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Live Aboard Sailboat Boats for sale

Coronado Center Cockpit Sailboat - 40 ft LOA - Great live-aboard

Bainbridge Island, Washington

Make Coronado C35

Posted Over 1 Month

Great liveaboard sail boat. Many will tell you that it is one of the roomiest boats inside for this size of a boat. Flushdeck design allows approximately 6' headroom throughout, except about 7 ft near the companionway in the main cabin. I've lived aboard for four years, and it was like a mini apartment inside. The center cockpit allows for a nice size stateroom in the back with a full queen size bed (10" thick futon mattress with inner coil springs, is only a year old. I upgraded the anchor to a 70lb CRQ plow, with about 40 ft chain, and then rope. Helps me to sleep well at anchor knowing I won't go anywhere. Also has a smaller dansforth style anchor onboard. Pictures show interior. Rear bed sleeps 2-3 (Queen), front V-birth is roomy and sleeps two just fine, Couch in main cabin folds up into bunks for 2. We have slept 7 aboard very comfortably. 2 more can sleep in the cockpit if you add air mattresses or make cushions to lay on. About the boat: It is older, but in pretty good shape for the age. (Much better than others I looked at when buying). I sail it to the San Juan Islands about once a year for 2 week getaways. I love anchoring out in harbors. Sails are older. Main looks pretty good, but genoa looks older with a small patch that I added last year due to a tear. Probably about due for new one. I have never used the spinnaker, but it is a bright yellow and blue, symmetrical, with 3" pole I bought for $300, and I purchased a sock to use for it. Boat is sloop rigged, but has connections to add a stay, and run it as a cutter rig. I have a stay sail for it, that I believe is Engine was pulled and replaced with an inboard electric by a professional ($4,000) about 5 years ago. it is 36V (6 golf cart batteries). It pushes the boat about 5-6 knots, but at full speed only lasts about an hour. Batteries are 6 years old though, and if replaced with higher volume you might get a lot more. (Or add another bank). It is great for getting in and out of marinas, but for longer trips, I use a 15 horse outboard on the back which is included. I think the impellar went out on it though. I ran it a couple months ago and it wasn't pumping water. I would consider replacing it if I kept it this boat. I have also considered putting a diesel back in for long cruises down to mexico. All plumbing, etc. still seems to be there for a diesel. There is an 8 ft inflatable RIB dinghy that hangs from davits off the back. It has a 6 horse mercury, that is 1-1/2 years old and still under warranty. Great for getting around in bays when at anchor. (I go to the San Juan's a lot). I was going to sell separately, but will include if full price is paid for the boat. Offers below full price won't include the dinghy or smaller outboard. I will sell them separately to recoup some of the difference or keep it for lake fishing. Dodger seems to have been replaced with a frame that is 7" too wide. I had planned on taking a little out of the middle, but please assume that there is no canvas over cockpit. You can have the dodger that I have, but it won't fit as is. Will need to be made smaller. (Material is very good though). Hot water heater was replaced last summer with an 11 gallon stainless (electric) model. Great for multiple showers. I have used it 24 hours after power shut off and still hot. I have a Honda generator that I used to run for the water heater and microwave when at anchor, and to charge the house batteries every couple days. I intend to keep the generator though. I bought it used for under a $1,000 though, so they are easy to come by. Not much in the way of electronics. I have a hand held GPS, hand held (waterproof) VHF, and depth finder up on deck, that are all only a couple of years old. The main VHF is mounted below, but is older, and I never used it, because I was always up above. Refer seems to stop getting cold sometimes and then after I tap on temperature sensors inside, it sometimes starts working again. Haven't figured out if it is a loose wire, or not. There is also a small dorm sized freezer in one of the lockers. It runs off of 110V. Stove is a 2 burner propane unit on gimbals. Has an oven. 2 ea 40 gallon water tanks (80 total). 17 gallon diesel tank in case you put diesel engine back in it. You can buy a used one for a couple thousand. I am currently about 400 miles away, so it is either buy unseen, in which case I will drive there to meet after deposit is made. Or, I will be up in the area the last week of the month to show it if it is not sold yet. Feel free to email to make arrangements to see it. I intend to have it sold this month, even if I have to take less than asking price. Current moorage is $412/mo. It is an awesome small harbor/bay and small marina with great facilities (laundry, rec room available for watching games or entertaining, exercise room, full showers, etc. You can see downtown Seattle skyline from the middle of the harbor. People anchor out there all the time. There is a ferry nearby that goes to downtown Seattle. Or, it is about a 45 minute to 1 hr sail with a 10 knot wind. You can live-aboard if you make arrangements with owner of marina, but he may want a little more money.

Catalina 30 Sailboat for sale or live aboard

Cowichan Bay, British Columbia

Model Catalina 30

Category Sloop Sailboats

Length 30.0

1980 Catalina 30 Sailboat with fixed fin keel in good condition with 18 horsepower Sole Diesel engine, fairly new Main sail except for small tear that's been professionally patched. Extra Main sail, new rigging/conversion of the furling. Beautiful customized Pelican wood doors at cockpit entry.Magic Chef 3 burner propane stove and oven. Canvass dodger on steel frames at the companionway. Navigation equipment includes Horizon VHF marine radio, like new new and never used Standard Horizon CPF 300iColor GPS Chart Plotters/Fish Finder, Saturn 4" compass, and Raymarine Autohelm 3000 Autopilot, and Many more extras. For an additional $800.00 I have a rebuilt with new cable/chain rigging, shackle mooring buoy for sale in Cowichan Bay for boat. Owner lives out of country and has priced the boat for a quick sale. Please call Mike anytime at 951-269-9373

"Live The Dream"

Tacoma, Washington

Make Ta Chiao

Category Cruiser Motorcycles

Length 41.0

’73 Ta Chaio CT41 Masthead Ketch William Garden Design. This is a warm dry comfortable live aboard with all the amenities and very capable of off shore cruising. Currently moored in a live aboard, working marina. Smoke-free environment. H/C pressure water3 burner /oven propane stove Refrigerator / freezerSeparate shower Electric toilet / holding tank4 good sails Lowrance 522c GPS / Depth sounderKnot meter Raytheon Radar SystemDodgerCustom made stained glass for a port window This sailboat was originally from the LA area and I purchased it in Seattle. The boat has been in my possession for 16 years. I am retiring and I have decided to go another direction with my life.

Cruising Sailboat

Canastota, New York

Asking $45,000 Call or e-mail to arrange a visit: [email removed] or leave a message on my skype phone at 315-254-2452. The boat is located near Syracuse, NY. For full ad go to: https://persephone37.wordpress.com/ Dreaming of living aboard and sailing off to the islands? Persephone is a beautiful, well-maintained, fully equipped, self-sufficient, center cockpit sloop ready for cruising. As a well equipped and comfortable long-term live aboard yacht, she has taken her current owners to the Caribbean and back to upstate New York a number of times- and now she’s ready to take you to your dream destinations. “Persephone” was designed as the perfect coastal cruising vessel… large enough to be very comfortable yet simple enough to be able to sail her by yourself… a perfect combination of comfort and function. Through years of cruising, thoughtful upgrades and enhancements, her current owners have produced an exceptional live aboard vessel. Her extensive upgrades and refurbishing over the years makes her the one of the best equipped cruisers you will find in this price range on the market. Seasoned sailors will immediately appreciate the new Awl Grip on the hull, and on deck the Lewmar 65 winches and deep comfortable center cockpit protected from the elements by a dodger and bimini. Her windlass makes anchoring simple, and after the anchor is down, a cold beverage from the custom refrigerator will be appreciated. Worried about your beverages warming up at anchor? Never fear- her solar panels and wind generator output provides more than enough power. Down below, she has a spacious salon with center folding dinette, 6' headroom that leads forward to a head and V-Berth. LED cabin lights and aluminum Lewmar port lights keep brighten the interior, day or night. Her two staterooms and two heads offers plenty of room, lots of privacy, and an abundance of storage. When the winds dies, she is equipped with a 32 hp Universal diesel engine, 2 fuel tanks with Racor filters, and two 100 gallon water tanks. Main Salon ***Pictures Below***** The main salon features settees, port and starboard, and a centerline table with folding leaves and storage. There are plenty of opening ports, and an overhead hatch to provide wonderful ventilation. There is a navigator’s station aft of the starboard settee and the galley is aft of the port settee. A large custom made marquetry sailboat scene graces the forward bulkhead to port. Master Stateroom The O’Day 37 has a unique aft cabin master stateroom entered from the cockpit. It is completely private with a wonderful queen size custom pillow-top spring mattress berth. There is a hanging locker to port with storage shelves adjacent to the locker and berth. Additional storage is provided by more shelves and drawers to starboard. Five opening ports, together with the aft cabin companionway, provide wonderful ventilation. A private ensuite head contains a manual head and a vanity sink as well as a single opening port and overhead hatch. Guest Stateroom The guest stateroom is forward in the forepeak and consists of a comfortable v-berth with filler, storage under and in drawers and on shelves. An overhead hatch and an opening port allows for great ventilation. There is a full-size hanging locker aft of this cabin and opposite the head. Galley The spacious well laid out u-shaped galley is to port forward of the companionway and opposite the navigation station. It features 2 deep sinks with a butcher block lid, 3 burner stove with oven, a microwave, and plenty of easy access storage. The large, sensible, easy access refrigerator/freezer has a stainless steel holding plate and is just aft of the navigation table. Cockpit By far, the most comfortable cockpit you’ll find. Deep coamings with just the right angle to sit back and enjoy the sailing or the sunset. The teak table provides room for entertaining and dining all under the shade of the bimini. 2 huge lockers provides storage for everything! The helm has superior visibility while underway. “Persephone” 1981 O’Day Center Cockpit Sloop Builder: O’Day Designer: C. Raymond Hunt Dimensions LOA: 37' LWL: 30’4? Beam: 11’3? Displacement: 14,000 lbs Draft: 5' Bridge Clearance: 47' Ballast: 6,000 lbs Engine: Universal Diesel HP: 32 Tankage Fuel: 50 gals in 2 tanks Water: 185 gals in 2 tanks Holding: 15 gals Rigging & Sails New Rigging – New Stayloks – New Turnbuckles New Fully Battened Mainsail – 8.4 oz. Contender Cloth, 2 reef points Profurl Roller Furling 120 roller furl jib 90/Yankee 9 oz. roller furl jib Barient #10 main halyard winch Barient #18 mainsheet winch Barient #18 jib halyard winch Harken Lazy Jacks Lewmar Boom Vang Oversized Main & Jib Halyards – 9/16 Sampson Yacht Braid All Running Rigging – Samson Yacht Braid 2 Lewmar 65 primary self-tailing winches with Sunbrella covers Schaeffer oversized jib cars Electronics Raymarine 5000 Autopilot with below deck linear drive Standard Horizon DSC VHF Mic WHAM capable New Garmin 740 Touchscreen Color Chartplotter GPS (2012) has US Coastal + Alaska & Hawaii and Bahamas Explorer charts Standard Horizon DS 45 Depth Sounder Standard Horizon Speed Log Standard Horizon Wind Meter JRC 24 mile radar LaCrosse Weather Station Mast VHF Antenna Electrical 12v/110v systems with clearly labeled electrical panel and breakers 12 Volt Ships Power System 30 Amp Shore Power System 3 Siemens 75 watt solar panels on custom built arch 12v lighting Masthead Tri-Color Light/Anchor Light Class 2 Running Lights which are larger & have more visibility range 4 Interstate Deep Cycle Golf Cart Batteries (400 amp hour) New 2008 New Alternator 2009 Aerogen 6 Wind generator 2000 watt Inverter 12 volt bilge pump Propane shutoff solenoid switch for safety in galley Galley U-shaped galley with lots of storage Isotherm stainless steel holding plate DC refrigeration system with bronze March pump and digital Carel Controls Hot/cold pressure water Shurflo freshwater pump Hillerange LPG 3 Burner Stove with oven Microwave Oven 2 deep stainless steel sinks Cabinets, drawers and top loading dry storage locker Butcher block sink cover for added counter space Force 10 stainless steel 6 gallon hot water heater engine exchange Accomodations New LED lighting in main cabin 15” Flatscreen television with DVD player AM/FM stereo with 2 speakers Teak Interior with Teak & Holly Sole Large Framed Marquetry in Salon Sckandvik Faucet/Shower – Forward Head New Jabsco Toilets (2009) (3) opening hatches, (16) opening Lewmar aluminum ports Screens for some ports Engine 3 Engine room lights Rebuilt Universal diesel fresh water cool engine with easy access from front and back with 2 New water pumps and heat exchanger PSS Dripless Shaft Seal Hurth Transmission new 2004 Groco Bronze Sea strainer Dual Fuel Tank System with Dual Racor Filters – 50 gallon capacity AWAB 316 Stainless Steel hose clamps used throughout – Superior Non-Perforated – Lasts forever Deck New vinyl covered stainless steel double lifelines with opening gates each side Foam vinyl covered custom cockpit cushions Dodger with attached Bimini Anchor Locker Propane Locker on Aft Deck 44 lb Bruce Anchor with new (2012) 110’ oversized 3/8” chain and 120' 5/8” rope rode Fortress FX 23 with 50’ 3/8” chain & 80’ 5/8” rope rode Lewmar 2000 Electric Windlass Polished Stainless Steel Engine Controls 28” Stainless Steel steering wheel Stainless Steel Ritchie Compass at Helm Stainless Steel Bow Pulpit Stainless steel Stern Rail with opening gate Stainless steel built-in stern swim ladder Brushed stainless steel custom-built stern arch with dinghy davits Manual bilge pump Keel stepped mast Performance fin keel Stainless steel bow chocks 3 Bow Cleats Mainsail Cover Custom made companionway washboards with Lexan windows Edson Pedestal with Pedestal Guard Teak folding cockpit table with 4 cup holder Outboard Motor storage board Lifesling with Sunbrella cover Force 10 BBQ propane grill with custom cover Additional Davis radar reflector USCG safety equipment Boat hook, lines, fenders Emergency Tiller

1988 Endeavour 33 Sailboat - Cruising Sailboat - Excellent

Rotonda West, Florida

Make Endeavour

Length 33.0

Here's the cruising sailboat you've been looking for! Start your cruising dream right now from where this boat is docked in SW Florida! 1988 Endeavor 33 Sloop rigged. This sailboat is in excellent condition. Interior is pristine.New Bottom paint.New Garmin GPS.New main sail cover.New jib suncover.New bimini.New 16,000 BTU Air Conditioner.Engine-driven refrigeration cold plate.27 HP Yanmar runs like a top.New companion way plexi.Gorgeous dark blue hull. This is the ideal cruiser and live-aboard boat, designed by Bruce Kelley. We welcome you to view this sailboat before the listing ends and bring your surveyor. For more technical details refer to the website: sailboatdata dot com The boat is sold as-is. Currently in the water, near Rotonda West, Florida. Zip code 33947. Contact us for a viewing. Buyer will pay $500 deposit with 48 hours. Remaining balance due within 10 days, allowing the buyer 10 days time to arrange for shipping or moving the boat. Please note deposit is not refundable for any reason.

38foot pilothouse sailboat

Fort Pierce, Florida

Make Mariner

Model Pilothouse Cutter Rigged Sloop

Length 38.0

1980 Mariner Pilot House 38’ 12’ beamLocated in Fort Pierce FloridaFor Sale by owner $43,500 Rugged Cutter rigged with self tending boom with Pilot house! Great sailing and live aboard vessel with comfortable accommodations and layout. One of only eight New Hampshire built 38 Mariners built. Fast and seaworthy! Can be controlled from within the pilot house or the cockpit.Fuel DieselHule Material Fiberglass Draft 5 FeetEngine Perkins 4108 DieselEngine Hours 20This vessel has a recent refit over the last 2 years included in the list below . .replace bearings in roller furling new CQR anchor and Danforth 4 0 Lb. New anchor rode replace all halyards all wiring inspected replaced and re-fastened / secured as needed (old wiring not in use removed) this was done by a licensed electrician 4 new 6 volt batteries and cables etc.New CEN-Tech 1200 watt power inverter New plumbing hoses etc. for the toilet and waste disposal tankNew deck pump out for waste disposal New waste macerator and through hullNew fresh water plumbing installed in bathroom area sink and showerRebuilt hydraulic steering pumpNew seat cushion covers New hatch cover gasketsNew port window screens, glass, and gaskets Perkins 50 hp engine Rebuild all new cylinders, pistons,rings, main and rod bearings, crankshaft polished, cylinder head, Coast Guard approved hoses, new water pump and heat exchanger, new thermostat, new clutch plate, rebuilt starter, rebuilt sea strainer. New gauges tachometer, oil pressure, amp, water temp. depth sounderRebuild rudder New Stainless steel shaft and cutlass bearing and stuffing box seals.Recondition 16” dia. Maxie-Prop variable pitch propRecondition Racore water separator Recondition cock pit compassRebuilt Windless motor

1971 Morgan 35 Sailboat

Charleston, South Carolina

Make Morgan

1971 Morgan 35 in good shape. A lot of extras. Very comfortable live aboard. Carpet throughout the cabin makes for a cozy living area. Engine was brand new in 2010. Alaskan diesel cabin heater added in 2012. The boat has been used as a cruiser along the east coast. This boat will make a nice weekend live aboard for a couple or a good cruising boat for anyone wanting to head to the islands. Westerbeke 30B3 engine (30HP) has 300 hours, Manual windlass, Alaskan diesel cabin heater, Auto pilot, Garmin Chart Plotter, VHF radio, Custom teak hatches and companion way door, bimini and dodger with full cockpit enclosure side panels. Hot and cold pressurized water. Main and 150 genoa are in good shape. As with any boat of this age, she will need tlc, but she is sail-worthy now. She will need bottom paint soon, and some of the hatches leak. Call 8434507384 with any questions The boat is located in Charleston, SC.

ERICSON 29' SAILBOAT 1972

Marina Del Rey, California

ERICSON 29' SAILBOAT 1972 This graceful ERICSON 29' is very comfortable and Spacious popular model, that sails great! The Ericson is a great example of an all around great and well looked after boat. With soild workmanship and performance, this costal cruiser, appeals to a wide range of sailors, from the inexperienced or families looking for a first boat. To competitive sailors looking for a performance cruiser. Boat is sail ready to Catalina Island. Must see, if you are looking at getting into sailing. This Ericson is very clean inside and out. With roomy interior for this size of boat. Accommodations: The interior is warm and comfortable, There is a large double berth forward with enclosed head between the v-berth and main salon. The salon it self is warm with a spacious living area that is standup 6'plus Head Room thought the boat. The salon table uniquely folds away out of the way when not in use but opens to a either a half-size work table or a full dining table. Beautiful wood with good cushions thought-out. Aft quarter berth (or storage) area. Galley is port as you step down into the cabin. The layout is very comfortable for a weekend condo or a Temporary Live aboard. And at night this boat has a very comfortable Vibe to make you feel right at home!!. Power plant is a inboard Atomic 4 engine with low hours, and in great shape and well looked after. This 29 has a wheel steering Roller furling With extra sails New deck paint And dodger and canvas to be put back together This boat is a Must see if your looking just add the amenities you need to make it home Come have a look. Slip is Transferable (upon qualification) if you want In the water now in Marina Del Rey $9500 priced to sell today

ERICSON 27' SAILBOAT 1976

ERICSON 27' SAILBOAT 1976 This graceful ERICSON 27' is very comfortable and Spacious popular model, that sails great! solid workmanship and performance, this costal cruiser, appeals to a wide range of sailors, from the inexperienced or families looking for a first boat. To competitive sailors looking for a performance cruiser. Boat is sail ready to Catalina Island. Must see, if you are looking at getting into sailing cheep. With roomy interior for this size of boat. This is a bear boat inside Needs some tlc needs cushions with fabric Accommodations: The interior is warm and comfortable, There is a large double berth forward with enclosed head between the v-berth and main salon. The salon it self is warm with a spacious living area that is standup 6'plus Head Room thought the boat. The salon table folds away out of the way when not in use. Aft quarter berth (or storage) area. Galley is port as you step down into the cabin The layout is very comfortable for a weekend condo or a Temporary Live aboard. And at night this boat has a very comfortable Vibe to make you feel right at home!!. Power plant is a inboard atomic 4 that is none working at this time My mechanic can get it up and running rebuilt for 1000 This boat is a Must see if your looking just add the amenities you need to make it home Come have a look. Slip is Transferable (upon qualification) if you want In the water now in Marina Del Rey Asking $3100 for a fast sale!!!!!

27' Catalina Sailboat

Seward, Alaska

We are looking to sell our 27' Catalina sailboat we have been living aboard the past year. Its a great small sailboat for learning for the family or a singlehander with a big suite of sails. Not originally meant for liveaboards in Alaska but we have made it cozy, warm and able to stay off the grid. We spent last winter and spring cruising around exploring Resurrection Bay and Day Harbor. This boat is older but still in great condition. The hull is great shape with a dry bilge, standing and running rigging are in good shape, and the sails are all in good condition. Previous owners have raced this boat single handed and the last owner sailed it north from Seattle. We are selling as we have just bought a second boat to live on. Included with the sale is: New in 2008-09 Yamaha 4 stroke outboard with lowering assist (runs excellent) New in 2014 Air X Wind generator and 2 new deep cycle marine batteries New in 2014 Standard Horizon VHF radio with DSC function and new antenna New in 2014 Wallas Diesel stove and heater with heat blower Newly reupholstered in 2014 V-Berth with memory foam cushions Newly rewired lighting (still more to be done) New in 2014 manual electric bilge pump New in 2014 manual Jabsco head and hoses Garmin GPS and depth sounder Older removed pressurized Alcohol stove Knotmeter Depth sounder (original with boat) Plenty of other stuff to get sailing now Sails: Main sail in good shape with 1 set of reef points Working Jib in good shape 150% Genoa in good shape 170% Genoa in good shape Heavy duty storm jib in good shape Anchoring: 25# Bruce Anchor with chain and rode Medium size Danforth with chain and rode Small Fortress on stern with chain and rode Please call email or text for any more information. We are able to email or text pictures of anything and can take you on a sea trial if desired. This boat will be picked up in person or buyer will have to figure out shipping. Mooring fees are paid up until January 31, 2015 and can stay in Seward small boat harbor as transient. In Alaska boats are not titled but subject to a $25 registration fee and no taxes! Would make a great vacation spot in the heart of the Kenai Fjords!!

ENDEAVOUR 33 SAILBOAT 1984

Rome, New York

Classic, fast shoal draft cruiser with rich teak interior, AC and heat, and lots of extras. Spacious salon. If you are in the market for your first family sailboat or looking for a vessel to explore the coastal US, then you need to see this sturdy 1984 Endeavour sailboat. Traditional layout, comfortable and ready to explore. Good setup for the solo sailor. She would also make a very nice live aboard! Current yard rent paid until October 2014. Family illness forces sale. SPECIFICATIONS LOA: 32' 7" LWL: 27' 6" Beam: 11' 6" Draft: 4' 6" Displ.: 11,350 lbs. Ballast: 4,600 lbs. enclosed lead Mast Height above DWL: 48' 9" Rigging: Masthead Sloop Sail Area: 539.5 sq. ft. Main Sail Area: 228.15 sq. ft. Fore Sail Area: (100%) 310.5 sq. ft. SA/D: 17.09 B/D: 40.50 % D/L: 244 Hull Speed: 7.3 knots PHRF - Northeast: 156 Designer: Bruce Kelley Fuel Capacity: 36 gallons Fresh Water Capacity: Approx. 56 gallons Holding Tank: 12.5 gallonsACCOMMODATIONS Spacious Saloon with beautiful solid teak doors and cabinetry throughout. Traditional layout in good condition. V-Berth forward. Salon features L-shaped port settee (converts to double) with a fold away table and starboard bench settee. Single quarter berth & navigation table to port. Galley to starboard. · Nav. Station: Flip Top chart table at forward edge of Quarter berth, three drawers, Rolled chart storage · Head: Located aft of the master to port with vanity, holding tank, head, sun shower, bulkhead mirror, three lockers, drawer, fiddled shelf storage and screened port · Teak bulkhead mounted table with hinged extension and bookshelf/cabinet behind. · Blue upholstered settees/berths in good shape · Generous lighting throughout. TV/FM coaxial cable wiring at shelf over hanging locker · Berths: 6 · Headroom: 6' 2" ENGINE & MECHANICAL · Yanmar 3GM30F Diesel, fresh water cooled, professionally and regularly maintained. · Engine hours: 1,625. · Racor fuel filter · Dripless stuffing box · 3-blade bronze prop, serviced · 36 gallon, welded aluminum fuel oil tank HULL & DECK · Solid KlegeCell foam core decks (no balsa to rot), no soft spots anywhere. No hull blisters. · Skeg mounted rudder for directional stability and strength · Anchor roller at bow · Bruce anchor w/ chain, 200’ 5/8” rode in deep bow locker, excellent condition · Secondary Danforth anchor with chain & rode · Teak hand rails · Anodized aluminum toe rails · Propane deck locker, stbd., with aluminum tank, manual & electric shut-off · West Marine propane kettle grill and canvas cover-like new · Outboard motor mount · Custom foam cockpit cushions · S/S swim ladder · Boarding gates P & S · Fenders & dock lines · Cockpit Speakers · Companionway teak boards, refinished, stow in stbd. lazarette storage pockets. · Companionway swing doors, removable (need repair HELM · Edson pedestal w/38" SS destroyer wheel with 2 instrument pods · 5” Danforth compass in SS hood · Teak folding cockpit table · Removable Edson teak drink caddy SAFETY · Type III PFD's · LifeSling · CO Monitor · Fire Extinguishers · Flare kit · 12V Bilge Pump · Manual bilge pump · First Aid Kit SALON · Spacious interior layout with large fold-out table (shelves behind) · Abundant drawer and locker storage throughout. · 10 opening ports & two large overhead hatches · Teak & holly sole in good condition · Several 12v lighting fixtures · 12 volt fan · 1 Wood framed companionway screen · 1 Wood framed hatch screen GALLEY · SS Galley Maid propane stove and oven · Large icebox with shelves · Adler Barbour 12V refrigeration · SS Sink with H/C pressure water · Microwave oven · Flo-Jet 12 Volt electric water pump, demand type with an accumulator tank. · Whale foot operated water pump in the galley (needs mounting). · Beautiful solid teak stove-top/cutting board with green Silestone insert, with storage slot · Built-in plate and utensil storage · Wine glass rack · Cookware and tableware V-BERTH · V-berth 6'6" · 12 V fan & Solar powered vent fan in hatch · 1 Wood framed Hatch screen · 2 drawers, 2 side shelves & cabinet HEAD · Enclosed head with shower & sump pump · SS sink with hot & cold pressure water · Teak cabinets and storage · Holding tank monitor · Holding Tank: 12.5 gallons with Y-valve and pump-out ELECTRONICS · Autohelm with hand-held remote · West Marine VHF580 Radio · Depth Sounder · Knot meter · Aiwa 40 watt Stereo FM/AM/Aux input with 2 interior KLH speakers and 2 cockpit speakers · Mast-mounted TV-FM antenna · Mast-top VHF antenna ELECTRICAL · 12,000 BTU CruisAir Air conditioning / heating · Breaker Panel: 12 volt DC; 110 volt AC · 4 Batteries (2-12V, 2-6V) · Battery isolator · Xantrex 40Watt multistage battery charger · 110 volt 30A Ship-to-shore cable - 50 ft. · Seaward SS water heater, 6 gallon, 115 VAC/ heat exchanger. · 2 Mast-mounted P&S deck lights · Chart table gooseneck light - red · Brinkman Q-Beam 12V Spotlight, 400,000 CP CANVAS · Two-part full-deck awning/sun-shade (a $1,400 item) · Bimini on SS frame · Helm cover · Sail Cover · Winch covers · SS dodger frame-no canvas STANDING RIGGING · Hood roller furling on head stay · SS wire standing rigging & chain plates · Four (4) each port & stbd. shrouds · Keel-stepped aluminum spar-Exc. Cond. RUNNING RIGGING · Two (2) Lewmar No. 43 two speed self-tailing primary winches w/covers. · Two (2) Lewmar No. 8 single speed mast mount halyard winches. · 2 winch handles · Harken 4:1 ball-bearing mid-boom mainsheet traveler, cabin mounted · Hardware in place / sail cover designed for lazy-jack system. Needs lines. · Genoa tracks with twin-sheet Schaeffer blocks, port and stbd. · Dacron braid sheets · Dacron braid halyards, internal & external, outhaul & topping lift · Aft turning (cheek) blocks port & stbd. SAILS · Footless main sail - new and unused · Original main sail · Genoa head sail - roller furling with UV stripe FRESH WATER TANKS · Polypropylene tank mounted below the stbd. settee, 36 gallons · Polypropylene tank located under port side aft quarter berth, est. 20 gallons, w/ separate deck fillSPARES / EXTRAS / OTHER · Includes 5 Hostar stackable jack stands for off-season layup ($1,000 value) · 4 – 10”x10”x2’ Hickory staging blocks · New Beckson port screens · Tool set in drawer · Hatch WindScoop for ventilation · Stern flagstaff & flag · All manuals, incl. Yanmar · 115VAC Vacuum cleaner · New extra odor-resistant hose for sanitary plumbing · Deck brush, cabin brush and dust pan · Boat hook · Custom compact winter cover scaffolding-ready for tarp (shown in photos) · V-belts, engine hoses, hardware, etc. RECENT UPGRADES INCLUDE · Brand new main sail - never used · Epoxy hull re-faring · Cushions covers removed, cleaned & repaired · Compass serviced · Holding tank seal maintenance, cleanout and sanitizing · New shaft zinc · Bottom paint (9/2014) · Hull polish & wax (9/2014) Work Needed: Woodwork around forward port lights in main salon needs to be repaired/replaced. Bright work: hand rails, cockpit table and taffrail.Price: US $ 26,500Located in Rome, NY on the Erie Canal (accessible to Lake Champlain, the Atlantic Ocean or the Great Lakes). This vessel is sold AS IS, WHERE IS.Not included / Negotiable: 8.5' Zodiac/West Marine dinghy, RU260, with oars, pump, bag, repair kit, plus 3.3 hp Mercury outboard - excellent. $1,200New-in-box Lewmar 1000 Pro-Series 12V Windlass, Stainless Steel. $700Pair (2) of new Lewmar Ocean Series 16CST Self-Tailing Winches, Chromed Bronze. $950 Call: 315-733-7305 (H) Text: 315-368-4939 (C) Email: [email protected] Endeavour 33: http://www.endeavourowners.com/boats/e33/e33brochure.pdf http://sailboatdata.com/viewrecord.asp?class_id=1878 http://sailboatdata.com/view_builder.asp?builder_id=27 http://sailboatdata.com/view_designer.asp?designer_id=162 Zodiac/WM RU-260 Inflatable “Roll-Up” Dinghy: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z0FSSffq5zM http://www.inriodulce.com/lostandfound/RU260.html Mercury 3.3 hp Outboard: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MLY-tuSCkK4 http://www.mercury-marine.eu/mercury/en/Products/Products.aspx?Model=TwoStroke%203.3 Lewmar Winch 16CST: http://lewmar.com/products.asp?id=8150&lid=25361

Classic, fast shoal draft cruiser with rich teak interior, AC and heat, and lots of extras. Spacious salon. If you are in the market for your first family sailboat or looking for a vessel to explore the coastal US, then you need to see this sturdy 1984 Endeavour sailboat. Traditional layout, comfortable and ready to explore. Good setup for the solo sailor. She would also make a very nice live aboard! Current yard rent paid until October 2014. Family illness forces sale. SPECIFICATIONS LOA: 32' 7" LWL: 27' 6" Beam: 11' 6" Draft: 4' 6" Displ.: 11,350 lbs. Ballast: 4,600 lbs. enclosed lead Mast Height above DWL: 48' 9" Rigging: Masthead Sloop Sail Area: 539.5 sq. ft. Main Sail Area: 228.15 sq. ft. Fore Sail Area: (100%) 310.5 sq. ft. SA/D: 17.09 B/D: 40.50 % D/L: 244 Hull Speed: 7.3 knots PHRF - Northeast: 156 Designer: Bruce Kelley Fuel Capacity: 36 gallons Fresh Water Capacity: Approx. 56 gallons Holding Tank: 12.5 gallonsACCOMMODATIONS Spacious Saloon with beautiful solid teak doors and cabinetry throughout. Traditional layout in good condition. V-Berth forward. Salon features L-shaped port settee (converts to double) with a fold away table and starboard bench settee. Single quarter berth & navigation table to port. Galley to starboard. · Nav. Station: Flip Top chart table at forward edge of Quarter berth, three drawers, Rolled chart storage · Head: Located aft of the master to port with vanity, holding tank, head, sun shower, bulkhead mirror, three lockers, drawer, fiddled shelf storage and screened port · Teak bulkhead mounted table with hinged extension and bookshelf/cabinet behind. · Blue upholstered settees/berths in good shape · Generous lighting throughout. TV/FM coaxial cable wiring at shelf over hanging locker · Berths: 6 · Headroom: 6' 2" ENGINE & MECHANICAL · Yanmar 3GM30F Diesel, fresh water cooled, professionally and regularly maintained. · Engine hours: 1,625. · Racor fuel filter · Dripless stuffing box · 3-blade bronze prop, serviced · 36 gallon, welded aluminum fuel oil tank HULL & DECK · Solid KlegeCell foam core decks (no balsa to rot), no soft spots anywhere. No hull blisters. · Skeg mounted rudder for directional stability and strength · Anchor roller at bow · Bruce anchor w/ chain, 200’ 5/8” rode in deep bow locker, excellent condition · Secondary Danforth anchor with chain & rode · Teak hand rails · Anodized aluminum toe rails · Propane deck locker, stbd., with aluminum tank, manual & electric shut-off · West Marine propane kettle grill and canvas cover-like new · Outboard motor mount · Custom foam cockpit cushions · S/S swim ladder · Boarding gates P & S · Fenders & dock lines · Cockpit Speakers · Companionway teak boards, refinished, stow in stbd. lazarette storage pockets. · Companionway swing doors, removable (need repair HELM · Edson pedestal w/38" SS destroyer wheel with 2 instrument pods · 5” Danforth compass in SS hood · Teak folding cockpit table · Removable Edson teak drink caddy SAFETY · Type III PFD's · LifeSling · CO Monitor · Fire Extinguishers · Flare kit · 12V Bilge Pump · Manual bilge pump · First Aid Kit SALON · Spacious interior layout with large fold-out table (shelves behind) · Abundant drawer and locker storage throughout. · 10 opening ports & two large overhead hatches · Teak & holly sole in good condition · Several 12v lighting fixtures · 12 volt fan · 1 Wood framed companionway screen · 1 Wood framed hatch screen GALLEY · SS Galley Maid propane stove and oven · Large icebox with shelves · Adler Barbour 12V refrigeration · SS Sink with H/C pressure water · Microwave oven · Flo-Jet 12 Volt electric water pump, demand type with an accumulator tank. · Whale foot operated water pump in the galley (needs mounting). · Beautiful solid teak stove-top/cutting board with green Silestone insert, with storage slot · Built-in plate and utensil storage · Wine glass rack · Cookware and tableware V-BERTH · V-berth 6'6" · 12 V fan & Solar powered vent fan in hatch · 1 Wood framed Hatch screen · 2 drawers, 2 side shelves & cabinet HEAD · Enclosed head with shower & sump pump · SS sink with hot & cold pressure water · Teak cabinets and storage · Holding tank monitor · Holding Tank: 12.5 gallons with Y-valve and pump-out ELECTRONICS · Autohelm with hand-held remote · West Marine VHF580 Radio · Depth Sounder · Knot meter · Aiwa 40 watt Stereo FM/AM/Aux input with 2 interior KLH speakers and 2 cockpit speakers · Mast-mounted TV-FM antenna · Mast-top VHF antenna ELECTRICAL · 12,000 BTU CruisAir Air conditioning / heating · Breaker Panel: 12 volt DC; 110 volt AC · 4 Batteries (2-12V, 2-6V) · Battery isolator · Xantrex 40Watt multistage battery charger · 110 volt 30A Ship-to-shore cable - 50 ft. · Seaward SS water heater, 6 gallon, 115 VAC/ heat exchanger. · 2 Mast-mounted P&S deck lights · Chart table gooseneck light - red · Brinkman Q-Beam 12V Spotlight, 400,000 CP CANVAS · Two-part full-deck awning/sun-shade (a $1,400 item) · Bimini on SS frame · Helm cover · Sail Cover · Winch covers · SS dodger frame-no canvas STANDING RIGGING · Hood roller furling on head stay · SS wire standing rigging & chain plates · Four (4) each port & stbd. shrouds · Keel-stepped aluminum spar-Exc. Cond. RUNNING RIGGING · Two (2) Lewmar No. 43 two speed self-tailing primary winches w/covers. · Two (2) Lewmar No. 8 single speed mast mount halyard winches. · 2 winch handles · Harken 4:1 ball-bearing mid-boom mainsheet traveler, cabin mounted · Hardware in place / sail cover designed for lazy-jack system. Needs lines. · Genoa tracks with twin-sheet Schaeffer blocks, port and stbd. · Dacron braid sheets · Dacron braid halyards, internal & external, outhaul & topping lift · Aft turning (cheek) blocks port & stbd. SAILS · Footless main sail - new and unused · Original main sail · Genoa head sail - roller furling with UV stripe FRESH WATER TANKS · Polypropylene tank mounted below the stbd. settee, 36 gallons · Polypropylene tank located under port side aft quarter berth, est. 20 gallons, w/ separate deck fillSPARES / EXTRAS / OTHER · Includes 5 Hostar stackable jack stands for off-season layup ($1,000 value) · 4 – 10”x10”x2’ Hickory staging blocks · New Beckson port screens · Tool set in drawer · Hatch WindScoop for ventilation · Stern flagstaff & flag · All manuals, incl. Yanmar · 115VAC Vacuum cleaner · New extra odor-resistant hose for sanitary plumbing · Deck brush, cabin brush and dust pan · Boat hook · Custom compact winter cover scaffolding-ready for tarp (shown in photos) · V-belts, engine hoses, hardware, etc. RECENT UPGRADES INCLUDE · Brand new main sail - never used · Epoxy hull re-faring · Cushions covers removed, cleaned & repaired · Compass serviced · Holding tank seal maintenance, cleanout and sanitizing · New shaft zinc · Bottom paint (9/2014) · Hull polish & wax (9/2014) Work Needed: Woodwork around forward port lights in main salon needs to be repaired/replaced. Bright work: hand rails, cockpit table and taffrailNew price reflects work needed on rudder. Recent repair did not work to seal it and there is water inside. SS rudder post is good and rudder seems solid, is probably serviceable but may ultimately need better repair or replacement. Price: US $ 19,500Located in Rome, NY on the Erie Canal (accessible to Lake Champlain, the Atlantic Ocean or the Great Lakes). This vessel is sold AS IS, WHERE IS.Not included / Negotiable: 8.5' Zodiac/West Marine dinghy, RU260, with oars, pump, bag, repair kit, plus 3.3 hp Mercury outboard - excellent. $950New-in-box Lewmar 1000 Pro-Series 12V Windlass, Stainless Steel. $700Pair (2) of new Lewmar Ocean Series 16CST Self-Tailing Winches, Chromed Bronze. $950 Call: 315-733-7305 (H) Text: 315-368-4939 (C) Email: [email protected] Endeavour 33: http://www.endeavourowners.com/boats/e33/e33brochure.pdf http://sailboatdata.com/viewrecord.asp?class_id=1878 http://sailboatdata.com/view_builder.asp?builder_id=27 http://sailboatdata.com/view_designer.asp?designer_id=162 Zodiac/WM RU-260 Inflatable “Roll-Up” Dinghy: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z0FSSffq5zM http://www.inriodulce.com/lostandfound/RU260.html Mercury 3.3 hp Outboard: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MLY-tuSCkK4 http://www.mercury-marine.eu/mercury/en/Products/Products.aspx?Model=TwoStroke%203.3 Lewmar Winch 16CST: http://lewmar.com/products.asp?id=8150&lid=25361

1988 Custom sail boat sailboat custom

Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Make Custom

Model Sail Boat Sailboat Custom

Category Sailboats

1988 Custom sail boat sailboat custom -NEW ARRIVAL!!!!! MUST SEE!!!!! - Unique and beautiful all around! - Mahogany interior - Hot Tub - Loaded with electronics. - Needs some TLC but you have to see it in person to appreciate its beauty! - Beautiful wood interior. - Hull completely insulated. - Washer and Dryer. - Vetus generator. - Can travel the world or live aboard this beautiful vessel.

26 FT SAILBOAT WESTERLY CENTAUR

Beaufort, South Carolina

1973 26 ft Westerly Centaur for sell in great condition. The boat runs perfectly and is ready to sail. Has a strong Yanmar diesel inboard engine, tiller, three jibs, one main sail, cushions, bimini top, bathroom, two quarter berths, one master berth, salon (folds into another bed), bathroom, kitchenette, dual keeled (great for shallow waters and stability), extra set of original windows, ac unit, radio, new carpet, teak wood, and interior lighting. Can be used as a live-aboard. It comfortably sleeps 4, but has the room for 6 people. Very easy to maneuver and set sail with one person. Relocating to the city so won't be able to bring it along. -Josh-

1981 Watkins 36 Center Cockpit Sailboat

Bay St. Louis, Mississippi

Make Watkins

Category Center Consoles

Length 36.0

Overhauled (2015) ocean-capable cruiser. Would make a great live aboard or offshore cruiser. Has survived 7 hurricanes. Everything below the waterline was replaced last year (through-hulls, engine shaft, propeller, etc). AC, refrigeration, LPG stove/oven, 90 gal water, 40 gal diesel. Perkins 4108 engine - runs great, rebuilt 2012. Complete details in survey. All recommendations in survey have been completed. Everything integral to the performance of the boat has been maintained or restored. There are some quirks, as with any boat though, most are cosmetic: The cushions are old and could use new upholstery, some stains and tears. The overhead upholstery is the same, stained with some tears, but overall acceptable condition. Side hatches leak to some extent; last winter I temporarily sealed them with silicone but there is some water damage to the overhead upholstery and some of the wood veneer has gotten soft over the years and fell away. All the top hatches do not lock closed (they close completely but the locks on them are broken). The refrigerator runs but does not get very cold. It takes R12. I have a can of it I bought recently but haven't added it to the system yet. The air conditioner blows very cold, recently replaced the capacitor for the motor and added a brand new water pump but the hose is old and could be replaced. All of the wood outside could use some sanding and varnish. I don't know how to pilot it so it has sat at the marina for the last year. Survey appraises it at $34,000, I'm asking $32,000. Money talks, come take a look make me an offer. Survey: https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B-P5-cTX2NRXUFVLNWF3eWVYN2F2V0twLURYUWJCYU5hRmxn/view?usp=sharing Imgur album here: More Images Hull Maintenance Imgur album here (photos in reverse order): boat restoration

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10 Best Used Cruising Sailboats

• By John Kretschmer
• Updated: May 24, 2024

The appeal of offshore voyaging is difficult to explain to land people who can’t imagine life without basic human rights like copious quantities of hot water and unlimited data. It can even be challenging to explain to fellow sailors who think the notion of spending days or weeks at sea is a form of water­boarding, some kind of self-inflicted torture.

But for those of us who understand, who relish intimacy with the untamed wilderness that is the ocean and embrace self-­reliance and individual expression while accepting the ­dispassionate whims of Neptune, this is the good life.

There are two essential truths about this life: One, money does not matter. Cruising budgets and lifestyles reflect bank accounts with variously positioned commas; it’s the passages and landfalls that add up, not your investment portfolio. And two, a good bluewater sailboat — not necessarily an expensive boat, but a well-­designed, solidly built, imminently seaworthy boat that is only limited by your moxie and imagination — is the key to successful bluewater passagemaking.

– LEARN THE NAVIGATION RULES – Know the “Rules of the Road” that govern all boat traffic. Be courteous and never assume other boaters can see you. Safety Tip Provided by the U.S. Coast Guard

So, to that second point, I’ve compiled a list of interesting and affordable cruising sailboats for serious voyaging. A list of 10 sailboats for any purpose, much less world cruising, is sure to evoke outrage from strong-minded sailors, who by nature tend to be a bit opinionated. Stand by before hurling insults my way, and let me explain. I have decided to stay away from the sailboats we know by heart, the iconic old boats that usually populate a list like this: the Westsail 32, Tayana 37, Shannon 38 and Valiant 40 (the last of which, with a bit of searching, can still be found at or just below $100,000).

My list of some of the best liveaboard sailboats is eclectic and includes a mix of well-known and obscure manufacturers, but all the boats are linked in three ways: All are top-quality vessels capable of crossing oceans. They’re affordable, although in a few cases you have to look for older models in less-than-stellar condition to stay below $100,000. Indeed, in some ways, this list of used sailboats is a function of age; most of the boats were priced at more than $100,000 when new but have dipped below our self-imposed threshold in middle age. And finally, they’re all boats that I have encountered in the past few years in far-flung cruising destinations .

Island Packet 35

Love them or loathe them, Island Packets are everywhere. To some, the beamy, full-keel, high-freeboard hull designs seem quaint, to put it charitably. To others, the robust construction standards, roomy interiors and overall user-friendliness make them the ideal cruising boat. More than most, sailing vessels are compromises, and Bob Johnson and his crew at Island Packet were brilliant in prioritizing the needs of sailors. The IP 35 was introduced in 1988 and features a huge cockpit, an easy-to-handle cutter rig with a jib boom, and a clever, comfortable interior with the volume of many 40-footers. It might not be the fastest boat upwind, but the long waterline translates to good performance off the breeze, meaning the IP 35 finds its stride in the trade winds. In all, 188 boats were built before production stopped in 1994.

Don’t confuse the IP 35 with the IP 350, which was launched in 1997 and included a stern swim step. You won’t find a 350 for less than $100,000, but you will have a choice among 35s, especially those built before 1990. With two nice staterooms, the 35 is ideal for family cruising. I know of a couple of 35s that have completed the classic Atlantic Circle passage. It’s perfect for a sabbatical cruise because it holds its value and there’s a ready market when it comes time to sell.

Prout Snowgoose 37

There’s no room for discussion: Catamarans are crossing oceans, and many sailors are choosing cats for world cruising. My last visits to the Azores and Canary Islands, the classic Atlantic waypoints, proved the point. I’m not much of a statistician, but by my count, at least a quarter and maybe a third of the boats I saw were catamarans. There would be more on this list, but they are just too expensive. Finding a quality catamaran for less than $100,000 is tough. One boat to consider is the classic workhorse multihull, the Prout Snowgoose 37.

When the Snowgoose 37 was launched in 1983, English builder Prout & Sons had already been in business for nearly 50 years. The 37 was an updated version of the Snowgoose 35, one of the most successful cruising cats ever. In 1986, the 37 was updated again; the Snowgoose Elite model included more beam and interior upgrades. These models are challenging to find for under $100,000, but it’s possible. A quick glance at yachtworld.com shows several of both models available for less than $100,000. Again, the strong dollar makes European boats an excellent value.

The Snowgoose 37 is not sexy like go-fast cats, and not roomy like modern cruising cats. It is, however, seaworthy. Of the 500 built, many have circumnavigated. Older boats have solid fiberglass hulls, and more recent models are solid glass from the waterline down and cored above. The cockpit is rather compact by catamaran standards, and the bridgedeck is solid (no tramp). Many 37s and all Elites were rigged with staysails, a big plus in heavy weather. The masthead-­rigged Snowgoose 37 can be sailed like a monohull offshore, and it’s quite nice not having a huge, roachy mainsail to wrestle with in a storm. With a 15-foot-3-inch beam for the 37 and a 16-foot-3-inch beam for the Elite, it’s easy to find affordable dockage and yards for haulouts. Most boats have three double cabins, making the Snowgoose 37 an ideal family cruiser.

The Corbin 39 is not as well known as it should be. It’s a capable bluewater sailboat cruiser with many impressive voyages logged. My Quetzal spent several weeks moored alongside a handsome 39 in Corfu that had sailed around the world, and I also spent a winter in Malta in the same boatyard as another 39 that had recently crossed the Atlantic. A canoe-stern, flush-deck pilothouse cutter, the 39 was offered with either an aft or center cockpit. Designed by Michael Dufour and constructed by Corbin les Bateaux in Canada, hull number one was launched in 1977. Built in various locations in Quebec, 129 boats were launched before a fire destroyed the deck tooling in 1982. A new deck with a larger cockpit was designed, and 70 more boats were laid up before production ceased in 1990.

The rub on the Corbin 39 is that the majority of boats were sold as kits with owner-­finished interiors. Kits varied from just hull-and-deck to “sailaway,” with everything fitted except the interior. Only 15 boats were finished at the factory. Not surprisingly, the interior quality is unpredictable, from rough-hewn lumberyard specials to beautifully handcrafted gems finished by marine professionals. The difference is reflected in the price. A nicely finished, well-equipped model from the mid-’80s typically sells for between $60,000 and $80,000.

The hull shape features a long fin keel and skeg-mounted rudder. The hulls are heavily laid up and include Airex coring. Early decks were plywood-cored, but most boats have Airex in the deck as well. Ballast is 9,000 pounds of internal lead, translating to a 40 percent ballast-to-displacement ratio. The wide flush deck is spacious, and the sleek pilothouse usually includes inside steering. Massive double anchor rollers are incorporated into the bowsprit in later models. Most boats include a double-­spreader spar, and almost all were set up as cutters. There’s plenty of freeboard, which becomes obvious below. While interior arrangements vary considerably, there’s a lot of room to work with. I prefer the post-1982 aft-cockpit 39s; they’re generally of a higher quality than earlier boats.

– CARRY A BEACON – Satellite beacons such as EPIRBs or PLBs allow boaters to transmit distress signals and their exact coordinates from anywhere on the planet, no cell service required. It may be the best $400 you ever spend. Safety Tip Provided by the U.S. Coast Guard

Cabo Rico 38

“The Cabo Rico 38 hull shape is the one in which everything came together best,” wrote Bill Crealock in his design notes. He might have changed his mind later in life, considering that the Cabo Rico was introduced in 1977 and he designed many boats after that, but few will dispute that this 38-foot cutter, built in Costa Rica, is flat-out beautiful. From the clipper bow to the sweet sheer to the abundance of honey-colored teak, the Cabo Rico 38 is a boat to inspire the most practical among us to quit their job, buy this vessel, and head for the South Pacific.

Not surprisingly, many people have done just that. Cabo Rico built 200 full-keeled 38s, with most of the production occurring in the 1980s. There’s always a selection of boats for sale for less than $100,000. Cabo Rico was an outlier among manufacturers of the time, building serious cruising boats in Central America instead of Taiwan, but quality control was always excellent. The full keel is slightly cutaway, and the rudder is attached to the trailing edge. The prop is in an aperture and totally protected, but not well suited to backing into a slip. Full-keel boats may make some younger sailors cringe, but the CR 38 has a very soft ride in rough seas and heaves to effectively. It also has a solid fiberglass hull with a layer of balsa for insulation. Sometimes it’s noted that the hull is balsa-cored, but it’s not. After about hull number 40, lead was used instead of iron for internal ballast. The deck is balsa-cored, however, and there’s a substantial bulwark. Items to be wary of are the teak decks (most 38s have them) and the fittings supporting the bobstay.

A true cutter rig, the 38 has just under 1,000 square feet of working sail area and performs better than most people suspect. The staysail was originally set on a boom that cluttered the foredeck and limited sail shape. Many boats have been converted with furling staysails sans the boom — a nice upgrade. When the wind pipes up, the 38 tracks nicely with a reefed main and staysail. I encounter 38s all over the Caribbean. They’re easy to spot; they’re the beautiful boats in the anchorage.

Tayana Vancouver 42

Ta Yang, builder of Tayana sailboats, has been building capable cruising boats forever, it seems. The Robert Harris-designed Tayana Vancouver 42 has been a mainstay of the serious cruising fleet since the day it was launched in 1979, and is still in demand today. The company built 200 boats, mostly in the ’80s and early ’90s, although a few V42s were built into the 2000s. With a bit of digging and some haggling, you can find boats for less than $100,000, but they’re likely to be older models. As of this writing, yachtworld.com has eight V42s listed, with three asking less than $100,000.

I’ve encountered the V42 all over the world, and in my yacht-delivery days, I had the pleasure of delivering a couple of 42s up the East Coast and down to the Caribbean. The double-ended hull shape with a fin-skeg underbody is stiff and seaworthy, if not wickedly fast. Considering the rugged construction, with a solid fiberglass hull and balsa-cored deck, nobody has ever accused Ta Yang of going light on its boats. Ballast is internal iron, a massive single casting that weighs in at 11,800 pounds. Ta Yang has evolved as a builder, and later models included upgrades like vinylester resin and larger Yanmar diesels.

A true cutter, the V42 has a double-spreader rig and is heavily stayed. The seagoing deck is cambered to shed water. Teak decks, with all their virtues and vices, were common; I’d look for a boat that’s been de-teaked. Like the Corbin 39, the V42 came with either a center or aft cockpit, although most boats were aft-cockpit models. The aft cockpit is deep and secure, if a bit tight due to volume sacrificed by the canoe stern. The center cockpit is cramped but offers excellent visibility. The interior is lovely, with exquisite Taiwanese joinery. Although interior arrangements vary because Ta Yang encouraged owner input, across the board, this is a friendly boat for living aboard. The aft-cockpit model includes one head and a traditional layout with excellent light and ventilation. The center-­cockpit model features a large owner’s stateroom aft.

Wauquiez Pretorien 35

The Pretorien 35 does not pay homage to tradition. The Euro-style low-slung wedge deck and flattish lines were thoroughly modern when the Pretorien was launched in 1979. Sure, there are IOR influences in this well-proven Holman & Pye design, including a slightly pinched stern, cramped cockpit, and a high-aspect, short-boom mainsail that results in a large fore­triangle. But a small main is easy to handle offshore, especially in squally conditions, and a large poled-out furling genoa provides a low-stress way to cross oceans. The test of a design is revealed long after the launch, and the Pretorien has aged brilliantly. It’s often mistaken for a Swan or Baltic. Famed voyager and author Hal Roth chose a Pretorien for his last boat.

Below the water, which is what really matters at sea, the Pretorien pushes the right buttons for serious sailing. A fine entry provides enough of a forefoot to prevent pounding in lumpy conditions, and as on the Valiant 40, the fin keel incorporates a stub to which the external ballast is fastened. The rudder is mounted well aft for excellent steering control, especially on a deep reach, and is tucked behind a narrow but full-length skeg. The Pretorien displaces 13,000 pounds, of which 6,000 pounds is ballast, translating to a stiff, seakindly boat.

The construction is superb. The solid fiberglass hull includes longitudinal stringers that stiffen the panels and encapsulate the bulkheads. Tabbing and fiberglass work is first-rate throughout. Wauquiez was one of the first builders to use solid laminate beneath high-load deck fittings. The side decks are wide and, with the chainplates well inboard, easy to navigate. The interior arrangement is conventional, but ample beam amidships helps create a surprisingly spacious feel below.

There were 212 Pretoriens built during a seven-year production run, so there’s usually a good selection of boats on the used market. Today’s strong dollar makes European Pretoriens an excellent value.

– 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

Gulfstar 44

Gulfstar had a terrible reputation in the early ’70s: It was infamous for producing wide-body motorsailers with tiny rigs and chintzy Formica interiors. Company founder Vince Lazzara was adept at reading market trends and upped his game in the late ’70s and ’80s. Lazzara, who also founded Columbia Yachts, was a veteran of the production-­sailboat wars and realized that buyers were demanding high-quality boats that sailed well. The Gulfstar 44 was launched in 1978, and 105 were sold before the company started producing the Hirsh 45 in 1985.

Some mistake the G44 for a Bristol, and it has a similar profile, right down to the teak toerail and raked cabin trunk. A sleek center-­cockpit design, the hull shape features a 5-foot-6-inch fin keel, a skeg-hung rudder and moderate proportions. I know the boat well, having delivered one from Bermuda to Annapolis and another from Fort Lauderdale to Boston. It has a nice ride in lumpy seas and powers up when the big genoa is drawing on a reach. The construction is typical of the time, with solid fiberglass hulls and cored decks. Gulfstars were known to blister, and it’s likely that any 44 you find will have had an epoxy bottom job along the way — and if it hasn’t, it will need one. The keel-stepped spar has an air draft of 55 feet. Some owners have modified the sloop rig with a staysail. The cockpit is roomy, especially for a center-cockpit design, although there’s not much of a bridgedeck. All sail controls are led aft. Lazzara was an early proponent of this feature, and the boat is user-friendly overall.

The interior sells the boat. It’s nicely finished in teak, and the layout is made for living aboard. The aft cabin includes an enormous double berth with an en suite head and stall shower. The main saloon is spacious and well ventilated, although beware of the plastic opening portlights. If you are looking for a comfortable, well-built center-cockpit cruiser but can’t find one that you can afford, track down a Gulfstar 44; you’ll be pleasantly surprised.

Any list of bluewater cruising sailboats must include a Robert Perry design. I could have easily put together nine Perry boats for this list. The Nordic 40 may surprise some, especially because 40 feet is an iconic length, bringing to mind such boats as the Valiant 40, Hinckley Bermuda 40, Bristol 40, Pacific Seacraft 40, Passport 40 and others. The trick is finding a 40-footer for less than $100,000. Nonetheless, the Nordic 40 and its larger sister ship, the 44, are among my favorite boats.

Based in Bellingham, Washington, Nordic produced world-class yachts during its brief production run in the 1980s. Only 40 Nordic 40s were launched between 1982 and 1987, but they’re worth seeking out on the used-boat market. The 40 features the classic double-ended Perry hull shape, with a fine entry, a deep and powerful fin keel, a skeg-mounted rudder positioned well aft, and a reverse transom. Freeboard is moderate and the sheer line is subtle, but to my eye, with its double-spreader rig and gently sloping deck line, the boat is poetry in the water.

The hull is solid fiberglass and the deck is balsa-cored, with solid laminates below loaded-up deck fittings. Original boats came with Navtec rod rigging and a hydraulic backstay, but many have been upgraded by now. Sail-control lines are led aft to the compact but functional T-shaped cockpit. The traveler is forward of the companionway, allowing for a cockpit dodger. The Nordic 40 is nimble in light to moderate breeze but can also stand up in a blow and heave to decently.

The interior is well suited to a cruising couple. It’s really a two-person boat, with a V-berth forward and large C-shaped galley aft, with plenty of counter space and a huge fridge. It includes the normal deft Perry touches — excellent sea berths, a separate stall shower and generous tankage. If you do find a Nordic 40 on the used market, be sure to take a hard look at the Westerbeke diesel and the V-drive transmission.

Pacific Seacraft 34

A handsome, nimble and capable double-ender by legendary designer Bill Crealock, the Pacific Seacraft 34 is well proven, with scores of ocean crossings in its wake.

After the boat was first launched as the Crealock 34 in 1979, Pacific Seacraft introduced a fifth model years later, a scaled-down version of the popular PS 37. Though expensive at the time, the 34 was another success story for one of America’s premier builders, and hundreds of boats were built in the company’s yard in Santa Ana, California. There is always a good selection of used boats available for less than $100,000. Another nice perk for used-boat buyers is that the 34 is back in production at the reincarnated Pacific Seacraft yard in Washington, North Carolina, providing an outlet for parts and advice. The company is now owned and operated by marine archaeologist Stephen Brodie and his father, Reid.

The 34 blends traditional values above the waterline with what was then a more modern underbody, with a long fin keel and skeg-hung rudder. A bit hefty at 13,500 pounds of displacement, the design otherwise is a study in moderation, and drawn with a keen eye toward providing a soft ride in a seaway and staying on good terms with Neptune in a blow.

The hull is solid fiberglass, and early decks were plywood-­cored before Pacific switched to end-grain balsa. The hull-to-deck joint incorporates a molded bulwark that offers added security when you’re moving about on deck, and a vertical surface for mounting stanchions.

Most 34s are cutter-rigged for versatility but carry moderate-­size genoas instead of high-cut yankees for more horsepower off the wind. Down below, the layout is traditional, but the 6-foot-4-inch headroom is a pleasant surprise. The Pacific Seacraft 34 is perfect for a cruising couple.

John Kretschmer is a delivery captain, adventurer and writer, whose own boat Quetzal , a 1987 Kaufman 47, has seen a refit or two over the years. His latest book is Sailing a Serious Ocean: Sailboats, Storms, Stories and Lessons Learned from 30 Years at Sea , also available on his website .

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Used Live Aboard Boats For Sale

70' Hatteras 1988

Stuart, United States

63' Viking Motor Yacht 1989

Little River, United States

60' Viking 60 Cockpit Sport Yacht 1996

Palmetto, United States

56' Carver 564 Motor Yacht Aft Cabin 2002

Portland, United States

55' Viking 55 Convertible 2013

$ 2,149,000

Pensacola, United States

54' Hatteras Motoryacht 1987

Savannah, United States

54' Sea Ray Sundancer 2013

Cancun, Mexico

53' Hatteras 53 Motor Yacht 1980

Mystic, United States

52' Hatteras Sport 1999

Miami Beach, United States

51' Riviera 51 Flybridge 2008

Marathon, United States

50' Absolute 50 Fly 2019

$ 1,060,000

Manhattan, United States

50' Custom Trawler 1991

Description

If your dream is to live aboard a yacht, United Yacht Sales has the inventory to connect you with the perfect boat for your needs. We feature more than 1,000 listings at any given time. You can always find a huge selection of live aboard yachts for sale in Florida and elsewhere in the United States. These live aboard yachts are made by a number of top brands, including Hatteras , Viking , Sea Ray , Tiara , Sunseeker , Kadey-Krogen , and more. Our inventory also represents a variety of dimensions, ages, amenities, price points and other characteristics and features.

SPEAK TO A SALES PROFESSIONAL

How We Can Help?

Founded in 2002, United Yachts Sales has grown to become the largest independent yacht brokerage in the world. In addition to our 1,000-plus listings, we have a team of more than 100 brokers spread across the United States and Canada. These brokers are experienced and knowledgeable, and each is more than capable of helping you find the perfect live aboard yacht for sale in Florida. Our team's talent is evidenced by our results - each year, about 600 transactions close representing about $100 million. When you want a live aboard yacht, we know how to find and secure it for you.

Browse our selection of live aboard yachts for sale in Florida and contact the listed broker to get more details or ask questions. If you don't see a yacht that meets your needs, contact one of our United Yacht Sales brokers directly. We can watch the market for a boat that better fits your requirements.

Browse our inventory or contact us today .

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Live Aboard Boats for Sale by their Owners

In collating this listing of live aboard boats for sale, we've taken the view that living aboard a sailboat smaller than 32 feet is unlikely to provide her occupant(s) with a high degree of comfort - nor would a stripped-out, light-displacement racer of any length. 

Live Aboard Boats for Sale by Length Overall

• Under 40 feet
• 40 to 50 feet
• Over 50 feet

And what qualifies a boat as suitable for living aboard is very much a personal view.

For example, some liveaboard sailors - happy to rely on a diesel generator - will tell you that they couldn't possibly manage without a flat screen TV and a plumbed-in washing machine, whilst others - more reasonably in my view - consider self-sufficiency in terms of drinking water (through rain water collection and/or a reverse osmosis water maker) and green electrical power (from a wind turbine and/or solar panels) to be primary requirements. 

All the boats below are offered for sale by their owners, many of which live aboard their boats for considerable periods at a time.

Live-Aboard Sailboats under 40 feet

Single-handers, provided they're content with a fairly spartan standard of living, will tell you that a thirty-two-footer is ideal for living aboard. A cruising couple though are likely to aspire to something with additional creature-comforts and a little more space below.

Having said that I know of two young cruising couples who crossed the Atlantic in their Sadler 25's and cruised the Caribbean in them, so you really don't need a big cruising boat - it's better to cruise in a small boat than not to cruise at all!

Sailboats approaching 40 feet, like the larger ones shown below, are more likely to appeal to them.

Relatively easy to maintain and considerably less expensive to own and operate than those above 40 (particularly so if you're inclined to spend much time in marinas) they represent the minimum size range for comfortable living aboard.

'Galileo' , a Jaguar 36 catamaran

Location:  Grenada West Indies

Asking Price: $150,000

'Petrel Blue' , a Westerly Oceanranger 38

Location:  Grenada, West Indies

Asking Price: $38,588

'Hitchcock' , an RM1260

Location: Grenada, West Indies.

Asking Price: €209,000

'Live the Dash' , a  Morgan Out Island 37

Location: St Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands.

Asking Price:  $36,900   $33,900

'Kesh' , a  Wauquiez Gladiateur 33

Location: Indiantown, Florida USA.

Asking Price:  $42,000 $36,000

'Pompoen' , a Hans Christian 34

Location: Trinidad, West Indies

Asking Price:  $42,000

'Shindig' , a Custom Design Performance Cruiser

Asking Price:  $49,900

'Just Friends' , a Hunter 376

Location:  Puerto Rico, West Indies

Asking Price:  $70,000

'Seawind' , an Allied Seawind MkII

Location:  Fort Lauderdale, Florida, USA

Asking Price:  $59,700

more ' Seawind ' pics, info and owner's contact details...

'Manhé-1' , a Rival 38

Location:  The Canary Islands, returning to Mediterranean in May 2023

Asking Price:  €78,000

more 'Manhé-1' pics, info and owner's contact details...

'Anna' , a Bavaria 390

Location:  Trinidad, West Indies

Asking Price:  $35,000 now $28,000

more 'Anna' pics, info and owner's contact details...

'Freja' , a Voyager 35

Location:  Martinique, French West Indies

Asking Price:  €35,000

more 'Freja' pics, info and owner's contact details...

'Hero' , a Pacific Seacraft 37

Location:  The Caribbean

Asking Price:  $139,000   now $125,000!

more 'Hero' pics and info...

'Iko Iko' , a Wharram Tiki 38 Catamaran

Location:  Key West, Florida USA

Asking Price:  $75,000

more 'Iko Iko' pics and info...

'Golightly' , an Island Packet 350

Asking Price:  $88,000

more 'Golightly' pics and info...

'Charisma' , a Downeaster 38

Location:  Cabrillo Marina, San Pedro, California USA

Asking Price: $70,000

'Maia' , a Moody 376

Location:  Martinique, French West Indies

Asking Price: €70,000

'Svea av Valleviken' , an Overseas 35

Location:  Grenada, West Indies

Asking Price: €89,000

'Kesh' , a Wauquiez Gladiateur 33

Location:  Indiantown, Florida USA

Asking Price:  $37,500

'Aphroditi' , a Bavaria 37

Location:  Athens, Greece

Asking Price:  €62,000

A Cal 27

Location:  Waukegan, IL

Asking Price:  $7,000

'Wild Goose' , a Tartan 3000

Asking Price:   $22,500 

A GibSea 37 Ketch

Location:  Martinique, West Indies

Asking Price:   €35,000

Live-Aboard Sailboats from 40 feet to 50 feet

Most live-aboard boats fall within this range. All have plenty of space for a cruising couple and all their gear, along with sizeable berths for visiting friends and family members. But watch those marina bills...

'Venture' , a Hunter Passage 42

Asking Price: $69,000

'Penniless' , a Beneteau Oceanis 473 Clipper

Location:  South Pacific

Asking Price: $145,000 / €135,000

'Coco Rose' , a Fountaine Pajot Lipari 41

Asking Price: €131,000

'One for the Road' , a Hunter Passage 450

Location:  Ragusa, Sicily

Asking Price: €135,000

'Wind's Way' , a Hardin Seawolf 40

Asking Price: $66,000

'BlueJacket' , a Freedom 40/40

Location:  Belize, Central America

'Heart' , a Hans Christian 43T

Location:  Port Saint Louis du Rhone, France

Asking Price: €119,000

'Cabo Frio' , a Catalina Morgan 43

Asking Price: $65,000

'Venture' , a  Bristol 40

Asking Price: $46,000 $36,000

'Revelia' , a  Cheoy Lee 47 Ketch

Location: Grenada, West Indies

Asking Price:  $154,900 $125,000

"Wanuskewin" , a Catalina 42 MkII

Location: Lucaya, Grand Bahama

Asking Price:  $105,000

'Helios' , the Bavaria 44

Location:  Rio Dulce, Guatemala

Asking Price:  $120,000

'Magic' , at Cherubini 44

Location:  Punta Gorda, Florida, USA

Asking Price:  $285,000

'Pegasus' , a Gib'Sea 126

Location:  Curaçao, Dutch Antilles

Asking Price:  $50,000 $45,000

'Untethered Soul' , a Vagabond 47

Location:  Fajardo, Puerto Rico

Asking Price:  $162,000 $96,000

'Merlin' , a Beneteau 473

Location:  Rhode Island, USA

Asking Price:  $179,000

more 'Merlin' pics, info and owner's contact details...

'Mirage' , a Hout Bay 40

Location:  Turkey

Asking Price:  $99,500

more 'Mirage' pics and info...

'Windseeker' , a Morgan 41 Out Island Ketch

Location:  Hamilton, Ontario, Canada

Asking Price:  $60,000

'Sirius' , a Beneteau Oceanis 46

Location:  Chiapas, Mexico

Asking Price:  $198,000 $159,000

'Music II' , a Morgan 41 Classic

Asking Price:  $97,500

' Havanesey Day ' , a Fountaine Pajot Lucia 40

Location:  Croatia/Montenegro

Asking Price:  €475,000

'Celebration' , a Morgan 415 Out Island Ketch

Location:  St Petersburg, Florida, USA

Asking Price: $82,500

'Spellbound' , a Hardin Seawolf 40

Location:  Ensenada, Baja California, Mexico

Asking Price: $66,500

'Blue Jay' , a J/40

Location:  Cadiz, Spain

Asking Price: €80,000

'Coconut' , a Contest 41S

Location:  Norway

Asking Price:  £74,999

'Lola' , a Frans Maas 50 Schooner

Location:  Colon, Panama

Asking Price:   $65,900

'Southern Cross' , a Hunter Passage 450

Location:   Puerto Rico, Caribbean

Asking Price:  $139,750

Live-Aboard Sailboats over 50 feet

Although many liveaboard boats within this range are owned and operated by just two people, they can become something of a liability in terms of running costs and an embarrassment when close-quarters maneuvering. 

But if space and luxury are your primary requirements, this is where to look.

'Searching for the Edge' , a  Bavaria 50 Vision

Location:  Key Biscayne, Florida

Asking Price:  $249,000

'Scraatch' , a Sundeer 56  

Location: Puerto Penasco, Mexico

Asking Price:  $300,000

'Rocky' , a Pearson 530 

Location:  Brunswick, Georgia USA

Asking Price:  $205,000

'Lusty' , a Columbia 56

Location:  Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

more ' Lusty ' pics, info and owner's contact details...

'Aleria' , a Bowman 57

Location:  Ireland

Asking Price:  €275,000

'Small World II' a Tayana Flying Dutchman 50

Location:  Subic Bay Yacht Club, Philippines

Asking Price:  $165,000

More pics and details...

'Surgiamo' ,  a Beneteau 500

Location:  Turkey

Asking Price:  €125,000

‘La Scala a Mare’ , a Tayana 55 Cutter

Location:  Phuket, Thailand

Asking Price:  $230,000

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First Time Atlantic Crossing

The story of a cruising couple's first Atlantic Crossing in a sailboat, as recorded at the time by the female half of the crew. A fascinating insight of what a long ocean passage is really like.

How Living Aboard a Sailboat Worked Out for the Crew of Alacazam

Could living aboard a sailboat work for you? Here we compare our pre-departure expectations with the reality of living aboard our sailboat and crossing an ocean

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10 Best Sailboats To Live In

Last Updated by

Daniel Wade

December 28, 2023

Living aboard a sailboat is an exciting lifestyle choice, but there are lots of considerations you’ll need to make.

‍ First and foremost, you have to pick a boat to live in. Unless you plan on sleeping under a canvas tarp, it’s essential to find a sailboat with a proper cabin.

Cabin sailboats became common in the United States during the early 20th century, but size and amenities vary widely between boats.  

For example, early wooden sailboats generally featured very sparse accommodations below, typically consisting of a pipe berth, oil lamps, a coal-fired stove and a bucket privy—typically without standing headroom.

Fortunately, the majority of cabin sailboats came with a lot more than a bucket to wash with.

In this article, we’ll go over some of the most important considerations to make when choosing a sailboat to live on . After, we’ll give a top-ten list of the best used liveaboard sailboats you can buy today.

Table of contents

Why Live Aboard a Sailboat?

Thousands of people choose to live aboard their sailboats.  It’s an alternative lifestyle with a host of benefits for those willing to deal with the added challenges.  

Liveaboards can move their entire house on the water, and it’s typically cheaper to live on a boat than in a traditional house.

This is especially true in major waterfront cities, where rent in the same area as the marina can be several times more expensive.  

Some people love the marina lifestyle, and others travel the world.  All-in-all, living aboard a sailboat can be a rewarding, enriching, and financially-freeing lifestyle choice.

What to Consider when Buying a Liveaboard Sailboat

The most important thing to consider when buying a liveaboard sailboat is what level of accommodation you need.

Some people aren’t bothered by limited amenities; in fact, many traditional sailors prefer a stripped-down and basic sailboat interior. However, many others appreciate useful features such as electric toilets and a full galley.

You can find virtually every creature comfort on board a modern sailboat, so it’s up to you to decide what level of convenience you expect. ‍

For most people, a standard cruising sailboat interior from after 1970 will suffice, as these typically include a usable galley, shower, head, and ventilation.

Offshore VS Coastal Cruising Accommodations

Sailboat interior design is dependent on certain criteria, such as the sailboat’s intended use. Long-distance cruising sailboats have cabins arranged to suit such a journey.

Long-distance sailboats usually remove any unnecessary furniture or extras down below to increase storage, and sleeping options are altered to ensure easy access, which allows the crew to regain control of the boat in a pinch.

Coastal cruisers tend to feature a more luxurious layout, with larger sofas and more complex interior features. Additionally, storage space is generally reduced to allow for the inclusion of other amenities.

Whichever style you choose should reflect both how you plan to use your boat and what level of comfort you need.

What Makes A Great Liveaboard Sailboat?

For this article, we’ve outlined a few requirements which we believe identify an excellent liveaboard sailboat :

• Standing headroom (at least 5’10”)

While many people live aboard boats without standing headroom, it’s still a nice feature to have.  Months or years spent crawling or crouching can wreak havoc on your back and body, so standing headroom is a necessity in this list.

• 120V AC availability

Electricity is a definite requirement for our liveaboard list.  Boats without 120V AC outlets present major challenges to liveaboards, as there’s no way to charge most computers or cell phones.  Some boats feature a 12V outlet, but full-time liveaboard boats should have standard house connections for electricity.

• Galley facilities

Unless you plan on eating out every day, a galley is a must for our list.  We define an adequate galley as a facility with a sink, ice box or refrigerator, and a stove.  An oven is an added bonus, but one can usually be added along with a new stove.

• Electric lighting

Electric lighting is a matter of both safety and convenience aboard boats.  There’s nothing wrong with kerosene lamps; many sailors adorn their boats with them.  However, a long-term liveaboard boat should feature safe and reliable electric lighting.

• Toilet with plumbing

Sanitation facilities are vital on board a sailboat, especially if you live on it.  Improper human waste storage and disposal will spread awful diseases.  Plus, nobody wants to live on a stinky boat or use a porta-potty all year long.  We required each of our ten boats to have built-in and properly outfitted toilets, plus safe storage tanks for pumping out later.

Bathing facilities are also a must on most liveaboard sailboats.  However, many liveaboards opt not to use their on-board showers in favor of marina or gym facilities.  That being said, it is very convenient to have a shower on your boat.  Keep in mind, some boat showers drain directly into the bilge.  If you use your onboard shower, be sure to keep the bilge pump in working order and remember that anything you put in the drain ends up below your floor.

• Separate seating spaces

We think a liveaboard sailboat should have extra sitting spaces on board, apart from the main bed.  A place for sitting, eating, working, and navigating is essential when living aboard long-term, and the added convenience of a separate space will make day-to-day activities much more enjoyable.

• Ventilation

Last but not least, we believe ventilation is essential for any liveaboard sailboat.  This is the simplest of requirements, as a passive solar roof vent or opening porthole should be sufficient.  In short, there should be a way to let fresh air in without opening a main hatch.

Top 10 Liveaboard Sailboats

Here’s a list of the top ten liveaboard sailboats that you can purchase used today.

These are in no particular order, but each boat meets or exceeds the requirements of a great liveaboard sailboat.

Remember, the features listed for each of these boats could vary based on age or trim, so be sure to check back to this list when inspecting a boat.

Without further ado, here’s ten of the greatest liveaboard sailboats ever produced.

1. Catalina 30

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The Catalina 30 is one of the most common production cruising sailboats ever.

Thousands of these reliable and robust fiberglass boats still sail, despite the fact that they first entered the market in 1972.

This 30-foot boat features a modern and spacious interior, with all the accommodations you’d expect on a boat its size.

Most models feature a large and useful galley, along with running water supplied by electric pumps.

The Catalina 30 also featured a ‘suite’ layout, with a master bedroom V-Berth closed off to the rest of the cabin by a door.

An enclosed shower and head make it a pleasant boat to live on.

The layout of the Catalina 30 also featured a dinette, which serves as an excellent chart table or workspace as well.

2. Islander 36

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The Islander 36 is a well-rounded liveaboard sailboat which also has impressive cruising capabilities.

While manufacturing ceased in the 1980s, the I-36 was the company’s best-selling model with nearly a thousand built.

Islander boats are known for some well-adorned cabins, and many featured elegant wooden interior trim.

Like the Catalina 30, the Islander 36 includes an enclosed head with a shower and flush toilet.

The interior layout of the I-36 is spacious and well-designed, featuring a long port and starboard settee which folds out into a double-berth for sleeping.

An enclosed shower and spacious master berth make it a very well-rounded option for cruising and living aboard.

3. Contessa 32

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Contessa Yachts produced their venerable 32-foot cruising and racing sailboat from 1970 until 1990, but custom boatbuilders still manufacture the yacht today.

It’s well-known for cruising capabilities, but it has a lot to offer as a liveaboard as well.

The traditional cabin is thoughtfully designed, featuring a fold-up table in the center of the cabin floor.

The spatially conscious design of the Contessa 32 makes it an excellent option for the no-frills and organized sailor.

This vessel features a separate master bedroom, along with a head and shower in the hallway between the compartments.

4. Pearson 34

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Pearson produced their excellent 34-foot sailboat during the 1980s. This medium-sized cruising yacht features an extremely spacious interior with plenty of floor space to move around.

The layout is complex, but not overwhelming. The galley nook is functional and features convenient overhead storage for utensils giving it a ‘home-y’ feeling.

The head is enclosed and spacious, including a bathroom sink and mirror.

The separate master bedroom is also enclosed with ample clothing storage throughout.

Out of all the boats listed so far, the Pearson 34 should feel most like a traditional living space to most people.

If the Pearson 34 seems a little too compact, be sure to read on and check out the next two boats on the list.

5. Nordic 40

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So far the largest boat on our list, the Nordic 40 is a super-capable offshore cruiser with excellent liveaboard facilities.

This relatively rare boat features an extremely spacious interior, which is more than ample for a couple to live comfortably.

Standing headroom throughout, a spacious master bedroom, along with a nearly full galley allows for superbly comfortable living in any climate or region.

The extra storage aboard makes remote living possible, so owners can anchor out for weeks or months at a time with enough provisions to last.

While this boat isn’t very common, it’s still worth keeping an eye out for it while searching for a liveaboard sailboat .

6. Peterson 44

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The Peterson 44 is what’s known as a ‘center-cockpit cruiser,’ featuring a split-cabin both fore and aft.

This spacious interior layout maximizes living space without decreasing sailing capabilities.

The boat features a master bedroom and bathroom, along with another cabin, berth, and head behind the cockpit.

In addition to two bathrooms, it features a full galley, booth dinette, and settee.

All these extras combined with excellent storage make it an excellent liveaboard option.

Pearson is well-renowned for building excellent boats, and their interior quality is above average.

7. Nor’Sea 27

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The Nor’Sea 27 is a classic compact sailboat, which is ideal for minimalist or single people living aboard.

The interior is surprisingly spacious for its size, featuring all the amenities you’d expect on a larger boat.

This beautiful little boat likely mimics the comfort of a Catalina 30, and should cost less in slip fees.

The interior features a toilet, shower, and galley.

The forward berth converts into a dinette but features two other bunks underneath the cockpit.

Production of the Nor’Sea 27 began in 1976, and it’s still produced today.

And the best part—you can legally tow it on a trailer. It’s arguably the ultimate compact cruiser/liveaboard available today.

{{boat-info="/boats/cal-34"}}

The Cal 34 is very typical of mid-range sailboats of the 1970s. Produced between 1968 and 1975, this basic but comfortable yacht has a lot of potential as a liveaboard.

The interior is simple and spacious, without much luxury or adorning. However, less features make for less maintnence, and everything you’d need is available in the Cal 34.

A master bedroom, shower, and toilet are all standard, along with a well-arranged galley and comfortable sitting area.

The boat features ample storage for clothes, food, and gear.

All mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems aboard are easy to maintain, plus the cabin is well-designed.

9. Catalina 38

{{boat-info="/boats/catalina-38"}}

Another classic Catalina sailboat makes the list, with a well-thought-out interior that’s spacious enough for a couple to live comfortably.

Catalina produced their 38-foot sloop between 1977 and 1990, and it came standard with many excellent liveaboard features such as electrical outlets throughout the cabin.

Also, the head is spacious and includes a sink, which is always very convenient.

With plenty of places to sleep, there’s no need to fold away the galley table to get some rest.

The Catalina 38 is another fantastic mid-sized sailboat for living aboard, especially if you aren’t quite comfortable inside a Catalina 30.

10. Hunter 33

{{boat-info="/boats/hunter-33"}}

The last boat on our list is also one of the longest-lived in its category. Hunter produced their 33-foot sailboat starting in 1977, and it’s still in production today.

This handy mid-sized boat features excellent interior accommodations, with plenty of sitting and sleeping areas to choose from.

In addition to a full dinette, it features a toilet and shower aft away from the master bedroom.  Such an arrangement is a great option for sailors, as it allows the use of the head without moving too far away from the controls.

Standing headroom throughout the long cabin makes for a very comfortable long-term living arrangement.

The galley has plenty of storage space and the L-shaped layout allows for easy and efficient use.

At the end of the day, you’ll get to choose the liveaboard sailboat that works best for you. Check out some of the boats we mentioned and get an idea of what they offer.

Use this list to help identify features that you need, and perhaps avoid features that you don’t want.

When it comes to living aboard, there’s a lot more to consider than just your boat. As long as the boat you choose is in good condition, you’ll likely end up falling in love with it.

Either way, consider these top-ten liveaboard sailboats when you’re on the hunt for your boat.

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Sailboats For Sale

35 listings found.

2023 Picnic cat day sailer 14 ft

For sale: Beneteau First 24 SE (2021) – Excellent and immaculate condition

Endeavour 42

• North Carolina

Ultimate 20

• Maine , United States

1973 Soli 26″ Sailboat

• United States

2014 West Wight Potter 19 Coastal Cruiser

2018 Seaclipper Trimaran 20′

Westerly conway 36

1984 Herreshoff Tortola-Trawler Nereia 36′ Sailboat

36 Hunter Vision 1993

1972 Luders 36 by Cheoy Lee

Tartan 10 Snowballs Chance

• Connecticut

1975 Bristol 32 Sloop, Keel/CB by Ted Hood (Am’s Cup)

• Massachusetts

33ft Blue Water Sailboat

Freshwater Only – 1989 Hunter 33.5 Sloop-Rigged Cruiser, Shoal Wing Keel

F&C 44′ Ketch

Reeds Cub Scow – SOLD

Melges C Scow

470 sailboat and trailer

• Pennsylvania

1978 Hunter 30 Cheurbini

1981 Pearson Flyer

Catalina 27 for sale

Hunter 44 DS perfect to live aboard!

Westerly 33

2023 BENETEAU First 24

2023 BENETEAU First 27

2023 BENETEAU First 36

2023 BENETEAU First 44

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Liveaboard Sailboats for sale

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149 results

Liveaboard Converted 25M Steel Trawler

Essex Marina (United Kingdom)

OFFERED BY:

Boats.co.uk

Converted Steel Trawler “M.V BENDIX” was was built in 1961 as a fishing vessel operating under Danish flag and converted in the 1990’s by the current Owner to a pleasure vessel...

Sparkman SHE 33

Milford Haven (United Kingdom)

Network Yacht Brokers

Remarks : She 33 built by Sparkman & Stephens, is an elegant yacht with proper bow to stern design. The fin keel and large rudder ensure she will out point most yachts. Her layout and design...

Catalina 30

Longboat Key, Florida (United States of America)

LIVEABOARD/CRUISER! 1984 Catalina 30 This classic designed Catalina 30 is a well-known and beloved sailboat for many years!

Beneteau Oceanis Clipper 473

Jennings (Antigua and Barbuda)

MiB Yacht Services

Océanis Clipper 473 This very well maintained blue water cruiser is ready to depart on her next adventure. After several seasons in the Med, she crossed the Atlantic ...

Staten Island, New York (United States of America)

Sailing Adventure Awaits: 2012 Hunter E36 Sailboat Dive into the world of sailing with the 2012 Hunter E36, a sailboat that has performance and comfort.

Morgan 45-4

Tracy's Landing, Maryland (United States of America)

A true sailor's sailboat for a great day into night or day into months of sailing and exploring. The Morgan 45-4 would make a great liveaboard for cruising long term. TRUE COMFORT THROUGHOUT.

Choate CF37

Ventura, California (United States of America)

With a height and width that surpasses most sailboats, the Choate CF37 offers an unparalleled live-aboard experience.

Islander 32

Rockport, Texas (United States of America)

- Stock #Cruise or live aboard this gem! Westerbeke Diesel engine. Get ready to set sail!

Dutch Barge Sailing Klipper

Bristol (United Kingdom)

Private seller

Dutch Sailing Klipper - 1912 Was built in Snakkerburen Frisland and was used as an inland and coastal cargo transport boat. Currently insured for coastal passages for £120,000 The barg...

Bruce Roberts Offshore 44

Key west, Florida (United States of America)

Pier One Yacht Sales

This sailboat is not just a vessel; it's a home on the water, ready for your next adventure.

United Kingdom

Maiden Marine Ltd

Tidy example of the Hanse342 three cabin cruiser which is ideal for a family or couple who enjoy the company of visiting friends. The rich wooden interior feels homely and comfortable. There is...

Gulf Craft 32

Oxnard, California (United States of America)

Take the opportunity to own this 1987 Gulf 32 sailboat to enjoy time on the water with your family and friends or as a live-aboard. Schedule a showing or make an offer while she is still available.

Beaufort (United States of America)

Beaufort Yacht Sales

Fennell HULL # 1 Rugged custom blue water cruiser – Only 6 were built between 1983 and 1986 High gunwales, canoe stern, cutter rig with full keel, double ender and heavy displacement M...

Isla Mujeres, Quintana Roo (Mexico)

with the capabilities for long-distance cruising or to be used as a live-aboard vessel.

Hinckley Bermuda 40 Mark III Yawl

Brick Township, New Jersey (United States of America)

Located in Toms River, New Jersey, this 40-foot used Hinckley Bermuda 40 Mark III Yawl is a classic cruising sailboat with serious bluewater capability!

Salem, Massachusetts (United States of America)

Brewer Yacht Sales

She would also be a fantastic live aboard. Few yachts in this size range offer more in accommodations and deck space. 

Beneteau Oceanis 45

Windermere (United Kingdom)

This 2016 model Oceanis 45 was commissioned onto Windermere has been lightly used by both owners from new. Generous accommodation with a large saloon and galley, 3 cabin layout with 2 heads and...

Pearson 36-2

Port Charlotte, Florida (United States of America)

- Stock #Pearson 36-2 Sailboat ready to sail away into the sunset! 1987 Pearson 36-2 Sloop/ Cruiser The Pearson 36-2 has a great comfortable layout while out cruising!

Sovereign 40 Deck saloon

Cumbria (United Kingdom)

The Sovereign range were built in Dartmouth by Western Approaches yachts, which later became Sovereign Yachts. The design brief for the Sovereign deck saloon was ".... to be a fast cruising ves...

Fort Lauderdale, Florida (United States of America)

Live aboard slip transferable $1,500/month. This 430 Hunter has been priced the lowest in the market. The seller is motivated!

Nauticat Boats 44 Siltala Yachts, Finland;

San Pedro, California (United States of America)

- Stock #VERY NICE SAILBOAT! TWO HELMS (AFT DECK & PILOTHOUSE) FOR ALL WEATHER SAILING! RIGGED FOR SINGLE-HANDED SAILING! MUCH MORE INCLUDED!

North Bay Village, Florida (United States of America)

- Stock #Big Cruiser, Maintained, fully loaded, a classic sailboat! Classic World sailer, This Pearson 40 is all the boat you need for any voyage.

Mystic, Connecticut (United States of America)

Popular 31' sloop from the very popular Hunter Sailboat line. This boat has many desirable features of a newer design in the size and pricing of a vintage model.

Dufour 44'

Hamble-le-Rice (United Kingdom)

Universal Yachting

NEW MODEL DUFOUR 44 ARRIVING IN HAMBLE JUNE Dusseldorf Boat Show in January 2024 was the the world Premiere of the latest model from Dufour the eagerly anticipated 44. Cr...

BAron 48 Cutter

Luperon, (Dominican Republic)

BVI Yacht Sales Ltd.

She would make a great liveaboard and cruising vessel with some preparation.

Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 42 DS

British Virgin Islands

Virgin Islands Yacht Broker (VIYB ltd)

This sailboat redefines cruising with its fluid lines, luxurious interior, and impeccable performance.

Beneteau First 345

Valletta (Malta)

Hybrid Yachting Malta

Beneteau First 345 – Boat is in Exceptional Condition! Discover the perfect blend of performance and comfort with this meticulously maintained 1985 Beneteau First 345, located in the bea...

Hans Christian 41T Molakai

Beaufort, North Carolina (United States of America)

Classic blue water, traditional cutter design. Described as an easy boat to sail with her split keel the HC 41 T is a heavy displacement cruiser built for comfort. She excels with a gent...

* Price displayed is based on today's currency conversion rate of the listed sales price.

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Best liveaboard boats: 4 of the best options for long-term cruising

• Top stories

Our used boat expert Nick Burnham picks out four of the best liveaboard boats on the secondhand market right now.

One of the real joys of boating is the sheer diversity of it. Whatever you want to experience, whether it’s exhilaration, exploration, relaxation, escapism, social interaction or solitude, there’s a boating style and a boat type, specifically made for you.

And exactly the same is true for the ultimate boater’s fantasy – living aboard your floating home full time (it’s what we all dream of, right?).

So here to fulfil the fantasy are four great examples of vessels that could either take you and your family or friends around the world in a constant stream of adventures, or a more modest barge that would allow you to park up on a quiet stretch of the River Thames and enjoy a constant stream of G&Ts! Cheers!

Nordhavn 46

Built: 1997 Price: £350,000

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The Nordhavn 46 is Genesis for Nordhavn and set the tone for pretty much every model that followed. Pacific Asian Enterprises was formed by Jim Leishman and Dan Streech in 1974, originally importing and selling a line of boats from Taiwan called Transpac.

In 1978 Jeff Leishman, Jim’s younger brother, joined PAE as a part-time employee whilst still at school. Jeff completed his studies in 1987, and received his naval architecture diploma from the Yacht Design Institute.

As part of his graduation requirement, he was asked to design a vessel of his choosing. That actual design became the Nordhavn 46 and an entire new genre was born.

Saloon and galley are all on one level with stairs leading down to the owner’s cabin

Several layout options were tried in the early days, before settling down to the layout you see on this 1997 example, much of which echoes through to current models.

Designed for long-term living aboard, there’s a large saloon and galley on the main deck, with steps down to an owner’s cabin in the centre of the boat (reducing motion at sea to a minimum).

But another set of steps lead up to a proper separate wheelhouse , little-ship style. Steps forward from here drop you down to a separate guest cabin in the bow.

A wide side deck leads from the cockpit along the starboard side and up around the front of the wheelhouse in the form of a Portuguese bridge protected by a bulwark from the foredeck.

Follow it round and you’ll go back past the wheelhouse on the port side and up the stairs again to the boat deck above the saloon where the tender is stored.

The bridge deck is a few steps higher and further forward than the saloon

Performance

Nordhavns are all about range, which is why speeds are strictly limited to hull displacement speed rather than forcing more knots via a semi-displacement or planing hull.

Figure on about 8.5 knots flat out with 7.4 knots as the cruise speed, at which the 3,785 litre fuel tank should give about 2,500 miles of range.

There is a lot of boat under the water, with its full hull shape and long keel designed to help the boat plug on and on.

Nordhavn 46 specification

LOA: 45ft 9in (13.9m) Beam: 15ft 5in (4.7m) Draught: 5ft 0in (1.5m) Displacement: 20 tonnes Fuel capacity: 3,785 litres Engine: Lugger L668D 134Kw 180hp diesel engines Location: Hamble Contact: Nordhavn Europe

Aqualine Canterbury 62×10 Widebeam

Built: 2019 Price: £182,950

Widebeam narrowboat sounds like the ultimate oxymoron, but it’s a term used to denote canal barges that are, well, wider of beam. A typical narrowboat is 6ft 10in wide, and it’s constructed to this dimension in order to access virtually all of the British canal system.

In short, there are places a wide beam just can’t go. But there are plenty of places that it can. There are four main UK ‘cruising grounds’ for the widebeam owner: London and the South; East Anglia; the Severn waterways; and the Trent and North. Indeed, many owners simply use them as floating homes and never go anywhere at all.

The saloon looks more like an apartment than a boat, with proper domestic furniture…

So what’s the point of a wide beam narrowboat that can’t go everywhere? In a word, space. At 10ft wide, it’s not far short of double the beam, meaning you get almost twice the internal volume for a given length.

But it also gives you rooms that feel far more like those in a house and less like railway carriages. Given that very little of the interior is structural, it’s easy for the manufacturer to customise the layout. This particular boat has a large bedroom at the bow, a generous bathroom and a huge lounge/diner large enough for domestic furniture plus a kitchen.

Narrowboats tend to major on internal space so there is little more than vestigial side decks. There is a decent cockpit at the aft end with a large crescent of seating around a table, and a helm station with wheel steering rather than the tiller of more traditional designs. There is also a ‘well deck’ forward, which is basically a small cockpit in the bow accessed from the forward cabin.

…and the fully equipped galley could be the kitchen in a stylish new build house

Performance is probably not a word you associate with 62ft of 10mm steel plating powered by a Barrus Yanmar Shire 50hp, 4 cylinder 2,190cc diesel engine.

It will move you sedately around the inland waterways, but the fact the water tank is almost double the size of the fuel tank encapsulates the priorities of these vessels.

A misnomer – if you’re planning to put to sea, this is not the boat for you.

Aqualine Canterbury specification

LOA: 62ft 0in (18.9m) Beam: 10ft 0in (3.1m) Draught: 1ft 9in (0.6m) Displacement: 33 tonnes Fuel capacity : 430 litres Engine: Barrus Yanmar Shire 50hp diesel engine Location: Bray Contact: TBS Boats

Built: 2002 Price: £399,950

Built in 2002 by Zijlmans Jachtbouw, a family owned yacht builder in Drimmelen on the Amer River, North Brabant in Holland, this Triqual 65 has had a rather colourful history. It ended up in the Caribbean before being shipped back to Amsterdam in June 2011.

Following a tip-off from the French authorities, the HMRC intercepted the boat in Southampton. After seven days of very thorough searching, they found no drugs inside the boat. There was, however, the small matter of 1.2 tonnes of cocaine worth £300,000,000 hidden in a secret compartment located underneath the bathing platform!

The result was rather a lot of work needed when the current owner bought the boat from an HM Revenue & Customs auction in 2013. A total interior strip and rebuild to a high standard followed.

The owner wanted a boat for exploring the coastlines of Ireland and Scotland before heading over to Scandinavia and the Baltic Sea, so comfortable liveaboard boat was the name of the game and a full interior refit followed, creating a very contemporary and, above all, spacious displacement cruiser with three cabins (two doubles and a twin), a lower dinette and a large saloon area.

A total interior refit in 2013 means the saloon still feels fresh, bright and modern

A flybridge motor yacht, there is masses of space on the outside too. The large flybridge has been refitted with more seating, there’s an aft deck to enjoy and deeply bulwarked side decks encircle the boat.

A pair of Vetus Deutz DT67 231hp six cylinder diesel engines pushing over 40 tonnes of steel about (the hull is 6mm thick below the waterline, 5mm above) is never going to set any speed records, but a displacement maximum speed of 10 knots and an 8.5 knot cruise is not too shabby at all, nor is the fuel burn of 28 litres an hour, giving an impressive 1,000 nautical miles of range.

The flybridge is unusually large for a Dutch built steel displacement craft

That weight of the Triqual 65 is also going to do a pretty good job of flattening any chop offshore. Registered as an RCD Category B ‘Offshore’, it’s a boat designed for far more ambitious routes than just coastal cruising.

Triqual 65 specification

LOA: 63ft 3in (19.3m) Beam: 17ft 0in (5.2m) Draught: 5ft 7in (1.7m) Displacement: 40.6 tonnes Fuel capacity: 3,768 litres Engines: Twin Vetus Deutz DT67 231hp diesel engines Location: Lymington Contact: Berthon International

Built: 1991 Price: £385,000

Tony Fleming was the technical director of American Marine in Hong Kong, builder of the Grand Banks line of trawler yachts , before leaving to set up his own company under the Fleming brand name. He and business partner Anton Emmerton worked with an American naval architect, Larry Drake of San Diego, California, to develop an all-new range of pilothouse boats.

The Tung Hwa facility, located near Kaohsiung in Taiwan, was selected to build them. The very first model was a 50-footer, with this 53ft version following from hull number 9 onward.  Intriguingly, the boat was originally designed as a 55-footer but a dam was inserted in the aft end of the mould to shorten the hull to 50ft.

Soon after the dam was pushed back to create the Fleming 53, then in 1990 it was finally removed altogether and the Fleming 55 proper was launched as it had been envisaged all along.

Available in two or three-cabin layouts, this boat is the two-cabin version which creates a much larger owner’s stateroom with vanity desk, large guest port cabin and storage room all on the lower deck forward.

A raised wheelhouse gives great visibility but also direct access to the flybridge for easier movement between decks. Further aft, a large saloon with the galley forward on the same level makes this a great social area. It’s ideal for extended cruising as a couple with a pair of guests, which is exactly what this boat was designed for.

Spacious saloon and galley are ideally set up for liveaboards and long distance cruising

One of the most noticeable things about the decks of the Fleming 53 is just how low the side decks are. Open a door in the high bulwarks and you can step straight aboard – try that with a contemporary Sunseeker or Princess !

Back aft, the cockpit is kept completely clear for freestanding furniture and there’s another stairway up to the flybridge where you’ll find fixed seating, the tender, complete with crane for launching, and the liferaft.

The original owner of this boat specified twin Caterpillar 3208 NA diesel engines that produce 210hp each, giving a cruising speed of 9 knots and maximum speed of approximately 12 knots.

Separate wheelhouse is well suited to night passages and has access up to the flybridge

Those low side decks help keep the centre of gravity low, aiding its legendary seakeeping and minimising rock and roll (of the non-musical variety).

Fleming 53 specification

LOA: 52ft 6in (16.0m) Beam: 16ft 0in (4.9m) Draught: 5ft 0in (1.5m) Displacement: 31 tonnes Fuel capacity: 3,880 litres Engines: Twin twin Caterpillar 3208 NA 210hp diesels Location: Chichester Contact: Ancasta

First published in the September 2021 issue of MBY.

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13 Best Liveaboard Sailboats (under 30 & 50 ft)

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

So what are the 13 best liveaboard sailboats?

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

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

Picking the Right One Matters

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

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

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

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

But on a boat, you are on your own.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Fair winds!

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LIVEABOARD BOATS FOR SALE

More and more people are exploring alternative lifestyle choices, as seen in the Van Life phenomena in camper vans under 20 feet long, as well as boats of all shapes, sizes, and types. Sailboat, trawler, houseboat, motoryacht, fishing boat, all have single people, couples, and families choosing to live aboard a boat as their primary residence.

At its most basic level, a boat suitable for living aboard provides shelter, security, privacy, and for some, identity. There must be a place to sleep, make meals, have a bathroom, a place to sit and relax, and storage for clothing, provisions, water, and personal items.

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In terms of size, while it is true that sailors have crossed the Atlantic Ocean in 12-foot boats, that is not what is generally accepted as a reasonable vessel for such a passage. So too, a liveaboard boat can be on the smaller side, especially for young couple perfectly content with a minimalist existence, but that is not the case for adults looking to combine living on the water with some degree of comfort and convenience. For these people, a boat in the 36 to 40-foot range is the starting point. And for those who can afford it, a motoryacht over 50 feet will offer top shelf living that is every bit as comfortable as a luxury townhome.

Liveaboard people might be an early career computer programmer living in his Tahiti ketch, an IT manager living on a 34-foot houseboat, and a husband and wife, both surgeons, enjoying life on their 75-foot expedition yacht, all within a thousand yards of each other.

What are some of the features that one should expect in a liveaboard boat? Perhaps a better starting point is to answer several questions first. How many people will be living full time on the boat? If it is a couple, there are likely different accommodation requirements (or compromises) than a family with children. A retired couple may want different amenities than a young couple just starting out.

Where are you going to live? Is this boat going to stay put, such as a downtown urban setting like Seattle’s Lake Union, among the houseboat communities, or will the boat travel to different marinas along the coast with the seasons? We are differentiating living aboard from cruising, as they are not the same. People will be living aboard while cruising, of course, but the primary goal is to travel from one location to the next. Living aboard does not necessarily moving at all, and people who choose to live on a boat may be doctors or attorneys with commitments and responsibilities to remain in one place. They may just choose to live on a boat for the waterfront living experience and the opportunity to occasionally travel on a vacation getaway.

Is this going to be a primary residence? Many people buy a boat to have a summer residence in some waterfront community, such as Stuart, Florida, or Annapolis, Maryland, or Friday Harbor in the San Juan Islands, or Sausalito, California. They maintain a primary residence somewhere else, such as Fort Collins, Colorado, but enjoy the fact that they can escape to their liveaboard home in Seattle, or wherever, when they want a change of pace.

What is the budget? This figures into the equation in many ways. If one is looking primarily for a place to live, while in college for example, the boat may not need to be functional as a boat, as they don’t intend to go anywhere, just as a place to live. So, if the engine needs work, it doesn’t matter, in fact, it doesn’t even need an engine. Such boats can be found for extraordinarily little money. The same is true for the condition of a sailboat’s mast, rigging, and sails. For a liveaboard, the critical components of a safe sailing vessel are not required, at least for the foreseeable future.

On the other hand, if there is sufficient budget to buy a fully outfitted motoryacht, sailboat, or trawler that is in pristine condition, the owners can enjoy life aboard in the true yachting fashion, with an outstanding experience at both living aboard and owning a proper yacht. Ultimately, living aboard a small sailboat or a large motoryacht can offer a satisfying liveaboard experience depending on the people and their situation. Go to any exotic tropical anchorage and you will find both, and everyone is having a great time. That is cruising. 

Consider other factors that constitute a suitable liveaboard home. Below a certain size vessel, the head is likely going to be a wet head, which means the shower, if there is one, is in the same space as the sink and marine head. Take a shower and everything in that space gets wet. A dry head, on the other hand, provides a separate shower space with its own curtain or door to keep the rest of the head dry. Given the choice, most people will prefer a dry head in the long run. It feels less like camping.

If there is room for a separate master stateroom that does not share space with the saloon and other accommodations, that is desirable. Privacy and space are important for personal mental health. Visual separation, if not entirely physical, is important for the overall success of living aboard.

It goes without saying that a proper galley is required for meal preparation and cooking. This is determined by the available space given the size of the boat. Bigger is always better to provide the cook with plenty of working counter space, storage for food in a pantry, pots and pans, and the tools of the galley. A minimalist approach will work for some, using a cooler for keeping things cool, while others won’t feel comfortable without the convenience of full-size appliances. The living spaces in a Catalina 27 sailboat compared to a Fleming 55, while abstractly similar, are vastly different in every way. Not leaving the dock, both provide a reasonable living situation, but the liveaboard experience will be different. But for the right person, each can be ideal.

Some of the practical considerations of living aboard include how convenient it is to pump out the black water holding tank? Only the most luxurious marinas, and the most expensive, offer pump out at the slip, something to consider when comparing boats and the sizes of their tanks. Same with fresh water. If one must move the boat every week to a pump out facility at a fuel dock, that is not going to be as care free as a mobile pump out boat that come to the boat with a call on the VHF. Most slips offer shorepower electricity and water at a monthly rate, but is the water shut off during the off season? What are the options then? Boston Harbor is a popular liveaboard location, but the liveaboard residents work around such obstacles, including living inside a shrink-wrapped boat during the winter months. They get by, but the payback comes when they enjoy an outstanding downtown living experience the rest of the year. 

If one’s plans include going cruising at some point when they retire or save enough to begin their adventure, then the choice of the boat will have to match the cruising plans. A trawler or cruising sailboat from the 1980s can be a very workable liveaboard while giving the people time and opportunity to refit, refresh, and bring the boat back to top shape. It is a common liveaboard theme. While it can be inconvenient at times to live aboard while refinishing an interior, many have done it successfully. Whether it is a vintage Chris Craft Constellation motoryacht or an aging Norseman 447, both are terrific choices as a liveaboard in an older boat with good bones.

In a perfect world, the ideal liveaboard boat will have space for storing clothes for each season, holiday decorations, a separate washer and dryer (combo units don’t dry very well), a central vacuum system to make house cleaning easy, perhaps even a dishwasher. Such luxuries will not fit in smaller boats, of course.

Living aboard a boat is a wonderful existence, whether it is on a houseboat, cruising boat, or even an older vessel whose glory days are long gone. The thrill of being on the water, and the potential for changing the scenery when the mood strikes, is a powerful alternative to living on land. If the inconveniences of living aboard can be overcome, such as pumping out the holding tank, having access to fresh water year round, getting secure mail and package deliveries, and a safe place to park the car, life can be grand. Yes, it is unpleasant to trade deck shoes with ice-cold leather work shoes that get stored in the car trunk because they are unsafe on icy docks, but that is minor in the scheme of things. 

And one quickly finds the liveaboard community is strong and the bonds of neighborhood are always there to help one another. On the East Coast during hurricane season, for example, it is common to hold dock parties during periods of storm surge, as everyone stays up during the critical times to adjust dock lines together while keeping the mood joyful and a part of the liveaboard adventure.

And it is an adventure. 

Enjoy these other liveaboard boat articles:

• What is the best liveaboard trawler?
• What is the best sized sailboat to live on?

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Boats "liveaboard" for sale in Vancouver, BC

• 1970 40ft Tollycraft Tri-Cabin MY Liveaboard $8,500 vancouver
• 40 foot West coast troller $45,000 steveston
• 1978 Benford Centercockpit Gaff Cutter $29,000 Parksville - French Creek Marina
• 30' Jim Brown trimaran $25,750 city of vancouver
• 37 COOPER SEABIRD - 1978 $69,900 RICHMOND
• 44' Vantare Twin Diesel Aft-cabin $89,000 Richmond
• 34' 1986 Sea Ray (with live aboard?) $34,995 RICHMOND
• 1982 34' Thames Semi Converted Troller $15,000 Coal Harbour
• Moorage for power boats available > Queensborough $15 New Westminster
• 34' 1986 Sea Ray (with live aboard?) $34,999 RICHMOND
• 1987 Kha Shing $129,900 Duncan
• 60ft steel hull Bruce Roberts Cutter Project $0 Richmond
• Larson Cabrio is a great luxurious family getaway boat/yacht. 125 hour $125,000 Langley
• 43 Tollycraft $265,900 Vancouver

Dramatic, life-saving rescue in Destin after a boat with five aboard capsized in the Gulf

It was a matter of teamwork as members of the Destin Fire Control District were able to aid in the rescue of five people from an overturned boat just outside the pass in Destin. 

On July 5, five members of the Destin Fire Control District responded and plucked three from the water and pulled two out from under about a recreational boat, successfully. 

Everybody had a part to play. Here is what transpired:

Fire district boat operator Britt Clark heard a call go out on Channel 16 about 6 p.m. from the fishing boat New Florida Girl’s American Spirit saying they had just witnessed a vessel overturn. 

“They were trying to talk to the Coast Guard ... we just heard the message, along with FWC and the sheriff's office,” Clark said. 

“We immediately started heading out the pass and saw the vessel upside down ... it was really rough,” he said. 

More local coverage: Destin Fire Control District honors its firefighters and lifeguards for service

Clark said they saw a sheriff's office boat already there, but they were not able to get close to the capsized vessel due to the conditions. 

“We had to sit at the mouth of the pass and wait for really big waves to pass ... then we made our way,” he said. 

In the meantime, a couple of fire and rescue guys on jet skis were able to get out and start assisting immediately. 

The arrival

Kyle Armer and Seth Menzer, both with the fire district, were able to get close with the rescue skis. 

“When we got there the boat was fully flipped over ... it was a pretty big boat,” Armer said about the 30-footer. 

One of the victims had been picked up by a random person with a jet ski, and there were still two in the water. 

"There was one person still in the water and one gentleman was trying to get back on top of the overturned boat,” Menzer said. 

“When I got there, I locked in on the guy who was on top of the boat,” Menzer said. He swung his ski around to him and backed up to him. 

“He kept saying he wanted to go get the people under the boat,” Menzer said. 

At that point, the fire rescue men became aware there were two people under the boat. They had life jackets, but one of them could not swim. 

“The two gentlemen on the ski started yelling ... my wife's under there, my wife's under there ... she can’t swim,” Clark said. 

At that point they started getting the guys from the skis to the fireboat. 

“We did not know if they were unconscious or unresponsive, knocked out. Why are they still under the boat ... a lot of unknowns,” Clark said. 

It was at that point, Joel Jopling, a lifeguard with Destin Beach Safety, part of the Destin Fire Control District, showed up on the scene. 

Jopling said he was staffing Harbor 9 station near the jetties when he heard the call go out. 

“I immediately started making my way out,” Jopling said. 

Jopling arrived not long after the two firemen on skis and was told there were at least two under the boat. 

“There was a lot of maneuvering during the whole operation, because the surf was big ... 6- to 7-footers,” Jopling said. 

'A pretty uneventful 4th of July': Destin's beach safety director reflects on holiday activity

“We were in a shallow area where the waves were just breaking really bad,” Clark said. 

“Waves were just breaking all over us,” Jopling said, noting it was the weekend that Hurricane Beryl was stirring up the Gulf of Mexico. 

“Immediately it became evident that I was getting in the water. Somebody had to get in there ... I did what I was trained to do,” Jopling said. 

Jopling put on his fins, grabbed a dive mask, tied his ski off to the fireboat, and swam to the overturned vessel. 

Once he got to the boat, he quickly assessed things. 

“I put my head underneath the water, seeing as best I could,” he said, noting the water was brackish. 

“But I was able to see there was an air bubble inside,” he said. 

Jopling said he came back out, caught his breath, and went back down.  

“I wanted to get as good a feel of the dynamics of the boat as I could, because it was all unknown,” he said, noting there could be fishing lines or anchor lines in the way. 

“I went under and saw a lady's foot somewhere in the vicinity of the air bubble,” Jopling said. 

“I came back out got a good breath and went subsurface ... reached out and grabbed the victim's arm and was able to pull her out,” he said, noting her head was up in the air bubble. 

He handed her off to the firefighter on the skis then swam back down to get the other female. 

“I actually didn’t see her until I got inside. I grabbed her but I didn’t feel any response like I did the first victim. We pulled her out and she was teetering on the edge of consciousness,” Jopling said.  

“She was breathing, but wasn’t very responsive. We were taking on waves ... we got her on the fireboat and the paramedics did what they needed to do,” Jopling said. 

The recovery

Geoffrey Duplessis, first mate on the fireboat and paramedic, said the second female was talking but she was very lethargic. 

“I had her laying on the deck of the boat ... the waves were really pushing and coming in on the boat,” Duplessis said as they headed towards the Coast Guard station. 

“I got down on the deck and kind of propped her on me so she would be in a sitting position, more able to breathe. I kept her talking to me the whole way to the Coast Guard station,” Duplessis said, noting he was trying to keep her mind focused on staying awake. 

Duplessis said the first female didn’t take in any water while under the boat; however, the second one said she had taken in two or three breaths of water. 

“You could tell she had fluid in her lungs,” he said. 

“But she was talking to me the whole time, from when we transferred her to EMS at the Coast Guard station,” Duplessis said. 

Duplessis explained the first female was the one who had found the air pocket under the boat. 

“We’re going to stay in this air pocket until someone comes and saves us,” she told Duplessis. 

The outcome

"Huge props to the American Spirit for calling it in when they did,” Clark said. 

“They were in the right place at the right time. If they had not made the call when they did ... we might not have had the favorable outcome that we did,” he added. 

Between the time the American Spirit called, and the fireboat arrived at the scene was about two to three minutes. Within five minutes the females were out from under the boat. 

“Everybody did their part ... pretty good synergy,” Jopling said. 

“Everybody played their role,” Clark reiterated. 

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Sailors help rescue dozens of passengers on disabled boat in eastern Mediterranean

An MH-60S Sea Hawk flies above the destroyer USS Bulkeley in the Mediterranean Sea on Dec. 24, 2023. U.S. Navy sailors helped save the lives of 30 people stranded on a boat adrift for days in the eastern Mediterranean on July 16, 2024. Another passenger died following attempts at resuscitation. (Jacob Mattingly/U.S. Navy)

NAPLES, Italy — Quick action by Navy sailors on routine patrol in the eastern Mediterranean Sea helped save the lives of 30 people stranded on a boat adrift for days.

Sailors assigned to Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron 79 spotted people indicating distress aboard the vessel Tuesday during flight operations and reported the sighting to the destroyer USS Bulkeley, U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa/U.S. 6th Fleet said in a statement Wednesday.

While working with the Joint Rescue Coordination Center, Bulkeley requested that a nearby commercial ship, Seaways Sabine, help the stranded single-engine inflatable small boat.

Crew members from Seaways Sabine ultimately found 31 people aboard the boat, three of whom needed medical attention, according to the statement.

Corpsmen from Bulkeley traveled by rigid hull boat to the commercial vessel to offer medical assistance to the three unresponsive people. One died following an extended period of CPR, the Navy said.

Sailors from the destroyer USS Bulkeley participate in small boat operations, Jan. 2, 2024, in the Mediterranean Sea. U.S. Navy sailors helped save the lives of 30 people stranded on a boat adrift for days in the eastern Mediterranean July 16, 2024. Another passenger died following attempts at resuscitation. (Joseph Macklin/U.S. Navy)

The other two people were in stable condition and taken to the nearest suitable port by the merchant ship. The remaining 28 passengers on the boat were being taken by Seaways Sabine to Port Sidi Kurayr, Egypt, the Navy said.

“This incident, while unfortunate, underscores our Navy’s ability to respond to those in need and showcases the readiness and capabilities of our team,” said Cmdr. Arturo Trejo, commander of Bulkeley, one of four destroyers deployed to Naval Station Rota in Spain.

Each year, tens of thousands of migrants and refugees attempt risky sea crossings from the coasts of Libya, Tunisia, Turkey and other countries seeking safe haven and economic opportunities in Europe.

Many die when often overcrowded and unseaworthy boats are overcome by rough seas or become disabled.

Last month, 64 people were reported missing after the boat they were in caught fire and capsized off the southern coast of Italy near Calabria. Although 11 people were rescued, one died soon after, The Associated Press reported June 18.

In another shipwreck the same day, dozens of people were rescued from a sinking wooden boat near the Italian island of Lampedusa, but rescuers found the bodies of 10 people trapped below the deck, AP reported.

Sailors aboard the destroyer USS Bulkeley participate in flight operations Jan. 5, 2024, in the Mediterranean Sea. U.S. Navy sailors helped save the lives of 30 people stranded on a boat adrift for days in the eastern Mediterranean July 16, 2024. Another passenger died following attempts at resuscitation. (Joseph Macklin/U.S. Navy)

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‘Like Tom Hanks in Castaway': Dave Portnoy describes harrowing ordeal aboard boat

The barstool sports founder spoke with nbc10 boston's colton bradford on tuesday, by marc fortier • published july 16, 2024 • updated on july 16, 2024 at 7:46 pm.

Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy said he considers himself lucky to be alive after he found himself adrift on his boat with no power off Nantucket on Monday .

"I'm a relatively new boater," Portnoy said in an interview with NBC10 Boston's Colton Bradford on Tuesday. "I spent my summer's hitting dingers, I wasn't part of a yacht club. I'm a new boat guy -- it was my third time out on a boat."

Portnoy, 47, who posted a video to social media on Monday referring to himself as "Captain Dave," said he still isn't sure if he untethered his boat before trying to turn it on or if it broke free.

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"Only God knows," he said. "What I do know is I was no longer tethered to the buoy, and the boat was dead. I knew I was dead meat right then. The current was strong, probably a 20 mph wind on Nantucket, and I had no radio, I had no engine and I had no nothing. I was just floating off to sea, and I knew I was screwed."

"I don't want to say I stayed calm. The ocean doesn't care how much money you have. It'll drown you quick, it'll humble you quick, so I was very nervous. I didn't know what was going to happen."

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Portnoy said he considered jumping off the boat, but luckily he didn't have to because he ran into a woman and a child on a small rowboat, who instantly recognized him.

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"I was clearly at this point exasperated, sunburned -- it was like Tom Hanks in 'Castaway,'" he said.

The woman radioed in to the harbormaster, but the line was busy, so she called the Coast Guard, who arrived and rescued him.

"I owe her my life," he said. "Without her I could still be halfway to St. Barts, who knows?"

Portnoy said he still doesn't know who the woman was, calling her his "unknown hero for the night."

He also praised the Coast Guard for their professionalism.

"Ten out of 10, nothing but pure class," he said. "They gave me the tow, they didn't make too much fun of me, said it can happen to anybody, even the most seasoned captain ... They were super professional, great at their job, and I can't thank them enough. Without them, maybe I get eaten by a shark, you just don't know."

Fortunately, Portnoy said his rescue dog Miss Peaches wasn't with him on the boat.

"No, thank God," he said. "No, that would've been ... I don't know what I would've done. I would've had to protect her with my life. At that point I was very nervous for my own life. I'm not ready for her to join me on my adventures quite yet. I gotta have total confidence."

Portnoy also vowed to get back out on the water.

"Life knocks you down, you gotta get back up," he said. "But you can't take the ocean lightly. That would be my advice for wannabe captains."

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Alpena county sheriff’s office touts marine response after boat breaks from anchor.

News Photo by Steve Schulwitz Alpena County Undersheriff Cash Kroll stands at the bow of a police boat to see why a boat is drifting in Thunder Bay without anyone aboard. After a brief investigation, Kroll and Sheriff Erik Smith learned the boat had broken free from its anchor early Friday morning and the wind pushed it out deeper into the lake.

ALPENA — A well-trained and dependable marine response police unit is critical to protecting people who may have an accident or health emergency on the water, police said Friday after responding to a boat adrift in Thunder Bay.

On Friday, 911 dispatchers received a call with a report of a boat adrift in Thunder Bay, south of Alpena. The caller said it appeared nobody was aboard the boat.

Alpena County Sheriff Erik Smith and Undersheriff Cash Kroll were dispatched to make sure everything was OK.

Smith and Kroll launched the Sheriff’s Office boat from the boat ramp in the Thunder Bay River and quickly sped to the area where the watercraft was reportedly located. After a brief search, Smith and Kroll found the boat.

The incident wasn’t serious and nobody was hurt.

The boat had broken from its anchor in shallow water while the owner was asleep overnight, and the wind had pushed it far offshore. Kroll reported the license number to dispatchers, who tracked down the owner. Police returned the vessel to the man with only a warning to secure the boat better in the future.

Before knowing what had happened to the boat and why it was adrift, both of the police officers braced for what they may have found as the police craft approached the drifting vessel.

Smith said there are times a person is on a boat by themselves and have a health emergency and die before any help arrives.

He said those types of events are rare, but show why marine patrol response is critical.

“Alpena has a very vast waterway, with the inland lakes, rivers, floodwaters, and the Great Lake, which is a lot of shoreline to cover,” Smith said. “It is important for us to be able to go out there to protect lives and property. It may sound extreme, but, like today, you never know what you’re going to find, including a body. Somebody could have had a heart attack while in the boat, so it is important to be able to do this for the community and its visitors.”

The Sheriff’s Office owns a 20-foot flat-bottom boat with a jet drive that allows police to move swiftly to an emergency and access very shallow water. It also owns a larger, 25-foot boat that was used by the U.S. Coast Guard before Alpena County purchased it several years ago. That larger boat is primarily used in rough water and during larger emergencies during which more manpower and horsepower is needed.

With the recent hot weather and the Michigan Brown Trout Festival in full gear, the activity on Thunder Bay is among the busiest it is all boating season.

Smith said boaters, kayakers, and other people enjoying the lake do a good job of staying alert and making sure one another is safe. He said that, often, when there is a dangerous situation, it is because the person who is operating a boat is a novice and lacks the experience of captaining a boat on the big lake, where conditions can change quickly and without much warning.

Great Lakes cruise ships that shuttle people to and from shore also enhance the chance of an emergency that will need a response on the lake, Smith said.

“You just have to have some knowledge about what you are doing on the lake,” he said. “Anyone can go buy a boat, but that doesn’t mean you know how to use it and be safe with it. The inland lakes and rivers are more forgiving for new boat owners, but, when you get out on the big lake, it is serious, and you better know what you are doing. You can get yourself in a bad spot if you don’t know what the heck you’re doing.”

Steve Schulwitz can be reached at 989-358-5689 or [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter @ss_alpenanews.com.

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Shocking video shows dock fire dangerously close to Staten Island Ferry boat Dorothy Day

• Updated: Jul. 13, 2024, 12:06 a.m.
• | Published: Jul. 12, 2024, 6:40 p.m.
• Tom Wrobleski | [email protected]

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. – Stunning video obtained by the Advance/SILive.com shows a dock ablaze next to the Staten Island Ferry boat Dorothy Day.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Tom Wrobleski (@capt_saturn)

The fire broke out early Friday morning at Slip 1 at the St. George Ferry Terminal. It was quickly extinguished by ferry workers before FDNY units responded to the scene.

“We appreciate our ferry workers’ quick response to put this fire out. The Dorothy Day and Slip 1 remain safely in service, without experiencing any significant damage,” said Vincent Barone, press secretary for the New York City Department of Transportation.

A video shared with the Advance shows the dock ablaze and workers using hoses to douse the flames.

The DOT said that there were no passengers aboard the berthed Dorothy Day at the time of the blaze. The boat was in service on Friday.

“Thanks to a trained, diligent and well rested crew, this disaster was kept from spreading into something worse,” said Roland Rexha, secretary and treasurer for the Marine Engineers Beneficial Association, which represents the ferry captains, assistant captains, mates, chief engineers and marine engineers.

The DOT is investigating the cause of the blaze.

Slip 1 is near the facility where diesel fuel for the ferries is stored, a source told the Advance.

While not speaking to the cause of the fire, the source said that friction between boats and a slip’s wooden pilings can sometimes touch off a blaze, particularly on dry, hot days.

The $85 million Dorothy Day, named after the Catholic activist who lived on Staten Island, was the last of three new Ollis class boats to be put in service here. Its maiden run was on April 28, 2023.

The engine room of another Ollis class boat, the Sandy Ground, burst into flames while at sea on Dec. 22, 2022, injuring five and forcing passengers to be evacuated from the vessel.

The Sandy Ground is set to return to service by the end of this year, the Advance reported.

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