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We are dedicated to the joy and passion of dinghy sailing. For sailors the world over, the company has become the go-to source for new and used small sailboats, parts, apparel, accessories, and advice. West Coast Sailing is one of the most comprehensive small sailboat stores in the world, representing top manufacturers including Hobie Cat, RS Sailing, and Zim Sailing. With over 15 years of industry experience, our team of passionate dinghy sailors is committed to helping you find the right boat to maximize the fun of your time on the water.

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• Sailboat Reviews

Practical Sailor Reviews Seven Performance-Sailing Dinghies

Agile, fun boats like the classic sunfish and new hobie bravo keep the smile in summer sailing..

Photos by Ralph Naranjo

Messing around in small boats is a global theme-one thats embraced by pond-bound pram sailors, river riders, lake voyagers, and all of us who call salt water home. The purpose of this sailing dinghy profile is to highlight seven very interesting little sailboats. Some are new designs, and others have stood the test of time, but all are currently being manufactured, and each drives home just how much fun sailing close to the water can be.

This isn’t a shootout among anorexic speedsters or a report on the best tender that doubles as a sailing dinghy. Its a look at perennials like the Optimist, Sunfish, and Laser-legendary competitors that have helped spawn some of the best sailors in the world. But its also a look at three of the newest entries in the dinghy-sailing circle: Bics Open, Hobies Bravo, and Laser Performances Bug. These agile, new sailing dinghies are chock full of fun and boat-handling features to inspire kids of all ages to go sailing.

Well also take a look at Chesapeake Light Crafts kit approach to getting started-one that offers meaningful lessons and tangible rewards well before the boat ever hits the water.

Scale down an Open 60, add sail technology long favored by windsurfers, and put it into play in a tough thermo-formed hull, and you have the makings for a new kind of watercraft. The result is a very interesting blend of performance and reliability that targets adolescent interest. When all is said and done, Bics boat is more akin to a sit-down windsurfer than a traditional Blue Jay. And like all good boats, its vying for attention not just based on performance, construction quality, and style, but just as importantly, on the price tag stuck to the hull.

The Open Bics light weight and wide, flat stern section means that even small chop can be surfed; and bursts of planing on a reach add a zing factor to dinghy sailing. The Open Bic is already an International Sailing Federation (ISAF)-sanctioned class, and fleets are developing around the US. Another bonus: Its an easily portable boat that can be carried like a windsurfer, adding excitement to a Sunday picnic at the beach.

The thermo-formed polyethylene hull is a modified hard-chine design with lots of beam aft. Sailed flat, the boat is agile enough to surf wavelets, and with a shape thats ergonomically friendly to hiking, the ensuing heel on the upwind leg puts just the right amount of chine into the water. In light air, careful control of heel can significantly reduce wetted surface.

The design team that developed the Open Bic saw it as a transition bridge from Optimist sailing to a more performance-oriented dinghy. An interesting innovation is that the Open Bic can be sailed with an Optimists rig and blades. This buy the hull only approach can be a significant incentive for parents with children outgrowing their Opti as fast as their boat shoes. However it wont be long before the kids want the fully turbo-charged feel delivered with the Open Bics well-shaped 4.5-square-meters rig, sail, and nicely foiled blades.

Bottom line: The Open Bic is fast, agile, and buckets of fun for kids uninspired by sailing in the slow lane.

Just when you think that Hobie Cat Co. has covered whats possible in beach-cat innovation, their design/engineering crew comes up with a new twist that reinvents the wheel. The Hobie Bravo is a good case in point.

In a recent visit to Backyard Boats ( www.backyardboats.com ) in Annapolis, Md., we got a good look at the Bravo. Nearly as narrow as a monohull but still quite stable, this quick-to-launch beach cat packs plenty of get-up-and-go. Its a simple to sail, entry-level boat that fast tracks learning the steer, sheet, and hike trilogy. The boat features a single, midline rudder and roto-molded hulls. The shape of the hulls provides enough lateral plane to allow a crew to make headway to windward.

The narrow (4 feet), 12-foot Bravo uses crew weight and hiking straps to add to the righting moment once the breeze is up. Whats done with webbing on larger cats has been converted to a shallow, rigid deck well on the Bravo. It does raise the weight of the boat to 195 pounds, but it offers comfortable seating plus room for cushions and a cooler. Kids or grown ups can have a Tom Sawyer-Huck Finn type of adventure aboard this fun little sailing machine. Or the family on a beach picnic can set it up and take turns speed reaching along a sandy shoreline.

The furling mast supports a roachy sail with slightly slanted vertical battens, helping to shape the boomless mainsail. The result is convenient sail handling, decent performance, and superior safety. Theres no boom to clobber the crew, and the roller-furled sail and mast are easily stepped in the tripod-like receiver. This interesting set of struts raises the top bearing point of the mast step and spreads rig loads out to the hulls. The furling mainsail offers the ability to reef, a big plus in a building breeze or when teaching children to sail.

Like all of the boats in the Hobie lineup, theres a wide range of specialty parts and fittings that make the boats fast to rig and easy to handle. The kick-up rudder is hung on gudgeons mounted in the center of stern, and just as rig loads have been effectively spread via the tripod step, the energy radiating from the large rudder is spread athwartships via a contoured deck element.

Bottom line: The boat is quick to rig, easy to launch, and responsive to beginners-more experienced sailors will have just as much fun power reaching when the breeze is up.

A pocket-sized club trainer, the Bug is an evolution of the kids trainer/club racer that leverages lessons learned in Optis, Dyers, and Sabots. It pulls together the logic of a stable hull shape and simple-to-sail rig, and puts it all in a cost-effective package.

Lending to its success is designer Jo Richardss ergonomic, roto-molded hull, a fabrication that is as close to zero maintenance as a boat can get. The straight out-of-the-mold polyethylene skin gets a few decals, and theres no wood to refinish or gelcoat to wax. These tough, abrasion-resistant hulls have a bumper boat tolerance thats a big plus when it comes to kids learning to sail. Best of all, owners can start with a learn-to-sail rig and upgrade to a more performance-oriented mast and sail package (41 or 56 square feet) that kicks performance into the fast lane.

Oars and an outboard motor bracket can be added to turn the little sailboat into a dual-purpose dinghy. Even the bow painters means of attachment makes sense-no projecting hardware ready to knick the topsides of unintended contacts. Instead, theres a recessed hole in the stem allowing a line to be lead through and a knot used to keep the painter in place.

Bottom line: Aimed at club programs and families look for boats that can be transported on the car top, the Bug is easy to rig and definitely kid friendly. The fact that its manufacturer, Laser Performance, is an international interest and a major player in the performance dinghy industry means that this boat and its parts will be around for a while.

Photo courtesy of Hobie Cat Co.

Eastport Pram

Chesapeake Light Craft expedites boatbuilding for do-it-yourselfers looking to take their garage-built boats for a sail. The company pre-cuts parts, packs kits with all the materials, epoxy, and paint youll need, and leads homebuilders through a thoroughly detailed stitch-and-glue approach to assembly. Kits are available in various stages of completeness, ranging from plans only to the full package, including sail, hardware, running rigging, and paint.

The Eastport Pram is just shy of 8 feet, and the marine plywood and epoxy construction delivers a boat that weighs in, sans sailing rig, at just 62 pounds. Lighter than the comparatively sized Bug, this stiff, durable dinghy, rows like a real boat and sails comfortably with one or two aboard. In keeping with other good tender attributes, the Pram behaves under tow and is equally amicable when propelled by a small outboard or tacked up an estuary under sail.

Kit boatbuilding continues to have a niche following. Theres also an added-value feature worth noting: On one hand, the builder receives a box of pieces and the result of his or her endeavor leads to an aesthetic and utilitarian dinghy. In addition, the DIY skills the builder develops will be useful in other epoxy bonding, brightwork, or mono-urethane application projects. Such talents will benefit many other boat maintenance endeavors.

Whats hard to quantify is the sense of accomplishment derived from sailing a boat that you have built yourself. When the project is tackled in tandem with a child, spouse, or friend, the memories and the boat will last.

Bottom line: With neither sidedecks or a sealed hull, this is not a boat thats easy to recover from a capsize. So once the kids favor on-the-edge sailing in a building breeze, a non swamping, easier-righting boat is probably a better option. The Pram can then be put to use by their appreciative parents or grandparents.

Never in their wildest dreams did Bruce Kirby and Ian Bruce imagine that the Weekender (the Lasers original name) was destined to become an Olympic class sailboat and one of the most popular springboards for top-tier sailors in the world today. Originally envisioned as a car-topper for weekend campers, the cat-rigged, low freeboard sailing dinghy morphed from its original roots into a boat favored by college competitors and revered by generations of agile sailors of all ages. Even frostbiting winter sailors have locked onto the Laser.

Designed in 1969, the Lasers first few years were anything but smooth sailing. Popularity grew quickly, but along with the limelight came plenty of consternation. Dubbed a surfboard not a sailboat by a growing cross-section of the yachting elite-many parents warned junior sailors to steer as clear of Lasers as they did sex, drugs and rock-n-roll. The campaign failed, and junior sailors in yacht club programs around the country fell into the grip of the new one-design dinghy-discovering the sailboats proclivity to plane.

Dyer Dhows languished in boat sheds across the country as a new theme in sailing took hold. Dubbed fast is fun by sailor/engineer Bill Lee, the young Merlin of Santa Cruz, Calif., took the theme to big-boat sailing, merging California culture with the Laser logic of light displacement and planing hull shapes.

Best of all, the Laser embraced the ideal of a tightly controlled one-design class that put people on the water in identical boats and left winning and losing races up to sailing skill and tactics rather than a boats performance edge. For decades, the boat has been the single-handed sailors choice among junior sailing programs, and with the addition of the Radial, 4.7 and M rigs, smaller competitors have also found the boat to be a great sailing platform. Today, theres some lawyer saber-rattling over the sale of the design rights, but the boat remains more popular than ever.

The sleeved sail, two-part spar, daggerboard, and kick-up rudder make the boat a quick-to-rig and fast-to-get underway dinghy. Light-air efficiency is good for a one-design sailboat, but this means that as the breeze builds, the non-reefable sail can become a handful in a hurry. In fact, the boats Dr. Jekyll-and-Mr. Hyde demeanor is what builds talent among Laser practitioners. The big boys block the mainsail and blast off for the layline, while lighter sailors heavy-weather tactics include more nuanced de-powering and feathering. In light air, the tables turn, and the winner is often the sailor who planes quickest on the reaches. The old guards surfboard slam may have held some credence after all.

Bottom line: The Laser is a timeless classic thats easily transported and is built for performance. Its well suited to adrenaline-seeking teens as well as the more fit adult crowd.

Designed in 1947 by Floridian Clark Mills, the utilitarian Optimist could be made out of two sheets of plywood-and from its inception, the Optimist was meant to link kids with the water. Slipping into obscurity in the U.S., the little pram found fertile ground to grow in northern Europe. With just a few tweaks, the Scandinavians took Millss lines and parlayed them into whats become the favored junior sailing trainer for kids from Detroit to Timbuktu. Statistics show that there are about 30 builders worldwide putting out approximately 4,000 boats each year. With about 130,000 boats class registered and an estimated 300,000 total hulls built (amateur and pro), theres plenty of reasons to get excited about an Opti.

The example weve chosen is the USA-built McLaughlin boat, both a demonstration of high-quality FRP construction and modern manufacturing techniques. Its also a boat that can be purchased in a range of performance-inducing iterations-upgrades designated as club, intermediate, advanced, and professional versions. Like all performance sailboats, stiffness and strength-to-weight ratio is important. But class rules include a minimum weight, so the most competitive hulls meet the mandatory lower limit but use good engineering and building technique to reinforce the daggerboard slot and mast step and produce overall stiffness.

The low mast height and high aspect ratio sprit sail is very versatile, affording young (and small, 65 to 130 pounds) sailors a wide window of decent performance. The flat bottom, slab-sided hull is responsive to crew weight-driven trim changes, and the better the sailor, the more agile they become. Light-air performance is all about minimizing wetted surface and maximizing sail area projection. When the breeze starts to kick up, the sailor becomes the ballast, and the art of hiking, sheet handling, and tiller wiggling come into play.

Under careful adult supervision, two 6- to 8-year-olds can double-hand the friendly little dinghy, or one more-confident child can solo sail it. In fact, introducing kids to sailing with similar proportioned small prams has been a right of passage around for decades. A set of oarlock gudgeons can turn the pram into a functional dinghy thats also adaptable to the smaller Torqeedo outboard (www.torqeedo.com).

McLaughlin also markets a Roto-molded polyethylene version of the Opti and sells DIY kits for those who want to create their own wood version.

Bottom line: The Opti is like a first bicycle without the need for training wheels. The fact that at the last Olympics, over 80 percent of the winning sailors had gotten their start in an Optimist speaks well to the value of messing around in this particular dinghy.

Designed in 1951 by ice boaters Alexander Bryan and Cortland Heyniger, the hard chine Sunfish was the prototype board boat. In 1959, it made the transition into fiberglass, and over the following half-century, more than a quarter-million hulls would hit the water. Simplicity and decent sailing attributes combined with an attractive price to make the Sunfish the most popular one-design dinghy ever raced.

Far more than a platform for racers, these boats are an excellent training tool for sailors of all ages. Also built by Laser Performance, they reflect the fun of summer and put sailors in close contact with the water on which they sail. Its no surprise that the larger fleets coincide with warm water and many see going for a swim to be part and parcel of the low-freeboard experience.

The lateen rig is in keeping with the overall design concept and simplifies rigging. A short stub of a mast is stepped and a single halyard hoists the sail along with tilting V-shaped upper and lower booms.

The total sail area is nearly the same as the Laser, but the halyard hoist versatility of the lateen rig make it a handy beach boat and a little less daunting when the wind begins to build. The clean sail shape on one tack and deformation caused by the mast on the other tack are a slight drawback. The Laser rig is more efficient, but when caught out in a squall, its nice to be able to ease the halyard and dump the sail. Its also handy to be able to leave the boat tethered to a mooring, and the doused sail and short mast make it possible.

Multiple generations of sailors are often found sailing Sunfish, and the boat represents one of the best bargains to be found in the used boat market. When considering a pre owned boat, the potential buyer needs to take a close look at the daggerboard-to-hull junction and mast step, points where previous damage can create hard-to-fix leaks.

Bottom line: The Sunfish is a great beach boat that can turn a hot afternoon into a fun-filled water experience.

There were no losers in this group, and picking winners and runners-up proved a difficult task. The outcome had to be based on assumptions about how these boats would be used. For example, parents with a competitive 9-year-old who swims like a fish, always sprints for the head of the lunch line, and likes to steal bases in Little League probably have an Opti racer in the making. Less competitive junior sailors-future cruisers in the making-will do better learning aboard a Bug. Many newly formed sailing clubs target the boat as their trainer of choice.

The Bravo holds plenty of appeal for those with a lakeside cottage or a favored campground destination. Whether its a solo sail just before sunset or a fun race on Sunday, the quick to set up and put away features are a plus, and for those who feel that two hulls are better-the Bravo will hold plenty of appeal.

Serious competitors can campaign a Laser for life, and whether youre headed for a local district regatta or getting ready for the Olympic trials, the hull, rig, and sail remains identical-sort of like the Monaco Grand Prix being raced in a street legal Mustang.

Bic Opens new little speedster tickled our fancy, and as a trainer/performance boat crossover, it drew a strong nod of approval. Watching the junior sailors smiles as they sailed their Open Bics endorsed our opinion.

And if there is any boat that defines the essence of summer, the Sunfish takes the prize.

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2022 Boat of the Year: Best Dinghy

• By Dave Reed
• December 17, 2021

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

Skeptics be warned: The Happy Cat Hurricane is legit. This is the unanimous assessment from our Boat of the Year judging squad after sailing the surprisingly quick and nimble 16-foot inflatable catamaran in 10 knots of breeze. While it delivers exhilarating sailing, it’s much more than a recreational rubber dinghy—it’s an adventure craft, a portable sailboat, a pontoon motorboat, a lazy-river drifter, or anything you want it to be once it’s pumped and splashed.

Grabner is an Austrian manufacturer of all types of inflatable watercraft, which the company has been building since the mid-1980s. The Happy Cat Hurricane came online in 2017, and a carbon-mast version was added in 2019. The Hurricane Carbon, which the judges tested, is the company’s flagship go-fun craft, and apparently, it can’t make them fast enough.

We racers know fiberglass better than we do rubber, but Alex Caslow, of Redbeard Sailing in Baltimore (the US importer), says Grabner’s vulcanized rubber is “tire-quality” and sourced from Continental. All of the Happy Cat’s tubes, he adds, are handmade, glued and welded in Austria, producing high-quality hulls that should last at least 20 years. There’s a seven-year warranty on the hulls, he says, but should you ever need to, $2,000 is your replacement price (per hull). The all-up price for a new boat, with everything you need to go racing or gunkholing, is currently $15,000.

The magic to keeping the Happy Cat’s tubular platform stiff is the anodized aluminum frame that holds it all together. Tension cables crisscrossed beneath the trampolines provide additional stiffness in waves. The frame also serves as attachment points for the trampolines, which are clipped on rather than laced like most catamaran tramps.

The boat, Caslow says, can be assembled in roughly 40 minutes—from taken out of the storage bags to inflated and sails hoisted. Upgrading from the standard manual pump to a 12-volt air pump accelerates the process, of course.

Bags? That’s right. The entire boat and rig fit into four bags collectively small enough to transport in the average-size car trunk. This portability is its primary selling point, especially in Europe, where hundreds of owners and devotees regularly gather to rally and raid on alpine lakes and coastal enclaves. Its second selling point is that it sails as well as most fiberglass recreational catamarans.

“It definitely caught my eye when we first walked up to it,” Chuck Allen says. “The bright-red hulls, the carbon rig, all the ropes, but especially the interesting setup with the rudder and centerboard being on centerline. I’d never sailed a catamaran with a centerboard.

“The hulls are really firm—they feel just like a RIB tube, and all the aluminum framing and wires are nice quality. I was really curious how it would sail, and believe it or not, it sailed like a champ.”

Greg Stewart says his first impression was one of skepticism as well. “It seemed like it would be one of those boats that looked cool on land but would let us down, but it didn’t at all. It sailed amazingly. It tacked well enough that I didn’t have to backwind the jib, and got up to speed again quickly.”

The ability to tack it like a dinghy, Stewart says, is because of the centerboard and because the rudder is mounted in the best place possible. “What makes it steer so well is the rudder is so far aft, which gives you a nice turning moment between it and the centerboard.”

The centerboard has up/down lines that are led to the front beam and cam cleats, but there is a breaker line in case you get into shallow waters. The centerboard casing also acts as an anchor point for the dolphin striker.

The reverse “wave-piercing” bows have a lot of buoyancy down low, Stewart adds. When he was sailing upwind through chop, they “just want to lift and rise up over the wave.” If flying a hull gets a bit too unnerving, he says, a small ease on the mainsheet or a slight bear away makes the boat settle right down with a soft and pillowy landing. Stewart forgot to conduct the obligatory capsize test, but he said afterward that the boat tended to simply slip sideways if the weather hull got too high. The optional masthead float, however, would be a good choice for peace of mind, he says.

“There’s a great sensation of speed,” Powlison reports, especially with the 91-square-foot gennaker. “The Velocitek SpeedPuck that was on the boat was reading 10 to 11 knots regularly, and it wasn’t hard at all to tack or jibe either. The spinnaker clew is pretty high, and the boomless square-top mainsail (124 square feet) makes it really easy to get across the boat.”

“This boat rips,” was Allen’s final assessment. He gave it high marks all around, but what ultimately stole his favor was a browse through Grabner’s catalog, which showcased the Happy Cat’s versatility: Leave the mast in its bag, erect the optional sun awning, and slap on the outboard motor bracket to transform it into an outboard-powered exploration craft and swimming platform. Or strap on extra fore and aft trampolines, load the boat up with camping gear in dry bags, and explore new places.

“Its biggest appeal really is its portability,” Stewart says. “If you don’t have easy access to a yacht club or storage near the water, you can easily keep this in the garage or apartment without taking up much space at all. Throw it in the car and take it wherever you want.”

Assembly, Caslow says, is simple and quick once the hulls are inflated. The tubes slide into grooves in the frame, tension cables are clipped on with carabiners, the trampoline is strapped on, and the mast can be raised by one person once it’s pinned onto the ball joint.

When it’s assembled, the Hurricane Carbon is only 175 pounds, but it is still a bit unwieldy for solo ramp launching. For this particular challenge, Grabner offers flip-up “slip wheels” that mount to the aft beam and stay on the boat while sailing. With your standard big-wheeled catamaran dolly, however, it’s easy to move around and beach-launch. And once you’re underway and zipping along, crew extended on the wire and the soft bounce of the hull on your bottom, you’ll just want to keep on sailing—happy as a cat on nip.

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A Guide to Dinghy Boats

Are you looking for an affordable boat for your fishing trips or watersports? The dinghy offers you the best options for a low-cost, versatile watercraft. There are several dinghy designs to suit any watersports activity.

Typically, dinghies are the best choice for watersports like skiing and diving. However, some models are good for cruising or light sailing, with options for motors or sails. A dinghy can range in size, but most of them are suitable for carrying two to six people.

Dinghies are available in models suiting use in freshwater or saltwater, with inflatables, solid boats, and more options. Is a dinghy the right choice for your boat? Let’s unpack everything you need to know about these watercraft.

What Is a Dinghy Boat?

A dinghy is a small boat, usually and inflatable, and most models are around five to ten feet long. A dinghy is easy to transport, and it offers versatile utility for fishing and watersports. You also have options for motors, sales, or you can use oars to propel the boat.

Dinghies can feature fiberglass construction, or they may use inflatable pontoons, similar to a pontoon boat. The inflatable models typically feature design and construction with Hypalon or PVC. These polymers provide UV resistance, tough resistance against punctures, and easy repairs.

The sides on inflatables also act as seats, allowing fishing directly from all sides of the boat. Dinghies are not really built for speed; they usually come with low-powered trolling motors with a 3-hp to 5-hp output. However, they are ideal for moving through estuaries and lakes, allowing for silent movement so you don’t disturb the fish.

What are the best beginner sailing dinghies?

If you’re just getting into sailing, there are several dinghy options for enjoying your time out on the water. Whether you want to sail solo or with a friend, there is a boat for you.

Training Sailing Dinghies

These models are easy to master, giving beginners the chance to master the complexities of sailboats. They are simple to operate, safe, and offer you the best option for learning to master sailing techniques.

Doublehanded Sailing Dinghies

These models cater to two passengers for handling the sail and rigging. They are great for learners, allowing them to take an experienced sailor out on the water to learn the ropes.

Singlehanded Sailing Dinghies

These models have a design for one person. Typically, they are smaller boats, and you’ll already have to know how to sail. However, they are easy to master, and spending time out on the water will familiarize you with the aspects of sailboats.

These dinghies feature double or triple hulls. They are typically the best choice for racing, and they offer excellent stability in all water conditions.

Different Types of Dinghy Models

As mentioned, there are several models of dinghies for different watersports activities. Here are the most common options; we categorized them into sailing dinghies and inflatable dinghies.

Sailing Dinghies

A sailing dinghy is a small sailboat with no fixed keel and a shallow draft. These models are ideal for sailing in lagoons, estuaries, and lakes, navigating shallow waters. The sailing dinghy typically features a fiberglass design, with an open-plan seating area and a mast. These boats usually accommodate anywhere from one to five passengers.

High-Performance Dinghies

High-performance sailing dinghies are another sail-based model that’s ideal for racing. They are fast and cut through the water with ease. You get excellent maneuverability on the water with a low-profile design and an open-plan deck with a mast. The Fireball, International 505, and Thistle are a few examples of leading racing and high-performance dinghies.

Cruising Dinghies

A cruising dinghy is another sail-based model that’s a great choice for cruising out in calm ocean conditions or inland water bodies. They are a recreational vessel equipped with sails and rudders, and you have more passenger capacity than the other sailing models. As a result, they are the ideal choice for family’s that enjoy the sailing lifestyle.

Cruiser-Racer Dinghies

These models are hybrids that come with a focus on performance and stability. They have the ability to race or to cruise, providing excellent stability in the water. They are a great choice for someone that wants to start sailing competitively, and they also work for fun recreational sailing days on the lake with the family. The GP14 is an example of a cruiser-racer offering high-performance standards and stable cruising.

Classic Dinghies

These boats had an original design featuring wood finishes using materials like plywood and cedar. However, modern dinghies feature fiberglass construction. The classic dinghy sailboat focuses on versatility over sailing performance. The Minto is a great example of a classic dinghy.

Inflatable Dinghies

Inflatables are gaining in popularity thanks to the affordable price tag and versatility offered by the boat. Inflatables are easy to carry, and some might even fit on the back of a truck. Inflatables have side pontoons, and many of them are suitable for diving activities or spearfishing. These dinghies usually feature low-powered trolling motors; they don’t have a design for speed.

Features and Benefits of Dinghy Boat

Dinghies are versatile and affordable. There are plenty of benefits for choosing this boat beyond just the savings you make over other models.

The dinghy is one of the few boats left that offer a sailing configuration. If you’re into boating on lakes or thinking about sailing competitively, the dinghy is the best choice. Any of the sailing models listed above are a great choice. Pick the boat that offers you the best utility for your sailing needs.

Minimal Noise

Most dinghies are sailing options, so you don’t have to worry about gas fumes from the motor or noise. They offer a serene sailing experience on inland waters. Inflatable models may use a trolling engine for moving through calm, shallow waters when fishing. The low noise and churn produced by the motors won’t scare off the fish. You also have options for poling and oars for moving around without engines.

Trailerable

Dinghies are compact boats with sailing and inflatable models offering you easy trailering. Some of the smaller inflatables can fit in the back of a panel van or on the load bed of your single-cab truck. They offer you easy transport between lakes and estuaries, with a lightweight design that’s easy to launch and trailer.

Options for Inflatables or Fiberglass

As mentioned, the dinghy comes in sailing and inflatable options. Some fiberglass models also feature a wood finish on the deck for an added aesthetic that looks like a classic dinghy.

Ideal as an Excursion Boat for Yachts

Many superyachts use inflatable dinghies allowing the passengers to reach the shore. Yachts can’t enter shallow water, and the dinghy makes the ideal transfer boat for reaching the coast from open water. Most of these models feature low-powered motors.

No Need for Registration

Larger vessels require registration before you can take them out on the water. However, dinghies are small, and they don’t need any registration or licensing before you can take them out on the water. As long as the boat doesn’t have a fixed motor and is less than eight feet in length, you don’t have to worry about doing the paperwork. Regulations differ between California and Florida, so check with your local authorities before taking your boat to the lake or slip.

Lightweight

The dinghy is a lightweight boat. The fiberglass and inflatable models offer you a lightweight watercraft that’s easy to launch and pull from the water. They are also easy to repair, with basic fiberglass or polymer patching.

Easy to Maneuver

The dinghy is a super-maneuverable boat. The sailing models are easy to tack in the wind, allowing for sharp turning radiuses and easy maneuverability on the water.

Complete sailing systems

Most sailing dinghies come with options for sail systems. If you want to learn the art of sailing or teach your kids about sailboats, the dinghy is the ideal starter vessel.

Suitable for use in Shallow Waters

The dinghy usually has a high draft and a shallow keel, allowing for sailing in shallow water, such as lakes. These boats won’t run aground, and the low hull design allows for less friction on the water, increasing speed and performance.

Save on Fuel

Sailing dinghies don’t have motors, so you save on fuel costs for your boating trips. Those inflatable models with trolling motors have low-capacity engines, and they are economical with fuel consumption.

Disadvantages of Dinghy Boat

The dinghy is a great choice for your first boat, especially if you want to tackle the art of sailing. However, they do come with some drawbacks.

Minimal Power and Small Motors

Since most models are sailboats, they rely on the wind for performance. Sure, some models can reach high speeds when the winds are right, but they lack a speed boat’s torque and on-demand power. Even those dinghy models relying on trolling motors don’t move very fast.

Limited Standing Room

The sailing dinghy doesn’t offer you any standing room. Sure, you can stand on the deck, but you’ll have to duck and manage the sail, and that could mean the boat tosses you overboard. The small size of the dinghy also means that you’ll unbalance the vessel if you stand on the deck.

Limited Seating

Dinghies are small boats designed for one to five passengers. Sure, you get bigger models, but these dinghies are more like proper sailboats. The seating may also be somewhat uncomfortable, as most models rely on a cast fiberglass deck with molded seats and no cushions.

No Crossover Function

Most dinghies are for sailing, and they don’t offer you crossover functions for fishing and watersports. It’s impossible to tow a skier, and the sail gets in the way of angling. The inflatable models are okay for fishing in shallow waters or inland water bodies, but the seating setup isn’t comfortable. The low-power trolling motors available for inflatable models don’t reach high speeds, making them unsuitable for watersports.

Limited Storage Space

Most dinghy models, especially sailing types, don’t come with consoles or storage systems. Some inflatables might have storage bins in the bow of the dinghy, but they typically don’t offer much storage space.

Top Dinghy Boat Brands and Models

Intex excursion 5.

The Intex Excursion 5 is a great example of an inflatable dinghy. You can seat up to five people in this model, and it has a rubber design with all the fishing accessories you need to get out on the water and enjoy a few hour’s angling in the lake.

You get four rod-holders, a bench-style seat in the boat’s center, and two inflatable seats.

This model comes with an affordable price tag and oars included with your purchase. There’s also the option of attaching a trolling motor for effortless navigation.

However, the boat is not suitable for standing, so don’t expect to cast far with this model. The boat comes with a three-chambered design and a 1,300-lbs capacity.

The Laser is the best choice for a single-hander sailboat dinghy. This boat is ideal for cruising or competitive racing, and they hold their resale value.

You get options for three rig sizes, the 4.7, Standard, and the Radial model. These boats feature fiberglass design and low hulls for easy navigation through shallow waters.

The RS Vision

This family sailboat makes a fantastic trainer, club racer, or cruising model. This boat can accommodate up to eight sailors, and the new RS Quest model features both trapeze and spinnaker options.

Wrapping Up

Dinghies are the ideal boat for learning how to sail, and they also make inexpensive boats for recreational fishing in inland water or calm ocean conditions.

They are not the most durable boats, and they don’t accommodate many people. However, there are plenty of models to suit your sailing experience or watercraft needs. However, they offer lightweight design, user-friendly operation, and choices for inflatable or fiberglass models.

If you’re looking to learn how to sail, you won’t find a better boat available.

John is an experienced journalist and veteran boater. He heads up the content team at BoatingBeast and aims to share his many years experience of the marine world with our readers.

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• 12′ Scamp

  “I have to say it’s the biggest little boat I’ve ever sailed.”                        

– 48 north magazine.

The Scamp is a seaworthy 12′ sailboat that can handle a good dose of adventure.

Just under 12 feet in length, Scamp boasts an unusual combination of features that give her the unique ability to explore waters too shallow for a larger boat, while retaining most of the bigger boat’s comforts and capabilities. An offset centerboard opens up the cockpit and an 8′ 3″ sleeping area, and 172 pounds of water ballast provide exceptional stability. The cockpit is self-bailing, and a pair of grounding skegs on her flat bottom keep Scamp perfectly upright when landing on a beach or when the tide goes out.

Originally designed as a wood boat by John Welsford, Gig Harbor Boat Works worked closely with the designer and staff from Small Craft Advisor to create a fiberglass version. Scamp #1 hit the water for its first sea trial in July of 2013!

As a specialized boat, the Scamp has some different options than the rest of our boats. We have had quite a few questions about Scamp’s option list so I thought it best to go into more detail below about the various choices. Be sure to check out the “Scamp Options” tab below for photos and descriptions of all the available options.

I’d like to emphasize the fact that we build and sell all of our boats complete, ready to sail. Our “basic’” Scamp is sail ready with exactly the same top quality parts and materials as a “fancy” Scamp — you don’t have to add anything to go for a satisfactory sail. Our ‘Base’ boat’s level of completion is the same as specified in the Scamp plans or kit for DIY home builders. Options are exactly that… individual choices made by the owner to suit their cosmetic desires and refine performance.

Fiberglass SCAMP Overhead View

Shown with optional floor storage hatch and optional wood trim. Motor not included.

12' Scamp Full Specifications

Scamp photo gallery (click to enlarge):, more about the scamp:.

• 48 North Review
• SCAMP Options (as of Jan 2016)

  Gig Harbor Boat Works, known for their strong, esthetically pleasing rowing boats, has already shipped a number of the new SCAMPS all over the country and overseas. “The kit boat has a lot of intricate details that the home builder may not have the talent or tools to build,” says Dave Robertson, owner of GHB. “With the fiberglass version, they can enjoy using the boat right away.” The GHB boat is truly sail-away complete; from oars to sails.

There are many innovations designed into the SCAMP that make it truly a big little boat. One thing that usually takes up a lot of cockpit room of most small boats is the centerboard. The SCAMP’s centerboard, very heavy but swings up easily for trailer or grounding, is offset to starboard so that it doesn’t intrude into the cockpit. I’ll let you call Dave to explain the physics of the offset. Suffice it to say that we didn’t notice a difference on either tack. The result is it opens up the cockpit which feels more like that of a of a San Juan 24.

The boat was surprisingly quick and very stable. “This boat can’t be just 12’long,” I thought. I stood up and rocked it side to side with minimal affect. It felt like 20-footer.   Sailing the SCAMP made me a believer that it actually would be a safe and enjoyable way to explore the San Juans, as well as just knocking around the bay for a fun day of sailing. The SCAMP had lots of surprises, all good.   I have to say it’s the biggest little boat I’ve ever sailed.

See the price list for current pricing of Scamp options

Cosmetic options

Hull color change ( white hull exterior is standard).

This option allows you to customize the hull exterior to the color of your choice.  For the best balance of pizzazz and reasonable maintenance, we recommend that color only be added to the top strake and the balance of the hull be left white. Why? A white underbody doesn’t show scratches like a dark color, it is easy to repair, and Scamp has high freeboard so a darker sheer strake lowers the apparent freeboard. If you add color to the top strake, we will extend the color across the top of the bow and leave the stern all white for best visual balance.

Deck and interior color change (Bisque Tan deck and interior are standard)

The Bisque color is neutral so goes with any accent color – it also doesn’t show scratches and is easy on the eyes. However, we can make the topsides any color you want; for more than a basic color change the price varies with color and pattern.

Bronze Deadlights (white nylon deadlights standard)

Mahogany gunwale trim (standard gunwale trim is tan vinyl).

This wood trim option also includes mahogany ‘eyebrows’ on the cabin sides. Other wood trim such as coaming or seat top overlay is available on a custom basis.

Custom Sail Color (standard is ‘Egyptian cotton)

Any color available, price varies with color and pattern.

Hull options

Stainless steel keel guards.

Over 90% of the boats we build are specified with stainless steel keel protection. Fiberglass is a wonderful boatbuilding material; easy to conform to compound shapes, hard smooth finish, eminently repairable; but it is NOT abrasion resistant. Pulling a boat onto a beach is asking for grief, especially if parts of the boat have a sharp edges forming high pressure areas…. like the keelsons on Scamp. Protecting the keelsons is a lot cheaper than fiberglass repair.

Floor storage hatch

There is a lot of usable, easily accessible space under the cockpit floor. This optional storage is a sealed chamber approximately 18″ wide x 30″ long with depth varying from about 8″ at the forward end to 4″ aft. The hatch accessing the storage is a rectangular Armstrong style with 14″ x 21″ opening. If you plan to add electric propulsion or accessories this is an ideal location for batteries!

Bilge pump, handheld manual style

Rain and spray is contained in the cockpit sump at the transom. This can be scooped or sponged out easily. However, if you somehow get water inside the seats or underfloor that is a relatively inaccessible area. Although chances of getting much water in this area are slim, it helps to have a portable handheld pump handy.

Outboard motor bracket

Removable outboard motor bracket

Bolts to outside of transom. Owners have noted that a permanent motor mount on Scamp is, well, ugly. So we researched a removable mount that has only a flat plate permanently bolted to the transom. The actual motor carrier clips onto the plate with a simple quick pin, no tools required to install or remove the bracket.

Bronze 5″ cleats

Bronze cleat

Stainless steel pop–up cleats

Pop-up cleat

Performance / operational options

Trailer, galvanized, custom designed for scamp.

Scamp is very difficult to fit correctly on a trailer; the twin keelsons, wide chines and flat bow just don’t work with any standard trailer. We designed a custom trailer specifically for this hull. It is 100% galvanized and has three aft rollers to accommodate self centering on the keelsons. Scamp has a tendency to skate sideways when loading, so we install carpeted side guides and a central crossmember roller to make loading simple. Forward is a carpeted transverse bunk to support the fairbody, and finally a special twin chock winch pedestal. Oh yeah, bearing buddies are standard too.

Swiveling mainsheet cleat with removable base

The mainsheet cleat is fastened to a transverse board between the seat tops. You can adjust the position of the board and cleat fore or aft the length of the cockpit or remove it entirely by pulling two stainless steel fastpins.

Jiffy reefing

Three Reef points in the sail are standard, but there are no reefing lines or cleats. If you want jiffy reefing we”ll set up two complete ready to use reefs.

Compass, bulkhead mounted Richie #RITV57.2

Oars, 9’4″ 2-piece fiberglass shaft with bronze oarlocks.

Scamp’s high freeboard and wide beam requires 9’+ oars which are impossible to stow in Scamps’ cockpit. We have engineered high quality, strong 2 piece 9’4″ spoon blade oars that disassemble and store concealed inside the cockpit coamings. Another practical storage area is on the vertical seat sides, clipped into modified fishing rod holders.

Cover for trailering/storage

Top Notch fabric, custom sewn for Scamp.  Protects deck and cockpit during trailering and storage.

Bimini/Camping style cockpit cover

Fully enclosed bimini cockpit enclosure with zippered windows and side curtains. Sides zip off individually for fully-customized protection from the weather.

Scamp spar and sail bag

We are always looking for ways to simplify sailing, and one of the most vexing chores is the assembling the rig. Wouldn’t it be nice to be able to pull the completely assembled, ready to hoist sail and spars out of a bag? This special bag is 12′ long and has two long pockets; the lower pocket is for the two-section mast. The upper pocket has a full length zipper so you can store the sail lashed to the yard and boom with even the jiffy reefing in place. Just pull the mast with halyard attached from the bag and plop into the cabin-top ‘Scamp Ramp.’  Then fasten your halyard to the Yard and hoist the whole rigged sail out of the bag. All you have left to do is run the halyard and downhaul to their respective cleats, clip the mainsheet and lazy jacks to the boom and away you go. 10 minutes, done.

Stirrup reboarding system

Transom boarding ladder ….. still under development.

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SCAMP Rigging Tutorial

If you’re not familiar with balanced-lug rigging, here’s a great tutorial showing how to set up this simple and intuitive rig.

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You need a dinghy; why not one that can save your life?

You’re free to have fun on the water when you, your family, and your crew are safe. Portland Pudgy, Inc has re-imagined the dinghy in the context of safety at sea, and come up with something really new. A rugged, unsinkable dinghy you can row, motor, sail , and even use as a lifeboat. The Portland Pudgy safety dinghy makes boating even more fun, by making it safer.

The sail kit makes your Portland Pudgy a fun, safe sailing dinghy. The stability and buoyancy designed into the Portland Pudgy make it safe and sea-friendly as a recreational sailing dinghy for the whole family. The Pudgy takes surprisingly rugged seas and wind for a boat its size…

The Portland Pudgy is a rugged, unsinkable self-rescue boat, even without the inflatable exposure canopy and other survival gear. With the canopy and sail, the Portland Pudgy is a dynamic lifeboat. Unlike inflatable life rafts, the Pudgy can’t deflate, and you can sail, row, or motor to safety…

What is the Portland Pudgy safety dinghy?

The Portland Pudgy is a multifunction boat that was designed as a yacht tender and unsinkable, dynamic lifeboat for blue water sailors that can be sailed to safety. The resulting stability, buoyancy, ruggedness, roominess, and “unsinkability” designed into the Portland Pudgy make it unparalleled as an everyday tender, a safe and sea-friendly sailing dinghy, and a great all-around rowboat/motorboat. The Pudgy is a self-contained unit: all accessories, including the oars, sail kit, and exposure canopy, stow within the storage space in double hull of the boat with room to spare.

Recreational Small Boat for Sailing, Fishing, Hunting, Diving

Unlike inflatable boats, the Portland Pudgy safety dinghy is a joy to row. It can be rigged out as a fun sailing dinghy. It’s a safe and fun recreational sailing dinghy for the whole family. It’s stable and difficult to capsize, but if you manage to, it’s very easy to right, and comes up dry. No need to wait for rescue (as with some recreational sailing dinghies, like the Opti). The entire sail kit stows neatly out of the way in the interior of the double hull (rudder and leeboards under seats). Because the Portland Pudgy safety dinghy is so stable, rugged, and tracks so well when rowed or motored, it’s also a great fishing boat or duck hunting boat, and a great platform for nature photography and diving. See Sailing Dinghy.

Self-Contained Unit

All of the accessories, oars, sail kit (including telescoping mast and boom), inflatable exposure canopy, sea anchor, ditch bag, provisions, and more, can be stowed within the boat via the five watertight hatches.  This is very convenient in your everyday dinghy or sailing dink.  It’s an extremely important safety feature of the Portland Pudgy lifeboat. All of your equipment is there in an emergency.

Dynamic Lifeboat

The Portland Pudgy safety dinghy is a self-rescue boat, even without the optional inflatable exposure canopy and other survival gear. With the exposure canopy, sea anchor, and sail kit, the Portland Pudgy is an unsinkable, dynamic lifeboat. Unlike inflatable life rafts, the Pudgy cannot deflate, and you can sail, row, or motor this rugged self-rescue boat to shipping lanes or land.

Everyday Yacht Tender, Rowboat, Motorboat, Rugged Workboat

The Portland Pudgy safety dinghy is the safest, most rugged yacht tender on the market to row, motor, tow and carry. It tracks perfectly and moves along nicely with a small motor. The Pudgy is extremely buoyant and has huge carrying capacity, both in the roomy cockpit and inside the storage compartments in the double hull. The Portland Pudgy (7′ 8″, 128 lb., USCG-approved as a rowboat and motorboat for 4 people) is designed and manufactured (in the USA) to be an exceptionally rugged, stable, unsinkable boat. Its pram shape allows it to fit on the deck of many cruising sailboats. This small boat is so stable you can stand up and walk around in it. The Portland Pudgy safety dinghy has all the benefits of inflatable boats and RIBs (rigid inflatable boats), without the risk of deflation. There is no need for an unsightly, expensive, and deflation-prone RID kit (“dinghy dogs”) with the Pudgy: it’s an unsinkable boat, with built-in buoyancy. See Yacht Tender/Dinghy.

Live-aboards  Teresa Carey and Ben Erickson Carey  sent us this wonderful video about their Portland Pudgy. Lots of great sailing shots.  Deliberately flipping the Pudgy (:33) and then easily righting it (2:00). Inflating the exposure canopy using the alternative method (hand pump) and using it as a dodger (1:15). Sleeping in the Pudgy. Lots of shots that show how stable and roomy it is. And lots just showing what a fun little boat it is.

Testimonials

How Much Do Sailboats Cost 2024? The Average Prices

The cost of a sailboat can vary greatly depending on a number of features, so it’s hard to give a definitive answer without knowing requirements.

Although it’s common to think sailing’s for the rich , that isn’t always the case. In fact, you can pick up project boats for as little as $1! This is unusual though, so what can you expect to pay?

To give a rough idea, a small, basic sailboat can start at around $10,000, while high-end, luxury boats can easily exceed $1 million.

Additionally, the cost of owning and maintaining a sailboat should also be considered. This can include expenses for docking fees, insurance, repairs and upgrades, and essential sailing gear and equipment.

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When we bought our sailboat four years ago we had no idea if we would like living aboard or how long we would want to cruise for. We knew we wanted a boat under 40ft so we could manage it as a crew of two (or even one if needs be), but bigger than 35ft so we had enough room to live comfortably.

Because we had a very small budget we knew we wouldn’t be able to afford a sailboat that was fully fitted out and ready to go, so we had to factor in upgrades and maintenance that we would complete ourselves as and when we could afford to.

We bought our 38ft sailboat for under £30,000, which was one of the cheapest sailboats that was ‘ready to sail’ in the size and age range at the time. Just like houses, sailboats go and up and down in price based on demand, and in today’s market it is much harder to find a boat like this in that price range.

So now that you have a bit of context, let’s dive into the factors that affect the cost of a sailboat and some average prices below.

‍W hat Factors Affect The Cost Of A Sailboat?

Before buying a sailboat you will want to consider many different factors, such as what you want your sailboat for, where you intend to sail it and how many crew you are likely to have onboard.

You will want to look at the existing equipment onboard and make a list of extras you will need to fit in order to make it meet your requirements. These extra costs can quickly add up! You should also factor in any maintenance that needs to be done before you start sailing.

Let’s take a look at some of the main factors that impact the price of a sailboat.

New or Used

This is an obvious one. Used sailboats are a lot cheaper than brand new versions. Sailboats are similar to cars and lose their value over time, no matter how much work you put into them. The most common opinion is that new sailboats lose their value on a bell curve, and you will make the most of your investment if you sell a new boat within four years.

Buying a much older boat is cheaper initially, but may cost you ten fold in maintenance and upgrades if it hasn’t been looked after well by the previous owner. You should always use a well regarded surveyor before buying a sailboat to make sure you are paying a fair price.

Larger sailboats typically cost more than smaller ones. You can buy a small used sailing dinghy for around £1000, which will be suitable for hobby sailing for a few hours on lakes or close to shore in calm weather. This is a great option if you’re keen to learn to sail on a small budget.

Here are a few price comparisons on new boats of different sizes.

Average Prices Of 22ft yachts

• Catalina 22 Sport:  $27,000 + VAT
• Marlow Hunter 22:  $30,000 + VAT
• Marblehead 22:  $84,000 + VAT

Average prices of 40ft – 45ft yachts

• Lagoon 40:  $400,000 + VAT
• Hanse 418:  $200,000 + VAT
• Ovni 445:  $600,000 + VAT

Monohull or Multihull

With two engines, two hulls and a lot more space multihulls fetch a premium. In recent years they have become more popular than ever, and therefore they are a lot more expensive both new and used than monohulls. They are also more expensive to upkeep and more expensive to run.

Well-known, high-end brands often come with a higher price tag. As you can see from the chart above, even sailboats of the same or very similar size can vary hugely in price. This is partly down to the reputation of the brand and boat manufacturer. If the boat has the reputation of being of excellent build quality then it will undoubtedly demand a higher price tag!

Additional amenities and technology can increase the cost. If you’re buying a new boat then it will likely come with all the essentials like depth souder and wind gauge (or this may be something you will need to add on as an extra). Used boats will come with whatever they come with, which may mean outdated or broken equipment, or none at all.

When we bought our used boat we drew up a spreadsheet of all the equipment we considered essential and we added missing equipment onto the cost of the sailboat, so that we knew how much extra we would have to spend after purchase.

Some things, like our sailboat watermaker , might not be essential to others but have changed our lives aboard.

Even things like our lithium marine batteries would now be on our ‘essentials’ list, as they are so power and cost effective compared to the alternatives.

⚡ We use BattleBorn batteries and recommend them highly. You can check them out here. ⚡

A used sailboat may be less expensive, but will almost certainly require more maintenance and upkeep. You can tackle a lot of boat maintenance yourself with the help of YouTube sailing channels and a decent sailboat toolkit , and this will keep costs down considerably.

‍‍‍‍‍‍ ‍‍Overall, it is important to carefully consider all factors and do thorough research before making a purchase decision for a sailboat

The Average Cost Of A New Cruising Sailboat

We’ve classed a cruising boat as one you could live on comfortably as a couple, so ranging from around 38ft to 50ft.

On average, a new cruising sailboat can cost anywhere from $100,000 to over $1 million . Some popular brands, such as Beneteau and Jeanneau, offer models in the $200,000 to $400,000 range.

Luxury cruising sailboats from well-known brands like Hanse or any catamarans can easily exceed $500,000.

Of course, the cost will also depend on the size and features of the boat. A smaller, basic cruising sailboat may be closer to $100,000 while larger boats with more amenities can easily surpass the million-dollar mark.

Keep in mind that these prices do not include additional expenses for maintenance and upkeep.‍‍

Here are some examples:

• Beneteau Oceanis 40.1 : $300,000 + VAT
• Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 410 : $400,000
• Amel 50:  $1,100,000 + VAT
• Hallberg Rassy 57:  £1,400,000  VAT

Used Cruising Sailboat Prices

The cost of a used cruising sailboat will depend on factors such as age, condition, and previous ownership.

A well-maintained, newer model used sailing boat can range from $50,000 to over $200,000. Older boats or those in need of repairs may be less expensive, but require more investment in upkeep and maintenance. You could pick up a used 38ft sailboat for around $40,000, though it will likely need some attention before it is ready to sail.

It is important to thoroughly inspect a used sailboat before purchasing and factor in potential repair costs. As with buying a new boat, the cost of owning and maintaining a used sailboat should also be considered. ‍‍‍‍‍‍ ‍‍

Overall, the price of a used cruising sailboat can vary greatly and it is hard to give an average price, but expect to pay around $50,000 to $100,000 and then extra for maintenance.

• Tayana 37:  $30,000-90,000
• Moody 44:  €60,000-100,000
• Lagoon 380:  $150,000-350,000
• Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 42:  $130,000-200,000
• Ovni 445:  $300,000-500,000
• Hans Christian 48:  $120,000-180,000

How Much Does A Small Sailboat Cost?

Small sailboats, also known as dinghies or day sailors, can range from around $10,000 to $50,000. This cost will depend on factors such as size, brand, and features.

Used small sailboats may be less expensive, but it is important to carefully consider the condition and potential repairs that may be needed. A well-maintained, newer model used dinghy or day sailor can range from $5,000 to $20,000. Again, small catamarans tend to be more expensive than monohulls.

In addition to the initial purchase cost, owning a small sailboat also includes expenses for storage, maintenance, and necessary gear and equipment.

• Hobie 16:  $11,000 + VAT
• Catalina 22 Sport:  $28,000 + VAT
• Catalina 22:  $3,000-22,000
• Cape Dory 25:  $2,000-10,000
• Catalina 27:  $4,000-15,000
• Bristol 27:  $3,000-10,000

How Do People Finance Sailboats?

Sailboats can be a major financial investment, and many people choose to finance their purchase through a loan from a bank or other lending institution. It is important to carefully consider the terms of the loan and make sure that monthly payments fit into one’s budget.

Some boat dealers may offer financing options or payment plans. However, it is important to thoroughly research these options and compare them with outside lenders before making a decision.

In some cases, people may also use savings or sell assets in order to pay for a sailboat.

In addition to the initial cost of purchasing a sailboat, it is important to also factor in expenses for maintenance, storage, insurance, and necessary gear and equipment. Owning a sailboat can be a rewarding experience, but it is important to carefully plan for all associated costs before making a financial commitment. ‍‍‍‍‍‍

You can find out the cost of owning a sailboat before you decide to buy, and don’t forget it is possible to make money living on a sailboat to keep the kitty topped up. ‍‍

Overall, the cost of owning a sailboat varies greatly and depends on personal preferences and budget. It is important to thoroughly research all financing options and consider the ongoing expenses before committing to a purchase.

How Much Does It Cost To Build A Sailboat?

The cost of building a sailboat can vary greatly depending on the size and complexity of the boat. Hiring a professional to build a custom sailboat can range from $50,000 to over $200,000.

Alternatively, some people may choose to build their own sailboat with materials and tools. This option can be less expensive, but also requires considerable time and effort. The cost of building a sailboat oneself will also depend on the materials used and any necessary equipment or hired help.

Overall, the cost of building a sailboat is quite personal based on budget, sailing needs, and willingness to DIY or hire professionals. Remember that if you choose to build the boat yourself you will need a covered space big enough to do so, and a way to transport it to water when you’re finished. All these costs can add up considerably!

Where Is The Cheapest Place To Buy A Sailboat?

Prices can vary by region and market demand. When we were first looking for a sailboat we realised they were a lot cheaper in the US. The only problem with buying there was that we wouldn’t have been able to get a visa long enough to give us time to work on the boat before leaving the country.

Another top tip is to look for sailboats in places that are ‘jump off points’. For example, many people will cross the Atlantic and sell after achieving their dream of crossing an ocean, or reach the beginning of a daunting ocean crossing like Panama to cross the Pacific, and realise it’s something they don’t have an appetite for. There are also cheaper boats in more remote, harder to get to places.

Some people may choose to purchase their sailboat in a different country or region in order to find a lower price, but it is important to factor in any necessary transportation and import fees.

Keep an eye on prices of boats around the world to get a good idea of where you can snap up the best bargain.

Conclusion: How Much Do Sailboats Cost?

All in all, the cost of a sailboat can vary greatly depending on factors such as size, age, and whether it is purchased or built. It is important to thoroughly consider all financing options and ongoing expenses before making a commitment to purchase or build a sailboat.

Find out how much new sails cost as an example of something you might have to budget for when purchasing a new sailboat.

Ultimately, owning a sailboat can be a rewarding experience but careful planning is necessary for successful budgeting and enjoyment. ‍‍‍‍‍‍If you’re looking for more sailing or liveaboard tips then follow us on social media to stay up to date with our latest articles.

Happy sailing!

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• Search Search Hi! We’re Emily, Adam and Tiny Cat, liveaboard sailors travelling the world on our 38ft sailboat and writing about it as we go. We hope we can inspire you to live the life you’ve always dreamed, whether that’s exploring the world or living a more simple way of life in a tiny home. Find out more. Patreon
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How Much Do New Sails Cost?

Last Updated by

Daniel Wade

June 15, 2022

Sails are one of the most important parts of your sailboats. They're your engine or essentially, what propels your sailboat. Buying a new one is, without a doubt, a hefty if not expensive investment. You should, therefore, learn all about different types of sails, how much they cost, and how to buy them.

Sails are one of the most important parts of a sailboat. In addition to propelling the boat, sails play an integral role in efficiency and safety when sailing. Having high-quality sails not only makes your boat heel less but can also prevent your sailboat from rounding up into the wind in gusts. It can also reduce weather helm, make steering a lot easier, make you go faster, and make sailing more enjoyable even when short handed. In short, proper sails will improve reliability, increase speed, and improve your boat's handling characteristics.

Unfortunately, sails do not last forever. They'll, at one point, wear out and you'll need to buy new ones. To make it even worse, new sails are a huge investment; one that you hope to never make any time soon. But how much do new sails cost? Well, let's find out in this guide.

The prices of buying new sails vary greatly depending on several factors such as your boat's length, sail material, quality of the fabric, and many others. For instance, a 24-feet Bermuda sloop can cost between $1,000 and $2,500 while sails on mid-sized boats can cost between $3,000 and $5,000. The price of a new sail will, of course, depend on how long the piece is.

In this comprehensive guide, we'll walk you through the process of buying sails, their prices, and making sure that you do not make a costly mistake when buying new sails.

Table of contents

How Can You Know that Your Sails Have Had Their Best Days?

Although sails are quite expensive, they seem to last forever especially on cruising sailboats . Without the stresses of competition or a yardstick of measuring whether your sails are appropriate or inappropriate for racing, it can be a lot harder to tell if your sails have worn out and need to be replaced.

This can give you a false sense of security that your sails are still in a working condition. So how do you know that your sails have had their day and what's the best time to upgrade to new sails? Well, you can know that your sails are worn out if they become saggy and dangerously long in the tooth or if they can no longer drive you upwind off a lee shore. If anything, you shouldn't wait until a self-destruct moment to buy new sails.

In essence, you should know that it's the right time to change the sails if it doesn't make economic sense to service or repair them. You should also change the sails if they absolutely refuse to work when you're trying to trim. This is because the sailcloth will break down or become extremely elastic to the point that you can no longer apply enough force to the corners or on the edges even when sailing in light winds.

How to Assess the Structural Strength and Damage of Your Existing Sails

When assessing the structural strength and damage of your existing sails, it's essential to know areas that are prone to tear and wear. While you should inspect every area of the sails you should put a lot of emphasis on the inboard batten pocket, the leech, and spreader patches.

You should also remember that stitching on your sails will get damaged by the sun and chafe long before the material itself. And because buying new sails is a huge investment, you should consider re-stitching the damaged parts if it means extending the sail's life. So how can you know that the stitches are damaged? Well, just rub your thumbnail along with the stitches. If you can pull them out easily, then they're weak and should be re-stitched. It would be appropriate to do it at an early stage to prevent it from becoming worse.

You can also assess the leech and see if it's in a working condition. You can do this by trying to poke your thumbnail into the weave fabric. If it's possible to poke the weave fabric, then it's in a bad state. That's not all; you should as well assess batten pockets for any form of damage or any worn-out patches on the sail.

As we noted earlier, you should know that your existing sails have seen their best day if they don't make any financial sense to repair or service them.

Different Types of Sails

When buying new sails, it's important to have even the slightest idea of the mainsail types. There are four main types of sails.

Mainsails - These include mizzen on yawls and ketches. They're the main driving force and should be fitted with anything ranging between one and four reefs.

Foresails - These include genoas, jibs, and can be used on cutter-rigged boats. Most boats have a single roller curling foresail. However, some have single-standing sails that are designed in different shapes and sizes but optimized for varying wind strengths. For example, you can use larger foresails when the winds are stronger and smaller foresails when the winds are somehow calmer.

Downwind Sails - These are symmetric and asymmetric spinnakers, as well as code zeros, and cruising chutes.

Storm and Heavy Weather Sails - These are storm jibs and trysails that are essential for safety, especially if you're often sailing offshore and may encounter challenging conditions. Given that reefing genoas have incompetent shapes especially when extremely reefed in heavy winds, it's recommended to have a smaller but heavier weather jib. This can be set as part of a removable inner forestay. In essence, this can be a crucial addition to your sail suit.

Choosing Sail Materials

The type of sail material that you choose when buying a new sail is another crucial thing to consider. Nearly two decades ago, the only viable option for sail material was woven Dacron. As such, the only thing to consider in terms of sail material was the grade of the woven Dacron. Sailors could choose between more durable but stiffer woven Dacron meant for cruising and a stiff, highly-resinated material used for racing.

Things, however, have changed recently thanks to technological advances. There is a wide range of sail materials with each having its own advantages and disadvantages. Let's look at the available sail materials.

Woven Dacron - This is not only one of the most durable sail materials but remains the least expensive option. The only downside is that it tends to lose shape quickly and may not retain the appropriate shape even when there's still more life left in the material.

Keep in mind that Dacron materials aren't made the same. There are Dacron materials meant for cruising sailboats . They generally use materials with the permeated finish. This is done by soaking the material in glue to bind the yarns together. Although this ensures that the material is softer and more long-lasting, the material will stretch more in strong winds, especially when it's still new.

On the other hand, there are Dacron materials used in racing sailboats. They're usually coated with a hard melamine finish to reduce stretch.

Hydrant Woven - These materials incorporate Dyneema fibers on the sails. This is fundamental in increasing resistance to substances such as ultraviolet degradation and chafe while also increasing durability and endurance. That's not all; the Dyneema fibers are known to help the sails maintain their original shape.

Laminate Sails - These are designed with load-bearing structural fibers that are crammed between two sheets of Mylar film. Several types of fibers such as carbon, polyester, Kevlar, and Twaron can be used.

However, the cost of fibers such as polyester and carbon tend to be expensive, which means that these sails might be a little costly. These materials can retain their original shape longer than other materials but have the shortest lifespan. But to increase durability, sailmakers do add taffeta layers on both sides but you may have to deal with a heavier and costly material.

String/Membrane Sails - These are molded in one piece using fibers that are aligned by following the exact load paths in the sail. These fabrics are effectively custom made and reinforced in the right places not just to maintain their original shapes but also to ensure that they remain durable.

Keep in mind that these materials are high-end products that can be costly and are mostly used in racing sailboats. This doesn't, however, mean you can't use them on your cruising sailboat . In fact, these sails are very appropriate for long voyages.

To this end, an appropriate sail material should be able to offer extraordinary durability and desirable shape retention. These are two important features to look for when buying new sails for your boat. So when buying new sails, make sure that you ask about the above-mentioned features as well as the weight of the material. Although woven Dacron is the standard material for sails, you can choose from other materials too as long as they suit your specific needs. More importantly, make sure that the prices and quality are within your specific and reasonable budget.

The Weight of the Material and Additional Extras

The weight of material used in making your sails may seem like a minute factor but it's of great importance. The idea here is that heavier material will generally be stronger and last longer. This should, therefore, depend on what you actually need but a heavier material will make the sail heavier.

In terms of additional extras, you should make sure that you ask what comes with the sails. For example, do they come with bags that can be of any use to you when out there on the water? This can be of great importance if you want to buy headsails that must be carried to the deck and hooked up. If this is the case, the bag should be bigger and longer to make carrying and transporting the headsail a lot easier.

You can also ask for boom covers. These are essential in protecting mainsails from various substances, especially when not in use. In essence, these extras are important in preserving and maintaining the life and conditions of your new sails. You should, thus, take advantage when negotiating for the new sails as it is these extras that sailmakers are willing to give out if it means making a sale.

How to Buy New Sails

Here is how to buy new sails.

Have Your Boat's Measurements

One of the most important factors that when buying new sails is your boat length. This is because the sail area is mostly determined by the boat length. If your sailboat is of popular design, the sailmaker may have enough information to make the right sail size. But if your boat is not that popular, you can take a few measurements to make it a lot easier for the sailmaker when giving you a quote. In most cases, you'll be given a form to fill in the information that the sailmaker needs in terms of measurements or anything else that might be of importance when choosing the right sails for your boat.

How Do You Want to Use the Sails?

It's very important to consider the type of sailing you're planning to do with your new sails. In most cases, there should be a fine balance between conflicting elements. For instance, the sails should be easy to handle, durable, and cost-effective. But to maintain this balance, you should always have an idea of what you want to use the boat for or how you'll be using the boat. For example, how often will you be sailing? Are you planning for long voyages? How many people do you usually sail with? Do you pick your sailing days or go out on the water irrespective of the weather?

Focus on the Detail

Do you want asymmetrical sails, symmetrical sails, or storm jibs? Are you planning to upgrade to roller reefing or will you go for a cruising chute? You should make the right choices in terms of design and the type of sail that you want. Keep in mind that more sophisticated designs such as tri-radial and bi-radial designs may be a little expensive. All in all, make sure that you put a lot of emphasis on buying sails that optimize the performance of your boat.

Choose the Right Fabric and Design

In addition to choosing the right fabric for the sails, you should make sure that the new mainsails have the right number of reefs. Ensure that each of the reefs is deep enough. You should as well decide whether to go with long or short battens.

If you're planning to use your sailboat for racing, mainsails with short battens could be the best option. This is because short battens offer more control in terms of speed, maneuverability, and acceleration. On the other hand, long battens are the best option for cruising sailboats as they are more durable even though they may come at an extra cost.

Generally, sails are often sold with standard two reefs but three reefs would be ideal for offshore sailing. This is to make it easier for you to reduce the sails to appropriate sizes in heavy weather or stormy conditions. The third reef will be essential in reducing the luff length by at least 40%. Again, you can choose sails with four reefs if you're planning to go for long voyages as this will eradicate the need to have trysails.

Compare Quotes

It's important to talk to a number of sailmakers to compare different designs and prices. The designs should be similar but prices will vary from design to design. You should, therefore, compare the prices of similar designs. You should also ask the sailmakers for detailed info on their designs and how much each design would cost you.

Estimated Costs for Different Boat Lengths

As we noted earlier, the costs of new sails will not only depend on the type of material and designs of the sails but also on the length of your sailboat. Let's highlight the estimated costs.

The Estimated Costs of Replacing a Jibs and Genoas

• Sails for boats measuring 42' to 50' can cost around $5,500-$9,000
• Sails for boats measuring 36' to 42' can cost around $4,000-$7,000
• Sails for boats measuring 32' to 36' can cost around $3,000-$5,000
• Sails for boats measuring 24' to 32' can cost around $2,500-$4,000
• Sails for boats measuring 18' to 24' can cost around $1,000-$2,500

The Estimated Costs of Replacing Mainsails on Bermuda Sloop Rigs

• Sails for boats measuring 42' to 50' can cost around $2,500-$4,000
• Sails for boats measuring 36' to 42' can cost around $2,000-$3,000
• Sails for boats measuring 32' to 36' can cost around $1,500-$2,500
• Sails for boats measuring 24' to 32' can cost around $1,000-$1,500
• Sails for boats measuring 18' to 24' can cost around $650-$1,200

It's important to note that these are estimated costs that should give you an idea of what to expect when buying new sails. It would, however, be appropriate to get a quote from a professional sailmaker, and most of them are willing to help.

The Aging Process of Your Sails

Whether you've just bought new sails or still using the old ones, the aging process of sails may depend on several factors such as the materials used, the type of use you subject them to, and the level of care you give them. That being said, it's almost impossible to accurately determine the lifespan of your sails based on the number of miles you've covered on the water or the number of years you've used the sails.

The most important thing to keep in mind is that the shapes of the sails will change gradually without you realizing it. You should, therefore, check regularly to see if there are changes in the shapes of your sails. You can also take photos occasionally to determine the changes in shape over time.

This can be a great way of assessing not just the shapes of your sails but also in monitoring both the performance and the type of handling that new sails will provide. The idea is that new sails cannot instantly move from good to bad. They'll stretch as they age and this can lead to change in shapes. When your sails lose shape, they will not point well and steering will become difficult. This will, in turn, make your boat to drag, increase heel, and ultimately reduce speed.

Prolonging the Lifespan of Your Sails

Although sails can last a long time, they'll not last forever. Replacing your older sails with new ones will instantly increase the speed and handling capabilities of your boat. Here's how you can prolong the lifespan of your new sails and protect your sail investment.

• Do not expose your sails to unnecessary sunlight and heat
• Motor your sails down if they cannot be filled or if they are not in use
• Avoid extended flogging and luffing
• Use the appropriate halyard tension
• Protect your sails from chafe
• Take off the sails when not in use
• Rinse the sails with fresh water from time to time
• Dry the sails before storing

It's a known fact that sails don't last forever. While it's difficult to exactly determine how long the sails will last, it's a good idea to replace your sails before they become severely stretched and out of shape. Using old or worn-out sails can make a huge difference in the way your boat sails and handles. Just like you'd replace worn-out tires or an old engine on your car, replacing worn out sails with new ones will improve how your boat sails. This will give you a greater sense of control and going out on the water will be more fun.

Unfortunately, buying new sails can be a costly endeavor. That's why you should be well prepared and armed with lots of information when buying new sails. In addition to having in mind what new sails would cost you, you should know how to choose the right material for the sails and the type of sails that can be perfect for your sailing.

Don't wait until you experience serious structural failure with older sails to buy new ones.

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

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Is It Possible To Pay For Travel By Sailboat?

• Last updated May 14, 2024
• Difficulty Beginner

• Category Travel

Imagine a life where sailing the open seas not only offers a sense of adventure and freedom, but also becomes a viable means of paying for your next travel expedition. Sound too good to be true? Well, it turns out that paying for travel by sailboat is not only possible, but it's a growing trend among adventurous nomads looking to combine their love for exploration with a sustainable and cost-effective way of getting from one destination to another. So, if you've ever dreamed of embarking on a voyage across the world's oceans while earning your keep, buckle up and prepare to set sail on a journey that's as rewarding as it is thrilling.

What You'll Learn

Cost of chartering a sailboat for travel, ways to fund your sailboat travel experience, pros and cons of paying to travel by sailboat, alternative options for affordable sailboat travel.

Chartering a sailboat for travel can be a fantastic way to explore new destinations and experience the open sea. Many people dream of sailing across oceans and discovering hidden coves, but often assume that it is too expensive. However, with the right planning and knowledge, sailing can be an affordable and unforgettable adventure.

The cost of chartering a sailboat for travel can vary depending on several factors. First and foremost, the size and type of boat will play a significant role in determining the price. Smaller sailboats, such as a 30-foot monohull, can be more affordable to charter compared to larger luxury yachts.

Another factor that influences the cost of chartering is the duration of your trip. Most sailboat charters offer options ranging from a few days to several weeks or even months. The longer you charter a sailboat, the more it will generally cost. However, some companies offer discounts for longer charters, so it's worth looking into these options if you have the time.

The location and season also impact the price of chartering a sailboat. Popular sailing destinations, such as the Caribbean or the Mediterranean, tend to be more expensive due to higher demand. On the other hand, less touristy areas can offer more affordable options. It's also worth considering the weather conditions during different seasons, as prices may vary accordingly.

In addition to the base cost of the charter, there are several other expenses to consider. One of the most significant costs is the skipper or captain fee. If you do not have a sailing license or the necessary experience, it is common to hire a professional skipper to navigate the boat. The skipper's fee is usually an additional daily or weekly rate.

Another expense to account for is fuel. While sailboats primarily rely on wind power, engines are still used for docking, maneuvering in tight spaces, and in case of emergencies. Fuel costs can vary depending on the boat's size and distance traveled, so it's essential to factor this into your budget.

Provisioning, or stocking up on food and beverages, is another cost to consider. Some sailboat charters offer the option to have provisions delivered to the boat, saving you time and effort. However, this convenience may come with an additional fee. Alternatively, you can choose to purchase provisions yourself and bring them aboard.

Lastly, it's essential to budget for additional expenses, such as mooring fees, insurance, and any optional extras you may want to include, such as snorkeling gear or water toys. These costs can vary depending on the specific marinas or destinations you visit.

To get an accurate estimate of the cost of chartering a sailboat for travel, it's best to research and compare different options. Many websites offer search engines that allow you to input your desired location, dates, and boat size to provide you with a price range. It's also a good idea to contact different charter companies directly to inquire about any discounts or special offers they may have.

Overall, while chartering a sailboat for travel does come with expenses, it can be a more affordable option than many people realize. By planning ahead, comparing prices, and considering all the factors involved, you can have a memorable sailing adventure without breaking the bank. So start dreaming of exploring remote islands, sailing into stunning sunsets, and embarking on a voyage that will leave you with lifelong memories.

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If you're dreaming of embarking on a sailboat travel adventure but are concerned about the cost, don't worry – there are various ways to fund your journey. From earning money while sailing to finding sponsors, here are some ideas to help you make your dream a reality.

• Freelance Work: Consider offering your skills and services as a freelancer. Many professionals, such as writers, designers, programmers, and marketers, can work remotely while sailing. Platforms like Upwork, Freelancer, and Fiverr connect freelancers with clients worldwide, giving you the opportunity to earn money on the go.
• Digital Nomad Jobs: Join the growing community of digital nomads who combine work and travel. Companies are increasingly open to remote work arrangements, allowing you to work full-time while living aboard a sailboat. Look for remote job opportunities in fields like customer service, IT, project management, and virtual assistance.
• Start an Online Business: If you have an entrepreneurial spirit, starting an online business can be a lucrative way to fund your sailboat travel. Whether it's e-commerce, dropshipping, blogging, or affiliate marketing, there are countless online business options that can generate passive income while you sail.
• Rent Out Your Property: If you own a house or apartment, consider renting it out while you're away. Platforms like Airbnb, VRBO, and HomeAway allow you to easily list your property and find short-term tenants. This way, you can earn income from your property to cover your sailboat travel expenses.
• Sailing Charters: If you have experience and certification in sailing or own a sailboat, consider offering sailing charters. You can take people on day trips or multi-day sailing adventures, providing an unforgettable experience while earning money to support your own travel.
• Blogging or Vlogging: Share your sailboat travel experiences and insights with the world. Start a blog or YouTube channel and document your journey, providing valuable content to attract an audience. You can monetize your blog or channel through advertising, sponsored content, affiliate marketing, or even crowdfunding.
• Sponsorship and Partnerships: Reach out to companies, brands, or organizations that align with the spirit of sailboat travel. Many businesses are interested in sponsoring unique and adventurous journeys. Offer to promote their products or services through your travel content in exchange for financial support or free equipment.
• Crowdfunding: Use crowdfunding platforms like Kickstarter, Indiegogo, or GoFundMe to raise funds for your sailboat travel adventure. Create an engaging campaign that explains your journey and reasons for needing financial support. Offer rewards or incentives to encourage people to contribute.
• Work Exchanges: Consider joining a work exchange program like Workaway or HelpX, where you can find opportunities to work in exchange for accommodation and sometimes food. These programs connect travelers with hosts who are looking for help in various fields, such as farm work, hostel management, or boat maintenance.
• Saving and Budgeting: Finally, don't forget the importance of saving and being mindful of your expenses. Cut back on unnecessary expenses, create a realistic budget, and save as much as possible before embarking on your sailboat travel adventure. Good financial planning will give you more freedom and peace of mind during your journey.

Remember, funding your sailboat travel experience requires dedication, creativity, and resourcefulness. Explore different options, be open to new opportunities, and leverage your skills and passion to make your dream come true. With determination and the right approach, you can enjoy the freedom and beauty of sailboat travel while covering your expenses.

Traveling with a 4-Month H1B Visa: What You Need to Know

If you've ever dreamed of sailing across the open ocean, feeling the wind in your hair and the salt spray on your face, you may be wondering if it's possible to pay to travel by sailboat. The answer is yes, there are several ways you can pay to travel by sailboat, but there are also pros and cons to consider before you make the leap.

One option for paying to travel by sailboat is to join a crew on a chartered sailboat. Many companies offer chartered sailboat trips, where you can pay to join a crew and sail to various destinations. This can be a great way to experience sailing without the responsibility of owning a boat or navigating on your own. It also allows you to meet new people and share the experience with other sailing enthusiasts. However, it's important to keep in mind that you may be living in close quarters with strangers, and there may be limited privacy and personal space.

Another option for paying to travel by sailboat is to book a cabin on a sailboat cruise. Many companies offer sailboat cruises where you can book a cabin and enjoy a more luxurious sailing experience. This can be a great option for those who want a more comfortable and pampered sailing experience. You'll have your own private cabin and access to the boat's amenities, such as a dining area and entertainment options. However, it's important to note that this option can be more expensive than other forms of travel, and you may be limited in your ability to choose your destination or itinerary.

If you're looking for a more adventurous and independent sailing experience, you can also pay to join a sailing expedition. Many organizations offer sailing expeditions where you can pay to join a crew and sail to remote and exotic destinations. This can be a great way to learn about sailing and navigation, as well as explore new places. However, it's important to keep in mind that sailing expeditions can be physically and mentally demanding, and you may be required to participate in daily tasks such as navigation and boat maintenance.

Before you decide to pay to travel by sailboat, it's important to consider the pros and cons. Some of the pros include the opportunity to experience the thrill of sailing, the chance to meet new people, and the ability to explore remote and inaccessible destinations. However, there are also cons to consider. Sailing can be physically and mentally demanding, and you may be living in close quarters with strangers. Additionally, paying to travel by sailboat can be more expensive than other forms of travel, especially if you choose a more luxurious option.

Ultimately, the decision to pay to travel by sailboat is a personal one. If you have a love for sailing and a sense of adventure, it can be a rewarding and unforgettable experience. However, it's important to weigh the pros and cons, and consider your own comfort level and budget before making a decision. Whether you choose to join a crew on a chartered sailboat, book a cabin on a sailboat cruise, or join a sailing expedition, one thing is for certain – the wind and the waves will beckon you to set sail and explore the world by sailboat.

The Ultimate Guide on How to Travel from London to Glastonbury

Sailboat travel is often seen as a luxurious and exclusive way to explore the world. Many people dream of cruising from one exotic destination to another, feeling the wind in their hair and the sun on their face. However, the perception that sailboat travel is only for the wealthy is a common misconception. In fact, there are several alternative options for affordable sailboat travel that can make your dreams of sailing the open seas a reality.

One of the most popular ways to travel by sailboat without breaking the bank is through yacht chartering. This option allows you to rent a sailboat for a specific period of time, usually for a week or two. The cost of chartering a sailboat can vary depending on the size and type of boat, as well as the location and time of year. However, it is often more affordable than owning a sailboat yourself.

To find affordable sailboat charters, you can start by researching reputable charter companies in your desired destination. Look for companies that offer special deals or discounts, especially during the off-peak season. It's also a good idea to compare prices and read reviews from previous customers to ensure you're getting the best deal possible.

Another alternative option for affordable sailboat travel is crewing on a sailboat. Many boat owners are looking for crew members to assist them with sailing and maintaining their boats, and they often offer free or low-cost accommodations in exchange for your help. Crewing can be a great way to gain sailing experience and travel the world on a budget.

To find crewing opportunities, you can explore online platforms and sailing forums dedicated to connecting boat owners with potential crew members. These platforms allow you to create a profile and search for sailboat owners who are looking for crew. It's important to be upfront about your sailing experience and skills when applying for crewing positions, as boat owners want to ensure they have competent and reliable crew members on board.

If you're more adventurous and open to spontaneous travel, you can also try hitchhiking on sailboats. Just like hitchhiking on land, hitchhiking on sailboats involves finding boat owners who are willing to take you on board their boat for free or at a minimal cost. It's important to note that hitchhiking on sailboats requires flexibility and patience, as you may have to wait for a willing boat owner to cross your path.

To find hitchhiking opportunities, you can hang out in marinas or coastal areas where boat owners gather. Strike up conversations with boat owners and express your interest in joining them on their sailing adventure. It's important to establish mutual trust and communicate your expectations and responsibilities before getting on board.

Lastly, if you're interested in learning how to sail and owning a sailboat of your own, there are affordable options available. Many sailing schools offer courses and certifications at a reasonable cost. These courses cover everything from basic sailing skills to navigation and boat maintenance. With the knowledge and skills you gain from these courses, you can confidently sail your own boat and explore the world at your own pace.

In conclusion, sailboat travel doesn't have to be reserved for the wealthy. With the right approach and research, you can find affordable alternatives to make your sailing dreams come true. Whether it's through yacht chartering, crewing, hitchhiking, or learning to sail on your own, there are plenty of options available for budget-conscious travelers. So set sail and embark on an adventure of a lifetime!

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Captain Andy Water Tours And Cruises

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Captain Andy was a joy to sell with. I had 2 children with me and he was very accommodating and the children loved him. I was not doing too good with the deep sea so he was very Accommodating and whipped us into the intercoastal Where we sailed up the inner coastal and fished with the children it was wonderful. Definitely a 10 out of a 10!!

May 18, 2024

It was really fun to watch your grandkids catch fish :) Thanks for your feedback Capt Andy

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Colin Jost Jokes He Needs Scarlett Johansson's Marvel Money for Ferry Costs

Colin Jost is very happy to be Mr. Scarlett Johansson and enjoys all the perks that come with it.

"This year marks the first time since 2009 that a Marvel movie has not kicked off the summer movie season," Jost, 41, deadpanned during the Saturday, May 11, episode of Saturday Night Live in its ‘Weekend Update" segment. "[It] better be a one-time thing because a lot of people rely on Marvel movies to pay for the ferries they bought."

Jost's cohost, Michael Che , simply shook his head in response.

Jost has been married to Johansson , 39, since 2020 after meeting her on the set of SNL . While Jost is best known as a comedian and head writer for the NBC variety show, Johansson is an acclaimed actress. She has starred as Black Widow in the Marvel Cinematic Universe since 2010.

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Johansson's MCU character received an eponymous prequel in 2021. Since then, Marvel, which is owned by Disney, rearranged its film slate to delay multiple upcoming projects. It is not known if Johansson will reprise her role in any future Marvel project.

Jost, meanwhile, stars on SNL weekly. In addition, he and former cast member Pete Davidson are f ixing up a decommissioned Staten Island Ferry boat , which they bought in 2022, to transform it into an entertainment venue. (Both Jost and Davidson, 30, hail from Staten Island, a borough of New York City.)

"Is it worse that I was actually stone-cold sober when we bought the ferry?" Jost joked via Instagram in June 2023. "We're excited to prove the non-believers wrong. You're going to be BEGGING to get on this ferry in two years. Mark my words."

Later that month, Davidson offered fans a hint at the pair's construction plans.

ScarJo: 'I Didn't Know What I Wanted' From a Partner Before Colin Jost

"We just got all the plans built, and we had them do one of those computer-generated, ‘Show you what it could be' type things, and now we're out to a few people," Davidson said during an appearance on the "Family Trips with the Meyers Brothers" podcast. "And it seems like it's all going well, but it's definitely like five years away."

He continued, "There'll be a restaurant, there'll be a concert venue, there'll be a movie theater [and a couple of hotel rooms]. … We jokingly named it the Titanic 2 on the LLC when we had to buy it. I can't take full credit for that."

According to Davidson, they purchased the "biggest ferry" in the retired fleet. "I'm just glad it's not turned to scrap or whatever," the Bupkis alum added at the time. "It's actually funny that this will be a lifelong problem for me and Colin."

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I took a $30 ferry ride to Shell Island, an unspoiled 7-mile beach in Florida. It was one of the most beautiful places I've ever been.

• On a recent visit to Panama City Beach, Florida, I took a ferry ride to Shell Island.
• The $30 fare included tram transport to the boat dock and a ferry ride to and from the island.
• Shell Island was one of the most beautiful places I've seen in Florida, and I'd ferry there again.

Sometimes, there's nothing better than being a tourist for the day in your own state. As a Florida resident, I'm always looking for new places to visit without traveling far from home.

On a recent trip to Panama City Beach (PCB), Florida, I decided to visit Shell Island — known for its pristine beaches without souvenir shops, hotels, or restaurants — for the first time.

Like the millions of people who visit Florida for its beaches, I was excited to admire the water and enjoy the area's natural beauty.

To get there, I took the Shell Island Ferry, which shuttles visitors from St. Andrews State Park to the seven-mile-long island. The 15-minute ferry ride, which cost just under $30, transported me to a world completely different from PCB's typical tourism scene.

Here's what the ferry ride was like and why I can't wait to visit Shell Island's scenic beaches again.

A ride on the Shell Island Ferry cost me less than $30.

The ticket to ride the Shell Island Ferry cost me about $28 after taxes and fees. When buying my ticket online, I was prompted to choose an hourly departure time between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.

To board the ferry, I entered St. Andrews State Park and paid a $4 admission fee as a solo driver.

I took a tram from the park to the dock, where the ferry was waiting.

Upon entering the park, a staff member instructed me to check in at the park's Pier Store. I waited there until a tram arrived to take passengers to the St. Andrews State Park marina, where the ferry would depart.

After a bumpy, 10-minute tram ride, we arrived at the docks and followed signs to board our boat .

We boarded the ferry and prepared for the short ride to Shell Island.

A few crew members, including a boat captain, greeted us as we boarded the ferry for the 15-minute ride to Shell Island.

Before taking off, staff members reminded us of the ferry's operating hours. We were told that ferries back to the state park would leave Shell Island at the bottom of the hour throughout the day.

I chose a seat on the ferry's top deck.

The ferry's lower tier had plenty of shade, but I rode on the top deck to enjoy the views. Though it wasn't very crowded when I went, I'd estimate about 50 people could ride the ferry at once.

The guides warned us that the last few daily return trips tend to fill up quickly, so we might have to wait for a ferry when it was time to head back to St. Andrews State Park.

The ferry ride was peaceful, and the views were beautiful.

During the peaceful 15-minute ferry ride, I took in all the sights, from offshore fishermen on the beaches to high-rise hotels along the PCB shoreline.

As a frequent traveler, I always love seeing the area I'm visiting from the water, and this affordable ferry ride was a great way to do so.

Shell Island was so beautiful that I felt like I was in another world.

After the ferry dropped us off at a jetty on one side of the island, it took about three minutes to walk along the wooden, boardwalk-style path to the beach.

I was amazed at Shell Island's pristine and untouched beauty, with white-sand beaches and coastal scrubland. There are no restrooms, stores, or shaded areas on the island, but after spending a few days in the thriving tourist town of PCB, it was nice to walk on quiet beaches where no hotels lined the shores.

In addition to strolling along the beach, guests can explore the walking trails or go snorkeling with their own equipment. Gear is also available to rent at the Pier Store.

It was easy to see how Shell Island got its name.

I've lived in Florida for almost eight years, and Shell Island's beach was one of the prettiest spots I've seen in the state.

I spent most of my time enjoying the beautiful beaches, where the number of seashells blew me away. I also noticed sand dollars and washed-up driftwood along the shoreline.

This area was truly a beachcomber's paradise, with lots to explore and find.

I spent the afternoon walking the beach and reading on a blanket.

I spent about two hours walking the beach and taking photos of the beautiful views.

Then, I sat on a blanket, quietly reading and soaking up the sun. There weren't many other people around, so it felt like an afternoon of true solitude.

Catching a ferry back to St. Andrews State Park was easy.

It was incredibly easy to get back to the ferry when I was ready to leave, which I appreciated since I was traveling alone.

When we first arrived at Shell Island, our captain gave us thorough instructions on how to return to the boat. There were also clear pathways between the dock and the beach.

I'd definitely take the Shell Island Ferry again.

Taking the Shell Island Ferry allowed me to see the island and most of the PCB area by boat. In addition to stunning views along St. Andrews Bay, I admired the island's beauty as I collected shells and took a few much-needed deep breaths in a pristine setting.

Shell Island was a beautiful spot I'd visit again, and the $30 ferry ticket felt like a worthwhile expense to see a unique part of the area.

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How Much Does It Cost to Build a Sailboat?

If you're on a tight budget, there are ways to build a sailboat affordably and still end up with a seaworthy boat. You can choose to start completely from scratch or consider using a self-build kit. If you want to hop on a sailboat project, let me help you break down the costs of building one.

The average price range for building a sailboat from scratch is between $10,000 and $20,000. A self-build kit for a 17' sailboat can be purchased for $2,500, while a sail-away Puur 17 kit can cost between $14,000 and $18,000. Meanwhile, building a 21ft gaff-rigged cutter can cost between $33,000 and $35,000.

If you're building dinghies, you can expect to spend anywhere from $1,500 to $10,000, depending on the size and materials used. Let's look at the estimated costs of building other types of sailboats and what factors can affect these costs.

• If you are on a tight budget, you can try starting to build a basic dinghy, which only costs around $1,500.
• If you're building a smaller boat, try to use less expensive materials, such as plywood or fiberglass, to keep costs down.
• You can save a significant amount of money on labor costs—around $10,000 if you do all the building yourself.
• A plan includes information on the materials needed for construction, as well as step-by-step instructions for assembling the boat.
• A catamaran with a more complex design or more advanced features costs around $50,000–$500,000 to build.

On this page:

Breakdown of costs in building a sailboat, average cost of building different types of sailboats, how to build a sailboat on a budget.

The average price range for building a sailboat from scratch is between $10,000 and $20,000 , but this can be much higher if you want to build an extremely high-quality craft or if you live in an area that is especially expensive.

Below is a table showing the estimated range of costs when building a sailboat:

Consider the materials you will use and the amount you need

Some common materials used in sailboat construction include fiberglass, wood, aluminum, and steel. The estimated cost of each material is as follows:

If you plan to build an aluminum sailboat, you might want to check out its pros and cons .

Factor in the costs of equipment

Building a sailboat requires a variety of specialized tools and equipment, such as saws, sanders, drills, and clamps. In addition to these basic tools, there are also more specialized pieces of equipment that may be necessary, such as a planer, a router, and a jointer. The table below shows how much each of these equipment costs:

Take into account the costs of labor

If you have the skills and experience to build the boat yourself, you can save a significant amount of money on labor costs. However, building a sailboat is a time-consuming process, and you should factor in the value of your time when calculating the overall cost of the project.

If you hire a professional boat builder, the cost of labor can be quite high, based on the complexity of the boat and the builder's experience and expertise. Although hiring a professional builder can be more expensive, it can ensure that the boat is built to high standards and is seaworthy.

Budget for purchasing a plan

If you are building a sailboat from plans, you will need to purchase the plans themselves. A plan refers to a set of detailed instructions and diagrams for building a specific sailboat design. It includes information on the materials needed for construction, as well as step-by-step instructions for assembling the boat.

Plans for a smaller, simpler sailboat may cost a few hundred dollars, while plans for a larger, more complex sailboat may cost several thousand dollars. The plan also includes the estimated timeline for completing the boat construction process. Building a sailing yacht can take at least 10 - 24 months to complete .

Carefully evaluate different sailboat plans before making a purchase to ensure that they are suitable for your needs and skill level. You may also want to consult with a professional boat builder or designer to help you choose the right plans and provide guidance during the construction process.

Account for miscellaneous expenses

There are a variety of other expenses which can add up quickly and should be factored into the overall cost of the project, such as the following:

• Permits: Depending on the location where the sailboat is being built, there may be permits required for construction.
• Insurance: Sailboats are valuable assets and require insurance coverage to protect against damage, loss, or theft. Insurance premiums can be a significant expense, especially for larger sailboats. Read this article to see the current costs of sailboat insurance.
• Transportation: If the sailboat is being constructed in a location that is far from the water, transportation costs may be incurred to move the boat to the water. This can include fees for a trailer, a truck, or a professional boat transport company.
• Miscellaneous Materials: There may be other materials required for the project that are not included in the initial cost estimate, such as hardware such as screws, bolts, and fittings, which may need to be purchased separately.

Sailboats come in various types, each designed with different features and purposes. The type of sailboat you choose will affect the cost of building it. Here are some common types of sailboats and their average costs:

The cost of building a dinghy

Dinghies are small sailboats that are typically used for racing or leisure sailing. They are usually less than 20 feet long and are designed to be sailed by one or two people.

For a basic dinghy, the cost can be as low as $1,500. This would typically involve using plywood or fiberglass for the hull, and basic rigging and hardware. However, for a more high-end dinghy, the cost can be as much as $10,000 or more. This would typically involve using high-quality materials such as carbon fiber or Kevlar for the hull, and more advanced rigging and hardware.

The cost of building a daysailer

Daysailers are slightly larger than dinghies and are designed for sailors who want to enjoy a day on the water without the expense and maintenance of a larger boat. Daysailers come in a variety of designs, from traditional wooden boats to modern fiberglass models. Some popular brands of daysailers include the J/Boat, the Laser, and the Sunfish.

These types of sailboats can accommodate up to six people and are usually between 20 and 30 feet long. A basic daysailer can be built for as little as $10,000, while a more luxurious model can cost upwards of $30,000. The most common materials used for building daysailers are wood, fiberglass, and aluminum.

The cost of building a cruiser

Cruisers are larger sailboats that are designed for long-distance sailing. The best-size cruiser usually ranges from 30 - 40 feet long.

Building a cruiser can cost between $30,000 and $100,000. Some cruisers may have additional amenities such as a kitchen, bathroom, and sleeping quarters, which can increase the overall cost.

The cost of building a racing sailboat

Racing sailboats are designed for speed and agility. They are usually between 20 and 30 feet long and are built with lightweight materials.

Building a racing sailboat can cost between $20,000 and $50,000, depending on the size and materials used. Since these sailboats are designed to be as lightweight as possible, it means that high-performance materials such as carbon fiber may be used, which can increase the overall cost.

The cost of building a catamaran

Catamarans are sailboats with two hulls. They are designed for stability and speed and are usually between 30 and 50 feet long, but the perfect size for sailing is around 37037 feet . Building a catamaran can cost between $50,000 and $500,000.

The larger the catamaran, the more expensive it will be to build. The materials used in the construction of the catamaran can also impact the cost, so if a catamaran is made of fiberglass, it will be less expensive than one made of carbon fiber. A catamaran with a more complex design or more advanced features will generally cost more to build.

The cost of building a trimaran

Trimarans are sailboats with three hulls, which are usually between 30 and 50 feet long. The cost of building a trimaran ranges between $50,000 and $500,000.

Since trimarans are generally larger and more complex than monohull boats, they require more materials and labor to build. Additionally, trimarans often require specialized equipment and expertise to construct, which can drive up the cost of the project.

Trimarans are also often built using high-quality materials like carbon fiber, Kevlar, and other advanced composites, which can be quite expensive. These materials are chosen for their strength, durability, and lightweight, which are all important factors for a high-performance sailing vessel.

Below are some tips to help you build a seaworthy sailboat without breaking the bank:

Consider a self-build kit : If you're handy with tools and have some building experience, you might want to consider a self-build sailboat kit. These kits come with everything you need to build a sailboat, including plans, materials, and hardware. Self-build kits can be a cost-effective way to build a sailboat, with prices ranging from $2,500 for a 17' sailboat kit to $14,000 to $18,000 for a Puur 17 kit, whichever you'd like to choose.

Choose your materials wisely : You don't want to skimp on quality, but you also don't want to overspend on expensive materials. With this, perhaps consider using plywood instead of solid wood for the hull, as it's more affordable and easier to work with. You can also look for deals on used materials, such as sails, rigging, and hardware, to save money.

Keep it simple : The more complex the design, the more expensive it will be to build. A simple design with a basic rig can be just as seaworthy as a more complex design, and it will be easier and cheaper to build.

Do it yourself : If you have the skills and experience, try doing as much of the work yourself as possible. This can include everything from building the hull to installing the rigging and hardware. Doing the work yourself can save you a lot of money on labor costs, and it can be a rewarding experience to build your own sailboat from scratch.

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Posted on May 16, 2024

 How Much Does a Floating Dock Cost?

How Much Does a Floating Dock Cost?

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Cost of floating dock systems: getting the best value.

Imagine a gentle breeze as you take a break from the day, the early sun on your face as you take your first sip of coffee, and the calming lap of water decompressing the busyness of daily life. You can enjoy these simple yet invaluable pleasures with a private floating dock — a personal gateway to leisure, relaxation, and adventure.  

But before you can realize this dream, understanding the costs associated with floating dock systems is the pivotal first step. Below, we delve into the intricacies of building a floating dock to help you make informed decisions and get the best value for your needs. 

Understanding Floating Dock Costs

Floating docks are free-floating platforms constructed from buoyant materials, allowing them to rise and fall with fluctuating water levels. Unlike fixed docks, which are usually anchored to the seabed, floating docks move freely with changing environmental conditions, ensuring consistent access regardless of tides, currents, or water depth. This versatility makes them ideal for diverse environments, from calm lakes and flowing rivers to pulsating coastlines. 

Floating docks often feature a modular design, allowing waterfront property owners to start with a simple platform and add to it as their needs evolve or configure the dock layout to their specific requirements. While this adaptability makes floating docks one of the most versatile solutions on the market, it also adds more variance to their costs. 

Factors Influencing the Cost of Floating Docks

The price of floating dock systems can vary widely based on several factors, with some estimates ranging from $3,000 to $30,000. As such, understanding what influences these costs can help you budget more effectively and choose a product that meets your long-term needs. 

Here are some of the key considerations:

• Materials: The choice of materials for decking and floatation can significantly influence costs. For example, while pressure-treated lumber offers a cost-effective option, it requires more frequent maintenance than composite materials known for their durability and longevity, such as polyethylene. 
• Size: The dock’s total square footage directly affects the total cost, increasing the number of sections and materials required, connectors, and other related expenses. 
• Design complexity: A simple rectangular dock is less expensive than a multi-sectional platform, such as a T-, L-, or U-shaped configuration with multiple boat slips, access points, and spaces for recreational activities.  
• Additional features: Customizing your floating dock by adding features like railings, storage, lighting, or canopies comes at a cost. But while these add-ons increase upfront expenses, they enhance the dock's functionality and safety, providing better value over time.

On top of these, local factors can also affect costs. In Florida, for instance, the Department of Environmental Protection outlines a general permit process for floating vessel platforms and boat lifts (Florida Department of Environmental Protection, n.d.) . Obtaining permits and complying with regulations add to the overall cost.

Comparative Analysis: Types of Floating Docks

A quality floating dock system is suitable for a variety of applications. However, your required application will considerably influence costs. Here’s a closer look at the types of floating docks and how they cater to various needs:

• Residential boat docks: Residential floating docks offer low-maintenance access to the water, making it easier for owners to enjoy their waterfront property. They’re perfect for seasonal use and locations with fluctuating water conditions. Modular dock systems like those from PolyDock give you a reliable platform, whether for recreational boating, fishing, or simply enjoying the serenity of the outdoors.
• Commercial docks: The modular design of floating docks makes them suitable for full marina applications. For example, PolyDock systems offer a range of dock section sizes that allow business owners to create walkways, docking slips, and virtually any space required by commercial docks. Moreover, our accessories catalog and collection of anchors and connectors make our floating dock kits a versatile solution, whatever your needs may be. 
• Jet ski docks: Specifically designed for personal watercraft (PWC), drive-on jet ski ports provide the quickest and most convenient way to launch and dock PWCs. If you own a jet ski, these floating docks are the best protection you can get for your watercraft. They’re also seamless additions to existing dock systems. 

With a system that’s equally versatile and durable, choosing PolyDock is as smart an investment as you can make. Vouches River Beach Campground & Marina owner Jim Vuocolo, “PolyDock is virtually maintenance-free. It’s tough as nails. I highly recommend it to anybody in a residential or commercial setting.” 

Contact us today to learn more about PolyDock modular dock pricing and to find the best solutions for your waterfront. 

How to Calculate Your Floating Dock Investment

According to HomeGuide’s 2024 estimates, building a floating dock costs $15 to $35 per square foot ( HomeGuide, 2023) . However, these figures mainly refer to platforms constructed over airtight barrels or similar entry-level floatation devices. While these floating docks provide a more affordable option, they fall short of the reliability and performance offered by modern docking solutions.  

Modular docking systems are usually priced based on the dock section dimensions. For example, a 3’ x 10’ PolyDock section starts at around $1,400, while the larger 5’ x 10’ section starts at around $2,400. Here’s a quick guide for estimating the cost of a floating dock investment:

• Determine size requirements: Calculate the total square footage based on the watercraft and activity space required. 
• Product selection: Choose a product that balances initial costs with longevity and maintenance needs. 
• Additional features: Factor in the cost of any features or accessories you may want to add. For example, railings, bumpers, and storage greatly enhance the functionality of a dock system. 
• Installation costs: Professional installation adds to the overall costs of building a floating dock. However, it also ensures proper assembly, functionality, and reliability.

Floating dock cost per square foot is a helpful benchmark, but remember it's just one piece of the puzzle. Consider the factors above to create a realistic budget for your floating dock project. Obtain quotes from reputable dock builders and dealers in your area to get a docking solution that matches your budget and needs. Better yet, contact us today, and we’ll connect you with a local PolyDock dealer near you. 

Maximizing Value: Tips for Choosing the Right Floating Dock

While cost is an important factor, remember that the cheapest option might not always offer the best long-term value. Here are some tips to help you choose the docking solution that provides the most value for money:

• Durability: Consider the climate and water conditions in your area. Opt for materials that can withstand these elements. For instance, while a treated wood dock might cost considerably less, the ongoing maintenance costs and shorter lifespan could outweigh the upfront costs of a more durable option like rotationally molded polyethylene. 
• Warranty: A good warranty demonstrates the manufacturer’s confidence in the product’s quality and longevity. It also protects your investment and provides you peace of mind. 
• Ease of installation: Choose a product that’s easy to install and remove. Apart from initial installation, doing so will save you time, effort, and money should you need to uninstall the floating dock for storage. 
• Long-term needs: The best docking solution is one that can adapt as your needs and interests evolve. Whether upgrading to a larger boat, adding to your fleet, or turning your floating dock into an extension of your home, versatile solutions allow you to fully maximize your investment. 

Floating docks offer a fantastic way to enhance your waterfront property and enjoy the beauty of the water. By understanding the cost factors, dock types, and valuable selection tips, you're well on your way to finding the perfect dock that fits your needs and budget.

References:

• Florida Department of Environmental Protection (n.d.). Dock Permitting in Florida. Retrieved from https://floridadep.gov/sites/default/files/SWD_Dock%20Permitting%20in%20Florida-D5_FINAL_0.pdf  
• HomeGuide (Oct. 19, 2023). How much does a dock cost? . Retrieved from 2024 Cost To Build A Dock — Prices By Type & Size (homeguide.com)  

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Tauranga City Council to charge for boat trailer parking at ramps

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It will cost $20 a day to park a boat trailer at Pilot Bay from July 1. Photo / SunLive

Boaties will soon have to pay to park their trailer near some boat ramps in Tauranga.

It will cost $20 a day to park a boat trailer near the Pilot Bay, Sulphur Pt and Whareroa Reserve boat ramps.

Tauranga residents, clubs and businesses will be able to purchase a $200 yearly pass for their trailer instead of paying the daily charge.

The charges will come into effect from July 1.

Tauranga City Council adopted bylaws that would enable the parking charges at a meeting on Monday.

Money raised from the parking charges would go towards maintaining the boat ramps. The annual cost of maintenance and depreciation of the ramps is $223,691 according to a council report.

Commission chair Anne Tolley said: “The really critical thing is we’re doing this so that we can improve the quality and the quantity of our boat ramps and raise the finance to do that.”

Council head of transport Nic Johansson said the fee was not a parking charge per se.

“It’s a boat ramp charging fee for which we are collecting money via the parking.

“In order to get willing compliance we think it’s really good if the boat ramp users understand that this actually goes towards the maintenance upkeep of the boat ramps.”

Commissioner Stephen Selwood said his concern was notifying current boat ramp users about the fees.

“Often when change occurs the biggest reaction is, ‘I didn’t know about this’, it comes as surprise.”

He asked if there were plans to put notices on windscreens or other communication so people could be prepared for the change.

Council parking strategy manager Reece Wilkinson said there would be a heavy educational aspect before the charges were rolled out.

There were plans to put flyers on windscreens, the council was working with local clubs including fishing clubs and was also developing a communications strategy, he said.

There would also be a grace period where people were issued warnings instead of fines for not paying for parking to ensure everyone was informed, said Wilkinson.

The fee for not paying for parking would be $60, he said.

The council consulted on the fees as part of the 2024-34 Long-term Plan.

There were 238 submissions about the boat trailer fees, of which 47 per cent were opposed to the fee and 48 per cent supported it, the rest were neutral.

Reasons from those opposed included that the fees would discourage people from getting out on the water, the ramps were paid for through rates already and other facilities like skateparks and cycleways weren’t charged.

People in support of the charges said the boat ramps were used by non-ratepayers who should pay their share, and residents who do not use boat ramps should not have to pay for them. Others supported the fee but said they expected a higher level of service.

- LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.

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California’s water tunnel to cost $20 billion. State officials say the benefits are worth it

The Associated Press

May 16, 2024, 8:07 PM

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SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — California Gov. Gavin Newsom’s administration said Thursday it will now cost more than $20 billion to build a giant tunnel aimed at catching more water when it rains and storing it to better prepare for longer droughts caused by climate change.

State regulators have been trying to build some version of a water tunnel system for decades. The latest form championed by the Democratic governor is a single giant tunnel , down from two tunnels proposed by his predecessor, Jerry Brown. Newsom’s administration says the state can capture more water from the Sacramento River during major storms and send it south for storage.

The last cost estimate, which came in 2020, put the price tag for a single tunnel project at $16 billion. The new analysis says the tunnel will cost $20.1 billion, an increase they attribute almost entirely to inflation, which soared after the pandemic.

The project would be paid for by 29 local public water agencies, who get their money from customers.

The analysis, conducted by the Berkeley Research Group but paid for by the state, said the tunnel would yield $38 billion in benefits, mostly because of an increased water supply that would be better protected from natural disasters like earthquakes.

“The benefits clearly justify the costs,” said David Sunding, emeritus professor at the University of California, Berkeley who led the analysis.

Despite that rosy outlook, the tunnel remains one of the most controversial projects in recent memory. Environmental groups say its construction would have devastating impacts on the already vanishing ecosystem of the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta, the largest estuary on the West Coast that is home to endangered species of salmon and other fish.

The analysis released Thursday notes the environmental impacts include lost agricultural land, reduced water quality in the Delta, and impacts on air quality, transportation and noise.

“Instead of foisting the costs of this boondoggle project onto Californians, the state should invest in sustainable water solutions that promise to restore the Delta ecosystem, not destroy it,” said Barbara Barrigan-Parilla, executive director of the environmental advocacy group Restore the Delta.

State officials note the project now includes $200 million for grants to fund local projects in areas impacted by construction.

Beyond environmental concerns, the project has become a political landmine throughout the Central Valley’s farming communities, where it is seen as yet another attempt by Southern California to steal their water. While most of California’s population lives in the southern part of the state, most of the state’s water comes from the north. In the state Legislature, lawmakers have blocked any effor t to benefit or speed up the tunnel’s construction.

“This new analysis acknowledges what we’ve known all along: the Delta Tunnel is meant to benefit Beverly Hills and leave Delta communities out to dry,” said U.S. Rep. Josh Harder, a Democrat whose district includes the Central Valley communities like Stockton, Lodi and Galt. “I’m sick and tired of politicians in Sacramento ignoring our Valley voices and I will do everything in my power to stop them from stealing our water.”

The tunnel would be part of the State Water Project — a complex system of reservoirs, dams and canals that provides water to 27 million people while irrigating 750,000 acres (303,515 hectares) of farmland.

Climate change is threatening that supply. A recent drought saw the three direst years on record, which dropped reservoirs around the state to dangerously low levels and prompted mandatory rationing and even caused some hydroelectric power plants to shut down. State officials predict that by 2070 State Water Project deliveries will decline by 22% because of climate change.

The proposed tunnel would be about 45 miles (72 kilometers) long and 36 feet (11 meters) wide, or large enough to carry more than 161 million gallons of water per hour. State officials say this tunnel would let the state capture more water when the state is hit by “atmospheric rivers” — large storms that can drench the state for weeks during the rainy season.

The analysis released Thursday says the tunnel would increase water deliveries by about 17%, nearly accounting for the anticipated decline because of climate change.

“There is a very real cost to do nothing. It is vastly more efficient and economical to avoid declining supplies,” said Karla Nemeth, director of the California Department of Water Resources. “Water shortages, mandatory restrictions, land fallowing and job loss all impact our state and local economies.”

Copyright © 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, written or redistributed.

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