We often hear about the ideal boat, its characteristics, its qualities. But the big question is, what is the ideal boat? Does it even exist? Do we all have the same definition of our dream sailboat? I offer some possible answers.
Buying a boat is a significant moment in a boater’s life. Choosing a sailboat isn’t always easy. Between desires, budget, and the availability of boats on the used market, it’s often said that buying a sailboat is a matter of compromise. Indeed, we all search for the ideal boat but rarely find it. Some of us will spend years looking for that rare gem (yes, I know some!), without ever buying anything. Others will think they’re getting a bargain by buying a boat that’s too big and too technical for them at a low price. Finally, there are those who fall in love with a boat and then realize that… the boat does not correspond to their program.
While these situations may seem like caricatures, they highlight that the ideal boat is not easy to find and that, at the same time, we do not all have the same definition of the ideal boat.
Indeed, if there is one thing to remember, it is that:
The perfect boat doesn’t exist. However, YOUR perfect boat does exist.
Clearly, there are as many ideal boats as there are boaters. Each has their own needs, sailing desires, budget, and requirements.
So, to avoid being left without an answer, we’ll look together at how each of us can define your ideal boatTo do this, it seems essential to ask ourselves four questions before…buy a sailboat, which will help you find the boat that will exactly meet your desires and needs.
The best sailboat for your sailing plans
To begin with, the ideal boat must match your programI’m always surprised to see couples on the docks sailing along the Breton coast aboard a 13-meter sailboat, heavy and equipped for offshore cruising. Of course, I’m not judging, but I think to myself that, for me, it’s not the ideal boat. It would be too much to maintain and sail.
At the same time, when you browse forums, you often read that some people are hesitating between boats as different as a Gladiator and a Jod35. At that point, I think that either the program is not well defined, or it is the wallet that speaks before everything else.
In short, your boat will not have the same characteristics if you are doing coastal cruising, offshore cruising, regattas, or just short coastal trips and day sailing. The ideal boat will therefore need to adapt to your program. by offering suitable ballast, sufficient comfort, or not, and ease of maneuvering or fine adjustments.
A boat that suits you
The second criterion for the ideal boat follows more or less from the first. It must be a boat that suits you. What do I mean by that?
We all have our own idea of sailing, our own desires, our own feelings. Some of us want to sail, letting the line drift all day, enjoying a pâté and a glass of white wine. Others will be looking to get from point A to point B quickly, even on a cruise. Finally, some will be looking for a home on the water, to spend a lot of time in port. Beyond the intended use, each boat has its own character.
Let’s take, for example, an Oceanis 34 sailboat from the Bénéteau shipyard and a Django 980 from the Marée Haute shipyard. Both are cruising sailboats. They can be used for coastal cruising as well as offshore sailing. And yet, they represent two very different approaches, both in terms of comfort and sailing performance. One prioritizes interior comfort, at anchor, or in port, while the other prioritizes functionality at sea. The same is true when sailing; the two boats clearly do not handle the same way.
And what about the choice between a monohull and a multihull, or the size of the boat? In principle, a First 260 has the same purpose as a Sun Odyssey 32. Yet there’s a two-meter difference between the two boats. And what about a Maldives 32 and a Rackam 26-type catamaran?
So, as you can see, beyond the program, it is the character of the boat that must suit you.
A boat that suits your crew
Beyond your own desires, the ideal boat must also meet the wishes of your crew. If you are the only one choosing the boat, you may not be the only one sailing on it. Let me explain. If you are a couple, and perhaps have children or grandchildren, ask yourself the following question:
Who will I be sailing with?
This is a very important question. If your partner isn’t passionate about sailing, it’s best to avoid buying a racing sailboat. Unless the goal is to sail alone, you risk quickly alienating your family.
This question is also very important when it comes to comfort. Personally, for a long time, I only liked old boats, like the First 30, Arlequin, and other “small sterns” that love sailing close-hauled. But since I met my wife, and we had two children, I’ve discovered the famous aft cabin, even on a 7.50m sailboat. Well, now, for me, the ideal boat must have two cabins. That’s the condition that will get my wife and children to agree to a 10-day cruise.
It’s important to think about your crew. They need to want to come with you. The boat must therefore be adaptable. to their skills, their desire for comfort and their passion, perhaps related to sailing.
A boat that stays within your budget
Finally, the last important point in defining your ideal boat is your budget. As with many decisions, it’s often your wallet that has the final say. In this article, we’re talking about the ideal boat, not your dream boat. Indeed, if your dream boat is a magnificent Outremer 51 catamaran (like mine ;)), your ideal boat will undoubtedly depend more on your financial means.
It is important, in your definition of the ideal boat, to calculate your budgetBy that I mean:
- The cost of purchasing the boat.
- The cost of maintaining the boat.
- The cost of insurance and berth fees.
Buying an 11-meter boat for €30,000 might not be more advantageous than buying a 7.5-meter sailboat for the same price, but newer and with lower annual running and maintenance costs. You must consider your savings capacity, borrowing capacity, and annual expenses. The idea is that your boat shouldn’t force you to tighten your belt. The size of the boat is an important factor.
So, to sum up, before you start looking at classified ads and visiting boats all over France, carefully consider your definition of the ideal boat. Of course, you won’t find a boat that perfectly matches all your criteria. But this exercise will allow you to better target your sailboats, enjoy yourself more, and avoid having to resell your boat after just a few months.
What are the best sailboats by category and size?
This list of sailboats is neither exhaustive nor entirely objective. Indeed, as we saw earlier, the criteria for choosing a sailboat are too personal to be universally applicable. However, this list should help you in your search for a used sailboat. In any case, these rankings are open to discussion. We welcome your comments.
The best sailboats under 6 meters
This category of sailboat is in a class of its own. The boaters sailing on these small sailboats wouldn’t change it for anything in the world.Unlike others, who will seek to increase their size over the years, recreational sailing enthusiasts will primarily seek simplicity and the sensations of sailing.
- Corsair
- Edel2
- Microsail
- Marauder
- Neptune 550
The best small, transportable, and habitable sailboats
THE small transportable sailboat It is often the first sailboat for some. For others, it becomes a state of mind for those who enjoy long voyages. Among these small sailboats, some have become legendary, capable of going very far, even to the ends of the earth.
- Beneteau First 210
- Muscadet
- First 235
- Catalina 22
- Maxus 22
The best 7-meter cruisers
THE 7-meter sailboats These are the ones that enter the big leagues. At this size, the space begins to invite multi-day cruising. Some sailboats of this size have remained in their shipyard’s catalog for a very long time. And some of These 7-meter sailboats are true stars.. Formerly the premier category in the 80s, 7-meter sailboats are rarer today.
- Django 770
- First 25
- Kelt 7.60
- Folkboat
- Fantasy
The best 8.50 meter sailboats
THE 8.50 meter sailboatsThose up to 9 meters in length are undoubtedly the most suitable sailboats for coastal cruising, whether solo or with family, and for year-round sailing. These sailboats are large enough for a cruise of several weeks while remaining suitable for day sailing.
- First 30
- Contessa 32
- First 31.7
- X99
- Kelt 8.50
The best 10-meter racing-cruisers
THE 10-meter racing-cruising boats These are the shipyards’ star sailboats. These boats often showcase the shipyards’ expertise, providing an opportunity to demonstrate the quality of their construction and hull design. These sailboats are also generally highly regarded for their suitability for family cruising.
- Rustler 36
- Sunrise
- Gladiator
- Feeling 1090
- Hallberg Rassy 36
The best 12-14 meter cruisers
With sailboats over 12 metersThe horizon opens up. Boaters become adventurers. These sailboats are generally mass-produced, capable of meeting various sailing needs. They are suitable for charter and comfortable cruising with a large crew.
- Sun Shine 38
- Audrain Town 42
- Pogo 12.50
- Gib Sea 126
- Swan 46
The best offshore sailing yachts
THE offshore sailing vessels These are the boats that have inspired dreams in many sailors for generations. They are synonymous with the open sea, the islands of Polynesia or the Caribbean, as well as the far north. These sailboats are sturdy and designed to be true adventurers, capable of going anywhere.
- Oceanis 411
- Exploration 45
- Super Maramu
- Overseas 50
- UFO 455