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2024 Boat of the Year Best Recreational Racer: Z24

• By Dave Reed
• December 21, 2023

There’s always one unknown with the Boat of the Year, and this year’s surprise entry was the Z24, a model from an Argentinian builder no one on the team had ever seen or heard of before. But there it sat at the US Sailboat Show in Annapolis, an eye-catching design that proved to be as exciting to sail as it was impressive at the dock.

The Z24 is an evolution of a line of keelboats designed for the shallow waters of the Rio de La Plata, simple boats ideal for the area’s sailing schools and local races. The schools want long bench seating and the removable padded backrests, and private owners want basic amenities like the sink, the quarter berth and the portable toilet. The racers, of course, want an asymmetric spinnaker package and a taller rig, and what the judges experienced is a utilitarian sportboat that could very well be an offspring of a J/24 and Melges 24. “I was really impressed with how it sailed both upwind and downwind,” Greg Stewart says. “It’s all simple because there’s not a lot of extra parts or lines on it. It would be a great little beer-can racer.”

For its test sail, in a 10- to 15-knot breeze and flat water, the three judges sailed upwind and downwind without ever leaving the comfort of the ­cockpit. “With all of us sitting legs-in and comfortable with the backrests, it wasn’t tippy and tracked really well,” Stewart says. “The rudder, which is plenty long and nicely shaped, had a great feel. I tried to force it to spin, but it wouldn’t. It’s well-balanced.”

At less than 3,000 pounds all up, the boat was light and responsive, Stewart adds, and 1,100 pounds of ballast in the 4-foot-7-inch lifting bulb keel provided plenty of stability. At the dock, the boat’s builder, Andres Mendez, demonstrated the efficiency of the winch system that nests over the companionway and lifts the keel flush to the hull in a matter of minutes. The carbon-skinned rudder is even easier, held captive in its casing with two quick-release skewers.

To ensure the integrity of the keel-box structure, the boat is built (in hand-laid polyester with PVC honeycomb coring in the deck only) in split halves and joined at the center seam with the keel box molded in place. “It’s not glued, and it’s not a secondary bond,” Mendez says. “Everything is laminated together, so it’s solid glass down the entire center seam—very strong and very stiff.”

Beneath the port cockpit bench seat is a deep locker to stow an outboard (electric), fenders, sails and accessories, and under the starboard bench is the full-length quarter-berth. The boat as tested had a mainsheet swivel mounted on a single floor post, which sailing schools prefer, but the ­cockpit design can accommodate a midship traveler that spans between the cockpit walls, or a floor-mounted traveler aft of the benches. The judges say the 8-to-1 backstay purchase was robust enough to effectively manipulate the rig. At the forward end of the cockpit are only two cabin-top winches and cam cleats. On the foredeck is a radiused self-tacking jib track and shallow anchor locker. The judges noted the molded nonskid pattern is excellent.  

The Z24’s superb sailing attributes aside, what appealed to all the judges was its simplicity, inside and out. “It’s all very low-maintenance,” Stewart says. “It’s definitely a hose off and walk away kind of boat, and my impression is that they spent a lot of time developing it and thinking about it to get it right, and that allowed them to keep it simple. The quality is great inside and out. Right away, when we got on it, I could see the gelcoat was really nice, and it had a sleek low-cabin profile that looked great. I could definitely recommend this boat to somebody looking for a well-priced daysailer that would be really easy to own.”

In 10 to 15 knots of wind, judge Mike Ingham was impressed with the responsiveness of the helm and the overall balance of the sail plan, a proportional mainsail, and small non-overlapping, self-tacking jib. The boat can accommodate larger jibs, Mendez tells the judges, with the installation of cabin-top tracks and a floating inhauler system. With the asymmetric spinnaker on furler and tacked to the prod, it was easy for the judges to deploy it, jibe it and roll it away without ever having to step foot on the foredeck.

“It had that recreational sportboat feel,” Ingham says. “It’s not going to jump up on plane instantly, but it’s plenty quick. They got some things right, geometrically, with the keel and rudder that make it a real pleasure to sail. It’s nicely balanced and tracked really well upwind. I was never fighting the helm. Downwind, it was plenty lively, and when a puff hit, it was just a slight bear away and it would accelerate immediately. As a recreational race boat and family daysailer, I think they nailed it.”

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10 Best Sailboat Brands (And Why)

Last Updated by

Daniel Wade

December 20, 2023

‍ There's no denying that sailors are certainly a passionate bunch. We’re so passionate about our boats that we always try going for the best sailboats. To make it a lot easier for you, here are the best sailboat brands.

Owning a sailboat is an indulgence that many of us only dream about but very few ever have the privilege of sailing the seas in what they can actually call their own.

While there's nothing wrong with renting a sailboat, the honor of owning one is certain what many sailors dream of.

With a perfectly crafted sailboat as company, gliding through the water, waves, and wind brings some sort of unmatched comfort and peace.

Add this to the fact that sailing takes you far away from the daily hustles and bustles that we've become accustomed to in our daily lives and you'll see why the life of sailing is very appealing to the masses.

But without a proper sailboat, all this fun and the good life of sailing are thrown out of the window.

Contrary to the widespread opinion, owning a sailboat isn't beyond anyone's reach. It's something that we can all achieve. But before getting into that, it's important to know some of the best sailboat brands.

The best sailboat brands will make your life as a sailor a lot easier and more fun. The best sailboat brands have, for decades if not centuries, mastered the art of woodworking. They've dedicated their skills and immense amount of their time to designing and manufacturing nothing but the best quality of sailboats in the industry.

So if you've been looking for the best sailboat brands from all over the world, you've come to the right place. We'll discuss the best of the best, something that will give you a perfect getaway from your normal life.

Table of contents

‍ Must-Have Features for Your Sailboat

Before highlighting the best sailboat brands, it would be appropriate to jog your mind a little with some of the features that must be available in your sailboat.

Choosing a sailboat can sometimes be a matter of compromises. In other words, it's sometimes sensible to accept that a sailboat cannot have all the features that you desire.

As such, it's all about going with a sailboat that has the features that matter to you most.

For this reason, let's look at the most basic features that can make the difference in both safety and comfort while improving your sailing experience.

A Safe and Comfortable Sailing Cockpit

You'll most definitely be spending a huge amount of time in the cockpit. Whether you're keeping watch, trimming sails , helming, or just enjoying the scenery, there's no better place to do all these than from the cockpit. That being said, a good cockpit should have the following.

• Have a good depth for safety reasons and adequate drainage
• Should give you a quick and easy access to jammers, cleats, and other important parts of the winch system
• Should have a seat or seats that are about 35 cm high, 50 to 55 cm wide to provide ideal support
• The seats should be adjustable to offer maximum comfort and allow you to change your position

GPS Chartplotter

Use a GPS Chartplotter once and your sailing will never be the same without it. It not only allows you to map a course but is also a great way of ensuring that your sailboat exactly follows that course. It also gives you constant updates on ocean conditions, weather conditions , and potential hazards such as deadly currents and sandbars.

A GPS Chartplotter is also an important safety device that can help you in some very critical situations while out there on the water.

For instance, it has a man-overboard button that is essentially meant to allow you to receive coordinates of the exact location should someone fall off your boat.

Electric Winch System

This is an amazing addition to any sailboat. It allows you to sheet a jib even in high and strong winds with a simple press of a button. It also gives you the chance of trimming a mainsail easily while still carry out other essential tasks in the sailboat.

An electric winch system can be of great importance, especially if you're short on crew. This is because it can free up some crew members to carry other important tasks. In other words, it can make duties that would otherwise require more crew members a lot easier.

More importantly, an electric winch system can maintain safety even in the roughest of conditions, thereby preventing you and your crew from getting injured. In essence, an electric winch system will make your sailing a lot safer, less stressful, and more enjoyable.

Reverse Osmosis Watermaker

This is a very valuable accessory, especially if you're going on long sea voyages. You can spend days on end without drinking clean and safe water.

As the name suggests, you can use this accessory to turn seawater into purified drinking water. It uses the reverse osmosis method that's essential not only in removing bacteria and parasites from the water but also in turning the water into purified and safe drinking water.

Even though this device is pricey, it's a great way to mitigate the over-reliance on huge water tanks. All you have to do is to ensure that it's properly maintained and you'll have an endless streak of safe drinking water no matter where you are.

Wide and Clutter-free Deck

While the deck is often an overlooked feature of a sailboat, it can be the difference between a great sailing experience and a stressful one. In essence, the deck of a sailboat should be wide enough and clutter-free.

This is significant as it can enable you to quickly access different parts of your sailboat with hindrance or getting tangled. As you can see, this is particularly important in improving safety and reducing stress.

With that in mind, make sure that the deck is organized in such a way that you can have easy access to sails, masts, and winches.

You should, therefore, avoid sailboats with decks that are designed in such a way that you have to climb on top of the cabin just to access these features. Needless to say, this can be quite unstable and very dangerous especially when conditions are rough.

The Best Sailboat Brands and Why

1. hallberg-rassy.

Hallberg-Rassy is a Swedish yacht maker that's very well-known in the blue water cruising circles for making some of the highest quality and sturdiest sailboats. For many sailors, this is the number one sailboat brand as it offers absolute comfort, utmost safety, and good and easy handling.

This brand is not only synonymous with sturdy construction but you won't worry getting soaking wet while out there on the water. This is because it has a well-protected deck and cockpit, finished with nice woodwork, and has a powerful engine with a big tankage just to ensure that you can go on long voyages.

When designing its sailboats, this brand has made it a norm to add some features that stand out from the rest. For instance, the bowsprit is an integral feature that makes sailing a Hallberg-Rassy quite easy and much enjoyable. This is because it grants easy access to and from the deck. Its electric anchor winches facilitate smooth maneuvering. Even more, its large steering wheels makes it much easier to control the boat even in the roughest of conditions. In essence, this brand has features that provide good control and an extra sense of safety.

Although this brand has evolved over the years, you'll easily recognize it even from a distance. And why is this? A Hallberg-Rassy never goes out of style. This is a unique sailboat brand that has always stayed true to its principles and concept. No matter which part of the world you go, Hallberg-Rassy will remain the undisputed king of blue water cruising.

2. Nautor's Swan

For over 50 years, Nautor's Swan has endlessly raised the sailing levels by designing and manufacturing new sailboat models that not only push the boundaries but also meet that many requirements and demands of sailors across the world. Thanks to its wide range of seaworthy, timeless, elegant, and highly-performing sailboats, the Nautor's Swan remains one of the best if not the best sailboat makers in the world.

Based in Jakobstad, Finland, this brand has severally set the industry standard with its speedy and sleek models such as the Swan 48, Swan 65, Swan 98, Swan 78, and Swan 120. These models have one thing in common: they never compromise on safety. As a brand that puts safety first, it ensures that its models are made of foam-cored glass fiber and reinforced both with carbon-fiber and epoxy. In essence, Nautor's Swan is widely revered for its unmatched seafaring and safety records.

Additionally, Nautor's Swan models are incredibly responsive. You can easily tell this just by the feel of the wheel. This brand has models that will gracefully slice through the biggest of waves with ease. That's not all; the interior of these models that are very comfortable even when the going gets tough. This is, without a doubt, a brand that strives to create self-contained worlds with each model.

3. Beneteau

This is perhaps the most selling sailboat brand in the world. For over a century now, this brand has based its models in a combination of simplicity and performance. This is a brand that will serve you just right across all latitudes and in all circumstances. Whether you prefer the Oceanis Yacht 62 or the Figaro Beneteau 3, this brand will never let you down on all fronts.

This brand revolves around a simple concept of creating a link around the world. From the deck space to its design and light, this brand does everything possible not just to uniformly transform life at sea but also to open doors to new horizons in a very luxurious yet practical way. Its models are designed with clear deck plans, stable hulls, simplified maneuvering and interior materials and equipment that can be easily personalized.

Whether you're looking for a racing sailboat or something that's designed to explore and enjoy the world in the company of friends and family, Beneteau is a true combination of sensations and simplicity. This is a brand that brings to the seas fun, simplicity, smartness, toughness, safety, intuitiveness, as well as dazzling reinvention.

4. Amel Yachts

Based on the ethos of designing and manufacturing comfortable, robust, and easy-to-handle boats, this French brand has, for over five decades, offered sailors and other sailing enthusiasts the perfect opportunity to explore the seas with the utmost quality, comfort, and more importantly, safety.

Using 100% French know-how, this brand has brought to the sailing world some of the best boats such as the Santorini, the Mango, the Super Maramu, and the Maramu. We would be doing this brand total injustice if we said that they're distinctive. Truth be told, there's nothing comparable to an Amel model. Well Amel was and still is, the ultimate standard by which other sailboat models are measured.

From items such as electric winches and furling, to generators, Watermaker , and washing machine down to the simplest of items such as towels. Spare filters, bathrobes, deck brush, and a boat safe, the Amel is in reality with what the real life of a sailor is and should be.

Although some may say that Amel still has room for improvement in terms of specifications and personalization, it cannot be denied that the Amel is a serious brand that designs and manufactures complete boats. With this brand, you'll be guaranteed of a higher degree of reliability, safety, and an edge of fun while out there on the water.

5. Hinckley Yachts

Based in Maine, United States, Hinckley Yachts is a brand that has been building robust, luxury, and safe sailboats for more than 90 years now. In its sailboat class, you'll find several sailboats that have classic shapes, inner strength, dramatic lines, and features that are absolutely essential in dealing with the challenges of the North Atlantic.

This brand has been successful in integrating impeccable craftsmanship with new technologies to ensure that their models always stand out while articulating advanced sailing practices, timeless aesthetic, robust construction, and the utmost safety. Whether you choose the Bermuda 50, the Sou'wester 53 or any model for that matter, you'll never be short of advanced performance based on the best design and technology.

In terms of features, this brand provides sailboat models with modern performance hulls. These hulls are constructed with inner layers of carbon, outer layers of Kevlar, and are aligned with computer-designed load paths. Every feature is designed without compromising comfort.

To this end, this brand offers you a perfect combination of both fun and sail. This brand offers more than just sailing. Instead, it offers a unique sailing experience that's combined with the pure joys of sailing in the blue waters with an ease of ownership and maneuverability.

6. Oyster Yachts

If you've been looking for luxury more than anything else, Oyster Yachts provides you with numerous solutions. This British brand is widely known for manufacturing a wide range of luxury cruising sailing yachts. Its sailboats are among the finest in the world and are immensely capable of taking you to some of the far-flung places in the world without having to worry about high winds and hellish waves.

Whether you choose the iconic Oyster 565 or the immense Oyster 595 you never fall short of experiencing the new world like never before. These are models that will enable you to own your adventure, choose your destination, set your courses, pick your anchorage, and stay safe at all times. If you want to hold the wheel and pull the sail while feeling the tang of salt spray on your face, Oyster Yachts is the way to go.

This is, unquestionably, a brand that's meant for you if you want to explore the seas in comfort, luxury and utmost safety. From craftsmanship, sailboat design, to hull, deck, and keel configurations, everything is designed to allow you to circumnavigate the world in comfort, elegance, and style.

7. Tartan Yachts

Based in Fairport Harbor, Ohio, there's arguably no better to begin your sailing adventures than with a sailboat designed and manufactured by Tartan Yachts. With several award-winning designs and construction, this brand is widely known for providing easy handling, great performance, and an ultimately stable platform.

This brand always strives to deliver a unique and the best possible experience to every sailor. As a brand, Tartan fully understands that every sailor has his/her unique sailing needs. As such every component of their models is designed with engineering levels that guarantee optimum performance, excellent on-deck visibility, and luxurious interior.

From the Tartan 5300, the Tartan 4300, the Tartan 345 to the New 365 and the Fantail, this brand makes it a priority to ensure that its models are among the strongest, lightest, and more importantly, the safest in the sailing industry. In essence, this brand can be ideal if you appreciate performance. It has rewarding sailing features both in narrow water lines and wider passages. Add this to its easy handling and you'll have a top-notch performer in virtually every condition.

8. Catalina Yachts

As one of the most popular boat manufacturers in the world, this American brand is widely revered for building the sturdiest boats that can hold up perfectly well in real-world conditions. These are generally family-oriented boats that are intelligently designed to ensure that your entire family can have fun out there on the water.

Some of the models include the cruiser series such as the Catalina 315, the Catalina 385, the Catalina 425 while the sport series include the Catalina 12.5 Expo, the Catalina 16.5, and the Catalina 14.2 Expo. As the current winner of the "Boat of the Year" Cruising World, you'll rarely go wrong with a Catalina model.

It offers a wide range of sailboat sizes that suits your lifestyle. This brand makes it a priority to ensure that all their models are not only safe but offer the best ownership and sailing experience. If anything, this brand is widely known to have one of the most excellent resale values in the sailing industry.

9. Island Packet Yachts

From the IP 525, the IP 439 to the IP 379, the Island Packet Yachts is a brand that encourages its customers not to keep the world waiting. This brand is meant for sailors who want to explore the world in utmost comfort and safety.

The first thing you'll notice in an IP sailboat is its large aft deck. This is not only perfect for sunbathing but can also serve you well if you want an impromptu dinner with friends and family while out there on the water. The living space is also large enough to carry most of your belongings, which is an added advantage especially if you've been planning to spend longer periods in the seas.

With modern evolution and refinement, as well as proven features, this brand is known to offer sailors maximum comfort, luxury, and safety. You'll have better access to the cockpit, have enough space, and are excellently designed to provide superior seafaring and the best features to enable you to spend extended periods when cruising.

10. Sparkman & Stephens

For more than 90 years, Sparkman & Stephens has been at the forefront of the belief that sailboat excellence goes beyond hull lines and deck plans. Instead, this brand believes in excellent naval architecture, innovation, sophistication, and beauty. This is a brand that has laid the foundation of sailboat as a sport not just in America but all over the world.

These models have graced the world for decades and bring immense pleasure to their owners in terms of innovation, performance, and excellence. Though rooted in tradition, the brand has pushed sophistication, technology, and sailing experience to a whole new level. You'll be a proud owner of the Sparkman & Stephens model.

There you have it; these are the best sailboat brands in the world. Although there are several other sailboat brands to choose from, the-above described brands stand shoulder above others in terms of quality, safety, performances and luxury.

Hopefully, you're at a much better place when it comes to choosing a sailboat that suits your lifestyle, needs, and budget .

Happy sailing!

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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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• Yachting World
• Digital Edition

43 of the best bluewater sailboat designs of all time

• January 5, 2022

How do you choose the right yacht for you? We highlight the very best bluewater sailboat designs for every type of cruising

Which yacht is the best for bluewater boating? This question generates even more debate among sailors than questions about what’s the coolest yacht , or the best for racing. Whereas racing designs are measured against each other, cruising sailors get very limited opportunities to experience different yachts in real oceangoing conditions, so what is the best bluewater sailboat?

Here, we bring you our top choices from decades of designs and launches. Over the years, the Yachting World team has sailed these boats, tested them or judged them for European Yacht of the Year awards, and we have sifted through the many to curate a selection that we believe should be on your wishlist.

Making the right choice may come down to how you foresee your yacht being used after it has crossed an ocean or completed a passage: will you be living at anchor or cruising along the coast? If so, your guiding requirements will be space, cabin size, ease of launching a tender and anchoring closer to shore, and whether it can comfortably accommodate non-expert-sailor guests.

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All of these considerations have generated the inexorable rise of the bluewater catamaran – monohulls can’t easily compete on these points. We have a full separate feature on the best bluewater multihulls of all time and here we mostly focus on monohulls. The only exceptions to that rule are two multihulls which made it into our best bluewater sailboats of 2022 list.

As so much of making the right choice is selecting the right boat for the venture in mind, we have separated out our edit into categories: best for comfort; for families; for performance; and for expedition or high latitudes sailing .

Best bluewater sailboats of 2022

The new flagship Allures 51.9, for example, is a no-nonsense adventure cruising design built and finished to a high standard. It retains Allures’ niche of using aluminium hulls with glassfibre decks and superstructures, which, the yard maintains, gives the optimum combination of least maintenance and less weight higher up. Priorities for this design were a full beam aft cabin and a spacious, long cockpit. Both are excellent, with the latter, at 6m long, offering formidable social, sailing and aft deck zones.

It likes some breeze to come to life on the wheel, but I appreciate that it’s designed to take up to five tonnes payload. And I like the ease with which you can change gears using the furling headsails and the positioning of the powerful Andersen winches inboard. The arch is standard and comes with a textile sprayhood or hard bimini.

Below decks you’ll find abundant headroom and natural light, a deep U-shape galley and cavernous stowage. For those who like the layout of the Amel 50 but would prefer aluminium or shoal draught, look no further.

Allures 51.9 price: €766,000

The Ovni 370 is another cunning new aluminum centreboard offering, a true deck saloon cruiser for two. The designers say the biggest challenge was to create a Category A ocean going yacht at this size with a lifting keel, hence the hull had to be very stable.

Enjoyable to helm, it has a practical, deep cockpit behind a large sprayhood, which can link to the bimini on the arch. Many of its most appealing features lie in the bright, light, contemporary, clever, voluminous interior, which has good stowage and tankage allocation. There’s also a practical navstation, a large workroom and a vast separate shower. I particularly like the convertible saloom, which can double as a large secure daybed or pilot berth.

Potentially the least expensive Category A lift keel boat available, the Ovni will get you dreaming of remote places again.

Ovni 370 price: €282,080

There’s no shortage of spirit in the Windelo 50. We gave this a sustainability award after it’s founders spent two years researching environmentally-friendly composite materials, developing an eco-composite of basalt fibre and recycled PET foam so it could build boats that halve the environmental impact of standard glassfibre yachts.

The Windelo 50 is an intriguing package – from the styling, modular interior and novel layout to the solar field on the roof and the standard electric propulsion, it is completely fresh.

Windelo 50 price: €795,000

Best bluewater sailboat of 2022 – Outremer 55

I would argue that this is the most successful new production yacht on the market. Well over 50 have already sold (an equipped model typically costs €1.6m) – and I can understand why. After all, were money no object, I had this design earmarked as the new yacht I would most likely choose for a world trip.

Indeed 55 number one Sanya, was fully equipped for a family’s world cruise, and left during our stay for the Grand Large Odyssey tour. Whereas we sailed Magic Kili, which was tricked up with performance options, including foam-cored deckheads and supports, carbon crossbeam and bulkheads, and synthetic rigging.

At rest, these are enticing space ships. Taking one out to sea is another matter though. These are speed machines with the size, scale and loads to be rightly weary of. Last month Nikki Henderson wrote a feature for us about how to manage a new breed of performance cruising cats just like this and how she coaches new owners. I could not think of wiser money spent for those who do not have ample multihull sailing experience.

Under sail, the most fun was obviously reserved for the reaching leg under asymmetric, where we clocked between 11-16 knots in 15-16 knots wind. But it was the stability and of those sustained low teen speeds which really hit home  – passagemaking where you really cover miles.

Key features include the swing helms, which give you views from outboard, over the coachroof or from a protected position in the cockpit through the coachroof windows, and the vast island in the galley, which is key to an open plan main living area. It helps provide cavernous stowage and acts as the heart of the entertaining space as it would in a modern home. As Danish judge Morten Brandt-Rasmussen comments: “Apart from being the TGV of ocean passages the boat offers the most spacious, open and best integration of the cockpit and salon areas in the market.”

Outremer has done a top job in packing in the creature comforts, stowage space and payload capacity, while keeping it light enough to eat miles. Although a lot to absorb and handle, the 55 offers a formidable blend of speed and luxury cruising.

Outremer 55 price: €1.35m

Best bluewater sailboats for comfort

This is the successor to the legendary Super Maramu, a ketch design that for several decades defined easy downwind handling and fostered a cult following for the French yard. Nearly a decade old, the Amel 55 is the bridge between those world-girdling stalwarts and Amel’s more recent and totally re-imagined sloop designs, the Amel 50 and 60.

The 55 boasts all the serious features Amel aficionados loved and valued: a skeg-hung rudder, solidly built hull, watertight bulkheads, solid guardrails and rampart bulwarks. And, most noticeable, the solid doghouse in which the helmsman sits in perfect shelter at the wheel.

This is a design to live on comfortably for long periods and the list of standard features just goes on and on: passarelle; proper sea berths with lee cloths; electric furling main and genoa; and a multitude of practical items that go right down to a dishwasher and crockery.

There’s no getting around the fact these designs do look rather dated now, and through the development of easier sail handling systems the ketch rig has fallen out of fashion, but the Amel is nothing short of a phenomenon, and if you’ve never even peeked on board one, you really have missed a treat.

Photo: Sander van der Borch

Contest 50CS

A centre cockpit cruiser with true longevity, the Contest 50CS was launched by Conyplex back in 2003 and is still being built by the family-owned Dutch company, now in updated and restyled form.

With a fully balanced rudder, large wheel and modern underwater sections, the Contest 50CS is a surprisingly good performer for a boat that has a dry weight of 17.5 tonnes. Many were fitted with in-mast furling, which clearly curtails that performance, but even without, this boat is set up for a small crew.

Electric winches and mainsheet traveller are all easy to reach from the helm. On our test of the Contest 50CS, we saw for ourselves how two people can gybe downwind under spinnaker without undue drama. Upwind, a 105% genoa is so easy to tack it flatters even the weediest crewmember.

Down below, the finish level of the joinery work is up there among the best and the interior is full of clever touches, again updated and modernised since the early models. Never the cheapest bluewater sailing yacht around, the Contest 50CS has remained in demand as a brokerage buy. She is a reassuringly sure-footed, easily handled, very well built yacht that for all those reasons has stood the test of time.

This is a yacht that would be well capable of helping you extend your cruising grounds, almost without realising it.

Read more about the Contest 50CS and the new Contest 49CS

Photo: Rick Tomlinson

Hallberg-Rassy 48 Mk II

For many, the Swedish Hallberg-Rassy yard makes the quintessential bluewater cruiser for couples. With their distinctive blue cove line, these designs are famous for their seakindly behaviour, solid-as-a-rock build and beautifully finished, traditional interiors.

To some eyes, Hallberg-Rassys aren’t quite cool enough, but it’s been company owner Magnus Rassy’s confidence in the formula and belief in incremental ‘step-by-step’ evolution that has been such an exceptional guarantor of reliable quality, reputation and resale value.

The centre cockpit Hallberg-Rassy 48 epitomises the concept of comfort at sea and, like all the Frers-designed Hallberg-Rassys since the 1990s, is surprisingly fleet upwind as well as steady downwind. The 48 is perfectly able to be handled by a couple (as we found a few years back in the Pacific), and could with no great effort crack out 200-mile days.

The Hallberg-Rassy 48 was launched nearly a decade ago, but the Mk II from 2014 is our pick, updated with a more modern profile, larger windows and hull portlights that flood the saloon and aft cabin with light. With a large chart table, secure linear galley, heaps of stowage and space for bluewater extras such as machinery and gear, this yacht pretty much ticks all the boxes.

Discovery 55

First launched in 2000, the Discovery 55 has stood the test of time. Designed by Ron Holland, it hit a sweet spot in size that appealed to couples and families with world girdling plans.

Elegantly styled and well balanced, the 55 is also a practical design, with a deep and secure cockpit, comfortable seating, a self-tacking jib, dedicated stowage for the liferaft , a decent sugar scoop transom that’s useful for swimming or dinghy access, and very comfortable accommodation below. In short, it is a design that has been well thought out by those who’ve been there, got the bruises, stubbed their toes and vowed to change things in the future if they ever got the chance.

Throughout the accommodation there are plenty of examples of good detailing, from the proliferation of handholds and grabrails, to deep sinks in the galley offering immediate stowage when under way and the stand up/sit down showers. Stowage is good, too, with plenty of sensibly sized lockers in easily accessible positions.

The Discovery 55 has practical ideas and nifty details aplenty. She’s not, and never was, a breakthrough in modern luxury cruising but she is pretty, comfortable to sail and live on, and well mannered.

Photo: Latitudes Picture Library

You can’t get much more Cornish than a Rustler. The hulls of this Stephen Jones design are hand-moulded and fitted out in Falmouth – and few are more ruggedly built than this traditional, up-for-anything offshore cruiser.

She boasts an encapsulated lead keel, eliminating keel bolts and creating a sump for generous fuel and water tankage, while a chunky skeg protects the rudder. She is designed for good directional stability and load carrying ability. These are all features that lend this yacht confidence as it shoulders aside the rough stuff.

Most of those built have had a cutter rig, a flexible arrangement that makes sense for long passages in all sea and weather conditions. Down below, the galley and saloon berths are comfortable and sensible for living in port and at sea, with joinery that Rustler’s builders are rightly proud of.

As modern yachts have got wider, higher and fatter, the Rustler 42 is an exception. This is an exceptionally well-mannered seagoing yacht in the traditional vein, with elegant lines and pleasing overhangs, yet also surprisingly powerful. And although now over 20 years old, timeless looks and qualities mean this design makes her look ever more like a perennial, a modern classic.

The definitive crossover size, the point at which a yacht can be handled by a couple but is just large enough to have a professional skipper and be chartered, sits at around the 60ft mark. At 58ft 8in, the Oyster 575 fitted perfectly into this growing market when launched in 2010. It went on to be one of the most popular models from the yard, and is only now being superseded by the newer Rob Humphreys-designed Oyster 565 (just launched this spring).

Built in various configurations with either a deep keel, shoal draught keel or centreboard with twin rudders, owners could trade off better performance against easy access to shallower coves and anchorages. The deep-bodied hull, also by Rob Humphreys, is known for its easy motion at sea.

Some of the Oyster 575’s best features include its hallmark coachroof windows style and centre cockpit – almost everyone will know at first glance this is an Oyster – and superb interior finish. If she has a flaw, it is arguably the high cockpit, but the flip side is the galley headroom and passageway berth to the large aft stateroom.

This design also has a host of practical features for long-distance cruising, such as high guardrails, dedicated liferaft stowage, a vast lazarette for swallowing sails, tender, fenders etc, and a penthouse engine room.

Privilege Serie 5

A true luxury catamaran which, fully fitted out, will top €1m, this deserves to be seen alongside the likes of the Oyster 575, Gunfleet 58 and Hallberg-Rassy 55. It boasts a large cockpit and living area, and a light and spacious saloon with an emphasis on indoor-outdoor living, masses of refrigeration and a big galley.

Standout features are finish quality and solid build in a yacht designed to take a high payload, a secure walkaround deck and all-round views from the helm station. The new Privilege 510 that will replace this launches in February 2020.

Gunfleet 43

It was with this Tony Castro design that Richard Matthews, founder of Oyster Yachts, launched a brand new rival brand in 2012, the smallest of a range stretching to the flagship Gunfleet 74. The combination of short overhangs and centre cockpit at this size do make the Gunfleet 43 look modern if a little boxy, but time and subsequent design trends have been kind to her lines, and the build quality is excellent. The saloon, galley and aft cabin space is exceptional on a yacht of this size.

Photo: David Harding

Conceived as a belt-and-braces cruiser, the Kraken 50 launched last year. Its unique points lie underwater in the guise of a full skeg-hung rudder and so-called ‘Zero Keel’, an encapsulated long keel with lead ballast.

Kraken Yachts is the brainchild of British businessman and highly experienced cruiser Dick Beaumont, who is adamant that safety should be foremost in cruising yacht design and build. “There is no such thing as ‘one yacht for all purposes’… You cannot have the best of all worlds, whatever the salesman tells you,” he says.

Read our full review of the Kraken 50 .

Wauquiez Centurion 57

Few yachts can claim to be both an exciting Med-style design and a serious and practical northern European offshore cruiser, but the Wauquiez Centurion 57 tries to blend both. She slightly misses if you judge solely by either criterion, but is pretty and practical enough to suit her purpose.

A very pleasant, well-considered yacht, she is impressively built and finished with a warm and comfortable interior. More versatile than radical, she could be used for sailing across the Atlantic in comfort and raced with equal enjoyment at Antigua Sailing Week .

A modern classic if ever there was one. A medium to heavy displacement yacht, stiff and easily capable of standing up to her canvas. Pretty, traditional lines and layout below.

Photo: Voyage of Swell

Well-proven US legacy design dating back to the mid-1960s that once conquered the Transpac Race . Still admired as pretty, with slight spoon bow and overhanging transom.

Capable medium displacement cruiser, ideal size and good accommodation for couples or family cruising, and much less costly than similar luxury brands.

Photo: Peter Szamer

Swedish-built aft cockpit cruiser, smaller than many here, but a well-built and finished, super-durable pocket ocean cruiser.

Tartan 3700

Designed as a performance cruiser there are nimbler alternatives now, but this is still an extremely pretty yacht.

Broker ’ s choice

Discovery 55 Brizo

This yacht has already circumnavigated the globe and is ‘prepared for her next adventure,’ says broker Berthon. Price: £535,000 + VAT

Oyster 575 Ayesha

‘Stunning, and perfectly equipped for bluewater cruising,’ says broker Ancasta International. Price: £845,000 (tax not paid)

Oyster 575 Pearls of Nautilus

Nearly new and with a high spec, this Oyster Brokerage yacht features American white oak joinery and white leather upholstery and has a shoal draught keel. Price: $1.49m

Best bluewater yachts for performance

The Frers-designed Swan 54 may not be the newest hull shape but heralded Swan’s latest generation of displacement bluewater cruisers when launched four years ago. With raked stem, deep V hull form, lower freeboard and slight curve to the topsides she has a more timeless aesthetic than many modern slab-sided high volume yachts, and with that a seakindly motion in waves. If you plan to cover many miles to weather, this is probably the yacht you want to be on.

Photo: Carlo Borlenghi

Besides Swan’s superlative build quality, the 54 brings many true bluewater features, including a dedicated sail locker. There’s also a cockpit locker that functions as a utility cabin, with potential to hold your generator and washing machine, or be a workshop space.

The sloping transom opens out to reveal a 2.5m bathing platform, and although the cabins are not huge there is copious stowage space. Down below the top-notch oak joinery is well thought through with deep fiddles, and there is a substantial nav station. But the Swan 54 wins for handling above all, with well laid-out sail controls that can be easily managed between a couple, while offering real sailing enjoyment to the helmsman.

Photo: Graham Snook

The Performance Cruiser winner at the 2019 European Yacht of the Year awards, the Arcona 435 is all about the sailing experience. She has genuine potential as a cruiser-racer, but her strengths are as an enjoyable cruiser rather than a full-blown liveaboard bluewater boat.

Build quality is excellent, there is the option of a carbon hull and deck, and elegant lines and a plumb bow give the Arcona 435 good looks as well as excellent performance in light airs. Besides slick sail handling systems, there are well thought-out features for cruising, such as ample built-in rope bins and an optional semi-closed stern with stowage and swim platform.

Outremer 51

If you want the space and stability of a cat but still prioritise sailing performance, Outremer has built a reputation on building catamarans with true bluewater characteristics that have cruised the planet for the past 30 years.

Lighter and slimmer-hulled than most cruising cats, the Outremer 51 is all about sailing at faster speeds, more easily. The lower volume hulls and higher bridgedeck make for a better motion in waves, while owners report that being able to maintain a decent pace even under reduced canvas makes for stress-free passages. Deep daggerboards also give good upwind performance.

With bucket seats and tiller steering options, the Outremer 51 rewards sailors who want to spend time steering, while they’re famously well set up for handling with one person on deck. The compromise comes with the interior space – even with a relatively minimalist style, there is less cabin space and stowage volume than on the bulkier cats, but the Outremer 51 still packs in plenty of practical features.

The Xc45 was the first cruising yacht X-Yachts ever built, and designed to give the same X-Yachts sailing experience for sailors who’d spent years racing 30/40-footer X- and IMX designs, but in a cruising package.

Launched over 10 years ago, the Xc45 has been revisited a few times to increase the stowage and modernise some of the styling, but the key features remain the same, including substantial tanks set low for a low centre of gravity, and X-Yachts’ trademark steel keel grid structure. She has fairly traditional styling and layout, matched with solid build quality.

A soft bilge and V-shaped hull gives a kindly motion in waves, and the cockpit is secure, if narrow by modern standards.

A three or four cabin catamaran that’s fleet of foot with high bridgedeck clearance for comfortable motion at sea. With tall daggerboards and carbon construction in some high load areas, Catana cats are light and quick to accelerate.

Sweden Yachts 45

An established bluewater design that also features in plenty of offshore races. Some examples are specced with carbon rig and retractable bowsprits. All have a self-tacking jib for ease. Expect sweeping areas of teak above decks and a traditionally wooded interior with hanging wet locker.

A vintage performer, first launched in 1981, the 51 was the first Frers-designed Swan and marked a new era of iconic cruiser-racers. Some 36 of the Swan 51 were built, many still actively racing and cruising nearly 40 years on. Classic lines and a split cockpit make this a boat for helming, not sunbathing.

Photo: Julien Girardot / EYOTY

The JPK 45 comes from a French racing stable, combining race-winning design heritage with cruising amenities. What you see is what you get – there are no superfluous headliners or floorboards, but there are plenty of ocean sailing details, like inboard winches for safe trimming. The JPK 45 also has a brilliantly designed cockpit with an optional doghouse creating all-weather shelter, twin wheels and superb clutch and rope bin arrangement.

Photo: Andreas Lindlahr

For sailors who don’t mind exchanging a few creature comforts for downwind planing performance, the Pogo 50 offers double-digit surfing speeds for exhilarating tradewind sailing. There’s an open transom, tiller steering and no backstay or runners. The Pogo 50 also has a swing keel, to nose into shallow anchorages.

Seawind 1600

Seawinds are relatively unknown in Europe, but these bluewater cats are very popular in Australia. As would be expected from a Reichel-Pugh design, this 52-footer combines striking good looks and high performance, with fine entry bows and comparatively low freeboard. Rudders are foam cored lifting designs in cassettes, which offer straightforward access in case of repairs, while daggerboards are housed under the deck.

Best bluewater sailboats for families

It’s unsurprising that, for many families, it’s a catamaran that meets their requirements best of increased space – both living space and separate cabins for privacy-seeking teenagers, additional crew or visiting family – as well as stable and predictable handling.

Photo: Nicholas Claris

Undoubtedly one of the biggest success stories has been the Lagoon 450, which, together with boats like the Fountaine Pajot 44, helped drive up the popularity of catamaran cruising by making it affordable and accessible. They have sold in huge numbers – over 1,000 Lagoon 450s have been built since its launch in 2010.

The VPLP-designed 450 was originally launched with a flybridge with a near central helming position and upper level lounging areas (450F). The later ‘sport top’ option (450S) offered a starboard helm station and lower boom (and hence lower centre of gravity for reduced pitching). The 450S also gained a hull chine to create additional volume above the waterline. The Lagoon features forward lounging and aft cockpit areas for additional outdoor living space.

Besides being a big hit among charter operators, Lagoons have proven themselves over thousands of bluewater miles – there were seven Lagoon 450s in last year’s ARC alone. In what remains a competitive sector of the market, Lagoon has recently launched a new 46, with a larger self-tacking jib and mast moved aft, and more lounging areas.

Photo: Gilles Martin-Raget

Fountaine Pajot Helia 44

The FP Helia 44 is lighter, lower volume, and has a lower freeboard than the Lagoon, weighing in at 10.8 tonnes unloaded (compared to 15 for the 450). The helm station is on a mezzanine level two steps up from the bridgedeck, with a bench seat behind. A later ‘Evolution’ version was designed for liveaboard cruisers, featuring beefed up dinghy davits and an improved saloon space.

Available in three or four cabin layouts, the Helia 44 was also popular with charter owners as well as families. The new 45 promises additional volume, and an optional hydraulically lowered ‘beach club’ swim platform.

Photo: Arnaud De Buyzer / graphikup.com

The French RM 1370 might be less well known than the big brand names, but offers something a little bit different for anyone who wants a relatively voluminous cruising yacht. Designed by Marc Lombard, and beautifully built from plywood/epoxy, the RM is stiff and responsive, and sails superbly.

The RM yachts have a more individual look – in part down to the painted finish, which encourages many owners to personalise their yachts, but also thanks to their distinctive lines with reverse sheer and dreadnought bow. The cockpit is well laid out with the primary winches inboard for a secure trimming position. The interior is light, airy and modern, although the open transom won’t appeal to everyone.

For those wanting a monohull, the Hanse 575 hits a similar sweet spot to the popular multis, maximising accommodation for a realistic price, yet with responsive performance.

The Hanse offers a vast amount of living space thanks to the ‘loft design’ concept of having all the living areas on a single level, which gives a real feeling of spaciousness with no raised saloon or steps to accommodation. The trade-off for such lofty head height is a substantial freeboard – it towers above the pontoon, while, below, a stepladder is provided to reach some hatches.

Galley options include drawer fridge-freezers, microwave and coffee machine, and the full size nav station can double up as an office or study space.

But while the Hanse 575 is a seriously large boat, its popularity is also down to the fact that it is genuinely able to be handled by a couple. It was innovative in its deck layout: with a self-tacking jib and mainsheet winches immediately to hand next to the helm, one person could both steer and trim.

Direct steering gives a feeling of control and some tangible sailing fun, while the waterline length makes for rapid passage times. In 2016 the German yard launched the newer Hanse 588 model, having already sold 175 of the 575s in just four years.

Photo: Bertel Kolthof

Jeanneau 54

Jeanneau leads the way among production builders for versatile all-rounder yachts that balance sail performance and handling, ergonomics, liveaboard functionality and good looks. The Jeanneau 54 , part of the range designed by Philippe Briand with interior by Andrew Winch, melds the best of the larger and smaller models and is available in a vast array of layout options from two cabins/two heads right up to five cabins and three heads.

We’ve tested the Jeanneau 54 in a gale and very light winds, and it acquitted itself handsomely in both extremes. The primary and mainsheet winches are to hand next to the wheel, and the cockpit is spacious, protected and child-friendly. An electric folding swim and sun deck makes for quick fun in the water.

Nautitech Open 46

This was the first Nautitech catamaran to be built under the ownership of Bavaria, designed with an open-plan bridgedeck and cockpit for free-flowing living space. But with good pace for eating up bluewater miles, and aft twin helms rather than a flybridge, the Nautitech Open 46 also appeals to monohull sailors who prefer a more direct sailing experience.

Made by Robertson and Caine, who produce catamarans under a dual identity as both Leopard and the Sunsail/Moorings charter cats, the Leopard 45 is set to be another big seller. Reflecting its charter DNA, the Leopard 45 is voluminous, with stepped hulls for reduced waterline, and a separate forward cockpit.

Built in South Africa, they are robustly tested off the Cape and constructed ruggedly enough to handle heavy weather sailing as well as the demands of chartering.

Photo: Olivier Blanchet

If space is king then three hulls might be even better than two. The Neel 51 is rare as a cruising trimaran with enough space for proper liveaboard sailing. The galley and saloon are in the large central hull, together with an owner’s cabin on one level for a unique sensation of living above the water. Guest or family cabins lie in the outer hulls for privacy and there is a cavernous full height engine room under the cabin sole.

Performance is notably higher than an equivalent cruising cat, particularly in light winds, with a single rudder giving a truly direct feel in the helm, although manoeuvring a 50ft trimaran may daunt many sailors.

Beneteau Oceanis 46.1

A brilliant new model from Beneteau, this Finot Conq design has a modern stepped hull, which offers exhilarating and confidence-inspiring handling in big breezes, and slippery performance in lighter winds.

The Beneteau Oceanis 46.1 was the standout performer at this year’s European Yacht of the Year awards, and, in replacing the popular Oceanis 45, looks set to be another bestseller. Interior space is well used with a double island berth in the forepeak. An additional inboard unit creates a secure galley area, but tank capacity is moderate for long periods aboard.

Beneteau Oceanis 473

A popular model that offers beam and height in a functional layout, although, as with many boats of this age (she was launched in 2002), the mainsheet is not within reach of the helmsman.

Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 49

The Philippe Briand-designed Sun Odyssey range has a solid reputation as family production cruisers. Like the 473, the Sun Odyssey 49 was popular for charter so there are plenty of four-cabin models on the market.

Nautitech 441

The hull design dates back to 1995, but was relaunched in 2012. Though the saloon interior has dated, the 441 has solid practical features, such as a rainwater run-off collection gutter around the coachroof.

Atlantic 42

Chris White-designed cats feature a pilothouse and forward waist-high working cockpit with helm position, as well as an inside wheel at the nav station. The Atlantic 42 offers limited accommodation by modern cat standards but a very different sailing experience.

Best bluewater sailing yachts for expeditions

Bestevaer 56.

All of the yachts in our ‘expedition’ category are aluminium-hulled designs suitable for high latitude sailing, and all are exceptional yachts. But the Bestevaer 56 is a spectacular amount of boat to take on a true adventure. Each Bestevaer is a near-custom build with plenty of bespoke options for owners to customise the layout and where they fall on the scale of rugged off-grid adventurer to 4×4-style luxury fit out.

The Bestevaer range began when renowned naval architect Gerard Dijkstra chose to design his own personal yacht for liveaboard adventure cruising, a 53-footer. The concept drew plenty of interest from bluewater sailors wanting to make longer expeditions and Bestevaers are now available in a range of sizes, with the 56-footer proving a popular mid-range length.

The well-known Bestevaer 56 Tranquilo  (pictured above) has a deep, secure cockpit, voluminous tanks (700lt water and over 1,100lt fuel) and a lifting keel plus water ballast, with classically styled teak clad decks and pilot house. Other owners have opted for functional bare aluminium hull and deck, some choose a doghouse and others a pilothouse.

Photo: Jean-Marie Liot

The Boreal 52 also offers Land Rover-esque practicality, with utilitarian bare aluminium hulls and a distinctive double-level doghouse/coachroof arrangement for added protection in all weathers. The cockpit is clean and uncluttered, thanks to the mainsheet position on top of the doghouse, although for visibility in close manoeuvring the helmsman will want to step up onto the aft deck.

Twin daggerboards, a lifting centreboard and long skeg on which she can settle make this a true go-anywhere expedition yacht. The metres of chain required for adventurous anchoring is stowed in a special locker by the mast to keep the weight central. Down below has been thought through with equally practical touches, including plenty of bracing points and lighting that switches on to red light first to protect your night vision.

Photo: Morris Adant / Garcia Yachts

Garcia Exploration 45

The Garcia Exploration 45 comes with real experience behind her – she was created in association with Jimmy Cornell, based on his many hundreds of thousands of miles of bluewater cruising, to go anywhere from high latitudes to the tropics.

Arguably less of a looker than the Bestevaer, the Garcia Exploration 45 features a rounded aluminium hull, centreboard with deep skeg and twin daggerboards. The considerable anchor chain weight has again been brought aft, this time via a special conduit to a watertight locker in front of the centreboard.

This is a yacht designed to be lived on for extended periods with ample storage, and panoramic portlights to give a near 360° view of whichever extraordinary landscape you are exploring. Safety features include a watertight companionway door to keep extreme weather out and through-hull fittings placed above the waterline. When former Vendée Globe skipper Pete Goss went cruising , this was the boat he chose to do it in.

Photo: svnaima.com

A truly well-proven expedition design, some 1,500 Ovnis have been built and many sailed to some of the most far-flung corners of the world. (Jimmy Cornell sailed his Aventura some 30,000 miles, including two Drake Passage crossings, one in 50 knots of wind).

Futuna Exploration 54

Another aluminium design with a swinging centreboard and a solid enclosed pilothouse with protected cockpit area. There’s a chunky bowsprit and substantial transom arch to house all manner of electronics and power generation.

Previous boats have been spec’d for North West Passage crossings with additional heating and engine power, although there’s a carbon rig option for those that want a touch of the black stuff. The tanks are capacious, with 1,000lt capability for both fresh water and fuel.

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My Cruiser Life Magazine

17 Best Sailboats to Live On + What You Should Know First

Many dream of living aboard a sailboat, but finding the right one can be daunting. There are many different types, and countless manufacturers have come and gone over the years. 

Here’s a list of 17 options – a sailboat for every sailor on every kind of budget. 

Table of Contents

17 best sailboats to live on, pros of living aboard a sailboat, cons of boat life.

• Find Your Type of Boat 

Set Your Boat Budget

What size boat to pick, best liveaboard sailboats under 35 feet (< 35 feet), best liveaboard sailboats under 40 feet (35–40 feet), best liveaboard sailboats under 45 feet (40–45 feet), best liveaboard sailboats under 50 feet (45–50 feet), best liveaboard sailboats under 60 feet (50–60 feet), want to live on a sailboat, best sailboats to live on faqs.

• Catalina 34/35
• Panda/Baba 35, Tashiba 36a
• Gemini 105MC
• Islander Freeport 36
• Passport 40
• Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 42DS
• Leopard 42/43
• Beneteau Oceanis 473
• Hallberg Rassy 46/48
• Leopard 46/Moorings
• Amel Super Maramu 2000
• Privilege 585

What to Know First

So, boat shopping is a challenge, to say the least. Understanding where to start and what to look for comes down to understanding what you want to do with your boat.

Here’s a look at some pros and cons of living aboard to get you started.

• Seaside living at a fraction of the cost of a waterfront home
• Ability to travel anywhere by water
• Ability to move anytime—not tied to one location/town
• Different liveaboard lifestyle options to choose from: at a dock, mooring, anchoring, cruising (traveling)—tired of one, mix it up for a different experience
• Small living space lacks storage and privacy
• Limited resources: you must meter your fuel, water, and electricity use when not at a dock
• More exposed to the elements and more affected by weather events
• Seating and furnishings are less comfortable than in a house
• Constant maintenance to keep the boat seaworthy and clean

How to Find the Best Boat to Live on Year Round

At first, you might think boat shopping is like looking for a new car. But when shopping for a car, you have a small pool of manufacturers and models to choose from. In the end, you might have five choices and already have an opinion about each maker’s quality and reputation.

Boats are different. We’re usually shopping for boats that are a decade or more old. The manufacturers may have gone out of business years ago. When you total up all the possible makes and models of each type of boat, you might have dozens of choices with brands you’ve never heard of. Yikes!

Find Your Type of Boat

There are dozens of types of boats you could live on, depending on where you want to live and where you want to take it. Most people shopping for a sailboat will choose between coastal cruisers, bluewater boats, and sailing catamarans.

Here are some of the pros and cons of these sailboat types. 

The Coastal Cruiser

• Inexpensive compared to bluewater and catamarans
• Perfect for dock living or near-shore hops
• With modifications and the right outfitting, many have island-hopped the Caribbean
• Many to choose from, and often they are lightly used
• Designs are often race-inspired and faster than typical heavy bluewater boats
• Newer, bigger boat for your money
• Often production boats have low-quality, lightweight builds

Related: Best Trailerable Sailboats

The Bluewater Sailboat

• The best bluewater cruising sailboats are capable of going anywhere
• Built to last and take anything
• Give the most comfortable ride in rough conditions
• Newer examples are expensive
• Good ones sell quickly
• Older vessels may be tired and in need of an extensive refit
• Often lack the living space that coastal cruisers have—narrower beams and transoms

The Catamaran

• Cruising cats have the maximum living space, especially cockpit dining and upper salon
• Light-filled with plenty of airflow, perfect for the tropics and living at anchor
• Larger models (40+ feet) are bluewater boats capable of going nearly anywhere
• A shallower draft than most monohulls allows for more cruising and anchoring choices
• More expensive to purchase, keep, and maintain than similar-sized monohulls  
• The most in-demand vessels, prices are high and good ones sell fast 
• Sometimes hard or expensive to find dock space and boatyards that can haul it out for maintenance

Still unsure which side of the monohull vs. catamaran debate you’re on? Try to get aboard some boats and experience the living space first-hand.

Everyone has a budget when going boat shopping, even if you’re Jeff Bezos or Elon Musk. Establishing how much you can spend on your boat is the biggest factor that will affect your decision, and it’s the backbone for all other decisions. 

You must understand just how much boat costs increase as the size of boat increases. Boats are already expensive, and the average cost of owning and buying a liveaboard sailboat varies dramatically. But when the boat gets bigger, it needs bigger hardware, lines, rigging, sails, motors…everything. And bigger means more expensive, so these costs add up fast.

And then there are your storage and boat maintenance costs, all of which are charged per foot. The marina might charge you $15 per foot/per month for a dock slip, and the boatyard will similarly charge you per foot to haul and store the boat. Divers charge per foot for bottom cleaning, as do detailers for annual compounding and waxing of the hull.

When it comes to budgeting, there are two rules of thumb. 

• Always pick the smallest boat you can comfortably live on.
• If you have an amount budgeted for your boat purchase, spend half on the boat and save the other half for outfitting and maintenance.

As you’ll see below, boats can be grouped by price and size. When you go up in size, you go up in price—often by a lot.

The size of the boat is a factor of your budget, but also of how big a boat you can handle. Most people believe this means driving it and maneuvering it, which is true to some extent. But a good training captain can teach you what you need to know to drive any size boat in just a few sessions. 

No, the size of the boat you can manage refers more to how much maintenance you want to do. The bigger the boat, the more complex and plentiful its systems. There’s more to break on a bigger boat, and more things broken means more time fixing things.

Catamarans compound this by doubling a lot of the systems. Two engines, two saildrives, two hulls to wax, two hulls to bottom paint—you get the idea.

Another factor you should consider early on is getting insurance. Yacht insurance has gotten harder and harder to get in recent years. If you’ve never owned a boat and have no experience, you might be forced to get something small (think an under 30-foot daysailor) to get some experience on before you move up. It’s also difficult because many underwriters won’t write policies for liveaboards. 

As a general rule of thumb, most people will find boats under 35 feet too small to live on full-time. Most of these vessels don’t even have standing headroom. There is often only a “wet head,” one where you take showers while sitting on the toilet.

Boats 35 to 40 feet are good for solo travelers or couples who don’t mind living in small quarters. The beds will be small and accessed only from one side, as in a v-berth or a Pullman-style berth. If there is one, the second bunk is likely only for the occasional guest. 

You’ll get better accommodations when you move up to 40 to 45 footers. The second bunk may be in its own stateroom. The main suite will have an island-style berth that can be accessed from both sides—a huge upgrade for most couples. The head will likely have a separate, enclosed shower. This size sailing yacht makes a good liveaboard sailboat for most boaters.

Boats bigger than 45 feet are best for bigger families. If you often travel with kids or guests, these are the boats for you. They’re extremely spacious and make boat living easy, but the extra maintenance and cost may not be worth it.

The List — Best Sailboats to Live Aboard

All lists, whether found in internet blogs or international sailing magazines, have issues. There’s no one list to rule them all because there are simply too many different boats out there. And everyone uses their boat differently, so the “best” for you might be a terrible choice for me. Different boats for different folks, so to say.

So, what’s the deal with this list? It’s made from personal experience of having seen a lot of boats out cruising. And it’s a list that tries to put aside the fantasies—Oysters and Gunboats are pretty in magazines, but like Ferraris, not many of us will ever own one. So let’s look at some practical boats that fill each size category. 

For every boat on this list, a dozen or more could’ve been included. Use these models to research brands and see which sizes suit your needs.

Boats under 35 feet tend to be best suited for solo travelers or couples comfortable living in small spaces. As always, coastal cruisers in this class have much more space than bluewater boats do. Catamarans in this class are also coastal cruisers—you need more length and volume to get real bluewater performance out of a cat. No matter which type of boat you’re looking at here, storage space on this size of liveaboard boat will be limited.

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Coastal Cruiser Under 35 — Catalina 34/35

If you want to move aboard, you’re on a budget, and you want the most space you can get, it’s really hard to beat an older Catalina. Starting with the Catalina 30, these beamy boats have a surprising interior volume. They make great first liveaboards.

Bluewater Sailor Under 35 — Panda/Baba 35, Tashiba 36

The famous yacht designer Bob Perry drew these Taiwanese-built boats, all tracing their lineage to the older Tayana 37 . They’re updated slightly and built by different yards, but all full keels with cutaways and built for bluewater cruising. They all have gorgeous teak joinery and are comfortable and forgiving at sea. 

Catamaran Under 35 — Gemini 105MC

The Gemini 105M and 105MC were arguably the most popular cat models ever. They’re American-built, with a single diesel engine and a narrow beam that allows them to be parked in a standard boat slip. In the US, this means many more marina choices if that’s how you roll. The boat has centerboards and kick-up rudders, so the board-up draft is a scant 18 inches—gunkholing perfection. 

While some Geminis have crossed oceans, they aren’t made for it. They have average (sometimes below-average) build quality and fiberglass work. However, they’re perfect coastal cruisers and capable of heading into The Bahamas.

The Gemini should be on your shortlist if you’re looking for a cheap catamaran .

Runner Up: PDQ 32

Are you looking for a small cat with better build quality? They didn’t make many of them, but the PDQ 32 is what you seek. It’s an attractive small catamaran with a wider beam. It came with twin outboards in wells, but the LRC (long-range cruiser) option had inboard diesels.

Forty feet is the sweet spot for most cruising couples—big enough to be comfortable and carry enough provisions but small enough that handling and maintenance are manageable. This class of boat has a lot of excellent choices in both coastal cruiser and bluewater boats, making it a good size range to find the perfect affordable liveaboard sailboat.

The catamaran group from 35 to 40 feet has a few very popular choices, but they are right on the edge of being too small for most cruisers. Counterintuitively, these cats are perfect for couples who don’t mind downsizing and traveling lightly. These shorter cats are prone to hobby horsing and don’t provide as comfortable a ride in bluewater as slightly longer cats do. 

Coastal Cruiser Under 40 — Islander Freeport 36

The Islander brand is no longer around, but these California-built production boats from the 1970s and 80s were well-built and well-liked. The I32 and I36 were very popular cruising boats designed by Bob Perry. The Freeport 36 is a before-its-time European deck salon with enormous windows. The swing-down swim platform is another bonus for a boat from this era, as are the Pullman-style berth and forepeak-located head (some layouts). If you can find one in good condition, these boats make excellent liveaboards. 

Bluewater Sailor Under 40 — Passport 40

Yet another boat from the desk of Bob Perry, the Passport 40, is a sharp-looking aft-cockpit bluewater cruiser from one of the best yards in Taiwan. They feature a long fin keel and skeg-mounted rudder. Everything about this sloop is just right for long-term cruising.

Catamaran Under 40 — Prout 38

The Prout 38 traces its heritage back to the earlier Prout Snowgoose. The boat is still being made, now under the Broadblue brand. It’s a sturdy British-built cat made for serious offshoring. While it lacks some of the open feeling that newer charter boats have, it more than makes up for it with its robust and high-quality build.

Runner Up: Leopard 40 (2005-2009)

This early L40 (don’t get confused with the newer ones built around 2020) was designed by famous multihull designers Morelli and Melvin. It’s got more of the things you might expect from your typical charter cat: a sliding salon door, galley-up layout, and a huge walk-through cockpit.

While this seems a small step up from the size of boats above, prices increase rapidly above the 40-foot mark. At this point, the boat’s gear needs to be bigger and heavier, from all the lines and rigging to each block and winch. Engines are now larger four-cylinder diesels, and there’s much more hull area to clean and paint. 

A 45-foot coastal cruiser has enough space to keep a small family happy for short trips or a couple happy for any length of time. These boats usually have island berths in a spacious master bedroom, so no more crawling over each other just to go to the bathroom! Bluewater boats in this class are a little smaller inside, making them just right for most couples doing a long-term cruise.

As far as catamarans go, the 40 to 45-foot range is the perfect sweet spot for most cruising couples. A spacious interior plus excellent seakeeping abilities make these top picks. There are tons of boat choices out there, and most of the best cruising catamarans come from this size group.

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Coastal Cruiser Under 45 — Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 42DS

Jeanneau is part of Groupe Beneteau , but their boats often have a more refined finish than Beneteaus. The DS stands for “deck salon.” They feature larger windows that let in more light and have better visibility than a standard cruiser. This is especially welcome if you’re attracted to the living space in a catamaran but need something smaller and more affordable. 

The 42DS also has an enormous island berth, plus a huge twin-helm cockpit with lots of space for entertaining.

Bluewater Sailor Under 45 — Hylas 44

The Hylass 44 is regularly picked as one of the best offshore cruising boats. It’s a center cockpit boat designed by German Frers.  It has a wonderful layout with tons of living space and a large, usable galley. The aft cabin has a large island berth with an en suite head. 

Catamaran Under 45 — Leopard 42/43 (2001-2006)

These early Leopard charter cats are highly sought after on the used market. Like all charter cats, the best finds are the “owners versions” with one hull dedicated to the master stateroom with en suite head and shower. The Leopard 42, which came out in 2002, had a soft canvas cover over the cockpit and was updated to the Leopard 43 with a hardtop. 

Above 45 feet is another big price jump. For beginners, these big boats will require some training and experience before you head out on your own. 

Related: Best Boat for Beginners

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Coastal Cruiser Under 50 — Beneteau Oceanis 473

This big Beneteau came with either 2, 3, or 4 staterooms. Finding the right layout is as important as finding the right boat. The two-stateroom version has enormous berths and lots of storage, perfect for couples with occasional guests or families of three. Most have the standard keel with less than a six-foot draft, making this fin keel/spade rudder boat a rare find. They were built from 2000 to 2005.

Bluewater Sailor Under 50 — Hallberg Rassy 46/48

Hallberg Rassys are well-regarded boats built in Sweden, mostly designed by German Frers. These are high-end boats of the best quality, so don’t expect to find one available cheaply. They’re gorgeous, however, and make wonderful world cruisers.

Catamaran Under 50 — Leopard 46/Moorings 4600 (2006)

If you want a big catamaran, it’s hard to go wrong with the 2006 Leopard 46. Where modern Lagoon and Leopards have tall profiles with tons of windage, this is one of the newest, largest boats that still have single-level living. It has distinctive hull chines that increase living space without increasing wetted surface and plenty of sail area for good performance. In true Leopard fashion, all lines are led to the helm for easy short-handed cruising despite the boat’s large size.

Boats in this class are borderline yachts based on their sheer size. If you were to charter these boats, they’d usually come with a crew. That size means they’re more expensive and more of a handful to manage daily. 

Coastal Cruiser Under 60 — Irwin 54

The Irwin brand is long gone, but many examples are available on the used market. They were known especially for their large center cockpit ketches, like this 54-footer. This is a spacious, big water boat that certainly meets the qualifications of most bluewater boats. They can go anywhere, but they may need maintenance and refit given their ages. 

Don’t get to lured by the low prices of these boats. You’ll have to lay out some serious cash to get one ready to cruise long-range. But if you aren’t opposed to some hard work and projecting, the Irwin can get you a lot of boat for not much money.

Bluewater Sailor Under 60 — Amel Super Maramu 2000 (53′)

Made famous by the Delos YouTube channel, the Amel is a French-built brand of high-quality bluewater boats. Today, this brand’s new models look like many others—wide sterned, flat-bottomed sloops. But the Maramus that made them famous were unique—ketch rigged and ruggedly built, designed to take a cruising couple anywhere. Electric winches were standard on everything to keep such a large boat easy to operate.

Catamaran Under 60 — Privilege 585

Privilege is the French-made catamaran that you don’t hear enough about. Unlike Lagoon and Fountaine Pajot, these are beefy cruising boats ready to take you anywhere. Their construction and fit-and-finish are first-rate, as is the joinery down below. 

Living on a sailboat is an adventure—it’s not for everyone. Finding the right boat is an important part of doing it successfully, but it’s not the only step in preparing for the lifestyle.

You should also consider checking my post on liveaboard catamaran options, to make sure you research thoroughly enough!

What makes a great liveaboard sailboat?

Everyone’s priorities for a liveaboard sailboat are different—a bluewater cruiser looking to sail around the world might pick a very different boat from someone who lives full-time dock life. In general terms, you need to find a boat that is safely capable of taking you where you want to go and has enough living space to be comfortable while doing it. 

Sailing catamarans are some of the most popular liveaboard sailboats because their living space is unmatched. Most are also bluewater-capable cruisers that can go pretty much anywhere. 

What is the best size sailboat to live on?

The size of the boat you’ll be comfortable on long term is a personal choice that depends on your personality and the number of people you’ll be traveling with. Solo travelers may be content with a sailboat around 30 feet, while most couples are comfortable on something around 40 feet. Forty-five to fifty feet is more realistic if you often have guests or kind on board. 

With all of this in mind, however, it’s really important to remember that the costs of buying and maintaining a sailboat increase exponentially with length. Getting the smallest boat you are comfortable living on is always better because that will be easier to manage and keep in the long run.

What are the negatives of living on a sailboat?

People live on their sailboats differently, so it’s difficult to narrow down the biggest negatives. Everyone struggles with the small living space that a boat affords. You’ll have to downsize your possessions to the absolute minimum you need. And getting personal space away from your spouse or family is pretty much impossible on a small boat. 

Why are sailboats so expensive?

New boats require a massive investment in time and resources to produce. The nicer the boat, the more time and skill it takes to build, which makes costs soar. Some production companies, like Beneteau, have found ways to reduce production costs and keep the price of new boats more reasonable. But these boats pale compared to other yachts in terms of overall quality. 

Older used boats can be found pretty cheaply. In fact, it’s often possible to find free or nearly-free boats that are on their way to the junkyard or dumpster. The key is understanding how much work and money it will take to get these boats ready to go again. 

Is it a good idea to live on a sailboat?

Living on a boat is an amazing way to experience seaside living or traveling the world by water. But it’s also a unique, out-of-the-ordinary lifestyle choice that’s not without challenges. 

Before you move onto a sailboat, you’ll want to research the topic carefully and talk to some folks who already to it. Many people start with occasional boating, spending a week or more onboard to try it out. With a little experience, it’s easy to see if it’s something you could do for the long term or if it’s best to keep a land house and enjoy the water occasionally.

Can you live comfortably on a sailboat?

Many people live comfortably on sailboats, but a lot depends on the size of the sailboat and your tolerance for living in a small space. Even the largest sailboats can feel cramped, while some folks love the cozy feeling of living on the tiniest boats. 

Matt has been boating around Florida for over 25 years in everything from small powerboats to large cruising catamarans. He currently lives aboard a 38-foot Cabo Rico sailboat with his wife Lucy and adventure dog Chelsea. Together, they cruise between winters in The Bahamas and summers in the Chesapeake Bay.

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The First 24 SE is a  modern high-tech sport cruiser , capable of delivering thrilling performance in a versatile package that is easy to use and maintain. She is of course  trailerable , and her smart mast-raising system allows a single user to launch and go, giving you access to a wide variety of cruising and racing grounds, from international  one-design regattas  to coastal adventure races. And at the end of the day, she will welcome you with a simple but smart interior, offering all basic cruising amenities for four people. No matter the mode, she is a  true sailing sensation .

NAVAL ARCHITECT : Manuard YD INTERIOR DESIGN : Sito Concept & R&D: Seascape

WHY FIRST 24 SE ?

PERFORMANCE

Ultimate performance & high-tech building technology deliver the promised performance of the Seascape Edition: a very light, modern vacuum-infused vinyl-ester hull, composite-build swinging keel with lead bulb, carbon-fiber rig, and extensive sail area.

EASY TO USE

Well-thought-out cockpit ergonomics, minimized controls, a carbon mast without a backstay, a light but precise steering system, and a stable hull significantly simplify boat handling, whether solo, double-handed or fully crewed. 

The First 24 SE is insubmersible thanks to her unsinkable chambers, a swinging keel system which will protect the structure in case of grounding, and twin rudders that always ensure complete control. Expanding your comfort zone has never been safer!

Whether you prefer classical windward-leeward races or exploring new shores through single or double-handed adventures, you'll always enjoy the company of the growing worldwide owners' community.

A light structure and a swinging keel system enable easy road transportation. Handling of the light carbon mast is easy, and her provisional mast crane does not limit you to on-land facilities. She allows a user to simply launch and go.

SAILING EXPERIENCE

The First 24 SE is a true pocket rocket, defined by the design team's racing background. An incredible sail area to displacement ratio ensures fast sailing in both strong and light wind conditions. Downwind planing in stronger breezes is a blast and a pure joy because of the stable hull, and the deep, ballasted keel and twin rudders, which give you complete control.  The First 24 SE is enjoyable in lighter conditions too, as she reacts to the slightest wind gusts and can easily match wind-speeds. Spacious, open and carefully thought-out cockpit ergonomics work in solo, double-handed or fully-crewed setups and guarantee easy handling and comfortable sailing, no matter if you're on a relaxed afternoon sail or racing in one-design regattas.

LIVING ONBOARD

The First 24 SE interior is minimalistic and very weight-sensitive, but in addition to her performance, she still provides all key amenities you can expect on a modern 24ft high-performance racer. The large open-space salon can easily sleep up to 4 adults, two on the V-berth and two on the extendable side beds. Her removable crew bags house personal belongings, and can be stored under the benches. Her indoor/outdoor table can be used in the salon or cockpit, and there is even a dedicated place for a chemical toilet. For technical storage, there is a large-volume capacity under the cockpit area, accessible from the exterior. All interior components function as parts of the boat structure. Furthermore, the First 24 SE is highly modular, so one can easily reduce additional weight for racing. 

Joining the One Design Class gives you access to the largest recreational community of like-minded sailors. It enables you to test your skills on the racecourse and enjoy good company ashore.

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The easiest way to keep your boat safe and ready to cruise anytime.

The new Seanapps  app is the ultimate solution to help you indulge your passion for boating. With the touch of your finger, you can easily connect, monitor and order services for your boat – from routine maintenance, to requesting a wash or fuel or having us complete a repair.

The information below is intended for general informational purposes only and is subject to change without notice and does not constitute a contractual agreement. Any descriptions, representations, or statements made in this document are not to be considered binding unless explicitly stated otherwise in a formal contractual agreement.

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Best Small Center Console Boats in 2024

• By Rick Shackleton
• December 27, 2023

Center console boats may be the most versatile boats on the water. Models today range between 16- and 60 feet long. While some may be optimized for dayboating, others for high-performance, and still others offer sleeping/ cruising amenities. Here, we present a variety of center console boats, none larger than 25 feet, that we believe are the best center console boats under 25 feet for 2024.

Article at a glance:

• Center Consoles Under 25ft
• Buying Considerations & Tips

9 Recommended Center Consoles Under 25ft

In this collection of center console boats, we will present center console boats suitable for day boating, high-performance boating, and fishing and even some that can serve as overnighters (or more). All of the boats here are no more than 25 feet long. 

Review recommended center consoles:

Best fishing center consoles under 25 feet, regulator 24 xo.

A crossover that fishes offshore and inshore.

This 24’4 x 8’5” boat is a “ crossover” model designed to provide anglers with the option to fish the far horizon (on the right day) yet still fish the bays and estuaries with aplomb. Regulator’s construction is well known as top-notch; it’s finished like a jewel and rigged with exceptional precision; its price reflects all of the former. Exemplifying the best of both worlds, this 24 XO offers casting platforms fore and aft. In between is a secure, but not-too-deep, cockpit. The combination is at the crux of this boat’s versatility. Add on the optional trolling motor and jackplate for maximized angling utility.

What We Like:

• Impeccable finish
• Can fish inshore with fore and aft platforms
• Ride, build and center cockpit allow offshore forays

What Could Be Better?

• A narrow choice of engines

– LOWER YOUR RATES – Taking a boating safety course [Boating Safety Courses ] won’t just make you a better skipper. It could also help you save big on insurance. Safety Tip Provided by the U.S. Coast Guard

Cobia 240 CC

A wide-beamed traditional center console with single or twin power.

This 23’7” x 8’10” inch traditional center console offers an extra wide beam along with a host of fishing features and a choice of single or twin outboards. We like that the single-level cockpit sole runs all the way to the bow, so you can cast or work a fish ”hip deep” in the boat, even in rough water. Plus there’s no steps to trip up anglers. Standards like deep fish boxes and tackle storage are plentiful, and options allow you to personalize the 240 CC. Choose a single engine for economy or order twins for more security, more speed and superior maneuverability.

• Extra-wide beam offers more room aboard
• Choice of single or twin outboards
• The wider beam may require a permit for trailering

Sailfish 242 CC

Thoughtfully full-featured is this traditional center console.

This 24’0” x 9’0” wide beam traditional center console model will take you securely offshore, or across nasty chop. We like the standard toe rails and standard stainless transom rod holders. Sailfish’s hull is known for delivering an offshore ride and the 242 is no exception. We like that it can be ordered as a single engine boat, which is economical to buy and efficient to run, or as a twin engine boat, with the redundant security, extra maneuverability and increased speed that a dual setup affords. We give it extra points for offering a variety of outboard engine makes.

• Choose your own outboard brand
• Choose single or twin power
• So much room thanks to so much beam
• Wide beam may require a permit for trailering

– CHECK THE WEATHER – The weather changes all the time. Always check the forecast and prepare for the worst case. Safety Tip Provided by the U.S. Coast Guard

Small Center Console Boats for Families/Everyday Boating

“Family boat” is a term fraught with peril, since different families have different expectations. Also, options and customizations allow boat buyers to make boats more closely match their boating goals. For our purposes, a small family center console measures 25 feet long or less and retains the fishing capability that the genre was founded upon. But, a family center console must prioritize seating and other comfort features as a matter of design, and as offered by the boatbuilder.

Scout: 260 LXF

Standard side boarding door, killer forward lounge and standard SeaKeeper stabilizer.

At 26’0” by 8’11, this boat is the longest on our list. But it is so well laid out and equipped as a family center console that we had to include it. The side boarding door provides easy egress for boarding and entertaining dockside. (And it’s perfect for swimming, since it incorporates a ladder. ( There’s also a transom door and ladder.) The 260 LXF’s forward lounge is sized and appointed like that found aboard larger boats. Family and friends can recline in comfort there or in the forward seating with removable backrests. The standard SeaKeeper stabilizer keeps the boat from rocking, that’s especially important for new boaters or guests you may have aboard for the day. The head compartment is spacious and comfortable and comes with a porcelain commode. The T-top looks great, provides great sun protection, and plenty of canvas options are available to keep the weather out.

• Offers a side boarding door and transom door
• T-top with solid glass enclosure
• Standard SeaKeeper gyro stabilizer
• Wider beam means a permit may be needed for trailering

Grady-White 251 CE

Standard head, standard bow and transom seats and a patented hull design.

The 24’7” by 8’6” 251 Coastal Explorer offers the lower freeboard of an inshore boat, making access to the water easier, as well as granting the feeling of being open and part of the environment. Certainly, with locking rod storage, a big livewell and more, it fishes like a pro. And, its unique SeaV² hull can handle choppy open waters. But, it offers numerous features beyond these that make it a good multi-purpose boat. Included are a head area inside the console, bow and transom boarding ladders, a freshwater shower, bow seating with folding backrests, an aft bench, eight drink holders and more. Order the optional bow table, bow shade and ski arch to make the 251 CE a top tier angling-watersports-entertainer. It’s beam width is trailerable without need of a permit.

• Bow boarding ladder makes beaching easy
• Freeboard offers easy fish landing but also lend a sporty feel when aboard
• Low freeboard may give parents of small children pause

Blackfin 252CC

Gets you there in style and with opulent fishability .

The 24’6” by 8’10 Blackfin 252 CC offers a full-on rigging station, fiberglass T-top and plenty of rod storage and other accouterments that make it a fantastic fishing boat. In addition, it offers bow seating with removable backrests, a flip-down transom bench, console seat and lean post. All seating is upholstered in plush, quilted, multi-tone vinyl that is comfortable and looks great, but also provides excellent durability. Inside the console, families will find a head compartment housing a porta pottie with deck pumpout fitting. A transom door provides access to the swim platform with ladder. A freshwater shower, bow and transom sun shades and a cockpit table can all be added optionally to max-out the 252 CC’s family versatility.

• Beautiful, durable diamond-stitcb upholstery
• Bow seating with backrests and transom seat
• Head with pumpout
• Wide beam may require a permit to trailer

– TOW LIKE A PRO – Remember to leave extra stopping room when trailering your boat. At the ramp, be considerate of others but take the time you need to launch and recover your boat safely. Always check tie-downs, safety chains, lights – and the drain plug. Safety Tip Provided by the U.S. Coast Guard

Best Affordable Center Console Boats

Though hardly any boat can be considered inexpensive these days there are boats on offer that deliver solid construction, a utilitarian standard features set and come in at a price less than many of the other boats in their size and type class. Often, such boats offer items such as a T-top. Here is a group of nominally 24-foot-long center consoles priced at $125,00 or less.

Parker 2400CC

Strong and seaworthy.

The 24’0” by 8’6” Parker 2400CC offers a deep-V hull and rugged construction to soften the chop and make long days—and including long runs—comfortably doable. It comes with four rod holders, a large mounting flat for electronics at the helm as wheel as standard hydraulic steering. Bow cushions are standard  but you need to order the backrests if you want to create forward-facing seating. You’ll need to order an optional T-top or Bimini, if you would like the shade provided by either. And, Parker offers a full suite of optional fishing gear from which you can pick and choose. Its offered with single Yamaha engines. The 250 keeps the base boat under our $125,000 affordability limit, as of the time of writing. (Order the 300 and its just a hair more, though).

Carolina Skiff E24 DLX CC

The most boat length for the money.

Make no mistake: the 24’1 x 7’9” Carolina Skiff E24 DLX CC rides a flat-bottom hull that will not deliver a smooth ride in choppy waters. That said, it can navigate in super shallow water due to the minimal draft that hull affords, plus it’s a super stable boat. Standards include a console with stainless steel steering wheel and quick disconnect windshield. It comes with a swim platform, a swingback stainless steel seat and a 12-gallon portable fuel tank and LED bow and stern lights. Options include a bow seat, a T-top or  a Bimini top and more. Power rating is for a single outboard up to 150-hp. You’ll have to visit a dealer for a price, but we are confident you can purchase this boat for well below the others on the list.

Release 240R

Overbuilt and underpriced.

The Release 240R measures 24’0” x 8’9” and can be powered by twin 150 outboards and still be priced under our target $125,000 affordability level for a 24-foot center console. Order it with a single 250- or 300-hp engine and it easily fills the affordability bill.  You will have to pay optionally for such things as hull color, a transom shower, and a bow filler and cushion. However, it offers a long list of standards, including hardtop T-top, a Simrad electronics package, livewell and raw water washdown and a head with porta-pottie. It Is wider than many boats this length, and so may require a permit to trailer it. A slighly more expensive “RX” model comes with forward seating.

Bayliner Trophy T24 CC

A deep-V that doesn’t require deep pockets.

The 24’ 0” by 8’6” T24 CC combines rugged fishability, loads of storage and cruising comfort. It rides on a 23-degree deep V that really cuts through the chop. Standards include a canvas T-top (optional hardtop available), bow seat cushions with removable backrests, a folding transom bench and hydraulic steering. Fishing standards include a livewell, a bait well and two large fishboxes, plus plenty of rod storage. An optional  9-inch Simrad multifunction display, wired for Vessel View mobile, provides engine monitoring. Other options include a porta-pottie for the head compartment and your choice of nine hull colors. It is rated for engines up to 300-hp and the base engine of this readily trailerable boat is a 225-hp Mercury. At time of writing, the T24CC starts at about $68,000 with a 225. 

• Broad bow offers lots of fishing and seating space
• Great riding hull.
• Well-executed fishing features.
• We’d like to see a rail or frame around the windshield.

Pros & Cons of Small Center Console Boats

As with any boat purchase, there will be pros and cons to buying a center console of the size discussed here. We’ve tried to list these for your consideration since different boaters will have different use cases, rather than hard and fast rules. 

Advantages:

• Boats this size are trailerable. Even for those wider than the 8’6” “ norm” for trailerability, a pickup truck or large SUV can tow these boats. That opens up more possibilities for cruising and fishing. Trailerability is also a hedge against marina and boatyard rates. 
• Boats in this size range can deliver excellent performance (in many cases) with just  single engine. That makes them cheaper to buy, cheaper to run, and cheaper and easier to maintain compared to multi-engine boats. 
• Like the baby bears’s porridge, boats this size are, “ just right” for many boaters. Big enough to tale the whole family aboard or to venture offshore, boats this size can be easily operated in  water less than three-feet deep, , which is handy for beaching or bay fishing. 

Considerations:

• Center console boats this size are not large enough to incorporate sleeping facilities. You’d need to select a CC longer than 30-feet LOA –maybe even 35-feet–to get an overnight cabin in the console 
• While boats this size are surprisingly able at sea, and can take you safely offshore, they are not large boats. Even more special attention must be paid to weather, maintenance, preparation, your own experience, and the experience of the crew you have with you before you venture over the horizon. 
• Sometimes a smaller boat is just better, depending upon your situation. Perhaps you are the only family member who will go boating? Or, maybe, you must have a boat that fits stored in a garage. Or, maybe, you only venture on small bodies of water where small size, and shallow draft can be advantages. Or…well, you get the picture. 

Other FAQs about Small Center Consoles

Small center console boats those under 25-feet, are very popular with boat buyers. Such boats have much to offer. The following FAQs paint a picture of why that might be. 

Are smaller center console boats more affordable?

Yes, smaller center consoles are more affordable. Besides the smaller size, many, if not most, require only a single engine for good performance.

How many passengers can a 25ft center console boat hold?

The person’s capacity of a 25-foot center console will vary by a formula that includes the boat’s dimensions and horsepower. In general, a 25-foot center console may be rated for up to 10 or maybe 12 people. Know that maximum ratings are for slow speeds on calm waters. Besides, there is no room for comfort or fishing aboard a 25-foot boat if 10 people are aboard

What are the best center console brands and manufacturers?

“Best” is tough to define, as the needs of boaters vary. There is a best boat for every boater but no overall best boat. Some popular brand names include Bayliner, Blackfin,  Boston Whaler , Carolina Skiff, Cobia,  Grady-White , Regulator, and Scout Boats. 

Can you run a small center console boat on a lake?

Of course, you can run a small center console on a lake. Though perceived as coastal boats, where more of them are in use, more and more inland boaters now use center console boats.

What kind of engines power a 25ft center console boat?

A 25-foot center console will invariably feature outboard power. This can be in either a single or twin engine format. A 150-hp motor might be adequate for a light flat-bottomed model whereas twin 300-hp engines may be appropriate for heavier, deep-v boats. 

How many engines can a 25-foot center console boat have?

A 25-foot center console may have as many as two engines. However, many center consoles run great with a single engine. 

How fast can most small center console boats go?

On the trailer or on the water? Just kidding. The speed of a 25-foot center console will depend upon the power chosen, whether there is a T-top or not and how many people are being carried aboard. That being said 40-mph is probably an expected average top speed, with some models capable of speeds in the low 50-mph range.

Are small center console boats safe for offshore fishing?

Yes. A center console boat under 25-feet can be safe for offshore fishing. Maintenance and construction and hull design all play a part. Twin engines are preferred for offshore use.Most of all, for going offshore in a small center console, the skipper must be experienced–and that includes the experience to know when not to go. The ocean does not reward bravado.

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• Sailboat Reviews

Corsair F-24 Boat Test

The corsair f-24 mk i cooks up a budget-friendly taste of fast..

In May 1999 Practical Sailor reviewed the then-new Corsair F-24 Mark II trimaran. Nearly 20 years later, were here to follow up with a focus on the Corsair F-24 Mark I, a boat that can represent a good value today since many newer designs have entered the market.

The late Ian Farrier (1947-2017) designed fast, trailerable trimarans for more than 40 years. A New Zealander, his first production success was the 18-foot Trailertri. His 19-foot Tramp was Boat-of-the-Year in Australia in 1981. In 1983 John Walton (of the Wal Mart family) founded Corsair to build high-performance multihulls, lured Farrier to Chula Vista, California, and the result was the very popular F-27 ( PS September 1990 ). Almost 500 have been sold since it went into production in 1985. It has since been superceded by the F-28.

In 1991, Corsair added the F-24 Sport Cruiser. This abbreviated version of the F-27, with a starting price more than 30 percent lower than the F-27, was designed to be affordable.

While she remained sharp in the performance department, her accommodations were even more spartan. We spoke with Ian Farrier several times about anchoring and cruising; it was pretty clear that his heart was in racing and he even suggested we were probably better in tune with the needs and practicalities of small multi-hull cruising than he was. Still, he designed a cabin that can handily do both, if you can accept the compromises.

The deck layout is similar to the typical 24-foot monohull, except that it is wide-18 feet-with wing trampolines on both sides. In addition to providing stability, this gives lounging space in fair weather and greatly increases safety in rough weather. Though lacking railings and lifelines-other than a pulpit and wrap-around stern rail-its hard to fall off the F-24 if jacklines and tethers are used. A single large Lewmar foredeck hatch provides ample ventilation. The cockpit will easily seat six, but three is more comfortable for vigorous sailing.

The cockpit is equipped with four Lewmar 16 winches (the jib winches are one-speed self-tailers, the reacher winches are standard two-speed), two multi-line jammers, and ten cam cleats. All essential sail controls, including halyards, are accessible from the cockpit, making for easy single-handed sailing.

The mainsail furls by winding around the boom; fast, convenient, and very gentle on the typical Mylar/carbon laminate sails. Reefing requires a quick trip to the mast to crank the boom around and attach the down haul, but that is it. The set up makes a vang impractical but few multihulls use them anyway, preferring to control the boom with the traveler.

The bow anchor locker holds two anchors and two rodes, so long as they are folding designs. Trimarans are best anchored using a bridle; the test boat uses a 20-foot Dyneema bridle that is retracted onto the wing nets when not in use.

The typical 6 horsepower outboard delivers about 5.3 knots at 1/3 throttle and about 6.5 knots wide open. The side mount provides decent performance in chop, pitching less than transom-mounted engines.

The portable fuel tank is protected from the sun and solar heating in an under-seat locker. It is wide is open for venting (but sealed from the cabin) and drains out through the open transom, safe and out of the way.

Since the emphasis was fast cruising and racing, storage and amenities are sparse. In the cabin there is storage behind the seat backs. The large rectangular top-opening lockers in the galley counter and under the seats can be fitted with hanging bags for easier access.

The head compartment has sufficient space for toilet paper and cleaning supplies. There is a large bottomless locker in the cockpit that also provides access to under cockpit areas. Lockers in the amas (outriggers) can hold light, bulky items.

There is sitting head room and ample seating for four on the starboard settee. An Origo alcohol stove and sink with rocker pump provide a minimal galley. A large cooler slides easily under the companionway. The forward V-berth is quite long, though a little pinched at the foot. The settee converts into a twin-sized bed using filler boards that slide neatly into storage slots under the companionway.

A portable head sits in a well behind a curtain, and is typically moved into the cockpit at bedtime for better privacy. Some owners rate the interior as poor, but most call it camping-out comfortable, suitable for an overnight or weekend.

Performance

Everyone wants to know how fast the little trimaran will go. To windward it points as well as most monohulls, thanks to a deep centerboard. Shell tack through less than 90 degrees if you pinch, though it’s faster if you bear off just a little. Keeping up with 40-foot cruisers is easy on any point of the sail, and you quickly chase them down on a reach.

With the wind free, expect to match true wind speed up to about 12 knots, after which you may reef or bleed power, depending on your mood. In lighter winds, pop out the reacher and you’ll get a whole new gear, easily exceeding wind speed.

In stronger winds, bear off until the true wind is on the quarter, and you’ll see 14 knots or more, although handling requires sharp attention if you haven’t reefed.

Compared to the Stiletto 27 (see PS July 2016), it is more weatherly, tacks faster, can safely handle more wind, but is slightly slower off the wind (though not as scary).

Upwind reefing begins at about 15 knots true for those who like fast sailing, but there is no reason not to reef a little earlier and enjoy more relaxed, but still spirited sailing. Maximum angle of heel is about 15 degrees.

With two reefs and the jib rolled up a little, shell take quite a lot of wind, perhaps 30 knots, without much excitement. Upwind in 20 knots is fun with the right reefs in, and that’s pretty good for a 24-foot boat. Farrier designed these conservatively, with windy conditions in mind. They are quite popular on San Francisco Bay, an area known for strong breezes.

The Mark II was touted as the new and improved version of the Mark I. By replacing the centerboard with a daggerboard, weight was reduced, and a rotating mast increased power, making the Mark II noticeably faster. The Mark I has more usable cabin space, since the centerboard case is hidden inside the settee, and the Mark I cockpit is also several feet longer, a boon to fun daysailing.

The centerboard is also a blessing in shoal water, automatically pivoting up if it smells the bottom, instead of breaking things when you find a sandbar at 15 knots. The Mark I has a kick-up rudder fitted into a cassette, keeping it under the boat, while the Mark II has a transom hung rudder. The Mark I works as a day sailor and weekender, while racers prefer the Mark II.

As with any multihull, there is always the capsize canard. Sailed poorly, any sailboat can capsize, says Farrier. My designs are not immune to this. With over 1,000 Farriers now sailing, even a low 1 percent capsize ratio would mean 10 capsizes a year. However, the capsize rate actually appears to be averaging .03 percent.

Large ocean-going monohull yachts are foundering annually, sometimes with loss of life. The basic safety difference is that the monohulls ultimate stability is resting on the bottom, while the multihulls is floating on top.

Reef appropriately and the risk is truly small. F-27s have completed successful transpacific and transatlantic crossings, and even the first circumnavigation of the North Pole under sail. Finally, the F-24 can’t sink. Built-in foam flotation, light construction, and multiple crash tanks in the amas and foam-filled akas (cross beams) make this impossible.

The F-24s main hull is fine, with a V-entry forward, U-sections mid-ships, and a relatively flat transom to damp pitching and provide lift for planing. Going to weather, most of the weight is on the amas, with fine V-sections that cut nicely through waves. Powering through short chop is not a strong suit among multihulls, but she has demonstrated considerable ability in choppy waters such as San Francisco Bay and the Chesapeake.

The heart of Farriers designs is the patented Farrier Folding System. Refined over the years, the mechanism allows the akas to fold-up, which reduces the F-24s beam from 17 feet 11 inches to 8 feet 2 inches.

We kept our F-24 in a small boat marina for a time, folding after every sail; we did this while motoring in the channel, requiring only a few minutes of light effort by one person.

While the claim of trailering to sailing in 20 minutes may be true for seasoned crews that race every weekend, allow two hours for the transition if you do this only occasionally.

Although no single step is physically difficult for a single person, there are many steps and a second pair of hands makes for safer work. The engineering has proved very reliable, and now that the patents have expired, copies abound.

Construction

Performance multihulls built to their designed displacements are hardly ever built on production lines. Corsair has been the exception to that rule. Light weight is an essential if you want a cat or trimaran to sail up to its speed potential, but you’re not likely to achieve it with normal materials and common construction techniques.

Turning out an F-24 that weighs 1,800 pounds (1,650 pounds for the Mark II) is no simple matter. It involves almost 50 separate molded parts, considerably more than same-length monohulls.

Carbon fiber and Kevlar reinforcement, vacuum-bagging, double-biased fabrics, acrylic-modified epoxy resin, and NPG gelcoat are all elements you’d expect to see in a custom shop. They all go into the F-24.

Glass/resin control, published laminate schedules, a computer-generated production protocol, universally bonded top hat joints between hull and deck, barrier coats of vinyl ester resin, isopthalic resin throughout the rest of the laminate, and bulkheads tabbed in seven places to the hull makes for a light but sturdy boat.

The akas appear to be held in place by the anchor bolts inserted when unfolding, but the sailing forces are actually carried by strong pivot arms connecting the akas to anchor points near the waterline, anchored deep within the hull, and by compression blocks where the arms meet the hull at deck level.

After 20 years we’ve had a few minor issues related to failed bedding and damage to the balsa core, but nothing affecting the main structural elements.

Conclusions

Whether you’re downsizing from a cruising cat, or upsizing from the family Hobie, the F-24 offers the sports car of youthful dreams, on a budget.

Is it worth paying three times as much as you would for a 24-foot mono-hull with more room? Not if you’re looking for cabin space and need an enclosed head. On the other hand, if fun sailing is the goal, the dollar-to-grin ratio is very high. Market demand is dependable and you will get your money back. It’s not the best beginners boat.

You can’t just sheet-and-forget, and getting the best from her requires experience and attention. But if you have a beach cat or fast dinghy background, it’s a great way to gain weekender capability without losing any of the fun. If you need a little more comfort or more speed, look at the Corsair F-27. And if money is no object there’s a world of Farrier designs to choose from.

Cruising in an F-24 is a tiny step above camping, but for the bare-bones cruiser who wants to cover some ground quickly, it fits the bill quite handily.

1. An alcohol stove and a small sink serve the micro-galley. 2. The V-berth is tight, but the convertible settee in the main cabin makes a twin-sized bed. 3. The porta-potty sits under the V-berth. It is often moved to the cockpit at night while sleeping. 4. A folding table seats one for dining.

• Fast, weatherly, and quick to tack.
• Stable. Only 15 degrees heel.
• Reefing starts at about 18 knots apparent.
• Easy to fold from 18-foot beam to
• 8-foot in about two minutes.
• Roomy cockpit. Tramps are fun in the summer.
• Eighteen-foot beam makes it hard to fall off.
• Well-built with stout rigging.
• Cramped cabin. No standing headroom and few amenities.
• Limited storage space.
• Portable head and no head compartment.
• Quick motion.
• Slow under power.

• Corsair Marine

RELATED ARTICLES MORE FROM AUTHOR

By far the most comprehensive review of the F-24 I was able to find online. Many thanks for the write-up, very informative and helpful.

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Best Trailerable 22-24' Boat?

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After wondering/pondering and scratching my head...I finally decided to buy a small weekender/cruiser - something 22-24' LOA with a Trailer. I would prefer fixed keel over swing keel as I don't want problems out on the water. I will be sailing in single-handed 95% of time onwindy, west coast water- March to October - colder, wetter conditions on Vancouver Island, B.C., Canada. I will likely not take trips longer than 1 week if I can trailer to sites. Would really love to hear from owners with ideas on fixed vs swing keel and what boats they recommend based on experience. Also, what type of trailer/transportation problems have occurred to owners? This will be my first sailboat. Much appreciated. Islandboy  

There are always plenty of different opinions about keel types, but if you're planning to actually keep the boat on a trailer when you're not sailing it, you may want to give the swing keelers another chance. That shallow draft with the keel up makes it a lot easier to launch and haul. There are all kinds of boats in that size range, but some of them will be pushing the limit of relatively feasible trailerability, so sticking to the smaller/lighter boats in the range might help. The Catalina 22 is one of the most common, and with the pop-top cabin, can be moderately comfortable for spending a few days aboard. There are plenty of others; you might try a forum search for "trailer sailor" or "trailerable".  

2ndWind: thanks.....seems like most of my search/short-listing of boats out west has swing keels on Columbia 22', Chrysler 22', Cat. 22, O'Day 22, Balboa 21', Lancers, Keeping an open mind on Swing keels....and ease of launching down ramps and hauling...etc....good advice cheers - Islandboy  

Yes, ramp launching will be much easier with a swing keel, however you do give up something vs a fixed keel, esp in the area you are planning to use it. There are some fixed keel boats with shoal draft such as a Shark24 (3 ft) and they're light enough to trailer without a serious truck, but ramp launching becomes an issue if the ramp is not steep. Extending trailer tongues help here, and also many BC communities have public wharves with small 5 ton cranes - in many cases (sometimes for a modest fee - btw not all ramps are free either) you can use that crane to lift a boat off the trailer and drop it in the water. Some are manually operated and are usually free (it can be a workout) but nowadays more and more of them have been motorized.  

Also, consider mast raising Depending on how often you splash and who's there to help, hoisting and lowering the mast can be an issue. I've heard tales not so much of crashes but twisted/buckled standing rigging that led to early replacement. Some designs address this issue. MacGregor has a gin pole that's built in. Catalina uses an extensible crane built into the trailer ahead of the bow.  

Attachments

Look at Beneteau 235's. These boats have a great rep for sailing qualities, they built several hundred, and there is a great web site for questions and information. My personal opinion it is one of the best pocket cruisers ever built. DD  

What about a Santana 2023A? There's a well equipped one on the Vancouver craigslist at the moment, no idea if it's in your budget or not though.  

I found a venture(macgregor) 24' with swing keel for $400 on craigslist and only had the washer on the swing keel leak once and was able to fix it when it was in the water plus i like the fact its stable towing and can be towed with a midsize v6 vehicle.  

Hey.....thanks everyone for info and thoughts... Here's a list of what is available locally with a trailer included. Feel free to comment O'Day 22, Chrysler 22, Columbia 22, Luger Tradewind 26, Venture 22, Cat.Capri 22', Lancer 28', S2 24', Tanzer 22 Balboa 21 namaste  

Tanzer 22 is a fixed keel ( yr.1973). The S2 is also fixed keel. My budget is low and ComPac 23 is very high, I believe? & haven't seen a Compac 23 listed. Yes..there are some Catalinas' listed and it's on my list. I understood that Capri 22' was under the Catalina production but didn't realize "Venture" was a MacGregor?? There is also Ranger 22-24 but haven't seen any with trailers. Hoping to get the whole package as one purchase to save some $$ rather than piecemeal. By local market, I mean Vancouver Island , Puget Sound, Portland, Vancouver area. thanks for your suggestions - hope to buy in November and work on boat in backyard and launch in March. I plan to set up mast pulley system to lift mast solo. To err is human.... to arrrggghhh is Pirate.  

Since you are up in the NW, take a look at the San Juans, from Clark. There are a good number of these boats in that region and pleanty of support. Trailerable, great performance and good accomodations. I have one and it is a blast to sail. Good luck and Fair Winds LakeEscape on Lake Norman NC  

Yes....SanJauns are around thanks for the suggestions re: S.J's.....I see quite a few around the docks. And I have heard good things from the owners.... I will add to my list..... cheers....j.nepal  

Seaward 25 crosses my mind. I did see the 22-24 feet, and see that most of the models you are seeing are a bit sleeker/faster. Nice shoal wing keels for launching.  

San Juan 21 Also consider a San Juan 21. It has a swing keel, easy to set up and launch and there are a large number in the Pacific Northwest as they were built in Washington State. Plus there is a large following (Fleet 1) in the Seattle area for racing and technical support.  

joekano said: Also consider a San Juan 21. It has a swing keel, easy to set up and launch and there are a large number in the Pacific Northwest as they were built in Washington State. Plus there is a large following (Fleet 1) in the Seattle area for racing and technical support. Click to expand...

I would prefer fixed keel over swing keel as I don't want problems out on the water. I will be sailing in single-handed 95% of time on windy, west coast water- March to October - colder, wetter conditions on Vancouver Island, B.C., Canada. Click to expand...

Hey JOe: thanks for reply......I have considered S.J.'s and yes.....there are a considerable # of them around...going strong..... cheers... Haven't found my boat yet but looking over a few including an "Edel 665". About 21'.....  

I am finding myself drawn to the S2 7.3. Any opinions on that trailerable? There are others that have caught my eye yes, but really interested in this.  

I would take a good hard look at a Tanzer 22, or any Tanzer (22, 7.5, 26,28). The 22 is trailerable and points well with roomy accomodations below, also one design racing is very common for them. They're fast, comfortable, easy to handle, well made boats. I think there was a swing keel version made aswell. Another option would be an Edel 665 (3.6" Draft) This is a beautiful boat with classic looking lines, very seaworthy and comfortable enough for a few weekend or coastal trips. Next to a soling, this is the funnest boat I have ever sailed. There is one in the same cove as me, which is hauled out seasonally with a trailer. A very interesting, but well done procedure. You cant go wrong with either of these boats, Adam  

Holy 2009!  

22-24 foot trailerable >the point of the journey is not to arrive...isn't that..um..Neil Peart...drummer and lyricist for the Canadian band RUSH?.I believe it is...and what a superb trio of musicians..but I digress... I like my Seafarer 24...she's trailerable and there are still a few around...not many though... but the C/B version with classic deck and worm gear on the C/B winch is a good all-around weekender light cruiser...and a good lookin ol' gal...the "futura" deck designs are roomier headroom-wise but not as nice lines...good luck..take your time btw...the point of the journey...enjoy the process...and all that good stuff...looking at all your options when you got cash in hand is a Rush.....  

souljour2000 said: >the point of the journey is not to arrive...isn't that..um..Neil Peart...drummer and lyricist for the Canadian band RUSH?.I believe it is...and what a superb trio of musicians..but I digress... btw...the point of the journey...enjoy the process...and all that good stuff...looking at all your options when you got cash in hand is a Rush..... Click to expand...

a thread back from the dead, but still fun. I just bought an Aquarius 23, that I am also bringing back from the dead. It is very trailerable, I'll let you guys know how sailable this summer. It does have a lead sole in addition to the swing keel, and is self righting even with keel up.  

I also have an Aquarius 23. A 1972 Hull #723. Do you belong to the ayahoo Aquarius Group? A great bunch to share Aquarius info. The 23 is a great sailing boat with a big cockpit and great cabin. Heck, my Catalina 25 friends are jealous of the cockpit and the v-berth! Aquarius-owners : For all A-21 and A-23 Aquarius Sailboat owners "Coastal Recreation"  

Wilderness 21 is a Chuck Burns design...thank you.  

I'm partial to my boat. 23ft santana 2023 that has ample cabin room for extended trips, water ballast and swing centerboard. Very easy to tow and step the mast. However, we leave ours in from March till end of November-December here in NJ.  

Are you looking for a boat you can easily haul on a trailer, or a boat you can stick on a trailer for winter? If you plan on using the trailer to expand your sailing venue beyond your immediate 50 mile radius, reconsider a swing keel or keel centerboard. This of course sacrifices blue water ability. I will comment on this category, as I recently worked through which questions to ask. The answers are always individual specific. I chose keel / centerboard because I didn't want to risk limb dropping a swing keel for scraping and paint. I also preferred a shallower draft boat. How many people will you take on a weekend? Some boats advertise bunks for 5, others allow more comfort but are best for a couple and maybe a small child. How much time do you have for maintenance? Many great boats are out of production, and because of age are overdue for a major refit. Many newer designs address mast raising with a crane option. I did what you are doing, exploring online. Spend time at your local marina talking to owners and looking at their boats. I was disappointed in one internet favorite when I finally saw it. Boat shows and shops were also helpful for me, but I don't live in a sailing hotbed. I finally visited a factory to confirm my choice, and bought a factory refitted Rhodes 22 after renting one. Good luck with your own search.  

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2024 Boat of the Year: Best Full-Size Cruiser

• By Herb McCormick
• December 11, 2023

With each passing year, it seems that top-end, fully found cruising boats become more powerful and sophisticated. They have ever-advancing construction techniques; major developments in charging systems, energy efficiency and propulsion; and fresh approaches to layouts and interior accommodations. All three of this year’s Boat of the Year nominees for Best Full-Size Cruiser well represented the state-of-the-art approach of their respective naval architects and manufacturers, and the fascinating results are a collection of all-oceans bluewater sailboats that can take us anywhere in the world we wish to go.  

Winner: Jeanneau Yachts 55

It’s not every year that the winner of the Full-Size Cruiser division wins the Overall Boat of the Year prize, and for 2024, the Jeanneau Yachts 55 had stiff competition from the likes of the superb Dragonfly 40, the versatile Italia 14.98, the long-legged Vision 444, and other category champions. But as the judges learned in our two visits to inspect and then sail this massive 55-footer, it’s a boat that grows on you. Familiarity doesn’t breed contempt, in this case; it instills respect. It takes a bit of time to appreciate exactly what transpires here, and it is certainly not a boat for everyone. But Jeanneau dared to do something different, and then doubled down with that conviction. And for that bold action, we rewarded the builder. 

Runner-up: Hanse 510

After a brief hiatus from Boat of the Year, the major German production builder reentered the fray with a voluminous 51-footer whose layout signals a growing trend in larger cruising boats: the separation of topside space from working areas and social ones. Judge Mark Pillsbury viewed it from the context of his own sailing experience: “Being primarily a New England sailor, I liked the cockpit options that we saw on the Hanse 510. The boat is available with the usual low-profile coachroof and open cockpit, but our test boat in Annapolis had a fiberglass arch over the companionway and a windshield, with a clear acrylic panel in between. The boat also had a solid fiberglass Bimini top with a panel that slides open on Ronstan cars, so it was easy to open and close. Together, this set extends the sailing season for cooler-climate types from spring to late fall. Under sail upwind, the self-tacking jib made the 510 easy to handle, and when cracked off to a reach, the code zero gave us plenty of power to see speeds approaching 8 knots in maybe 12 knots of breeze.”

Runner-up: Hallberg-Rassy 57

When not serving as a Boat of the Year judge, Tim Murphy serves as the curriculum and education director for the American Boat and Yacht Council. He not only brings a critical eye to his inspections, but he also looks at how boats comply with ABYC standards. He liked what he saw with the Hallberg-Rassy 57: “It’s an exquisitely built boat, and exquisitely fitted out. The systems installations are the ones I’ll feature in future ABYC study guides about labeling and organizing, with the heading ‘How To Do It Right.’ It’s been designed to be used and maintained to the highest standards. The house system (chart plotter, VHF radio, thruster, etc.) is a 24-volt lithium-battery package; it compares favorably with the HH44 we tested for innovation. The custom Selden carbon mast is as exquisite as the rest of the boat. It’s this year’s most expensive boat, but it deserves flagship status.”

Judge Mark Pillsbury added: “Anyone in the market for an elegantly built, powerfully rigged, go-anywhere bluewater cruiser will want to have the Hallberg Rassy 57 on their must-see list. Of all the boats we looked at this year, none better met the description of luxury yacht than this Swedish beauty. It was the most expensive boat we saw, but in this case, ‘you get what you pay for’ rings true—in a good way.”

• More: 2024 Boat of the Year , Jeanneau Yachts , Print January 2024 , Sailboats
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7 Best Pontoon Boats of 2024

They’re called floating living rooms for a reason. Pontoon boats are the perfect vessel for so many different types of boaters. They’re stable, reliable, and easy to handle, making them a natural choice for newcomers to the nautical life. Yet many pontoon boats are still fast enough for a little bit of fun and excitement. Pontoon boats are great for fishing, as they have wide, flat decks and can be outfitted with chairs designed specifically for casting and reeling.

They’re the perfect boat choice for those looking to relax and socialize out on the water, with comfortable seating and, often, amenities like cupholders, coolers, and tables. The Avalon Catalina Cruise Funship is our pick for the best pontoon boat overall because it’s fairly priced for features aplenty, including an upper deck with a fold-out bed and a slide.

Table of Contents

• Best Pontoon Boats
• Things To Consider When Buying
• How We Chose

Avalon Catalina Cruise Funship  »

Double-decker design with queen-size lounge

Slide on upper-level

Stylish and comfortable seating

Large capacity for 14

Upper deck limits visibility, standing space

The Avalon Catalina Cruise Funship lives up to its name in myriad ways, but let’s start with the most fun: this pontoon boat has an elevated slide that sends riders flying off into the water. That slide comes off an upper deck outfitted with a queen-size lounger. On the main deck, there are fine details everywhere, from the stitching in the comfortable seating to the chrome elements to the textured floor. The Catalina Cruise Funship has three large benches, two up front and one at the rear, a deck with a ladder for easy access from the water, and plenty of storage. Not only can you casually float around the lake of your choosing, but with 250 horsepower, this boat is strong enough to pull a tube or even someone on water skis.

This is a rather pricey pontoon boat, well above the current median rate for these vessels, as we’ll discuss later, but it’s a luxury-grade boat with lots of fun details. Also, while most people will love the upper deck, it does mean a bit more ducking for taller folks, and it means you can’t have a wide-open boat exposed to the clear skies. But for extra lounge space and a slide, it’s worth those little issues.

Sun Tracker Bass Buggy 16 XL  »

Compact size

Dual bow fishing chairs

Underpowered

7-person max. capacity

The Sun Tracker Bass Buggy 16 XL puts pontoon boat ownership in range for people shopping on a budget. It comes in at just under $17K, which is a steal for this category of boats. And while this is a smaller boat than most other pontoon craft, for some people that might be a pro, not a con. At eight feet wide and 18.5 feet long, this pontoon boat can almost fit into a standard parking lot parking space. It will do just fine stored in your driveway, a large shed, or a garage, and it’s easy to navigate around in smaller bodies of water or in a busy harbor, too.

The Sun Tracker Bass Buggy 16 XL only has seating for seven, but that’s just fine for a family outing or a trip with some fishing buddies — and your fishing buddies will love the pair of fishing chairs in the bow of the boat. The 40-horsepower motor won’t have you creating any crazy wakes, but it can chug along at 12 or 14 miles per hour, so you’ll get where you’re going eventually, just not with any exciting waterskiing adventures along the way.

Princecraft BrioE 17  »

Saves on fuel costs

Clean and quiet operation

Lightweight and compact

Underpowered and slow

Small capacity

The Princecraft BrioE 17 is proof that you don’t need a gas-powered motor to fuel a lot of fun on the water. This electric pontoon boat glides along quietly and steadily, powered by clean electricity instead of fossil fuel. Granted, it cruises along at well under 10 miles per hour — in fact, some varieties of motor top out at close to five miles per hour — but if you’re more about cruising and relaxing than zipping over the waves, you won’t mind.

This is a compact and lightweight pontoon boat that’s ideal for people who need to regularly haul their vessel out of the water and move it from place to place, and it won’t take up too much storage space as it waits out the winter, either. You’ll save money on fuel costs in the long run thanks to the electric power, and you’ll be doing your part to help the environment, too.

Sun Tracker Sportfish 24 XP3  »

Copious storage space

Trolling motor mount pre-installed

Too large for some users

Only 8 dedicated seats

The Sun Tracker Sportfish 24 XP3 was built with the angler in mind. With features like a lockable rod box that can accommodate rods up to 7’6”, dual fishing chairs in the bow, and a pre-installed harness for a trolling motor, this boat is ready to go fishing. It also has plenty of storage space, so you can stash all your fishing gear (and your other stuff) with ease while you’re underway. It can zip along at around 30 miles per hour, or even more when lightly loaded, thanks to a 250 HP motor.

This boat is rated for up to 12 people at once, but that said, the seating space is limited, with dedicated space for only eight people, depending on how close together your party feels comfortable sitting. At more than 26 feet long, this boat is just too big for some use cases in terms of logistics. If you have the space (in the water and out of it) for it, though, the Sun Tracker Sportfish 24 XP33 is a great fishing pontoon boat.

Regency 250 DL3  »

14-person capacity

Powerful 350 HP engine

Great sound system

Built-in changing room

If your idea of a good time is getting out on the water with a big group of friends, the Regency 250 DL3 is a very good pontoon boat to consider. It has the capacity to carry 14 people and plenty of food, drink, and other sundries, what with its 3,000-pound maximum combined person and gear weight limit. It has myriad features that will enhance the enjoyment on the water. These include things like an upgraded Wet Sound stereo speaker system, a built-in pop-up changing room, top of the line Omni2 digital Smart Screen Display, and a Lowrance fish finder .

The 250 DL3 is an expensive boat, and it’s also quite large and heavy, so towing it out of the water may be a challenge for some vehicles. But in the water, it’s a floating pleasure. It can move at a clip. This pontoon boat has a powerful 350 horsepower engine that can have the boat cruising at around 30 miles per hour, plenty fast to pull wakeboarders or waterskiers.

Regency 250 LE3 Sport  »

Impressive 350 horsepower

Top speeds of 40 mph

14 person capacity

Rearview camera

Very expensive

Large and heavy

The Regency 250 LE3 Sport will revolutionize the way you think about pontoon boats. No slow and steady cruiser is this one; this boat can fly across the water at more than 40 miles per hour, sending a mighty wake behind it. Three multi-chambered and internally braced pontoon logs provide superior buoyancy and stability at any speed, making this zippy boat a pleasure to drive. It has a capacity for up to 14 people, a wide rear swim deck, and plenty of storage.

All that space and power come with a price, of course: this pontoon boat costs $92,995, so it’s priced like a luxury car. But you will get some pretty cool features along with the speed of it all, like the Omni digital dashboard that offers a built-in rear-facing camera, complete control over a complete sound system, and insight into motor functions all at the touch of a button and from the comfort of one of the overstuffed captain’s chairs that both swivel and recline. There is even a showerhead for rinsing off after a swim.

Starcraft LX 16 R  »

Easy to use

Good price point

Swim deck with ladder

Small max. capacity

It’s relatively small, it’s relatively slow, and it’s overall pretty basic, but we say those things about the Starcraft LX 16 R in the best possible way. For lovers of a calm day on the water who are sick of the hassle of renting a boat, this is an entry-level pontoon that's an absolute dream for first-time boat owners.

At 17 feet long and just 1,275 pounds (that’s the dry weight), it’s easy to transport the Starcraft LX 16 R, and while hardly fast, its smaller size makes it nimble in the water, so you can work your way around in smaller lakes, on rivers, or close to the docks. There is plenty of seating for the stated six-person maximum capacity of this vessel, and there is a broad swim deck with a ladder that allows for easy re-entry from the water.

The Bottom Line

Pontoon boats are a relatively affordable and readily enjoyable way to get out on the water, requiring less experience than other types of powered boats for a fun, safe time spent out on the waves. The Avalon Catalina Cruise Funship is our pick for the best overall pontoon boat because of its unique double-decker design with a slide right off the back, not to mention the comfortable seating, potent engine, and stylish looks, but there’s a lot to consider when it comes time to shop for a pontoon boat.

Things to Consider When Buying Pontoon Boats

Boat Size and Capacity: The average pontoon boat length is 22 or 23 feet but there are pontoon boats shorter than 20 feet in length and longer than 30 feet. Consider where you’ll be mooring and storing the boat, including when it’s out of the water. And then figure out how many people you are likely going to have aboard. Some pontoon boats can accommodate groups as large as 16, but are you ever really going out with that many people? Be realistic in your headcount, as it will directly impact your pricing if you opt for a larger boat.

Engine Performance: Some smaller, shorter pontoon boats might be outfitted with engines rated at just 40 or 50 horsepower, while many are in the 200 HP range. But indeed these boats can pack much more potent engines, explains Mike Werling, former senior editor of Boating World. “Outboard [motor] manufacturers are happy to oblige with engines of 300 and 400 HP,” Werling says. “And some pontoons can be equipped with more than one outboard, so it’s the buyer’s choice.”

Deck Layout and Seating: The layout and seating types of a pontoon boat should be chosen based on your primary use case. If you are getting a pontoon boat for fishing, you want seats that rotate and plenty of open deck space for stand-up casting and reeling. If you’re getting a pleasure boat for parties and cruising, prioritize lounge chairs and tables. And if you have kids, look for fun features like easy on-off decks.

Storage Space Features: Most pontoon boats have lots of storage built-in, with cabinets, under benches, and even under the floors. Consider how long each of your outings is likely to be and what you’ll need to bring, then think through the storage capacity. At minimum, you’ll likely need space to store life preservers, anchors, ropes, and a few fun things like pool toys / pool floats , or fishing equipment.

Price and Overall Value for Money: On average, pontoon boats cost around $46,000. That means you can find a lot of boats that cost a lot less than that, but it also means many pontoon boats are quite pricey. Make sure you get a pontoon boat that will suit your needs and your budget, not overbuying in either capacity. Keep in mind that the value of your boat will also affect how much you’ll need to budget for boat insurance .

How We Chose the Best Pontoon Boats

Even the most affordable pontoon boats on the water still cost many thousands of dollars when new, so we made sure to do extensive research before recommending any boats at all. We factored in the basics like deck length, capacity, and engine power, but we also looked into things like customization and configuration options, various use case scenarios, and creature comfort features.

Also, we enlisted the help of some bona fide boating experts. In preparing this article, we spoke to Mike Werling , the current managing editor of Trader Interactive and the managing editor of Boating World for 10-plus years. Werling offered extensive advice on everything from pontoon boat budgets to deck length considerations to special features to consider, such as stowable tow pylons and fishing decks.

WHY SHOULD YOU TRUST US?

U.S. News & World Report contributor Steven John has been testing and reviewing products for more than a dozen years and has honed his research, interviewing, and product testing skills over that time. He brought his experience as a journalist — as well as someone who spends many hours on the water every summer, albeit usually in a kayak or canoe — to this article, and he turned to verified boating experts for extensive input, as well. In addition to his writing with U.S. News & World Report, John also writes for Insider, Dad Gear Review, Architectural Digest, Forbes, The Daily Beast, and other outlets.

Isabel Roy , who edited this piece, is an outdoors editor at 360 Reviews. She is also an outdoors enthusiast who frequently hits the rivers and lakes near her home in the Rocky Mountains. She has worked reviewing and recommending products since 2019, researching and testing a wide array of items to help consumers make smart purchasing decisions.

“In terms of price, buyers have a wide range of options,” says Werling. “Some base models with minimum power are attainable for less than $30,000. They’re going to be 18 to 20 feet and have plenty of seating space but probably not much else. You’ll have to pick and choose your options — Bimini top, more powerful engine, upgraded helm — based on your budget. Tricked out luxury models — many are rated for 600 hp and a few for 900 hp — from some builders can approach $200,000.”

The average pontoon boat length is 23 feet. Pontoon boats vary in weight based on their size and features, of course, but the average dry weight of a pontoon boat is a metric ton or 2,200 pounds. Granted, the fuel, passengers, and cargo add lots more weight.

Faster than you might think! The fastest pontoon boats can reach speeds of 50-plus miles per hour, though an average top speed of 30 MPH is more common for pontoon boats. Lower-cost and smaller pontoon boats usually cruise at around 20 miles per hour.

Few pontoon boats have bathrooms, though some can be upgraded with what are essentially porta-potties. Many boaters will also bring along camp toilets or composting toilets or else will simply try to relieve themselves before and after the outing.

Yes, and if you live in a region with cold, snowy winters, you really should winterize your pontoon boat. Clean it well, remove the battery, fill the fuel tank, add a stabilizer, change the oil, and then securely wrap the boat to prevent incursion of fluid or critters.

“Pontoon boats’ popularity isn’t an accident,” says Werling. “Their deck space, versatility, and ease of operation make them appealing to a wide variety of boat owners, from people who like to fish and cruise to those who like to swim and soak up some sun. Equipped with a powerful enough engine, a pontoon can even facilitate water sports such as low-key skiing and tubing. A few features of pontoon boats extend across brands and models. Durable walls surround the interior of a pontoon at the edges of the deck and keep passengers safely inside. Parents love this feature.”

About Our Team

Steven John

Contributor

Staff Writer

U.S. News 360 Reviews takes an unbiased approach to our recommendations. When you use our links to buy products, we may earn a commission but that in no way affects our editorial independence.

• Best Personal Loans of 2024
• Best for Excellent Credit
• Best for Customer Support
• Best for Small Loan Amounts
• Best for Fair Credit
• Best for Low Credit
• Best for Limited Credit History
• Best for Flexible Terms
• Find the Best Personal Loans for Your Unique Needs
• Why You Should Trust Us
• What Determines the 'Best' Personal Loan?

Best Personal Loan Companies of July 2024

Affiliate links for the products on this page are from partners that compensate us (see our advertiser disclosure with our list of partners for more details). However, our opinions are our own. See how we rate personal loans to write unbiased product reviews.

Personal loans are excellent options for people in need of cash to cover a wide range expenses like medical bills, home improvement projects, weddings, startup costs for a business, moving costs, and more.

One of the most common reasons people take out personal loans is for debt consolidation. There are personal loans for borrowers who want a sizeable chunk of money and for those who just need a small amount to tide them over.

Best Personal Loans of 2024 Summary

• Best for excellent credit:  LightStream Personal Loan
• Best for customer support:  Service Credit Union Personal Loan
• Best for fair credit:  SoFi Personal Loan
• Best for small loan amounts:  PenFed Credit Union Personal Loan
• Best for low credit:  Avant Personal Loan
• Best for borrowers with limited credit history:  Upstart Personal Loan
• Best for flexible terms:  Wells Fargo Personal Loan

Compare Personal Loan Rates

Top Personal Loans Comparison

The best personal loans will offer fast money when you need it, without astronomical fees and interest rates. We looked at loan providers that cater to a variety of credit scores and offer a range of loan term lengths. The best personal loans aren't necessarily from big-name banks; credit unions generally offer lower interest rates, and you can find strong options through online banks, too.

Here are the best personal loans as picked by Business Insider editors in 2024.

Best Personal Loan for Excellent Credit

LightStream Personal Loan

LightStream stands out with some of the lowest personal loan rates available for borrowers with excellent credit scores. Truist created LightStream for online loans, and the bank offers personal loans for things like home remodels, medical debt, and debt consolidation. 

Look out for: High credit score requirements. LightStream's minimum credit requirement for a personal loan is 660, so this lender might not be right for all credit types.  

LightStream Personal Loan Review

Best Personal Loan for Customer Support

Service credit union personal loan.

Service Credit Union has some of the best customer support among personal loan lenders and can get you your money fast. Customer support is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The approval process takes about 24 hours, and after your loan application is accepted, you may be able to have the funds in your account the same day. 

Look out for: Membership requirements. Much like with most credit unions, you'll need to meet certain requirements to be eligible. If you've served in the military or Department of Defense or work at qualifying associations or organizations, you'll qualify. If that doesn't apply to you, you can join the American Consumer Council for free with a promo code. 

Service Credit Union Personal Loan Review

Best Personal Loan for Small Loan Amounts

Penfed credit union personal loan.

PenFed Credit Union offers personal loans for smaller amounts than many other lenders, making it a good choice for those who just need to borrow a little bit of money for a short time. PenFed will lend you as little as $600. This could make the credit union an attractive alternative to a payday loan. 

Look out for: Membership requirements. You don't need to be a member of the credit union to apply for a personal loan, but you'll have to be a member to get your loan. If you've served in the military or work at qualifying associations or organizations, you'll qualify.

However, you have a pretty easy workaround if that doesn't apply. You can join by opening a savings account  with a $5 minimum deposit.

PenFed Personal Loan Review

Best Personal Loan for Fair Credit

Sofi personal loan.

SoFi personal loans have a minimum credit score requirement of 680, at the lower end of what's considered a good credit score. People with a good credit score will likely be able to get a good rate with SoFi, but borrowers with an excellent credit score may be able to get a lower rate with LightStream. 

Interest rates on these loans range by about 13 percentage points, making for a smaller range than offered by other companies. This means interest rates for borrowers with relatively lower credit scores can only go so high.

Look out for:  A relatively high minimum income for approval. According to loan comparison site Credible, less than 1% of borrowers approved for personal loans through SoFi have an income of less than $50,000 per year, and a majority make more than $100,000. 

SoFi Personal Loan Review

Best Personal Loan for Bad Credit

Avant personal loan.

Avant stands out as a lender that applicants with low credit scores can turn to for personal loans. Personal loans are generally offered to those with better credit scores. Avant offers personal loan options for borrowers with credit scores as low as 600. It has a lower limit than other lenders, with $35,000 as the maximum loan amount.

Look out for:  Administrative fees. Avant's personal loans carry up to 4.75% in administration fees with an undisclosed late fee and returned payment fee. Considering that many of the other loans on this list don't carry administrative fees, prepayment fees, or origination fees , Avant's fee is high. 

It's also worth noting that interest rates are high from this lender. While this is a good option for anyone with credit scores in the lower 600s, those with better credit could find better rates elsewhere. 

Avant Personal Loans Review

Best Personal Loan for Borrowers with Limited Credit History

Upstart personal loan.

Upstart differentiates itself from other personal loan lenders with its underwriting process, which is how it decides who gets a loan and how much to charge in interest. Like any lender, Upstart considers credit scores as part of the process. But it also considers employment history and education history, such as where you went to school and your area of study.

Look out for: Potentially high origination fees. Upstart's personal loans can have late fee of 5% or $15, whichever is greater. This can take a significant portion out of your overall loan proceeds. 

Upstart Personal Loan Review  

Best Personal Loan for Flexible Terms

Wells fargo personal loan.

Wells Fargo personal loans offer low interest rates, smaller minimum borrowing amounts, and shorter terms than many others. Wells Fargo offers loans between $3,000 to $100,000, for payoff terms as short as 12 months. Borrowers who want to get their debt under control quickly might find that Wells Fargo's personal loans are flexible enough to tackle debt consolidation. 

Look out for: It's worth noting Wells Fargo's history with data security and compliance. The bank has faced several federal penalties for improper customer referrals to lending and insurance products, and security issues associated with creating fake accounts several years ago. 

Wells Fargo Personal Loans Review

How to Find the Best Personal Loans for Your Needs

What is a personal loan.

A personal loans is an installment loan . That means you borrow money and pay it back through monthly payments over a set period of time. Most personal loans are unsecured, meaning they don't require you to put down collateral.

Personal loans also usually come with fixed interest rates. Interest rates for unsecured personal loans are determined largely by your credit score. The higher your credit score, the better your chances of getting the lowest available personal loan interest rates .

Where to Secure the Best Personal Loan Offers

You can get a personal loan through three types of lenders:

Online Lenders 

Online lenders can provide convenience and offer competitive rates. They typically offer a streamlined qualification and application process, allowing borrowers to apply and receive funds entirely online. Online lenders frequently cater to borrowers with a wide range of credit scores.

Banks are the traditional sources of personal loans with established reputations and familiarity. You can visit a local branch to discuss loan options and receive personalized assistance. Some banks offer perks including discounts for existing customers.

Credit Unions

Credit unions are member-owned financial institutions. They often offer better rates and fees compared to banks, for members in good standing. Credit unions can also be more flexible in their lending criteria for borrowers with lower credit scores. Interest rates for credit union personal loans are capped at 18% by the National Credit Union Administration. 

Personal Loan Lender Trustworthiness

Whether you're interested in taking out a  $5,000 loan  or a  $40,000 loan , finding the right provider can help with your loan approval experience. The Better Business Bureau, a non-profit organization focused on consumer protection and trust, evaluates businesses using factors like their responsiveness to consumer complaints, honesty in advertising, and clarity about business practices. Here is each company's score:

All of our top picks, minus Wells Fargo, are rated A or higher by the BBB. Keep in mind that a high BBB score does not ensure a positive relationship with a lender, and that you should keep doing research and talking to others who have used the company to get the most comprehensive information possible. 

The BBB gives Wells Fargo an F rating because of the business' failure to respond to 24 complaints and government actions against the business. Most recently, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau in December 2022 ordered Wells Fargo to return $2 billion to customers and pay a $1.7 billion penalty for legal violations involving auto loans, mortgages, and deposit accounts. The bank illegally charged fees and interest penalties on auto and mortgage loans. Additionally, it misapplied payments to those loans for many customers. 

If this history makes you uncomfortable, you may consider using one of the other personal loan lenders on our list.

How to Choose the Best Personal Loan

To pick the best lender for you, take stock of the factors that are most important to you. Many borrowers zero in the lowest interest rate. But be sure to also look at any fees, the minimum credit score needed, and the accessibility of the lender's customer service before you apply for personal loans.

Also look at the different types of lenders you may borrow with. Some people may feel comfortable with an online lender, while others may prefer a credit union or bank. You'll also want to make sure you're able to select a term length that works for you and that your loan's purpose is allowed by the lender you choose.

Guides like this one will help you compare multiple lenders in the same place to weigh their pros and cons. Keep in mind that you should also read individual reviews of any lenders you're considering. 

Best Personal Loan FAQs

Can i have more than one personal loan.

In theory, you can have an unlimited number of personal loans. But the total number you'll actually be able to get will depend on how many you can qualify for. Your chances of qualifying for a loan will decrease with each loan you take out as your debt-to-income ratio increases.

You can usually get access to personal loan funds relatively quickly. Online lenders may offer same-day or next-day funding. Some banks might take a few days.

You generally do not need collateral for a personal loan. Most personal loans are unsecured, meaning you don't risk losing an asset if you default.

Most lenders have a broad range of allowable usages for the money but might have exclusions, such as not using it for investing or paying tuition.

Smaller lenders like local credit unions can often offer much lower interest rates than bigger banks and tend to be more flexible about credit requirements. It might be worth checking on their rates and terms as part of your research when you're looking for personal loans near you.

The average personal loan rate is about 12%, so a good rate would be anything below that. You'll have the best chance of getting a lower rate if you have a high credit score.

Why You Should Trust Us: Our Experts for the Best Personal Loans

We consulted personal loan and financial experts to give their insights into finding the best loan companies for your needs.

• Markia Brown, certified financial education instructor and registered financial associate at Money Plug, LLC
• Ryan Wangman, former loans reporter at Personal Finance Insider

Our Experts' Advice for Choosing the Best Personal Loan

How does the interest rate on a personal loan affect how much i pay.

Markia Brown:

"The interest rate on a personal loan is the price you pay for borrowing the loan. This rate can make a massive difference in the total amount paid over time, so ensuring you have the lowest interest rate available saves you money!"

Ryan Wangman:

"Depending on the interest rate you're charged, you could end up paying hundreds or thousands of dollars more than a borrower with better credit who takes out a similar amount of money."

If someone wants to get a lower interest rate but doesn't currently qualify for one, what should they do?

Markia Brown: 

"The first step is to pull a copy of your credit report from TransUnion, Equifax, and Experian. All you have to do is go to www.annualcreditreport.com .

After you pull your credit reports, go through them to identify what could be holding you back from qualifying for a better rate. Some of the information on your credit report is used to generate your credit score, which is used when determining if you qualify for a loan and what your interest rate should be. The five sections used to calculate your credit score are your payment history, credit utilization, length of payment history, mix of accounts, and new accounts or inquiries."

"The best way to get a lower rate is to improve your credit history. You can do so by making on time, reliable payments and managing the amount of debt you take out compared to your overall limit."

What Determines the 'Best' Personal Loan?

There's no one-size-fits all best personal loan for all borrowers. However, there are key features to focus on when making a decision. The most important are:

Competitive Interest Rates

APRs on personal loans can vary widely from one lender to another. The interest rate on your determines how much you'll ultimately repay. Even a relatively small difference in the interest rate can add thousands of dollars over the life of your loan.

Flexible Terms

The term of a personal loan, or the period of time you have to repay it, determines how high or low your monthly payment will be. A longer the term will mean a lower the payment, but you'll pay in total interest. A shorter the term will come with a higher payment and ultimately less overall interest. The best personal loan lenders offer a wide range of terms to choose from.

How We Rate Personal Loans

We rate all personal loan products in our reviews and guides on a 1-5 scale. The overall rating is a weighted average that takes into account seven different categories, some of which are judged more heavily than others. They are:

• Interest rate (20% of rating)
• Fees (20% of rating)
• Term lengths and loan amounts (15% of rating)
• Funding speed (15% of rating)
• Borrower accessibility (15% of rating)
• Customer support (7.5% of rating)
• Ethics (7.5% of rating)

Each category's weighting is based on its importance to your borrowing experience. Rates and fees have the most direct impact on the overall cost of your loan, so we weigh those the most heavily. Customer support and ethics are still very important parts of the borrowing experience, but do not directly tie to a personal loan's terms, so they have less of an impact on the overall rating. 

See our full ratings methodology for personal loans »

• Main content

AMD Software: Adrenalin Edition 24.7.1 Release Notes

Article Number: RN-RAD-WIN-24-7-1

New Game Support

• Zenless Zone Zero
• Up to 16% increase in performance for Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess @ 4k resolution, using AMD Software: Adrenalin Edition™️ 24.7.1 on the Radeon RX 7900XTX GPU, versus the previous software driver version 24.6.1RS-663
• Up to 12% increase in performance for Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess @ 4k resolution, using AMD Software: Adrenalin Edition™️ 24.7.1 on the Radeon RX 7800XT GPU, versus the previous software driver version 24.6.1RS-664
• Up to 12% increase in performance for Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess @ 4k resolution, using AMD Software: Adrenalin Edition™️ 24.7.1 on the Radeon RX 7600XT GPU, versus the previous software driver version 24.6.1RS-665

Expanded HYPR-Tune Support

• Gray Zone Warfare
• Lords of the Fallen
• RoboCop: Rogue City
• Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name.
• Click HERE for more information regarding HYPR-RX

AMD Radeon™ Anti-Lag 2 Support for Dota 2

• Use the ALT+SHIFT+L hotkey to enable the Radeon Anti-Lag 2 Latency Monitor. Once activated, a small white chevron will appear in the top left corner of your display indicating that it is enabled.
• Use ALT+SHIFT+L again to cycle through the following Latency Monitor display options: No metrics, FPS only, FPS and latency (in ms), FPS and latency (in ms and frames), FPS and latency (in ms and frames) with a legend.
• To compare the difference between Anti-Lag 2 On and Anti-Lag Off, hold the right CTRL key. 
• Anti-Lag 2 currently supports Dota 2 while using the DirectX® 11 API.
• Join the conversation by sharing how well AMD Radeon™ Anti-Lag 2 is working on your system. This information helps us make further improvements.

Fixed Issues and Improvements

• Improvements to stutter when AMD Radeon™ Anti-Lag and AMD FidelityFX™ Super Resolution 3 frame generation is enabled.
• Improvements to stutter while playing Fortnite with DirectX® 12 API. 
• Texture corruption may be observed while playing TEKKEN™ 8 with Ray Tracing or Upscale enabled. 
• Corruption may be observed while playing Dying Light 2 Stay Human: Reloaded Edition with Radeon™ Boost enabled.
• Intermittent system crash or corruption may be observed while playing Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy with Ray Tracing enabled. 
• Virtual Super Resolution or Display Color Enhancements may be set to disabled after driver upgrade.  
• Unable to change display pixel format with certain Windows display languages. 
• Intermittent black corruption may be observed on scaled 3d models while using Origin or OriginPro application. 
• Black corruption may be observed while fast forwarding using PotPlayer.

Known Issues

• Lower than expected performance or excess stutter may be observed while player Battlefield 2042 on Radeon™ RX 6000 and 7000 series GPUs. [Resolution targeted for 24.8.1]
• Audio and video may intermittently become out of sync while recording using the AV1 codec in AMD Software: Adrenalin Edition. [Resolution targeted for 24.9.1]

Package Contents

• AMD Software: Adrenalin Edition 24.7.1 Driver Version 24.10.29.01 for Windows® 10 and Windows® 11 (Windows Driver Store Version 32.0.11029.1008). 

The AMD Software: Adrenalin Edition 24.7.1 installation package can be downloaded from the following link:

By clicking the Download button, you are confirming that you have read and agreed to be bound by the terms and conditions of the  End User License Agreement  (“EULA”).  If you do not agree to the terms and conditions of these licenses, you do not have a license to any of the AMD software provided by this download.

• AMD Software: Adrenalin Edition 24.7.1 Driver for Windows® 10 & Windows® 11 64-bit

Systems pairing RDNA series graphics products with Polaris or Vega series graphics products:

• AMD Software: Adrenalin Edition 24.7.1 Driver Including Vega and Polaris Series Graphics Support for Windows® 10 & Windows® 11 64-bit

Installing AMD Software: Adrenalin Edition

For detailed instructions on how to correctly uninstall or install AMD Software: Adrenalin Edition, please refer to the following support resources:

• How-To Uninstall AMD Software on a Windows® Based System
• How-To Install AMD Software on a Windows® Based System

NOTE : This driver is not intended for use on AMD Radeon products running in Apple Boot Camp platforms. Users of these platforms should contact their system manufacturer for driver support. When installing AMD Software: Adrenalin Edition 24.7.1 for the Windows® operating system, the user must be logged on as Administrator, or have Administrator rights to complete the installation of AMD Software: Adrenalin Edition 24.7.1. 

Radeon Product Compatibility

AMD Software: Adrenalin Edition 24.7.1 is compatible with the following AMD Radeon products.

Mobility Radeon™ Product Compatibility

AMD Software: Adrenalin Edition 24.7.1 is a notebook reference graphics driver with limited support for system vendor specific features. 

​​​​AMD Processors with Radeon Graphics Product Compatibility

Important note for laptop and all-in-one (aio) pcs .

AMD recommends OEM-provided drivers which are customized and validated for their system-specific features and optimizations. If you experience issues using the AMD Software: Adrenalin Edition driver package downloaded from AMD.com, please install the OEM-provided drivers for full support and compatibility. AMD Software: Adrenalin Edition does not include support for handheld gaming devices.  Users should check with the OEM for device specific drivers.

Compatible Operating Systems

AMD Software: Adrenalin Edition 24.7.1 is designed to support the following Microsoft® Windows® platforms. Operating System support may vary depending on your specific AMD Radeon product.

WHQL Results

RS-663 - Testing conducted by AMD as of July 16th, 2024, on a test system configured with a Ryzen 7 7800X3D CPU, 32GB DDR5, Radeon RX 7900XTX GPU, and Windows 11 Pro, with AMD Software: Adrenalin Edition 24.7.1 and 24.6.1 on Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess.  Game tested at 4k resolution. Performance may vary. System manufacturers may vary configurations, yielding different results.

• RS-664 - Testing conducted by AMD as of July 16th, 2024, on a test system configured with a Ryzen 7 7800X3D CPU, 32GB DDR5, Radeon RX 7800XT GPU, and Windows 11 Pro, with AMD Software: Adrenalin Edition 24.7.1 and 24.6.1 on Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess.  Game tested at 4k resolution. Performance may vary. System manufacturers may vary configurations, yielding different results.
• RS-665 - Testing conducted by AMD as of July 16th, 2024, on a test system configured with a Ryzen 7 7800X3D CPU, 32GB DDR5, Radeon RX 7600XT GPU, and Windows 11 Pro, with AMD Software: Adrenalin Edition 24.7.1 and 24.6.1 on Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess.  Game tested at 4k resolution. Performance may vary. System manufacturers may vary configurations, yielding different results.

​​​© 2024 Advanced Micro Devices, Inc.  All Rights Reserved.

The information contained herein is for informational purposes only and is subject to change without notice. While every precaution has been taken in the preparation of this document, it may contain technical inaccuracies, omissions and typographical errors, and AMD is under no obligation to update or otherwise correct this information. Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. makes no representations or warranties with respect to the accuracy or completeness of the contents of this document and assumes no liability of any kind, including the implied warranties of non-infringement, merchantability or fitness for particular purposes, with respect to the operation or use of AMD hardware, software or other products described herein. No license, including implied or arising by estoppel, to any intellectual property rights is granted by this document. This notice does not change the terms and limitations applicable to the purchase or use of AMD's products that may be set forth in a separate signed agreement between you and AMD.

OVERCLOCKING WARNING:  AMD processors are intended to be operated only within their associated specifications and factory settings.  Operating your AMD processor outside of official AMD specifications or outside of factory settings, including but not limited to the conducting of overclocking (including use of this overclocking software, even if such software has been directly or indirectly provided by AMD or otherwise affiliated in any way with AMD), may damage your processor and/or lead to other problems, including but not limited to, damage to your system components (including your motherboard and components thereon (e.g. memory)), system instabilities (e.g. data loss and corrupted images), reduction in system performance, shortened processor, system component and/or system life and in extreme cases, total system failure.  AMD does not provide support or service for issues or damages related to use of an AMD processor outside of official AMD specifications or outside of factory settings.  You may also not receive support or service from your board or system manufacturer. Please make sure you have saved all important data before using this overclocking software.  DAMAGES CAUSED BY USE OF YOUR AMD PROCESSOR OUTSIDE OF OFFICIAL AMD SPECIFICATIONS OR OUTSIDE OF FACTORY SETTINGS ARE NOT COVERED UNDER ANY AMD PRODUCT WARRANTY AND MAY NOT BE COVERED BY YOUR BOARD OR SYSTEM MANUFACTURER’S WARRANTY.

The software that has been directly or indirectly provided by AMD or an entity otherwise affiliated with AMD may disable or alter: (1) software including features and functions in the operating system, drivers and applications, and other system settings; and (2) system services.  WHEN THE SOFTWARE IS USED TO DISABLE OR ALTER THESE ITEMS IN WHOLE OR PART, YOU MAY EXPERIENCE (A) INCREASED RISKS THAT CERTAIN SECURITY FUNCTIONS DO NOT FUNCTION THEREBY EXPOSING YOUR COMPUTER SYSTEM TO POTENTIAL SECURITY THREATS INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, HARM FROM VIRUSES, WORMS AND OTHER HARMFUL SOFTWARE; (B) PERFORMANCE AND INTEROPERABILITY ISSUES THAT MAY ADVERSELY AFFECT YOUR EXPERIENCE AND THE STABILITY OF YOUR COMPUTING SYSTEM; AND (C) OTHER EXPERIENCES RESULTING IN ADVERSE EFFECTS, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED, TO DATA CORRUPTION OR LOSS.

AMD, the AMD Arrow logo, AMD Radeon, AMD Freesync and combinations thereof are trademarks of Advanced Micro Devices, Inc.

Windows and DirectX are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.

Vulkan and the Vulkan logo are registered trademarks of the Khronos Group Inc.

Other names used herein are for identification purposes only and may be trademarks of their respective companies.   

These teams scored the best '24 Draft hauls

When the Guardians won the 2024 Draft Lottery, they not only secured the No. 1 overall selection but also more spending power than any team has ever enjoyed before.

Cleveland had just the ninth-best lottery odds of grabbing the top choice and the record $10,570,600 assigned pick value that came with it. Their bonus pool for the first 10 rounds is an unprecedented $18,334,000, and they can push that to $19,250,700 without losing any future first-round selections as a penalty.

The Guardians could give $150,000 to each of their choices in Rounds 11-20 without any of those bonuses counting toward their pool, bringing their potential total to $20,750,700. To put that in perspective, the 2015 Astros set the spending standard with $19,103,000 in bonuses for a class that included Alex Bregman, Kyle Tucker, Myles Straw, Patrick Sandoval and a key piece in their first Justin Verlander trade (Daz Cameron).

2024 Draft presented by Nike: Draft Tracker | First-round signings | All-time biggest bonuses Pick-by-pick analysis: Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3

Bazzana goes No. 1 | Wake Forest makes history | Mariners nab switch-pitcher | Top 7 Day 1 storylines | Best hauls | Our favorite picks | Famous family ties | Biggest steals | These picks could be new club No. 1's | Picks who could be quickest to bigs | Sons of Manny, Big Papi selected | Complete coverage

So considering the No. 1 overall pick and its spending might, it should be no surprise that at first glance, Cleveland harvested the best crop from the just-completed Draft. With the usual caveat that we won't know how picks truly will play out until several years in the future and the assumption that every player selected in the first 10 rounds will turn pro, here are the six teams that fared the best:

1. Guardians The Guardians started the Draft with Oregon State second baseman Travis Bazzana, the best pure hitter available, and never let up. California prep right-hander Braylon Doughty was the second-best high school pitcher in the Draft for some clubs, and Cleveland floated him down to the supplemental first round before finishing the first day with North Carolina State's Jacob Cozart, one of the top defensive catchers, in the second. On Day 2, it loaded up on more high school righties who belonged much higher in the Draft: Joey Oakie (third round vs. No. 46 on our Draft Top 250 ), Cameron Sullivan (seventh vs. No. 118) and Chase Mobley (10th vs. No. 80). Miami left-hander Rafe Schlesinger (fourth) and West Virginia righty Aidan Major (fifth) are likely relievers, and Major requires elbow surgery.

2. Pirates Despite picking ninth, the Pirates came away with the highest ceiling in the Draft in Mississippi high school outfielder Konnor Griffin, whose swing does concern some clubs. Right-hander Levi Sterling (supplemental first round) was one of the youngest, most polished and more projectable prep pitchers in the Draft, while Wyatt Sanford (second) was arguably the best defensive shortstop among high schoolers. Wake Forest left-hander Josh Hartle (third), Clemson outfielder Will Taylor (fifth) and UC Santa Barbara righty Matt Ager (sixth) showed first-round promise in the past before down 2024 seasons torpedoed their stock. Wisconsin prepster Eddie Rynders (fourth) and UCLA's Duce Gourson (ninth) are offensive-minded shortstops who figure to move to less challenging positions.

More from MLB Pipeline : • Top 100 prospects | Stats | Video | Podcast | Complete coverage

3. Reds Each of the Reds' first six selections ranked 77th or better on the Draft Top 250, starting with Wake Forest right-hander Chase Burns and the best all-around stuff available at No. 2. Nebraska high schooler Tyson Lewis (second round) is an athletic shortstop with 20-homer potential and Louisiana State righty Luke Holman (supplemental second) is a high-floor starter. Northeastern outfielder Mike Sirota (third) projected as a mid-first rounder before slumping at the start of this season, but he still offers the upside of a center fielder with plus power and speed. Arkansas second baseman Peyton Stovall (fourth) and Clemson left-hander Tristan Smith (fifth) turned down first-round money in high school before up-and-down college careers.

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4. Athletics The A's got the No. 1 player on their board with the No. 4 choice, and some clubs believed Wake Forest first baseman Nick Kurtz offered the best combination of swing decisions, contact and exit velocities in the entire Draft. A pair of Louisiana State teammates, slugging third baseman Tommy White (second round) and efficient left-hander Gage Jump (supplemental second), were steals who lasted 20 picks longer than they should have. Rutgers shortstop Joshua Kuroda-Garner (third) finished second in the NCAA Division I batting race at .428. Oakland also grabbed five more signable Draft Top 250 prospects in California outfielder Rodney Green (fourth), Portland right-hander Sam Stuhr (fifth), Canadian prep righty Josiah Romeo (sixth), Texas Tech righty Kyle Robinson (11th) and Texas A&M shortstop Ali Camarillo (12th).

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5. Diamondbacks The D-backs' first three selections came earlier than anyone else's -- at Nos. 29, 31 and 35 -- and they scored with all of them. Two-time Gatorade Arkansas state high school player of the year Slade Caldwell is a sparkplug with hitting ability, well-above-average speed and center-field chops. Kentucky outfielder Ryan Waldschmidt impresses scouts with his tools and analysts with his metrics, and he brings 20/20 potential. Wisconsin prep shortstop J.D. Dix is a switch-hitter who has been likened to a more athletic version of DJ LeMahieu. Puerto Rican catcher Ivan Luciano (second round) and Missouri shortstop Tytus Cissell (fourth) are raw high schoolers who will need time to develop. Righties Daniel Eagen (Presbyterian, third) and Connor Foley (Indiana, fifth) stood out in 2024's thin college pitching group and should have gone earlier in the Draft.

6. Marlins Though the Marlins had just the 16th-highest bonus pool, they landed more Draft Top 250 dudes in the first 10 rounds with nine, one more than the Guardians and Pirates. When Florida State third baseman Cam Smith and Wake Forest third baseman/outfielder Seaver King didn't make it to No. 16, Miami pivoted to South Carolina prep outfielder PJ Morlando because it believed in his power and athleticism more than most clubs. While he wasn't a consensus first-rounder, taking Morlando saved money to spend later. Alabama high school shortstop Carter Johnson drew some late first-round interest, but the Marlins were able to slide him to the middle of the second round. They added a third prepster in Colorado right-hander Grant Shephardson (fifth round) but also stockpiled Draft Top 250 collegians with Oregon State righty Aiden May (supplemental second), Alabama infielder Gage Miller (third), Georgia Tech shortstop Payton Green (sixth), Portland righty Nick Brink (seventh), East Carolina outfielder Jacob Jenkins-Cowart (eighth) and UC Irvine third baseman Dub Gleed (ninth).

Best draft without extra picks: Royals Invariably, the crops that look the best right after the Draft concludes belong to the clubs with additional selections, so let's single out a team that didn't have any. The Royals actually owned a supplemental first-rounder until shipping it to the Nationals along with third-base prospect Cayden Wallace to acquire Hunter Harvey the evening before the Draft. Kansas City started by having the Draft's most imposing hitter, Florida first baseman/left-hander Jac Caglianone, drop into its lap at No. 6. It was no secret the Royals coveted Pennsylvania prep lefty David Shields with the No. 39 overall choice they traded, but still got him two picks later at the top of the second round. Tennessee right-hander Drew Beam has polish and a track record of success, and he shouldn't have lasted until the third round. More college righties: L.P. Langevin (Louisiana-Lafayette, fourth round) and A.J. Causey (Tennessee, fifth) have some crazy pitch metrics, while Dennis Colleran (Northeastern, seventh) can reach 100 mph with his fastball. Louisiana high school outfielder Corey Cousin (18th) is a deep sleeper and quality athlete.