20 small sailboats to take you anywhere

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Twenty Small Sailboats to Take You Anywhere

John Vigor turns the spotlight on twenty seaworthy sailboats that are at home on the ocean in all weather. These are old fiberglass boats, mostly of traditional design and strong construction. All are small, from 20 feet to 32 feet overall, but all have crossed oceans, and all are cheap.

Choosing the right boat to take you across an ocean or around the world can be confusing and exasperating, particularly with a tight budget. Vigor sets out to remedy that in this book. He compares the designs and handling characteristics of 20 different boats whose secondhand market prices start at about $3,000. Interviews with experienced owners (featuring valuable tips about handling each boat in heavy weather) are interspersed with line drawings of hulls, sail plans, and accommodations. Vigor has unearthed the known weaknesses of each boat and explains how to deal with them. He rates their comparative seaworthiness, their speed, and the number of people they can carry in comfort. If you have ever dreamed the dream this book can help you turn it into reality.

International Folkboat

Pacific Seacraft 25

Albin Vega 27

Cape Dory 25D

Contessa 26

Morris 26 Frances

Catalina 27

Falmouth Cutter 22

Pacific Seacraft Dana 24

Pearson Triton

Contessa 32

Southern Cross 31

Bristol Channel Cutter

Nicholson 31

Allied Seawind

Westsail 32

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Twenty Small Sailboats to Take You Anywhere

• 4.5 • 2 Ratings

Publisher Description

Anyone who has sailed small boats has surely experienced the romantic dream of crossing an ocean or even sailing around the world. But what was once fantasy can now be reality. With a growing glut of good used boats on the market, it’s possible to sail around the world in a boat that costs less than a car. In this fascinating book, well-known boating author John Vigor turns the spotlight on twenty seaworthy sailboats that are at home on the ocean in all weather. These are old fiberglass boats, mostly of traditional design and strong construction. All are small - from 20 feet to 32 feet overall - but all have crossed oceans. Many have circumnavigated the world. And all are cheap. Choosing the right boat to take you across an ocean or around the world can be confusing and exasperating, particularly if your budget is tight. Vigor sets out to remedy that in this book. He compares the designs and handling characteristics of 20 different boats whose prices on the secondhand market start at about $3,000. Interviews with experienced owners (featuring valuable tips about handling each boat in heavy weather) are interspersed with line drawings of hulls, sail plans, and accommodations. Vigor has unearthed the known weaknesses of each boat and explains how to deal with them. He rates their comparative seaworthiness, their speed, and the number of people they can carry in comfort. If you have ever dreamed the dream this book can help you turn it into reality.

Twenty Small Sailboats to Take You Anywhere

By john vigor.

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""Not many 30-footers, old or new, seem as basically seaworthy and rugged as the Alberg 30.""

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Twenty Small Sailboats to Take You Anywhere Paperback – 1 Aug. 1999

• Print length 200 pages
• Language English
• Publisher Paradise Cay Pubns
• Publication date 1 Aug. 1999
• Dimensions 15.88 x 1.27 x 22.86 cm
• ISBN-10 0939837323
• ISBN-13 978-0939837328
• See all details

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• Publisher ‏ : ‎ Paradise Cay Pubns (1 Aug. 1999)
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• Paperback ‏ : ‎ 200 pages
• ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0939837323
• ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0939837328
• Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 15.88 x 1.27 x 22.86 cm
• 726 in Consumer Guides (Books)
• 1,337 in Sailing (Books)

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Twenty Small Sailboats to Take You Anywhere

$ 19.95

In  Twenty Small Sailboats to Take You Anywhere,  John Vigor turns the spotlight on twenty seaworthy sailboats that are at home on the ocean in all weather. These are old fiberglass boats, mostly of traditional design and strong construction. All are small, from 20 feet to 32 feet overall, but all have crossed oceans, and all are cheap.

Description

Additional information.

In Twenty Small Sailboats to Take You Anywhere,  John Vigor turns the spotlight on twenty seaworthy sailboats that are at home on the ocean in all weather. These are old fiberglass boats, mostly of traditional design and strong construction. All are small, from 20 feet to 32 feet overall, but all have crossed oceans, and all are cheap. Choosing the right boat to take you across an ocean or around the world can be confusing and exasperating, particularly with a tight budget. Vigor sets out to remedy that in Twenty Small Sailboats to Take You Anywhere . He compares the designs and handling characteristics of 20 different boats whose secondhand market prices start at about $3,000. Interviews with experienced owners (featuring valuable tips about handling each boat in heavy weather) are interspersed with line drawings of hulls, sail plans, and accommodations. Vigor has unearthed the known weaknesses of each boat and explains how to deal with them. He rates their comparative seaworthiness, their speed, and the number of people they can carry in comfort.If you have ever dreamed the dream this book can help you turn it into reality.

About the Author

John Vigor  was born in Plymouth, England, but emigrated to South Africa with his family at age 13. After being trained there as a newspaper reporter and photographer, he returned to England to gain experience of British journalism. He joined a paper in Maidstone, Kent, and there met his American-born wife, June who was a journalist working for the same paper. They married in Maidstone and later moved to Durban, South Africa, where they raised three sons.

He has been sailing for more than 40 years in boats ranging from 11 to 72 feet, logging 15,000 miles of ocean voyaging. He is the author of seven nautical books, and contributes articles to “Cruising World”, “SAIL”, and “Yachting Monthly”.

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10 Best Small Sailboats (Under 20 Feet)

Last Updated by

Daniel Wade

December 28, 2023

Compact, easy to trailer, simple to rig, easy to maintain and manage, and affordable, the best small boats all have one thing in common: they offer loads of fun while out there on the water.

So whether you're on a budget or just looking for something that can offer ultimate daytime rides without compromising on safety, aesthetic sensibilities, alternate propulsion, and speed, the best small sailboats under 20 feet should be the only way to go.

Let's be brutally honest here; not everyone needs a 30-foot sailboat to go sailing. They come with lots of features such as electronics, entertainment, refrigeration, bunks, a galley, and even a head. But do you really need all these features to go sailing? We don't think so.

All you need to go sailing is a hull, a mast, rudder, and, of course, a sail. And whether you refer to them as daysailers, trailerable sailboats , a weekender sailboat, or pocket cruisers, there's no better way to enjoy the thrills of coastal sailing than on small sailboats.

There are a wide range of small boats measuring less than 20 feet available in the market. These are hot products in the market given that they offer immense thrills out on the sea without the commitment required to cruise on a 30-footer. A small sailboat will not only give you the feel of every breeze but will also give you the chance to instantly sense every change in trim.

In this article, we'll highlight 10 best small sailboats under 20 feet . Most models in this list are time-tested, easy to rig, simple to sail, extremely fun, and perfect either for solo sailing or for sailing with friends and family. So if you've been looking for a list of some of the best small sailboats , you've come to the right place.

So without further ado, let's roll on.

Table of contents

{{boat-info="/boats/hunter-15"}}

The Marlow-Hunter 15 is not only easy to own since it's one of the most affordable small sailboats but also lots of fun to sail. This is a safe and versatile sailboat for everyone. Whether you're sailing with your family or as a greenhorn, you'll love the Hunter 15 thanks to its raised boom, high freeboard, and sturdy FRP construction.

With high sides, a comfortable wide beam, a contoured self-bailing cockpit, and fiberglass construction, the Hunter 15 is certainly designed with the novice sailor in mind. This is why you can do a lot with this boat without falling out, breaking it, or capsizing. Its contoured self-baiting cockpit will enable you to find a fast exit while its wide beam will keep it steady and stable no matter what jibes or weight shifts happen along the way.

This is a small sailboat that can hold up to four people. It's designed to give you a confident feeling and peace of mind even when sailing with kids. It's easy to trailer, easy to rig, and easy to launch. With a price tag of about $10k, the Hunter 15 is a fun, affordable, and versatile boat that is perfect for both seasoned sailors and novices. It's a low-maintenance sailboat that can be great for teaching kids a thing or two about sailing.

Catalina 16.5

{{boat-info="/boats/catalina-16-5"}}

Catalina Yachts are synonymous with bigger boats but they have some great and smaller boats too such as Catalina 16.5. This is one of the best small sailboats that are ideal for family outings given that it has a big and roomy cockpit, as well as a large storage locker. Designed with a hand-laminated fiberglass sloop, the Catalina 16.5 is versatile and is available in two designs: the centerboard model and the keel model.

The centerboard model is designed with a powerful sailplane that remains balanced as a result of the fiberglass centerboard, the stable hull form, and the rudder. It also comes with a tiller extension, adjustable hiking straps, and adjustable overhaul. It's important to note that these are standard equipment in the two models.

As far as the keel model is concerned, this is designed with a high aspect keel as the cast lead and is attached with stainless steel keel bolts, which makes this model perfect for mooring or docking whenever it's not in use. In essence, the centerboard model is perfect if you'll store it in a trailer while the keel model can remain at the dock.

All in all, the Catalina 16.5 is one of the best small sailboats that you can get your hands on for as low as $10,000. This is certainly a great example of exactly what a daysailer should be.

{{boat-info="/boats/hobie-16"}}

There's no list of small, trailerable, and fun sailboats that can be complete without the inclusion of the classic Hobie 16. This is a durable design that has been around and diligently graced various waters across the globe since its debut way back in 1969 in Southern California. In addition to being durable, the Hobie 16 is trailerable, great for speed, weighs only 320 pounds, great for four people, and more importantly, offers absolute fun.

With a remarkable figure of over 100,000 launched since its debut, it's easy to see that the Hobie 16 is highly popular. Part of this popularity comes from its asymmetric fiberglass-and-foam sandwiched hulls that include kick-up rudders. This is a great feature that allows it to sail up to the beach.

For about $12,000, the Hobie 16 will provide you with endless fun throughout the summer. It's equipped with a spinnaker, trailer, and douse kit. This is a high-speed sailboat that has a large trampoline to offer lots of space not just for your feet but also to hand off the double trapezes.

Montgomery 17

{{boat-info="/boats/montgomery-17"}}

Popularly known as the M-17, The Montgomery 17 was designed by Lyle C. Hess in conjunction with Jerry Montgomery in Ontario, California for Montgomery Boats. Designed either with keel or centerboard models, the M-17 is more stable than most boats of her size. This boat is small enough to be trailered but also capable of doing moderate offshore passages.

This small sailboat is designed with a masthead and toe rail that can fit most foresails. It also has enough space for two thanks to its cuddly cabin, which offers a sitting headroom, a portable toilet, a pair of bunks, a DC power, and optional shore, and a proper amount of storage. That's not all; you can easily raise the deck-stepped mast using a four-part tackle.

In terms of performance, the M-17 is one of the giant-killers out there. This is a small sailboat that will excel in the extremes and make its way past larger boats such as the Catalina 22. It glides along beautifully and is a dog in light air, though it won't sail against a 25-knot wind, which can be frustrating. Other than that, the Montgomery 17 is a great small sailboat that can be yours for about $14,000.

Norseboat 17.5

{{boat-info="/boats/norseboat-17-5"}}

As a versatile daysailer, Norseboat 17.5 follows a simple concept of seaworthiness and high-performance. This small sailboat perfectly combines both contemporary construction and traditional aesthetics. Imagine a sailboat that calls itself the "Swiss Army Knife of Boats!" Well, this is a boat that can sail and row equally well.

Whether you're stepping down from a larger cruiser or stepping up from a sea kayak, the unique Norseboat 17.5 is balanced, attractive, and salty. It has curvaceous wishbone gaff, it is saucy, and has a stubby bow-sprit that makes it attractive to the eyes. In addition to her beauty, the Norseboat 17.5 offers an energy-pinching challenge, is self-sufficient, and offers more than what you're used to.

This is a small, lightweight, low-maintenance sailboat that offers a ticket to both sailing and rowing adventures all at the same time. At about 400 pounds, it's very portable and highly convenient. Its mainsails may look small but you'll be surprised at how the boat is responsive to it. With a $12,500 price tag, this is a good small sailboat that offers you the versatility to either row or sail.

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

If you've been looking for a pocket cruiser that inspires confidence, especially in shoal water, look no further than the Sage 17. Designed by Jerry Montgomery in 2009, the Sage 17 is stable and should heel to 10 degrees while stiffening up. And because you want to feel secure while sailing, stability is an integral feature of the Sage 17.

This is a sailboat that will remain solid and stable no matter which part of the boat you stand on. Its cabin roof and the balsa-cored carbon-fiber deck are so strong that the mast doesn't require any form of compression post. The self-draining cockpit is long enough and capable of sleeping at 6 feet 6 inches.

The Sage 17 may be expensive at $25k but is a true sea warrior that's worth look at. This is a boat that will not only serve you right but will also turn heads at the marina.    

{{boat-info="/boats/laserperformance-laser-sb3"}}

Having been chosen as the overall boat of the year for 2008 by the Sailing World Magazine, the Laser SB3 is one of the coolest boats you'll ever encounter. When sailing upwind, this boat will lock into the groove while its absolute simplicity is legendary. In terms of downwind sailing, having this boat will be a dream come true while it remains incredibly stable even at extraordinary speed.

Since its debut in 2004, the Laser SB3 has surged in terms of popularity thanks to the fact that it's designed to put all the controls at your fingertips. In addition to a lightweight mast, its T- bulb keel can be hauled and launched painlessly. For about $18,000, the Laser SB3 ushers you into the world of sports sailing and what it feels to own and use a sports boat.

{{boat-info="/boats/fareast-18"}}

As a manufacturer, Fareast is a Chinese boat manufacturer that has been around for less than two decades. But even with that, the Fareast 18 remains a very capable cruiser-racer that will take your sailing to the next level. In addition to its good looks, this boat comes with a retractable keel with ballast bulb, a powerful rig, and an enclosed cabin.

Its narrow design with a closed stern may be rare in sailboats of this size, but that's not a problem for the Fareast 18. This design not only emphasizes speed but also makes it a lot easier to maintain this boat. Perfect for about 6 people, this boat punches above its weight. It's, however, designed to be rigged and launched by one person.

This is a relatively affordable boat. It's agile, safe, well-thought-out, well built, and very sporty.

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

If you're in the market looking for a small sailboat that offers contemporary performance with classic beauty, the Paine 14 should be your ideal option. Named after its famous designer, Chuck Paine, this boat is intentionally designed after the classic Herreshoff 12.5 both in terms of dimensions and features.

This is a lightweight design that brings forth modern fin keel and spade rudder, which makes it agile, stable, and faster. The Paine 14 is built using cold-molded wood or west epoxy. It has varnished gunnels and transoms to give it an old-time charm. To make it somehow modern, this boat is designed with a carbon mast and a modern way to attach sails so that it's ready to sail in minutes.

You can rest easy knowing that the Paine 14 will not only serve you well but will turn heads while out there.

{{boat-info="/boats/wd-schock-lido-14"}}

Many sailors will attest that their first sailing outing was in a Lido 14. This is a classic sailboat that has been around for over four decades and still proves to be a perfect match to modern small boats, especially for those still learning the ropes of sailing.

With seating for six people, the Lido 14 can be perfect for solo sailing , single-handed sailing, or if you're planning for shorthanded sailing. While new Lido 14 boats are no longer available, go for a functional used Lido 14 and you'll never regret this decision. It will serve you well and your kids will probably fall in love with sailing if Lido 14 becomes their main vessel during weekends or long summer holidays.

Bottom Line

There you have it; these are some of the best small sailboats you can go for. While there are endless small sailboats in the market, the above-described sailboat will serve you right and make you enjoy the wind.

Choose the perfect sailboat, invest in it, and go out there and have some good fun!

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Twenty Small Sailboats, your version

• Thread starter kesh
• Start date 19 Feb 2010
• 19 Feb 2010

• Capable of Ocean Crossings
• Price £2000 to £30,000
• 20 feet to 32 feet LOD

Well-known member

Based more on reading than actual experience, the usual choices would be something like: Albin Vega Contessa 26 Invicta 26 Halcyon 27 South Coast One Design Folkboat Offshore 8m  

Thanks. To avoid repetition, I should perhaps point out the book covers the Albin Vega, Contessas 26 and 32, Frances/Morris 26, Folkboat and Nicholson 31. I'll look into those other ones.  

Vancouver 27 or 28 would be on my list.  

Active member

I believe John Vigor's book includes the Catalina 27. In Europe this called the Jaguar 27 and they are widely available.  

There is a tendency in this list towards modern versions of old fashioned long keel designs whereas in fact there are many more modern designs which have been used successfully for ocean voyaging. With a budget of £30k there is a vast choice. The ones so far suggested are all limited in accommodation, so only really suitable for single handing or cosy spartan two handing. Many are prepared to put up with this as they believe this is offset by superior seakeeping - or low cost, minimum maintenance etc. Interesting virtually nobody builds that type of boat anymore and none of them would achieve RCD Category A! (If that is important to potential "go anywhere" voyagers)  

VinceHall said: I believe John Vigor's book includes the Catalina 27. In Europe this called the Jaguar 27 and they are widely available. Click to expand...

Don't forget the Cutlass 27  

Tranona said: There is a tendency in this list towards modern versions of old fashioned long keel designs whereas in fact there are many more modern designs which have been used successfully for ocean voyaging. With a budget of £30k there is a vast choice. The ones so far suggested are all limited in accommodation, so only really suitable for single handing or cosy spartan two handing. Many are prepared to put up with this as they believe this is offset by superior seakeeping - or low cost, minimum maintenance etc. Interesting virtually nobody builds that type of boat anymore and none of them would achieve RCD Category A! (If that is important to potential "go anywhere" voyagers) Click to expand...

I'm sure all sorts of boats would make it across (but may not be suitable on paper). Didn't an Etap 26 do the ARC a few years ago? So therefore: Etap 26 Leisure 27 Leisure 23 (one did the Atlantic and Pacific recently) Cobra 850 Corribee Shipman 28 Ruffian 23 Seamaster 815  

stevebirch2002

Obviouslly I am biased but as you bring the budget down and expand on your wants it keeps pointing to the Albin Vega..... Have a look at teh website www.albinvega.co.uk and I think you will be surprised. Ask Webcraft about his trips with his Vega. Over 20 have circumnavigated and countless crossed the Atlantic. Sleeps 4 but 3 is ok and 2 is very comfortable. Steve B  

kesh said: I'm reading John Vigor's Twenty Small Sailboats to Take You Anywhere. It seems a great book for someone like me who wants to buy a small first proper boat that I won't have to trade up if/when I want to venture out into the oceans. Problem is only about five of the boats are available in the UK secondhand market, as far as I can tell. So what would you put in an equivalent book based around designs available here? Vigor's criteria were: Capable of Ocean Crossings Price £2000 to £30,000 20 feet to 32 feet LOD Go Click to expand...

Blueboatman

Gawd, only 20 ? There must be 50 UK available boats in that price bracket that would do the job, don't panic ! For a start I would think anything built by a reputable builder, like Halmatic ( moulders), Westerly, Marine projects and Rival ( Southern shipbuilding?). Then there are all the continentals. And don't forget that Bavarias are in fact totally amazing. One model mentioned that I would reject is the Catalina (Jaguar) 27. Having had tea on one that had been sailed to windward from the States down to Puerto Rico, I was horrified at the very real distortion to deck, chainplates, main bulkheads etc, just from mast loadings. Mebbe the British ones used heavier laminate though?  

Porthandbuoy

Nicholson 26 is a capable wee boat. Several of them have crossed the Pond I believe, The Nicholson 32 is a great seaboat.  

May be worth looking at a Sigma33 OD not the OOD. The OD has mast head rig and longer but shorter keel. I know of one that sailed the AZAB more than once and believe there are records of other doing some long distance sailing. Price would be about right although not sure how many were made.  

Aphrodite101 Nicholson 32 Rival 32 Nantucket clipper Sadler32 Twister Rustler31 She 31/32 Contest 30 Elizabethan 29/30 Contessa 32 Golden Hind 31 Hustler30 Pioneer 9m Trintella 29 Achilles 840 Moodys and Westerlies are all capable. Lets not forget the huge number of wooden boats also out there of which there are too many to mention. Favored would be a twister or a vega keeping it small and simple.  

Albin Vega - pros and cons . The Vega is a well-tried solution to affordable blue water crusing. We've dabbled with a trip to the Canaries and Azores, so FWIW here's my thoughts on the pros and cons of this particular type: PROS ----- ~ Simple, well-built, not much to go wrong, not prone to osmosis ~ Encapsulated long keel with cutaway forefoot is IMO an optimum hull shape combining excellent speed for waterine length with good seakeeping qualities ~ Great fun to sail - not at all pedestrian ~ Open nature of accommodation (no chart table or extensive galley) means there is plenty of living space and an airy feel down below ~ More space in the forepeak than many 33 footers - a proper double bed space means you have a proper 'ownrs cabin' in harbour or at anchor ~ Good self-draining cockpit, side decks big enough to go forward safely, capacious stowage in cockpit lockers and lazarette ~ Excellent ventilation system 'built in' by the designer means the boat stays dry inside ~ Over 3,000 built - always a few on the market, loads of advice, support and spares from the Owners Association ~ Great value for money if you choose the right one CONS ------ ~ Only 5' 7" standing headroom - fine for us as we are dwarves, but not so good for tal people. (halcyon 27 has better headroom) ~ No chart table - although many people have built a solution while others don't find it a problem ~ Galley usually hasn't got an oven unless the layout has been modified. Again, we didn't find that a problem during the year we lived on board ~ Windows are a known weakness in knockdown/survival situations. Some replace them with alu frames, we made stormboards (cheap and easy). ~ Original (Volvo) engines and the insane Combi stern gear are generally worn out and should be thrown away - ideally look for one where a previous owner has already re-engined or be prepared to do this before setting off. ~ Anchor locker slightly small - we just about manage to cram 35m chain and 20m warp in ours ------------------------- Hope this is useful, perhaps people with other types in this category (cheap potential liveaboard/bluewater) could post similar lists of pros and cons. - W  

Davidrss38 said: May be worth looking at a Sigma33 OD not the OOD. The OD has mast head rig and longer but shorter keel. I know of one that sailed the AZAB more than once and believe there are records of other doing some long distance sailing. Price would be about right although not sure how many were made. Click to expand...

Quandary said: The OOD is a far better offshore boat in a gale than the much lauded Contessa 32. Click to expand...

Difference might be that I have done it. The Contessa was nearly awash below before the night was half over. Anyone got £20k I can find you a choice of OOD Sigmas, the mh ones will be even cheaper though I admit, harder to find.  

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