 percent.

Focus on the statistics that matter

There are 68 teams in the tournament after thousands of games played this season, producing a variety of statistics indicating which teams will win or lose a particular matchup. Most of these are irrelevant. Instead, investigate the essentials of shooting, rebounding, creating turnovers and getting to the free throw line, also known as the four factors for offense and defense.

For upset candidates, offensive rebounding just might be the most important. Those rebounds provide teams with the extra possessions that are crucial to pulling off a March upset. Since 2011, in three-quarters of NCAA tournament upsets, the worse seed had the better offensive rebounding rate during the game in question. Some of the best offensive rebounding teams that are lower-seeded teams in this tournament include No. 16 Longwood (12th), No. 12 UAB (22nd) and No. 15 Saint Peter’s (23rd). Other strong offensive rebounding teams that could be under the radar include No. 9 seed Texas A&M, No. 5 seed Saint Mary’s and No. 7 seed Florida.

Don’t just guess at the tiebreaker total

The tiebreaker most often used — total points scored in the championship game — is often treated as an afterthought. It doesn’t have to be .

Since 1985, when the men’s tournament expanded to 64 teams, the national title game has averaged 145 total points when decided in regulation. The four overtime games in that span averaged 157 total points. The most total points scored in regulation was in 1990, when UNLV beat Duke, 103-73 (176). The fewest total points came in 2011, when Connecticut beat Butler, 53-41 (94).

How many points you choose should be influenced by which teams you have in the final, since pace of play and offensive efficiency help determine how many points a team might score. Here’s a quick list of some of the most frequent matchups in the Elite Eight and beyond and the average total points scored in those contests since 2011 — but look at the averages of your chosen teams. I will have a guide to picking the tiebreaker later this week.

Know how to spot a potential championship team

Success leaves clues, and we have a lot of data on how an eventual championship team usually performs leading up to the tournament. My colleague Matt Bonesteel outlines some of those clues in his annual best bets column — which included eventual national champion Connecticut as one of the five most likely winners last year — and there are some other guidelines you can follow. Since the field expanded to 68 teams in 2011, for example, every national champion except two — No. 7 seed Connecticut in 2014 and Connecticut again as a No. 4 seed last year — was a No. 1, 2 or 3 seed. Since 1985, when the field expanded to 64 teams, all but five of the 38 winners were a No. 1, 2 or 3 seed and 24 of the 38 (63 percent) were No. 1 seeds.

And all but four of the past 19 winners have had their individual Simple Rating System , a schedule-adjusted margin of victory rating that is expressed in points per game, rank in the top four nationally. Connecticut just missed last year, at No. 5. The top four schools in SRS this year are Houston, Arizona, Purdue and Connecticut.

You could also look at teams with similar profiles and see how far they advanced in the tournament, a technique that helped me identify San Diego State last year. For example, this year’s Auburn squad, a No. 4 seed, is similar to teams that have won a robust 2.3 games per tournament , on average (the same as No. 2 seeds from 2011 to 2023 ). This Auburn team also has similar performance metrics as runner-up Texas Tech in 2019 plus Florida in 2017 and Houston in 2022, two Elite Eight teams.

The NCAA tournament is back. Get caught up with our March Madness cheat sheet .

The brackets: Defending national champion U-Conn. returns as the top overall seed in the men’s bracket . In the women’s tournament , undefeated South Carolina leads the way. Read our picks for the biggest snubs and surprises in the tournament field.

Analysis from our team: Looking to win your bracket pool? These tips from our resident bracket master can help. If you want help picking a national champion, these are our favorites and best bets to win the tournament. Plus, take a look at some of the teams we think are most likely to pull an upset .

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