best 30 foot offshore sailboat

672 Wine Club

• Motorcycles
• Car of the Month
• Destinations
• Men’s Fashion
• Watch Collector
• Art & Collectibles
• Vacation Homes
• Celebrity Homes
• New Construction
• Home Design
• Electronics
• Fine Dining
• Benchmark Wines
• Brian Fox Art
• Chase United
• Disneyland Resort
• Gateway Bronco
• Royal Salute
• Sports & Leisure
• Health & Wellness
• Best of the Best
• The Ultimate Gift Guide
• This Speedy 70-Foot Power Catamaran Is Designed to Cut Through Rough Waters

The 70-foot T-2000 Voyager can hit 60 mph in flat conditions, and then take waves up to 30 feet.

Howard walker, howard walker's most recent stories.

• Rolls-Royce Debuted the New Phantom Scintilla at Monterey Car Week. Here’s Everything We Know.
• These Slim New Catamarans Are Redefining the Category. Here’s How.
• Share This Article

Back in April, Storm Kathleen slammed into the west coast of Ireland as a fearsome Force 10 gale, packing 70 mph winds and 15-foot waves. While locals sandbagged their homes and prepared for the worst, Frank Kowalski decided it was a swell day for a boat ride.

Related Stories

• Pagani Will Keep Making V-12 Hypercars Because Its Customers Don’t Want Hybrids or EVs
• This Armored, Bulletproof Lucid Air Lets You Drive Through the Apocalypse Emissions Free
• First Drive: The Morgan Plus Four Is Coming to America. Here’s What to Expect Behind the Wheel.

Evolved from Safehaven’s 75-foot XVS20 monohull launched in 2018, Kowalski used his expertise in building commercial, work-boat power catamarans to design the twin-hulled T-2000 Voyager to offer speed with stability.

“The stability in beam seas is what’s key here,” he says. “While we were out recently in a Force 8 with 40-plus knot winds and 12-foot seas, we were able to stop and leave the boat to drift while we retrieved a drone. It just took the waves on the beam with ease. In a monohull, it would have been rolling so badly you couldn’t have stood on the deck.”

Then there’s the sheer velocity that comes with twin, scalpel-thin hulls slicing through waves. With the T-2000’s pair of 1,550 hp MAN V12 diesels driving France Helices SD5 surface drives, the Safehaven can hit a top speed of 57 mph. 

“It’s just the most amazing sight, standing on the stern, watching these huge roostertails behind,” Kowalski adds. “We’ve also incorporated retracting swim platforms so you can see the props spinning on the surface, plus valved exhausts that switch between silenced and straight-through. The noise from those V12s is sensational.”

His hull No. 1 demonstrator boat has all-diamond-quilted marine leather, well-finished cabinetry, colored LED lighting, and below-deck accommodations for six in three cabins. Hull No. 2—already sold and due for completion in the next 18 months—will up the luxury factor.

“It’s going to a client in the Middle East who plans to use it for just himself and his wife,” says Kowalski. The client has specified a full-width owner’s suite with a central, king-size bed and oversized his-and-hers bathrooms and closets in each hull. “He also wants to go fast— very fast,” Kowalski continues. “So we’ll install twin 2,000 hp MAN V12s, again with surface drives, and a central hydrofoil to reduce drag. The plan is for it to hit a top speed in excess of 69 mph.”

The new T-2000 is also designed to go the distance. With the 2,900-gallon tanks, it has a range of more than 1,000 nautical miles at 34.5 mph, and 1,700 nautical miles at 18 mph. Throttle back to 12 mph and range increases to 3,000-plus nautical miles.

Much of this is down to the yacht’s symmetrical, semi-wave-piercing hulls, made of a carbon-fiber-composite construction, with inverted lower bow sections and a double-chine arrangement that projects spray clear of the boat. The hydrofoil in mid position also means that, at speed in calmish seas, the T-2000 rides with half its hull length out of the water.

To eliminate waves slamming into the bridge deck windshield, Kowalski moved the pilothouse farther back. It also makes for a sleeker profile, giving the T-2000 the look of a single-hull sportsyacht.

The entire helm area gets flooded with light courtesy of the four-panel, angled windshield and quartet of fixed skylights above. To see the boat’s hydrofoil in action, the bridge has a glass panel in the floor that’s also designed for viewing marine life below at night. Most of the windows have half-inch-thick toughened panels to shrug off cascading water. 

In finer weather than typically found on coastal Ireland, the T-2000 has a small flybridge with a helm station and sun-lounge area up top, plus a covered stern cockpit with sofas and table for alfresco dining.

This storm-tested, metallic-red demonstrator is available for around $3.35 million.

Read More On:

• Luxury Power Catamarans

More Marine

Blue Origin Successfully Landed Its 8th Crewed Flight

New Zealand’s Thrilling Win Gets the America’s Cup Off to a Rip-Roaring Start

This Revamped 161-Foot Trinity Superyacht Could Be Yours for $16 Million

Rescuers Find Remaining Missing Aboard the Sunken ‘Bayesian’ Superyacht 

Meet the Wine Club That Thinks Differently.

Receive editor-curated reds from boutique California producers four times a year.

Give the Gift of Luxury

Latest Galleries in Marine

10 Must-Haves That Will Make Your Yacht Trip Even Better

6 Electric Surfboards That’ll Help You Ride the New E-Foil Wave

More from our brands, 21 must-have fashion and beauty products to invest in for fall, ncaa nixes qr codes in move criticized as outdated, richard gere talks improvising ‘pretty woman’s’ ‘sexy’ piano scene and why his character was ‘criminally underwritten’: ‘it was basically a suit and a good haircut’, ai is trying to take over art authentication, but longtime experts are skeptical, the best yoga mats for any practice, according to instructors.

• 2024 BOAT BUYERS GUIDE
• SHALLOW WATER FISHING
• Email Newsletters
• Boating Tips
• Boating Safety
• Electronics
• Baits & Lures
• Fishing Tackle
• Fishing Travel
• Conservation
• Fishing Knots
• Women in Fishing

• Boat Reviews

Best Center Console Boats Over 30 Feet

• By Jim Hendricks
• Updated: April 29, 2020

What defines a big center console fishing boat? We think over 30 feet LOA (length overall) serves as the benchmark, though today you’ll certainly find multiple boats over 40 feet in this genre. And there are some spectacular models — not just because of their size, but also because of their great designs, features and style.

We’ve scoured the market to find today’s best offshore fishing boats , labeled as center consoles, that have earned the respect of serious offshore anglers. So if you are looking for a new blue-water boat, start your search here with our best center console boats over 30 feet. Please keep in mind the following center console boat brands are listed alphabetically.

And if you find that a smaller boat might fit your needs, check out our best center consoles 26 to 30 feet , or even our list of center consoles under 26 feet .

Blackfin 332CC

Blackfin outfitted its stepped-hull 332CC with a full complement of fishing and family amenities. From the pantographic sliding door on the console, which keeps the walkways unobstructed, to the two separate livewells (fed by pumps housed in a sea chest) and the twin 45-quart Yeti coolers, this center console features thoughtful design. A dual lounger ahead of the console features a center rest with two cup holders. Below the U-shaped bow seating, you’ll find a 98-gallon storage hatch. Powered by twin Yamaha 425 XTOs, the 332CC tops out over 60 mph.

Blackwater 41 Sportfish

The Blackwater 41 SportFish is a custom-built center console with a dry-riding stepped hull. With almost 12 feet of beam, the 41-footer offers an abundance of interior space not seen in most 41s on the market. Deck designs and customizations include wraparound bow seating, a forward sun lounge with a full cabin and berth below, standard or oversize hard tops, a tuna tower, second row helm seating, three livewells and more. Choose up to quad 350-hp Mercury outboards for maximum power.

Boston Whaler 380 Outrage

Whaler designed the 380 Outrage to serve many masters. As a fishing vessel, its standout features include a 60-gallon transom livewell with an acrylic lid, dividable blue interior and dual red LED lights. You’ll find rod holders at the bow, in the cockpit, on the hardtop frame and along the transom. An acrylic transom door accesses the swim platform, and a fiberglass boarding door opens on the port side to slide in a big catch. With triple Mercury 300s, the 380 cruises at 39 mph, burning 0.92 mpg.

Calcutta 480

Available with a diesel surface drive or quad outboards, Calcutta’s new express catamaran sports an asymmetrical hull design, which gives it monohull-like turning capability. The diesel version planes at 15 knots; at cruise it burns 1 mpg, Calcutta says. The standard layout features two state rooms and two heads with showers. The bridge deck seats 10. An optional second station seats six with a sun lounge. The vessel also comes with a tackle center and insulated transom fish box. As are all Calcuttas, the 48 is custom built and sold direct from the factory.

Caymas 341 CC

The Caymas 341 features a patented Stepped-Vee Ventilated Tunnel (SVVT) hull, designed by Michael Peters, for increased riding comfort, performance and fuel efficiency. The center console measures 33 feet, 7 inches long, with a 10-foot beam and a fuel capacity of 345 gallons. When maxed out with horsepower, the 341’s drag-reducing hull generates a brisk hole shot, crisp acceleration and an impressive top-end speed. Fishing amenities include a custom 70-gallon transom livewell, oversize fish boxes fore and aft, lockable rod storage, an innovative hardtop with pass-through hatch, an elevated helm station and more.

Cobia 350CC

Cobia Boats’ 350CC features a double-stepped, vacuum-infused hull to match its elegant topside amenities and fishing conveniences, which include dual 42-gallon livewells, two in-floor fish boxes that pump overboard, a full tackle and bait-prep station, plus a belowdecks lockable rod box. The center console’s 11-foot-2-inch beam translates to a spacious cockpit (131 square feet) and roomy walkthroughs. An inward-opening side door simplifies hauling aboard a big fish or loading gear from a dock. Cobia’s 350CC can carry 320 gallons of fuel, and handles a maximum of 900 hp.

Contender 44 ST

The Contender 44 ST features an expansive level deck with little to impede the pursuit of catching fish. A twin-stepped hull provides lift for efficiency and speed, and maintains a flat running attitude. Powered by triple or quad Yamaha 425 XTO outboards and equipped with 600 gallons of fuel capacity, the 44 ST lets you to reach distant angling destinations with a smooth, dry ride, even in dodgy conditions. A pair of 55-gallon transom livewells provide excellent onboard abodes for bait. The dash is set low for better visibility over the console, which features a wraparound polycarbonate windshield to protect the helm and helm seating.

Crevalle 33 CSF

Crevalle Boats designed its largest model to date, the 33 CSF center console, with offshore fishing and family cruising in mind. Standard features include dual 16-inch multifunction displays at the helm, three 30-gallon transom livewells, a slide-out Yeti cooler, oversized hardtop, leaning-post tackle-prep station, lockable rod storage for six rods, and in-floor storage for a 5-gallon bucket with a cast net. The no-wood design features resin-infusion and a composite transom. With 300 gallons of fuel capacity, the 33 CSF is rated for twin outboards totaling 900 hp. The bow features a dedicated mounting surface for a long-shaft GPS trolling motor.

EdgeWater 340CC

EdgeWater’s flagship center console, the 340CC, features 28- and 66-gallon transom livewells and a leaning-post tackle station as well as a plush forward sun pad and bow dining area. The standard leaning post comes with a removable 48-quart cooler, freshwater sink, pullout shower, cutting board, storage drawers, and rod holders. Option up for the super leaning post, and you’ll get an additional 30-gallon livewell. The standard hardtop comes with six rod holders, LED spreader lights, and a custom tempered glass windshield.

Everglades 395cc

Everglades designed the 395cc for anglers seeking something larger than its 355cc but more nimble than the company’s flagship 435cc. Boasting Everglades’ Ramcap hull construction, the 395cc features mezzanine seating and a fold-out transom bench. Inside the console is a dining area that transforms to a berth. Fishing features include insulated 112- and 75-gallon fish boxes and two 40-gallon pressurized transom livewells. Powered by triple Yamaha 425 XTO outbards, the 395cc can reach speeds of more than 55 mph. Options include a full upper station with a fiberglass sun top, a Seakeeper 3 gyrostabilizer and a full suite of Garmin electronics.

Grady-White Canyon 326

The superstructure for the hardtop on Grady-White’s Canyon 326 fits inside the breadth of the full windshield, a design factor that keeps the walkways beside the console wide open. Add the optional insert between the port and starboard bow loungers, and you create a generous casting platform or a sun pad. Aft of the helm seats, you’ll find a rigging station and fish box. You can opt to plumb that 38-gallon box as a livewell, and add its capacity to that of the standard 32-gallon tank in the aft port corner.

The distinctly styled Insetta 45 center-console features a tunnel hull based on the designs of offshore racing catamarans. Its twin hulls cut through the water and result in remarkable stability, Insetta says.

The 11-foot, 8-inch beam offers a super-large cockpit for fishing. The walk-through transom door allows for both landing the big fish and access to the swim platform. The wide walkways around the console give you plenty of room to fight a fish down the rail.

The console interior features a head, a cabinet with sink, a shower and a full-size berth. There are two additional V-berths at the bow.

The Insetta 45’s vacuum-infused construction results in a hull that’s very light and extremely strong, the company says. The one-piece deck is bonded both around the hull/deck joint and on each of the full-width bulkheads.

You can order the Insetta with twin inboards or as many as four outboard engines. The 450-gallon fuel tank offers plenty of range, especially with twin diesels.

Invincible 40 Cat

Invincible’s 40 Catamaran was the first to use Morrelli & Melvin’s patented hybrid semi-asymmetrical design, lending this model remarkable performance and handling. With a beam that carries well forward, the 40 Cat also offers expansive deck space. It features twin pressurized 55-gallon transom livewells and a 72-gallon well under the aft cockpit sole. With quad Mercury 350 Verado outboards, expect speeds in excess of 70 mph. The optional 240-gallon coffin box is lined with seven vertical rod holders on each side, and the top doubles as a lounger. The dash panel will accept twin flush-mounted Garmin GPSMAP 8617 displays.

The Jupiter 32 marks the modern-day return of this brand’s iconic 31, originally released in the early 1990s. Fishing features include a leaning post with four rod holders and tackle storage. Aft of that is a 150-gallon in-deck fish box with a macerator. In-deck lockable storage flanks the console; each box holds four 8-foot rods each. Other notable aspects of this build include Release Marine teak ladder-back helm seats, a fiberglass T-top, and a portside boarding door.

Pursuit S 378

The S 378 features a fully appointed console cabin accessed by a companionway on the helm deck. Cabin- and hull-side windows offer an outside view. Abaft the helm seating, an entertainment center deploys and retracts at the touch of a button. Pursuit also included a standard 36-gallon transom livewell, a pair of fish boxes, and lockable rod storage. An optional sport-fishing package includes a second livewell, hardtop rod holders and Taco Grand Slam outriggers. Rigged standard with triple Yamaha 425 XTO outboards, the S 378 can reach speeds of 60 mph.

Regulator 34

Regulator Marine’s new 34 features one of the largest cockpits in its class, with a transom design that maximizes space rivaling that of 39-footers, according to Regulator.

With a 10-foot, 11-inch beam, the 34 employs a full transom and a newly designed engine bracket that places the propellers in optimal water flow. This center-console can be powered with up to three Yamaha F300 outboards, and it holds up to 350 gallons of fuel.

Standard features include a 42-gallon transom livewell and two insulated fishboxes. Featuring 24 degrees of deadrise at the transom, the hull is designed to carry forward Regulator’s reputation for a legendary ride.

Options for the Regulator 34 include Flexiteek cushioned, non-skid decking on the newly-engineered Armstrong bracket, additional gunwale rod holders and the Yamaha Helm Master steering system to make docking simple.

“Our customers were asking for more, and we like to give our customers what they want,” says Regulator Marine President Joan Maxwell. “What’s special about Regulator’s approach to triple outboards is that we engineered a consistent engine-mounting height to ensure a better look and improved water flow to the engines.”

Scout 355 LXF

A luxury center-console fishing boat, the 355 LXF is built on Scout’s dual stepped hull, which is strengthened by expoxy infusion. On deck, you’ll find three independently heated helm seats and a patented glass enclosure. The 355 LXF comes with a 55-gallon transom livewell, a 60-gallon fish box and twin in-deck fish boxes. The cabin’s forward dinette becomes a double berth; the interior space features a little over 6 feet of clearance. With triple Mercury 400 Verados, the boat tops out at 70.2 mph.

Sea Chaser 35 HFC Bluewater

The largest Sea Chaser in that company’s lineup, the 35 features a wide-open deck, easy-access side boarding door, and many standard features including a windlass anchor system, fold-down lounge seats, LED deck lighting, in-deck storage and 50-gallon livewells in the transom and leaning post. An electric switch elevates the forward console lounger; beneath is room for buckets, tackle bags and other storage. In the transom, dual benches fold down for plush seating for four. With twin Suzuki DF350A outboards, the 35 tops out at 54.1 mph.

SeaVee 390Z

The new 390Z features an innovative twin-stepped hull design that SeaVee says should recalibrate the industry standard for performance, efficiency and handling. Born of offshore-racing technology, the hull has been perfected for the recreational customer through the use of proprietary computer modeling.

The extensive design work was then further processed by a computational fluid-dynamics computer model, previously utilized only by NASA and the U.S. Navy. To achieve the highest performance possible, the 390Z features multiple lifting bodies with unique geometry. These, along with the carefully engineered weight distribution, ensure the optimum angle of attack that produces maximum hull lift with minimum resistance regardless of speed or sea conditions.

The 390Z can remain planing at speeds as low 18 knots. It also offers directional stability, at any speed, achieved through an array of speed rails.

A new, cored hull design reduces weight, yet offers strength and durability. Core-Cell M130 structural foam is sandwiched between two fiberglass panels to form a stiff, strong, lightweight laminate with similar strength properties to an industrial I -beam structure, SeaVee says. This design feature contributes to higher speeds and better overall performance of the boat.

The 390Z is available in a twin-outboard configuration, and the 688-gallon fuel tank offers exceptional range.

Southport 33 FE

Southport’s new 33 FE is based on a C. Raymond Hunt hull that’s designed to jump on plane quickly and maintain a flat angle no matter what the speed. Its classic lines are sure to turn heads no matter where you fish.

With sharp entry, 22 degrees of deadrise at the transom and Southport’s famous bow flare, the deep-V hull boasts a smooth, dry ride in virtually all sea conditions.

Anglers will appreciate the abundant in-deck storage and 6-foot-long, insulated fish boxes. A 35-gallon transom livewell holds plenty of live bait, but you can add a second, optional livewell in the leaning-post module.

The console interior features a marine head, shower and a berth for overnighting. A transom door offers easy access astern.

With a 10-foot, 8-inch beam, the 33 FE offers an open cockpit for fishing. Rated for a maximum of 700 hp in the form of twin Yamaha F350 outboards, the vessel boasts 300-gallon-plus fuel capacity.

Sportsman Open 352CC

Sportsman’s Open 352CC measures just longer than 35 feet. It carries a beam of 11 feet, 2 inches and a max-horsepower rating of 900. This offshore fish boat features a family- and angler-friendly open cockpit layout and amenities such as flip-up aft seating, full access to the bow, an enclosed head and dual side-entry doors. All Sportsman boats utilize the company‘s SportTech Advanced Fabrication System, a proprietary boat-building process. The Open 352CC’s stringer system touches every inch of the hull, ensuring superior strength from bow to stern. The stringers are completely finished in gelcoat and foam filled for additional flotation.

Stamas 31T Aventura

The Stamas Yacht 31T Aventura is a beamy center console loaded with fishing amenities and blessed with an eye-catching sheerline. The 31-footer features an oversize dash for electronics, a leaning-post livewell, transom livewell, insulated fish boxes, numerous rod holders, and a tackle station with a freshwater sink. A generous cockpit aft, as well as a spacious casting area in the bow, allow plenty of room for anglers and family. Wraparound bow seating converts to a huge sun lounge or dining area for those days when you want to take a day off from fishing hard and relax on the water.

Tidewater 320 CC Adventure

The Tidewater 320 CC Adventure incorporates luxury into fishing. Features such as ​a yacht-style helm station, backlit carbon-fiber dash panel, wraparound bow seating with flip-out backrests, and a porcelain head belowdecks show the attention to detail throughout this boat. Still, hardcore fishing features such as port and starboard 41-gallon macerated fish boxes, two 28-gallon bow boxes, two 20-gallon livewells, and a leaning post tackle center should make any angler happy. Customize your rig with optional features, a preferred hull color and outboard power.

World Cat 325CC

World Cat took its already popular 320CC and completely retooled it with numerous enhancements such as an improved removable transom seating arrangement, increased insulated storage and improved styling. The new 325CC also features additional transom reinforcement, Mate Elite Series oval 30-degree cup/rod holder combos, upgraded white sport speakers, port and starboard Frigid Rigid coolers with seat cushion and coaming bolsters, and a transom insulated storage tub with an acrylic lid. Standard features include a 45-gallon insulated livewell with a clear lid, Plano box compartment, twin 56-gallon insulated storage compartments and a 26-gallon center compartment forward, as well as Optimus electronic steering.

Yellowfin 42 Offshore

Yellowfin’s 42 Offshore provides a smooth, dry ride and top-flight performance, courtesy of its stepped hull. The wide-open, level deck of this center console provides room for serious bluewater fishing. Each Yellowfin is built to customer desires, with available triple or quad outboards up to 1,700 hp. The 571-gallon fuel capacity grants anglers plenty of range. Buyers can select from a hardtop, dual tower or marlin tower. You can also add forward seating for the family. Massive pumps deliver sea-chest water to two pressurized 75-gallon livewells, and there’s a trio of insulated in-sole fish boxes.

• More: Boat Reviews , Center Consoles , fishing boats
• More Boat Reviews

Sailfish 316 DC First Glance

Robalo 266 Cayman Boat Review

World Cat 260CC-X First Glance

Solace 32 CS First Glance

Make Mine a Jumbo

Sport Fishing’s Deals of the Week

Tracking Texas Tarpon

ODYSSEY Battery: Ask the Internet

• Privacy Policy
• Terms of Use
• Cruising World
• Sailing World
• Salt Water Sportsman
• Sport Fishing
• Wakeboarding

Many products featured on this site were editorially chosen. Sport Fishing may receive financial compensation for products purchased through this site.

Copyright © 2024 Sport Fishing Firecrown . All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited.

• Miscellaneous , Other Sports

15 Best Offshore Fishing Boats Under 30 Feet

Many boats used for offshore fishing are so large that they can become cumbersome. In this guide, however, we are going to focus on the best offshore fishing boats under 30 feet to give you some more compact options.

Large boats are great for handling ocean waves and to give you more space to host larger fishing parties. The downsides, however, include needing a much larger trailer and having to clean and maintain a larger surface area.

Not all small boats are incapable of handling ocean conditions and, in fact, some of these models handle better than their larger brethren. As an added bonus, you won’t need to purchase or rent an oversized boat slip to store your offshore fishing boat between trips.

So, without further adieu, let’s dive into these 15 offshore fishing boats!

Photo by James Acuna via Shutterstock

Best Offshore Fishing Boats Under 30 Feet

• Blackfin 272CC
• Cobia 301 CC
• Parker Boats 2120SC
• Seahunter Boats Floridian 28
• Caymas Boats 28 HB
• Everglades Boats 235CC
• Sea Born Boats LX26 CC
• NauticStar Boats 2602 Legacy
• Scout Boats 277 LXF
• Calcutta 263 Catamaran
• Seahunt Boats Gamefish 27
• Boston Whaler 280 Outrage
• World Cat 280CC-X
• EdgeWater Boats 208CC Heritage Series
• Sea Chaser 27 HFC CC Blue Water

Reviews of Offshore Fishing Boats Under 30 Feet

1. blackfin 272cc.

PC Blackfin Boats

Available Boat Specifications

• Length Overall (LOA): 29’5”
• Beam: 9’4”
• Weight: 6,500 pounds
• Draft (with engine down): 36”
• Draft (with engine up): 24”
• Deadrise: 22 degrees
• Fuel Capacity: 180 gallons
• Maximum Power: 600 horsepower

Our list begins with an offshore fishing boat that the company claims to be a “verified battlewagon on the water.” While we hope you’re only doing battle with a massive marlin or two, at best, this boat is loaded with features and built for supreme offshore fishing comfort.

It starts with twin outboard engines at the stern and you’ll have a variety of engine configurations to choose from, with your maximum power topping out at 600 horsepower. When you’re not underway, flip-down transom seating provides a comfortable place to lounge as well as a stable fishing platform.

Some standard cockpit options on the Blackfin 272CC include a 30-gallon baitwell, a five-gallon bait bucket, two insulated 54-gallon fish boxes with macerated pump-outs, a total of eight mounted fishing rod holders, and an insulated storage cooler in the forward console.

As you’d probably expect from a top-of-the-line offshore fishing boat, there are also plenty of upgrades to choose from. Some of our favorites include a premium stereo upgrade package, a cockpit table with SeaDek inlay, and an additional six hardtop fishing rod holders.

2. Cobia 301 CC

• LOA: 29’7”
• Weight: 7,230 pounds
• Draft: 21”
• Deadrise: 21.5 degrees
• Fuel Capacity: 267 gallons

The Cobia 301 CC improves on Cobia’s 296 CC design with several important upgrades. For starters, there’s an inward-opening side door that makes it so much easier to haul your large catches onboard.

That side door also makes for easier dockside boarding and Cobia has improved the entry and exit points off the rear diving platform as well. They’ve also added space in the cockpit so that you and your co-captain can navigate comfortably .

In terms of fishing features, Cobia has added a freshwater sink and rigging station in this boat’s tackle station. Plus, the upgraded console in this offshore fishing boat reorganizes all of your controls into an easy-to-use dashboard that optimizes functionality.

Some of the best standard features on the 301 CC include two 80-gallon insulated fish boxes, two 28-gallon livewell tanks, an electronically-adjusted bow table, and stainless steel gunnel rod holders.

3. Parker Boats 2120SC

PC Parker Boats

• Beam: 8’6”
• Weight: 3,520 pounds
• Draft: 15”
• Deadrise: 21 degrees
• Fuel Capacity: 20 gallons
• Maximum Power: 225 horsepower

The 2120SC from Parker Boats is one of the lightest models on our list, which means you don’t need a huge truck to tow it. Once you’re on the water, however, it offers plenty of excellent features to aid in your offshore fishing efforts .

The standard features on this sport cabin fishing boat include a full transom decked out with an insulated fish box, livewell tank, and transom door with access to the rear swim platform. It’s also equipped with a raw water washdown for fish cleaning and under-the-gunnel rod storage and toe rails.

This Sport Cabin model is a great choice for foul weather fishing because you can retreat into the completely-enclosed cockpit if needed. That cockpit is also self-bailing and is lined with contrasting non-skid surfaces for better grip and safety when moving about.

4. Seahunter Boats Floridian 28

PC Seahunter Boats

• LOA: 28’2”
• Beam: 9’10”
• Weight: 7,500 pounds
• Draft (with twin engines): 17”
• Draft (with single engine): 14”
• Deadrise: 15 degrees
• Fuel Capacity: 166 gallons
• Maximum Power: 800 horsepower

The Floridian 28 is actually a hybrid design that makes it a versatile choice for both inshore and offshore fishing. It is truly built to go anywhere and provide a safe and stable fishing platform in almost any conditions imaginable.

There are a total of three livewells with pumps on this boat and it also features freshwater and saltwater washdown stations for cleaning your catch. The ability to refill the boat’s central fuel tank from either the port or starboard side also makes logistics easier every time you pull up to a marina with a fueling station.

Sea Hunter Boats also offers a variety of useful fishing upgrades for the Floridian 28. This includes carbon fiber outriggers, a removable rear bench seat, a toilet system, underwater lights, an electric trolling monitor, a shallow water anchoring system, and much more.

5. Caymas Boats 28 HB

PC Caymas Boats

• LOA: 27’7”
• Weight: 4,300 pounds
• Draft (with engine up): 16”
• Deadrise: 18.5 degrees
• Fuel Capacity: 120 gallons
• Maximum Power: 450 horsepower

The Caymas Boats 28 HB features many design benefits that you won’t find on all the other choices for the best offshore fishing boats under 30 feet. For starters, it boasts multiple centers of pressure built into the hull to reduce trim angle and drag.

It is also built with a ventilated center tunnel in the hull that provides hydrodynamic lift and improves ride stability. The tunnel’s vertical sidewalls also serve to prevent spin outs and air ventilation channels aerate the water under the boat, which further increases lift and efficiency by reducing drag.

Moving topside, the 28 HB features a 35-gallon transom livewell with an 800 gallon per hour pump, a large fish box with a macerator pump, a six-gauge trolling motor wiring harness, four gunnel-mounted stainless-steel rod holders, a fully-finished fiberglass console with a large access door, and much more.

6. Everglades Boats 235CC

PC Everglades Boats

• Weight: 5,600 pounds
• Draft (with engine down): 30”
• Draft (with engine up): 15”
• Deadrise at Transom: 19 degrees
• Deadrise Average: 36 degrees
• Fuel Capacity: 105 gallons
• Maximum Power: 300 horsepower

The Everglades 235CC is a great entry-level fishing boat for offshore anglers looking to try out their very first center console design. This boat debuted at the 2020 Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show to rave reviews from the fishing community.

The bait rigging station on this boat is designed for ease and convenience when you’re on the hunt. It includes four fishing rod holders, tackle drawers, a rigging deck, and plenty of storage for tackle trays, tools, and leaders.

There’s a 17-gallon circulating livewell in the transom and an insulated cooler on the port side. At the helm, you’ll enjoy 360-degree visibility, digital displays, and a sliding windshield that allows you the flexibility of feeling the wind in your hair or protecting the cockpit on colder days.

7. Sea Born Boats LX26 CC

PC Sea Born Boats

• LOA: 26’6”
• Beam: 9’8”
• Weight: 5,500 pounds
• Draft: 20”
• Fuel Capacity: 135 gallons
• Maximum Power: 500 horsepower

The LX 26 is another center console design that is the newest such build in the Sea Born Boats arsenal and it is a yacht-certified, family-friendly option for offshore fishing. It comes with a number of useful standard features as well as the choice for several amazing add-ons.

In terms of standard features, it starts with the boat’s all-composite construction and stepped hull to improve overall performance. The build also boasts an advanced fiberglass stringer system, a self-bailing cockpit, and yacht-finished diamond non-skid decks.

When it comes to fishing features, you’ll love the dual rear baitwells on the port and starboard side, as well as freshwater and raw-water washdown stations. This fishing boat also boasts a total of 10 stainless rod holders and additional under-gunnel rod storage.

A few of the intriguing options that you can choose from to upgrade the LX26 include a sport fishing package and a luxury touring package. The former includes an upgraded transducer and broadband radar while the latter includes a self-contained Porta Potti and a two-position bow table with an additional cushion.

8. NauticStar Boats 2602 Legacy

PC NauticStar Boats

• Weight: 4,000 pounds
• Deadrise at Entry: 45 degrees
• Deadrise at Transom: 22 degrees
• Fuel Capacity: 139 gallons
• Maximum Power: 400 horsepower

The 2602 Legacy continues our trend of center console designs as some of the best offshore fishing boats under 30 feet. This one offers a central leaning post with a 21-gallon baitwell and a prep station for easy tackle rigging.

When you are on your way to your next fishing spot, there are few boats that offer so much comfort at the helm. This boat includes a bench-style captain’s chair with flip-up bolsters, an armrest, and a footrest.

At the stern, there’s an additional full-width seat that accommodates up to three passengers. Under that seat, you’ll find additional storage in an 18-gallon cooler and a 50-gallon insulated fish box.

9. Scout Boats 277 LXF

PC Scout Boats

• LOA: 27’9”
• Weight: 5,642 pounds
• Draft: 19”
• Fuel Capacity: 164 gallons

The 277 LXF from Scout Boats is highly competitive with the other offshore fishing boats in its class. It sets itself apart with a fully-walkable transom swim platform that allows it to accommodate casual outings as well as serious offshore fishing.

The large forward seating area can also be used for lounging on hot and calm days, but you can convert it by removing the backrests if you want to operate the bow as a fishing platform. There’s plenty of storage underneath the seat cushions as well.

This yacht-certified fishing boat also includes a 9.5-gallon holding tank and a 13-gallon freshwater tank to accommodate extended fishing adventures. Some of its best optional upgrades include a removable teak bow table, additional fishing rod holders, a 12-volt refrigerator, and an engine flush kit.

10. Calcutta 263 Catamaran

PC Calcutta Boats

• LOA: 26’3”
• Weight: 3,200 pounds
• Maximum Draft (with engine down): 13”
• Fuel Capacity: 140 gallons

The Calcutta 263 Catamaran boasts one of the most unique hull designs you will find amongst these offshore fishing boats. The catamaran-style hull allows this boat to serve as a versatile option for offshore fishing as well as inshore applications.

The minimal draft is what allows this boat to operate in shallower waters, but the innovation doesn’t stop there. This boat features a fold-down transom door that allows for a seamless transition to the swim platform and easier onboarding when you reel in a large fish.

The standard 263 model includes a forward 350-quart fish box and an integrated 65-gallon fiberglass baitwell leaning post. It also offers four stainless steel rod holders, a diamond-patterned non-skid deck, two 1100-gph bilge pumps, a raw water washdown station, and much more.

11. Sea Hunt Boats Gamefish 27

PC Sea Hunt Boats

• LOA: 27’6”
• Beam: 9’9”
• Deadrise at Entry: 60 degrees
• Deadrise at Midship: 24 degrees
• Deadrise at Transom: 21 degrees
• Fuel Capacity: 179 gallons

The Gamefish 27 with Coffin Box is designed for serious anglers that need a lot of bait and fish storage for their days on the water. Of course, it is not completely without its amenities for comfort and convenience as well.

That said, this fishing boat boats a 30-gallon transom livewell and another 40-gallon mezzanine split livewell. There’s also a 10-gallon pitch bait livewell, a 260-quart transom fish box, and a 256-quart coffin box to go along with this boat’s 19-gallon freshwater holding tank.

There’s also a China toilet onboard with an attached holding tank so you can do your business on long days on the water. The dash panel on this boat features an integrated wireless charger and a phone holder so you can keep your device charged and secure instead of dangling precariously out of your pocket.

12. Boston Whaler 280 Outrage

PC Boston Whaler

• Dry Weight: 6,200 pounds
• Transom Height: 25”
• Draft: 22”
• Deadrise at Transom: 23 degrees
• Fuel Capacity: 186 gallons

The Boston Whaler 280 Outrage boasts the highest maximum horsepower of all the best offshore fishing boats on our list. That makes it a great choice for anglers that want to get up and go quickly when they spot action out on the horizon.

When you’re stopped and ready to fish, however, you’ll be able to take advantage of this boat’s convenient bait-prep area, port-side tackle storage drawers, tip-out trash can, and pressurized 30-gallon livewell with a clear lid for easy fish monitoring .

The 280 Outrage is also equipped with a 26-gallon freshwater tank that feeds a sink at the leaning post, a transom shower, and an anchor washdown. Automatic bilge pumps and a pump out of the boat’s two 54-gallon fish boxes also make this fishing boat easy to clean and get ready for your next fishing trip.

13. World Cat 280CC-X

PC World Cat Boats

• Beam: 9’2”
• Weight (with engines): 7,300 pounds
• Hull Draft: 14”
• Fuel Capacity: 220 gallons (two tanks at 110 gallons each)

While it doesn’t boast as much horsepower as the Boston Whaler, the World Cat 280CC-X is built for extended fishing adventures. It has the highest fuel capacity of any boat we’ve included and it also boasts freshwater and wastewater tanks to keep you out and fishing longer.

In addition to its 17-gallon freshwater tank and nine-gallon wastewater tank, this boat also includes a 30-gallon livewell capacity. That doesn’t include insulated, lockable 355-quart fish boxes built into the floor on the port and starboard sides either.

At the stern, six flush-mounted fender holders complement the eight stainless steel rod holders positioned strategically on this boat. The helm also features fold-down seating and a walk-through transom with a latchable door that offers convenient access to the swim platform.

14. EdgeWater Boats 208CC Heritage Series

PC EdgeWater Boats

• LOA: 20’6”
• Dry Weight: 2,500 pounds
• Draft (with engine up): 17”
• Deadrise: 20 degrees
• Fuel Capacity: 87 gallons
• Maximum Power: 200 horsepower

The EdgeWater 208CC Heritage Series is one of the most compact offshore fishing boats on our list and it starts at a relatively lightweight too. That is mainly due to its all-composite construction with fiberglass stringer system and closed-cell foam flotation.

This boat’s walk-in console provides 5’2” of headroom, but the aluminum T-top provides weather protection while including four fishing rod holders, an electronics box, and two LED spreader lights for better low-light visibility.

There’s also a console-mounted Porta Potti for your extended day trips and a six-gallon freshwater shower if you want to rinse your hands after prepping bait or cleaning fish. There’s also a raw water washdown if you don’t need fresh water for your rinsing needs.

The EdgeWater 208CC further features a 20-gallon transom baitwell and an insulated fish box with an overboard drain at the bow. If you want to upgrade, some of the best optional electronics for this boat include a Garmin EchoMap fish finder with a GT54 transducer and a Fusion stereo upgrade with two JL Audio M3 speakers.

15. Sea Chaser 27 HFC CC Blue Water

PC Sea Chaser

• LOA: 27’3”
• Weight: 5,438 pounds
• Fuel Capacity: 189 gallons

The 27 HFC center console offshore fishing boat from Sea Chaser is a multi-functional design that will serve you well for serious offshore angling or casual family fun.

There’s plenty of seating spread strategically throughout the bow, stern, and helm, so you’ll have room for the extended family or your lucky group of fishing buddies .

Some of the HFC’s best standard features include a 12-inch SIMRAD NSS EVO 3 fish finder with sonar transducer and digital switching, a leaning post with an aerated 40-gallon baitwell and tackle trays, a 400-quart insulated storage compartment at the bow, a removable bow table and cushions, and a 30-gallon stern baitwell with LED lights and Max Air aeration.

Final Thoughts

Photo by Theodore Trimmer via Shutterstock

Offshore fishing requires knowledge of tides , ocean currents, and incoming weather patterns. Please be careful to check all of these factors while planning your trip and stay up-to-date on weather forecasts while you’re out.

Additionally, you should always register your trips with a local US Coast Guard station or other management agency. In the worst case, someone should have a record of when you left, where you’re heading, the names of all crew members on board, and your estimated time of return.

Enjoyed 15 Best Offshore Fishing Boats Under 30 Feet? Share it with your friends so they too can follow the Kayakhelp journey.

Share on pinterest.

Peter Salisbury

Pete is the Owner of KayakHelp.com. Born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio, he grew up kayaking, fishing, sailing, and partaking in outdoor adventures around the Great Lakes. When he’s not out on the water, you can find him skiing in the mountains, reading his favorite books, and spending time with his family.

• AROUND THE SAILING WORLD
• BOAT OF THE YEAR
• Email Newsletters
• America’s Cup
• St. Petersburg
• Caribbean Championship
• Boating Safety
• Ultimate Boat Giveaway

2022 Boat of the Year: Best Offshore Racer

• By Dave Reed
• December 17, 2021

Sailing World Magazine’s annual Boat of the Year tests are conducted in Annapolis, Maryland, following the US Sailboat Show. With independent judges exhaustively inspecting the boats on land and putting them through their paces on the water, this year’s fleet of new performance-sailing boats spanned from small dinghies to high-tech bluewater catamarans. Here’s the best of the best from our 2022 Boat of the Year nominees »

As interest in doublehanded offshore racing piqued with the expectations it would be an Olympic sailing discipline in 2024, so too did the development and production of several purpose-built 30-footers. Dehler Yachts, Germany’s big production boatbuilder, jumped into the action with its own 30-footer, and as we’d expect of a Judel/Vrolijk and Co.-designed race boat, this one is an all-business shorthanded racing machine jam-packed with cool features found on grand‑prix boats twice its size.

“You can tell they started with a blank slate because the boat is so well-integrated with the design and construction—from bow to stern,” Greg Stewart says. “It hits its design purpose spot on. It’s a complete small offshore one-design, and it’s obvious there was a lot of development required to get things so right.”

Prototypes and mock-ups after mock-ups were required, Dehler says, to efficiently accommodate a lot of boat handling and living in such a compact craft. Virtually every rope on the boat spills into the cockpit, which is the way of life in shorthanded sailing, where everything happens at the back of the boat. Vigilance with line keeping, therefore, is paramount. That and carefully executed and planned maneuvers. In full-tilt conditions, there will be a lot going on in the cockpit, Stewart says, but everything’s easily at hand.

“All the control-line leads are well thought out,” he adds, pointing to the smooth-operating traveler controls and the individual gross and fine-tuned mainsheet flip cleats mounted on the cockpit floor.

Powlison’s first impression at the dock was that the boat would be challenging to manage, but “once we went sailing, it all was logical. Yes, there’s a lot of line management, but once you’re disciplined to do that, the boat is much easier to sail than it looks.”

With the trio of judges and the owner piled on board during the test sail, it was immediately obvious that two is company and three is definitely a crowd. “It’s also not the type of boat where you’ll want to spontaneously invite an inexperienced crew [to go race],” Powlison says. “You will really need to know what you’re doing, but once you do get comfortable with everything, it will be a really easy boat to sail well.”

Ben Corson, the Annapolis-based owner of our test boat, had spent the better part of a year racing with his female partner and tinkering with the boat, and consequently, the boat is meticulously prepared, race-ready and offshore-compliant. There’s no mistaking what’s what and where—labels pasted throughout the boat identify halyards, sail and ballast controls, safety gear and even the electronics manuals.

As a tightly controlled one-design class with ratified rules, owners like Corson can’t do much to the boat as it is, but there’s not much—if anything—an owner would need to change anyway. Everything on the boat, the judges agreed, works as it should. Adjustable backstays, for example, lead forward to clutches mounted on the cockpit wall, which allows the backstays to be kept taut or released without having to worry about loading to a winch during a maneuver. With the turn of a locking nut on the tiller arm, the steering system can be adjusted to change rudder toe-in on either side. The traveler track runs nearly the full width of the wide transom, opening up a wide range of adjustability for the 361-square-foot mainsail, and as a bonus, small removable reaching struts open up headsail sheeting angles. Stainless-steel foot braces are easy to deploy and stow, and allow the skipper to lock into a comfortable position over the angled coaming, with great visibility over the bow.

When the boat is powered up and leaning on the chine, Allen says, the sensation is exceptional: “This delivered the best sailing experience of all of the boats we tested. It was easy to tack and jibe, it tracked great, it’s easy to get to the sail controls, and we had no problems whatsoever with wiping out—and we tried hard a few times.”

With Allen on the tiller and Powlison managing the sheets as they started upwind into a 15-knot breeze, Stewart hit the chamfered rail. “My first impression from the rail was how high I was and how it was charging upwind—like a big boat. I couldn’t feel the chop, I didn’t get wet, it didn’t skid out at all. I was also amazed at how solid it felt; there wasn’t one bit of pounding, creaking or anything.”

Eventually, Stewart came off the rail and they filled the ballast tank instead—to the equivalent of 400-plus pounds of rail meat. Allen says the gravity-fed water-ballast system took about five minutes to top off, roughly 30 seconds to transfer during a tack, and less than a minute to drain.

“Once we added the water ballast, the boat just powered forward,” Powlison says. “You can really feel the difference when the boat sits on the chine and just tracks straight ahead.”

Impressed as they were with the Dehler 30’s upwind pace, when they set the big red A2 spinnaker (1,076 square feet) and took off down the bay, they had no doubts about the boat’s downwind potential. They only used three of the five class-sail inventory on board, which includes an A2, an A5, a spinnaker staysail and a Code Zero, and if they had more time and distance, they would have certainly piled on more sail area.

“I could see going with the A5, the J3 and the staysail, and maybe a reefed main in a big breeze,” Allen says. “That would be fun—and wicked fast.”

Lightweight and strong is, of course, the holy grail of every race boat, and here too Dehler delivers with what the judges say is an immaculate cored-hull laminate and good detail in the finish work throughout the boat. Dehler was also keen to leave out extraneous weight from the interior to get the boat to weigh in at just over 6,000 pounds. Without any floorboards (there’s thin foam padding glued to the inner hull skin instead), they’re able to get 6 feet of standing headroom at the companionway (which has a sliding hatch hood on rails) and plenty of sitting headroom forward of the mast and into the V-berth.

To achieve a higher level of the camper-sailor experience, comfortable V-berth cushions and removable mesh hull liners are standard, as is a folding centerline table, rounded wooden bench seats, and backrests that double as pipe berths. With storage cubbies scattered about the boat, a marine toilet with a graywater tank, a two-burner stove and two quarter berths, this little race rocket is definitely a legit weekender too. Lithium-ion batteries and a 9.9 diesel with a retractable Stealth Drive shaft that pulls up flush with the hull will get you where you need to go and keep the electronics suite powered up just fine.

The Dehler 30 was a strong contender for Boat of the Year, but the judges couldn’t dismiss the boat’s biggest limitation: It will get hammered by most rating systems, which makes it a one-trick one-design offshore-racing pony. It is, however, an outstanding design for keen shorthanded sailors looking for a race-ready platform for just over $240,000. If—or when—international class racing ever becomes a real thing, the offshore sailing world will be a better place.

• More: Boat of the Year , Boat of the Year 2022 , Dehler , Sailboats
• More Sailboats

Sporty and Simple is the ClubSwan 28

Nautor Swan Has A New Pocket Rocket

Pogo Launches its Latest Coastal Rocket

A Deeper Dive Into the Storm 18

Mistakes And Misfires On the Final Day of Cup’s Preliminary Regatta

Emirates Team New Zealand Remain the Bullies of Barcelona

Start-Box Sparring in Barcelona on Day 2 of Preliminary Regatta

Real-time Wind Overlay Feature Added to Cup Broadcast

• Digital Edition
• Customer Service
• Privacy Policy
• Terms of Use
• Cruising World
• Sailing World
• Salt Water Sportsman
• Sport Fishing
• Wakeboarding

• 2024 BOAT BUYERS GUIDE
• SWS ADVENTURES
• Email Newsletters
• Fishing Boat Reviews
• Fly Fishing
• Marine Electronics
• Fishing Tackle
• Fishing Destinations
• The Bahamas Fishing Guide
• Boating Safety
• Ultimate Boat Giveaway

Best Center Console Boats

• By SWS Staff
• Updated: May 23, 2024

Be it deep-V mono-hulls or multi-hulls, offshore, bay boat, or hybrid models, outboard-powered center console fishing boats have clearly become the most popular among saltwater anglers, outselling all other boat types by a wide margin.

Boat manufacturers around the country have responded to the demand, and today you can find hundreds of outstanding center consoles, ranging from 20 to more than 50 feet in length. In this list, we divided it by the best center consoles under 30 feet and over 30 feet, complete with each model’s specifications and top features.

You’ll find a good mix of inshore and offshore center consoles, as well as a variety of boats that can be categorized as affordable or luxury. No matter your style of fishing or budget, there is a boat on this list that’s built for you.

– ALWAYS USE YOUR ENGINE CUT-OFF LANYARD – Make sure your Engine Cut-Off Switch lanyard is attached to your person whenever you’re underway. They’re now required on all open boats under 26 feet. Safety Tip Provided by the U.S. Coast Guard

Best Center Consoles Under 30 Feet

Versatility leads the way in the best center console fishing boats under 30 feet. Larger models in the category offer seaworthiness to handle offshore demands; smaller and midsized hulls are scaled for comfort and efficiency on inshore fishing grounds.

Barker 26 Open

The 26 Open from Barker features a Michael Peters-designed and patented Stepped-Vee Ventilated Tunnel hull that has the lowest drag coefficient of any monohull, according to Barker. This helps optimize speed, handing and fuel efficiency. It helps this center console hybrid bay boat ride smoothly in rough water as well. The Barker 26 Open features a deep cockpit with a relatively abbreviated aft casting deck.  There’s a 45-gallon livewell in the leaning post, a 15-gallon transom-well and another 15-gallon livewell in the bow. You can opt for a tower with a second station for spotting cobia, redfish, birds or weedlines.

• Length: 25′6″
• Fuel: 90 gal. 120 optional
• Draft: 1′2″
• Weight: 4,500 lb.
• Max. HP: 627

Blue Wave 2800 Makaira

The 2800 Makaira from Blue Wave is capable of offshore fishing , but with a shallow draft for those days when you want to stay nearshore. Noteworthy standards include: Garmin electronics, deluxe captain’s seats on a tackle station, three-sided tempered glass windshield, freshwater washdown, swim platform/boarding ladder, and a T-top with a finished edge. The no-splashwell layout maximizes cockpit space. Wrap-around seating up front transforms into a casting platform, and lockable rod storage built into both gunwales accommodates up to ten 8-foot rods. The entire aft jump seat lifts for easy access to the bilge, and all pumps are conveniently labeled for service or replacement.

• Length: 27′ 10″
• Beam: 9′ 2″
• Fuel: 135 gal.
• Weight: 4,150 lb.
• Max. HP: 600

Boston Whaler 280 Outrage

The 280 Outrage from Boston Whaler offers loads of features and the legendary, unsinkable design for serious saltwater angling and safety. Twin helm seats, a three-sided tempered glass windshield and integral hardtop offer superb comfort. A lounge on the forward console conceals voluminous stowage underneath. A transom bench seat folds down for fishing, and bow seating converts to a forward casting platform. A pair of livewells hold plenty of bait for a day of fishing. You can power this boat with up to 800 hp for the speed to get to the fish in a hurry on a smooth-riding hull.

• Length: 28′
• Beam: 9′ 4″
• Fuel: 186 gal.
• Weight: 6,200 lb.
• Max. HP: 800

Cobia 280 CC

A mainstay at the top of the best center console category, the vacuum-infused 280 CC from Cobia offers superb running performance, tournament inspired fishing features, and a long list of family friendly amenities. Smartly laid out, with touches like a front entry head and an electric hideaway bow table, seen mostly on larger boats, the Cobia appeals to the serious angler with a large tackle station, twin in-floor fish boxes, tons of rod storage, and a 42-gallon livewell. Optional features include forward-facing backrests at the bow, a fully enclosed windshield below a color-matched hardtop, and a full array of electronics . Whether on the fishing grounds or at the sandbar, the 280 CC delivers with style, comfort, and performance.

• Length: 27′7″
• Fuel: 189 gal.
• Weight: 6,610 lb. (w/ power)
• Max. HP: 500

Contender 25 Bay

The 25 Bay from Contender offers true offshore capability in a fast, fuel-efficient and family friendly package. Whether stalking fish in shallow water or making a run offshore, this boat is ready for action, with 340 quarts of dry storage, a 180-quart insulated fish box, 40-gallon livewell and 12-gallon baitwell. There’s also a 70-quart cooler in the forward console seat, forward seating with three storage compartments below, two rear jump seats, and a 10-inch jack plate and custom Lenco trim tabs also come standard. Additional custom options are available for tops, consoles, leaning posts, and electronics. Other fishing features include outlets for electric reel, trolling motors, shallow-water anchors, forward casting platforms, and more.

• Length: 25′4″
• Weight: 4,200 lb. (ready to fish)
• Max. HP: 400

Everglades 273cc

The 273cc from Everglades Boats has long been regarded as a premier hybrid model designed for both inshore and offshore duties. The 27-footer boasts an innovative upper-station tower configuration with a helm aloft, plus trim-tab indicators, integrated forward rod holders, and a folding foot platform. Back on deck, the low-profile, powder-coated bow rails and pop-up cleats combine with the casting platform/bow seating to make cast-netting live bait a breeze. The stainless-steel rod holders flush-mounted on the gunwales are bedded and through-bolted. There are also under-gunwale rod racks, a lighted 31-gallon livewell, and more than 82 gallons of fish box space.

• Length: 27′3″
• Fuel: 157 gal.
• Weight: 6,400 lb.

Grady-White Canyon 271

The Canyon 271 from Grady-White features Grady’s exclusive SeaV2 hull design for a super smooth ride. Combined with a true self-bailing cockpit, offshore runs are comfortable and safe. This center console is packed with fishing features, including recessed, low bow rails, lockable rod storage, deluxe lean bar with rigging station, tackle drawers, and a sizable livewell. Cushioned bow seating showcases the patented foldaway backrests, and includes 85-quart insulated storage boxes underneath. An optional casting platform insert doubles as a cushioned sun pad and can also convert to a table. Boasting a protective full-height windshield in the T-top, and a ventilated stand-up head, the 271 is perfect for fishing, snorkeling, towing water toys, or just cruising.

• Length: 26′10″
• Weight: 5,914 lb.

Parker 23 SE

Common sense, time-tested, and a straightforward approach, combined with dedication to the highest quality construction practices, has earned the 23 Special Edition (SE) from Parker the reputation of strength, simplicity, and seaworthiness. This center console features a leaning post with rocket-launcher rod holders and a 30-gallon livewell, hydraulic steering, stern jump seats, transom platform with boarding ladder, self-bailing cockpit, and all stainless-steel hardware. A 98-gallon fuel capacity offers the range needed to fish far and wide. Simply put, it’s one of the best center console boats under 25 feet.

• Length: 23′0″
• Fuel: 98 gal.
• Weight: 2,750 lb.
• Max. HP: 300

Pursuit S 268

The S268 from Pursuit combines the traits of a sport boat with serious fishability of an offshore center console. The S 268 features Pursuit’s timeless styling, luxurious finishes and modern amenities. Foldaway seating in the cockpit quickly transforms the area from a social to a fishing-ready zone complete with port and starboard fish boxes, 28-gallon livewell, and more than enough room for the crew and plenty of gear. A three-sided tempered glass windshield and integral hardtop, combined with the superbly designed helm, make the S 268 a pleasure to run. With an overall length of 27 feet 4 inches, twin Yamaha outboards, and 139-gallon fuel capacity, this boat is designed to venture far offshore in quest of your favorite quarry.

• Length: 27′4″
• Fuel: 139 gal.
• Draft: 1′10″ (motors up)
• Weight: 6,770 lb. (w/ power)

Regulator 23

Whether you are ready for an offshore run or a casual day closer to shore, the 23 from Regulator has you covered, offering stability and comfort in true Regulator style. Powered by a single Yamaha 300 or optional twin Yamaha F150s, the Regulator 23 incorporates big-game fishing features, including a transom tuna door, 46-gallon fish box/livewell, and 350-quart in-deck fish box, along with a convenient rigging station and plenty of storage. Other big boat features, including a T-top with integrated wraparound windshield for added protection at the helm, and the factory-installed Garmin marine electronics also come standard. In addition, there’s abundant seating and built-in coolers. Options include an in-stem bow anchor chute/roller with windlass, and a head with electric tank pump-out inside the console.

• Length: 27′6″ (w/ bracket and power)
• Fuel: 149 gal.
• Weight: 6,720 lb. (w/ single outboard)

– INVEST IN SUCCESS – A boating course is a great way to gain confidence and boat-handling skills. A little practice now will make it look easy when everyone is watching. Safety Tip Provided by the U.S. Coast Guard

Robalo R272

The R272 from Robalo features an integral hardtop with a three-sided tempered glass windshield for outstanding protection from wind and cool temperatures at the helm. Twin helm seats, an aft-facing seat, fold-out transom bench, bow seating and a perch on the forward console offer plenty of places for the crew to take a load off. A 20-gallon transom livewell resides in the port quarter. A 100-gallon insulated fish box is nestled under the cockpit sole, and there’s a pair of 25-gallon insulated fish boxes under the fore deck. With 23 degrees of deadrise at the transom, this center console is designed to ride smoothly through rough seas, while the 180-gallon fuel capacity offers the range to comfortably fish well offshore.

• Fuel: 180 gal.
• Weight: 7,000 lb. (w/power)

Scout 277 LXF

The new 277 LXF from Scout is loaded with standard features, such as a fully-walkable transom swim platform, a port-side swing-in door, forward seating with removable backrests and storage underneath, a powder-coated hardtop with integrated, frameless windshield and rocket launchers, and a private head with locking door. Notable options include your choice of upgraded upholstery, color packages, underwater lights, outriggers, teak removable bow table, and engine flush kit. Scout’s classic styling and flaring bow garner admiring looks, while the deep-V hull helps cleave mean offshore seas for a smooth ride.

• Length: 27′6″
• Fuel: 164 gal.
• Weight: 5,650 lb.
• Max. HP: 450

SeaVee 290B

The 290B from SeaVee is a versatile and easy to trailer fishing machine—just the right size to comfortably travel to the best fishing spots and compete in the hottest fishing tournaments. Powered by up to twin 800 hp outboards, the resin-infused, composite-cored hull with 25 degrees of transom deadrise and a sharp angle of entry at the bow makes quick work of harsh offshore conditions, enabling passengers to enjoy the smooth, dry ride with surprising stability not often found in boats of similar size. Offered with a variety of seating arrangements and an extensive list of options, the 290B can be customized to match your personality, lifestyle and favorite types of fishing.

• Length: 29′6″
• Fuel: 234 gal.

Yellowfin 26 Hybrid

The Yellowfin 26 Hybrid is one of the builder’s most versatile models. It does many things well, including shallow-water fishing in bays and estuaries, and offshore trips far from the sight of land. Whatever your chosen mission, the 26 Hybrid has you covered. Available with single or twin outboards, and several livewell configurations, this boat is designed for maximum fishing efficiency. Forward seating and numerous T-top and tower options make it a breeze to build just the right 26-foot center console for family fun, hardcore fishing expeditions, or both.

• Length: 26′
• Fuel: 118 gal.
• Weight: 5,000 lb.

Best Center Consoles Over 30 Feet

When the blue water beckons, the best offshore center console fishing boats over 30 feet get you there fast and efficiently, with a margin of seaworthiness and safety that takes unpredictable weather and rough water in stride, along with the features and amenities to maximize your days offshore.

Barker 40 HPFC

The 40 HPFC (High Performance Fishing Catamaran) from Barker boats a Michael Peters-designed double-stepped multihull. Standard power includes quad Mercury 300 hp Verado V-8 outboards with an Optimus 360 joystick control system. This center console fishing cat features 100 percent vinylester resin and composite coring.  Features include two 55-gallon livewells (one in the transom and another in the deck) There’s helm seating for three abreast, and an optional second row of seating. The console incorporates a three-sided tempered glass windshield and a forward lounge seat. Power upgrades include quad Mercury 450R V-8 or quad Verado 600 V-12 outboards.

• Length: 40′4″
• Beam: 11′10″
• Fuel: 670 gal
• Draft: 2′2″
• Weight: 15,000 lb.
• Max. HP: 1,800

Blackfin 302CC

The Blackfin 302CC features a double stepped-hull for a smooth and efficient ride. U-shaped bow seating/loungers, and forward console seating come standard. A head compartment resides in the console, and there’s a dive door on the port side. The helm features a digital engine monitoring system, lighted weatherproof switches, power-assisted steering, helm seats with flip-up bolsters and an elevated helm platform. The 302CC also comes with two in-floor 54-gallon fish boxes with macerated pump outs and a 30-gallon transom insulated baitwell as well as fresh- and raw-water wash downs. A bow thruster is also standard.

• Length: 30′2″
• Fuel: 240 gal.
• Weight: 9,000 lb.

Boston Whaler 380 Outrage

The 380 Outrage from Boston Whaler delivers as an offshore fishing platform, an entertaining vessel, a yacht tender, or all of the above. Powered by triple or quad Mercury outboards, the 380 features a roomy bow with expansive seating and storage, and a cockpit with a new aft-facing couch with optional removable table and an optional summer kitchen. A lounger with stowage below resides on the forward console, and three-across helm seating is protected by the integral three-side tempered glass windshield and hardtop. Roomy fish lockers flank the aft deck, and there’s a 60-gallon livewell on the transom. The console houses a spacious, enclosed head compartment.

• Length: 38′
• Beam: 11′8″
• Fuel: 445 gal.
• Draft: 23.5″
• Weight: 14,500 lb.

Cape Horn 34xs

The Cape Horn 34xs (“xs” stands for extra seating and extra storage) offers a towable center console fishing package that makes a big impression. From bow to stern, every detail is engineered and tournament tested for one purpose—to fish! The deep-V hull with 23 degrees of deadrise at the transom is designed to tame bumpy seas, and the huge floor plan provides an uncluttered workstation when the bite is on. Twin livewells afford a combined bait capacity of 110 gallons, and the 273-gallon fuel capacity offers great range. Power-assisted steering with a tilt-and-lock wheel is also among the many standard features.

• Length: 31′10″
• Beam: 10′3″
• Fuel: 273 gal.
• Weight: 5,400 lb.

Cobia 320 CC

Cobia’s 320 CC combines a big-water hull capable of long-range offshore trips and tournament-ready fishing layout with a spacious interior, and the elegance, comfort and style of a family boat. And this center console can also be comfortably trailered. Fishing amenities include a large, unobstructed cockpit, tackle center with sink and bait-prep area, and twin livewells with a combined 70-gallon capacity. The boat also boasts seating throughout, electric bow table, inward-opening side door, and spacious walk-down head with 6 feet, 2 inches of headroom.

• Length: 32′
• Fuel: 275 gal.
• Draft: 1′11″
• Weight: 9,260 lb. (w/ power)
• Max. HP: 850

Contender 44CB

The 44CB (Canyon Berth) from Contender combines the unparalleled fishability of the 44ST with cabin accommodations to escape the elements. Equipped with a center console berth, the 44CB provides both the comfort and functionality needed for long runs and overnight trips. With a maximum power rating of 2000 hp, the 44CB will get you to the grounds quickly and comfortably. Powered with triple or quad engine configurations, the boat offers outstanding speed, performance and reliability. Each CB is equipped with a freshwater sink, slide-away marine toilet, 70-gallon fresh water capacity, 400-quart under berth storage and optional a12-volt air conditioning system. Additional features include two 110-gallon aft insulated fish boxes, two 55-gallon transom livewells, a 340-gallon insulated forward fish box, and two 10-foot forward rod lockers.

• Length: 43′10″
• Fuel: 600 gal.
• Weight: 19,600 lb. (ready to fish)
• Max. HP: 2,000

Everglades 455cc

The Everglades 455cc is the builder’s new flagship, and boasts the brand’s largest command center to date, featuring three massive Garmin touchscreen displays to monitor and control a full array of onboard systems. Strategically placed gear drawers and rod holders, large, in-floor fish boxes and livewells are just some of the features that make the 455cc a hardcore offshore fishing machine. There are numerous touches of elegance and luxury, like leather-like upholstery, above- and below-deck climate controls, rich-looking wood accents, and two rows of supportive triple Release Marine helm seats. And within the console is a king-sized convertible berth, along with galley space, and separate head and shower.

• Length: 45′
• Beam: 13′3″
• Fuel: 683 gal.
• Draft: 50″ (engines down)
• Weight: 28,000 lb. (w/ power)

– SHOW THEM HOW MUCH YOU CARE – Nothing says ‘I love you’ like making sure the kids’ life jackets are snugged up and properly buckled. Safety Tip Provided by the U.S. Coast Guard

Grady-White Canyon 456

The Canyon 456, Grady-White’s flagship, combines innovation, technology and luxury with the legacy of Grady’s superior SeaV hull performance, quality, and safety. The wide beam offers ample fishing room, and fishability is enhanced by two large recirculating livewells, huge fish boxes, abundant rod storage, and access for fish and people through port and starboard cockpit side doors. The unsinkable SeaV2 hull with true self-bailing cockpit, foam floatation, and overboard draining boxes offers unrivaled confidence when heading offshore. With quad Yamaha XTO 425s, the 456 Canyon has sportscar-like handling, and a yacht-like feel. An elegant, well appointed cabin, C-Zone controls, Seakeeper 6 and Zipwake system contribute to the ultimate boating experience.

• Fuel: 616 gal.
• Weight: 28,00 lb. (w/ power)
• Max. HP: 1,200

Invincible 46 Cat

Invincible is one of the few major boat builders to offer a wide selection of both mono-hull and multi-hull center console fishing boats. The 46 Catamaran is both the largest of the multi-hull line and the brand’s flagship, and is built on a hybrid semi-asymmetrical catamaran hull developed by Morrelli & Melvin. With a 12-foot beam, it boasts sportfisher-level size and fishability, along with superb performance and horizon-crossing range. Top features include two rows of helm seats to accommodate a crew of six, lounge seating on the forward console, vertical rod stowage on both sides of the console, a massive transom livewell, plus two in-deck wells below the cockpit sole. Power comes in the form of quad outboards up to 1,800 hp total.

• Length: 45′11″
• Beam: 12′0″
• Fuel: 1,000 gal.
• Weight: 20,000 lb. (w/ power)

Pursuit S 428

The Pursuit S 428 is not only the largest member of the builder’s Sport Boat series, it’s also the largest, most spacious and powerful Pursuit ever built, offering owners just about everything necessary to fish, cruise and entertain in comfort. Quad Yamaha 425 XTO engines provide abundant pep, and with the largest aft cockpit in its class and side doors on both sides, there is plenty of room to fish and haul aboard a big tuna or swordfish. An integral hardtop and three-side tempered glass windshield afford plenty of weather protection. Three-across helm seats let you cruise in comfort, while a contoured lounger on the forward console accommodates two, and a posh, full-featured cabin inside the console invites overnight stays.

• Length: 43′9″
• Fuel: 547 gal.
• Weight: 23,600 lb. (w/ power)
• Max. HP: 1,700

Regulator 31

The Regulator 31 is the model in the Regulator fleet – reaching top speeds of 64 mph with twin Yamaha 425 XTO outboards. Also available with twin Yamaha F300s, this center console is available with the Yamaha Helm Master EX option for the flexibility to handle in any waters. A Seakeeper 2 adds an element of stability when fishing offshore. The massive cockpit, oversized tackle center, fish box, livewell, optional Taco Grand Slam 390 outriggers with 20-foot carbon fiber telescoping poles, and transom rod holders keep you well equipped for a serious day of fishing. The starboard boarding and dive door is a standard feature on the Regulator 31.

• Length: 36′5″ (w/ bracket and engines)
• Beam: 10′4″
• Fuel: 300 gal.
• Draft: 23″ (twin F300 motors up)
• Weight: 10,800 lb. (w/ twin F300s)

Robalo R360

With an overall length of 36 ½ feet and a beam of nearly 11 ½ feet, the R360 from Robalo is the brand’s biggest model to hit the water. Available with triple or twin outboards, this center console offers a 365-gallon fuel capacity, twin 100-gallon fish boxes, a pair of 30-gallon stern livewells, an integral hardtop with three-side tempered-glass windshield, three-across helm seating, aft-facing seating, fold-up transom bench, two boarding side doors, bow seating, lounge on the forward console, and in-console cabin.

• Length: 36′6″
• Beam: 11′4″
• Fuel: 365 gal.
• Weight: 14,000 lb. (w/ power)

Scout 530 LXF S-Class

The 530 LXF S-Class flagship from Scout is designed for the luxury sportfishing center console category, and reflects Scout’s classic styling and aesthetics, while incorporating advanced marine technology, available quintuple outboard setup, and a cabin within the console that can rightly be described as posh. This big center console is built on Scout’s fuel efficient, epoxy-infused, double-stepped hull using the company’s carbon and E-glass building process, a technique frequently employed in the aerospace industry, to reduce the boat’s overall weight, countering the long-held premise that a larger boat must be heavy to perform. The wide beam extends to an even wider 17½ feet when the dual electronically-actuated beach platforms are deployed to port and starboard.

• Length: 53′5″
• Beam: 14′8″
• Fuel: 875 gal.
• Weight: 26,500 lb.
• Max. HP: 2,250

SeaVee 370Z

The 370z from SeaVee represents the next level of thinking for center console boat design. The result is a resin-infused cored hull featuring twin steps for maximum speed and efficiency, and 20 percent greater deck space and storage capacity than any other boat in its class. Capable of planing at low speeds, the 370z cruises comfortably through the roughest seas, and glides across tightly spaced waves at high speed. Designed for twin outboards, this center console fishing boat can be equipped with an extensive list of fishing features, including multiple baitwells (two 40-gallon corner wells are standard) and fish boxes, a tackle station, tower, and much more. A custom-ordered fishing machine, each 370z is built to meet the customer’s wishes.

• Length: 32′9″
• Fuel: 312 gal.
• Weight: 6,900 lb.
• Max. HP: 900

Valhalla V-46

The V-46 from Valhalla is considered one of the finest center consoles in its class. While a fairly new addition to the offshore center console ranks, it earns its cred for luxury, performance and fishability from Viking Yachts, its parent company. Built on a patented double-stepped hull designed by Michael Peters Yacht Design, the V-46 can be powered with quad Mercury’s Verado 400s or V-8 450Rs, as well as triple or quad Verado V-12 600 hp outboards. The V-46 thrives as a tournament fishing boat, a sporty day cruiser or a mothership tender. With nearly 700 gallons of fuel capacity, two rows of air-conditioned seating, and a pair of 50-gallon livewells, the big Valhalla has the range, bait capacity and comfort for long trips to the canyons or extended cruising in the islands.

• Length: 47′7″
• Beam: 13′4″
• Fuel: 694 gal.
• Weight: 29,731 lb. (ready to fish)
• Max. HP: 2,400

Yellowfin 42 Offshore

As the second largest boat in the Yellowfin fleet, the 42 Offshore offers world-class bluewater fishing capabilities. Available with triple or quad outboard power options up to 2,000 hp, this center console offers exceptional speed. The proprietary stepped-hull design also provides optimal fuel efficiency and a dry, smooth ride. A roomy cabin within the console enables comfortable overnighting, with an available generator providing the power for air conditioning on sultry days and nights. The 42 goes toe-to-toe with comparably sized inboard sportfishers, but will outrun and outmaneuver them all. Like all Yellowfins, numerous customization options let you build the perfect 42 for your needs.

• Length: 42′
• Fuel: 571 gal.
• More: Boats , Center Consoles

Scout 357 LXF

Electric Outboard Steering

Best Dredge Fishing Tips for Center Consoles

EdgeWater 208CC Watchman

Spotlight on Quantum

Fishing for Lingcod with Large Saltwater Swimbaits

ODYSSEY Battery: Ask the Internet

More Restrictive Cobia Regs Expected for Virginia

• Digital Edition
• Customer Service
• Privacy Policy
• Terms of Use
• Cruising World
• Sailing World
• Salt Water Sportsman
• Sport Fishing
• Wakeboarding

CENTURY 30-FOOT EXPRESS FISHING BOATS

When you’re looking for new adventures….

Explore the seas with performance and style. The Express Series by Century Boats is designed to deliver the comfort and features you demand for an extended trip offshore chasing the big ones… or cruising the river in stylish serenity. This goes above and beyond most boats for fishing and family, 30 Express delivers with the amenities and luxury you need for casual entertaining or action-packed overnight trips.

KEY FEATURES:

Equipped with a diesel generator for up to 24 hours of run-time while providing a safer (no gas fumes) environment for your family.

Seating and storage abound with wrap-around helm seating, massive floor storage, a tackle center and rear seating.

Designed for offshore fishing with pro-level amenities plus a fully appointed luxury cabin for overnight trips or casual entertaining.

*DOES NOT INCLUDE OPTIONS, DEALER PREP AND FREIGHT CHARGES. FEES FOR DEALER INSTALLATION OF OPTIONS, TAXES, TITLE, REGISTRATION, DOCUMENTATION AND LICENSING MAY VARY BY LOCATION AND ARE IN ADDITION TO PRICES SHOWN.

SPECIFICATIONS

Recommended yamaha power range.

• Air Conditioner 110V (heats and cools, 10,000 BTUs)
• Baitwell – Aerated with Power Stream® Venturi Aerator
• Bow Rail – Full
• Cabin – Interior Package
• Cleats – Pull Up
• Compass – Ritchie
• Electrical – Batteries (4), (3 Ea, Series 27 cranking, 1 Ea deep cycle)
• Electrical – Battery Charger 4 Bank with Inlet (twin engines)
• Electrical – Quad Battery Backup System
• Electrical – Shore Power
• Freshwater – Sink and Transom Shower
• Gauges – Yamaha Command Link Plus
• Generator – 4kw Panda Diesel
• Head – Electric, Macerator and Holding Tank
• Hinges – Friction Hinges
• Hull Color – White
• Powder Coat
• Refrigerator
• Rod Boxes/Storage
• Seating – Deluxe Captain’s Flip-up Bolster Chair
• Seating – Rear
• Shipping – Cover or Shrink Wrap
• Steering – Edson Wheel
• Steering – Optimus Electronic Steering
• Stereo – Fusion 650i with 4 Speakers
• Stereo – Fusion Wired Remote
• Top – Fiberglass Hard Top w/Spreader Lights and Rod Holders
• Trim Tabs with Lighted Indicator
• Upholstery Choices – Nantucket Sand and Sterling
• Wash Down (raw-water)
• Water Heater
• Windlass – SS Anchor, 285’ rope and 15’ chain (300’ total)

DOWNLOAD STANDARDS AND OPTIONS

• Canvas Enclosure – Hard Top (3 sides)
• Downrigger – Factory 12V, 30 Amp Accessory Panel
• Hull Colors – Side Stripe
• Hull Colors – Full Hull
• Lights – Underwater LED
• Light – Spot Light LED
• Mat – Anti-fatigue with Century Debossed Logo
• Radial Outriggers – Grand Slam 280
• Radial Outriggers – Grand Slam 380
• Raymarine Electronics – Factory Installed
• Snap-in Marine Mat – Cabin, Helm and Cockpit
• Steering – Auto Pilot
• Steering – Optimus Joystick
• Stereo – Deluxe with Fusion 750i subwoofer with amp, TV
• Stereo – Fusion Signature Series
• Tower with Dual Helm Station
• Upholstery – GT Upgrade Package
• Windshield Wipers – Port and Starboard

Century Boats Product Lineup

24 resorter.

3200 CENTER CONSOLE

2600 CENTER CONSOLE

2300 CENTER CONSOLE

2400 Center Console

4100 CENTER CONSOLE

5300 CENTER CONSOLE

Phone: 813-CENTURY (813-236-8879) [email protected]

Century Boats Corporate Offices P.O. Box 2859 Zephyrhills, FL 33539

Century North 40047 County Road 54 East Zephyrhills, FL 33540

Join The Century Boats Community!

Stay in the know. Get the latest information on Century Boats including new models, events, rendezvous, and tournaments.

Newsletter First Name * Last Name * Email SIGN UP If you are human, leave this field blank.

• Types of Sailboats
• Parts of a Sailboat
• Cruising Boats
• Small Sailboats
• Design Basics
• Sailboats under 30'
• Sailboats 30'-35
• Sailboats 35'-40'
• Sailboats 40'-45'
• Sailboats 45'-50'
• Sailboats 50'-55'
• Sailboats over 55'
• Masts & Spars
• Knots, Bends & Hitches
• The 12v Energy Equation
• Electronics & Instrumentation
• Build Your Own Boat
• Buying a Used Boat
• Choosing Accessories
• Living on a Boat
• Cruising Offshore
• Sailing in the Caribbean
• Anchoring Skills
• Sailing Authors & Their Writings
• Mary's Journal
• Nautical Terms
• Cruising Sailboats for Sale
• List your Boat for Sale Here!
• Used Sailing Equipment for Sale
• Sell Your Unwanted Gear
• Sailing eBooks: Download them here!
• Your Sailboats
• Your Sailing Stories
• Your Fishing Stories
• Advertising
• What's New?
• Chartering a Sailboat
• Cruising Yachts 30' to 35'

Popular Cruising Yachts from 30 to 35 Feet Long Overall Their Physical Properties & Key Performance Indicators

Welcome to this ever-growing gallery of some of the most popular cruising yachts between 30 and 35 feet (9.1m to 10.7m) long overall.

30'-35' Cruising Yachts featured on this page...

Medium sized cruising yachts like these are capable of serious offshore passage making, whilst being reasonably economic to maintain and operate.

And for competitive types, 30-35 foot cruising yachts are a popular size for club racing under handicap rating rules.

Behind each of the cruising yacht images there's a lot more information, including:

• Dimensions & Specifications; 
• Design Ratios;
• A summary analysis of the boat's predicted sailing characteristics in terms of performance, stiffness, heaviness, comfort in a seaway and resistance to capsize.

To see it all, just click on the relevant image...

Catalina 34

Westerly Discus 33

Wauquiez Centurion 32

Beneteau Oceanis Clipper 311

Pearson 303

Pearson 323

Allied Seawind MkII Cutter

Jeanneau Sun Light 30

Grand Soleil 343

Feeling 850

Westerly Tempest 31

Bavaria 31 Cruiser

Westerly Kestrel 35

Westerly Berwick 31

Dehler 35 CWS

Westerly Vulcan 34

Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 32-1

Elizabethan 33

Westerly Seahawk 35

Nicholson 32

Westerly Ocean 33

Hunter Channel 323

Island Packet 350

Corvette 31

Beneteau Oceanis Clipper 343

Hallberg-Rassy 94

Many thanks to Richard Stuckey for the great pic of his cruising yacht  'Tango II' , shown here  at anchor off Porqeurolles Island in the Mediterranean South of France.

Wauquiez Gladiateur 33

Jeanneau Attalia 32

Thank you Paul Wright , for submitting this pic of your cruising yacht 'Tallulah'.

The owner of 'Second Star' tells us...

"This one is my Hunter 33e (now Marlow-Hunter 33e) "Second Star".  The "e" stands for extended cockpit.  It has a drop-down, walk-through transom that opens up the cockpit significantly and serves as a helm seat when up.  I bought the boat new in 2014 and my longest cruise to date was from Annapolis MD to its slip in Alexandria, VA with my daughter. Of course, my intent is to take it on longer cruises like circling the DELMARVA peninsula, which would give me offshore time off the Delaware coast.  It's a very comfortable cruising yacht of moderate size."

Aphrodite 101

With their long, narrow and light hull and tall fractional rig these elegant sailboats have had many successful single and double-handed victories in distance races both coastal and offshore. 

The owner of 'Averisera ' tells us:

"She has a very narrow hull with two good sea berths amidships.  The galley is just aft of the berths, sink to starboard and cooker to port.  Step down from companionway just aft of galley; seating to change into or out of wet gear without making sleeping area wet. Head all the way forward is OK but not great.  Low free board means sink does not drain on port tack. Hull form is very, very sea kindly.  Beautiful sailor, easy to steer in wide range of conditions and points of sail.  For a small boat she is a competent cruising yacht."

Beneteau First 30E

Westerly 33

Have you got a cruising yacht in this size range?

If so, and you'd like to see an image of her on this page, please click here to send your pic to sailboat cruising.com and we'll do the rest.

Albin Nova 32

Contessa 32.

Nicholson 32 (Mark 10)

The Nicholson 32 Mk 10 cruising yacht in the pic is very dear to me;  'Jalingo 2' she's called - and I used to own her. Dick McClary, previous owner.

Westsail 32

Southern Cross 31

Thank you, Vern Bastable , for submitting this pic of your cruising yacht 'Mischief'.

Willard 30/8t

Vancouver 32

Nauticat 33

Thank you  Phillip Caputo , for submitting this pic of your cruising yacht ' See Life ' .

Allied Seawind 30

Recent articles.

Apla 42 Sailboat Specs & Key Performance Indicators

Aug 30, 24 02:51 AM

Ovni 445 Sailboat Specs & Key Performance Indicators

Aug 29, 24 03:44 AM

Catalina 34 Sailboat Specs & Key Performance Indicators

Aug 29, 24 12:14 AM

Here's where to:

• Find  Used Sailboats for Sale...
• Find Used Sailing Gear for Sale...
• List your Sailboat for Sale...
• List your Used Sailing Gear...

Our eBooks...

A few of our Most Popular Pages...

Just a headsail and a mainsail - simple and efficient. 

Read more...

A smaller headsail and a staysail makes sail handling easier.

A second mast with a mizzen sail, for greater versatility.

Copyright © 2024  Dick McClary  Sailboat-Cruising.com

Pacific Pro

Pacific navigator.

30 Offshore XL

28 Offshore

26 Offshore

24 Pacific Pro

22 Pacific Pro

24 Pacific Navigator

22 Pacific Navigator

21 Discovery

20 Discovery (New)

20 Advantage SE (New)

20 Advantage Classic (New)

20 Advantage (New)

18 Advantage (New)

• Find a Dealer
• About Duckworth
• Deadrise Defined
• Yamaha Power
• Boating Resources
• Legendary Lore Blog
• Boat Shows & Events
• Video Gallery
• Owners Testimonials
• Explore & Build

Overview   |   Specs   |   Features   |   Video   |   Photo Gallery

Embark on your greatest marine adventures with the Duckworth 30 Offshore XL

The pinnacle of the Duckworth fleet, the 30 Offshore is designed to transform offshore angling into epic battles with the deep. This premier vessel marries the indomitable spirit of offshore fishing with the pinnacle of luxury, featuring a full kitchenette for the culinary enthusiast, a dinette table for gatherings, and a cushioned cuddy for serene relaxation. The spacious cockpit area is a battleground ready for epic fishing tales, accommodating you and your friends as you reel in the catch of a lifetime.

Specifications

Build Your Own Duckworth

Customize your boat how you want it.

STANDARD FEATURES

• 30″ Single / 25″ twin engine offshore bracket with integral bottom
• Full reverse chine bottom design
• Full-width tread plate swim platform
• Extruded chine, formed toe rail and keel strip
• Full hard top (96″) w/ forward leaning windows, grab handles, red/white LED cabin lights, Alaskan bulkhead, tread plate roof, & 3″ full length top grab rails
• Cuddy cabin with evac hatch, storage, shelving, cushions, and
• 2 LED red/white cabin lights
• Swept bow with rails and self-draining anchor rope locker
• Transom w/ 37-gallon fish box, cutting board lid & locking rigging compartment doors
• 4 Side storage trays with gunwale rod racks- 2 per side
• Gunwale side tray access step/seats with grab handles
• 158-gallon (50″) insulated floor fish box w/ macerator pump out
• Self-draining cockpit w/ composite UV resistant flooring NEW FOR 2022
• Pressure tested sub floor fuel cell
• Heavy duty welded double bow eye
• 2 – Welded stern eyes
• 7 – 8″ Welded cast cleats
• Transducer brackets
• Choice of 3 granite paint colors on boat interior and exterior from the gunwales up
• Non-skid foam pads on gunwales and cuddy cabin NEW FOR 2022
• Side stripes & vinyl graphics
• Offshore zinc anodes – 2x
• Stainless steel thru-hull fittings below waterline w/ seacock valves
• Forward scuppers in rear deck drain trays
• Framed glass package including 2 piece fixed front windshield, sliding side windows w/ screens, rear bulkhead windows, V-berth side windows & lockable sliding bulkhead door
• Mariner suspension seats w/ swivels on aluminum risers w/ foot rests
• 47″ bench storage seats w/ access doors
• Port console storage
• Vinyl covered marine grade plywood floors inside cabin
• Carpeted sidewalls inside of cabin
• Floor courtesy lights
• Stainless steel cup holders inside cabin
• Cuddy cabin doors
• Cabin sub-floor storage w/ vinyl-wrapped boards
• Hydraulic steering system w/ tilt helm
• Driver dash w/ rocker switches, fuel gauge, trim tab controls, and room for 2-12″ screens
• Driver and Passenger side pantograph wiper
• Dual USB ports at port dash, starboard dash, and in V-berth
• LED navigation and anchor lights, SS marine horn
• Electric trim tabs
• 3- Auto bilge pumps & 1 high water bilge alarm
• CO detectors in V-berth and main cabin
• Fuel water separator
• Dual battery switch w/ boots
• EZ Loader – T102BT 26-30 8500
• EZ Loader – TI102BT 26-30 12000
• Gateway – GTT60/25-28
• Offshore Cabin floor plan ( includes head & galley, dinette, front & back seat options)
• Galley upgrade
• Outboard – single & twin pre-rig
• Kicker motor pre-rig
• Hang, rig & run
• Integrated trolling motor bracket
• Optional gauge upgrade
• Fuel water separator upgrade
• Twin engine tie bar
• Power assist steering
• Bow anchor system
• Auxiliary fuel line w/ quick-connect
• Stern rails
• V-birth cabin door
• Ladder for hard top
• Welded side rub rails
• Radar mount
• Anchor pulpit
• V-berth Marine Head
• Porta potti in V-berth
• Interior cabin curtain package
• Deluxe 12 volt outlet package
• On board diesel heater
• AM/FM CD Stereo
• Remote spotlights
• Roof mounted rod rack
• In floor rod storage
• Rear steering station
• 3 step boarding ladder
• Shore Power
• Yamaha F300UCA

“The platform stability and ride is nothing short of remarkable. The screws are slightly farther apart which adds leverage when twin screwing, enhancing docking/maneuvering and reducing the need for a bow thruster. Upon acceleration, the bow rises far less than expected which enhances visibility in a particularly vulnerable phase of operation.”

– Tom Nelson, www.theoutdoorline.com

“Badass boat! Walked through it today. Wanted to trade in my 2018 28 Offshore for this boat.”

Image Gallery

Build your Duckworth

Our complete lineup.

• +800-597-9189

Home » Blog » Buy a boat » 5 best small sailboats for sailing around the world

5 best small sailboats for sailing around the world

By Author Fiona McGlynn

Posted on Last updated: April 19, 2023

A small sailboat can take you big places

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

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

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

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

What makes a good blue water sailboat

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

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

Smaller equals slower

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

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

Small but sturdy

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

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

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

The pros and cons of pocket cruiser sailboats

Pocket cruiser sailboats present certain advantages and disadvantages.

More affordable

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

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

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

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

Less time consuming

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

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

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

Easier to sail

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

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

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

Less spacious

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

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

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

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

Less comfortable

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

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

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

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

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

Albin Vega 27($7-22K USD)

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

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

Cape Dory 28 ($10-32K USD) 

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

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

Dufour 29 ($7-23K)

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

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

Vancouver 28 ($15-34K)

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

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

Westsail 28 ($30-35K)

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

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

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

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

Saturday 1st of September 2018

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

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

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

Friday 31st of August 2018

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

Terms and Conditions - Privacy Policy

• Forums New posts Unanswered threads Register Top Posts Email
• What's new New posts New Posts (legacy) Latest activity New media
• Media New media New comments
• Boat Info Downloads Weekly Quiz Topic FAQ 10000boatnames.com
• Classifieds Sell Your Boat Used Gear for Sale
• Parts General Marine Parts Hunter Beneteau Catalina MacGregor Oday
• Help Terms of Use Monday Mail Subscribe Monday Mail Unsubscribe

Best 30-32 foot performance cruiser

• Thread starter Skipper
• Start date Oct 28, 2010
• Forums for All Owners
• Ask All Sailors

I'd put C&C on that list. It's is probaby that fastest of them all and very comfortable for cruising.  

David in Sandusky

Tell us a little more... What does "performance" mean to you? Are you going to race this boat? Or does performance mean logging 130 miles a day in comfort and safety? Or both?  

Based on the 2 years and tests that I have done I picked Catalina 36 MKII 1990 to 1999 fin keel ( important for performance) . Any model later than 1999 - due to Catalina cost cutting - in my opinion it s not made very well. It is sea worthy, safe - may be not the fastest but it really is a cruiser and racer. If you would like to go into the ocean 30 -32 foot is not large enough. Have fun - let me know what you picked.  

Many of the gaff rigged cutters built a century ago could spread enough canvas to allow them to out perform some of the modern racers. Read Tim and Pauline Carr's accounts of racing Curlew.  

As one of your measures, what is your budget? $50,000 $100,000 $150,000 ??? I would have you add a Hunter Cherubini 37C as a good all around boat in the $35k - $50k depending on the condition. If you are going offshore a little bigger will be a LOT better.  

Stu Jackson

Re: Best??? I'll drink to that. We're happy with what we have for now. Later on it may be bigger for bigger trips. While the boat is in the backyard we're going to reinforce stuff and fix other stuff. US Sailing has a good web site to figure what needs figuring. http://www.sailingusa.info/cal__hull_speed.htm Make friends with people on other boats and sail with them. It would probably come back to what Stu said. I'm going to drink to that again. All U Get  

Some thoughts If you want performance in light winds, then look for boats with high sa/d (sail area to displacement ratio), deep draft (a conflict with gunkholing in the Chesapeake) and low wetted surface. (Wetted surface is seldom a published measure, but a modern hull design with a high aspect ratio (long, skinny) keel, but without a broad stern will probably get you there. Of course, you will want a spinnaker, and (if racing) a big genny for light winds. If you want to go offshore, you want a capsize screen below 2.00, and more overhangs for comfort. You will also want a number of strength, safety, storage, and communication features that can come with the boat, or be added to a good design. If you want to race, then the big genny is key for going to the windward mark in light winds. A deep keel is a must. And, although it is supposed to be an equalizer, I would look for a boat with a low PHRF handicap. Among the older Hunters, I'd take the 33 over the 37c. The designer, John Cherubini called the 33 the "queen of the fleet," and it has an sa/d of 16.5, a capsize screen of 1.85, and a comfort factor of 26.0. It's also close to your desired length. I don't agree at all that you need more than 30 feet of length to go offshore. For years, (1965 until well into the 80's) 30 feet was considered an ideal length for an offshore cruising boat. I think the current trend toward 40+ feet has been driven by the sellers of new boats looking to "sell up" their line to higher tickets and more revenues. You can certainly find the boat you want in the 30 to 32 foot range. Finally, I would add Marshall's book " Complete Guide to Choosing a Cruising Sailboat " from the chandlery to the list of good reads on this subject. He'll teach you what the trade-offs are, and how to think about them, and also provides a reasonably comprehensive list of models, and their performance ratios.  

Thanks for the replies. 1. I don't have a boat now, hence the search. We moved from So Cal to D.C. 2. Has to be 30-32 due to slip size. Don't want smaller; I mean, why would I. 3. "Performance" means just what I said - exceptional in 5-10 knot wind speed but designed and built to go offshore IE: Bristol\Sabre\Tartan 4. There is no budget. However, for sanity's sake let's keep it under $100k. 4. I've read the books. Like I said, "Done the research". Also logged over 8,000 NM on the Pacific on multiple boats. Not a newbie. 5. My question was, "So, you Sabre, Bristol, Ericson(?), Tartan, etc owners, please let me know how your boats perform and if you can compare them to other brands." 6. there IS a best boat for my specs. Including "appropriate and safe." In my view, it may be the Sabre 30 or 32, but then I've never sailed one, so would like to hear comments from actual owners to see if I can make the best decision. Seashine seamed to understand the question perfectly. If you don't understand the question, or if you have never owned or sailed a boat in this category, then skip it. C'mon.  

Skipper - Traveling to the Bahamas and most of the eastern Caribbean doesnt really require an 'offshore' boat. For Island-hopping only requires a 'coastal design' and many of the current 'production' boats will fill that bill. A 'coastal design' doesnt have to be built to survive 'storm conditions' as when sailing 'coastal' one has ample opportunity to 'run to port' when the severe weather is approaching. There is no place from the Bahamas/Florida to all the way to Trinidad that is more than a day or two from a 'hiding place'.  

Thank you, David. And for the link too.  

Beneteau First 310, early 90s, look like nice boats and a bigger version of what I have now (F285). Could cover a fair amount of water and they also have a wing version that would be very at home in the Chesapeake like my wing 285. But of course I'm biased...  

Here's an example: I owned a Capri 26 for 4 years. She sailed like a dream in light wind, outrunning almost everything except the racers (IE: J24). But stable and managable in a 20 knot steady blow with associated seas. Great accomodations with 110v, marine head, big berth, good tankage, hot\cold pressure water, etc. But a C26 is not big enough or robust enough to be safe in an Atlantic toss up. So, ideally, would like a Capri 32 (if it existed), but stronger and more sea-kindly. I've looked at the Cat 310 and 320, even the 30, but in reality would like better quality and sailing performance. Which is why I'd really like to hear from owners of upper quality, fast(ish), seaworthy boats.  

Owners Here is a link to the Ericsson 30 owners on this site: http://sbo.sailboatowners.com/index.php?option=com_bowns&model=324&Itemid=169 And Ericson 32 owners: http://sbo.sailboatowners.com/index.php?option=com_bowns&model=327&Itemid=169 Maybe you could get a response from an email that you would not get from this posting. The site does not have support sections for the other makes you list - so response for them may be sparse. Sorry for not taking you at your word the first time around.  

Skipper said: 4. logged over 8,000 NM on the Pacific on multiple boats. Not a newbie. Click to expand

Skipper said: 6. there IS a best boat for my specs. Including "appropriate and safe." In my view, it may be the Sabre 30 or 32, but then I've never sailed one, so would like to hear comments from actual owners to see if I can make the best decision. Click to expand

Skipper said: If you don't understand the question, or if you have never owned or sailed a boat in this category, then skip it. C'mon. Click to expand

I am partial to traditional designs. And in love with my Hunter 37C and second the idea of a Cherubini H33. It is a very misunderstood boat by those who look down on Hunters and Catalinas(and have never sailed or even seen one up close.). So if you think you need a "better" boat then my list would include the C&C and the Tartan.  

How about an S2 10.3...a little long at 34 feet...but well built and built for racing/cruising...available with a wing keel...about 117 for a PHRF rating...a bit tough to find though. http://www.sailboatlistings.com/view/12215  

Sandy Stone

Don't overlook the Pearson 32 (I own one & I admit I'm biased.) It rates the same as a C&C 32, but has a solid hull as opposed to balsa-cored. Mine appears to be built like a tank. The systems are very simple compared to higher-end boats, and the price is generally quite a bit lower. You can find a fairly accurate review by Practical Sailor on the internet. I do have to say I think the capsize screening factor is a crock, since it makes no distinction how the overall weight of the boat is distributed. But I digress.  

Consider the Endeavor 32 or the Pacific Seacraft Ericson 32.  

• This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register. By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies. Accept Learn more…

Most Seaworthy Boats Under 30 Feet (What Are The Best Options?)

August 30, 2022

If asked about the most seaworthy boats, you would think of giant cruise and cargo ships. But what are the most seaworthy boats under 30 feet?

The most seaworthy boats tend to be quite large as longer and wider boats offer more stability at sea. But not everyone needs something as big as a super yacht to have fun and feel safe out on the open ocean, and smaller boats are definitely a lot more accessible to the average person. So what are the most seaworthy boats under 30 feet?

Some of the best and most seaworthy boats under 30 feet are:

• The Boston whaler 280 outrage
• Blackfin 272CC, the Hunter 27
• And the cape dory 28

All of these boats offer everything you’ll need to have a great time on the water. There are lots of things to consider when measuring how seaworthy a boat is. So what exactly makes a boat seaworthy, and what are some of the most common types of boats under 30 feet that are considered to be seaworthy? If you’re thinking about buying a boat, these are all things that you can really benefit from knowing, and if not, it's always good to learn something new.

Growing up in a small coastal town in Massachusetts, I spent a lot of time navigating the coastal waters of the surrounding area. Though I prefer sailing, there is no shortage of quality, seaworthy boats, both sail, and motor, that are perfect for spending time on the sea.

Table of contents

‍ what makes a boat seaworthy.

There are lots of different factors to consider when thinking about how seaworthy a boat is; however, the two most important factors are stability and durability.

Boat stability can be defined as the boat's ability to right itself or come back to an even keel after something like the wind or a wave has caused it to roll to one side. This ability of the boat to stop itself from keeling over in rough conditions is incredibly important to any seaworthy vessel.

There are lots of different elements that affect how stable a boat will be, including the center of gravity, the center of buoyancy, and the general shape of the hull.

When calculating the stability of a boat, the center of gravity and the center of buoyancy is incredibly important. The center of gravity of an object is essentially the center of its mass. If you were to support the object from just this, it would balance perfectly, remaining in equilibrium. The center of buoyancy, on the other hand, is the center of mass of the water displaced by the vessel.

These forces of gravity and buoyancy push in opposite directions from these points, gravity pushing the boat down and buoyancy pushing it back up. When the boat is completely level, the center of gravity will be directly under the center of buoyancy. These two forces pulling in opposite directions ensure that the boat stays level.

However, if another force is applied to the boat, the centers of gravity and buoyancy can shift. Imagine a wave hits the side of the boat, causing it to lean in one direction. The farther the boat leans to one side, the closer the center of gravity and center of buoyancy come to one another.

As long as the center of buoyancy remains above the center of gravity, the forces of gravity and buoyancy will push the boat back up to a stable position. However, if the boat leans far enough to the side the center of buoyancy is below the center of gravity, causing the boat to be unstable and capsize. This is why it's so important for a boat to have a low center of gravity.

The shape of the hull also has also affected the stability of a boat, especially when the boat is heeled at a low angle. In general, boats with wider hulls are more stable. However, if you go overboard with this, a very wide boat without a center of gravity far below the water level is a recipe for disaster, as it will be much easier to capsize than it would be for a boat with a thinner hull and lower center of gravity.

Another very important factor to consider when determining the seaworthiness of a boat is its durability. Essentially, how unsinkable is the boat? Can it take a lot of damage before it will sink or will only minor damage cause catastrophic failure?

Unfortunately, for boats around 25 to 30 feet, durability can be quite a bit issue. As you know, in order for a boat to stay afloat, it has to displace its own weight in water, a boat's ability to do this can be easily compromised with even the smallest amount of damage.

Normally smaller boats under 20 feet contain a lot of foam in the hull to help keep the boat afloat if damaged. Larger boats do this as well, but they also employ the strategy of compartmentation in their designs. Basically, if the hull is divided into enough separate compartments, damage to one part of the hull isn’t much of a big deal. If one compartment is filled with water there are still plenty of others that aren't, allowing the boat to stay afloat and get back to shore.

Unfortunately, boats between 25 and 30 feet are likely to lack the necessary foam and compartmentation needed to keep them afloat if the hull is damaged. Even the smallest of holes form in the hull could cause the boat sink quickly. Because of this, it is often boats that are smaller than 20 feet and much longer than 30 feet that are the hardest to sink, leaving boats in the middle to have a higher risk of being catastrophically damaged than the others.

Most boats also have bilge pumps that allow water that collects in the bilge, the bottom of the inside of the hull, to be pumped out. This can help keep the boat afloat by removing much of the water that's been taken on over time. This allows the boat to better maintain its ability to displace its own weight.

In all, it is incredibly important that the boat is able to take the harsh beating that the sea will inevitably give it. The structural integrity of the boat must not be easily compromised by the abuse it takes, and the hatches and windows need to be just as strong and watertight to be truly seaworthy.

Other Factors That Can Affect Seaworthiness

Water shedding, reserve buoyancy, speed, and the design of the helm are a few more things to consider when talking about the seaworthiness of a boat.

For boats with self-bailing hulls that use gravity as opposed to a water pump to remove water, the ability for the boat to shed water is critical. If you get hit with a wave and water comes on board, you’ll want to be sure that the boat is able to rid itself of the extra water as quickly as possible.

Reserve buoyancy is also an essential thing to consider. Your boat may sit high on the water without any gear, fuel, or passengers on board; as the boat is loaded up, it will sit lower and lower in the water. This is incredibly important to be aware of as reserve buoyancy is integral to the stability of the boat.

The speed capabilities of the boat can also be crucial if you end up in a bad situation. An incoming storm may be able to be outrun by a faster boat, but in a boat with a speed of only 10 to 15 knots, it will be nearly impossible to get out ahead of the storm. Speed can also help you dodge waves and gives you increased control of your location and water conditions.

In addition to those aforementioned, the design and setup of the helm is another significant factor in the seaworthiness of a boat. The most important thing here is all-around visibility. Simply being able to see straight ahead doesn’t help you achieve the necessary overall situational awareness needed when piloting a boat in rough conditions.

The helm should also be equipped with the necessary electronic systems required to safely and efficiently pilot the boat. Water depth and GPS information should be easily accessible and the radio should be easily operable from one singular position around the wheel. An intelligently designed helm can really improve the overall seaworthiness of a boat.

What Types Of Boats Under 30 Are The Most Seaworthy?

If you were asked about what you think the most seaworthy boats are, there is no doubt that you would immediately think of some sort of giant, an ocean-crossing ship like a cruise ship or cargo ship. At the very least, you’ll think of some type of large yacht, most likely over 50 feet in length. In either case, the common link is that the boats you normally think of as being particularly seaworthy are also much larger than 30 feet in length.

So then, what types of boats are most commonly considered seaworthy while remaining under that 30 feet mark? Fishing boats and sailboats are two that immediately come to mind. While it would be inadvisable to cross the Atlantic in one of these boats, at least not without a lot of experience and preparation, fishing boats and sailboats alike are built durably enough to withstand the immense battering that the ocean can shell out while still oftentimes being under 30 feet.

Because sailboats and fishing tend to be the most seaworthy at this length while also being so vastly different from one another, I will be talking about the fishing boats that I deem to be the most seaworthy first, and will then list the most seaworthy sailboats after that.

The Most Seaworthy Fishing Boats Under 30 Feet

As mentioned before, fishing boats are among the most common seaworthy vessels under 30 feet, so I will be sharing the fishing boats that I deem to be the most seaworthy first.

1. Boston Whaler 280 Outrage

Coming in at 28 feet in length, the Boston Whaler 280 Outrage is an incredible boat for anyone looking to buy one of the most seaworthy offshore fishing boats. The boat is incredibly powerful, coming standard with two 250-horsepower Mercury Verado outboard engines. If you’re willing to shell out a bit of extra cash, these engines can be upgraded to two 400-horsepower engines that allow the boat to reach about 65 mph at full throttle.

Boston Whaler is known for making their boats unsinkable, and the 280 Outrage is no different, only adding to the seaworthiness of the vessel. The 280 Outrage is constructed using materials that float, so even if you take on water or damage the hull of the boat; it will stay level above the water. However, even if water does come on board, there's no need to worry as this boat’s self-bailing deck will shed the water in an instant.

As you would hope with any fishing boat, the 280 Outrage is packed to the brim with all the amenities you’ll need to have a successful fishing trip. The boat is equipped with 14-rod holders located all around the boat and also includes two 54-gallon fish boxes to store what you reel in. The inclusion of a convenient bait-prep area and tackle storage drawers adds to the utility of this incredibly seaworthy fishing boat.

2. Blackfin 272CC

At 27 feet and 2 inches, the Blackfin 272CC is almost a whole foot shorter than the Boston Whaler, but this doesn’t mean it's any less seaworthy. Easily the best-looking boat on this list, the 272CC’s design philosophy of utility and comfort really shine when you’re on this boat.

Boasting up to 600 horsepower, this boat has more than enough power to get up above 60 mph, and its hull remains stable in even the toughest of waters. The boat won’t leave you feeling uncomfortable either as many other fishing boats might. The seats at the helm and forward bow are beautifully designed and largely outmatch all of its competitors in the comfort department, so you know that your family won’t get restless the next time you take them out on the water.

Of course, as a fishing boat, you can still expect the boat to have all of the things necessary to aid you on your next fishing trip. The 272CC has 8-rod holders, two 54-gallon fish boxes, a 30-gallon bait well and a 5-gallon bait bucket. Though not quite as many rod holders as the aforementioned 280 Outrage, you can also upgrade and get six additional hardtop rod holders that can bring the total to 14.

The Most Seaworthy Sailboats Under 30 Feet

Though the aforementioned fishing boats are worth consideration for anyone looking for the most seaworthy boats under 30 feet, I’ve always been much more of a sailor myself, so here are the sailboats I think are the most seaworthy.

1. Cape Dory 28

Coming in at 28 feet and 9 inches, the Cape Dory 28 is a classic sailboat with unmatched seaworthiness. In fact, to prove how seaworthy this boat is, in 2009, a sailor named Fred Bickum successfully circumnavigated the earth, a voyage that took him three years in his 1978 Cape Dory.

Produced from 1975 to 1988, the Cape Dory 28 is still one of the most rugged and sought-after sailboats today. Designed by Carl Alberg, the Cape Dory combines classic design elements with comfort, durability, and spaciousness. When onboard, this bout truly feels much bigger than it actually is, even when compared with many modern 28-foot sailboats.

The build quality of this boat is unrivaled, with solid fiberglass in polyester resin hull and decks made from balsa and plywood-cored fiberglass. However, though its construction is solid, if not properly maintained over the years, osmotic blistering in the hull and water absorption through stress cracks in the deck can cause the structure of the boat to be weakened. Bronze is used for most of the fittings around the boat and the 8 opening ports, which adds to the classic look of this sailboat.

Under sail, the Cape Dory 28 is incredibly capable in harsh waters and in conditions with choppy water or low wind; the boat still maintains the ability to move a lot more quickly than many other similarly sized sailboats.

The spaciousness of the Cape Dory’s interior is also one of the big selling points, especially for a boat this old that can still compete with newer models. It features a V-berth bed and a cockpit with wheel steering that can comfortably fit six adults, as well as a galley and bathroom equipped with a toilet and shower. The interior cockpit is especially useful if you run into stormy weather as you can easily escape the harsh outside conditions and still maintain control of the boat.

2. Hunter 27

Also coming in at 27 feet and 2 inches, the Hunter 27 is a great seaworthy sailboat for anyone from beginner sailors to seasoned veterans. First introduced in 1974, the Hunter 27 has stood the test of time and is still one of the most popular sailboats to this day.

The Hunter 27’s lack of customization and standardized construction means that the price of this boat is much lower than many others, but don’t even begin to think that this boat is built poorly as the hull is strong enough to handle whatever the ocean throws at it. The boat is shipped with a mainsail and 110% genoa, offering an average amount of square sail footage for a boat its size and features wheel steering, something much more commonplace on a larger boat.

The Hunter 27 handles great under sail, but even if winds are particularly weak or you’re simply feeling a bit lazy, you won’t have to worry about being stranded. Since 1979 this boat has come standard with a reliable 14-horsepower Yanmar diesel engine. Though this won’t get you moving at groundbreaking speeds, it's enough to keep you moving if you need it to.

The boat also provides all the space you’ll need when spending multiple days on the water. The Hunter 27 includes a comfortable cabin, a saloon with enough seating for six centered around a table, a solid galley, and a toilet and shower, all wrapped up in this compact package.

What's The Fastest Boat That Has Crossed the Atlantic Ocean?

Is Motion Sickness Worse In The Front Or Back Of A Boat?

Sailing As A Sport: An Overview Of Its History And Evolution

How Do Boats Float?

This article may contain affiliate links where we earn a commission from qualifying purchases. The images and content on this page may be created by, or with the assistance of, artificial intelligence, and should be used for entertainment and informational purposes only.

About THE AUTHOR

Brian Samson

I have a deep love of houseboating and the life-changing experiences houseboating has brought into my life. I’ve been going to Lake Powell on our family’s houseboat for over 30 years and have made many great memories, first as a child and now as a parent. My family has a passion for helping others have similar fun, safe experiences on their houseboat.

Trending Now

How Fast Does A Shipping Boat Go?

Mastering Boat Steering Techniques: From Rudder to Tiller

Is A Ferry A Type Of Boat? (Everything You Need To Know)

What Is The Gunwale On A Boat?

After spending over 30 years on houseboats, the memories and knowledge we've gained will never fade. Learn from our experiences here on LakeWizard. You can read more about us and our team, here .

©2024 LakeWizard. All rights reserved.

You can email us at [email protected]

LakeWizard.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon. This site also participates in other affiliate programs including but not limited to ShareASale, CJ, and ClickBank, and is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies.

• Subscribe Now
• Digital Editions

Best center consoles under 30 feet: Latest models combine seakeeping and performance

• Top stories

Our US correspondent Elliott Maurice picks out five of the best center consoles under 30 feet, from the likes of Bayliner, Chris-Craft, Boston Whaler and more…

The largest market sector in boating for the US is now overwhelmingly center consoles. Simply defined, this type of open sportsboat has its helm and controls mounted amidships leaving space either side of it for guests to walk from the aft cockpit to the bow area.

Center consoles typically have a helm position that is comfortable to stand or sit at with an upright windshield and sturdy frame to hang on to, while shade and weather protection is often provided by a hard or soft top.

This domination of the boating market is due to the practical and user-friendly nature of this configuration combined with easy handling, accessible performance (usually from outboard engines), SUV-like seakeeping and a wide range of price points.

Article continues below…

Best center consoles for fishing: 6 of the best seafaring machines for chasing big game

Best deck boats: Latest models show why this is such a popular starter boat style

Center console craft often make fantastic sea boats too as they boast higher bulwarks than equivalent sized deck or speedboats making them drier and safer to move around.

Center consoles also make excellent fishing platforms (see our separate article on the best center consoles for fishing ) as well as a more practical alternative to high-performance powerboats.

The huge technological leaps in outboard engine design has also made the centre console the boat of choice for many new and seasoned boaters.

How much do center consoles cost?

Let’s start with the basics. Not all boats are created equal and not all are designed for the same purpose.

The under 30 foot segment is the largest and most competitive, so there is something for everyone at a wide range of prices from affordable entry-level trail boats to luxurious premium brands offering lots of features and a wide range of options.

For example, a sensibly specced Bayliner T22CC with a 200hp Mercury outboard looks great value at around $70,000 (inc. trailer), whereas a highly optioned Scout 215 XSF with a similar 200hp Yamaha outboard will cost over $145,000 without a trailer.

Not all center consoles are born equal

If you plan to cruise offshore regularly and take on waves of more than 3ft, you should be looking at something over 25 feet for a smoother ride and preferably with twin engines for greater reliability.

However, for calm days out in 1-3 foot chop any 22-25 foot centre console will be a comfortable and safe proposition. So here are my choices in the center console segment under 30 feet.

5 of the best center consoles under 30ft

Bayliner T22CC

Best value center console

Starting at $47,450 with a 150hp Mercury complete with trailer, the Bayliner T22CC is a masterclass in value.

For $22,600 more, the 300hp Mercury version gives this boat a 50mph top speed and power steering to boot. Fully optioned at just over $85,000, there is no package on the center console market that comes close in terms of value for money.

Features such as live wells, rod storage and multiple rod holders make this an excellent option for fishing, while the enclosed head, seating for eight and excellent Simrad flat screen navigation (either single 12” or twin 9”) will be appreciated by cruising boaters too.

The T22CC is easily trailable on its included trailer and, with a self-bailing cockpit, it is easy to keep clean. If this is your starting point I cannot recommend better value in the center console segment.

Axopar 22 T-Top

Best small center console for leisure

Finnish brand Axopar has created a fantastic starter boat, which doubles as an easy-to-drive performance day boat. Built in Poland, the Axopar 22 is the winner of more awards than almost any other boat at this level.

The secret lies in its high-tech build and hull design. Its variable deadrise hull and twin steps have given the Axopar extraordinary cruising efficiency as well as exceptional ride and handling in a wide variety of sea states.

For example the single 200hp Mercury V6 version offers a top speed of 52mph and consumes just 4 gallons per mile at a 32mph cruising speed.

I’d recommend the new T-Top variant with its raked back aluminium framed superstructure featuring a removable canvas roof for weather protection and shade. The frame also acts as a secure handhold when moving around the boat.

Immediately distinguishable by its slender vertical bow, the Axopar 22 is offered with several seating options, an electric flush freshwater toilet with the option of a black water holding tank.

What’s more, this boat offers a level of fit, finish and specification that belies its $90,000 starting price.

Although not suited for fishing, this is a fun, easy-to-drive sportster, with plenty of seating for day tripping. It’s nigh-on unbeatable in this size bracket.

Chris-Craft Catalina 30

Best luxury centre console under 30 feet

There are several boats that fill the luxury center console segment extremely well, but in my mind the Chris-Craft Catalina 30 is the most desirable.

With nearly 150 years of boat building history, Chris-Craft has attracted many illustrious owners, such as Henry Ford, Elvis Presley and Frank Sinatra to name but a few.

The swooping side profile and heavily flared bow of the Catalina is instantly recognisable as a Chris-Craft but with prices starting at $383,000, this kind of quality and seakeeping doesn’t come cheap.

With room for 12 guests and up to 800hp in the form of 2 x 400hp Mercury Verados on the transom, the Chris-Craft Catalina 30 is a highly capable sea boat.

Attention to detail is evident everywhere from the classically-styled navigation lights with high visibility LEDs to the bow ensign staff and flared bow.

A top-spec Catalina 30 will cost around £500,000, and at this price you get a top speed of 50mph, open array radar with twin 16” Garmin displays, full teak aft cockpit and fore peak, and an air-conditioned overnight cabin – not to mention one of the best-looking boats in its class.

Boston Whaler 280 Outrage

Best all-round centre console under 30 feet

Boston Whaler has an almost legendary reputation for building ultra-strong, dependable, high quality boats. The 280 Outrage is a sweet spot and core boat in its range. More focused boats are available, but the 280 does it all.

With up to 800hp available taking her to just under 65mph flat out, this is a highly capable sea boat and epitomises the SUV philosophy of the centre console segment.

Capable of nearly 55mph with just twin 250hp engines, the 280 Outrage is extremely efficient for such a heavily built boat, thanks to an excellent hull design over vented steps.

Starting at just over $280,000 this is not a cheap boat, but considering the level of quality it can still be considered great value for money. The options list is extensive and does add up, so expect to spend near $400,000 on a fully-specced 280 Outrage with all the bells and whistles.

Even at the base package, every aspect of this boat is of an extremely high standard, such as the 316-L stainless steel grab rails, ultra-leather upholstery and oversized hard top superstructure.

The hull is made of two moulded hull pieces, which are pressure filled with high density foam, making the 280 Outrage super stiff and able to float even if holed or swamped.

Boston Whaler tortures each new design with hundreds of hours of heavy sea use, finding and re-engineering every flaw until there are none.

This evolutionary process, refined over more than 60 years of boatbuilding, is evident everywhere onboard the 280 Outrage.

For 2023 Boston Whaler is moving to the latest Simrad electronics, offering up to dual 16” glass bridge units at the helm, open array radar and the latest Fusion audio equipment.

Sport fishermen can specify outriggers and 3D sonar, along with live bait wells, extra rod storage and fish boxes.

And even if you’re not interested in fishing, the Boston Whaler 280 Outrage also excels as a performance day boat, making this a brilliant all-round package.

Twin Vee 280 GFX

Best powercat centre console under 30 feet

In terms of length, 28 feet is the sweet spot in the centre console segment, but what about beam? It would be remiss of me not to consider the sheer space available from a powercat .

Starting from just under $155,000 powered by twin 200hp Suzuki APX outboards, the Twin Vee 280 GFX offers nearly 50% more deck space than an equivalent monohull thanks to its 9ft 6in beam.

The base package will deliver an impressive 50mph top speed but upgrade to twin 300hp Suzuki outboards and 60mph is achievable.

The Twin Vee hull provides a more fuel-efficient platform than a conventional monohull, however this kind of boat will feel more lethargic at the helm in a beam sea, and its lack of lean into a turn may feel odd at first compared to a monohull.

Nonetheless, the ride quality is phenomenal for a boat of this length. Close quarters manoeuvring is also much better than an equivalent monohull thanks to the wide spacing of the engines. Powercats also boast superior stability at anchor.

This boat can be heavily optioned for fishing, with a large tackle box, bait/prep area behind the helm, live wells, 16 rod holders and even outriggers.

As a day cruiser the Twin Vee excels, with an enclosed head, high-end sound system and a boarding ladder that is centrally mounted on that extra wide bathing platform. And with a draft of only 1ft 8in with the drives up, it is ideal for a day at the sandbar.

With pop-up cleats, 316 grade stainless steel fittings and friction hinges on all the hatches, there is top-notch quality from stem to stern on this model.

If you enjoyed this…

Be first to all the latest boats, gadgets, cruising ideas, buying advice and readers’ adventures with a subscription to Motor Boat & Yachting . Available in both print and digital formats, our monthly magazine will be sent directly to your home or device at a substantial discount to the usual cover price. See our latest offers and save at least 30% off the cover price.

Witness appeal after reports of a motor boat collision

James bond’s birthday gift to the rnli, new boats at cannes boat show 2024: absolute navetta 53, latest videos, watch: parker sorrento sea trial: 50-knot cruiser with a killer aft cabin, watch: virtue v10 sea trial: €272k weekender, how to mark your anchor chain: 6 top tips from our expert, watch: galeon 560 fly sea trial – the best galeon flybridge you can buy.

• Articles and Guides

Best Offshore Fishing Boat Brands By Size And Region

28th oct 2023 by lenny rudow.

There are many different types of fishing boats out there, but if you plan on prowling the offshore fishing grounds for pelagic species like marlin and tuna , you need a boat designed specifically for the task. So, which are the best offshore fishing boats? Which are the best small offshore fishing boats, and which are the best large ones? Let’s dive right in.

Types Of Offshore Fishing Boats

Before we get specific about stand-out brands, we need to remember that there are a number of different types of offshore fishing boats. Center consoles are the most popular when it comes to the best offshore fishing boats under 30 feet, but anglers in search of the best offshore family fishing boat may be better served by a boat with a cabin or a dual-console model. Those with budgets that are more or less unlimited may even choose a convertible. And fishermen who treasure a smooth ride above all else may well opt for a catamaran fishing boat . The bottom line? The best types of offshore fishing boats for each person will vary depending on their specific needs. So before you even begin shopping, it’s a good idea to make a list of your priorities and nail down exactly what sort of performance, layout, and amenities will fit the bill for you, personally.

Offshore Fishing Boats With Cabins

Anglers who plan to overnight on their boat will naturally want a cabin. Families with small children and people who plan to fish in inclement weather may decide a cabin is a must-have, too. Finding the best offshore fishing boats with a cabin can present a significant challenge, especially for anglers on a budget, but these top picks are sure to show up on your radar.

Boston Whaler

This brand is best known for building unsinkable boats, by molding a hull and a deck and then pumping the voids between them full of high-pressure foam to create a fiberglass-foam-fiberglass sandwich. They are indeed unsinkable, adding a significant layer of safety and confidence to long runs offshore. And they have three offshore-capable cabin boats in their lineup: the 285 Conquest, 325 Conquest, and 405 Conquest. All are rigged for serious fishing, too, with integrated livewells, rod holders, fishboxes, and more.

BostonWhaler 325 Conquest, BostonWhaler photo. 

Parker Offshore

Parker makes a lineup of boats for inshore and offshore, with both center consoles and cabin boats. Three in their Sport Cabin lineup are large enough for offshore duty. All have the stout construction, voluminous fuel capacity, and basic fishing features to get the job done. And unlike some small cabin boats, these are fully enclosed cabins with aft bulkheads. Parker also offers a second station in the cockpit, so you can control the boat from both inside and outside the cabin.

Parker 2820 XLD Sport Cabin, Parker Offshore photo.

Viking Yachts

In the “money is no object” department, we have Viking Yachts. Their entire lineup is suited to offshore fishing, and the smallest boat they build is the 38 Billfish convertible – which will seem quite large to most anglers. At the opposite end of the spectrum, they offer a 90-footer, which qualifies as a fishing superyacht. If offshore fishing boats with niceties like private staterooms, satellite TV, and air conditioning strike your fancy and your checkbook knows no bounds, it’s time to check out a Viking.

Viking 38 Billfish, Vikink Yachts photo.

Offshore Family Fishing Boats

Taking the entire family offshore fishing puts some different demands on the vessel. You need a certain level of comfort, some protection from the elements, and in most cases the ability to use the boat for things other than offshore fishing, too. Just what you need personally depends on the makeup of your family, but all of these choices are great ones.

Grady-White

Grady-White boats are among the most popular fishing boats on the water, thanks to their combination of family-friendly features and design along with a healthy dose of fishing acuity. A number of their models are suitable for offshore duty, including center consoles up to 45’, dual consoles to 36’7”, and cabin models up to 36’7”. Grady-Whites are also known for their excellent seakeeping abilities, thanks in no small part to their variable-degree deadrise hull designs. 

Grady-White Freedom 335, Grady-White Boats photo. 

Pursuit makes a model line called the Sport Center Console, which places a heavy emphasis on comfort along with fishability. All of the models in this line, which stretches from 25’8” to 43’9”, are equipped with all the goodies anglers need. But they also boast heads in the consoles and on the larger models, complete cabins with berths, galleys, and settees. All feature plenty of luxury seating along with creature comforts like freshwater showers and stereo systems, and all but the smallest have big loungers as well.

Pursuit S 358 Sport Center Console, Pursuit photo. 

This new builder has a pair of models which offer unusual utility to the family. These boats don’t fit neatly into any one mold, as they’re a combination center console and cabin boat, which Solara has dubbed “center walkarounds.” They have a centered console and helm, which stretches all the way to the port side of the boat but leaves a walkaround side-deck to starboard. That greatly enhances the space inside the console cabin, which on the 25’ model has a berth and head, and on the 31’ model includes a forward berth, a fully enclosed head compartment, and a galley.

Solara S-310 CW, Solara photo. 

Small Offshore Fishing Boats

Different sized boats are more or less capable of offshore fishing in different parts of the nation, because in Florida you may need to run for just a couple of miles but in New Jersey an 80-mile run to the fishing grounds isn’t out of the question. So, how small is too small for offshore? It depends on many variables beyond geography, like the weather conditions, the captain’s experience level, and the condition of the boat itself. That said, in areas where small boats can get offshore during the right weather window, these picks are among the best small offshore fishing boats.

This builder offers plenty of big boats, but their 20- to 24-foot offerings are what lands them on this list. They’re built with the PermaGrid fiberglass stringer system, a high-density composite transom, and a variable-degree deadrise hull that handles the seas far better than most boats of the same size. Even the smallest, the 208CC, carries a whopping 87 gallons of fuel and cruising at 30 mph, can run for almost 300 miles. The fishing features are all in place, too, ranging from livewells, to fishboxes, to rodholders.

Edgewater 208CC, Edgewater photo. 

This builder’s lineup of bay and hybrid bay boats ranges from 22’5” to 27’0”, and although they’re not dedicated offshore boats even the 22- and 24-footers prove competent for popping through the inlet on days when the wind isn’t pumping. The smallest, the 2200, carries 65 gallons of fuel, and rigged with an F150 Yamaha outboard has over 250 miles of range at cruising speed. And Pathfinder’s vacuum-infused stepped hulls provide a ride that shines offshore every bit as much as inshore.

Pathfinder 2500 Hibrid, Pathfinder photo. 

Regulator Marine

Regulator has a lineup that runs all the way up to a 41-footer, but they make our list for one single model: the Regulator 23. With a wave-splitting 24 degrees of transom deadrise and a hefty 7,120-pound displacement, this is one of the smallest dedicated offshore fishing machines around. And it has a well-deserved reputation for proving competent beyond virtually all other boats of its LOA. It’s also a serious fishing machine, with two 87-gallon integrated fishboxes, multiple leaning post tackle station options, a 46-gallon livewell, and more.

Regulator 23, Regulator photo. 

East Coast Offshore Fishing Boats

Priorities can differ quite a bit along the East Coast, especially from north to south, since travel time to and from the offshore grounds differs quite a bit between places like Florida and New York. That said, just about all East Coast offshore anglers need fishing boats that can handle diverse tactics ranging from trolling rigged baits to live bait fishing.

Contender boats are known for having aggressive deep-V hulls that can chop through the rolling waves at high speeds without beating up the boat’s passengers. Originally popular in Florida in particular, their appeal has expanded up the coast and Contenders are now found the length of the Atlantic seaboard. The company’s extensive model range goes from 24 feet all the way up to 43’10”, and all also feature voluminous fuel capacities for extended runs offshore.

Contender 28T, Contender photo. 

Invincible Boats

Invincible is one of those rare manufacturers that builds both monohull boats and powercats. The range goes from 33 to 46 feet, includes center consoles and pilothouse versions, and each and every model is designed to be a serious offshore fishing platform. Tremendous livewell capacity, huge number of rodholders, and massive fishboxes are all part of the mix.

Invincible 37' Catamaran, Invincible photo. 

World Cat boats builds, as one might guess from the name, a lineup of power catamarans. They range from the 235CC hybrid bay boat to the 400 CC-X. The offerings include a mix of center consoles and dual consoles, any of which can be run offshore and used for fishing. Serious offshore anglers, however, will be most interested in the center console CC-X models, which come fully armed for battling pelagics. The highpoint of these boats is, without question, the smooth powercat ride those twin hulls deliver. 

World Cat 235CC, World Cat photo. 

Gulf Coast Offshore Fishing Boats

Gulf Coast anglers generally make exceptionally long runs to reach the offshore grounds, often running to oil platforms many hours from port. As a result, fuel capacity and high-speed cruising are critical elements. Since those runs are so long some Gulf anglers like to make overnight trips, which makes having some form of berth belowdecks a big perk.

This relatively small builder has a range of 22- to 39-footers, all of which are designed solely for fishing. They have the gear, fuel capacity, and deep-V hulls to take on long fishing trips in the Gulf, but what really sets them apart from much of the competition is that they tend to have few frills and niceties. That helps Cape Horn undercut the competition’s price, so serious anglers who aren’t worried about goodies like luxury loungers and air conditioning can get the most LOA bang for their buck.

Cape Horn 24OS, Cape Horn photo.

Freeman Boatworks

Freeman builds a line of powercats that’s incredibly popular along the Gulf coast, especially among charter captains. They offer amazingly smooth rides that most monohulls can’t match, along with hat-stripping-fast cruising speeds. In fact, much of their model line is capable of cruising in the 40- to 50-mph range and can hit blistering speeds in excess of 70 mph. Each of their boats, which range from 28’9” to 47’0”, are also rigged with just about every fishing accouterment ever invented.

Freeman 42LR, Freeman Boatworks photo. 

Yellowfin Yachts

Another boat builder known for crafting speedy creations is Yellowfin, which has a line of offshore-capable boats from 26 to 54 feet. Larger models have cabins inside the console with comforts like heads, berths, and air conditioning, and no matter the size these boats are rigged out with the best in multiple livewell systems, fishing rod holders, and massive fuel tanks.

Yellowfin 54 Offshore, Yellofin photo. 

West Coast Offshore Fishing Boats

West Coast offshore anglers have very different needs depending on if they’re located in the north or the south, much like those along the Atlantic coast. In southern areas long runs into the Pacific are the norm, and often the same sorts of boats found in the Gulf or North Atlantic are ideal. In the northern areas, however, where there are rocky shores and islands to contend with, anglers will often be looking for the best offshore aluminum fishing boats as opposed to standard-issue fiberglass models.

Defiance boats are relatively small for offshore action (their largest model is the Guadalupe 290 XL), but these are a favorite among southern California anglers for their full pilothouse designs which provide all-weather protection. They also feature huge fuel capacities and wide-open aft cockpits.

Guadalupe 290 EX, Defiance Boats photo. 

Located in Clarkston, Washington, the entire Duckworth line is welded aluminum and they have three models appropriate for this conversation: the 26 Offshore, 28 Offshore, and 30 Offshore XL. All have a full pilot house for offshore fishing in difficult weather conditions, and they even offer diesel stove/heater options so you can keep fishing all winter long. Anyone searching for the best offshore aluminum fishing boats around is sure to run across this manufacturer.

Duckworth 26 Offshore, Duckworth photo. 

With a lineup of 22- to 32-foot fiberglass pilothouse-style cabin boats, Sea Sports are another popular line built in Washington State. What sets these apart from the crowd is their cabins, which extend aft a bit more than most to provide additional interior space. While this does reduce cockpit space, it also gets you a lot more cabin for the LOA as compared to most competitors.

Sea Sport Explorer 2400, Sea Sport photo. 

There are so many different boatbuilders out there that the search for the best offshore boats  is no small endeavor. But if you plan to point the bow for distant horizons in search of pelagic predators, it’s a search you will undoubtedly be making. We can’t say if any of these boat manufacturers offer the ideal model for you, personally, but hopefully this roundup will help you get started finding the perfect boat for your needs.

Written By: Lenny Rudow

With over three decades of experience in marine journalism, Lenny Rudow has contributed to dozens of boating and fishing publications and websites. Rudow lives in Annapolis, Maryland, and is currently Angler in Chief at Rudow’s FishTalk ; he is a past president of Boating Writers International (BWI), a graduate of the Westlawn School of Yacht Design, and has won numerous BWI and OWAA writing awards.

More from: Lenny Rudow

Related Articles and Guides

16th Aug 2024

Best Luxury Pontoon Boat Brands Have it All: Glamor, Speed, Fishing, Waterslides...

10th Aug 2024

Deck Boat vs. Bowrider: Which Runabout is Best?

19th Jul 2024

The World’s Best Yacht Brands

12th Jul 2024

Top Performance-Boat Brands, Where There’s Something For Everyone

• Explore Rightboat
• Boats for Sale
• Boating Articles
• Buyers Guide
• About RightBoat
• Sell Your Boat
• Boat Selling Advice
• All manufacturers
• All categories

Enter your email to keep up to date with the latest news

Join for free

Sign up now for free and discover how easy it is to keep up to date with THE latest boats for sale. Find your right boat, and tailor your voyage to finding your next boat.

Benefits of becoming a member:

• Set up tailored alerts
• Personalise your experience
• Download full specifications and broker details
• Keep tabs on your favourite boats

Are you a broker? Join as a Broker

Rightboat - join for free.

Do you have an account already? Login

Save this search

Save your search and receive new boats in your email..

You can unsubscribe from your alerts whenever you like. By pressing the button you accept the Legal Terms and conditions

Practical Boat Owner

• Digital edition

Best cruising boats under 30 feet: Is this the ideal size for a yacht?

• Peter Poland
• April 14, 2022

Peter Poland picks out some of the best cruising boats under 30ft, arguably the ideal size for coastal and occasional offshore sailing

Cruising boats of around 30ft can often become a ‘boat for life’. Having graduated from dinghies to small cruisers, many sailors decide that something around 30ft will give them enough space, headroom, comfort and seagoing ability to see out their sailing days.

Sometimes a crew of young children may push them into something bigger for a while, but many sailors find that around 30ft is an ideal size for coastal and occasional offshore sailing.

Budget is also usually an important factor. Some GRP cruising boats around 30ft date back to the 1960s. But times change and precious few new models of this size are being built today.

A Hunter Horizon 30, Aljara , in Torbay – a lift up tiller gives a roomy cockpit. Photo: Duncan Kent

So if you want a 30-foot cruising boat you’ll probably end up with a second-hand yacht and can be looking at age differences of up to 60 years; with correspondingly different prices. Some sailors relish the process of renovating an older yacht, while others want one that is in good condition and raring to go.

When you start looking for a good second-hand cruising boat around 30ft, the choices are wide and varied. There are so many options that it’s easy to become confused. Not only were a lot of different models built, the variations between types, styles and levels of performance became more defined around the 30ft mark.

The options below are from all across Europe, but we’ve also covered the best 30ft French boats , the best 30ft British boats , the best 30ft German boats and the best 30ft boats from Scandinavia .

Article continues below…

Best Hallberg-Rassy sailboats: The evolution of a Swedish sailing icon

Hallberg-Rassy has been in the same family ownership since Christoph Rassy bought Harry Hallberg’s boatbuilding business in 1972 and formed…

The best advice money can’t buy – Dave Selby’s first lesson of boat ownership

If you’re thinking of buying your first boat – and quite possibly your last – you should get a Sailfish…

Best cruising boats under 30 feet: Focusing the search

As time passed three different types evolved: middle of the road family cruisers ( fin, twin and lifting keel ); older style long keeled cruisers ; and lighter cruiser-racers (often IOR-influenced after the late 1970s).

So it becomes ever more important to have a clear idea of what size and type of cruiser you want. As we often said to clients who were considering buying one of our Hunters, you need to answer some basic questions before deciding on your ideal yacht: what sort of sailing are you planning?; where?; with whom?; and how often? We reckoned that many people ended up by buying bigger boats than they actually needed.

Three of the earliest GRP production yachts built fell into the 28-30ft bracket and – even if a degree of restoration work is necessary – all are excellent designs.

The Pionier 9 is a good seagoing yacht. Photo: SailingScenes.com

The Dutch 9.10m Pionier 9 – often spelt Pioneer 9 in English – was designed by van de Stadt and the first production GRP yacht in Europe. More than 600 were built after the first was launched in 1959. UK versions were moulded by Tylers and finished by Southern Ocean Shipyard in Poole.

The Pionier’s hull configuration of a fin keel and separate spade rudder was well ahead of the game at that time. With a beam of just 2.4m she’s not spacious by modern standards but a practical four berth layout, generous cockpit, displacement/length ratio (DLR) of 235 and sail area/displacement (SA/Disp) ratio of 19.1 combine to make the Pionier a good seagoing yacht and a delight to sail.

A well maintained example makes an excellent performance cruiser, as confirmed by one owner on a discussion forum who wrote: ‘The Pionier 9 is a strong and seaworthy boat. Aziz was sailed single-handed non-stop from UK to US [from Milford Haven to Newport in 1971 in 45 days] by Nicolette Milnes-Walke r – the first woman to achieve this…

‘My father and I have owned our Pionier 9 for about 32 years now and she still sails well against more modern boats and the quality of build means they suffer very few problems.’

The Elizabethan 29, built by Peter Webster, has a graceful counter. Photo: SailingScenes.com

Best cruising boats under 30 feet: Long keel designs

The great British designer Kim Holman was responsible for two other exceptional yachts in this early GRP era; the 1960 Elizabethan 29 and 1964 Twister 28. Unlike the Pionier, both of these have traditional long keels.

The Elizabethan (built by Peter Webster) has a graceful counter while the Twister (moulded by Tylers and finished by various builders such as Uphams and Universal Shipyard) hangs its rudder on a transom stern, and the latter is a smidge wider (8ft 1in), longer on the waterline, (21ft 6in) and heavier (9,968lb). Both have four berth layouts with amidships heads and both are a delight to sail.

I was lucky enough to be a regular crew on an Elizabethan in the 1960s, and enjoyed regular sailing on a Twister this century. If I had to risk a comparison I’d say the latter has few equals when slicing upwind in a blow into a chop, while the former is one of the most slippery ladies I have ever steered downwind. Both sail in classic regattas and are snug and practical to live aboard – albeit without stern cabins.

A delight to sail, the Twister 28 has a traditional long keel and hangs its rudder on a transom stern. Photo: Graham Snook/Yachting Monthly

Both attract admiring looks wherever they sail. They’re high on my list of all-time favourites and make great buys if you don’t want a floating caravan and don’t mind a bit of maintenance work from time to time.

Earlier Twisters have a high-maintenance wooden coachroof, while later ones are all GRP. And – as with any elderly yacht – look for one with a replacement engine and renewed rigging.

Elizabethan 30

Peter Webster came up with another timeless yacht in 1968. The Elizabethan 30 (and later 9m sister, both designed by the great David Thomas) were fast cruisers inspired by the Half Ton Cup.

With a beam of 9ft 3in, it offers reasonable space down below while a generous ballast ratio of 48%, SA/Disp ratio of 19.2 and moderate DLR of 235 ensure excellent performance and easy handling; especially when compared to modern cruisers with wide sterns and towering topsides. What’s more, it is a lovely looking yacht.

The Elizabethan 30 Mistweave . Photo: SailingScenes.com

Hugo Morgan-Harris of consulting surveyors Saunders Morgan Harris told me; “I brought my Liz 30 in 1998 as a classic GRP cruising/racing boat. She had an old RCA Dolphin petrol engine, rotten alloy mast, tired rigging and no deck fittings.

“The interior was a mess and all of the systems were original. As I was boatbuilding at the time I thought that I’d have a go! Now we have a new Yanmar 2GM, electrics, nav gear, Lewmar windows, toilet, fridge, wireless auto helm, boom, vang etc.”

If you can buy a tired boat cheaply enough, this sort of investment is worth the money. Having owned and loved the boat for some 20 years, Hugo sold her and bought and restored (in his garden!) a tired Sigma 38. So, like many others, he has stuck to David Thomas designs.

Spinnaker drop during Round the Island 2010 for Nicholson 303 Nutcracker . Photo: SailingScenes.com

Best cruising boats under 30 feet: Wide beam accommodation

As the 70s got under way, the high profile Half Ton Cup seemed to cast its spell over ever more 30ft cruisers. The Nicholson 30, Ron Holland-designed Nicholson 303, Doug Petersen-designed Contessa 28 and Contention 30, Fred Parker Javelin 30, Dick Carter-designed Carter 30, S&S-designed She 31 and Kim Holman-designed Hustler 30 and UFO 31 all offered wide beam accommodation, fin keels and well above average performance.

Some were better built than others. For my money the Tyler-moulded and Landamores-finished Hustler 30 or Nicholson 303 are the pick of this bunch if you are in the market for a 30-footer that sails well (albeit twitchily on a heavy weather reach or run with too much canvas aloft), has a good seagoing layout and looks classy.

Reverting to more classic long-keelers built around the same time, I came across an internet thread that sparked a flurry of interesting comments. The opening post was: “I am looking to make a first yacht purchase and would appreciate thoughts on the variations between a Victoria 30, a Halmatic 30 or a Nicholson 31. I am keener on the more classic style of yacht than on newer boats and [want] a long keel; with a view to longer or ocean trips in the future.”

The John Sharp-designed Halmatic 30. Photo: SailingScenes.com

Those looking for a boat of this character should have these three on their list. The John Sharp-designed Halmatic 30 (and similar Barbican 30) is 22ft 10in on the waterline, has 9ft 6in beam, draws 4ft 6in, displaces 9,000lb with a 50% ballast ratio, 338 DLR and 15.95 SA/Disp ratio.

The Chuck Paine-designed Victoria 30 has a canoe stern and similar dimensions but is appreciably lighter at 8,867lb with a 31% ballast ratio and DLR of 311. Raymond Wall’s classy Nicholson 31 (30ft 6in), on the other hand, is a little longer, wider (10ft 3in) and heavier (13,005lb) with a ballast ratio of 37% and DLR of 411. Like the Halmatic 30, it has a transom-hung rudder giving the look of an elegant overgrown Folkboat or Twister.

Personal preference

My favourite from this trio would be a well-maintained Nicholson 31. One owner put it well, responding to the thread: “I can’t give an unbiased opinion, because I’ve owned my Nic 31 from new in 1982…

A well-maintained Nicholson 31 is an exceptional yacht. Photo: SailingScenes.com

“She has sailed transatlantic (Maine to Ireland, averaging just over 5 knots for the entire, comfortable, passage) and was great for living aboard for six seasons (cruising three months at a time) in northern European waters. Fabulous boat… Almost any used boat will need to be updated. Just start with a good foundation.” Which about says it all.

He later told me “We had a variety of weather conditions [on the transatlantic trip] and the combination of full keel and great sail balance allowed the wind vane to steer straight in all but the lightest air, even downwind… She’s the perfect small blue water (for two to four crew) and coastal cruising (for two) boat.”

However as designs progressed and production methods evolved, going offshore ceased to be the sole preserve of old fashioned-style long-keel boats. Many modern family boats such as a Westerly, Hunter, Sadler, Moody, or more recent Beneteaus, Jeanneaus and Bavarias in the 28-32ft size range offered ample scope for coastal and offshore cruising.

The advantage of this type of boat is that it tends to be newer, more spacious, easy to handle and can also be easier to sell when the time comes to move on. There is a much wider choice because they were made in the hundreds. Once again condition and equipment are important.

Paradise Seeker , a Moody 31 sailing on the River Tay near Dundee. Photo: Dundee Photographics/Alamy

The Bill Dixon-designed Moody 31 (LOA 30ft 9in) Mk1 and Mk2 models (with fin or twin keels) were built from 1983 to 1991 and are good examples. A beam of 10ft 6in, weight of 9,966lb, ballast ratio of 37%, DLR of 270 and SA/Disp ratio of 15 put it firmly in the camp of modern, capable and roomy family cruisers.

Despite highish freeboard, it looks sleek and well styled. And of course its modern layout with aft heads, stern cabin and practical L-shaped galley was an instant hit with cruising families. One owner said “I had always fancied a Contessa 32 but after a trial sail, my wife was not impressed. Too uncomfortable! At the Boat Show we saw the Moody 31. My wife liked the space and comfort and it looked a good sea boat to me. Not as fast as the Contessa perhaps but I wasn’t really a racing man.”

This owner later proved his Moody 31’s ability offshore by joining a Royal Cornwall YC rally to the Azores. On the racing front, I used to crew on a fin keel Moody 31 Mk1 that picked up plenty of pots in Hamble-based handicap races.

A member of the Moody Owners Association endorsed the Moody 31’s qualities saying he had owned his 31from new in 1990, adding: “We have sailed the local rivers and across to Holland, Belgium and France. The boat is almost a member of the family and… it’s large enough to accommodate six but can be sailed single-handed.

“It’s a sturdy boat that will hold up against many faster types if sailed correctly. The oversized 28hp engine will push it through a steep chop at 6 knots. Over a quarter of a century, I discovered how well the boat has been made… It has never let me down and I love sailing her.”

Saloon of the ever-popular Laurent Giles-designed Konsort 29. Photo: Bob Aylott/myclassicboat.com

Westerly Konsort 29

Westerly came up with one of its most successful 28-30ft cruisers in the 1980s. Over 700 of the ever-popular Laurent Giles-designed Konsort 29 were built and these tough cruisers are still much sought after.

Its vital statistics of 10ft 9in beam, 8516lb weight, 37.5% ballast ratio, 229 DLR and 15 SA/Disp ratio are on a par with many of its contemporaries.

The Konsort’s conventional accommodation – featuring amidships heads and aft galley and nav area – is practical and solidly finished, making it an archetypical middle-of-the-road family cruiser.

And for those who prefer a deck saloon offering panoramic views from the warm and dry, the Duo version also has many attractions.

A former commodore of the Westerly Association told me that when he bought his twin keel Konsort he sought out a boat that incorporated the revised hull reinforcement system Westerly adopted after early production.

He added that: “The boat sails well provided there is sufficient breeze to get her going. A cruising chute helps in light airs. When the wind pipes up the performance is good, with a reef in the main around Force 5. The Konsort is very much a cruising boat so we have never expected her to point high, but you sail according to the characteristics of your boat. When required the 24hp Bukh diesel will take care of any lack of wind.

“We sail in the English Channel, the Channel Islands and adjacent coast of France. We have had no unexpected problems with the boat… a choice well made and never regretted.”

The later 30ft 6in Westerly Tempest, designed by Ed Dubois, was a very different concept. Its unusual accommodation featured two double cabins aft and a heads compartment in the eyes of the yacht. By Westerly standards, its sales total of 107 wasn’t a runaway success. But it has a lot to offer; as does its revamped Regatta 310 near sister.

Unusually for a 30ft 6in yacht, the Westerly Tempest has two double cabins aft and a heads in the forepeak. Photo: SailingScenes.com

The Sadler 29 was another winner from the 1980s. Martin Sadler told me: “The 29 appeared at the 1981 Earls Court boat show. She was offered with fin or twin keels and the mix was about 60/40 in favour of the latter.

“Our demonstration boat had twins and it surprised people how well she sailed [understandable because these twins are shapely, well positioned and draw 3ft 8in]. The design concept of the 29 was to achieve a larger internal volume for overall length than the Sadler 25 and 32, and she has accommodation very similar to the 32.”

Designer David Sadler got the balance between comfort and performance right: 28ft 5in overall, waterline 22ft 10in, beam 9ft 6in, weight 8,200lb, 41.5% ballast ratio, 307 DLR and 14.68 SA/Disp ratio. Sailors loved her and around 400 were built.

‘Another winner from the 80s’; the Sadler 29. Photo: Patrick Eden/Alamy

Her spacious accommodation with amidships heads, good galley and chart table and cosy quarter berth appealed to traditionalists and modernists alike. What’s more the inner mouldings conceal enough foam buoyancy to make the boat float and sail if flooded, if the foam’s still sound.

One Sadler 29 owner summed up what to look for, saying: “The advice when buying boats of this age is to spend a bit more on one that has been sorted, ie recent new engine, sails, standing rigging, cushions etc, rather than getting a tatty boat cheaper, and then spending a fortune.

“We like the foam filled construction, not least because it massively reduces condensation compared to other boats I’ve sailed (and slept) on. The downside is the boat is rather smaller than other 29-footers down below.”

The later Stephen Jones-designed Sadler 290 never achieved the same number of buyers. Its builders folded after around 40 were produced. But that does not detract from this exceptional boat’s performance. Both twin and fin versions have lead keels and sail superbly. If you see one for sale, take a look. But it won’t be cheap.

Timothy Long sailed his Impala 28, Alchemy, solo around the UK; here between Ardrishaig and Tarbert. Photo: Peter Jeanneret/Hunter Association

Best cruising boats under 30 feet: Sportier cruisers

And what about the sportier cruisers of the 1980s and 90s? The Hunter Impala 28 (1977 onwards) has many fans to this day – Timothy Long became the youngest sailor to circumnavigate Britain solo in 2020 sailing an Impala. Designed as an Offshore One Design by David Thomas, the Impala still makes a competitive racer.

But don’t overlook its attributes as a fast cruiser. The interior is practical and simple: twin berth forepeak, enclosed heads to port amidships, galley aft of the main bulkhead to starboard and two settee berths with two pilot berths outboard in the saloon. Originally Impalas came with an outboard in a well; but most now have inboards.

The later Hunter Horizon 30 is an elongated cruising version of the Impala, with a new deck and counter stern. The interior is dramatically different, with twin berth forepeak, saloon settees and aft galley, heads compartment and double aft cabin.

Hunter Horizon 30 – an elongated cruising version of the Impala

Thanks to the superb performance of Thomas’s twin keels (3ft 10in draught with bulbed bases), most buyers chose this option. Its moderate 9ft 3in beam gives good handling and its 43% ballast ratio, 234 DLR and SA/Disp ratio of 19.8 provide sparkling performance. Indeed a twin-keeler took third overall in its CHS class against racy fin-keelers in one Round the Island Race.

Those looking for a beamier fin keel cruiser-racer might find the Thomas-designed Sigma 292 of interest. It didn’t sell in large numbers, compared to the Sigma 33, but shares many of its qualities. The Thomas-designed Hunter Channel 31 (30ft 9in) is an exceptionally quick twin-keeler and a delight to sail and live aboard; but sadly only a few were built.

And finally, going back a few years, Chris Butler’s Achilles 9m also sold well and excelled in the 1984 OSTAR, finishing in 30 days. This sporty fin-keeler has a DLR of 190, SA/Disp ratio of 15.5 and a 43% ballast ratio. A tidy example makes an excellent budget cruiser-racer.

Soulmate, a Hunter Channel 31, owned by Robin Jeavons. Photo: Sven Petersen/Hunter Association

Best cruising boats under 30 feet: Lifting keel options

If you prefer a lifting keel boat around the 30ft mark, the Tony Castro-designed Parker 31 that was built by Parker Yachts between 1987 and 1993 is worth a look. For a high performance yacht, it offers good accommodation with double berth cabins in the forepeak and aft as well as a spacious heads.

Its vertically lifting keel has a wide wing at its base giving a low centre of gravity, a ballast ratio of 32.86% and a draught of 2ft (keel up) and 6ft (keel down). Yachting Monthly said ‘… the performance and handling are remarkable. She is very fast, unexpectedly stable and finger light on the tiller.’ The drawback is that Parker only built 30 before introducing the larger 325 and 335 models then ceased trading in 2009.

The Dick Carter-designed Southerly 95 also offers variable draught, albeit in a heavier and less performance-oriented 31ft 7in cruiser. Its cast iron grounding plate and pivoting keel give a ballast ratio of 46% and a draught of 1ft 10in (keel up) and 5ft 2in (keel down).

So with its transom-mounted rudder and its keel lifted, the 95 is ideal for drying out in secluded creeks. Down below, it offers two berths in the forepeak, a U-shaped saloon settee (convertible to a double berth), an aft heads and aft quarter berth. Most unusually, it also has an inside wheel steering position in addition to a tiller in the cockpit. It was first built in 1980.

As a general rule however, any lifting keel system on an elderly yacht needs close inspection before buying. Whether it pivots, swings or moves vertically up and down it is prone to a lot more stress and strain than a fixed keel. It can also suffer from impact damage. A thorough survey is advisable.

Class association benefit

One big advantage of these British built yachts around 30ft is that almost all have active and helpful class associations. When you are considering the purchase of a yacht whose original builder is no longer active – as is sadly the case with all these British-built yachts – a well run association is a treasure trove of helpful information and advice.

Why not subscribe today?

This feature appeared in the May 2022 edition of Practical Boat Owner . For more articles like this, including DIY, money-saving advice, great boat projects, expert tips and ways to improve your boat’s performance, take out a magazine subscription to Britain’s best-selling boating magazine.

Subscribe, or make a gift for someone else, and you’ll always save at least 30% compared to newsstand prices.

See the latest PBO subscription deals on magazinesdirect.com

• 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….

Yachting World is the world’s leading magazine for bluewater cruisers and offshore sailors. Every month we have inspirational adventures and practical features to help you realise your sailing dreams. Build your knowledge with a subscription delivered to your door. See our latest offers and save at least 30% off the cover price.

Better Sailing

Best Sailboats Under 30 Feet

Small sailboats are attractive for many reasons, one of them being is that they are not as expensive and out of your budget. They are also great for learning how to sail as they are easily maneuverable. However, sailboats around the 30 feet mark provide the best of both worlds as they are both great and easy for sailing but are also big enough for you to spend a few days onboard for a weekend sailing trip, for example. If you are looking to buy a sailboat that will fit this bill, this list of the best sailboats under 30 feet with the amenities available in a large vessel.

Here are the best sailboats under 30 feet in no particular order.

The Hunter 27 is one of the most popular sailboats under 30 feet and has the numbers to prove it with over 2000 of these boats sold. The Hunter 27 is a series of sailboats, built by Marlow Hunter in Florida, USA, since 1974. Variations of the Hunter 27 are still being produced today. This sailboat is great under sail but is also powered by a 14 HP Yanmar engine. If you are looking for a small, affordable sailboat that can accommodate a couple or a small family for a few days out on the water, then look no further than a Hunter 27. Finally, you can find used Hunter 27 in good condition from the early ’80s for around 10k and newer models from the 2010s’ for up to 50k.

It is a comfortable and speedy sailboat with ample space below the deck. It is open and airy. Named after its designer, Alan Andrews, he is known for creating fast race boats and lights. This is a 28-footer sailboat that is definitely suited for club racing. It has a galley, 6 berths, head, and nav area. This boat is so spacious that you would forget that this is a sailboat under 30 feet. It has a retractable keel, which makes it easy to launch and haul. This ensures it to be a racer as well as a daysailer. Finally, a used Andrews 28 in good condition is going for around $25,000-40,000.

This is a multi-aspect sailboat that tries to bridge a gap between a family, comfortable, safe, and competitive racer. It is done quite well in doing so. This sailboat was able to win the 1970 IOR North America Half-Ton Cup, which proves that it not only has the looks but speed too. Speed is not the only strength of the ranger 26 as it also has a spacious cockpit which is over 7 feet. It has a good balance of cabin height and freeboard, giving it a great profile that hasn’t been sacrificed for standing headroom. Also, the Ranger 26 is one of the largest trailable sailboats. Finally, a used Ranger 26 from the 70s’ in good condition is going for around $10,000-15,000.

>>Also Read: Best Sailboats Under 100k

This sailboat is one of the most innovative and unusual boats in the whole bunch. It has a contemporary profile topside and also an inviting floor plan below the deck; this boat is both comfortable and stylish. The Etap uses a double hull construction method that makes the ship almost unsinkable. This sailboat has 6 berths, a nav area, and a galley, but you will not feel crowded in the back. The back area is equipped with many hatches and ports that make extend the space. Finally, a used Etap 28s in good condition is going for around $20,000-60,000 depending on the age of the boat.

>>Also Read: Etap 24i Review

This boat came started its production in the year 1971, and it was an instant success in the local racing scenes. As this is a modest 27-footer, the Newport 27 has a great spacious interior and has over 6 feet of standing headroom. It has 4 berths, nav station, galley, and head. It has all the amenities that you will find in a bigger boat but in a compact package. This boat is quick in light air; however, the tiller steering starts to get out of control once the breeze increases and the weather leads to end your sail early. Finally, a used Newport 27 from the 70s’ or 80s’ in good condition is going for around $6,000-11,000.

Catalina 275 Sport

The Catalina is known for their large cruising boats, but they also have small boats too. The Catalina 275 offers both great performance and an enjoyable sailing experience packed on a 27’6 trailable sailboat. This boat has a hand-laminated fiberglass hull and is extremely versatile. Like most boats that are built by Catalina, this boat has a huge self-bailing cockpit. It also a nice saloon below deck, which transforms into a comfortable v berth. Also, it has a nice galley with a big cooler drawer to pack your essentials for your sailing trip. The standard equipment has a tiller extension and hiking straps. This boat will convince you that you do not need a sailboat over 300 feet to enjoy a nice weekend sailing adventure. A new Catalina 275 starts at around $75,000, and a recent-year used one for around $60,000.

>>Also Read: Best Sailboats to Live On

Catalina 22 Capri and Catalina 22 Sport

The Catalina 22 is extremely comfortable, safe at sea, and easier to handle and maintain than any boat in its class. The beautiful deck profile is flat across the stern. It has wider cockpit curves for optimum sailing comfort during and after sailing. These are very popular trailer sailers that are widely used in both ocean sailing and lake sailing, and daysailors swear by both models. The Catalina 22 was first built in 1969, and it is still being produced in the US. The Catalina 22 is one of the most produced boats in its size range and has achieved huge commercial success. Finally, you can purchase a new Catalina 22 starts at around $25,000, but since this model has been around since the 60s’ you can still pick an early-year model up from the 70s’ for as low as $3,000.

Island Packet 27

This is an American-made sailboat first built in the 1980s’. The Island Packet 27   is a recreational keelboat made out of fiberglass, with beautiful teak trim and holly cabin sole plywood. It is a Cutter-rigged sloop, with a spooned raked stem, a vertical transom, a keel-mounted rudder, and a full keel. It has a displacement of 8,000 lb and carries 3,000 lb of ballast. Keep in mind that the Packet 27 is a cruiser and not suitable for racing. The broad beam gives an unusually spacious interior for a sailboat under 30 feet. This boat sails very well, it has a big boat feel to it, it is very solid, and you won’t get thrown around in it; what else do you need? Finally, a used Island Packet 27 in good condition is going for around $30,000-45,000 depending on the age of the boat.

>>Also Read: Best Pocket Cruisers Under 20 Feet

This boat was first introduced in the year 1969; the Balboa 26 continues to dominate in the budget-friendly cruisers. This boat is heavy and sturdy; the boat’s stress points are reinforced. The cockpit can take 4 adults at a time. It is self-bailing, making sure that the sailors remain dry. This beautiful sailboat is only 26 feet. Still, the balboa 26 still has room for a double berth, a freshwater pump, galley with a stove, and an optional V-berth or marine head. It can adjust five people for sleeping, but the ideal number would be two or three. When the Balboa is under sail, it is maneuverable and fast. It will also prove handy in the heavy breeze when the weather helm increases. Finally, a used Balboa 26 from the 70s’ is going for around $3,000-6,000.

Cape Dory 28

The teak accents and sleek lines of the Cape Dory 28 is an eye-catcher; the performance of this boat is also remarkable. This boat comes with almost all the amenities a bigger boat is equipped with. It comes with 2 settees, V-berth, and ahead. This boat is sound, safe, and comfortable while being capable of speed. The Cape Dory 28 is quick in light wind and capable and sturdy in heavy air. This boat deserves its praise when it comes in off the wind. It has a balanced helm and also the ability to cut through chop and still be able to tack easily. Finally, a used Cape Dory 28 in good condition is going for around $20,000 depending on the age of the boat.

Islander Bahama 28

While this remains an eye-catcher, along with the 5-foot-6inch draft and with the 3,300 pounds of ballet, this boat sails swiftly and beautifully while responding quickly to the helm. This boat is inspired by the International Offshore Rule; this boat is unusually wide and offers stability in the breeze without sacrificing the lines and sheer, which makes it attractive. The Bahamas below its deck has plenty of berth and storage space with a galley complete with stove, sink, and icebox. Finally, a used Cape Dory 28 in good condition is going for around $9,000-15,000 depending on the age of the boat.

Contessa 26

This boat was released in the year 1965, and it then and there proved to be a strong, lightweight cruise boat. This boat has been proving itself since its first sail and a great choice for two people. Even though the boat is sturdy, the upwind came sometimes disturbs the direction. This boat does have much standing headroom, but it performs well as a daysailer. Finally, a used Contessa 26 in good condition is going for around $10,000 depending on the age of the boat.

Final Thoughts

Sailboats under 30 feet are great because they are affordable and provide the best of everything. Almost all of them handle great, they are easy to maintain and provide all the necessary amenities for trips up to a few days long. Sailboats under 30 feet are not ideal for passages but make if you are willing to increase your budget and go a little bigger then these are the best small sailboats for circumvention .

Remember, if you are looking for a small sailboat under 30 feet for your summer or weekend sailing expeditions, then any of the above mentioned will do the trick.

Peter is the editor of Better Sailing. He has sailed for countless hours and has maintained his own boats and sailboats for years. After years of trial and error, he decided to start this website to share the knowledge.

Related Posts

The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Best Fishing Line for Trolling

Lagoon Catamaran Review: Are Lagoon Catamarans Good?

Best Inboard Boat Engine Brands

Are O’Day Sailboats Good? A Closer Look at a Classic Brand

• Buyer's Guide
• Destinations
• Maintenance
• Sailing Info

Hit enter to search or ESC to close.

Ready to get started?

Designed with a singular vision...To deliver unmatched performance and efficiency!

Introducing the insetta 35ifc  – the bar has been raised.

The Insetta 35IFC was designed with a singular vision… to be the best-performing center console sport fishing catamaran in its class.  Enjoy unmatched performance, range, and efficiency thanks to the 35IFC’s hydrofoil-assisted design.

In addition to being the best High-Performance Fishing Catamaran in its class, it also provides a smoother and dryer ride in the rough stuff!

This boat was designed for people who fish, by people who fish!  From its integrated livewells to its cavernous coffin boxes, level open deck layout, massive insulated storage and so much more, this boat was designed for maximum range and fishability!

Here’s what our customers have to say: “Holy crap do I love my 35 IFC with the Merc 300 V8’s on the back. We ran her down to Key Largo the other day, snorkeled all day, got lunch at Shipwrecks Bar and Grill, and ran back. Cruised between 40 and 45 mph, mostly around 42. So smooth it’s nuts. Burned maaaayyybe 40 gallons for the whole day. As we cruised the dashboard was telling us between 1.7 and 1.8 mpg, but I’m pretty sure we cruised more than 40 miles and burned between 35 and 40 gallons, no more. So… suffice it to say that you guys have absolutely crushed it and changed the game here. Fantastic work”! – Alan, Hull #4

Check out our FAQ’s section below for more about the Insetta 35 with  IFC!

Specifications

Length Overall

Maximum Beam

Maximum Draft

Fuel Capacity

Cruise Speed

Cruise Miles Per Gallon (MPG)

Over 850 miles*

Cruise Range

Standard Features

Standard “Insetta White” Gelcoat Molded in Diamond Non-Skid Tackle Storage Stbd Side Tackle Storage Port Side 19 Gallon Freshwater Washdown/Shower 5 x In Deck Storage Hatch 2 x In Deck Macerated Fish Boxes 625 Qt Insulated Coffin Box, Split Boxes Walk through Transom Access (Door Optional) Two 36 gallon Integrated Transom Livewells Fresh and Raw Water Washdown 34 Rod Holders (gunnels and coffin box) 7 Stainless Gemlux Pull-Up Cleats LED Navigation Lights Boarding Ladder

Recessed Stainless Bow Rail

Helm / Console

Fiberglass Hardtop with Powder Coated Aluminum Supports Tempered Safety Glass Enclosure for Console 6 Integral Rod Holders Built into Rear Support Molded Fiberglass Leaning Post with Rear Face Seating and cooler 3 Wide Helm Seats 6 S/S Cup Holders Storage Box and Rigging Tray on Rear Facing Seat Storage Drawers Under Helm Seats 165 Qt Leaning Post Ice Box Located Under Rear Face Seats

Base Upholstery

Equipment and Electronics

3 Part Internal Foil System

3 Pump Capacity Sea Chest with Dual Livewell Pumps & Raw Water Feed

4 1100 GPH Bilge Pumps (2 in Each Sponson)

Standard Capacities

490 gallon fuel capacity.

625 Qt Insulated Coffin Box with Divider

165 Qt Leaning Post Ice box

Dual 36 Gallon Livewells

19 Gallon Freshwater

Frequently Asked Questions

IFC is Insetta Boatwork's Internal Foiling System.

You can expect a significant increase in cruise speed; Improved handling and stability in rough conditions; Better acceleration; A boat that is less affected by increased payload; A 20-40% increase in fuel efficiency; and a 20-40% further cruise range! Additionally, the IFC technology will also provide a drier ride in choppy conditions and Provide for more responsiveness when turning at speed!

The system is a fixed setup, there is nothing to operate and there are zero moving parts.

The IFC Technology in effect smooths out rough seas by allowing the boat to run from wave crest to wave crest at a relatively smooth and stable attitude. The IFC System creates lift which help to in effect “Carry” the hull higher in the water. The system acts as a set of wings carrying the boat at speed, keeping the hull from having to follow each wave across its entire contour. In other words the surface of the waves have less effect on the hull as the IFC system is lifting the boat. Additionally, the aerodynamic lift created by the catamaran hulls creates even more lift at the bow of the boat, keeping the nose high and preventing the “slamming” or sneezing found in other catamaran hulls.

No, you don’t. The foils are flush mounted to the bottom of the keels of each sponson (as well as up in the tunnel.) At its centerline the main foil of the IFC system is only slightly lower than the keel line. The boat will easily load onto a standard catamaran trailer. There is no big contraption hanging way down under the boat.

Remember, the foils are INTERNAL to the tunnel. At its lowest point the main foil is only slightly lower than the hull and is higher than the props. Because of this the odds of striking the foils are extremely low. The boat is designed to be lifted by the foil. The structural integrity of the foil system is such that the weight of the boat could be supported many times over by the foil. As such, if you did somehow manage to strike the foil on something EXTREMELY SUBSTANTIAL, like a stone shoal, the likely outcome is that you may (in a very worst case scenario) bend or break a foil wing. If that were to happen, you could still operate the boat to port with the remaining foils. The IFC foils are made from a very high-grade stainless steel and designed to meet or exceed relevant guidelines for impact and strength.

As water travels through the tunnel and around the foil, a tremendous vortex is created. This force keeps most debris from being trapped in the tunnel or around the foil. Between the pressure of the air moving through the tunnel, and the vortex created in the water, the tunnel and foils will stay clean and clear.

The outboards of the 35 IFC are mounted on a slight outward angle to place the propellers properly to maximize the thrust and flow efficiency created as the water travels through the tunnel and around the foils. This mounting also helps the boat to lean into a corner, much like a monohull.

Firstly, we’d ask, “Why would you want to?” But the short answer is no. IFC is an integrated system that is integral to the design of the boat.

The short answer is that boats with technology similar to IFC have been in use for many years, but not in the recreational market. Commercial and Military applications are quite prevalent. The initial design of a hull and system like this is quite complex and can be cost prohibitive. We at Insetta feel the gains in efficiency, speed, range and ride quality far outweigh the initial design and build cost.

Upon deciding to build a foiling Cat, Insetta assembled a team of naval Architects and Marine Engineers to refine an existing and proven design. Using their own state of the art construction techniques, Insetta brought an application specific version to the fiberglass Center Console market.

Optional Features

Customizable Garmin or Simrad Electronics JL Audio 10 Speaker Stereo System Flush Mount Acrylic Helm Bow Shade Custom Gelcoat or Combination of Colors Deluxe Upholstery Third Center Livewell Under Rear Facing Seat 40 gallon Seadek Flooring or Flexiteek Decking Additional Gunnel Rod Holders (18 standard) Recessed Wireless Phone Chargers Swivel Base Rod Holders Outlets for Electric Reels Additional Drink Holders on Leaning Post, Coffin Box, Gunnels and Helm Forward/Rear/Side Spreader Lights T-Top Outrigger Bases/Poles Gemlux Electric Head With 19 Gallon Blackwater Holding Tank Freshwater Sink and Vanity Inside Console Underwater Lights Heavy Duty Dive Ladder LED Under Gunnel Lighting On-Board Battery Charger Windlass Custom Aluminum Trailer Cockpit Table/Bow Table

Why did Insetta Boatworks decide to build a boat with IFC?

For decades, Hydrofoil power boats have proven to be the most efficient craft for a variety of offshore operations.

While pursuing a B.S. in physics in 1960, Victor Insetta was employed doing anti-submarine research that utilized high speed Deep-V patrol boats equipped with hydrofoils. Their ability to pursue submarines at high speed, operate safely offshore, and, being foil borne: allowed their hull to run clear of the water avoiding direct hits from torpedoes. Decades later, Vic and his family rode comfortably on hydrofoil ferries in Italy, flying over white capped waves in the bay of Naples.

In 2017, The Insetta 45 was chosen to be the official chase boat of the America’s cup! Four 45’ Insetta’s catamarans were shipped to Bermuda to assist at various cup events. Sailboats, competing from several countries, were catamarans with hydrofoils ! The Insetta 45’s ran parallel to these “foiling sail cats” to assist with TV coverage. The sailing cats were traveling at speeds approaching 50 mph, 2 ½ times the wind speed . Efficient … you bet . They could also turn on a dime at over 40 mph…

It became obvious: that a foiling cat would make a great offshore outboard power boat… Many foil power boat designs in the past, had wide foils that stuck out the sides, increasing their beam and draft. It made them difficult to dock, and they couldn’t operate in shallow waters. Joel Shine (chief operating officer) of Insetta Boatworks found a catamaran design that had hydrofoils mounted in the tunnel, (that location between the tunnel walls actually improves their efficiency), and does not add to its draft. Further improvements could be added by using our ultra-light high strength infused composite construction.

Joel, Vic and our technical staff reviewed the foiling cat’s initial specifications and performance data, and then sea trialed two foiling cats with internal hydrofoils. Our staff includes a second physicist and pilot… Glen Dobbs. We are all active boaters and we determined we would build our version of a foiling outboard powered cat. We contacted a Naval architect, who designed several successful foiling power cats . He is now a member of our technical staff.

Our 35 “foiling cat” design has set the standard for Foil-Assisted Sportfishing boats. The hull, foils, materials, and engines are synergistically combined, to provide: unrivaled high-speed cruising efficiency , and provide safe offshore handling, with unimpeded shallow water operation, including beaching, without foils or props contacting the bottom.

Insetta 35IFC

The premier internal foiling catamaran.

Integrated 36 Gallon Livewells & 625 QT Coffin Box Standard

Designed to fish.

850+ Mile Range!

Best in Class MPG, Smoother/Dryer Ride!

Performance.

Click the button below to contact or email us for more info!

Latest News

The Foiling Press – February 2024

The Foiling Press – February 2024 – February was a busy month for…

The Foiling Press – January 2024

We kicked off the year with a full house here at Insetta Boatworks! Three beautiful 35IFC’s in…

The Foiling Press – December 2023

The Foiling Press – December 2023 – We’ve wrapped up an incredible year…

The Foiling Press – August 2024

The Foiling Press – August 2024—Summer has…

The Foiling Press – July 2024

The Foiling Press – July 2024 – Welcome back to another edition of our monthly newsletter, The…

Get the Latest Insetta News!

Share this page

Looking for our latest catalog?