best cruising sailboat for family

Best Sailboats For Families

Last Updated by

Daniel Wade

December 28, 2023

Sailing has always been a family activity and a great way for families to bond. But what sailboats are best (and safest) for the whole family?

Family sailboats are spacious, easy to sail, heel gently, and safe in rough weather. The best production family sailboats are the Catalina 22, the Catalina 30, the Lagoon 470 catamaran, and the Beneteau 49.

In this article, we’ll cover in-depth four of the best sailboats for family cruising. We’ll go over what to look for when choosing a family sailboat, along with what to avoid. Additionally, we’ll compare single and multihull designs and cover the benefits and drawbacks of each.

We sourced the information in this article from the sailing community and specifically sailing families who’ve embarked on extended voyages.

Table of contents

‍ Family Sailboat Sailing Characteristics

Beyond obvious considerations (such as size and accommodations), what is the most important aspect of a family sailboat? It’s sailing characteristics—and this is especially true for monohulls. Sailing characteristics play a large part in the safety of the vessel and also the comfort of its less experienced crew.

There are several factors that contribute to sailing characteristics and a family-friendly boat. First and foremost, a boat’s heeling tendencies should be taken into consideration. Boxier modern boats tend to heel (lean over under sail) much less dramatically than older, more rounded designs. This is also true for wider boats, which are more stable.

Heeling is natural under sail, but it can be alarming to kids and inexperienced sailors. Additionally, it makes it much more difficult to cook or move around the boat safely—especially out on the deck but also in the cabin. A boat with milder handling is much better suited to families.

Another factor to consider is seakeeping. A comfortable boat is one that doesn’t pound excessively and takes waves gracefully—and this is not always the case. Some sailboats (particularly narrow and flat-bottomed versions) are notorious for being dreadfully uncomfortable in rough weather.

Larger, wider, and more rounded hulls handle waves much better than flat-bottom boats, though other factors also contribute to seakeeping abilities. The best family boats are a bit sluggish due to their increased displacement but far more comfortable when the weather gets rough.

Family Sailboat Size

What’s the ideal size for a family sailboat? Well, the answer clearly depends on the size of your family—however, we can start with a simple rule that a family sailboat should be able to accommodate at least four people comfortably.

Four people should be able to be in the same place at the same time—for example, in the cockpit or in a common area in the cabin. Some sailboats may accommodate six or more people in the cockpit, but only two or four around the dining table—which is not the ideal arrangement for a family.

The average size of a family sailboat is between 30 and 40 feet. This applies to both monohull and multihull sailboats. Sailboats of this size generally have standing headroom and enough sleeping spaces for the whole family. Additionally, virtually all sailboats of the size have a shower and toilet, and sometimes two.

Monohull Vs Multihull Family Sailboats

Monohull sailboats are vessels with a single hull. Monohulls are probably what you think of when you picture a typical sailboat. Multihull sailboats have multiple hulls, and the most common types are two-hull catamarans and three-hull trimarans.

Monohull sailboats are significantly less expensive than multihull sailboats. This makes them the most common choice for families who are more budget-sensitive when it comes to recreational equipment.

But when it comes to handling and cabin comfort, the multihull has several distinct advantages over the monohull. These sailboats distribute the force of the wind between multiple hulls and a wide stance, which makes them extremely safe and stable.

Additionally, virtually all cruising catamarans and trimarans have extensive center cabin space and several private stateroom areas in the hull. This allows families to give each person adequate space on long voyages. Many cruising families opt for a multihull, as the additional space is paramount to long-term comfort.

Best Family Sailboat Models

Hundreds of sailboat designs have been sold over the years, and a few stand out as spectacular family coastal cruising and long-distance sailboats. This list will include an example of each common family sailboat type, and we’ll specify the best uses for each vessel. Here are four of the best and safest family sailboats on the market today.

1. Catalina 22 Trailer Sailboat

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The Catalina 22 is one of the most popular sailboats of all time. It was introduced in the 1960s as a family sailboat for lakes and coastal waters, and it was produced in many variations over the years. Thousands of Catalina 22 sailboats are still on the market today, which serves as a testament to their robust design and timeless utility.

Most Catalina 22 sailboats are trailerable, which means you don’t need to rent a permanent slip to store it. The vessel is 22 feet in length and can be towed by a reasonably sized SUV or standard pickup truck. It’s constructed with marine fiberglass, which is low maintenance and extremely durable.

The Catalina 22 is not designed for extended cruising. Instead, it’s a day boat with a reasonably sized cabin for short overnight trips. It is a perfect alternative to camping, and there’s usually enough space to sleep four.

All things considered, the cabin space aboard a Catalina 22 is generous. Some versions of the boat came with a pop-up companionway hatch, which turned sitting headroom into standing headroom towards the aft end of the cabin. This is exceedingly rare on small trailer sailers, and it’s a big perk of having a Catalina 22.

The Catalina 22 is the perfect starter boat for a family. It’s heavy and stable and offers excellent sailing characteristics (even in higher winds). Additionally, it’s easy to rig and small enough to be handled by one or two people. Kids can learn the basics of sailing and get experience piloting a “big” boat—at least when compared to a dinghy or a Sunfish.

The Catalina 22 can be found on the used market for between $5,000 and $15,000. Outliers exist, and you may be lucky enough to find a Catalina 22 in operable condition for less than $3000–trailer included.

2. Catalina 30 Cruising Sailboat

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Catalina makes the list again with its extremely popular 30-foot sailboat. The Catalina 30 is a fiberglass sloop that was introduced around the same time as the Catalina 22. Unlike the Catalina 22, the Catalina 30 is more than capable of open ocean sailing—but it’s also easy to handle on short trips in coastal waters.

Catalina 30 sailboats have a wide beam which makes them stable under heavy sail and in rough water. They also have a high freeboard, which keeps the cockpit relatively dry and prevents excessive spray over the bow. These characteristics also minimize heeling, which makes it a comfortable boat for inexperienced sailors.

The cabin is another huge selling point of the Catalina 30. These vessels have standing headroom throughout, along with enough sleeping space for six adults or more. Additionally, the Catalina 30 features a full kitchen (or galley) along with a sitting area and table that’s large enough for the entire family to sit down for dinner.

This vessel is more complex than the Catalina 22. However, anybody who can handle a Bermuda-rigged sailboat that’s larger than 20 feet can easily transition to a Catalina 30. Like the 22-foot model, this sailboat was produced in great numbers during the 20th century, and hundreds are available on the used market in excellent condition.

The Catalina 30 is ideal for a family who wants to take an occasional bluewater voyage. A trip between Florida and the Bahamas is well within the capabilities of the sailboat, and more adventurous sailors frequently sail it between San Francisco and Hawaii.

It’s also a great day boat for coast cruising, as it absorbs bad weather better than smaller boats and handles surprisingly well in low winds.

3. Lagoon 470 Cruising Catamaran

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Do you have a large family, or do you place a premium on space and comfort for long-distance sailing? If so, the Lagoon 470 could be your best option. It’s a large, 47-foot cruising catamaran that offers better speed and stability than any similarly-sized monohull.

The Lagoon 470 is a typical catamaran in many respects—it has a large center cockpit area that’s covered and features communal spaces such as the galley and a large sitting area. This space alone is wider than most monohull cabins and offers the family a great place to hang out.

Below decks in the hulls, the Lagoon 470 has several separate bedrooms and private bathroom/shower combinations. This gives family members their own space and reduces the risk of conflict when it comes to showering and sleeping.

Catamarans like the Lagoon 470 have many advantages but also a few drawbacks. This vessel is more difficult to operate in tight spaces and requires more docking space than a traditional monohull. That said, if you can manage the additional stress during docking, you’ll enjoy a much safer and more pleasant time on the water.

Due to its spectacular sailing characteristics and large size, the Lagoon 470 is best suited for long-haul sailing or full-time living. It’s definitely not a day boat—and its high price makes it an unreasonable choice of occasional sailing.

If you want to travel the world with your family, this is the boat for you. If you’re cruising around the bay on the weekends, you may want to consider something like the Catalina 30.

4. Beneteau 49 Bluewater Monohull Sailboat

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Here’s an exceptional monohull that stacks up with the best multihulls in terms of space, comfort, and seaworthiness. The Beneteau 49 is nearly 50 feet long and provides accommodations fit for the largest families.

The Beneteau 49 is the quintessential cruising sailboat. It’s wide, fast, and agile—and it has handling characteristics that put it in line with the hardiest recreational sailboats. Plus, the cabin is modern and spacious and includes everything you need to spend weeks (or months) aboard comfortably.

Separate enclosed sleeping areas give each family member privacy, and a sense of ownership over their space—which many families affirm is key when living in tight quarters. Plus, it’s a recent Beneteau design, which means it comes equipped with the latest technology and amenities.

Many of the more difficult aspects of rigging and sailboat control are automated on the Beneteau 49, meaning you can control them from the cockpit without sending anyone out on deck. This keeps the family safe and comfortable in foul weather and reduces the grunt work associated with sailing.

And when it comes to safety, it’s hard to beat a big hardy monohull like the Beneteau 49. This vessel has a wide stance and a semi-flush deck, meaning it’s well-balanced and designed to take on the toughest weather conditions. Additionally, its extended length increases hull speed, reducing the time it takes to get between stops.

As far as price is concerned, you’ll probably pay about the same for a Beneteau 49 as you would for a mid-ranged multihull. This can easily enter the $100,000+ price point, which is steep—but worth it if you and your family intend to live aboard and do extended cruising.

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I've personally had thousands of questions about sailing and sailboats over the years. As I learn and experience sailing, and the community, I share the answers that work and make sense to me, here on Life of Sailing.

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Best family boats: 6 quality options for saltwater cruising

• Top stories

Once you’ve been bitten by the boating bug, it’s only natural that you’ll want to take the whole family with you, but what are the best family boats for saltwater cruising?

Boating can be a lot of fun as a solitary pursuit, but once you start taking the family with you, your horizons start to expand rapidly.

Here at MBY, we’ve tested hundreds of top-quality family boats – the below is our selection of sub-40ft boats that would suit a family making their first foray into the exciting world of saltwater cruising.

Brig Eagle 8

BRIG is the largest RIB manufacturer in the world – not bad for a Ukrainian company that emerged 25 years ago from the ashes of a former Soviet fighter jet factory.

So when it launched a new 8m model aimed squarely at the family boats market rather than the high-performance niche which RIB builders tend to favour, we couldn’t resist taking a closer look.

Key features ticked off in this design include flexible seating and a large heads compartment, which can double as storage for watersports gear and cushions.

Read more about the Brig Eagle 8

Article continues below…

Absolute 47 Fly review: Impressive all-rounder would make an excellent family boat

£789738

Princess F45 yacht tour: A (relatively) small but perfectly formed family boat

The smallest model in Nimbus’ outboard-powered sportsboat range could actually be the best of the bunch, and a top option for a family boat.

One major selling point is that it’s just narrow enough to fit on a trailer, meaning you don’t have to shell out on marina fees.

It’s an exceptionally safe, easy craft to move around with deeply bulwarked decks, sturdy guard rails, grab handles exactly where you’d expect to find them and an attention to detail rarely found on this size of craft.

Read more about the Nimbus T8

Jeanneau Merry Fisher 895 Marlin

One of the most popular ranges from the world’s biggest boatbuilder, the Jeanneau Merry Fisher has been a family boats favourite for decades, but we think they hit the sweet spot last year with the launch of the 895 Marlin.

With two cockpits, you can easily seat six for lunch back aft, before moving forward to enjoy the wind-in-your-hair experience from the bow while powering along at more than 37 knots.

The enclosed wheelhouse makes this a true all-weather boat, while two cabins below decks mean you can spend the whole weekend on board.

Read more about the Jeanneau Merry Fisher 895 Marlin

Beneteau Flyer 10

Crowned as the European Powerboat of the Year in 2020, the flagship of Beneteau’s Flyer range is a highly versatile design.

Part sunny weather plaything, part family boat, the Flyer 10 fits in a six-person cockpit with adjacent galley and a four-seat helm station, as well as a watersports tow arch.

Below decks there’s enough room for six adults to sit around the dinette, which can convert into a double bed, and there’s a second double berth amidships.

Read more about the Beneteau Flyer 10

Only just launched in September at the 2021 Cannes Yachting Festival , the new Marex 330 has all the hallmarks of a future family boats classic.

Finished to a typically high Norwegian standard, the 330 includes Marex’s famous curtain canopy system, which requires just the pull of one bungee to become rain and windproof without the need to fiddle with numerous tie points.

We’re very excited to test drive this new model and will be publishing a full review in the coming months.

Read more about the Marex 330

Sealine C330

The oldest design on our list, but still winning over family boat buyers six years after its launch, the British-designed and German-built Sealine C330 delivers excellent packaging and fun handling for a competitive price.

The spacious accommodation is the star here, making the C330 a genuinely usable weekender for four and week-long cruiser for a couple with kids or visiting friends.

But that’s not to say it’s not fun to drive – the twin sterndrive setup, linked to a pair of Volvo Penta D3 220s, makes for a fun, agile and safe driving experience and should make the C330 a treat to thread through a following sea.

Those are just a few of the reasons why we bestowed one of our much-coveted Motor Boat Awards on the Sealine C330 back in 2016.

Read more about the Sealine C330

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14 Great Pocket Cruisers in 2023

• By Victor Tan
• Updated: July 20, 2023

Pocket cruisers and mini yachts are generally vessels under 50 feet in length overall, and can include express cruiser designs, flybridge yachts as well as either monohull or catamaran hull forms. They are cruising boats easily handled by a small, or even shorthanded, crew. Pocket cruisers generally have wave-taming hull designs and have the ability to take on sporty seas, offer comfortable accommodations belowdecks with one or two staterooms for extended voyages, “homelike amenities,” and the ability to cruise as slowly or as quickly as an owner desires with inboard- and outboard-power options. These pocket-cruising boats have the range for longer voyages , can pull up in skinny water at the sandbar thanks to shallow drafts, and head over the horizon where cruising adventure awaits. Pocket cruisers are true multitasking yachts. When it comes to family and couples cruising, it’s hard to beat a well-built and well-equipped and pocket cruiser.

Best Cruising Boats Under 50-Feet

The following 14 pocket cruisers and mini yachts are all vessels we’ve seen, been aboard, and tested. They are listed in no particular order.

• Hood 35 LM: high-tech, family-friendly pocket cruiser
• Galeon Yachts 375 GTO: mid-size boat with plenty of below-deck space
• Aquila 42: sleek power catamaran ready to entertain
• Azimut Verve 42 : small, yet mighty yacht ready for open water
• Hinckley Yachts 35: luxury picnic cruiser with range
• Beneteau Gran Turismo 45: sleek cruising yacht with all the amenities
• Solaris Power 48 Open: eye-catching power yacht with 360-degree views
• Cruisers Yachts 42 GLS: luxury cruiser yacht with powerful outboard options
• Back Cove 34O: modern outboard power combined with classic Downeast styling
• Picnic Boat 40: speedy and fuel-efficient vessel with great looks
• Aquila 36: comfortably seat up to 20 guests for fun on the salt
• Boston Whaler 350 Realm: multitasker built for fishing and entertaining
• MJM 35z: sporty, aesthetically pleasing, cruising-conscious features and elegant lines
• Greenline 39: sturdy-looking lines and environmentally-friendly power

When Android co-founder, Rich Miner, wanted a new family-friendly pocket cruiser , he turned to a custom-penned C.W. Hood design and a Lyman-Morse-built 35-footer, which has a timeless Down East profile matched to seriously modern technology under the hood.

This yacht looks like a traditional, cold-molded Down East dayboat, but actually, it has everything, from Hamilton HJX Series water-jet drives to a planned Sea Machines autonomous command-and-control system . Top speed: 40-plus knots.

Quick Specifications

Galeon yachts 375 gto.

Even the remnants of Hurricane Ian, couldn’t dissuade the Galeon Yacht 375 GTO from its cruising mission. The small yacht’s wave-splitting hull form is paired to torque-filled 600 hp Mercury Verado outboards , giving this fun-in-the-sun boat a 47-knot top hop.

The 375 GTO is a speedster, to be sure, but it’s also so much more. Just about every aspect of the main deck seating is transformable and multifunction, from the aft seating to the alfresco dining abaft the helm, and beyond. It also has a family-size and eminently cruise-worthy belowdecks space for four guests, all while providing a foredeck entertaining lounge too.

The Galeon Yachts 375 GTO ticks all the boxes for an easy-to-handle and sporty cruiser.

Aquila 42 Yacht Power Catamaran

Following the success of its 44-, 54- and 70-foot power catamaran models, Aquila has launched the stable-as-a-table, owner-operator-ready Aquila 42 Yacht Power Catamaran .

The Aquila 42 is the entry point into the builder’s yacht line and is noteworthy for its ability to accommodate anywhere from a two- to four-stateroom layout, depending on the owner’s cruising requirements. There are alfresco spaces to manage the sunset cruise with friends and family, including a foredeck lounge area that can be accessed via centerline steps from the flybridge. The Aquila 42 is available with several Volvo Penta diesel-engine options .

Azimut Verve 42

Want to cruise from Florida to Bimini in about an hour? The Azimut Yachts Verve 42 can do that thanks, in part, to triple 450 hp Mercury Racing outboards and a hull designed to dice-and-slice a seaway. Top hop: 45 knots. The Verve 42 also has style for miles with a fine entry, raked hardtop, and a razorlike sheerline accented by sweeping hull glass from bow to stern. It’s striking.

With accommodation for a family of four, the Verve 42 is also solid under the hull tokeep everyone safe on those passages. The Verve 42’s hull is built of fiberglass and uses vinylester resins for blister protection. The yacht’s deck and hardtop are comprised of carbon fiber for strength without added weight. This all means that the Azimut Verve 42 is built to CE Classification Type A , making it suitable for sea voyages where winds can exceed 45 mph and seas to 13 feet.

Hinckley Yachts 35

The Hinckley Yachts 35 takes everything that yachtsmen like about this pedigreed-brand’s classic profile and infuses today’s modern outboard power to create 40 knots of sheer fun wrapped in sheer luxury.

This 35-foot Hinckley is built on a Michael-Peters-penned hull form with a fine entry, wider-than-average chines and a moderate deadrise. While the boat is built to sprint when desired, it’s also a relatively economical cruiser. For instance, a comfortable 24-knot cruise the Hinckley Yachts 35 has a 276-nautical-mile range.

It also has a tech-build thanks to vacuum-infused carbon-fiber composites and epoxy resin. An integrated interior structure is infused with the hull adding rigidity. The hull is then post-cured in an 80-foot oven, further strengthening the structure.

Beneteau Gran Turismo 45

The Beneteau Gran Turismo is the flagship of the builder’s four-model GT series, which also includes 32-, 36- and 41-foot models.

The Gran Turismo 45 ’s cruise-centric layout includes two staterooms and two heads belowdecks, as well as a galley down. There is also a dinette for meals and a settee for rainy-day lounging. Entertaining guests and enjoying the sun is the primary mission of the main deck.

Solaris Power 48 Open

The Solaris Power 48 Open was the first powerboat from this longtime builder known for its sailing yachts, ranging from 40 to 110 feet length overall. The Solaris Power 48 Open is notable for its wave-slicing plumb-bow design, high freeboard forward and 32-knot-plus speed. Power is twin 480 hp Volvo Penta IPS650 diesels.

The high freeboard keeps the deck dry and help creates sizable volume belowdecks with an average 6-foot-6-inch headroom. This enables real estate for either one or two staterooms. With the single-stateroom setup, there is a forepeak master stateroom while an L-shaped settee converts to sleeping accommodations for family or occasional guests. Interior wood options are oak or walnut.

Cruisers Yachts 42 GLS

Outboard-power cruising aficionados will appreciate the triple-engine options for the Cruisers Yachts 42 GLS . The 42 GLS we got aboard had the triple 400 hp Mercury Verados , which produced a top hop of 45 knots, but triple 450 hp Verados are available. Triple 350 hp Mercury Verados are the standard engine option. No matter the power arrangement, this express cruiser can easily be used for wakeboarding and tube towing. The 42 GLS is designed to handle the rough stuff too, with a fine entry and 21-degree transom deadrise.

For cruising enthusiasts, the 42 GLS has a master stateroom with an athwartships and a nearly queen-size berth, and the lower salon’s U-shaped dinette converts to a queen-size berth for the kids.

Back Cove 34O

Combining modern outboard power with classic Downeast styling, the Back Cove 34O touts award-winning standards with cruising in mind. The 34O is equipped with twin 300 hp Yamaha outboards, engines that allow the Newport International Boat Show’s 2018 Best Powerboat Under 35 Feet winner to travel up to 214 nautical miles at 24 knots on a 250-gallon fuel tank.

Belowdecks, the 34O has an island double berth and a split-head arrangement with the toilet to port and a separate shower stall to starboard. On the main deck, a U-shape dinette to port accommodates four or more guests on the Back Cove Yachts vessel. The 34O’s galley is equipped with a Cuisinart microwave, a two-burner Kenyon electric cooktop and a Vitrifrigo fridge and freezer.

Picnic Boat 40

Hinckley Yachts unveiled its first Picnic Boat more than two decades ago. Now, after two previous, sub-40-foot models, the Maine-based boatbuilder has developed its largest and most advanced model to date: the Picnic Boat 40.

Twin 480 hp Cummins diesel engines paired to twin Hamilton 322 jet drives propel the yacht to a 30-knot cruising speed and 34 knots on the pins. With optional twin 550 hp Cummins diesels, cruise and top-end speeds jump to 35 and 38 knots, respectively.

There is an L-shaped settee with a table and a wet bar on the main deck to port. The helm station is forward and to starboard with a benchseat for two. There is also a companion seat across from the helm. Belowdecks, there is 6-foot-2-inch headroom, and the dinette table drops to form a California-king berth for overnights and weekending.

Aquila Power Catamarans started its line with 44- and 48-footers, and now the builder’s Aquila 36 takes the line into the midsize market.

The 36 features a single, main-living area from bow to stern, helped in part by the vessel’s 14-foot, 7-inch beam. The boat can comfortably seat up to 20 guests for fun on the salt. Several Mercury Verado engine options are available for the Aquila 36, including twin 250-, 300- and 350-hp four-strokes. With the 350s, the Aquila has a top-end speed of 37 knots.

Other notable features include a fiberglass hardtop, a dinette, a cooktop, a fridge, a sink and a smokeless grill. Belowdecks, there are two staterooms with nearly queen-size berths, en suite heads and 6-foot-6-inch headroom in each.

Boston Whaler 350 Realm

From fishing and entertaining guests to diving and overnight cruising, Boston Whaler ‘s 350 Realm is a multitasker. And it’s fast, too. It’s powered with either triple 300 hp or triple 350 hp Mercury Verados. The 350 Realm can reach a top speed of 46 knots.

At the helm, two Raymarine displays provide vital navigation data. The captain can take in the displays’ view from a doublewide helm seat. There’s a flip-down platform for standing when needed and a footrest when desired.

There is a V-shaped berth that converts into a double berth with a filler cushion. The separated head has a VacuFlush MSD and a hot-and-cold shower. Owners also have the option to add a microwave and a flat-screen TV.

The MJM 35z can reach a top speed of 44 knots and a cruising speed of 33 knots on its optional 350 hp Mercury Verado outboards; twin 300 hp outboards are standard on this MJM Yachts vessel. Additionally, the 35z can travel up to 304 nautical miles on its 250-gallon fuel tank.

The 35z has a flush-deck layout and to port is space for an electric grill, a baitwell, a sink, an ice maker and a fridge. There are two Stidd helm seats—one for the helmsman and the other for a copilot—that rotate to face the rest of the seating aft. In the cabin is V-shaped seating forward that can be converted to a berth.

Owners also have the option of adding a Seakeeper 3 gyrostabilizer and a full-length Bimini top to shade the cockpit.

Greenline 39

Greenline Yachts ‘ vessels are aptly named for their environmentally friendly means of moving about; the Greenline 39 is no different. The Slovenian yacht manufacturer produces two types of this model: hybrid and solar.

If owners opt for the latter, the 39’s four solar panels atop the salon power all of the vessel’s systems for three hours. With the power of the sun, the 39 can achieve a max speed of 6.5 knots and a cruising speed of 4 knots. The hybrid type uses those same panels to help power a 220 hp Volvo Penta D3 with a Mahle electric-drive system. Owners have the option of replacing the standard engine with a 370 hp Yanmar 8LV diesel.

Belowdecks, scissor berths provide accommodations for long weekends.

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43 of the best bluewater sailboat designs of all time

• January 5, 2022

How do you choose the right yacht for you? We highlight the very best bluewater sailboat designs for every type of cruising

Which yacht is the best for bluewater boating? This question generates even more debate among sailors than questions about what’s the coolest yacht , or the best for racing. Whereas racing designs are measured against each other, cruising sailors get very limited opportunities to experience different yachts in real oceangoing conditions, so what is the best bluewater sailboat?

Here, we bring you our top choices from decades of designs and launches. Over the years, the Yachting World team has sailed these boats, tested them or judged them for European Yacht of the Year awards, and we have sifted through the many to curate a selection that we believe should be on your wishlist.

Making the right choice may come down to how you foresee your yacht being used after it has crossed an ocean or completed a passage: will you be living at anchor or cruising along the coast? If so, your guiding requirements will be space, cabin size, ease of launching a tender and anchoring closer to shore, and whether it can comfortably accommodate non-expert-sailor guests.

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Before the sea trials began, I would have put money on a Hallberg-Rassy or the Wauquiez winning an award. The…

All of these considerations have generated the inexorable rise of the bluewater catamaran – monohulls can’t easily compete on these points. We have a full separate feature on the best bluewater multihulls of all time and here we mostly focus on monohulls. The only exceptions to that rule are two multihulls which made it into our best bluewater sailboats of 2022 list.

As so much of making the right choice is selecting the right boat for the venture in mind, we have separated out our edit into categories: best for comfort; for families; for performance; and for expedition or high latitudes sailing .

Best bluewater sailboats of 2022

The new flagship Allures 51.9, for example, is a no-nonsense adventure cruising design built and finished to a high standard. It retains Allures’ niche of using aluminium hulls with glassfibre decks and superstructures, which, the yard maintains, gives the optimum combination of least maintenance and less weight higher up. Priorities for this design were a full beam aft cabin and a spacious, long cockpit. Both are excellent, with the latter, at 6m long, offering formidable social, sailing and aft deck zones.

It likes some breeze to come to life on the wheel, but I appreciate that it’s designed to take up to five tonnes payload. And I like the ease with which you can change gears using the furling headsails and the positioning of the powerful Andersen winches inboard. The arch is standard and comes with a textile sprayhood or hard bimini.

Below decks you’ll find abundant headroom and natural light, a deep U-shape galley and cavernous stowage. For those who like the layout of the Amel 50 but would prefer aluminium or shoal draught, look no further.

Allures 51.9 price: €766,000

The Ovni 370 is another cunning new aluminum centreboard offering, a true deck saloon cruiser for two. The designers say the biggest challenge was to create a Category A ocean going yacht at this size with a lifting keel, hence the hull had to be very stable.

Enjoyable to helm, it has a practical, deep cockpit behind a large sprayhood, which can link to the bimini on the arch. Many of its most appealing features lie in the bright, light, contemporary, clever, voluminous interior, which has good stowage and tankage allocation. There’s also a practical navstation, a large workroom and a vast separate shower. I particularly like the convertible saloom, which can double as a large secure daybed or pilot berth.

Potentially the least expensive Category A lift keel boat available, the Ovni will get you dreaming of remote places again.

Ovni 370 price: €282,080

There’s no shortage of spirit in the Windelo 50. We gave this a sustainability award after it’s founders spent two years researching environmentally-friendly composite materials, developing an eco-composite of basalt fibre and recycled PET foam so it could build boats that halve the environmental impact of standard glassfibre yachts.

The Windelo 50 is an intriguing package – from the styling, modular interior and novel layout to the solar field on the roof and the standard electric propulsion, it is completely fresh.

Windelo 50 price: €795,000

Best bluewater sailboat of 2022 – Outremer 55

I would argue that this is the most successful new production yacht on the market. Well over 50 have already sold (an equipped model typically costs €1.6m) – and I can understand why. After all, were money no object, I had this design earmarked as the new yacht I would most likely choose for a world trip.

Indeed 55 number one Sanya, was fully equipped for a family’s world cruise, and left during our stay for the Grand Large Odyssey tour. Whereas we sailed Magic Kili, which was tricked up with performance options, including foam-cored deckheads and supports, carbon crossbeam and bulkheads, and synthetic rigging.

At rest, these are enticing space ships. Taking one out to sea is another matter though. These are speed machines with the size, scale and loads to be rightly weary of. Last month Nikki Henderson wrote a feature for us about how to manage a new breed of performance cruising cats just like this and how she coaches new owners. I could not think of wiser money spent for those who do not have ample multihull sailing experience.

Under sail, the most fun was obviously reserved for the reaching leg under asymmetric, where we clocked between 11-16 knots in 15-16 knots wind. But it was the stability and of those sustained low teen speeds which really hit home  – passagemaking where you really cover miles.

Key features include the swing helms, which give you views from outboard, over the coachroof or from a protected position in the cockpit through the coachroof windows, and the vast island in the galley, which is key to an open plan main living area. It helps provide cavernous stowage and acts as the heart of the entertaining space as it would in a modern home. As Danish judge Morten Brandt-Rasmussen comments: “Apart from being the TGV of ocean passages the boat offers the most spacious, open and best integration of the cockpit and salon areas in the market.”

Outremer has done a top job in packing in the creature comforts, stowage space and payload capacity, while keeping it light enough to eat miles. Although a lot to absorb and handle, the 55 offers a formidable blend of speed and luxury cruising.

Outremer 55 price: €1.35m

Best bluewater sailboats for comfort

This is the successor to the legendary Super Maramu, a ketch design that for several decades defined easy downwind handling and fostered a cult following for the French yard. Nearly a decade old, the Amel 55 is the bridge between those world-girdling stalwarts and Amel’s more recent and totally re-imagined sloop designs, the Amel 50 and 60.

The 55 boasts all the serious features Amel aficionados loved and valued: a skeg-hung rudder, solidly built hull, watertight bulkheads, solid guardrails and rampart bulwarks. And, most noticeable, the solid doghouse in which the helmsman sits in perfect shelter at the wheel.

This is a design to live on comfortably for long periods and the list of standard features just goes on and on: passarelle; proper sea berths with lee cloths; electric furling main and genoa; and a multitude of practical items that go right down to a dishwasher and crockery.

There’s no getting around the fact these designs do look rather dated now, and through the development of easier sail handling systems the ketch rig has fallen out of fashion, but the Amel is nothing short of a phenomenon, and if you’ve never even peeked on board one, you really have missed a treat.

Photo: Sander van der Borch

Contest 50CS

A centre cockpit cruiser with true longevity, the Contest 50CS was launched by Conyplex back in 2003 and is still being built by the family-owned Dutch company, now in updated and restyled form.

With a fully balanced rudder, large wheel and modern underwater sections, the Contest 50CS is a surprisingly good performer for a boat that has a dry weight of 17.5 tonnes. Many were fitted with in-mast furling, which clearly curtails that performance, but even without, this boat is set up for a small crew.

Electric winches and mainsheet traveller are all easy to reach from the helm. On our test of the Contest 50CS, we saw for ourselves how two people can gybe downwind under spinnaker without undue drama. Upwind, a 105% genoa is so easy to tack it flatters even the weediest crewmember.

Down below, the finish level of the joinery work is up there among the best and the interior is full of clever touches, again updated and modernised since the early models. Never the cheapest bluewater sailing yacht around, the Contest 50CS has remained in demand as a brokerage buy. She is a reassuringly sure-footed, easily handled, very well built yacht that for all those reasons has stood the test of time.

This is a yacht that would be well capable of helping you extend your cruising grounds, almost without realising it.

Read more about the Contest 50CS and the new Contest 49CS

Photo: Rick Tomlinson

Hallberg-Rassy 48 Mk II

For many, the Swedish Hallberg-Rassy yard makes the quintessential bluewater cruiser for couples. With their distinctive blue cove line, these designs are famous for their seakindly behaviour, solid-as-a-rock build and beautifully finished, traditional interiors.

To some eyes, Hallberg-Rassys aren’t quite cool enough, but it’s been company owner Magnus Rassy’s confidence in the formula and belief in incremental ‘step-by-step’ evolution that has been such an exceptional guarantor of reliable quality, reputation and resale value.

The centre cockpit Hallberg-Rassy 48 epitomises the concept of comfort at sea and, like all the Frers-designed Hallberg-Rassys since the 1990s, is surprisingly fleet upwind as well as steady downwind. The 48 is perfectly able to be handled by a couple (as we found a few years back in the Pacific), and could with no great effort crack out 200-mile days.

The Hallberg-Rassy 48 was launched nearly a decade ago, but the Mk II from 2014 is our pick, updated with a more modern profile, larger windows and hull portlights that flood the saloon and aft cabin with light. With a large chart table, secure linear galley, heaps of stowage and space for bluewater extras such as machinery and gear, this yacht pretty much ticks all the boxes.

Discovery 55

First launched in 2000, the Discovery 55 has stood the test of time. Designed by Ron Holland, it hit a sweet spot in size that appealed to couples and families with world girdling plans.

Elegantly styled and well balanced, the 55 is also a practical design, with a deep and secure cockpit, comfortable seating, a self-tacking jib, dedicated stowage for the liferaft , a decent sugar scoop transom that’s useful for swimming or dinghy access, and very comfortable accommodation below. In short, it is a design that has been well thought out by those who’ve been there, got the bruises, stubbed their toes and vowed to change things in the future if they ever got the chance.

Throughout the accommodation there are plenty of examples of good detailing, from the proliferation of handholds and grabrails, to deep sinks in the galley offering immediate stowage when under way and the stand up/sit down showers. Stowage is good, too, with plenty of sensibly sized lockers in easily accessible positions.

The Discovery 55 has practical ideas and nifty details aplenty. She’s not, and never was, a breakthrough in modern luxury cruising but she is pretty, comfortable to sail and live on, and well mannered.

Photo: Latitudes Picture Library

You can’t get much more Cornish than a Rustler. The hulls of this Stephen Jones design are hand-moulded and fitted out in Falmouth – and few are more ruggedly built than this traditional, up-for-anything offshore cruiser.

She boasts an encapsulated lead keel, eliminating keel bolts and creating a sump for generous fuel and water tankage, while a chunky skeg protects the rudder. She is designed for good directional stability and load carrying ability. These are all features that lend this yacht confidence as it shoulders aside the rough stuff.

Most of those built have had a cutter rig, a flexible arrangement that makes sense for long passages in all sea and weather conditions. Down below, the galley and saloon berths are comfortable and sensible for living in port and at sea, with joinery that Rustler’s builders are rightly proud of.

As modern yachts have got wider, higher and fatter, the Rustler 42 is an exception. This is an exceptionally well-mannered seagoing yacht in the traditional vein, with elegant lines and pleasing overhangs, yet also surprisingly powerful. And although now over 20 years old, timeless looks and qualities mean this design makes her look ever more like a perennial, a modern classic.

The definitive crossover size, the point at which a yacht can be handled by a couple but is just large enough to have a professional skipper and be chartered, sits at around the 60ft mark. At 58ft 8in, the Oyster 575 fitted perfectly into this growing market when launched in 2010. It went on to be one of the most popular models from the yard, and is only now being superseded by the newer Rob Humphreys-designed Oyster 565 (just launched this spring).

Built in various configurations with either a deep keel, shoal draught keel or centreboard with twin rudders, owners could trade off better performance against easy access to shallower coves and anchorages. The deep-bodied hull, also by Rob Humphreys, is known for its easy motion at sea.

Some of the Oyster 575’s best features include its hallmark coachroof windows style and centre cockpit – almost everyone will know at first glance this is an Oyster – and superb interior finish. If she has a flaw, it is arguably the high cockpit, but the flip side is the galley headroom and passageway berth to the large aft stateroom.

This design also has a host of practical features for long-distance cruising, such as high guardrails, dedicated liferaft stowage, a vast lazarette for swallowing sails, tender, fenders etc, and a penthouse engine room.

Privilege Serie 5

A true luxury catamaran which, fully fitted out, will top €1m, this deserves to be seen alongside the likes of the Oyster 575, Gunfleet 58 and Hallberg-Rassy 55. It boasts a large cockpit and living area, and a light and spacious saloon with an emphasis on indoor-outdoor living, masses of refrigeration and a big galley.

Standout features are finish quality and solid build in a yacht designed to take a high payload, a secure walkaround deck and all-round views from the helm station. The new Privilege 510 that will replace this launches in February 2020.

Gunfleet 43

It was with this Tony Castro design that Richard Matthews, founder of Oyster Yachts, launched a brand new rival brand in 2012, the smallest of a range stretching to the flagship Gunfleet 74. The combination of short overhangs and centre cockpit at this size do make the Gunfleet 43 look modern if a little boxy, but time and subsequent design trends have been kind to her lines, and the build quality is excellent. The saloon, galley and aft cabin space is exceptional on a yacht of this size.

Photo: David Harding

Conceived as a belt-and-braces cruiser, the Kraken 50 launched last year. Its unique points lie underwater in the guise of a full skeg-hung rudder and so-called ‘Zero Keel’, an encapsulated long keel with lead ballast.

Kraken Yachts is the brainchild of British businessman and highly experienced cruiser Dick Beaumont, who is adamant that safety should be foremost in cruising yacht design and build. “There is no such thing as ‘one yacht for all purposes’… You cannot have the best of all worlds, whatever the salesman tells you,” he says.

Read our full review of the Kraken 50 .

Wauquiez Centurion 57

Few yachts can claim to be both an exciting Med-style design and a serious and practical northern European offshore cruiser, but the Wauquiez Centurion 57 tries to blend both. She slightly misses if you judge solely by either criterion, but is pretty and practical enough to suit her purpose.

A very pleasant, well-considered yacht, she is impressively built and finished with a warm and comfortable interior. More versatile than radical, she could be used for sailing across the Atlantic in comfort and raced with equal enjoyment at Antigua Sailing Week .

A modern classic if ever there was one. A medium to heavy displacement yacht, stiff and easily capable of standing up to her canvas. Pretty, traditional lines and layout below.

Photo: Voyage of Swell

Well-proven US legacy design dating back to the mid-1960s that once conquered the Transpac Race . Still admired as pretty, with slight spoon bow and overhanging transom.

Capable medium displacement cruiser, ideal size and good accommodation for couples or family cruising, and much less costly than similar luxury brands.

Photo: Peter Szamer

Swedish-built aft cockpit cruiser, smaller than many here, but a well-built and finished, super-durable pocket ocean cruiser.

Tartan 3700

Designed as a performance cruiser there are nimbler alternatives now, but this is still an extremely pretty yacht.

Broker ’ s choice

Discovery 55 Brizo

This yacht has already circumnavigated the globe and is ‘prepared for her next adventure,’ says broker Berthon. Price: £535,000 + VAT

Oyster 575 Ayesha

‘Stunning, and perfectly equipped for bluewater cruising,’ says broker Ancasta International. Price: £845,000 (tax not paid)

Oyster 575 Pearls of Nautilus

Nearly new and with a high spec, this Oyster Brokerage yacht features American white oak joinery and white leather upholstery and has a shoal draught keel. Price: $1.49m

Best bluewater yachts for performance

The Frers-designed Swan 54 may not be the newest hull shape but heralded Swan’s latest generation of displacement bluewater cruisers when launched four years ago. With raked stem, deep V hull form, lower freeboard and slight curve to the topsides she has a more timeless aesthetic than many modern slab-sided high volume yachts, and with that a seakindly motion in waves. If you plan to cover many miles to weather, this is probably the yacht you want to be on.

Photo: Carlo Borlenghi

Besides Swan’s superlative build quality, the 54 brings many true bluewater features, including a dedicated sail locker. There’s also a cockpit locker that functions as a utility cabin, with potential to hold your generator and washing machine, or be a workshop space.

The sloping transom opens out to reveal a 2.5m bathing platform, and although the cabins are not huge there is copious stowage space. Down below the top-notch oak joinery is well thought through with deep fiddles, and there is a substantial nav station. But the Swan 54 wins for handling above all, with well laid-out sail controls that can be easily managed between a couple, while offering real sailing enjoyment to the helmsman.

Photo: Graham Snook

The Performance Cruiser winner at the 2019 European Yacht of the Year awards, the Arcona 435 is all about the sailing experience. She has genuine potential as a cruiser-racer, but her strengths are as an enjoyable cruiser rather than a full-blown liveaboard bluewater boat.

Build quality is excellent, there is the option of a carbon hull and deck, and elegant lines and a plumb bow give the Arcona 435 good looks as well as excellent performance in light airs. Besides slick sail handling systems, there are well thought-out features for cruising, such as ample built-in rope bins and an optional semi-closed stern with stowage and swim platform.

Outremer 51

If you want the space and stability of a cat but still prioritise sailing performance, Outremer has built a reputation on building catamarans with true bluewater characteristics that have cruised the planet for the past 30 years.

Lighter and slimmer-hulled than most cruising cats, the Outremer 51 is all about sailing at faster speeds, more easily. The lower volume hulls and higher bridgedeck make for a better motion in waves, while owners report that being able to maintain a decent pace even under reduced canvas makes for stress-free passages. Deep daggerboards also give good upwind performance.

With bucket seats and tiller steering options, the Outremer 51 rewards sailors who want to spend time steering, while they’re famously well set up for handling with one person on deck. The compromise comes with the interior space – even with a relatively minimalist style, there is less cabin space and stowage volume than on the bulkier cats, but the Outremer 51 still packs in plenty of practical features.

The Xc45 was the first cruising yacht X-Yachts ever built, and designed to give the same X-Yachts sailing experience for sailors who’d spent years racing 30/40-footer X- and IMX designs, but in a cruising package.

Launched over 10 years ago, the Xc45 has been revisited a few times to increase the stowage and modernise some of the styling, but the key features remain the same, including substantial tanks set low for a low centre of gravity, and X-Yachts’ trademark steel keel grid structure. She has fairly traditional styling and layout, matched with solid build quality.

A soft bilge and V-shaped hull gives a kindly motion in waves, and the cockpit is secure, if narrow by modern standards.

A three or four cabin catamaran that’s fleet of foot with high bridgedeck clearance for comfortable motion at sea. With tall daggerboards and carbon construction in some high load areas, Catana cats are light and quick to accelerate.

Sweden Yachts 45

An established bluewater design that also features in plenty of offshore races. Some examples are specced with carbon rig and retractable bowsprits. All have a self-tacking jib for ease. Expect sweeping areas of teak above decks and a traditionally wooded interior with hanging wet locker.

A vintage performer, first launched in 1981, the 51 was the first Frers-designed Swan and marked a new era of iconic cruiser-racers. Some 36 of the Swan 51 were built, many still actively racing and cruising nearly 40 years on. Classic lines and a split cockpit make this a boat for helming, not sunbathing.

Photo: Julien Girardot / EYOTY

The JPK 45 comes from a French racing stable, combining race-winning design heritage with cruising amenities. What you see is what you get – there are no superfluous headliners or floorboards, but there are plenty of ocean sailing details, like inboard winches for safe trimming. The JPK 45 also has a brilliantly designed cockpit with an optional doghouse creating all-weather shelter, twin wheels and superb clutch and rope bin arrangement.

Photo: Andreas Lindlahr

For sailors who don’t mind exchanging a few creature comforts for downwind planing performance, the Pogo 50 offers double-digit surfing speeds for exhilarating tradewind sailing. There’s an open transom, tiller steering and no backstay or runners. The Pogo 50 also has a swing keel, to nose into shallow anchorages.

Seawind 1600

Seawinds are relatively unknown in Europe, but these bluewater cats are very popular in Australia. As would be expected from a Reichel-Pugh design, this 52-footer combines striking good looks and high performance, with fine entry bows and comparatively low freeboard. Rudders are foam cored lifting designs in cassettes, which offer straightforward access in case of repairs, while daggerboards are housed under the deck.

Best bluewater sailboats for families

It’s unsurprising that, for many families, it’s a catamaran that meets their requirements best of increased space – both living space and separate cabins for privacy-seeking teenagers, additional crew or visiting family – as well as stable and predictable handling.

Photo: Nicholas Claris

Undoubtedly one of the biggest success stories has been the Lagoon 450, which, together with boats like the Fountaine Pajot 44, helped drive up the popularity of catamaran cruising by making it affordable and accessible. They have sold in huge numbers – over 1,000 Lagoon 450s have been built since its launch in 2010.

The VPLP-designed 450 was originally launched with a flybridge with a near central helming position and upper level lounging areas (450F). The later ‘sport top’ option (450S) offered a starboard helm station and lower boom (and hence lower centre of gravity for reduced pitching). The 450S also gained a hull chine to create additional volume above the waterline. The Lagoon features forward lounging and aft cockpit areas for additional outdoor living space.

Besides being a big hit among charter operators, Lagoons have proven themselves over thousands of bluewater miles – there were seven Lagoon 450s in last year’s ARC alone. In what remains a competitive sector of the market, Lagoon has recently launched a new 46, with a larger self-tacking jib and mast moved aft, and more lounging areas.

Photo: Gilles Martin-Raget

Fountaine Pajot Helia 44

The FP Helia 44 is lighter, lower volume, and has a lower freeboard than the Lagoon, weighing in at 10.8 tonnes unloaded (compared to 15 for the 450). The helm station is on a mezzanine level two steps up from the bridgedeck, with a bench seat behind. A later ‘Evolution’ version was designed for liveaboard cruisers, featuring beefed up dinghy davits and an improved saloon space.

Available in three or four cabin layouts, the Helia 44 was also popular with charter owners as well as families. The new 45 promises additional volume, and an optional hydraulically lowered ‘beach club’ swim platform.

Photo: Arnaud De Buyzer / graphikup.com

The French RM 1370 might be less well known than the big brand names, but offers something a little bit different for anyone who wants a relatively voluminous cruising yacht. Designed by Marc Lombard, and beautifully built from plywood/epoxy, the RM is stiff and responsive, and sails superbly.

The RM yachts have a more individual look – in part down to the painted finish, which encourages many owners to personalise their yachts, but also thanks to their distinctive lines with reverse sheer and dreadnought bow. The cockpit is well laid out with the primary winches inboard for a secure trimming position. The interior is light, airy and modern, although the open transom won’t appeal to everyone.

For those wanting a monohull, the Hanse 575 hits a similar sweet spot to the popular multis, maximising accommodation for a realistic price, yet with responsive performance.

The Hanse offers a vast amount of living space thanks to the ‘loft design’ concept of having all the living areas on a single level, which gives a real feeling of spaciousness with no raised saloon or steps to accommodation. The trade-off for such lofty head height is a substantial freeboard – it towers above the pontoon, while, below, a stepladder is provided to reach some hatches.

Galley options include drawer fridge-freezers, microwave and coffee machine, and the full size nav station can double up as an office or study space.

But while the Hanse 575 is a seriously large boat, its popularity is also down to the fact that it is genuinely able to be handled by a couple. It was innovative in its deck layout: with a self-tacking jib and mainsheet winches immediately to hand next to the helm, one person could both steer and trim.

Direct steering gives a feeling of control and some tangible sailing fun, while the waterline length makes for rapid passage times. In 2016 the German yard launched the newer Hanse 588 model, having already sold 175 of the 575s in just four years.

Photo: Bertel Kolthof

Jeanneau 54

Jeanneau leads the way among production builders for versatile all-rounder yachts that balance sail performance and handling, ergonomics, liveaboard functionality and good looks. The Jeanneau 54 , part of the range designed by Philippe Briand with interior by Andrew Winch, melds the best of the larger and smaller models and is available in a vast array of layout options from two cabins/two heads right up to five cabins and three heads.

We’ve tested the Jeanneau 54 in a gale and very light winds, and it acquitted itself handsomely in both extremes. The primary and mainsheet winches are to hand next to the wheel, and the cockpit is spacious, protected and child-friendly. An electric folding swim and sun deck makes for quick fun in the water.

Nautitech Open 46

This was the first Nautitech catamaran to be built under the ownership of Bavaria, designed with an open-plan bridgedeck and cockpit for free-flowing living space. But with good pace for eating up bluewater miles, and aft twin helms rather than a flybridge, the Nautitech Open 46 also appeals to monohull sailors who prefer a more direct sailing experience.

Made by Robertson and Caine, who produce catamarans under a dual identity as both Leopard and the Sunsail/Moorings charter cats, the Leopard 45 is set to be another big seller. Reflecting its charter DNA, the Leopard 45 is voluminous, with stepped hulls for reduced waterline, and a separate forward cockpit.

Built in South Africa, they are robustly tested off the Cape and constructed ruggedly enough to handle heavy weather sailing as well as the demands of chartering.

Photo: Olivier Blanchet

If space is king then three hulls might be even better than two. The Neel 51 is rare as a cruising trimaran with enough space for proper liveaboard sailing. The galley and saloon are in the large central hull, together with an owner’s cabin on one level for a unique sensation of living above the water. Guest or family cabins lie in the outer hulls for privacy and there is a cavernous full height engine room under the cabin sole.

Performance is notably higher than an equivalent cruising cat, particularly in light winds, with a single rudder giving a truly direct feel in the helm, although manoeuvring a 50ft trimaran may daunt many sailors.

Beneteau Oceanis 46.1

A brilliant new model from Beneteau, this Finot Conq design has a modern stepped hull, which offers exhilarating and confidence-inspiring handling in big breezes, and slippery performance in lighter winds.

The Beneteau Oceanis 46.1 was the standout performer at this year’s European Yacht of the Year awards, and, in replacing the popular Oceanis 45, looks set to be another bestseller. Interior space is well used with a double island berth in the forepeak. An additional inboard unit creates a secure galley area, but tank capacity is moderate for long periods aboard.

Beneteau Oceanis 473

A popular model that offers beam and height in a functional layout, although, as with many boats of this age (she was launched in 2002), the mainsheet is not within reach of the helmsman.

Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 49

The Philippe Briand-designed Sun Odyssey range has a solid reputation as family production cruisers. Like the 473, the Sun Odyssey 49 was popular for charter so there are plenty of four-cabin models on the market.

Nautitech 441

The hull design dates back to 1995, but was relaunched in 2012. Though the saloon interior has dated, the 441 has solid practical features, such as a rainwater run-off collection gutter around the coachroof.

Atlantic 42

Chris White-designed cats feature a pilothouse and forward waist-high working cockpit with helm position, as well as an inside wheel at the nav station. The Atlantic 42 offers limited accommodation by modern cat standards but a very different sailing experience.

Best bluewater sailing yachts for expeditions

Bestevaer 56.

All of the yachts in our ‘expedition’ category are aluminium-hulled designs suitable for high latitude sailing, and all are exceptional yachts. But the Bestevaer 56 is a spectacular amount of boat to take on a true adventure. Each Bestevaer is a near-custom build with plenty of bespoke options for owners to customise the layout and where they fall on the scale of rugged off-grid adventurer to 4×4-style luxury fit out.

The Bestevaer range began when renowned naval architect Gerard Dijkstra chose to design his own personal yacht for liveaboard adventure cruising, a 53-footer. The concept drew plenty of interest from bluewater sailors wanting to make longer expeditions and Bestevaers are now available in a range of sizes, with the 56-footer proving a popular mid-range length.

The well-known Bestevaer 56 Tranquilo  (pictured above) has a deep, secure cockpit, voluminous tanks (700lt water and over 1,100lt fuel) and a lifting keel plus water ballast, with classically styled teak clad decks and pilot house. Other owners have opted for functional bare aluminium hull and deck, some choose a doghouse and others a pilothouse.

Photo: Jean-Marie Liot

The Boreal 52 also offers Land Rover-esque practicality, with utilitarian bare aluminium hulls and a distinctive double-level doghouse/coachroof arrangement for added protection in all weathers. The cockpit is clean and uncluttered, thanks to the mainsheet position on top of the doghouse, although for visibility in close manoeuvring the helmsman will want to step up onto the aft deck.

Twin daggerboards, a lifting centreboard and long skeg on which she can settle make this a true go-anywhere expedition yacht. The metres of chain required for adventurous anchoring is stowed in a special locker by the mast to keep the weight central. Down below has been thought through with equally practical touches, including plenty of bracing points and lighting that switches on to red light first to protect your night vision.

Photo: Morris Adant / Garcia Yachts

Garcia Exploration 45

The Garcia Exploration 45 comes with real experience behind her – she was created in association with Jimmy Cornell, based on his many hundreds of thousands of miles of bluewater cruising, to go anywhere from high latitudes to the tropics.

Arguably less of a looker than the Bestevaer, the Garcia Exploration 45 features a rounded aluminium hull, centreboard with deep skeg and twin daggerboards. The considerable anchor chain weight has again been brought aft, this time via a special conduit to a watertight locker in front of the centreboard.

This is a yacht designed to be lived on for extended periods with ample storage, and panoramic portlights to give a near 360° view of whichever extraordinary landscape you are exploring. Safety features include a watertight companionway door to keep extreme weather out and through-hull fittings placed above the waterline. When former Vendée Globe skipper Pete Goss went cruising , this was the boat he chose to do it in.

Photo: svnaima.com

A truly well-proven expedition design, some 1,500 Ovnis have been built and many sailed to some of the most far-flung corners of the world. (Jimmy Cornell sailed his Aventura some 30,000 miles, including two Drake Passage crossings, one in 50 knots of wind).

Futuna Exploration 54

Another aluminium design with a swinging centreboard and a solid enclosed pilothouse with protected cockpit area. There’s a chunky bowsprit and substantial transom arch to house all manner of electronics and power generation.

Previous boats have been spec’d for North West Passage crossings with additional heating and engine power, although there’s a carbon rig option for those that want a touch of the black stuff. The tanks are capacious, with 1,000lt capability for both fresh water and fuel.

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Finding the Best Family Boat for Getting Out There

Are you looking for the best family boat for adventures? Family boats are like any other type of boat–they must be picked based on careful selection and with your purpose clearly in mind.

The best boats for family and fishing may differ from the best for sandbar hopping or offshore sailing. So before you dive into it, call a family meeting and start making your pros and cons list. What sort of boating do you want to be doing, and where do you want to go?

Here’s a look at the best boats for families, plus some of the things you’ll want to keep an eye out for.

Table of Contents

Pontoon boats — the classic family lake boat, offshore center console — best boat for family and fishing, cruising power boats — good family boats, cruising sail — cheapest family boat, offshore bluewater sail — best family boats for long distance cruising, activity focus, boating location, living space, layout, and privacy, is there an affordable family boat, boat for families faqs, top best boats for families by type.

Here are five ideas for family boats by type, with some manufacturers to research further. Links are included to manufacturers’ websites, but check out the current brokerage listings on Yachtworld to get a feel for what fits your budget.

Note that the list of family boats below points you toward a type of boat, not necessarily a specific make and model. The truth of the matter is that boat shopping is hard. Two boats that look very similar may be completely different and created to serve completely different purposes.

Here’s an example. Most boat cabins have multiple layout options from the manufacturer. Unless you’re buying new, you will not have your choice of layout. Instead, you’re limited to the boats available for sale at the place and time that you’re in the market for one.

You might be able to wait a while and be willing to travel a little, but you just might never find a Beneteau 423 with the four-cabin layout (or whatever your dream boat is). Most boaters quickly realize that every boat is a compromise, and the purchasing process is no different. Maybe the three-cabin Catalina for sale at your marina will suit, after all?

A pontoon boat has a ton of advantages for a big family. Even the smallest ones–less than 20 feet long–will have room for eight or ten people. They’re basically a floating patio, with comfortable chairs lining all sides.

The disadvantage is that they are only a patio–no interior cabin. They carry a lot of people, but they are only comfortable for a few hours on the water.

But their low freeboard and top-heavy design also make them inappropriate for open-water cruising on the ocean. Most pontoon boats are for smooth water cruising on nice days, usually on lakes or protected near-shore waters. In these areas, pontoons are the right boat for most people since they can double as fish and ski boats for the kids, too.

However, if you stay away from big seas and watch the weather, pontoon boats can go to most places you want to explore. And most can easily be trailered if you want to store the boat at home or take the boat with you on vacation.

Brands to check out include Sun Tracker , Manitou , Sylvan , Bennington , and Lowe .

Deck boats are an interesting alternative to pontoon boats. These vessels are popular in coastal areas where you can venture offshore on nice days. They have fiberglass hulls below and an open deck like a pontoon boat above. Another step up is the bowrider or sport boat, with either inboard, sterndrive, or outboard motors .

Hurricane makes a popular deck boat. Other bowrider sport boats with similar styling include Tahoe , Yamaha , Bayliner , Four Winns , or Sea Ray .

If you’re looking for a pontoon boat with a bathroom and a full cabin, a houseboat is your best bet. These mansions on the water are basically RVs built onto a pontoon hull. They’re great as weekend retreats or full-time liveaboards, and they have plenty of space for the whole family.

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If you want to take your family offshore for fishing, diving, swimming, or just sandbar hopping, then a center console boat is best for you. These are fiberglass boats with open decks and a central helm location. They’re one of the most versatile boats you can buy, and they make a great starter boat for folks in coastal areas.

Larger center consoles have a small cabin, toilet, and space to change below. But, like pontoon boats, center consoles aren’t usually the type of boat you stay on. Instead, they’re meant to get you from Point A to B or hang out on the water for a few hours and come home.

These boats first became popular with fishermen because the center console allows an angler to walk all the way around the boat’s perimeter with a fish on the line. But all that space makes it easy for a large group of people to walk around, too, even on smaller boats.

Four people can usually maneuver easily on a 20 to 24-foot model. If you want to hold eight or ten people, you’ll need a 30-foot or longer model. These boats require more power due to their weight and design than pontoon or deck boats, so they will be more expensive to operate.

Brands to check out include Grady White , Boston Whaler , EdgeWater , Mako , Contender , Parker , Pursuit , Everglades , and Scout .

If you live in areas with colder months, consider a similar hull with a small cabin built forward. This pilothouse, or “sport cabin,” will keep you warm in the winter and extend your boating season. Many of these companies also make a dual console model, which combines the layout of a deck boat bowrider with the seaworthy hull of a center console.

Finding a cruising power boat that the entire family can stay aboard is challenging. The boat that best fits the bill is a classic trawler in the 45 to 50-foot range. These boats have enormous cabin space that is comparable to a condo. You’ll usually get two or three staterooms plus room to put people in the salon.

Trawlers are stable, seaworthy vessels built to make long passages. Many great examples were built in the 1970s and 1980s by companies in Taiwan. Brands to check out include DeFever , Island Gypsy , and Mainship . New options to look at include the Beneteau Swift Trawler line and the classic Grand Banks .

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If you want a boat that can go faster, plenty of cruisers out there will also fit the bill. These boats are sleeker, with more powerful engines that can push the boat up on plane. Their interiors will be a bit more cramped when compared to a trawler of the same size, though, because the planing hull has less living space.

Brands to check out include Sea Rays , Cruisers Yachts , Regal , Carver , and Tiara .

The biggest disadvantage of this type of boat is the cost. They are more expensive to purchase and offer less space for big families than other types. In other words, if you like this type of boat, be ready to pull out your wallet–for the purchase, the fuel bills, and the maintenance.

But this category is expansive. It includes everything from small 32-foot trawlers to 100-plus-foot motor yachts. Just set your budget and then find one that your family finds comfortable.

If you want more staterooms and privacy for a large group, power catamarans are great options. Check out brands like Manta , Endeavor Trawlercat , Leopard , and Fountaine Pajot .

Sailboats actually have a few advantages for big families. But, of course, those advantages are only helpful to you if you want to go sailing!

While nearly all sailboats have engines, they don’t make good power boats and will always be slow. People choose to live on a sailboat because they love to sail–to move silently through the water by only the power of the wind.

For their length, sailboats can carry a lot of people. The fact that they don’t need to cut down on weight to go fast means they can carry a load.

Secondly, used sailboats can be obtained cheaply. Don’t get us wrong–all boats are expensive in their way. But there are tons of old sailboats out there, making them hard to sell and cheap to buy. If you have some DIY skills and want a project, it’s not hard to find free or nearly-free sailboats in any boatyard in the world.

Plus, sailboats are generally much less expensive to operate and store than power boats. Their systems are basic, and they are less likely to be loaded with fancy equipment you don’t really need. And when you pull up to the gas pump, filling a 20-gallon sailboat tank is much less painful than filling a 200-gallon powerboat tank.

If you read the literature from the manufacturers, even the smallest sailboat size will sleep six or eight people. This usually relies on packing people into every space and converting setee sofas into bunks. But the truth is, if you compare the cabin of a 30-foot sailboat to a 30-foot power cruiser, the sailboat will have more space down below to move around.

Sailboats are divided into as many different types as powerboats are. Check out our guide on the 25 best sailboat and catamaran manufacturers by type for a comprehensive list of options

The best starting place is a classic near-shore monohull design. Manufacturers to look at include Beneteau , Jeanneau , Catalina , and Hunter .

There are also a ton of makers that are no longer in business, but there are still many used examples on the market. Check out Islander, Ericson, Alberg, Bristol, Pearson, Cal, Morgan, and many more. Sailboatlistings.com is a great resource for searching older FSBO sailboat listings.

The primary difference between near-shore and offshore or “bluewater” cruising sailboats is their build quality. They’re far less likely to be “production” boats built en masse and more likely to be custom or semi-custom designs outfitted to the original owner’s specifications.

This isn’t to say that the brands mentioned above don’t make bluewater boats. On the contrary, their larger models can and have gone everywhere–but they will require extensive outfitting to bring them up to offshore safety standards, even if they are brand-new out of the factory.

If you’ve got a big family–more than six people who want to sail together full-time–then you’ll be shopping for this type of boat. Basically, it includes monohulls above 50 feet long and catamarans more than 42 feet long or so.

A used bluewater boat is also more likely to have a full kit of cruising gear. It will certainly have a sailboat auto pilot or wind vane. There’s probably also space for a dinghy, renewable energy sources like wind or solar power, a liferaft, and extra safety features.

In this category, one type of sailboat stands out as the best for big families–the sailing catamaran. If you’re confused about which is better for you, monohulls or catamarans here’s a great video that weighs the pros and cons. This video is also a great place to start if you ponder a full-time liveaboard lifestyle and wonder what things you should consider.

What Type of Family Boat is Right for You?

Picking any boat is tough, so how do you narrow things down and pick the one that’s right to get your family boating?

Here’s a look at some of the most important criteria for your family. Of course, everyone’s needs will be a little different, but here are some things to consider when taking the whole family.

• Activity focus
• Boating location
• Living space, layout, and privacy
• Tankage capacity (water and waste)

This list is not all-inclusive. Countless factors go into any boat purchase. These are just a few things that may be specifically unique to families. And remember, there’s no perfect boat, no matter what the dealer tries to tell you!

All boat purchases come down to finding the boat which will best accomplish your mission. Boats are tools designed to meet a specific need. No boat does everything well, and very few suit a boater for the long term. Missions change, and our focus shifts to different sizes and types of vessels.

With that in mind, keep your focus clear. What do you want to do with the boat, and with whom? How often will you have that many people onboard?

One mistake many people make is believing they will have family visiting them all the time. If the boat is mostly for two of you with occasional guests, you aren’t shopping for a family boat. You just need a simple guest cabin.

Boats are built to navigate certain types of water and weather conditions. If you’re navigating in protected waters and fair weather only, don’t fall in love with an offshore passage-making sailboat.

This comes back to the mission. Are you spending weekends on the bay or years crossing oceans? Everyone wants a bluewater boat, but fewer than one percent of boat owners need one. So take the money you want to spend on that “bluewater baby” and get yourself a larger, better-appointed coastal cruiser.

Look around in your area to find the types of boats that are popular. For example, do power boats have pilot houses for winter use, or are pontoon boats more common? Do the sailors prefer sturdy offshore designs, or are centerboards and open decks more common?

Before diving into how many chairs and berths, it has, ensure the layout works. Layouts vary considerably, and getting a feel for the actual space requires going on board. This is as true for a simple pontoon boat as it is for an offshore trawler or sailboat.

Visit the boat dealer, meet a yacht broker, or go to a boat show. Find a make and model you love, and then join the owner’s forum on Facebook. See if any local owners will show you around.

It’s really important to find some real boats to get aboard and bring everyone with you. Can you all move around? How many people can cook in the galley? How many people can sit outside? Can anyone get any privacy?

One final thought about the layout–pay lots of attention to storage. If you want to spend time onboard with your whole family, you’ll need places to put everyone’s stuff. Think clothes, toiletries, food and provisions, drinks, and everything else.

This is one area where many designs fall flat. It’s all well and good to convert your setee into a double berth, but without a stateroom, you’ll be shuffling blankets and clothes just to have a meal. There’s a huge difference between functional living space and how many people can lie down in a space.

Finally, if you want to be at anchor and away from a dock, you’ll need to be able to carry enough water for everyone. For a few days, it’s easy to skimp. But, for longer trips, your tanks will need to hold an amount sufficient for everything you’ll use–from cooking, doing dishes, and washing up to showering and drinking.

And what goes in must come out. So remember to ensure your holding tank is big enough for everyone using the head! Many boats, especially smaller cruising boats, have holding tanks that are 20 gallons or less. This will need to be emptied every few days if the boat has four or more people on board, which means getting back to the marina more often than you might like.

As you can see, there’s a huge variation in the types of boats that a family could enjoy. It all comes back to what you want to do–enjoy days on the sandbar, offshore fishing adventures, or long-distance sailing voyaging?

Whatever your answer is, it never hurts to do a trial run. Start small and inexpensive before taking the dive in. If you can, take your family on a charter boat vacation to try out the lifestyle. The more trials and research you can do together as a family, your ultimate choice will be better suited.

Here’s a great resource if your eyes are set on cruising and looking to take your kids. Voyaging with Kids is the perfect reference for anyone looking to take the leap, including what to look for in the boat and why to keep your family safe and entertained along the way.

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To learn more about other boats before choosing, check out:

• Catamaran vs Pontoon
• Yacht vs Sailboat

And if nothing is quite right, consider building a houseboat to suit your needs!

What kind of boat is the best for a family?

It entirely depends on the size of your family and the boating you want to do. A ski boat would be best if you want to go wakeboarding on the lake. A pontoon may suit you if you’re looking for a multipurpose platform on the lake or bay. If you want to sail around the world, you want to look at large cruising sailboats.

What is the best boat for the money?

The answer is a broad one–the best boat for the money is the one that suits the mission you want to accomplish.

In other words, every boater will have a different answer for what the best boat for the money is. The sailor will pick their favorite type of sailboat, whether racer, coastal cruiser, or world traveler. The power boater will select their favorite slow trawler or 100-mph racer.

What is the safest boat to buy?

Safety at sea has far more to do with the seamanship of the skipper at the helm than the type of boat. So long as the vessel is appropriate for the weather and sea conditions, there isn’t one type of boat that is any safer than another. Instead, safety is much more about the choices made regarding operating the boat and the weather conditions you set out in.

What kind of boat fits 10 people?

For their length, a pontoon boat is the best boat to carry many people. Even a small pontoon boat can carry ten people with its wide-open deck space. The downside is that pontoon boats are limited to short day trips on lakes or calm, near-shore waters.

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.

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40 Best Sailboats

• By Cruising World Editors
• Updated: April 18, 2019

Sailors are certainly passionate about their boats, and if you doubt that bold statement, try posting an article dubbed “ 40 Best Sailboats ” and see what happens.

Barely had the list gone live, when one reader responded, “Where do I begin? So many glaring omissions!” Like scores of others, he listed a number of sailboats and brands that we were too stupid to think of, but unlike some, he did sign off on a somewhat upbeat note: “If it weren’t for the presence of the Bermuda 40 in Cruising World’s list, I wouldn’t even have bothered to vote.”

By vote, he means that he, like hundreds of other readers, took the time to click through to an accompanying page where we asked you to help us reshuffle our alphabetical listing of noteworthy production sailboats so that we could rank them instead by popularity. So we ask you to keep in mind that this list of the best sailboats was created by our readers.

The quest to building this list all began with such a simple question, one that’s probably been posed at one time or another in any bar where sailors meet to raise a glass or two: If you had to pick, what’re the best sailboats ever built?

In no time, a dozen or more from a variety of sailboat manufacturers were on the table and the debate was on. And so, having fun with it, we decided to put the same question to a handful of CW ‘s friends: writers and sailors and designers and builders whose opinions we value. Their favorites poured in and soon an inkling of a list began to take shape. To corral things a bit and avoid going all the way back to Joshua Slocum and his venerable Spray —Hell, to Noah and his infamous Ark —we decided to focus our concentration on production monohull sailboats, which literally opened up the sport to anyone who wanted to get out on the water. And since CW is on the verge or turning 40, we decided that would be a nice round number at which to draw the line and usher in our coming ruby anniversary.

If you enjoy scrolling through this list, which includes all types of sailboats, then perhaps you would also be interested in browsing our list of the Best Cruising Sailboats . Check it out and, of course, feel free to add your favorite boat, too. Here at Cruising World , we like nothing better than talking about boats, and it turns out, so do you.

40. Moore 24

39. pearson vanguard, 38. dufour arpege 30, 37. alerion express 28, 36. mason 43/44, 35. jeanneau sun odyssey 43ds, 34. nor’sea 27, 33. freedom 40, 32. beneteau sense 50, 31. nonsuch 30, 30. swan 44, 29. c&c landfall 38, 28. gulfstar 50, 27. sabre 36, 26. pearson triton, 25. islander 36, 24. gozzard 36, 23. bristol 40, 22. tartan 34, 21. morgan out island 41, 20. hylas 49, 19. contessa 26, 18. whitby 42, 17. columbia 50, 16. morris 36, 15. hunter 356, 13. beneteau 423, 12. westsail 32, 10. alberg 30, 9. island packet 38, 8. passport 40, 7. tayana 37, 6. peterson 44, 5. pacific seacraft 37, 4. hallberg-rassy 42, 3. catalina 30, 2. hinckley bermuda 40, 1. valiant 40.

• More: monohull , Sailboats
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16 Best Cruising Catamarans for a Family (Buyer’s Guide)

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Many dream of a life on the water, and the only way to make that dream even better is to bring the ones you love. When choosing a catamaran for you and your family, you’ll want to look for something with large living areas. that is very safe and well suited for your type of sailing. But where do you begin?

The 16 best cruising catamarans for a family are:

Fountaine Pajot Astrea 42

Fountaine pajot helia 44, hudson powercat 56.

• Lagoon Sixty7

Leopard 53 Powercat

Nautitech 47 power, outremer 5x, privilege signature 510, seawind 1600, fountaine pajot victoria 67.

In the rest of this article, I will give you details on each of the best brands and models of family-sized catamarans and discuss why each one is ideal for family cruising. In addition, I will discuss what to look for in a family catamaran and what factors to consider before buying a cruising boat. 

Best Catamarans for Family Cruising: Buyer’s Guide

Catamarans are motor or wind-powered boats set apart by their build structure: they have two hulls instead of one. This design choice makes the boats more stable and secure in windy and rough conditions and reduces the boat’s rocking. 

Great for long or short cruises with your family, and the best catamarans all have one thing in common: the quality of the build. Each of the brands on this list has mastered the art of building durable and safe catamarans that stand up to years on the water. 

All of the boats in this article would be ideal for a family cruiser – it just depends on what you and your family need individually – as some specifications and customizations differ per boat. 

Below, I’ll go over a few key points that will make all the difference to you and your family for cruising in comfort. 

What To Look For in a Family Catamaran

If you’re looking at a catamaran specifically for cruising with your family, be prepared to do a lot of research. It’s a significant investment, and to ensure you buy a boat that fits your family’s specific needs, try and consider all of the factors that change with each brand and performance make of catamaran . 

As you look around, be sure to pay extra attention to:

• The number of cabins
• The overall size and space available
• The price, including any extras

The Number of Cabins

The amount of cabins in a catamaran is a vital part of sailing as a family. Most cats offer at least four cabins, but if you have a larger family and everyone needs their own room, you might want to buy a larger boat with up to six cabins. 

Many catamarans also offer the “Maestro” option, where one hull consists of the master suite and the rest of the cabins are together on the other side. This provides an added level of privacy in what is usually a smaller space than your average holiday home.  

Cabin layout is also crucial for a family sailing together. Some catamarans have multiple cabins and a loft, but most are just a set amount of rooms. 

Where they are in relation to the galley and lounge areas is essential to know and varies based on brand and model. 

The Overall Size and Space Available

Ideally, you want enough space to house and feed everyone comfortably on your journey. This will vary depending on the size of your family, which size catamaran you buy, and how that brand prioritizes cargo and living space over other things. 

When traveling with family for longer cruises, having ample space will necessitate a comfortable trip – too small a space might lead to cabin fever and friction amongst the crew (a.k.a. familymembers).

Payload is also vital to pay attention to – if you overload a catamaran, it will ride lower in the water and won’t be as fuel or sail-efficient. Plan carefully what you will bring and how much space your particular boat will have available – and remember that there will be people on board as well! 

The Price, Including Any Extras

A catamaran is a considerable investment, and the price can be daunting. However, as long as you’re purchasing a yacht of good quality, you can go for a cheaper option. Many cats hold their resale value better than most other vessels, meaning you can expect to recoup most of your money should you choose to sell later. 

You can also reduce the upfront cost by opting out of certain luxuries. Though these additions may seem exciting and like must-haves, they soon add up. It’s up to you to decide on whether or not you can survive without TVs in every cabin.

And remember that everything thats on a boat will sooner or later either break or need maintenance so calculate that in your budget.

While catamarans will always be pretty expensive, you can reduce your up-front costs by buying a used boat. If you do buy a used catamaran, remember that the refit history of the ship is more important than the age or size. A smaller, older boat without many huge refits will be better than a larger, newer one with multiple issues. 

16 Best Catamarans for Family Cruising

Below you’ll find my recommendations for the 16 best cruising catamarans for a family. Although there are many technical aspects to each of these catamarans, there’s not enough time to discuss them all in detail here. 

Instead of talking too much about the sailing technicalities, I’ll focus on practicals, touching on the overall features of each catamaran and what makes them ideal for cruising with a family. 

Although Bali cruisers are more often used for charter boats, they have thrived in the hands of private owners. The helm and lack of a full flybridge lead to greater visibility and stability, making it easier to sail the boat in rougher conditions. There is also a platform running between the two hulls for extra accessibility. 

The Bali 4.1 is a relatively small ship for sailing with a family but still offers three to four cabins and a remarkably spacious master cabin. 

It has the extra interior volume and a spacious galley and saloon. This ship is created to sail in comfort while handling adverse weather conditions safely. 

From $395 000

At fifty feet (15.24 meters), the Catana 50 is an amazingly spacious catamaran. The cabins are large, and the showers are tall, a feature hard to find on any cruising boat. 

There’s enough space for everyone to have some storage and a bunk, and the Catana 50 can be sailed individually or with a crew. 

This catamaran was made for long distances, with its size and speed making the boat ideal for traveling through choppy or windy conditions. If you’re traveling with a family, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a more comfortable and powerful combination than the Catana 50. 

Fountaine Pajot is represented twice on this list, and for a good reason. They are one of the best brands in sailing boats and specialize in making catamarans for cruising and family life. 

The Astrea 42 was designed with a family in mind – the layout maximizes living and cargo space, even in a small boat. 

On the Astrea 42, the lounge is the heart of the boat, and windows surround the living space for fantastic ocean views. 

The cabins also have impressive space, with options for a master cabin suite on one hull and two smaller rooms on the other or four regular-sized cabins split between the hulls. 

Another Fountaine Pajot ship, the Helia 44, was made for long-distance journeying in comfort. There are several customizable options in this boat, including the number of cabins and the size of the galley. 

The version with the owner’s suite includes a separate shower and toilet, as well as laundry (a must for any family traveling long distances on a small boat). 

The Helia 44 is larger than the Astrea but more on par with its sister ship, the Fountaine Pajot Elba 45. The saloon is bigger than previous models, and the steerability of this yacht continues to impress. Fountaine Pajot’s dedication to quality comes through with the Helia 44. 

If you want to take your family on a trip in style and with speed, look no further than a Gunboat catamaran. 

Gunboat is famous for its fast boats and spacious cabins while not compromising on power and performance. With a Gunboat 68, you can take your entire family around the world comfortably.  

The Gunboat 68 is one of the newest members of the Gunboat lineup and is a large catamaran while still being lightweight. You have the option of anywhere from four to six cabins, all of which have been ergonomically and practically designed for comfort. 

The galley and lounge areas are also spacious, making this boat ideal for family living. 

The Hudson Powercat 56 is one of the few catamaran cruisers with as many outdoor living spaces as there are interior. There are multiple decks to relax on while sailing, including the large outdoor dining area on the boat’s flybridge, and you can choose between a completely covered, hardtop, or open flybridge and helm. 

Inside, the Hudson Powercat gives a sense of more space, with a standard of four cabins and a large galley. The galley features a full-size refrigerator and an excellent setup for cooking. 

This is an excellent power option for a family that likes the catamaran setup but are not as interested in the actual sailing.

The Lagoon brand of Catamarans is perfect for beginner sailors because each Lagoon boat is built with sophisticated technology to make it easy to pick up and sail. 

The Lagoon 440 has all the space a family could need, and most are also equipped with the newest electrical motor to power the boat without burning diesel. 

Lagoon is starting to offer more electric-powered boats, and this one doesn’t disappoint. The dual battery system works just as well as a diesel engine without an enormous carbon footprint. 

This catamaran is easy to use and incredibly eco-friendly, so you can take your family on long cruises without worrying about the adverse environmental effects. 

Lagoon Sixty7 Power or Seventy7 Sail

If you want a lagoon cruiser with even more space and luxury, the Lagoon features a luxury cabin setup and multiple smaller cabins for the kids. 

It has the same ease of use as the Lagoon 440, with almost twenty feet more living space. If you buy a new Lagoon, you can even customize your design style. 

The most exciting feature of the Lagoon is the cockpit lounge and access to the flybridge. The cockpit is entirely reversible, so you can face the sea or the lounge while sailing. It’s also effortless and safe to get to the flybridge from the cockpit, especially when you’re at sea. 

The Leopard 53 Powercat is one of the few power cruisers that are also (somewhat) environmentally friendly. Because of the design of the ship, it’s able to save fuel and travel longer distances. 

The three-cabin layout offers a master cabin with a full walk-around bed and extra storage space. 

The galley features domestic-sized equipment and a large dinette. You can eat inside or outside because the flybridge also has seating. 

This double-deck design makes for amazing views and lots of entertaining options. There’s plenty of space and comfort on board the Leopard 53 Powercat.

The Manta 42 consistently comes up as one of the best catamarans available. 

It’s slightly smaller than the other catamarans on this list but has spacious cabins (enormous thanks to the galley being in the saloon instead of the hulls). The layout of the Manta is ideal for family cruising, despite its smaller size. 

Another benefit of buying a Manta 42 is that you will almost certainly be able to buy it used. As long as you ensure that the boat’s refitting history is good, you can buy a sturdy ship with all of the previous owners’ upgrades. This process will save you money and get you an excellent cruiser! 

Nautitech is an excellent cruiser brand, and its power line delivers some of the fastest and most potent catamarans in the business. While these yachts are not as energy-efficient as some of their counterparts, they can make a journey shorter and more enjoyable with their speeds and engine capabilities. 

The saloon on the Nautitech 47 Power has a 360-degree view from large windows, and with four cabins and extra-large living spaces, you’ll be able to fit your entire family into this boat and still have room.

Outremer is a catamaran brand known for speed , as well as the comfort of life. 

The Outremer 5X is a huge boat measuring almost 60 feet (18.29 meters) long, with options for three or four cabins. The rest of the space is used for the lounge and living areas, the galley, and ample storage space. 

The Outremer 5X is an excellent boat for longer cruises with a smaller family or shorter trips with many people. The amount of deck space is perfect for outdoor dining and parties. 

Despite its size, the Outremer 5X is remarkably easy to handle and can easily be short handed. 

Made for long-distance traveling, the Privilege Signature 510 boasts a centered owner’s cabin for extra space and views from the master bedroom. There are also two hull cabins and a smaller crew cabin on board for the kids, which is ideal if you want some space between the primary and master cabins. 

This catamaran is one of the larger in its class, built for comfort and livability. The main living areas focus on space and light, making them ideal for family living. If you’re planning on living on a boat with your family, you can do no better than the Privilege Signature 510 for luxury and space. 

Prout catamarans are known for their sturdy and dependable frames. The company has built boats for long-distance cruising for years and is an expert in sailing ships’ comfort and safety. 

The Prout 50 is one of the lighter ships on the line and adds speed and seaworthiness to its dependability. Designed for sailing long distances, the Prout 50 offers excellent visibility and the option to sail single-handedly. 

It boasts four cabins and an enormous saloon with high-quality furniture. There’s a lot of space on this boat for a party, a short family outing, or to live in! 

The Seawind brand is known for its safety precautions and simple boats. While catamarans are very unlikely to capsize, Seawinds are exceptionally sturdy due to their mast configuration. 

These boats are incredibly easy to control and work well for new sailors, and the Seawind 1600 is no exception to this rule. 

At 52 feet (15.85 meters) long, this boat has lots of space for a family to live and sail. There is an option for three or four cabins, with the fourth held as storage on a three-cabin boat. 

The sleeping quarters take up most of the hull, leaving the galley and lounge areas in the ship’s center. 

Another large catamaran, the Victoria 67, will have plenty of space for long cruises with a family. Users are impressed by the amount of space and comfort available in this yacht, as well as the functionality for a boat of this size. 

The Victoria 67 features simple wiring and solar panels on deck to help maintain energy levels, and the flybridge and cabin options are massive – there are four extra double bed cabins on board with an owner’s suite. 

For ultimate comfort for a crowd, look no further than the massive and spacious Victoria 67. 

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready to leave land behind and hit the seas with your family, a catamaran is an excellent and safe choice of vessel. 

In any of these luxury yachts, you’ll be able to sail long distances with ample living space. Whichever one you choose, use it to get out there and enjoy the open seas! 

Owner of CatamaranFreedom.com. A minimalist that has lived in a caravan in Sweden, 35ft Monohull in the Bahamas, and right now in his self-built Van. He just started the next adventure, to circumnavigate the world on a Catamaran!

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The Top 7 Best Boats for Families

For every family member to join in and participate, however, you’ll naturally want to choose a type of boat that everyone can enjoy to the fullest potential.

Which is ideal for you and your family will depend on several factors: what type of boating does your family enjoy? How large does it need to be, and what accessories should it have? As you ask yourself these questions, remember that for most families, one of these seven boat types is likely ideal.  

Best Starter Boats for Families

• Cabin Cruisers
• Fish-and-Ski Boats
• Pontoon Boats
• Walkarounds

1. Bowriders

If joyrides across the lake or bay, towing water toys, swimming at the beach, and generally kicking back on the water sounds like good times to you and your kids, a bowrider may be your perfect choice. 

Bowriders are one of the most popular family boats, thanks to their high versatility, copious seating, and easy access to the water.

Bowriders are available in a vast range of sizes that match just about every budget, from small 16-foot runabouts to 30-plus-footers with every comfort feature imaginable ranging from enclosed head compartments (full bathrooms) to complete outdoor kitchens (though we call them galleys, on a boat). And while they may not be the ideal platform for activities like fishing or overnighting , bowriders can be used for just about any waterborne activity you can dream up.  

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2. Cabin Cruisers

Cabin cruisers are larger than many other boats and can cost quite a bit more. Still, they also expand your abilities to include adventures like visiting distant ports, weekending aboard, or even taking a family vacation on the water. They’re more or less like having a mobile home that floats, and most come with everything you need for adventures that last days at a time.

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3. Fish-and-Ski Boats

Fish-and-Ski boats are designed to be just what their name infers. They have all the essential accouterments you need to chase those finned critters in the morning, then enjoy water skiing, wakeboarding, and similar watersports in the afternoon.

Most have a layout similar to that of a bowrider, but with the addition of fishy features like livewells, rod holders, and an electric trolling motor, plus tow-sports goodies like a ski-tow pylon and ski lockers. 

Although some trade-offs must be made for a boat to be designed for multipurpose use (that livewell could be a drink cooler on a dedicated watersports boat, and that bow seating might be a casting deck on a boat meant purely for fishing). But on the whole, the fish-and-ski is perfect for families that want to participate in both activities.  

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4. Jet Boats

Though the range of available choices is a bit less expansive when it comes to jet boats, and jet propulsion tends to be slightly less efficient than more traditional choices, they have one perk that many family boaters love: there’s no propeller. 

Propeller injuries are exceedingly uncommon in any case, but the mere thought of doing away with the prop and instead propelling the boat with a powerful jet of water gives many parents invaluable peace of mind. Plus, jet boats have excellent handling, minimal draft, and all the other features and accessories found on runabouts.  

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5. Pontoon Boats

Pontoon boats are incredibly popular, and it’s no wonder why: the stable, comfortable platform they provide is ideal for kicking back and lounging on the water. But don’t think for a moment that today’s pontoons can’t be downright thrilling, too. 

Many come with potent engines that provide exciting performance and the ability to enjoy watersports. And while they may not be as apt at handling large waves as monohull boats, many of the larger pontoons and “ tritoons ” (boats with three pontoons instead of just two) are surprisingly capable in choppy waters.  

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6. Sailboats

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Plus, modern sailboats are available in all different sizes and comfort levels. Added bonus: since sailboats don’t require huge, powerful engines, compared to powerboats on a foot-to-foot basis, they generally cost significantly less.

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7. Walkarounds

Walkaround boats can be ideal for families that enjoy fishing and day cruising yet also want overnighting abilities. They usually have large, open aft cockpits where you can swing a rod or set a trolling spread, but the bow is enclosed and provides both sleeping accommodations and weather protection. 

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Conclusion: Consider One of These Family Boat Options 

In most cases, one of these seven boats will prove ideal for you and your water-loving family. Of course, there are other, more highly-specialized boats that you may find tempting. 

If bass fishing is your true love, bass boats will be impossible to beat. Speed demons will naturally gravitate toward high-performance boats . And if wakesurfing is your sport of choice, then getting a dedicated ski boat/wake boat may be in the future.

But in every case, remember one thing: find a boat that makes you and your loved ones happy, and spending time on the water will draw your family closer together—and that’s one thing we can guarantee.

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Editor’s Note:  This article was updated in January 2023.

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Home » Blog » Bluewater sailboats » The best bluewater sailboats (we analyzed 2,000 boats to find out)

The best bluewater sailboats (we analyzed 2,000 boats to find out)

By Author Fiona McGlynn

Posted on Last updated: May 16, 2023

We analyzed two-thousand bluewater sailboats to bring you a list of proven offshore designs

What are the best bluewater sailboats?

This was a question we asked a lot of experienced cruisers when we decided to sail across the Pacific. We needed a boat after all, and we wanted to buy the best bluewater sailboat we could afford.

We heard a lot of strong opinions.

Some sailors thought it was reckless to go offshore in any boat that didn’t have a full keel.

Others prioritized performance, and wouldn’t dream of going anywhere in a slow boat like the Westsail 32 (a.k.a. a “Wet Snail 32”).

Opinions like these left us feeling confused like we had to choose between safety and performance.  

If we learned anything from these conversations, it’s that what makes a bluewater boat is a hotly debated topic!

However, there’s a way to cut through all the opinions and get to the bottom of it. The solution is….

We analyzed just under 2,000 boats embarking on ocean crossings (over a 12 year time period) and came up with a list of the ten best bluewater sailboats.

Where did we get our data?

The data for our best bluewater sailboats list comes from 12 years of entries in the Pacific Puddle Jump (PPJ), an annual cross-Pacific rally. We took part in 2017 and had a ball!

You can read about the methodology we used to analyze this data at the bottom of the post.

What do we mean by “best”?

We know, that word is overused on the internet!

Simply, based on our data set, these were the most common makes and models entered in the PPJ cross-Pacific rally. There were at least 10 PPJ rally entries for every make of boat on our top 10 list.

So, these boats are 100% good to go?

No! A bluewater boat isn’t necessarily a seaworthy boat. Almost every cruiser we know made substantial repairs and additions to get their offshore boat ready, adding watermakers , life rafts, solar panels, and more.

Also, you should always have a boat inspected by a professional and accredited marine surveyor before buying it or taking it offshore.

But my bluewater baby boat isn’t on this list!?

There are hundreds of excellent bluewater yachts that are not on this list. For instance, we sailed across the Pacific in a Dufour 35, which didn’t even come close to making our top 10 list.

Choosing the right boat is very much an individual journey.

Where can I find these bluewater boats for sale?

We recognize that a top 10 list won’t get you very far if you’re shopping for a bluewater boat (especially if you’re looking in the used market).

So, to help you find your perfect boat, we’re going to create a big list of bluewater boats that you can use to refine your search on Yachtworld, Craigslist, or any other places to buy a used boat .

Sign up for our newsletter to get our big list of bluewater boats list as soon as it comes out.

We’re also working on a series of posts by size class. For example, if you’re looking for a smaller boat, you can narrow it down to the best bluewater sailboats under 40 feet .

Takeaways from our analysis

There were no big surprises on an individual boat level. All of these makes are considered good cruisers, some of them are even best-selling designs! However, there were a few things that caught our eye.

“Go simple, go small, go now” still holds water

We were thrilled to see the smallest boat in our roundup at the very top of the list! Westsail 32 owners can take pride in their small but mighty yachts (and ignore all those snail-sayers).

While undoubtedly there’s been a trend towards bigger bluewater cruisers in recent years, small cruising sailboats seem to be holding their own. 60% of the monohulls on this list were under 40 feet (if you count the Valiant 40 which sneaks just under at 39.92 feet).

Cat got our tongue

So, we knew catamarans were a thing, but we didn’t fully appreciate HOW popular they’d become!

50% of our top 10 bluewater boat list consists of catamarans—a good fact to toss out the next time you’re trying to garner a happy hour invite on the party boat next door (which will undoubtedly be a catamaran).

Still got it!

We’ve got good news for all you good old boat lovers! 60% of the boats on our list were first built before 2000.

While these older models are less performance-oriented than modern designs, cruisers value these boats for their ability to stand up to rough seas and heavy weather. It just goes to show that solid bones and classic looks never go out of style.

Alright, without further ado, let’s dive into our list of the 10 best bluewater boats!

The 10 best bluewater boats

1. Westsail 32

The Westsail 32 is one of the most iconic bluewater cruisers and 19 have set out to cross the Pacific in the PPJ rally since 2009.

In 1973, this small cruising sailboat garnered a 4-page spread in Time magazine. The article inspired many Americans to set sail and the Westsail 32, with its double-ender design, set the standard for what a real bluewater cruiser should look like.

There were approximately 830 built between 1971 and 1980.

This small boat has taken sailors on ocean crossings and circumnavigations. Though considered “slow” by some, the heavily-built Westsail 32 has developed a loyal following for her other excellent offshore cruising characteristics.

If you’re interested in small bluewater sailboats, check out our post on the best small sailboats for sailing around the world .

2. Lagoon 380

The Lagoon 380 is a reliable, solidly built catamaran and considered roomy for its size. We counted 18 of them in our data set. With over 800 boats built , it may be one of the best-selling catamarans in the world. Like the other boats on this list, the Lagoon 380 has proven itself on long passages and ocean crossings, winning it many loyal fans.

3. Lagoon 440

18 Lagoon 440s have set out to cross the Pacific in the PPJ rally since 2009.

Why leave the comforts of home, when you can take them with you? The Lagoon 440 is a luxurious long-range cruiser, offering beautiful wood joinery, spacious accommodations, and a deluxe galley. Oh, and you have the option of an electric boat motor !

SAIL and Sailing Magazine have both done in-depth reviews of the Lagoon 440 if you want to learn more.

4. Amel Super Maramu (incl. SM 2000)

If you follow the adventures of SV Delos on YouTube, you probably know that the star of the show (SV Delos— in case the title didn’t give it away ) is an Amel Super Maramu. These classic bluewater sailboats can be found all over the world, proof they can go the distance.

We counted 16 Amel Super Maramus and Super Maramu 2000s in our list of PPJ entries.

Ready to join the cult of Amel? Read more about the iconic brand in Yachting World.

5. Valiant 40

When I interviewed legendary yacht designer, Bob Perry, for Good Old Boat in 2019, he told me that the Valiant 40 was one of the boats that most defined him and marked the real start of his career.

At the time, heavy displacement cruisers were considered sluggish and slow, especially in light winds.

Perry’s innovation with the Valiant 40 was to combine a classic double ender above the waterline, with an IOR racing hull shape below the waterline. The result was the first “performance cruiser”, a blockbuster hit, with over 200 boats built in the 1970s.

It’s no surprise we counted 16 Valiant 40s in our data set.

Cruising World magazine dubbed it “a fast, comfortable, and safe cruising yacht,” and there’s no doubt it’s covered some serious nautical miles.

It’s worth noting that there were blistering problems with hull numbers 120-249 (boats built between 1976 and 1981). Later models did not have this problem. Despite the blistering issues, the Valiant 40 remains one of the most highly thought of bluewater designs.

6. TAYANA 37

The Tayana 37 is another hugely popular Perry design. The first boat rolled off the production line in 1976 and since then, nearly 600 boats have been built. Beautiful classic lines and a proven track record have won the Tayana 37 a devoted following of offshore enthusiasts.

12 Tayana 37s have set out to cross the Pacific in the PPJ rally since 2009. Read more about the Tayana 37 in this Practical Sailor review .

7. Lagoon 450

If this list is starting to sound like a paid advertisement, I swear we’re not on Lagoon’s payroll! This is the third Lagoon on our list, but the data doesn’t lie. Lagoon is making some of the best cruising sailboats.

The 450 has been a hot seller for Lagoon, with over 800 built since its launch in 2014. While not a performance cat, the Lagoon 450 travels at a reasonable speed and is brimming with luxury amenities.

At least 12 owners in the PPJ rally chose the Lagoon 450 to take them across the Pacific. It’s no wonder SAIL had so many good things to say about it.

8. Fountaine Pajot Bahia 46

There were 11 Fountaine Pajot Bahia 46s in our data set.

Fountaine Pajot released the Bahia 46 in 1997, a sleek design for traveling long distances. Its generously-sized water and fuel tanks along with ample storage for cruising gear are a real plus for the self-sufficient sailor.

According to Cruising World , “Cruising-cat aficionados should put the Bahia 46 on their “must-see” list.”

9. Catalina 42 (MKI, MKII)

10 Catalina 42s (MKI and MKII) have set out to cross the Pacific in the PPJ rally since 2009.

The Catalina 42 was designed under the guidance of the legendary yacht designer and Catalina’s chief engineer, Gerry Douglas.

One of Catalina’s philosophies is to offer “as much boat for the money as possible,” and the Catalina 42 is no exception. According to Practical Sailor , Catalina aims to price its boats 15% to 20% below major production boats like Hunter and Beneteau.

Practical Sailor has a great in-depth review of the Catalina 42 .

10. Leopard 46

Since 2009, 10 Leopard 46s have embarked on Pacific crossings in the PPJ rally.

Leopards have won legions of fans for their high build quality, robust engineering, and excellent performance.

The Leopard 46 also boasts something of a racing pedigree. It was built in South Africa by Robertson and Caine and designed by Gino Morelli and Pete Melvin, who came up with the record-breaking catamaran Playstation / Cheyenne 125 .

Read more about the Leopard 46 in this Cruising World review .

Methodology

What the data is and isn’t.

The PPJ data was a real boon because it reflects a wide range of cruising boats: small, big, old, new, expensive, and affordable. We think this may be because the PPJ is a very financially accessible rally—the standard entry cost is $125 or $100 if you’re under 35 (age or boat length!).

We did look at data from other (pricier) rallies but found that the results skewed towards more expensive boats.

Needless to say, the data we used is just a sample of the bluewater boats that crossed the Pacific over the last 10+ years. Many cruisers cross oceans without participating in a rally!

Entries vs. completions

The data we used is a list of the PPJ entries, not necessarily the boats that completed the rally. In instances where we saw the same boat entered multiple years in a row, we assumed they’d postponed their crossing and deleted all but the latest entry to avoid double counting.

Boat make variations

The world of boat building and naming can get pretty complicated. Sometimes a manufacturer changes a boat’s name a year or two into production, other times the name remains the same but the boat undergoes a dramatic update.

For the most part, we’ve used SailboatData.com’s classification system (if they list the boats separately, then we have also), except where there are two separately listed models that have the same LOA, beam, and displacement.

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.

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13 Best Liveaboard Sailboats (under 30 & 50 ft)

Choosing a boat to live on is a big deal — something you definitely want to get right. There are plenty of options to pick from, which can make the choosing process a bit daunting. So to help you navigate those deep waters (no pun intended), here is an article summarizing the 13 best liveaboard sailboats under 30 and 50 feet.

So what are the 13 best liveaboard sailboats?

Catalina 30, pacific seacraft flicka 20, nonsuch ultra 30, aventura 34, island packet 35, peterson 44, prout snowgoose 37, gulfstar 44, beneteau oceanis 50.

Beautiful lineup, isn't it? Let me explain what makes these so special.

Picking the Right One Matters

Picking a liveaboard sailboat belongs among those kinds of decisions that require months, if not years of research and testing.

It is not like choosing a car - those are more or less the same, and although they vary widely in terms of comfort, feeling, and performance, rarely you would encounter one that wouldn't get you from point A to B reasonably.

The same goes for a house or an apartment. Regardless of if you get a 200 square foot condo or a 30,000 square feet mansion, it will most of the time provide a warm shelter with a shower and a kitchen and a bed, fulfilling its basic functions.

But this is only the case because there is extensive infrastructure in place helping cars and houses. A car can only get you from A to B thanks to roads. A house can only have a shower and a kitchen if it is connected to a grid.

But on a boat, you are on your own.

The sea doesn't adjust its waves for your comfort. If something breaks, there is usually not a repair shop nearby. You aren't always connected to water or electricity. And if you don't like what you see around yourself, it's not like you can just leave.

So a liveaboard boat needs to provide what a house does, what a vehicle does, and more, plus it needs to provide this regardless of if you are docked in a marina or in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. That is a lot to ask, especially if we are talking about boats around 30 or 50 feet.

Fortunately, every single boat on this list is an all-star that ticks all the right boxes. Let's see why.

I know, I hear you, it isn't exciting enough as it doesn't perform that well. Sure. But we are talking about a boat that is supposed to be a house too. So why is it on the list?

This boat has been in production since 1975, which means that it has been extraordinarily well-refined according to the suggestions of thousands of owners. And this manufacturer is known for listening to the sailors' feedback. It is a very popular model, so finding spare parts for it will always be easy. Its famous well thought through the salon, and cabin layout is generous and spacious, so Catalinas are comfortable boats to live on. Plus, the boat has quite a wide beam, great ballast/displacement ratio as well as low sail area/displacement ratio, making it a stiff boat under sail, which adds to stability and comfort.

Good condition MkIII Catalinas can be found for about $35,000, but given the volume of these on the market, you can find a usable one even for around $15,000.

This one is a hero. I'd be hesitant to call such a small boat a comfortable liveaboard if it wasn't for this model. For its size, the interior is very spacious. It is also made for comfort since it seems to be inspired by the aforementioned Catalina 30. In fact, after reading some reviews, I am confident in saying that you will not find a significantly more comfortable 27 footer out there.

It also has a talent very uncommon for liveaboard boats - you can put it on a trailer, which can make your life easier when it comes to certain trips. But most importantly, it is a beauty. Just look at it.

Pricing this boat is a tricky task. You can buy nearly new ones (2015) for around $140,000, but even for $50,000, you can stumble upon models from both the 80s and the 2000s. This means the condition is a big factor, and you gotta inspect your choice well. The good news is that whatever your price in that range, you will find a boat for that money. The bad news is that the cheaper you go, the more effort will the potential repairs take.

I thought the Nor'Sea 27 is gonna be it, but let's push the size limit even more with the 20 foot Flicka, this tiny, towable, but seaworthy beast that accomplished several circumnavigations. Upon entering, you will be amazed at how spacious and equipped with amenities the interior is. Its designer lived on this boat with his partner (who too was a naval architect) for years and cruised all around the world - and what a proof of confidence in his own design that is.

Truth be told, there is a lack of deck space, but underneath it has the comfort and size of a boat a few meters larger, a space you can comfortably live in. Due to its size, it is easy to operate, tow, and sails better than what you would expect from a boat this length.

This boat is incredibly charming, and so its owners rarely sell it. In fact, it has amassed quite a following since it was designed into existence. So expect to spend quite some time searching for one for sale. Once you do find one, it will cost you around $30,000 - $40,000.

This one's a weird one. But because of it, a very spacious one. It is structured as a catboat, that is, with the mast being all the way on the front of the boat, which makes for impressive space below the deck. It has all the necessary amenities, including a shower, so for the liveaboard lifestyle, this boat definitely deserves to make this list.

The single sail catboat design also means it is easy to handle single-handed, which makes for great solitary passages.

Expect to pay around $40,000 to $60,000 for this one.

Though I am trying to keep this list in lower price ranges, I have to put this one in. If you don't mind the price tag of around $170,000, this boat is marketed as the currently cheapest liveaboard catamaran. As previously mentioned, cats offer the most in terms of space, and this model is a brand new one. Thus when it comes to service troubles and costs, you wouldn't pay much. The look is modern, relatively minimalistic and sleek, so for those of you who would like to give the liveaboard lifestyle a go but get cold feet upon seeing boats from the 80s, this is a way to make sure things remain stylish.

The modernity, space, and attention to practicality when it comes to using this as your home, make this a great entry-level liveaboard choice.

Again, this is no performance vehicle. Rather it focuses on the usual cruiser aspects - space, stability, sturdiness, and convenience, which makes it an ideal candidate for your choice when looking for a new floating home. Aside from the spacious interior, this boat also has an unusually large cockpit, great for those lunches on the deck.

As if the designers knew this might be used by the liveaboard people, this boat is easy to handle, which means even under sail, you won't have issues focusing on what you came for in the first place - sea living.

This boat can be found on the market for around $75,000 - $100,000.

The great thing about the Hunter 33 is that it was designed as more of a house than a sailboat. The attention to accommodation details is great here; there is plenty of space for sleeping the owners as well as the occasional visitors, it has a fantastic headroom throughout the boat and one of the most spacious and comfortable dining spaces seen on boats this size.

Food preparation and consumption was probably high on the priority list of the makers; the kitchen has an L shape, which adds to the convenience.

The price spread on these is quite large, with the bottom around $55,000 for the 2004 models and the top around $95,000 for the 2013 models.

This one is for those who don't mind sacrificing luxury for space. If in the middle of the ocean, it makes sense that one would want as much of usable space as possible, so if you are okay with the simplicity that will inevitably come with a system like this, you have found your match.

An undeniable advantage of such a design approach is that the storage space is maximized. Long passages with the need for plenty of room for equipment and provisions won't be a problem here. The simplicity of this boat is not just in terms of design, but even the electrics and plumbing. Thus if something breaks, you will have an easier time fixing it.

This being an older model, you can get your hands on one for around $30,000.

Since we are mostly looking at cheaper boats here, most of them aren't new - in fact, they likely have quite a few years behind them. The build quality is thus important. You want to go for builds that will last. Peterson is known for this, so it's gotta be on the list. As far as this list goes, it is quite a large boat. Moreover, it is one that has been built with spaciousness in mind, both when it comes to living spaces and storage.

A neat thing about this boat is its attention to performance. It isn't a racer; rather, it fits in the performance cruiser category, but they haven't made too many speed-related compromises here.

Peterson 44 can usually be found for $80,000 - $100,000.

There needs to be a catamaran on this list - they are, by definition, more spacious than monohulls, providing a large living area, which is, of course, an attractive characteristic for a liveaboard boat. Especially if they have a solid bridge deck, creating yet more square feet of usable space, which Snowgoose has. Unfortunately, they tend to be costly. While it is easy to recommend a bunch of half a million dollar cats, to make this list more within reach of the average sailor, I've found this beauty that you can get for around $100,000.

Aside from the extra space, this model is a true bluewater cruiser, meaning you won't be limited by its abilities when planning your journeys.

Those of you who had the pleasure of sailing this boat know why it needs to be here. It was built for a liveaboard lifestyle. Its wide body makes for one spacious interior which is well ventilated, (a very important aspect) with a beautiful galley and it has a large aft cabin with a huge bed. It was made with comfort, practicality, and convenience in mind.

Not to sound like a salesman, but believe me when I say this boat is a genuine pleasure to be on. If you want the homey feeling, you don't get much closer than this in this size range.

Expect to pay around $80,000 - $100,000 for this one, though some digging around and 'fixing her up' can knock this number down significantly.

This is another easy choice, space being the reason. Not only does it have an extra-large main cabin and salon with a kitchen, many small Parisian apartments could envy, but it is also very generous in terms of storage space. Stocking up for longer crossings will be a pleasure on this one.

Also, it was built as a racer-cruiser, so you won't be making many compromises in terms of performance, as is often the case with comfortable boats.

All of this comes for a price, though. You might be able to find one for around $100,000 if you put some time into your search and won't mind a bit of travel to see it, but otherwise, the average price is around $130,000.

Let's end this list by stretching the ceiling too with this fifty-footer. It was designed as a holiday cruiser, and it is a popular choice among charter companies. The designers know that there are places in Europe where it is very easy to get a sailing license, so many inexperienced people who don't want to give up the comforts of their home end up on these boats. Oceanis 50 is thus comfortable, spacious, easy to sail, and the attention to accommodation details, amenities, and practicality, is very high.

As such, it is designed to house whole families, so if you live there as a couple, you will have a floating house for yourself, and if kids come, no need to buy a new boat. Even on the deck, this boat is designed for pleasure cruises, so as far as that goes, you will be taken care of. As far as their seaworthiness goes, some consider Beneteau an entry-level holiday brand, and some models are indeed more designed for coastal hopping than large crossings. But that can be fixed with some proper fitting.

If you fancy a new one, you will find yourself paying above the $500,000 mark, but older models start a bit above $100,000. Which is something a person who just sold all their possessions to escape to the sea is more likely to have. Just be a bit careful with boats sold by charter companies. Their previous owners serviced them regularly, but you can be sure the hundreds of sailors that touched the helm weren't necessarily skilled or kind to them.

So there you have it. $15,000 - $50,0000 range, 20 - 50-foot sizes, from cozy towable boats to large sailing houses. A range anybody can choose from to pursue the liveaboard dream. Nothing is stopping you now, so hit the yachtworld.com website and start browsing.

Know though that if you really want to take advantage of the boat market, you might have to travel quite a bit. If you are an American, the strong dollar will make it enticing to look for a boat in European countries without the EUR currency. Or you might find plenty of cheap models in Turkey, for instance. It requires more effort, but in return, it might save you tens of thousands of dollars.

Fair winds!

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The 8 best alaska cruises for families.

Plan your next family vacation to explore the boundless beauty of the 49th state.

The Best Alaska Cruises for Families

Courtesy of Princess Cruises

A cruise to Alaska is a once-in-a-lifetime family or multigenerational vacation. With unique opportunities for wildlife viewing and outdoor adventures that you won't find anywhere else in the world – not to mention scenic cruising days on the ship to spend time together – this special experience will stay with you forever.

For an extended vacation in the 49th state, consider booking a cruisetour. This combined cruise and pre- or post-cruise land tour option is offered by many of the larger cruise lines. The tours visit some of the top attractions in the state , such as Denali National Park and Preserve, and often include picturesque rides into Alaska's remote wilderness aboard the Alaska Railroad. Some tours also head north to Fairbanks and visit Kenai Fjords National Park or Wrangell-St. Elias National Park (or both, in some cases). You can choose between fully escorted adventures or laid-back options to explore on your own, depending on what works best for your family.

Ready to book your Alaska adventure? These eight cruise lines offer excellent family-friendly excursions ashore , plus plenty of onboard activities to keep both kids and parents entertained during days at sea.

Find your perfect cruise

Princess Cruises: 7-Day Voyage of the Glaciers with Glacier Bay

Departure city: Vancouver, British Columbia

The 2024 cruise season brings Princess' 55th-anniversary sailing to The Great Land, and the line is offering more than 150 Alaska voyages between April and September. The popular Voyage of the Glaciers with Glacier Bay itinerary northbound from Vancouver to Anchorage (Whittier), Alaska , is available on dozens of dates this season on Grand Princess , Royal Princess or Sapphire Princess . The sailing includes stops in the ports of Ketchikan, Juneau and Skagway, as well as scenic cruising in beautiful Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve and College Fjord in Alaska. If you prefer a smaller ship, choose Grand Princess or Sapphire Princess, which hold 2,610 and 2,680 passengers (double occupancy), respectively. Meanwhile, Royal Princess accommodates 3,560 guests at double occupancy.

The Princess Cruises North to Alaska program features immersive, family-friendly opportunities to learn about the history and traditions of the 49th state. Guests can sample fresh local seafood and meet famous Alaskans such as Libby Riddles, the first woman to win the 1,100-mile Iditarod dog race. In Skagway, families can meet some of the newest sled dogs and their handlers during Puppies in the Piazza on the ship. Younger cruisers and teens can participate in the Alaska Explorers Youth Program in partnership with Glacier Bay National Park and the Discovery Channel, which includes activities like the "Deadliest Catch" Crab Sort Challenge.

The North to Alaska program also partners with Discovery and Animal Planet to feature onboard exhibits about Alaska, as well as curated excursions like the White Pass Rail Bennett Lake & Yukon Adventure in Skagway, which was created by a train historian. Back on the ship, kids and teens can hang out with other young cruisers their age at Camp Discovery's Treehouse (ages 3 to 7), Lodge (8 to 12) or Beach House (13 to 17). In addition, be sure to keep an eye out for Princess Cruises' Alaska mascot: Stanley the Bear. You might even find him during story time at the kids clubs wearing a captain's uniform or destination-themed costumes, such as lumberjack gear in Ketchikan.

Norwegian Cruise Line: Alaska – Dawes Glacier, Juneau & Ketchikan

Courtesy of Norwegian Cruise Line

Departure city: Seattle, Washington

This seven-day round-trip voyage from Seattle is available on Norwegian Bliss from April to September during the line's 2024 Alaska season. The sailing includes the ports of Sitka, Juneau , Icy Strait Point and Ketchikan (Ward Cove), plus scenic cruising in Endicott Arm and Dawes Glacier in Alaska. There's also an evening stop in Victoria, British Columbia , before disembarking in Seattle. Norwegian Bliss can carry 4,004 passengers at double occupancy and 4,266 passengers at maximum capacity.

The entire family will enjoy excursions like the Whale Watching & Bear Search tour in Icy Strait Point, while thrill-seekers of all ages will want to book an adrenaline-pumping ride down the mountain on the massive ZipRider zip line. In Ketchikan, take a hike through Tongass National Forest, the largest national forest in the U.S., where you might catch glimpses of wildlife like black bears or bald eagles. You can also head offshore from Ketchikan aboard the Aleutian Ballad, the famed ship from Discovery Channel's "Deadliest Catch," to pick up the day's bounty of king crab and search for marine wildlife along Alaska's Inside Passage.

Plenty of family activities and entertainment options are offered on this Norwegian Cruise Line ship, including the Bliss Speedway, a two-level racetrack at sea; laser tag; mini-golf; an interactive aqua park with waterslides that zip above the side of the ship; a video arcade; and live entertainment. You'll also find kids clubs designed for younger children and teens , as well as adults-only escapes like Vibe Beach Club and Spice H2O. When it comes to dining, there's no shortage of casual fare for hungry kids at venues like the Garden Café buffet, American Diner and The Local Bar & Grill.

Disney Cruise Line: 7-Night Alaskan Cruise from Vancouver

Matt Stroshane | Courtesy of Disney Cruise Line

This seven-night itinerary aboard Disney Wonder departs round-trip from Vancouver on several voyages throughout the 2024 Alaska season, which runs from May to September. The weeklong Disney Cruise Line sailing includes glacier viewing along the Stikine Icecap and stops in Skagway, Juneau and Ketchikan. Plus, you'll enjoy plenty of Disney fun on board, with character meet-and-greets, Broadway-quality shows, and entertaining activities and venues for kids and adults alike.

Many of the ship's nautical-themed staterooms are designed with families in mind and feature a "split bath" concept and extra under-bed storage for suitcases. Disney Wonder can hold 1,750 passengers at double occupancy and 2,700 passengers at maximum capacity. The ship's unique rotational dining venues include an "under the sea" adventure at Triton's, a dinner show with Disney characters at Animator's Palate and Southern specialties with jazz music at Tiana's Place. For a night out sans kids, adults can savor a quiet evening with northern Italian cuisine at Palo or nosh on casual pub fare at Crown & Fin Pub. Younger sailors will find age-appropriate spaces at Disney's Oceaneer Club and Lab, tween venue Edge, and teen club Vibe.

Disney's excursions also offer family fun ashore – especially in Skagway. Try panning for gold with Disney characters like Donald Duck, then feast on baked Alaska salmon at Liarsville Gold Rush Trail Camp. You can also take an extended six-hour tour by boat into Alaska's deepest fjord, Lynn Canal, then hike through the rainforest to reach your canoe for a wilderness safari at Glacier Point. For a bucket list splurge, reserve a spot on the helicopter flightseeing tour that includes dog mushing on the Denver Glacier with a team of Alaska sled dogs.

Holland America Line: 7-Day Alaska Inside Passage

Courtesy of Holland America Line

Holland America's Koningsdam will sail the line's seven-day Inside Passage itinerary more than 20 times between April and September in 2024. This round-trip voyage embarks in Vancouver and includes multiple days of scenic cruising. You'll sail through the Inside Passage for two days; through Tracy Arm Inlet, where you can disembark for a shore excursion; and through Glacier Bay, where the Junior Ranger Program is a highlight for kids. The ports of call on this itinerary are Juneau, Skagway and Ketchikan in Alaska.

Koningsdam features dedicated family staterooms with beds for up to five guests, two bathrooms and extra closet space. The ship carries 2,650 guests at double occupancy and 3,194 passengers at maximum capacity. A wildlife expert on the ship helps guests spot Alaska's incredible marine and land animals through announcements and during daily programs. Keep an eye out for humpback whales, orcas, sea otters, moose, brown bears and other wildlife. While in the Tracy Arm Wilderness Area, you'll want to take the Tracy Arm Fjord & Glacier Explorer excursion to explore glacier-covered mountains, jagged cliffs and the largest temperate rainforest in the U.S. surrounding the fjord. On a high-speed catamaran, you'll get up-close views of the Sawyer Glaciers and have potential sightings of harbor seals, bears, mountain goats and more.

Back on board, Holland America Line 's kids club offers supervised, age-appropriate activities for young cruisers ages 3 to 17 – including children who may need certain accommodations. You'll also find plenty of family-friendly options for dining on Koningsdam, including Lido Market, New York Pizza and the poolside Dive In grill. During the cruise, look for themed evenings in the Lido Market like salmon bakes or seafood boil pop-up dinners, which are in line with Holland America's commitment to serving certified sustainable and traceable Alaska seafood. An Alaska brunch is also offered once during the voyage in the main dining room; you'll enjoy dishes highlighting ingredients from Alaska and the Pacific Northwest.

Tips on Trips and Expert Picks

Travel tips, vacation ideas and more to make your next vacation stellar.

Royal Caribbean International: 7 Night Alaska Adventure Cruise

Courtesy of Royal Caribbean International

Hop aboard Royal Caribbean's Quantum of the Seas for the seven-night Alaska Adventure Cruise, sailing round-trip from Seattle . This itinerary is available on several dates between May and August 2024 and features stops in the towns of Ketchikan, Sitka and Juneau, plus scenic cruising in Endicott Arm and Dawes Glacier in Alaska. There's also an afternoon call in the Canadian city of Victoria. While there, book an off-roading excursion through the coastal rainforest that includes a zip line adventure. Or, take a self-guided tour through Victoria's famed Butchart Gardens and the tropical Butterfly Gardens filled with wildlife.

Quantum of the Seas – which holds 4,180 passengers at double occupancy and 4,905 passengers at maximum capacity – is one of the two larger Royal Caribbean ships sailing in Alaska in 2024 (Ovation of the Seas is the other). As such, it offers abundant activities and entertainment for families at sea. On board, guests can experience Ripcord by iFly (the only skydiving simulator at sea) and take in snow-capped mountain views from the FlowRider surf simulator or atop the ship's rock climbing wall. Other onboard activities include bumper cars, an escape room, an arcade, pickleball and The Silent Party (a dance party where everyone wears headphones).

At mealtime, kids will have plenty of choices for casual and quick bites, from carefully crafted hot dogs at the Dog House and specialty pies at Sorrento's Pizza to around-the-clock snacks at Café Promenade and grab-and-go fare at The Café@Two70. When the little ones want to play or chill out with kids their age, Adventure Ocean offers activities for children 3 to 12 years old. Meanwhile, teens can meet other 13- to 17-year-olds at the Hideout Hangout.

Carnival Cruise Line: 7-Day Alaska from Seattle, WA

Courtesy of Carnival Cruise Line

Departure city: Juneau, Alaska

Carnival's 2024 Alaska season runs from May to September, with the 7-Day Alaska from Seattle itinerary available every month during that time. The round-trip sailing aboard Carnival Luminosa stops in Juneau, Skagway and Ketchikan, Alaska, as well as Victoria, British Columbia. You'll enjoy scenic cruising in Victoria and through Tracy Arm Fjord. You'll also have one "fun day at sea" to check out the activities and entertainment on the ship, which offers a double occupancy capacity of 2,260 passengers and a maximum capacity of 2,826 passengers.

Younger sailors ages 2 to 11 can join in on ocean-themed games, songs and programming at Camp Ocean, while tweens and teens (ages 12 to 17) can participate in destination-focused activities at See the World. Club 02 is a designated space for guests ages 15 to 17 to watch movies, play sports and video games, and more. Families can enjoy Dive-In Movies together at Carnival Seaside Theater and watch live musical productions at Playlist Productions. When it comes to dining on Carnival , families will have a choice of several casual restaurants to satisfy finicky eaters, including Pizzeria del Capitano, The Carnival Deli, Lido Marketplace and Swirls for soft serve ice cream. For a special night out, make reservations at the Steakhouse, which costs extra but offers reduced prices for children 11 and younger.

When going ashore, Juneau offers many family-friendly excursions – some of which you may not have the chance to experience anywhere else in the world. The Taku Lodge Feast & 5-Glacier Seaplane Discovery takes guests airborne by bush plane over the five glaciers in the Juneau Icefield. After the ride, you'll land in the Taku River at the historic Taku Lodge, which sits across from Juneau's largest glacier, the Taku Glacier. At the lodge, you'll feast on a bountiful meal featuring homemade side dishes and one of the best-known local seafood specialties, Alaska king salmon.

Celebrity Cruises: 7 Nights Alaska Hubbard Glacier

Courtesy of Celebrity Cruises

Celebrity's seven-night Alaska Hubbard Glacier itinerary is available on nine voyages between May and September 2024. The Celebrity Solstice (which holds 2,852 guests at double occupancy) sails round-trip from Vancouver and stops in the ports of Icy Strait Point, Juneau and Ketchikan in Alaska. You'll have two days of scenic cruising in the Inside Passage and around Hubbard Glacier. While in Icy Strait Point, book a guided nature walk excursion along the "Trail of the Bears" in the bush country of the Spasski River Valley. During your search for Alaska's coastal brown bears, you'll also learn about the Tlingit culture and community in Hoonah, and perhaps even see Sitka black-tailed deer and bald eagles.

Back on the ship, Celebrity's Camp at Sea program entertains children, tweens and teens ages 3 to 17 with four different age-appropriate programs: Shipmates (ages 3 to 5), Cadets (ages 6 to 9), Captains (ages 10 to 12) and Teens (ages 13 to 17). The customizable activities change every cruise and are based on the interests of the participants. Celebrity also offers autism-friendly activities and services for families on board.

When it comes to dining options on the ship, families will find kid-friendly selections on the in-room dining menu and at the main restaurant. For quick casual fare, head to the buffet-style Oceanview Café or to the Mast Grill for burgers and other grab-and-go bites. If you want healthier dishes, the Spa Café offers homemade energy bars, acai bowls, turkey wraps and other light choices.

UnCruise Adventures: Glacier Bay Adventure Cruise

Courtesy of UnCruise Adventures

If you prefer a small-ship cruise experience without the bells and whistles of some larger vessels, UnCruise offers adventure-style cruises to Alaska on its fleet of safari- and expedition-style ships. With these intimate cruises, you and the kids (ages 8 and older) can get up close to glaciers, wildlife and Alaska's vast wilderness directly from the ship via Zodiacs and kayaks. You may even see wildlife from a short distance away along the shoreline, as UnCruise vessels are able to sail into smaller waterways that are inaccessible to larger ships.

The line's Glacier Bay Adventure Cruise features two full days in pristine Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve aboard the Wilderness Discoverer, which holds a maximum of 76 passengers. Here, guests can hike along remote coastlines amid old-growth forests, view sea life up close and go birding at South Marble Island. You'll also have the opportunity to see several tidewater glaciers, go kayaking in the Keku Islands and explore Neka Bay on Chichagof Island. Another highlight is a visit to Glacier Bay Lodge at Bartlett Cove, the only hotel accommodations in the 3.3 million-acre national park. The seven-night itinerary departs round-trip from Juneau and is offered between April and September 2024.

The full itinerary includes stops in Icy Strait and Neka Bay; Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve; Chichagof Island (which boasts the world's largest population of brown bears per square mile); Frederick Sound; and Tracy Arm and the Sawyer Glaciers. During the weeklong cruise, you'll have narration by expert onboard guides and embark on some of the most memorable adventures your kids will ever have in Alaska's remote wilderness.

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Gwen Pratesi has been an avid cruiser since her early 20s. She has sailed on nearly every type of cruise ship, including the newest megaships, traditional masted sailing ships, river ships in Europe and a small luxury expedition vessel in Antarctica. She has cruised to Alaska and visited The Great Land in the summer, fall and winter, and journeyed to remote areas by bush plane above the Arctic Circle. She used her knowledge of Alaska cruises and extensive research to write this article. Pratesi covers the travel and culinary industries for major publications, including U.S. News & World Report.

You might also be interested in:

• Alaska Cruise Packing List: Must-Have Items
• The Best Time to Cruise to Alaska
• The Most Affordable Alaska Cruises
• The Best Alaska Cruise Lines
• The Best Cruise Insurance Plans

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The 11 Best Water Toys for the High Seas, From Electric Surfboards to Personal Subs

The best water toys, from the two-person u-boat worx nemo to 36-mph electric surfboards. here are our favorites from each category., jeff hemmel, jeff hemmel's most recent stories.

• ‘Flying’ Surfboards Have Never Been More Popular. Here Are the 7 Best eFoils on the Market.
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To paraphrase a familiar saying, as we grow older we don’t outgrow our desire for toys—they just get bigger, more expensive and way, way cooler. That’s particularly true of waterborne toys that let you dive, fly, fish, explore, slide, sail and surf the waves.

The good news is that these toys are getting ever-more sophisticated, whether it’s speeding along at 35 mph on the world’s fastest electric surfboard, dropping 300 feet under the surface in a two-person submersible, or diving and then breaching the water’s surface like a Great White going after a seal.

We looked at multiple categories and chose our favorite toy in each one, focusing on the design, technology and ergonomics.

Here are 11 of our wet-and-wild favorites.

Our Best Water Toy Picks

— Best Electric Surfboard: Awake Ravik S — Best Craft for Pretending You’re a Dolphin: Jet Shark — Best Submersible for Couples: U-Boat Worx Nemo2 — Best Entry-Level Foiler: F.101 — Best Pontoon Boat That Doubles as a Waterpark: Premier 330 — Best Exercise Bike for the Water: Schiller S1-C — Best Water Slide: FreeStyle Cruiser NLS Inflatable Yacht Slide — Best Watercraft for Families: Yamaha FX Limited SVHO — Best for One-Person Underwater Adventures: Seabob F5 SR — Best All-Purpose Inflatable: Rover Aero Bug Slinger Micro Skiff — Best e-Foil Board: Fliteboard MN60

Best Electric Surfboard: Awake Ravik S

Awake claims the Ravik S is the most powerful electric surfboard on the market. Check the stats. Powered by a 16kW electric motor paired to a linear jet system, it reaches 30 mph in under four seconds and tops out at a thrilling 36 mph. Agility is equally impressive. The low-buoyancy, lightweight carbon-fiber hull’s sharp water release and aggressive rocker will satisfy even the most advanced riders as the 5’ 8” board powers through turns or jumps from the water. Ride time lasts up to 45 minutes with the top-of-the-line Flex Battery XR and you can recharge within two hours. $15,900 w/Flex SR battery

Special Features: —30 mph cruise, 36 mph top speed  —Range 45 minutes, recharging time two hours

Best Craft for Pretending You’re a Dolphin: Jet Shark

Remember the Innespace Seabreacher , the dolphin-shaped, jet-powered submersible from years back? It’s been reborn as the larger, more luxurious—and far more powerful— Jet Shark . Built by the co-creator of the Seabreacher, the craft’s composite body still resembles a fish but is decidedly more modern in appearance. Manipulate the joystick controller, however, and it can still leap out of the water, dive below the waves and bank like a fighter plane. The four-passenger craft is powered by a 420hp, naturally aspirated V8 Kodiak marine engine. Standout features include electro-hydraulic flight controls, an air-conditioned cabin, snorkel-mounted forward and rearview cameras for safety while below the water, and a shock-mitigating suspension system. $200,000 to $300,000

Special Features: —Four-seat, air-conditioned interior, joystick controls —Ability to dive, then jump above the water’s surface

Best Submersible for Couples: U-Boat Worx Nemo2

The two-passenger Nemo2 submersible looks like a prop from a sci-fi movie, has the fit and finish of a supercar and the ability to navigate as deep as 330 feet (100 meters) below the surface. Take in your surroundings through the massive 5-cm thick acrylic sphere that encloses the cockpit. The Nemo’s Manta touchscreen and joystick control unit makes for intuitive maneuvering via the craft’s four electric thrusters. A single lifting point doesn’t require a cradle or davit. The sub can even be trailered like a pair of jet skis. $1.35 million

Special Features: —330 diving depth, two-person seating with acrylic dome —Can be trailered 

Best Entry-Level Foiler: F101

Foiling is the hottest thing in competitive sailing right now, judging from the last few America’s Cup and the SailGP series. For those who want to learn to sail fast with foils, the F101 trimaran might be the quickest, easiest way to get started, without having to do face plants with every bad tack. The F101 is used by college training programs which view foiling as the future of the sport. Ranked Boat of the Year by Sailing World magazine, the editors praised not only its easy-learning capacities but its prowess for transitioning into a high-performance sailing rig. “It’s the next step in making foiling accessible to the public,” wrote the editor. $24,700

Special Features: —Intuitive, introductory foiler —As skills progress, the boat turns into a racer

Best Pontoon Boat That Doubles as a Waterpark: Premier 330 Escalante

Take one of the largest pontoon boats on the market, add living room accoutrements and an apartment-size galley, toss in a curving staircase that leads to a plush upper sundeck and top it all off with a waterslide—yes, waterslide—and you’ve got Premier’s party-friendly 330 Escalante. Effortlessly maneuver this 33-footer in tight confines thanks to intuitive joystick control. En route or at anchor, jam out with a premium JL Audio sound system and mood-setting LED lighting. A portable waterpark for you—and 21 of your best friends. Starting at $314,419 w/twin 300hp Mercury Verados

Special Features:  —Water slide on second deck —Large residential galley and enclosed head

Best Exercise Bike for the Water: Schiller S1-C

Forget those clunky water bicycles found at the average beach resort. If they’re the watery equivalent of a Schwinn, Schiller ’s sleek S1-C looks ready to win a wet-and-wild Tour de France. Combining a sleek bicycle frame using an optimized propeller, proprietary gear box and Gates carbon-drive belts with a pair of rugged, 1100 denier PVC pontoons, the S1 is engineered for speed. A 1:7.5 gear ratio ensures maximum thrust at common cycling cadences. The handlebar-controlled steering mechanism directly turns the propeller, eliminating the need for a rudder. $5,750

Special Features: —Designed for speed with 1:75 gear ratio —Carbon-fiber pontoons

Best Water Slide: FreeStyle Cruiser NLS Inflatable Yacht Slide

Inflatable slides are all the rage for the fun-loving yacht owner, but having to deal with multiple support legs can be cumbersome and bulky. Freestyle’s Cruiser NLS is designed to stand on its own. Custom fabricated to buyer’s specifications, slides are made from UV-stabilized, 29-ounce Firmatex vinyl and feature a patented internal design with four-layer welding. Lifting anchors are rated for 1000 kg of breaking strength. Slides come with custom lifting/storage bag, repair kit, and all required tools. Worried about punctures? They’re warranted for five years. $14,945

Special Features: —Standalone, simple design —Robust design with five-year warranty against punctures

Best Watercraft for Families: Yamaha FX Limited SVHO

On its own, Yamaha’s FX Limited SVHO is one impressive package, blending top-notch stability with agile reflexes and a chop-busting hull design that can venture into almost any water conditions. Its standards include a color touchscreen, Bluetooth sound system and Garmin GPS with geofencing capability. But it’s the craft’s “Limited” extras that deliver one-stop shopping for family buyers. They include an inflatable tube and towrope, 12-volt inflator, custom cover, soft-sided cooler, fenders, storage organizers, and even pop-up cleats. $20,399

Special Features: —Color touchscreen, Bluetooth Sound —Inflatable tube and towrope, custom cooler

Best for a One-Person Underwater Adventure: Seabob F5

Once untouchable tech found mostly in Bond movies, “diver-propulsion vehicles” are now both a useful tool and cool play toy. Seabob’s F5 is powered by an emissions-free electric motor and enclosed impeller capable of reaching over twice the speed (14 mph) of Michael Phelps at his best. Its lithium-ion battery will run up to five hours; the unit can operate as deep as 130 feet. Use it when snorkeling or diving, or just pretend you’re a dolphin by diving and breaching at speed. $9,980

Special Features: —Top speed of 14 mph, electric motor and impeller —Five-hour charge time on lithium-hour battery

Best All-Purpose Inflatable: Rover Aero Bug Slinger Micro Skiff

The name “Bug Slinger” may not be the most alluring, but the tough micro-skiff from Bote projects a can-do attitude for exploring, fishing, paddling or just enjoying sunsets. The inflatable vessel is part skiff, paddleboard and dinghy that weighs just 85 lbs., so transports in a travel bag. But it’s stable enough to use an outboard motor and carry up to 500 lbs. The top includes a seat, outboard rack, a paddle and pole and a  “Magnepod” for holding the Yeti aluminum cup. It’s one of the most versatile craft for its 12’6” length. $2,349

Special Features: —Multi-purpose design with outboard capacity —Carries 500 lbs., but only 85 lbs. deflated

Best e-Foil Board: Fliteboard MN60

Fliteboard ’s MN series, created in conjunction with industrial designer Mark Newson, may be the ultimate expression of an e-Foil’s potential. Its monobloc eFoil, formed from high-modulus pre-preg carbon fiber and cured in an autoclave, incorporates mast, fuselage and tail, completely eliminating joints, bolts and seams to lessen drag and produce a more responsive ride. The streamlined conical wing is made of titanium. The carbon-fiber board is left in its natural state to show off both the fiber’s beauty and to shave weight. Even the MN Flite Controller gets attention, offering animated, realtime feedback via a round color display. Oh, and it charges wirelessly via an inductive charging dock. $19,995

Special Features: —Monobloc construction for lightness and strength —Advanced flight controller for wrist

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Recent projections, delegate tracker, recent election news, how these cruise passengers missed boarding, got stranded in africa.

Both Americans and Australians were left at port after an excursion ran long.

After what seemed like a dream trip, several American travelers were left stranded at port in West Africa mid-cruise while traveling from Cape Town, South Africa, to Barcelona, Spain.

Jay and Jill Campbell told ABC News Myrtle Beach affiliate WPDE that they were in the first week of a three week voyage aboard Norwegian Cruise Lines when they stopped just off the coast of West Africa.

The couple and others opted to tour the nearby island of São Tomé and Príncipe on the afternoon of March 27, and when the excursion ran late, they said they brought it to the guides' attention.

"We were like, 'our time is getting short,'" Jay Campbell recalled, at which point he said the guide let them know, "'No problem we can get you back in an hour.'"

Upon their return, the passengers said cruise officials refused to let them aboard the ship, even as the local Coast Guard had ferried the group to the anchored vessel.

"The harbormaster tried to call the ship. The captain refused the call. We sent emails to NCL the customer service emergency number," Jay Campbell said. "They said the only way for us to get in touch with the ship is via email. They're not responding to our emails."

The Campbells say they were left stranded along with four other Americans and two Australians -- of whom one is a paraplegic, one has a heart condition and one is pregnant. Some did not have credit cards or medication that was left on board.

Cruise expert Stewart Chiron, known as The Cruise Guy, told ABC News that "the bottom line was, they were hours late, the ship was ready to go."

MORE: Norwegian Cruise Line passengers claim Antarctica voyage was rerouted mid-trip

"More than likely that the anchor was already up, and the ship was already possibly moving," he said.

He continued, "Any operation at that point to get these passengers back on the ship would have caused tremendous delays, and safety would have been a major concern."

In a statement to ABC News, a spokesperson for Norwegian Cruise Lines said, "On the afternoon of March 27, 2024, while the ship was in São Tomé and Príncipe, an African island nation, eight guests who were on the island on a private tour not organized through us missed the last tender back to the vessel, therefore not meeting the all aboard time of 3 p.m. local time."

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They continued, "While this is a very unfortunate situation, guests are responsible for ensuring they return to the ship at the published time, which is communicated broadly over the ship's intercom, in the daily communication and posted just before exiting the vessel."

The spokesperson added that the passports for the passengers who did not return at the all aboard time "were delivered to the local port agents to retrieve when they returned to the port, as per the regular protocol."

"Our team has been working closely with the local authorities to understand the requirements and necessary visas needed for the guests to rejoin the ship at the next available port of call," they said.

The Campbells said that their eight person group spent 15 hours traveling through six countries in an attempt to rejoin the Norwegian Dawn ship in Banjul, Gambia, on April 1. However, the ship couldn't dock due to low tide, so they are now trying to get to Senegal where the ship is meant to dock on Tuesday.

The Norwegian spokesperson said, "Unfortunately the ship was unable to safely dock in the destination due to adverse weather conditions, as well as tidal restrictions that require specific timing for safe passage. While we share in our guests' disappointment, this modification was made with great consideration for their safety and that of our crew, which is our top priority."

The cruise line contacted the guests "regarding this itinerary adjustment and provided them with authorization to rejoin the ship at Dakar, Senegal on April 2, 2024."

In light of the "series of unfortunate events outside of our control," the spokesperson said Norwegian Cruise Lines "will be reimbursing these eight guests for their travel costs from Banjur, Gambia to Dakar, Senegal" and are still in communication with the guests to provide additional information as it becomes available.

MORE: Meet the cruise couple who have spent over 450 days at sea so far

In a separate, unrelated situation that took place coincidentally on the same day of the voyage, the spokesperson said, "An 80-year-old woman was medically disembarked after being evaluated by our onboard medical team, who thought it best that she receive further assessment and treatment as needed from a local hospital."

"In instances such as these, as the guest was released from the hospital and in a coherent state, our protocol is to contact the guest directly, as we would not have the authority to share any medical details with anyone else without their expressed consent," the spokesperson added, saying they worked with the port agent to receive updates.

"The guest has since been escorted on a flight to Lisbon, Portugal, and then put in the care of airport staff to continue her journey to the United States, where she has now made a safe return," they said.

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Sail with ‘the love boat’ famous original tv cast on princess cruises.

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Feeling the love? Seas the day and time travel to yesteryear with future-forward Princess Cruises , when the original cast of TV’s iconic The Love Boat show—which aired for a decade on ABC; now streaming on Paramount Plus , Apple TV+ and other channels—sets sail from New York City on a round-trip voyage that anchors at picturesque ports in New England and Canada aboard the Enchanted Princess, August 31 - September 7, 2024 .

Original cast of The Love Boat.

This romance-themed rendezvous reunites actors Jill Whelan (whose role as Vicki Stubing, the ship captain’s daughter, was delightful), Bernie Kopell (as Doc), Fred Grandy (as purser Gopher) and Ted Lange (as bartender Isaac). They will interact with passengers at multiple events: a jubilant sail-away; a meet-and-greet, photo-and-autograph session; guests’ activities replete with prizes; and Q&A gatherings. There will also be a symbolic renewal of passengers’ wedding vows, officiated by the cast, with commemorative certificates.

Princess Cruises arranges wedding vow renewals.

In addition, classic comedy-drama episodes of The Love Boat will be shown at its Movies Under The Stars program outdoors on a gargantuan screen. The Love Boat trivia contests will be cheered. And cocktails to complement The Love Boat vibe will be toasted. Ezra Freeman, Princess Cruises’ real-life bartender who starred on The Real Love Boat —a reality-dating series that premiered on CBS in 2022; now streaming on Apple TV+ and Amazon Prime —will join this spirited celebration.

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The Reel Thing: Movies Under the Stars poolside.

The Love Boat: A Top Travel Influencer

This popular series (from the 1970s and ‘80s) introduced millions of American TV viewers to cruising, propelling the rise of passenger ships by showcasing life on the high seas as a fun, festive, fashionable, family-friendly and romantic vacation choice. It transformed travel horizons. Episodes spotlit a lively array of well-known guest-star celebrities. Story lines varied, but plots always concluded happily, further solidifying its audience draw. Now in worldwide syndication, reaching more than 90 countries, original The Love Boat episodes have been translated into more than 30 languages.

Ship-Shape Interview: Jill Whelan

Actor Jill Whelan, who is now a Celebrations Ambassador for Princess Cruises, and I talked about her passion for sailing.

Laura Manske: Two years ago, Princess Cruises orchestrated its first The Love Boat theme reunion, which sailed the Mexican Riviera. There continues to be strong sentimentality for its original cast.

Jill Whelan: Anytime I get together with my cast mates, it’s like coming home because we’re family. I truly mean that. This will be our second theme cruise since 2022. We were all touched and overwhelmed by the incredible response from guests. Nostalgia for the show still gets people excited. Princess was the ocean-going co-star of The Love Boat. That is unique.

Manske: Your key anticipated moments with passengers ahead?

Whelan: Well, certainly our cast reunion in the Princess Theater, when we will share our favorite memories, laugh a lot and take questions from the audience. The renewal of vows we host is also incredibly sweet. So many couples renew their love for one another on The Love Boat . We get to play a part in their special day.

Jill Whelan (as Vicki Stubing) with the late Gavin MacLeod (as Captain Stubing), her TV dad.

Manske: You starred on The Love Boat aboard the Pacific Princess from the age of 11 onward.

Whelan: I was so young. Gavin MacLeod welcomed me with open arms and such warmth and love, as I was playing his daughter. Remember, I was coming into an already hit show and I was the youngest. So romance wasn’t a cornerstone of my storyline just yet. But Gavin made me feel at ease, as did all of the cast members. I remember trying to take it all in, learn from everyone who came on set and appreciate the places we visited on our Princess cruises.

Manske: How did the show influence your views about romantic love as a teen growing up with this series.

Whelan: I did have my first kiss on The Love Boat . Let’s just say it wasn’t as magical as I’d hoped. As Gavin always said: ‘The show gave people something to dream about.’ I did fall in love with the romance of the sea and connecting with people on vacation. I guess as any teenager would, I did have fantasies about falling in love and sailing off into the sunset. And that did happen for me when I met my husband, Jeff, in 2016. We can’t cruise enough these days. We absolutely love it!

Manske: Share something, perhaps surprising, that brings you joy.

Whelan: Many of the Princess ships’ horns play The Love Boat theme song. I hear people singing the theme song when I’m onboard—and it makes me smile.

Enchanted Princess.

The 3,660-passenger Enchanted Princess ’s round-trip reunion itinerary from New York City includes days in Newport, Rhode Island; Boston; Rockland, Maine; Saint John, Canada (for the Bay of Fundy); and Halifax, Canada.

The Love Boat reunion trip embarks and disembarks in New York City.

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David and Victoria Beckham celebrate Easter with family aboard a $20M megayacht

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Victoria and David Beckham celebrated Easter Sunday by soaking up the sun with their family aboard a multimillion-dollar megayacht in Miami.

The Spice Girls alum shared a few snaps of the festivities via Instagram , showcasing her husband and three of their four kids – Brooklyn, 25, Cruz, 19, and Harper, 12 – living their best lives. Brooklyn’s wife, Nicola Peltz, also celebrated with the family, while 21-year-old Romeo was away for the weekend.

The sun-filled snaps showed the former soccer player, 48, and Posh Spice, 49, dressed in summer attire while sporting pink-and-white bunny ears. At one point they posed upside down on a lounge while pretending to sleep for a cute pic.

In another festive pic, the happy family posed for a group shot at the back of the yacht while all sporting the same festive bunny ears.

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A third playful snap showed Peltz, 29, holding up Victoria’s leg, which remains in a boot from when she fractured her foot while working out in February.

Other pictures saw David posing with his kids as they all sported white sweatshirts.

“Happy Easter!! We love and miss you @romeobeckham!! Kisses from the Beckhams and Peltz Beckhams,” Victoria captioned the photo dump.

On Saturday, Victoria also posted a video of herself and Peltz dancing to the Spice Girls’ 1996 hit “Say You’ll Be There” while on the boat.

David also shared pics to his own Instagram feed on Sunday, including sweet throwback snaps of his sons holding a massive chocolate bunny when they were young. He included a picture of his daughter holding a yellow duck figurine and another of his wife wearing bunny ears.

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Want celebrity news as it breaks? Hooked on Housewives?

It appears the A-list family has been spending several days abroad their yacht as they were first spotted taking a cruise on Wednesday.

The ritzy Riva 130 Bellissima Yacht is seemingly a new purchase for the couple, who were previously owners of a much smaller $6.5 million Riva Argo 90 .

The silver vessel, which measures about 40 meters and 130 feet, fits up to 10 guests in five suites.

Since February 2014, Victoria and David have spent the majority of their time under the Florida sun as the former Manchester United pro has signed on to work for Inter Miami CF.

When the UK natives aren’t in Florida, they are likely spending time in their  $40 million Victorian townhouse  in London, which is located on “Millionaire’s Row” in Kensington.

The couple reportedly have a combined net worth of $514 million to help support their lavish lifestyle .

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Boat tragedy victim Alan Bottrill remembered as 'adventurer' after 'megawave' claims three lives

Family members of one of the men who died after a boat capsized near Port Lincoln late on Monday have paid tribute to the "adventurer who loved fishing".

Alan Leslie Bottrill, 71, was among three people who died when their boat was swamped by a wave off South Australia's Eyre Peninsula around 4pm on Monday .

His body and the bodies of the two other victims, Paul Eckert and his son Tom, were retrieved from the water on Tuesday.

Another of Paul's sons, Flinders University sleep expert Professor Danny Eckert, and Danny's 12-year-old son survived by clinging to a reef off Spilsby Island, 45 kilometres east of Port Lincoln, where they were found about 2am on Tuesday.

In a statement released on Wednesday, Mr Bottrill's wife Pamela and children Rónán and Amélie expressed their grief.

"Alan was 71 years old and still very much an adventurer who loved fishing, golfing and travelling with friends and family," they said in the statement.

"He leaves behind a wife, two children and two grandchildren who will miss him very much."

The family extended a "heartfelt thanks" to everyone involved in the search efforts including police, who "did a wonderful job", and the "community that has gathered around to support and care for our family".

"Our most heartfelt thoughts are with the families of everybody affected by this tragedy," Mr Bottrill's family said.

Ms Bottrill told ABC News she understood a "megawave" had struck the 6.2-metre fishing boat, and that there had been no time to activate new safety gear which had recently been installed.

She said her husband was an experienced fisher who had twice battled cancer and "never" thought he would have been killed fishing.

Survivors battled 'daunting' seas

Police began searching for the missing boat after family members raised the alarm about 8:30pm on Monday when the vessel failed to return from a fishing trip.

A police helicopter located the upturned fishing boat about 2am on Tuesday.

It was brought back to shore aboard commercial fishing vessel Delamere.

SA Police's Superintendent Paul Bahr told ABC Eyre Peninsula the duo who survived had to contend with a 1.5-metre swell as they clung to the reef.

"Because they were at a reef, they would have had the odd breaker breaking onto that reef so I think it would have been pretty daunting," he said.

"I think they are incredibly lucky and it speaks a lot about their own resilience that they managed to hang on."

He said the search – which included "selfless" efforts from local fishing vessels, the P&O cruise ship Pacific Explorer and a cargo ship – was assisted by teams on land.

"A lot of the search is guided by people remote from the actual search area who are running algorithms across drift patterns and swell patterns and tides to determine where debris and individuals may float and drift as the days go on," he said.

"There's a lot of work goes into ensuring that we put a bit of intelligence into this and make sure that our searches are concentrating in the right areas and that's where we get this sort of result."

Superintendent Bahr said the involvement of local fishing vessels in the search had been "critical".

"Port Lincoln is remote from the rest of the state and so we are very self-reliant. We are reliant on the good will of volunteers to help us and we are fortunate that we have such a large fishing fleet here," he said.

"The crews like the Delamere were pretty selfless in the support they gave us."

He urged anyone planning a fishing trip to ensure they have working and up-to-date safety equipment, and ensure everyone aboard knows how to use it.

He said a report would be prepared for the coroner.

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I've visited Washington, DC, to see the famous cherry blossoms for years. Here are 6 secrets to skipping crowds and optimizing your trip.

• I've been traveling to see cherry blossoms in Washington, DC, for years alongside tons of tourists. 
• Elevate your trip by booking a Potomac River blossom cruise or special themed afternoon tea.
• I also suggest checking out the Artechouse spring exhibit and the Hains Point loop trail.

Washington, DC, is one of the best places in the US to see cherry blossoms in the spring.

Every year, more than 1.5 million tourists travel to DC for the National Cherry Blossom Festival. And, although fun, popular free events like the Blossom Kite Festival and Petalpalooza tend to be swarming with crowds.

A s a DC-area native who's gone to see the blooms for years (and just went this past weekend), I've learned how to dodge the chaos.

Here are my recommendations for the best ways to skip the crowds and tips to maximize your spring trip.

Ditch the Tidal Basin and head to lesser-known bloom sites

The Tidal Basin is one of the most popular cherry-blossom-viewing spots in DC. The pretty waterfront space is filled with blooms, but there are lesser-known sites to visit if you don't feel like fighting for selfie space.

Some of my top picks include Georgetown's Dumbarton Oaks Gardens, Stanton Park in the Capitol Hill neighborhood, and the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception.

I took my mother to the Basilica over the weekend and was pleasantly surprised to find we had the grounds all to ourselves.

With roughly 150 cherry trees adorning the property of North America's largest Roman Catholic church, it's truly a sight for sore eyes.

Embark on a boat cruise down the Potomac River

Switch up your perspective by embarking on a cruise to see the vibrant pink blooms from the water.

City Cruises offers a variety of options for different budgets and preferences, including brunch, lunch, or dinner cruises and sightseeing tours. Every voyage guarantees breathtaking views of the blossoms sans the crowds.

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My mother and I went on the lunch cruise during our recent cherry-blossom outing and loved it. It was nice to see tons of trees in beautiful locations while sipping blossom-themed cocktails.

Explore the Artechouse spring exhibit

Embark on a cherry-blossom adventure like no other at Artechouse DC's latest exhibit — "Isekai: Blooming Parallel Worlds."

This spring, the studio infuses Anime magic into the blossoms, creating a mesmerizing universe of digital art . Although it's popular this time of year, the exhibition requires advanced reservations that means you'll be guaranteed a spot and it doesn't get overly crowded.

Artechouse is also a great option for a rainy day in DC because it's an indoor experience.

Walk the Hains Point loop trail — or golf amongst the blooms

Escape the bustling crowds and immerse yourself in cherry-blossom bliss at Hains Point loop trail.

This hidden gem offers a serene 4.1-mile stroll amidst a diverse array of cherry-tree species, along with breathtaking vistas of the Potomac River, Anacostia River, and the Washington Channel.

While you're on Hains Point Island, check out East Potomac Golf Links. With several golf courses to choose from, you can swing away while surrounded by incredible blooms and waterfront views.

Book a seating at a cherry-blossom afternoon tea

The Willard Intercontinental DC's iconic cherry-blossom afternoon tea has been transforming the hotel's Beaux-Arts lobby into an enchanting world of pink and white Yoshino blooms every spring for about a century.

This year was my first time trying the upscale experience, and I highly recommend it if you enjoy feeling like royalty.

The service was impeccable, the decor was exquisite, and every sip and bite was an indulgence.

Each person at our table got to choose from a lengthy tea list and we enjoyed delicious sweet and savory treats, like lobster-salad sandwiches and cherry-cinnamon scones.

Check out cherry-blossom pop-up restaurants and bars

This time of year, DC's culinary scene is dominated by all things cherry blossom. Restaurants and bars all over town swap out their menus and go all out with over-the-top floral decor in honor of the season.

Fortunately, diving into the local dining scene is a great way to experience bloom-related goodness without the chaos of crowded festival events.

Enjoy blossom-inspired cocktails and panoramic views at Ciel Social Club's scenic rooftop lounge. Seek sanctuary on Residents Cafe's patio, a dazzling oasis of blossoms away from the hustle.

Or, immerse yourself in Silver Lyan's unique pop-up at the Riggs Hotel, where Japanese-inspired cuisine and floating floral decor can transport you to a cherry-blossom dreamland.

Watch: Poppy blooms create breathtaking scene at California's Lake Elsinore

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