open transom sailboat

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Open Transom Pros and Cons

The low, open transom of our test boat, a Corsair F-24 trimaran, results in chronically wet sneakers when sailing in rough conditions. At normal speeds, the cockpit stays dry, even off the wind. The stern rises to the approaching waves, and we’re generally surfing away from them anyway, leaving a long, flat wake. But occasionally we slow down because we’re reefing, bumbling a jibe, trolling slowly, or just taking a break, and with only 6 inches of freeboard aft, water washes the length of the cockpit.

In the summer it’s amusing, and we learn not to leave anything on the floor. In winter, however, the water is cold, and unless we are wearing boots or waterproof socks, the rest of the day is less pleasant. In Force 5 conditions it’s just a few inches, and the 8-inch companionway sill is enough to turn water away. In Force 7, we better have a companionway drop board in, or dozens of gallons of water will pour into the cabin in a second.

What we need is a removable board at the transom to keep the waves out. Some people call these duck boards, but that term normally describes planks laid across wet or soft ground. I’ve heard them called splash boards, but that’s more commonly reserved for transom-mounted deflectors on either side of an outboard motor. For our purposes, we’ll call them transom washboards, as distinct from companionway washboards (also known as drop boards).

SEAWORTHINESS

Proponents of open-transom designs tell us that these boats are almost never pooped. Perhaps the Dyneema lifelines create a force field that keeps boarding seas at bay? More likely, they have light, broad transoms that obediently rise to every swell. Any serious flooding seems to occur when waves come over the side as the boat yaws. When this happens, the open transom quickly drains. The point is, there is no shortage of open-transom boats that blast through the world’s roughest oceans without much fear of being overwhelmed from astern.

Open transoms have advantages for both cruisers and racers. For racers, they allow a large cockpit that sheds water rapidly. For cruisers they can ease boarding, both from dinghies, floating docks, and from the water. The cockpit is easier to keep clean, and in many cases, becomes effectively self-cleaning. In colder climates, there is a risk that falling leaves or ice might clog the cockpit drains, causing the boat to sink.

The downsides are obvious. In even moderately bad weather, waves can wash into the cockpit, soaking your feet and gear. If the companionway is low and unprotected by wash boards, even a small wave can make the cabin pretty wet. In serious weather, downflooding becomes a serious a concern, unless the companionway boards are very strong.

What about the weight of all that water? At 64 pounds per cubic foot, water sloshing in the cockpit can really upset the fore-aft balance of the boat. The cockpit well of our 24-foot Corsair can hold 1,100 pounds of water, about 1/3 the weight of the boat, or six additional crew members. Meanwhile, an open cockpit will drain in seconds.

We’ve heard of a few cases of sailors being washed out under the lifeline of the cockpit of a race boat. The governing body of international sailing World Sailing stipulates in its rules that there must be two lifelines, with a maximum vertical spacing of 15 inches around the perimeter of the boat, including the stern. A toe rail is required aft of the mast, but the aft end of an open transom cockpit rarely has a one, because that would interfere with draining.

We could, of course, put up a low net (tailgate webbing for pickup trucks) to catch gear and sailors washing aft. Another solution is built-in wash boards that either hinge upward or pull up and lift into place. Sometimes these transom wash boards are the full height of the coaming, but more often they are lower, about seat height.

What about drogues towed from the transom vs. open transoms? We think drogues still make sense for trimarans, because they are the type of boat most susceptible to wave-only capsize. A drogue on a bridle is effective in keeping a trimaran from being caught abeam to a large wave. A large beam-on wave can lift the windward float, rotating the boat and forcing the lee float under. Open cockpits on trimarans are long, but they are narrow, so they don’t hold that much water.

A low transom board, such as we made, will make the cockpit more livable and not trap that much water (see “DIY Transom Washboard”). Don’t like the board there? You can just remove it.

We’d leave the transom splashboard out of a racing monohull; the transom is broad and light, and the boat will rise with the waves. The cockpit can be massive, so it is better to have rapid drainage.

Cruising monohulls are higher, have smaller cockpits and are usually equipped with sturdy OEM transom washboards. As for catamarans, in our limited experience with gales, and from what experienced oceanic cat sailors tell us, significant waves breaking onto the elevated bridge deck are rare. In either case, sailors should insist on sturdy companionway sills and doors.

CONCLUSIONS

A transom washboard can make sailing a little drier and more pleasant in bad weather. Can it make the boat more seaworthy in truly bad weather, or will it make things worse by holding water? The answer is likely boat-specific. One option is to leave the transom open and install strong companionway washboards. If a wave boards from the side or the transom, it will flow out within seconds. Certainly at least one board is smart, and don’t forget to secure it. If you opt for a transom washboard, it needs to meet the World Sailing standard for cockpit volume and drainage rates.

Does your boat have a closed transom? Think about the size of your cockpit drains. Are they clogged, even a little? If they drain below the waterline, odds are there are barnacles in the through-hull and plumbing, and unless you have cleaned them out with a rod this month, they are partially blocked. And what about your companionway washboards? Are they strong enough? Does one of them have a vent or screen? You need a non-vented board to replace it. Many doors are little more than rain protection.

Does a transom washboard make your boat secure against serious wave strike? That depends on cockpit volume and companionway security. A washboard is convenient in moderate weather, but a fast draining cockpit has advantages, too. No doubt, ocean-going boats with open transoms are here to stay, but for the average cruiser, a more traditional design many be more robust.

When it comes to recovering persons in the water, an easy-to-board platform at the stern can be a lifesaver. But what happens when that easy-to-board stern is also slip-and-slide into the sea? Builders of performance cruisers agree that an open transom is a practical route to meeting the racing requirements for shedding water (see page 17). The easy-boarding design is also hit among recreational sailors. But there is little consensus on how to address the open-transom’s Achilles heel—the increased risk of falling overboard.

1. The U.S. Coast Guard Academy’s Leadership 44 sail trainer has an open transom. Liferafts stow in cradles beneath the removable bench seat behind the helm.

On a breezy summer day we don’t mind wet feet. It’s part of the fun. But in the winter, wet feet are something we avoid.

We investigated a number of locations for installing a transom board on that would keep waves from sloshing aboard our Corsair F-24 test boat. The tiller location and seats that sloped downward and aft near the transom made it impractical to install washboards at the extreme aft part of the stern.

The spot under the traveler horse was a promising location, but in our case that left the prime helming station unprotected. The best compromise was a 12-inch board just as the seat taper begins, far enough behind the traveler to suit the helmsman, but clear of the tiller.

Ideally the board will be vertical. Sloping forward would encourage a wave to climb it and slosh over. Sloping aft increases impact pressure by trapping the wave and increases lift on the board.

MAKE A TEMPLATE

Foam board from the Dollar Store is a favorite template material. After measuring and cutting (allow for a drainage gap underneath), we taped it in position with duct tape, and went sailing to check for any issues. There were none.

RETAINING CLEATS

Most people will want a removable board, so a pair of vertical retaining cleats on each side provide robust and convenient installation. We used varnished, glycol-borate treated cedar left over from a cockpit sole grating project (see “ Products and Tips to Stop Wood Rot ,” PS January 2021).

Both the cleats and board should be drilled for some sort of locking pin to prevent the board from lifting out. Alternatively, you can use a shock cord to secure the board in place (“ Shock Cord Test Looks at Long Life ,” PS March 2022).

Exterior plywood is a practical choice for the board. We used a floorboard from a discarded inflatable dinghy. Avoid Starboard, it is heavy, weak, and prone to warping.

Use 3/8-inch plywood for a 2-foot span, 1/2-inch for a 3- to 4-foot span, and 3/4-inch for a 6-foot span. Greater spans can be reinforced with cleats on the floor or laminated horizontal beams. Because plywood can get heavy, you may want to consider composites, but these take additional skills and some calculation ability.

Potential core products include Coosa board, foam, or end grain balsa (see “ The Multipurpose Core ,” PS February 2020). A good laminate schedule would include a layer or two of 1708 biaxial cloth on each side, with one or two layers of 9-ounce unidirectional glass sandwiched between the 1708 on the cockpit side.

If the span is over 4 feet, consider adding some beams for support. You can use carbon, but glass will give the same strength, with a little less stiffness and a little more toughness. For our 24-inch span, ½-inch core with a single layer of 1708 on both sides would have been plenty strong and much lighter than plywood. On the other hand, the extra weight helps hold it in place and the price for plywood was hard to beat (we used a scrap floorboard from an old inflatable dinghy that had reached the end of its life).

A small semi-circle in the middle of the splashboard and small triangular openings in each corner allowed for drainage, even when the boat was heeled. We could have installed flaps on the drains, but not enough water enters through the drains to worry about. We’ve found similar flaps on our 420 dinghy need regular maintenance to continue to operate properly.

To avoid drilling holes in the cored deck we attached the cleats with 3M 5200, and about 8 square inches of bond area for each cleat. The sheer strength of 3M 5200 is 400 psi, which is nearly as strong as the skin-to-core bond. If I need to replace the cleats, I can use De-Bond to loosen the grip of 3M 5200 (see “ Removing 3M 5200 ,” PS October 2017).

Another option is a removable transom dock box, like the one found on the J/109. While this is cumbersome to store (you must take it off the boat), it’s easy to make strong and it increases storage volume. It also makes the cockpit smaller, which may be a good thing, and can give the helmsman a place to sit. Just make sure it is tightly secured so that it can’t float away.

Although our new splashboard is removable, we haven’t taken it out yet. It doesn’t get in the way and has the added benefit of keeping dropped hats, gloves and lunch wrappers from blowing out of the cockpit. Perhaps we will pull it out when the weather warms to allow for easier swimming access. This should be easy to do, since the board stores neatly behind a seat in the cabin below, and drops effortlessly into the slot when we need it.

The ideal companionway hatch and sill design depends on the boat. We truly dislike sliding doors on boats, but a large catamaran restricted to coastal waters can get by with one. The deck is high off the water, the cockpit is covered by a massive hardtop, and there isn’t enough heel to turn a sliding door into a deadly weapon so long as it is locked.

At the other extreme is a sporty keel boat with a low cockpit and an open transom, which can fill even in coastal waters. In the case of the sport boat, it’s easy to slide in a drop board if the weather gets violent.

Drop boards must be restrained so they cannot fall out in a knockdown or rollover. Likewise, when they are removed, the must be stowed securely in a place where they are easily accessible. Some padeyes and a shock cord are usually enough to keep them in place.

Our view is that any sill lower than 6 inches is worthless. For offshore sailing, our reviewers generally look for permanent sills that are at least 12 inches above the cockpit sole.

1. French-style doors with glazing panels should be rated high strength and well-reinforced.

RELATED ARTICLES MORE FROM AUTHOR

Good article. Sensible solutions. I personally don’t care for the open transom. Three offshore round trip voyages to the Virgin Islands from NC. No horrible conditions but some big seas occasionally. Never pooped. But with an open transom?–maybe.

But another thing not often mentioned is while an open transom can make getting off and on a dinghy easier it also makes it easier for unwanted visitors to get on the boat. Over the years I have read and talked to a couple people who have had intruders that swam out to their boats and climbed aboard over open transoms. It’s not a big thing in the scheme of life but something to be aware of.

Open transom can also make installing a self steering windvane problematic. Choices. Compromises.

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• Sailing Anarchy

DQOTD: Open Transom Disadvantages?

• Thread starter MidPack
• Start date Sep 24, 2013

More options

Super Anarchist

• Sep 24, 2013

Tried Google, but everything was from the POV of power/fishing offshore boats. We're considering several boats, one has an open transom and we've never owned one before. I am sure there are many here with lots of experience with open transom sailing. Obviously an open transom will drain very quickly compared to closed w scuppers. I assume if you drop anything in the cockpit, the chances of it getting washed off increases to some extent. And I have to assume the height of the cockpit floor, even on an open transom boat, is a factor. So I guess I'm mostly asking, in biggish following seas (6-8'?), is water washing in and out a significant issue? What else am I missing?  

Depends on how big the boat is, hull design and boat speed. Are you really intending to spend a lot of time running in 6 to 8 ft following seas? Swell or breaking waves?  

Rumor & Gossip

I have had open transom boats for 20 years. Never had any problems,and never had anything wash out of the cockpit. Only time water ever comes in is when backing down under power in a chop to clear weeds from the keel.  

walterbshaffer

If you sail with children, you will lose several Barbies and Hot Wheels, and occasionally a bucket or two. Just sayin'. From a sailing perspective, great for racing and you can chuck lines over easy to untangle, but if the boat isn't a surfer I would prefer to have a transom to block the water. When motoring you have to beware those same ropes that like you get washed out. Many of them drain lots of water quickly, but when heeled they can have a decent sized puddle on the low side since the boat pitches forward and there are usually no floor drains. Unfortunately ducks and other waterfowl like them.  

Bump-n-Grind

Get off my lawn..

Open transom on my J/92. I've only taken water in from astern when stopped mid-Pacific to fix the autopilot, and it only splashed up to the traveler. However, water from forward would have taken far longer to clear through cockpit drains. It's one of those perception vs. reality things.  

Never had waves sweep up the back of an open transom boat under way that I've been on. I have been on a Melges 32 that got into irons tacking in 30+ knots of breeze, accelerated backwards down a wave, and scooped water up to the traveller. Scary, but that boat has an exceptionally low cockpit floor/transom lip. The only measurable disadvantage that I can see to the open transom is the loss of storage space on a cruising boat, but this can be made up with a removable transom box a la J/109. My experience is that new mothers prefer a closed transom if their kid is on the boat, but that is just silly and a net would solve the issue imho.  

If you're worried about things washing out the stern, have a canvas shop make a mesh barrier for the stern about 6 inches high that you can hang from a couple of eyestraps with bungee cord.  

couchsurfer

...sheets dragging,,lost beers,,,barbie-dolls,,,buckets....if these are the only downsides to an open stern,,some netting across would solve them....and a huge ++ for a man-overboard situation!  

Our tubby family cruiser is closed transom spent lots of years sailing the open transom U20 and several other boats. I'd take open transom every time! Simple net set up across the back will keep stuff from rolling out the back. BTW even the new B-boat we chartered cruiser version basically had an open transom given water bottles would roll out the back gate the corners were simply closed for locker space. Open transom or partially open with a decent step across the back so you have some place to stand and deal with docking, boarding, or at anchor stuff. Closed transom is just a massive pain in the ass number one thing I hate about our family mini cruiser.  

Remodel said: If you're worried about things washing out the stern, have a canvas shop make a mesh barrier for the stern about 6 inches high that you can hang from a couple of eyestraps with bungee cord. Click to expand...

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7 Small Sailboats for Everyday Cruising

• By Cruising World
• Updated: July 29, 2019

Not everyone needs a 30-foot sailboat equipped with bunks, a galley and head to go off cruising. In fact, all we really need is a hull, mast, rudder, and sail. There is nothing better than the thrill of a small sailboat or daysailer slipping through the waters of a lake, bay or even the open ocean.

Whether it’s simplicity to rig, ease of trailering or a manageable size that you’re looking for, these small sailboats are perfect for the cruising enthusiast who wants the thrill of the sea without the commitment of a 30-footer. And some of these sailboats come with cabins. This roundup of the best daysailers goes to show that sometimes big things come in small packages.

Marblehead 22 Daysailer

Traditional-looking above the waterline and modern beneath, the cold-molded hull sports a deep bulb keel and a Hall Spars carbon-fiber mast with a wishbone rig and square-top main. The 11-foot-9-inch cockpit can seat a crowd, and a small cuddy forward will let you stow your friends’ gear for the day.

Catalina 22 Sport

Recently, the company introduced the Catalina 22 Sport, an updated design that can compete with the older 22s. The boat features a retractable lead keel; a cabin that can sleep four, with a forward hatch for ventilation; and a fractional rig with a mainsail and a roller-furling jib. Lifelines, a swim ladder, and an engine are options, as are cloth cushions; vinyl cushions are standard. The large cockpit will seat a crowd or let a mom-and-pop crew stretch out and enjoy their sail.

With its cuddy cabin, twin bunks, optional electrical system, opening screened ports, and portable toilet, a parent and child or a couple could comfortably slip away for an overnight or weekend. Add in the optional performance package, which includes an asymmetric spinnaker, a pole, and a mainsheet traveler, and you could be off to the races. The boat features a laminated fiberglass hull and deck, molded-in nonskid, and a hydraulic lifting centerboard. Mount a small outboard on the stern bracket, and you’re set to go.

West Wight Potter P 19

First launched in 1971, this is a line of boats that’s attracted a true following among trailer-sailors. The P 19’s fully retractable keel means that you can pull up just about anywhere and go exploring. Closed-cell foam fore and aft makes the boat unsinkable, and thanks to its hard chine, the boat is reportedly quite stable under way.

Montgomery 17

With a keel and centerboard, the boat draws just under 2 feet with the board up and can be easily beached when you’re gunkholing. In the cuddy cabin you’ll find sitting headroom, a pair of bunks, a portable toilet, optional shore and DC power, and an impressive amount of storage space. The deck-stepped mast can be easily raised using a four-part tackle. The builder reports taking his own boat on trips across the Golfo de California and on visits to California’s coastal islands. Montgomery makes 15-foot and 23-foot models, as well.

Catalina 16.5

With the fiberglass board up, the 17-foot-2-inch boat draws just 5 inches of water; with the board down, the 4-foot-5-inch draft suggests good windward performance. Hull and deck are hand-laminated fiberglass. The roomy cockpit is self-bailing, and the bow harbors a good-sized storage area with a waterproof hatch.

The company has introduced many other multihulls since, but more than 100,000 of the 16s have been launched, a remarkable figure. The Hobie’s asymmetric fiberglass-and-foam hulls eliminate the need for daggerboards, and with its kick-up rudders, the 16 can be sailed right up to the beach. Its large trampoline offers lots of space to move about or a good place to plant one’s feet when hanging off the double trapezes with a hull flying. The boat comes with a main and a jib; a spinnaker, douse kit, trailer, and beach dolly are optional features.

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Open transoms for cruising

• Thread starter geem
• Start date 2 May 2022

Well-known member

There was some debate on the forum a while back about the trend on modern cruising boats now having open transoms. Lots of comments for and against. I just watched the 'Ryan and Sophie' sailing blog where Ryan is sailing single handed across the Atlantic. In what appears to be fairly benign conditions, the boat takes a following wave into the cockpit and down below. He seems to then spend the rest of the crossing with the washboards in.  

capnsensible

Arguably the fold down transom can be rhe best of both worlds - open at anchor, closed at sea, but still fast draining if cockpit swamped from ahead or side  

I've been in a small yacht that was pooped when complete with proper transom. Open cockpits struck me as a sort of inside-out infinity pool; a daft idea!  

This is Ryan an hour or so before he left Lanzarote. You can see the transom of yacht Polar Seal.  

It is not difficult with a semi open transom like that one to add a drop down board to cover most of the hole but still leave good drainage. Also possible as I did to split the washboard so that the lower part creates a 30cm or so extra bridge deck. This reduces the possibility of getting water down below while maintaining the rapid draining of an open transom. Given that when cruising the majority of the time is spent not moving and of the time spent moving the majority is in conditions where pooping is unlikely, the extra accessibility an open transom offers seems to make the compromises worthwhile. Like Dunedin I liked the drop down transom on my last boat, although the platform and mechanism is vulnerable when berthing stern to.  

There is an increased risk, without doubt. You can be washed overboard from bigger centre cockpit boats though, so a protected cockpit isn't necessarily enough. In fact I know someone who was washed overboard from a 48' centre cockpit. No tether in that case and that's the thing. The bigger you go, the less of a concern it usually is.  

When I do stuff on boats with the big drop down transom.....typically a Bavaria 37...... I don't drop it until after I've completed a stern to docking maneuver.  

Tranona said: It is not difficult with a semi open transom like that one to add a drop down board to cover most of the hole but still leave good drainage. Also possible as I did to split the washboard so that the lower part creates a 30cm or so extra bridge deck. This reduces the possibility of getting water down below while maintaining the rapid draining of an open transom. Given that when cruising the majority of the time is spent not moving and of the time spent moving the majority is in conditions where pooping is unlikely, the extra accessibility an open transom offers seems to make the compromises worthwhile. Like Dunedin I liked the drop down transom on my last boat, although the platform and mechanism is vulnerable when berthing stern to. Click to expand...

capnsensible said: Like the split washboards. Very useful as you point out. The sea into the cockpit scenario is generally offshore so that added height prevents a lot of grief. Click to expand...

I don't like the idea of sitting with my backside to a following sea, especially on a dark night! I will stick to my center cockpit thanks  

Daydream believer

geem said: There was some debate on the forum a while back about the trend on modern cruising boats now having open transoms. Lots of comments for and against. I just watched the 'Ryan and Sophie' sailing blog where Ryan is sailing single handed across the Atlantic. In what appears to be fairly benign conditions, the boat takes a following wave into the cockpit and don't below. He seems to then spend the rest of the crossing with the washboards in. Click to expand...

Daydream believer said: What a boat needs is a fairly decent step, or bridgedeck, from cockpit to cabin. Seem to be lower on some boats, presumably because it can be irritating to step over. However, makes a decent wave break. Click to expand...

Zing said: There is an increased risk, without doubt. You can be washed overboard from bigger centre cockpit boats though, so a protected cockpit isn't necessarily enough. In fact I know someone who was washed overboard from a 48' centre cockpit. No tether in that case and that's the thing. The bigger you go, the less of a concern it usually is. Click to expand...

LadyInBed said: I don't like the idea of sitting with my backside to a following sea, especially on a dark night! I will stick to my center cockpit thanks Click to expand...

capnsensible said: The vulnerability that is often overlooked, however, is the engine control panel on lots of yachts. Always rain proof but the weight of a big wave coming to say hello finds any weak link in the sealing. Knowing how to start an engine by shorting across the solenoid is a useful skill. Click to expand...

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• monohull (152)
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• twin steering wheels (105)
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• with ballast (2)
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catamaran sailing yacht ZERO CAT

Overall length : 29.4 m Width : 12.3 m

Sunreef Yachts reveals the first images of the Sunreef Zero Cat superyacht. Measuring over 90ft the sailing catamaran concept currently developed by the shipyard’s R&D department will be able to produce ...

cruising sailing yacht 55

Overall length : 16.93 m Width : 4.99 m Displacement : 18,542 kg

Innovative, bold, and original, this Jeanneau Yachts 55 is a direct and uncompromising response to meet the needs of sailors who love to travel and who appreciate beauty. This sailing yacht ...

cruising sailing yacht 60

Overall length : 18.28 m Width : 5.2 m Draft : 2.55 m

... ergonomic design that adapts to suit your preferences... with the Jeanneau Yachts 60, you benefit from a multitude of possible configurations and options, enabling you to give your sailboat a unique personality ...

cruising sailing yacht 65

Overall length : 20.7 m Width : 5.4 m Draft : 2.95, 2.2 m

Flagship of the line, the Jeanneau Yachts 65 targets excellence in comfort, in equipment, and in the feeling of spaciousness on board, for you to experience the cruises of your dreams and inimitable moments to savour ...

catamaran sailing yacht Ocean Class

Overall length : 15.75 m Width : 7.83 m Draft : 1.17, 2.49 m

... pleasure of sailing at wind-speed, in absolute comfort and total safety. With all the marine qualities inherited from CATANA, the Ocean Class also offers an innovative concept of unique living space on a blue water ...

fast cruising sailing yacht GS 52

Overall length : 17.05 m Width : 5.15 m Draft : 2.9 m

... in 1987, this new addition marks the return of a legendary model. At the time, approximately sixty units were produced of a yacht described as “a masterpiece destined to last”. Prophetic words indeed: the new Grand Soleil ...

cruising sailing yacht 51

Overall length : 15.55 m Width : 4.85 m Draft : 2.45, 2.05, 3.2 m

... 51 is a no-compromise sailing yacht , a pure sailor, more a sportscar than a limousine. It is designed to be reactive to steer and responsive to sail adjustments, bringing the sensations of sailing ...

competition sailing yacht rocket51

Overall length : 15.5 m Width : 4.32 m Draft : 3.5 m

Born from our determination to create the world’s fastest race boat on corrected time. This is a long story of innovation and minute attention to detail, backed by the America’s Cup expertise of Botin Partners.The team settled on a ...

cruising sailing yacht 530

Overall length : 16.4 m Width : 4.99 m Draft : 2.3 m

... legendary Dufour Performance and Grand Large ranges come together as one. The ultimate merger of two worlds has created a sailboat with incomparable characteristics. The Dufour 530 is a vibrant reflection of our ...

cruising sailing yacht C50

Overall length : 14.99 m Width : 5 m Draft : 1.85, 2.3 m

... benchmark in the 50-foot sailing yacht category. It offers an élégant, fiat hull line and stunningly dynamic silhouette. Everything is clear and minimalist, reflecting our understanding of good, modem ...

cruising sailing yacht C57

Overall length : 16.16 m Width : 5.28 m Draft : 1.99, 2.52 m

... intelligent features which offer the maximum enjoyment on and by the water. 100% MADE IN GERMANY. FOR 100% PURE JOY. A BAVARIA yacht is the perfect interaction of many éléments. Everything is built around the extensive ...

cruising sailing yacht X5⁶

Overall length : 17.25 m Width : 4.9 m Draft : 2.5, 2.9, 3.3 m

... design philosophy was very clear from the outset - like all our luxury yachts , we place a huge emphasis on giving the owner a superb and comfortable sailing experience, on a yacht that ...

catamaran sailing yacht 1600

Overall length : 16.1 m Width : 8.1 m Draft : 0.6, 2.6 m

The 1600 reflects our aspiration to create the ideal cruiser in every aspect: this is the ultimate offshore cruising catamaran. POINTING ABILITY & SHALLOW DRAFT THE ULTIMATE OFFSHORE CRUISING CATAMARAN Captive daggerboards, which ...

cruising sailing yacht 50CS

Overall length : 15.46 m Width : 4.9 m Draft : 2.35 m

... of Contest Yachts , with each model over the years most popular for the perfect balance of sailing ease, performance and onboard comforts. Two super suites and a third cabin option, yet still a yacht ...

cruising sailing yacht 59CS

Overall length : 18.52 m Width : 5.12 m Draft : 2.63 m

... connects with the way of our larger yachts , and continues through to the interior with similar superyacht theme to the furnishings and advanced engineering systems. Intended for friends and family operation, sailing ...

cruising-racing sailing yacht 67CS

Overall length : 21.3 m Width : 5.65 m Draft : 2.95 m

... German design team judel/vrolijk & co, renowned for powerful yachts , both racing and cruising, offshore and ocean. That combined experience results in easily driven, sea kindly, handsome yachts , which ...

cruising-racing sailing yacht A62

Overall length : 18.6 m Width : 5.3 m Draft : 3 m

... make it a genuinely innovative sailing yacht . It is fast, responsive, fun yet easy to sail, safe, comfortable, with plenty of space and volume, both inside and outside. The design was developed using ...

cruising sailing yacht A66

Overall length : 20.46 m Width : 5.4 m Draft : 3.2 m

... Nauta Design and Reichel/Pugh. Nauta describes the new 66’ yacht thus: “Modernity, ease of handling and seduction are the key words for the design we created for Advanced Yachts . We designed the yacht ...

cruising sailing yacht A80

Overall length : 23.98 m Width : 6.2 m Draft : 3.5 m

... Pugh, and Italian yacht designers Mario Pedol and Massimo Gino of Nauta Yachts . The development and optimization of the A80’s innovative hull shape benefits from Reichel/Pugh’s experience designing the ...

cruising sailing yacht 50 HURLANTS

Overall length : 16 m Width : 5.2 m Draft : 1.85 m

... of the world without barriers. The possibility of a custom design is very important to META YACHTS . None of our designs are set in stone. META YACHTS is open to suggestions and offers ...

cruising sailing yacht 50

Overall length : 16.3 m Width : 5.2 m Draft : 1.8 m

... 50 is a sailing boat from the META range, developed since 2020. A first class offshore sailboat, the META 50 is designed for long distance cruising. Designed for a round-the-world trip, safety and comfort are essential ...

cruising sailing yacht

Overall length : 17.5 m Width : 4.95 m

... collaboration has given birth to many projects and the Custom Yachts 17.50 is the perfect illustration of these values. The possibility of a custom design is still very important to META YACHTS . We ...

catamaran sailing yacht Code C.69

Overall length : 69'00" Width : 31'06" Draft : 3'10", 5'10"

... designed by François Pérus & Romain Scolari. The Code C.69 is the first cruising racing catamaran built by Black Pepper Yachts . Her conception is the result of many years of reflection at Black Pepper; she is also ...

ocean cruising sailing yacht Code 2

Overall length : 64'07" Width : 17'04" Draft : 5'07", 15'00"

This magnificent, luxury cruising racing yacht follows the exclusive style of Black Pepper’s® “Codes”. Inspired by the latest-generation of Imoca 60 ocean racing hulls, she is destined for offshore cruising ...

cruising sailing yacht Code ​3

Overall length : 82'03" Width : 21'03" Draft : 11'00", 18'00"

This recent cruising racing yacht is a veritable masterpiece of technology, design and attitude, revolutionizing the world of Maxi yachts … Wide hull, inverted sheer, inverted bow, small dog house, huge ...

cruising sailing yacht 70

Overall length : 21 m Width : 2.74 m Draft : 4 m

Comfort design and performance are ideally combined in this project, from its natural light luminous interior through the sizable deck glass surfaces. The deck layout is divided into distinct areas offering while under sail at once ...

catamaran sailing yacht R6

Overall length : 17.07 m

cruising sailing yacht CENTURION 57

Overall length : 17.7 m

... the luxury yacht market. Powerful, thoroughbred, as manoeuvrable as a racing yacht yet as comfortable, elegant and luxurious as a super yacht , the Centurion 57 is the quintessence ...

cruising sailing yacht 56MS

Overall length : 17.5 m Width : 5.05 m Draft : 2.13 m

... this growing industry. However the roots of the successful bluewater poweryacht franchise actually lie under an impressive sailing legacy that saw the construction of over 250 cruising sailboats. PAE’s Mason line was ...

cruising sailing yacht TOFINOU 16

Overall length : 15.9 m

Tofinou 16 is a unique yacht intended for day cruises or longer-term getaways, and which fully benefits from the features that made the luxury brand a success: the lines and performance of a classic sailing ...

cruising sailing yacht SOU’WESTER 53

Overall length : 52'04"

... new Hinckley Sou’wester 53 carbon epoxy sailing yacht is the first to deliver modern, family sailing with a beautiful inside-out layout so you can enjoy it all together. Experience the ...

cruising sailing yacht 53

Overall length : 16.18 m Width : 14'03" Draft : 6'00"

... performance, the Kanter 53 also boasts the safety and comfort expected of a world-class yacht . As performance and ease of operation are crucial to the success of a cruising yacht , the Kanter 53 was ...

cruising sailing yacht BOUGAINVILLAEA 62

Overall length : 62'01" Width : 15'07" Draft : 6'01"

... spectacular off-shore, world-cruising yacht . Beyond featuring truly exhilarating sailing speeds, great stability and an unmatched level of comfort, the Bougainvillaea 62 is also one of the safest blue-water ...

cruising sailing yacht BOUGAINVILLAEA 65

Overall length : 19.81 m Width : 16'01" Draft : 7'08"

... world cruising yachts , the Bougainvillaea 65 is one of Kanter's widely acclaimed, custom-designed and built, light-displacement ocean voyaging yachts . Like her "Bermuda Series" sisters, the Bougainvillaea ...

trimaran sailing yacht 52

Overall length : 52'00" Width : 28'10" Draft : 6'02"

... and elegance. Moving inside and on the deck is smooth and safe. It boasts remarkable seaworthiness, performance (both sailing and motoring), and comfort. She is easily handled by a small crew. The hulls of NEEL trimarans ...

racing sailing yacht OCEAN 82

Overall length : 26 m Motor power : 135 kW Fuel capacity : 1,000 l

... self-sufficient sailing yacht ever made of its size. The OCEAN SAIL 82 measuring 25-meters in length, is not only a fast and stable sailing yacht , its also has many ...

racing sailing yacht OCEAN 72

Overall length : 22.25 m Width : 5.7 m Draft : 3 m

... technological developments in the field of self-sufficient yachts surpassing its competition by years. DECKS LAYOUT From the first day on the goal was to design the best electric performance yacht ...

cruising-racing sailing yacht 15.98

Overall length : 16.6 m Width : 4.85 m Draft : 2.9 m

... safe arrival even under the harshest conditions Italia 15.98 is a project by Matteo Polli, Italia Yachts chief designer, in collaboration with the yacht designer Tommaso Spadolini. It is a complete ...

cruising sailing yacht 495

Overall length : 16.1 m Width : 4.77 m Draft : 2.28, 1.83 m

... seascape windows and flush decks, combined with exceptional sailing performance. The latest collaboration between Humphreys Yacht Design and our in-house design studio, the new 495 50 foot sailing ...

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Yacht Dreaming

What Are the Different Types of Sailboat Transoms?

Sailboats come in all shapes and sizes, and the transom is an important part of the structure of the boat. It is important to know the different types of sailboat transoms to ensure that you choose the right one for your boat. In this article, we will explore the different types of sailboat transoms, including Semi-elliptical, Counter, Straight and Reverse transoms, and discuss the advantages and disadvantages of each type so that you can make an informed decision.

Types of Sailboat Transoms

When choosing a sailboat transom, you should consider the type of sailing you plan to do and the kind of boat you want. The four types of sailboat transoms are: Semi-Elliptical, Counter, Straight, and Reverse Transoms. Semi-Elliptical transoms are the most common and offer good balance between performance and comfort in most sailing conditions.

Counter transoms are good for high-performance boats, but may not provide the same level of comfort as Semi-Elliptical transoms.

Straight transoms are usually found on smaller boats, and provide a great balance between speed and stability. Reverse transoms offer excellent performance but tend to be less comfortable than other types of transoms. In the end, choosing the right sailboat transom will depend on your needs, preferences, and the type of sailing you plan to do.

When making the decision, remember that whatever type of sailboat transom you choose, it should be made from high quality materials and be properly fitted to the boat. A well-fitted transom provides a great deal of stability to the boat and allows it to perform optimally in the water.

Take your time to research the different types of transoms, and talk to experienced sailors who can provide valuable insights and advice. With the right information, you can choose the right sailboat transom to ensure you get the most out of your sailing experience.

Semi-Elliptical Transom

A semi-elliptical transom is the most common type of sailboat transom and it’s a good choice if you’re looking for a reliable, durable transom. It has a rounded, semi-circle shape at the back of the boat, which helps to keep water from entering the boat while keeping the boat steady in the water.

It also helps reduce drag and offers great performance. The semi-elliptical transom is also the easiest type to use and maintain, so it can be a great option for those new to sailing.

The semi-elliptical transom is often used in larger boats and provides both stability and comfort. It also offers more space for the helmsman and crew.

This type of transom provides ventilation and can be used to increase the overall speed and performance of the boat. With a semi-elliptical transom, you can also reduce the amount of turbulence and drag, which can help to improve the overall speed and performance of the boat. The semi-elliptical transom is a great option for both beginners and experienced sailors alike.

It offers stability, comfort, and a great performance boost. It’s easy to use and maintain which makes it a great choice for all types of sailing. If you’re looking for a reliable, durable transom that offers great performance and is easy to use and maintain, then the semi-elliptical transom is the perfect choice for you!

Counter Transom

A counter transom is a great choice for those seeking a sailboat that has a more modern look. It features a flat back and a downward slope, which creates a unique shape and adds aesthetic appeal to the design.

It offers increased stability, as well as improved performance in choppy waters. The transom also helps to make the boat easier to maneuver and allows for smoother sailing.

It also offers protection from strong winds and waves. Its overall design makes it a popular choice among sailors, and it is a great option for those looking to build a reliable and attractive sailboat.

The counter transom also offers an added level of safety by providing a secure platform to stand or sit on while sailing. Its design helps reduce the risk of capsizing or falling overboard, and its increased stability makes it easier to control the boat when sailing in rough waters. The counter transom helps to reduce drag and can improve the boat’s performance in any type of water.

The counter transom is an excellent choice for those looking to build a modern and attractive sailboat. It offers increased stability and improved performance in choppy waters, as well as added safety and a secure platform for standing or sitting. Its design helps to reduce drag and makes the boat easier to maneuver, making it a great option for any sailor.

Straight Transom

Straight transom sailboats are a straightforward option that offer a classic look. They’re often seen on classic yachts, though they can also be found on modern vessels. When it comes to performance, the straight transom is known for its stability and ease of maneuverability.

They can have lower speed than other types of sailboat transoms. They can be more difficult to tack or turn than other types of sailboats.

For those looking for a simple and stable boat, the straight transom is an excellent option.

The straight transom is an ideal choice for those wanting a classic look. It’s also great for sailors who don’t require superior speed or maneuverability. The straight transom is relatively low-maintenance and offers an array of customization options.

It’s also easy to install and, depending on the sailboat model, can be relatively inexpensive compared to other types of sailboat transoms. All in all, the straight transom is a classic option that can provide stability and a classic look that can be found on both modern and classic yachts.

Reverse Transom

Reverse transoms are a great option for those who want maximum performance from their sailboat. They provide the most power and speed, and they also have the added benefit of providing extra room in the cockpit.

With a reverse transom, you get all the power and speed you need, plus the extra room to store gear. The downside to this type of transom is that it can be costly to install and maintain.

But if you’re looking for the best performance, a reverse transom is the way to go. When it comes to maintenance, a reverse transom is relatively easy to keep in good condition. You’ll want to check the wood or fiberglass every couple of years for signs of wear and tear, and you’ll want to make sure the hardware is in good working order.

It’s also a good idea to regularly inspect the rub rails and other hardware for any damage. With the proper maintenance, your reverse transom should keep your sailboat performing at its best for many years to come.

What Are the Different Boat Hull Types for Monohull Yachts?

What Are the Different Types of Small Sailboats?

© 2024 Yacht Dreaming

Fastest Cruising Sailboats

Last Updated by

Jacob Collier

August 30, 2022

If you're looking to buy a sailboat, getting a cruising sailboat may have crossed your mind. So, what are the fastest cruising sailboats out there?

Like everything else in life, not all sailboats are created equal. Cruising sailboats have a lot to offer if you are looking for a reliable boat that allows you to take a long getaway and is easy to navigate.

Some of the fastest cruising sailboats include the Beneteau Oceanis 30.1, which can travel at 20 knots; the Grand Soleil 34, which touches 20 knots; and the Italia 9.98, which can reach up to 40 knots. Of course, there are many other high-speed cruising sailboats that you can choose from.

If you love to cruise but still want to reach your destination fast, then a fast cruising sailboat will be your best option. After asking many sailing experts and cruising sailboat owners, we finally have the skinny on the fastest cruising sailboats.

As avid watersports enthusiasts and sailboat owners, we can help guide you through the process of choosing between some of the fastest cruising sailboats in the world.

Table of contents

‍ Fastest Cruising Sailboats

The boat you buy should be influenced by your local waters or where you plan to travel. Because many portions of the coastline are exposed to the ocean, if our coastal cruising grounds were in New England, we’d want our boat to be able to manage offshore conditions Due to the logs and debris floating about in the Pacific Northwest, we’d want a sturdy rudderpost and a shielded prop; a tall rig would be a godsend in the light airs that are common during summer. It would be pointless to buy a boat without a centerboard if I lived near the Florida Keys.

Because her cruising gear makes up lesser of the overall displacement than a bluewater liveaboard yacht, a coastal boat can be a relatively light design. However, going offshore does not require sacrificing sailing performance. The classic Valiant 40 by Bob Perry is a wonderful example. Its low displacement, strong sailing ability, and comfortable layout make it an excellent candidate for long-distance cruising; many other recent designs are the same.

Italia 9.98

Italia Yachts created the Italia 9.98 Fuoriserie, which won the ORC - C - 2015 World Championship. She is a racing yacht that may also be used for cruising. However, the design is intended to race and win, and the mast and boom are composed of carbon fiber. The interior features include two double bedrooms, two sleepers in the saloon, a kitchen, and a chart table.

The 34-foot Italia 9.98 was clearly the most striking of the five boats that made up the Performance Cruiser class in terms of pure look. The boat comes in two versions: the 34 Club, designed for cruising and is distinguished by its twin wheels, and the 34 Fuoriserie, designed for racing.

Both versions have the same interior, which is extremely welcoming and modern for cruising. A wide trimmed in a teak cutaway that can also be used as a ring frame lead to the spacious double-berth forward, which virtually beckons you to climb in and kick far back. The drop-leaf table, crossed by the keel-stepped spar, is flanked by two huge center settees.

The galley and the navigation station, located to port and starboard, are welcome surprises. The galley contains a huge fridge and a two-burner stove gimballed, while the navigation station is bigger than you could anticipate for a boat this size.

Innovative, detachable cloth lockers may be offloaded while in race mode. Cabin doors encased in metal for durability are among the many appealing touches to this vessel. There's a large double stateroom to port and a tiny double cabin to starboard. Except for some teak trim, all furnishings and fixtures are sleek, white composite constructions that appear more aeronautical than nautical. Overall, the entire design and aesthetics are very nice and contemporary.

The cockpit is roomy on the inside; the molded-in bench seats may be enlarged with specialized storage bins, which can be left at the dock for racing and reinstalled when cruising. A large lazarette locker is located aft of the beam-width traveler, which is located aft of the tiller.

The open transom gives the impression of being aboard a larger boat. The German-style double-ended mainsheet is led below deck, adding to the modern motif; sheet leads are, of course, changeable. The genuinely exceptional nonskid is molded into the deck.

The boat has an optional sprit that could be used to fly, reaching, and off-wind sails. Another version of the sprit incorporates an anchor roller; the boat we were on did not have a windlass, but one is available. It would be simple to adapt this boat from racing to cruising mode.

The Grand Soleil 34

When the Italian boatyard Grand Soleil was established in the 1970s, its first model was a 34-footer designed by Finot. It was an instant success, with over 300 units sold. It set the firm on the path to success that lasted decades, mainly with a succession of considerably bigger, more complicated racer/cruisers. The maker opted to go back to its origins with the Grand Soleil 34 for 2020, and it's a fantastic boat.

There are a few key rating criteria that racing boats compete under these days, plus a rising movement of doublehanded classes in several major regattas. Since conditions vary dramatically depending on where you plan to sail, the Grand Soleil 34 doubles as a cruiser. The need for a versatile vessel has been taken into account by Grand Soleil and is evident in its exquisite design. The Grand Soleil 34 does this by offering a variety of keel, rig, and deck options, allowing owners to tailor their boat to their specific location or events.

The shallower of the two keel choices, which is also the ideal cruising configuration, draws under 6 feet and is equipped with a lead bulb; a deeper 7-foot-2-inch foil is also available. A conventional aluminum stick or one of two alternative carbon spars are available as rig options. The boat has dual rudders and wheels, but you can alternatively have a single rudder with a tiller. The power unit on our variant was a 20 hp diesel with saildrive, which was an option. The boat design has the optional 30 hp diesel with saildrive, with a 20 hp auxiliary as standard.

The accommodations are essentially the same regardless of the performance package you choose. You still have options, though. In cruising mode, the open layout features a wide double berth in the bow, but while racing, you can remove the cushions and their base to transform the area into massive sail stowage. For competitive sailors concerned with keeping weight to a minimum, most of the oak furnishings and floors may be replaced with composite materials or even carbon.

A pair of settees flank a drop-leaf table in the middle of the boat, and there's a wide double cabin aft, to port, and a capacious head on the opposite starboard side, via which you can reach a large storage compartment beneath the cockpit seat. The great news is that there is also plenty of storage space for sailing.

Impression 45.1

The Elan Impression 45.1 now features a longer and broader cockpit, defined by dual wheels, a split cockpit table, and a folding sunbed, as inspired by the Elan GT5. A contemporary vertical transom was built, and two big cockpit storage boxes that may be furnished with a grill, sink, or refrigerator. Because of its hull design and recognizable deck saloon windows, the Impression 45.1 is light and airy. The saloon has a big settee that completely surrounds the table without blocking the path.

The galley has been moved forward to provide greater space for living and navigation. You also get solid iroko wood for the interior furniture material after months of testing because it was discovered to have the best endurance characteristics, a lovely traditional aesthetic, and an acceptable pricing point. The Elan Impression 45.1 will be offered with two cabin configurations, one for friends and family and the other for demanding charter parties.

Customers may now select between an open transom for a sportier look and a closed transom with a wide swim platform for safety and comfort. One of the more noticeable improvements is a new window, which illuminates the back cabins and adds to her instantly identifiable appearance.

It's no wonder that many would-be bluewater cruisers have this German Frers design on their wish list. The hull is well-built, featuring a sturdy masthead sloop sail plan—200-mile days are not out of the question—and the deck arrangement is ergonomically efficient. Belowdecks, no two boats are alike, thanks to the builders' willingness to experiment with layout and finish. The RS (Raised saloon) model expands on the already spacious interior. The new Hylas 56 has a similar streamlined hull. It is no wonder that its owners praise the boat's seakeeping and maneuverability.

With the Atlantic Rally for Cruisers, more Lagoons than any other brand of a catamaran have crossed

the Atlantic and more 440s have participated than any other Lagoon. It's simple to understand why

this yacht is so popular among visitors visiting the tropics. The saloon, the spacious cockpit, the broad trampoline forward, and the flybridge provide plenty of opportunities for the crew to have quiet time on passage or assemble for meals and socialize in port. The 440 is not a Sportster when it comes to

sailing, but it is capable of decent trip times while keeping its crew safe and comfortable.

The Meta 50' is a strong and comfortable long-distance cruising sailing yacht. This beachable twin-keel offshore sailing yacht has a 1.80m draught, lovely sunbathing places, and a garage big enough to fit the semi-rigid tender with an outboard motor.

This enormous sailing boat has two double bedrooms in the back, a spacious saloon with an open kitchen and panoramic views, a chart table, a bathroom, and a large owner's stateroom with a dressing room and separate bathroom. In the forepeak, a skipper's cabin with an attached bathroom is also available, which is just one of the many comforts on the Meta.

The Meta 50' is constructed of ultra-resistant prestressed Strongall aluminum and may be customized to meet your exact requirements. Thanks to the ballastable dual keel system, the TurboKeels version will have performance comparable to a 3.50m draught keelboat while simultaneously reducing the list by 15-20°.

Domani introduces the S30, a one-of-a-kind sailing experience that combines sportiness, elegance, and design in a single exquisite sports boat. Less is more, and free time is valuable; that is what you get with this cruiser. The design also uses a back-to-basics approach, with fewer components and less upkeep. It's all about disconnecting from shore power and sailing away in minutes. With electronic sail propulsion, it's light and green, and its manageable size makes it easy to carry or store.

Summer in the Fjords is unlike any other, as is summer in St Tropez. Explore new beaches and seas, meet new people, and expand your sailing horizons beyond the neighborhood harbor. Isn't it true that the goal of every journey is to learn something new? It is easy to see what the brand is all about. The Domani is about Gran Turismo-style sailing: quick, exciting, and elegant.

The Beneteau Oceanis 30.1

The Beneteau Oceanis 30.1, a 31-foot-3-inch tiny yacht that was best-equipped and spec'd out as a specialized cruising boat, was also given the title of Best Performance Cruiser for 2020. But don't be fooled by her modest internal amenities; she is a lively small ship.

The sail layout emphasizes power aloft with a single-spreader fractional number rig with a square-top main. Our test boat has an optional bowsprit and a lap-streak genoa; the normal version features a self-tacking 100 percent headsail. Although dual wheels make handling straightforward, old-school men (like me) can choose a tiller.

A boarding ladder and a small fold-down boarding step are included on the transom. Also, a Facnor headsail furler is stationed alongside the Lewmar windlass on the opposite end. The overall level of attention to detail is outstanding.

The adaptability of the 30.1 was a strong selling point for the judging panel. There are four keel variations, as well as a centerboard. A tabernacle may be added to the deck-stepped mast for simple lowering and trailering to a new location or navigating waterways. It was also the most affordable option in the category, at $160,000. The benefits just kept on coming.

The forward V-berth is undoubtedly spectacular, and the deck-stepped spar described before freed up the space below, especially in the center saloon and eating area. The entire galley is to port at the foot of the companionway, and the enclosed head is to starboard, where there is also a practical tiny navigation station. A large aft double cabin may also be found to starboard. This is an ideal solution for a small family or a couple of couples.

There's plenty of natural light below deck thanks to the coachroof windows, and overhead hatches, which are supplemented by energy-efficient LED lighting. The eye-catching hull decorations grab attention, and the well-executed dodger is an excellent spot to get out of the rain.

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Born into a family of sailing enthusiasts, words like “ballast” and “jibing” were often a part of dinner conversations. These days Jacob sails a Hallberg-Rassy 44, having covered almost 6000 NM. While he’s made several voyages, his favorite one is the trip from California to Hawaii as it was his first fully independent voyage.

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• Sailboat Guide

1992 Catalina 34 Mark 1.5 Open Transom

• Description

Seller's Description

Pristine, no leaks, no head odors, turnkey in every respect. Loaded with $20,000 in just hardware up grades by a meticulous owner over 16 hrs. Fleet White Awl Grip hull & Mast. New dark navy Canvas & Glass & 3/4 enclosure, Varnished cockpit grates, Edson table, teak wheel, & cabin sole. New Elliptical Rudder, standing rigging replaced 2005.

Equipment: Raym EVO200 belowdeck A/P, Seapower 5kw engine driven generator, Dometic 16,000 A/C, C-80 Chart Plotter, St 60 Wind, Speed, Depth. Matrix GX2000 vhf, AIS, 160, 80 solar panels, dingy Davits, Fast Track Mainsail System, all lights in & out LED. Smart Plugs.

Rig and Sails

Auxilary power, accomodations, calculations.

The theoretical maximum speed that a displacement hull can move efficiently through the water is determined by it's waterline length and displacement. It may be unable to reach this speed if the boat is underpowered or heavily loaded, though it may exceed this speed given enough power. Read more.

Classic hull speed formula:

Hull Speed = 1.34 x √LWL

Max Speed/Length ratio = 8.26 ÷ Displacement/Length ratio .311 Hull Speed = Max Speed/Length ratio x √LWL

Sail Area / Displacement Ratio

A measure of the power of the sails relative to the weight of the boat. The higher the number, the higher the performance, but the harder the boat will be to handle. This ratio is a "non-dimensional" value that facilitates comparisons between boats of different types and sizes. Read more.

SA/D = SA ÷ (D ÷ 64) 2/3

• SA : Sail area in square feet, derived by adding the mainsail area to 100% of the foretriangle area (the lateral area above the deck between the mast and the forestay).
• D : Displacement in pounds.

Ballast / Displacement Ratio

A measure of the stability of a boat's hull that suggests how well a monohull will stand up to its sails. The ballast displacement ratio indicates how much of the weight of a boat is placed for maximum stability against capsizing and is an indicator of stiffness and resistance to capsize.

Ballast / Displacement * 100

Displacement / Length Ratio

A measure of the weight of the boat relative to it's length at the waterline. The higher a boat’s D/L ratio, the more easily it will carry a load and the more comfortable its motion will be. The lower a boat's ratio is, the less power it takes to drive the boat to its nominal hull speed or beyond. Read more.

D/L = (D ÷ 2240) ÷ (0.01 x LWL)³

• D: Displacement of the boat in pounds.
• LWL: Waterline length in feet

Comfort Ratio

This ratio assess how quickly and abruptly a boat’s hull reacts to waves in a significant seaway, these being the elements of a boat’s motion most likely to cause seasickness. Read more.

Comfort ratio = D ÷ (.65 x (.7 LWL + .3 LOA) x Beam 1.33 )

• D: Displacement of the boat in pounds
• LOA: Length overall in feet
• Beam: Width of boat at the widest point in feet

Capsize Screening Formula

This formula attempts to indicate whether a given boat might be too wide and light to readily right itself after being overturned in extreme conditions. Read more.

CSV = Beam ÷ ³√(D / 64)

Total Catalina 34’s built: 1,438 Shoal draft: 4.67’.

1985-1986: Deck stepped mast; Universal 25 (21HP) diesel engine. 1987-1990: Changed to keel stepped mast; Universal 25XP (23 HP) engine. 1990-1991: Walk-through transom introduced; Universal M35 (30 HP).

The last Mark I models look very much like Mark IIs. (see CATALINA 34 MKII)

Wing keel: Draft = 3.83’.

Tall Rig: I: 46.0’ J: 13.5’ P: 40.5’ E: 12.0’

Photo courtesy Adam Hunt.

This listing is presented by SailboatListings.com . Visit their website for more information or to contact the seller.

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• Yachting World
• Digital Edition

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.

Article continues below…

The perfect boat: what makes an ideal offshore cruising yacht?

Choosing a boat for offshore cruising is not a decision to be taken lightly. I have researched this topic on…

European Yacht of the Year 2019: Best luxury cruisers

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.

If you enjoyed this….

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26x open transom

• Thread starter Jansen
• Start date Apr 29, 2014
• Macgregor Owner Forums
• Ask A Macgregor Owner

We are considering buying a 1996 MacGregor 26X and are concerned with the open transom. We had a 1992 S and it had a closed transom. We have a West Wight Potter 19 with a high closed transom. Has anyone had trouble with water coming in over the stern on an X? Is there any modification to make it safer?  

You may want to post this question on the macgregorsailors.com site. They mostly have 26X&M boats and would probably be more expert. But that said.... I can't imagine a problem with them. They built them that way for a # of years and kept the open transom design for the 26M. Now the Tatoo 26. I Personally like the cabin layout of the 26X. I don't like the cabin top or the wheel steering.  

In general, the open transom is actually safer. It allows the cockpit to drain very quickly. I've owned or been on many open transom boats, and have had water come up the transom exactly once. And that was in pretty messed up seas. It drained instantly.  

Jackdaw said: In general, the open transom is actually safer. It allows the cockpit to drain very quickly. I've owned or been on many open transom boats, and have had water come up the transom exactly once. And that was in pretty messed up seas. It drained instantly. Click to expand

IIRC, I don't think its an issue at all, except maybe when coming off a plane a bit too fast. but the cockpit floor is a step up from the stern. I've seen some nice grating over the rudder/engine controls that make it a nice swim platform. -remember there's a big engine in the center of that open transom. doesn't feel that open. like some other non power-sailboats.  

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Boat Test: 2024 Formula 457 CCS

• By Randy Vance
• March 29, 2024

When I pressed the throttles on the 457 CCS, it didn’t rear up like a ­Lippizan, but rather surged forward like a Kentucky Derby thoroughbred out of the starting gate. Formula’s proprietary double-stepped hull kept the bow down as it stretched forward in a long, loping gate, the two-speed transmissions of the Merc V-12 Verados proving their worth. In turns, sharp and hard-over, the 457 CCS held its ground, carved them smoothly, and without the chine tripping or spinning out. The outboards themselves held their ground, sensing with electronic magic the added load that turns cause. They fed in more power to keep the speed steady through the arc. In port, joystick steering and a bow thruster made docking the 47-footer (LOA with ­engines) a breeze. Even an amateur can do it with confidence.

We weren’t surprised by its performance—every Formula that our test team has ever touched over the years has offered a high-performance ­experience thanks largely to the FAS 3 Tech design and engineering.

In fact, FAS 3 Tech is the technology below deck on the 457. Instead of stringers and bulkheads laid into the hull and storage buckets glued in place, Formula builds a one-piece stringer grid that melds to the hull in a single piece, and includes all fish boxes, dry-storage compartments and machinery access to the bilge, plus ample wire chases for a nearly unlimited array of accessories. The boat is filled with gadgets such as inductive cellphone-charging brackets, electric adjustable seats, bow cocktail table and a full assembly of navigation equipment—just for starters. Once the grid is bonded to the hull, the two pieces become one. The deck is then bonded in, and three become one. Formula perfected this technique decades ago, when competitors were still using wood stringers and ­transoms.

Another exceedingly well-built center-­console is Pursuit’s Sport 428. Pursuit was an early starter in the sport-model realm, bringing the 280 Sport to market in 2008 and the 310 ST in 2011. Pursuit met the needs of fishermen with broader interests than just wetting a line. The style became so popular, Pursuit expanded it with several models, including the 428. Soon the company rebadged the entire line as “Sport,” but all bristle with a fishing backbone while catering to diving and cruising fans. The S428 ($1,339,935 with quad Yamaha XTO 425s) ­offers a platform more on par with Formula’s far-fishier 457 CCF, sistership to this 457 CCS. The Pursuit has dual-row helm seating with a deck galley to double as a rigging station and mezzanine seating that faces the cockpit. For at-anchor R&R, there is a starboard-side fold-down terrace in the gunwale, and for diving and easy dockside entry, a portside boarding door. ­Formula ­offers port and starboard transom doors to a spacious platform too. ­Pursuit’s 428 is just 43 feet, 9 inches with a 13-foot beam compared with the nearly 46 feet length overall and 13-foot-9-inch beam of the Formula. Size, plus the fact that the Formula is powered by Mercury’s new V-12 600 hp outboards versus the four Yamaha 425s on the Pursuit, accounts for much of the $600,000 ­difference in base price between the two.

Both competitors drench passengers in ­luxury seating with a dual lounge ahead of the console and wraparound seating at the bow.

Interior and Accessories

Formula’s length and beam make for a roomy cabin below deck that includes a double berth that converts from a C-shaped lounge, and it’s nestled into a cheerily lit (with recessed LED lighting and overhead and forward portlights) arrangement with a large head compartment with shower, and an abbreviated galley with microwave, coffee maker and fridge. The topside galley also has plentiful drawer storage, a fridge, and there’s a grill on the transom hiding beneath its own hatch, expanding galley features.

There are rod holders, and in place of a livewell in the CCS, there is a cooler. But when fishing is on the agenda, the equipment is there to help ­ensure angling convenience and success.

In addition to enormous deck compartments, there are compartments in all of the coamings for boat hooks, rods and gaffs if you do fish. They tilt outward from beneath the gunwales and tuck back in flush with them, to keep the passageway clear. Lines, fenders and life jackets are accommodated as well. A transom lazarette, or “boot,” can stow more mooring gear, but aboard our tester, this housed a Seabob water scooter—a Formula option painted to match.

It’s important to note that this boat is not only part of a series, and sibling to the even-more-fishing-oriented 457 CCF, but also either version of the boat is eligible for a program called FormulaFlex. FormulaFlex is an exclusive plan offering boat buyers individual personalization in key areas such as graphics, upholstery and electronics. Many of these preferential changes can be had at no additional charge. If a charge is required for a buyer’s request, you participate in FormulaFlex MyWay, allowing you to choose paid-for changes or options. The point is not so much the charge of a fee for the change as it is Formula’s willingness to make changes to ­accommodate buyers’ ­desires in the first place.

Read Next: Formula 387 CCF

While we can wax on about the deck plan, it’s better to report what our test truly revealed. The Formula 457 CCS is indeed akin to a thoroughbred, delivering a combination of performance, luxury, versatility and great opportunities for owner personalization.

How We Tested

• Engines: Triple 600 hp Mercury V-12 Verados
• Drive/Props: Outboard/29-inch-pitch stainless-steel contra-rotating propsets
• Gear Ratio: 1.75:2.5 Fuel Load: 650 gal. Water on Board: 50 gal. Crew Weight: 800 lb.

High Points

• Tempered-glass windshield raises on electric actuators; can be fully open while running.
• Standard Seakeeper 6 gyrostabilizer, bow thruster, and 18,000 Btu air conditioning in the cockpit.
• FormulaFlex and FormulaFlex MyWay programs offer great personalization. 
• Cabin berth has ample room to stretch out, but vertical space allows feet-first entry only.
• The diesel generator is safer than gasoline power, but it requires a second fuel tank. 

Pricing and Specs

Speed, efficiency, operation.

Formula Boats – Decatur, Indiana; formulaboats.com

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